Family Travel

Hotel Xcaret: Say Hello to Mexico’s #1 Family All-Inclusive Resort

September 17, 2019 by Ashley Morris Leave a Comment

Hotel Xcaret Mexico All Inclusive Family Resort

need a family friendly all inclusive resort with activities included?

In search of a family vacation that blends local culture with adventure? Then, look no further than Hotel Xcaret! Here, guests will live authentically at a first-of-its-kind, next-level, All-Fun Inclusive® resort, with a focus around natural beauty and Mexican culture.

Authentic details and decor incorporated throughout the resort to give guests a true taste of Mexico
Locally-sourced ingredients and creative dishes inspired by the region
Unlimited access to all Xcaret parks and attractions (a $1,500 value for a family of 4!)
Designed for travelers of all ages - a true multi-generational resort!

hotel xcaret includes unlimited admission to all 8 xcaret parks and experiences

The cosmopolitan eco-parks of Xcaret highlight the natural beauty of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya in over 50 natural and cultural attractions. From underground rivers and coral reef aquariums, to waterparks and nighttime adventures –all of Xcaret’s parks provide endless fun for the entire family.

Xcaret Tours
Interested in exploring some Mayan history? Then, join one of Xcaret’s adventure tours, where you’ll embark on a journey to discover ancient secrets with visits to archaeological sites and ruins. Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then, test your bravery on Tour Xenotes, where you’ll be invited to zipline, cliff jump, or rock climb.

Transportation
And no need to worry about transportation. Hotel Xcaret provides park go-ers and tourists transportation to all Xcaret attractions, which departs every 30 minutes. You can even take a leisurely boat ride in the river over to the parks –we told you this place was unique!

Xcaret Extras
And why stop there? To personalize your experience even more, guests are welcome to partake in other optional activities like dolphin swimming, fast-speed boat rides, breathable underwater tours (we’re not kidding), special events, gastronomy, and more!

Not convinced? Our friend Kathryn Potter of KP Travel Group wrote an awesome review of Hotel Xcaret!

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Multi-Generational Family Travel Made Easy

December 6, 2017 by Ashley Morris Leave a Comment

For 2018, I have been contacted by more and more clients to book multi-generational trips. These are trips with grandparents, parents and kids all traveling together. Apparently I am not alone; multi-generational travel is one of the hottest growing trends in the travel industry.

Surprised? I am not! With so much competing for a family’s attention, I am thrilled to see so many parents and grandparents choosing travel as a way to make long lasting family memories. Travel may be one of the last things that compete with a laptop, mobile device or gaming system! Getting your kids and parents out into a new environment – something outside of their comfort zone – is also a great way to encourage family bonding.

Our partners at Vacation.com recently shared an entire blog post on this very topic. Here it is below, annotated with my own thoughts. Enjoy!

Multi Generational Family Travel Made Easy

Exploring new destinations with parents, siblings, children and other family members can offer opportunities to share enriching new experiences and create shared stories and memories that will last forever. With these tips, along with the expertise of your trusted travel advisor, you’ll be on your way to a memorable, multigenerational trip of a lifetime.

EVERYONE GETS A SAY Interview all family members who will be traveling to find out what they want to get out of the vacation and involve them in the planning. This includes even young children. What do they want to see and do? What are must-haves and simply wish items? Each person should get one thing they really want to do or see. By getting everyone involved, each family member will feel like they are a part of making the trip fun and successful.

BE CLEAR ON FINANCES, AND NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING When planning a multigenerational vacation, consider everyone’s budget. Talk about who is paying up-front to avoid awkwardness or surprises. Sometimes grandparents offer to pay, while other times it may be the second generation that pays for their own families or for everyone. Budgeting for the trip is important. How much do you want to spend? Be sure to discuss possible additional expenses, such as meals, drinks, babysitting, excursions, tips, transportation, etc. Once a budget is determined, stick to it.

ACTIVITIES Choose a destination with a wide appeal, including a good mix of activities; some scenic, some mild, moderate or extreme to cater to different ages and physical fitness levels. Look for opportunities for local cultural immersion, such as learning a language or how to cook local cuisine. This is where the expertise of a travel professional can come in handy, by helping you discover creative tours, excursions, off-the-beaten-path attractions and connections that allow you to experience what the locals do. Make sure there are enjoyable activities that everyone can do together, and some that can be done in separate groups. The wider the age range in your extended family, the more options you’ll want to consider. Don’t expect everyone to participate in every activity. Be flexible, but reconvene as a group throughout the day so no one will feel left out of the fun.

BUILD IN SOME DOWNTIME Avoid overscheduling, and don’t attempt to see and do everything your destination offers. Otherwise you’ll be dealing with some cranky kids – and adults, too! Balance a morning of activities with a few hours to relax in the afternoon. Also, schedule some time apart. Taking time to have a little space is healthy and helps prevent family members from getting on each other’s nerves.

CAPTURE SPECIAL MOMENTS Multigenerational trips are unique and special, as busy schedules often prevent groups from getting away together often. So, take photos and videos. Be sure you get photos of the entire group. And last, but not least, remember to laugh! There’s bound to be a misstep or two when traveling with a multigenerational family, but at the end of the day, don’t sweat the small stuff. Keeping a sense of humor will keep everyone happy.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START? A travel expert can create a multigenerational travel experience that will create memories your family will forever cherish.

Shared with permission From Vacation.com/Travel Leaders

Our Top 7 Summer Vacation Destinations for 2017

February 16, 2017 by Ashley Morris Leave a Comment

Summer is just around the corner. Warm weather is calling my name…and so is sand, water, and relaxation. Anyone with me?! Summer is the season of vacations, so let’s explore the best 2017 summer vacation destinations.

School is out, hours at work are often relaxed, and the weather is at its peak. Planning a summer escape can often seem like tough task, but do not fear! It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the options, but a great travel agent will listen to your needs, listen to what you DON’T want (sometimes more important!) and help you find the perfect vacation package that fits your time and budget.

Do you want something that caters to kids? A destination that includes outdoor activities? A quiet place that doesn’t accompany large crowds? A memorable place for your honeymoon?

The following travel locations are some of my favorite, most-breathtaking, and adventurous places in the world. They are all diverse and exciting options for your summer vacation plans!

7 Best 2017 Summer Vacation Destinations

1. The Bahamas

The Bahamas is tropical paradise that everyone should visit at least once in their life! It’s close to the US and just a short flight from sunny Florida. While there aren’t many true “all-inclusive” options, the number of activities is plentiful. You can snorkel in the gorgeous blue waters, swim with dolphins and stingrays, visit historic sites, and more. This is a great destination for families looking for laid-back living.

2. Hawaii

If you’re looking for a tropical paradise without a passport, Hawaii is the place for you. Although Hawaii is a part of the United States, its unique terrain will make you feel like you’re in a different country! The red and black sand beaches, the sea cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and sea life are absolutely breathtaking! Hawaii is a great place for families or couples…really, Hawaii is great for anyone who wants to to relax, see unique and breathtaking landscapes, all while staying in the USA. Did you know that Norwegian Cruise Lines is the only cruise line that offers a 7-day, inter-island, Hawaii-only cruise? It is one of the most cost-effective ways to see multiple islands in a single trip.

3. Mexico

Mexico has many beach cities perfect for a romantic destination or a fun family vacation. Mexico’s rich history also makes it a unique destination. With over 758,000 square miles, Mexico is two-thirds the size of the US and just as diverse. If you think Mexico is a “been there, done that” destination, we’d love to prove you wrong! Some of our favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations in Mexico are Acapulco, Tulum, Huatulco, and more.

Looking for an LGBT-friendly destination? Mexico welcomes you with open arms, especially the fun-loving Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta areas. You can see dozens of historic ruins, experience water life with snorkeling and scuba diving, and eat delicious cuisine! In addition, experiencing Mexico is relatively inexpensive compared to other Caribbean vacations.

4. St. Lucia

This small island has it all! From chalk-colored beaches, gorgeous towering mountains, and beautiful resorts, this destination is perfect for the adventurer. The mountainous landscape of St. Lucia makes it easy for adventure lovers to start their day hiking in the mountains, spend the afternoon enjoying a natural mud bath, get some sun at the beach, and watch the sunset over the Caribbean. If that doesn’t intrigue you, then maybe zip lining through the region’s rainforest will?!

Looking for a show-stoppingly unique place to hang your head? Try Ladera, a 32-room suite-only boutique resort high in the cliffs. Each suite has an “open wall” — the west side of each unit is left open to expose the breathtaking view, and the orientation of the building maintains complete privacy.

While a little more remote than other Caribbean islands, St. Lucia has quickly become a popular destination for honeymooners and couples of all ages.

5. Jamaica

Jamaica is the home of reggae music, jerk chicken, and Blue Mountain coffee. It is also home to Seven Mile Beach, a beach that is consistently on Top 10 Lists for being one of the most beautiful in the world. Jamaica is another great destination for active travelers, with one of the top excursions being a hike around Dunn’s River Falls. Beautiful beaches in Negri, the hustle and bustle of Montego Bay and the music and food scene in Ocho Rios are all at your fingertips in this diverse country. If you want to golf, snorkel and scuba dive, you can do that and so much more!

Looking for a place to relax and reconnect with a loved one? We love Couples resorts, an upscale property dedicated to reconnecting relationships. With unlimited SCUBA, a sunset catamaran cruise, 24-hour premium beverages and more, it is one of the best properties for a truly “everything’s included” experience.

6. Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is becoming a more popular summer destination year after year, and is now a prominent port location for many cruises.

Turks and Caicos is made up of 40 islands and cays. The “Provos” act as a main port for cruise ships, and on Grand Turk, you can find many historical sites. This destination also provides one of the largest reef systems in the world! Whether you’re wanting to relax or explore, Turks and Caicos provides both. Turks and Caicos is also home to one of the most popular family resorts, Beaches. Year after year, families return to this location for excellent service and attention.

7. Barbados

Although Barbados is known to be a beach vacation destination, it also offers so much more! Barbados is full of white-sand beaches, beautiful golf courses and shopping, but you can also enjoy the famous Mount Gay Rum, listen to live calypso music and partake in a polo or cricket match.

One of the most upscale islands in the Caribbean, Barbadians boast one of the highest “happiness” rates in all of the world. This luxurious island is brimming with sports, culture, and beautiful architecture.

Barbados is also home to Daphne’s Restaurant, one of the only Zagat-rated restaurants in the Caribbean. Tamarind and Colony Club are two of our favorite upscale properties in Barbados.

Even with this list, there are still so many decisions to make after choosing one of these top 2017 summer vacation destinations:

Where to stay?
How do you get there?
How do I make the most of my time on vacation?
Where to eat?
What do you pack?

The to-do list can be endless! A vacation should be a time to relax and sometimes you need assistance before the trip even gets started. At Alpaca Your Bags Travel, we want this process to be as streamlined and easy as possible for you.

You deserve to have a relaxing experience start to finish.

To get started planning your summer vacation, click on the link below to fill out our “Help! I Need A Vacation!” planning form. We would be honored to handle all of your travel arrangements. From airline tickets, hotel planning, car rentals, travel tips, and everything in between, we want to make your dream vacation a reality!