Orbitz Blog

Articles for May, 2010

Care-free luxury in Cancun with all inclusive resorts

Monday, May 31st, 2010

By Maria Mora

Le Blanc Spa Resort, Cancun

Le Blanc Spa Resort, an adults only, all inclusive resort.

I used to think Cancun was only for spring-breakers, but after my last two visits, I’ve learned that it’s far more than a spring break destination. Next time I visit, you can bet I’ll be looking to experience fine luxury at some of Mexico’s top all inclusive resorts. Beyond these incredible Cancun hotels, I’m also excited about tours that offer insight into the vibrant Yucatán scenery and culture.

I love packages at all-inclusive resorts because once I’ve booked my stay at a Cancun hotel (or most any destination offering all inclusive packaging), I don’t have to worry about anything else. I can eat, drink, play, and relax, all without looking at a bill. For truly exquisite R&R, consider some of Cancun’s luxurious adults-only, all -inclusive resorts.

With double Jacuzzis in every room and a stunning pool, Le Blanc Spa Resort caught my eye. The resort has an upscale, modern look. The all-inclusive packages include tours to local Cancun destinations, including the Mayan ruins at Tulum. If you visit Tulum, wear a bathing suit under your clothing and bring a waterproof camera for great photo opportunities at the cliff-side beach.

Excellence Riviera Cancun is larger and offers more on-site activities. With six huge pools, it’s almost like a giant theme park for adults. I’m tempted by the eight international restaurants located on the resort property, especially Asian-themed Spice.

Don’t forget to look into local events and activities when you book your all-inclusive vacation. Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has a rich cultural heritage and fantastic destinations for active travelers, such as water parks, fresh-water Garden-of-Eden-like sink holes (known as “cenotes” to the locals), and ruins galore. This spring, be one of the first to go snorkeling at Cancun’s first Underwater Museum, full of life size-sculptures that form an artificial reef under the sea.

If you’re looking for a luxury vacation with all-inclusive perks, find out which Cancun hotel is right for you. If you’re like me, the hardest part will be deciding which resort you love the most.

Related resources

Maria Mora is a memoir blogger and wannabe photographer. She travels extensively throughout Florida and the Caribbean with her two young sons.

Past meets present at 3 historic Miami hotels

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

By Maria Mora

Drawing celebrities, artists and travelers to its tropical shoreline and white-hot nightlife, Miami beach is a premier South Florida vacation destination, but also one that boasts a rich history. Visit in style by booking a room at one of these 3 historic Miami hotels.

The Raleigh
Renowned for its award-winning swimming pool, The Raleigh attracts a variety of international travelers and local socialites. Built in 1940, the hotel has been meticulously preserved and features vintage-inspired décor in its guest rooms. And right now, the hotel is celebrating its 70th anniversary with drink specials and discounted valet parking.

The Beacon Hotel
Built in 1937, The Beacon Hotel South Beach draws young, hip guests to the vibrant atmosphere of Ocean Drive. Renovated from 2004 to 2006, the hotel combines art deco sensibilities with modern luxury comforts. Ask for an ocean front room for views of the Atlantic and Miami’s active beachgoers.

The Strand Hotel Ocean Drive
The Strand pairs four historic buildings with a new modern wing. Combining art deco and contemporary architecture, this boutique hotel specializes in pampering guests with spa treatments and ultra-swanky drinks. Escape the bustle of South Beach at the tranquil, exclusive roof-deck pool.

Craving more historic architecture on your South Florida vacation beyond these Miami hotels? Take an afternoon drive to Coral Gables Venetian Pool. Built in the early 1920’s, the enchanting and refreshing grotto remains one of Miami’s best-kept secrets. Just keep in mind that the pool is closed on most major holidays.

Related resources

Maria Mora is a memoir blogger and wannabe photographer. She travels extensively throughout Florida and the Caribbean with her two young sons.

New LEGOLAND Water Park and more for family fun in San Diego

Friday, May 28th, 2010

By Whit Honea

Sunset in San Diego, Pacific Beach. Credit: SD Dirk.

Sunset in San Diego, Pacific Beach. Credit: SD Dirk.

Summer is right around the corner, and with it our dreams of California vacations. Sure, it may sound a little cliché, but really, what could be better than enjoying the Southern California sun and surf with your family, especially when we’re talking about San Diego? And with so many incredible San Diego hotels, you’ve got options galore.

San Diego has something for everyone in the family: sports, nightlife, culture, beaches and plenty of kid-friendly destinations, including the new LEGOLAND Water Park opening today! The key criteria for picking the right hotel can be as simple as location.

If your family is of the sporting variety you may want to choose a hotel in the downtown area for easy access to Petco Park, home of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres (one in every 10 guests guaranteed to see a win, in theory). The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is right across the street from the park and is literally right on the waterfront. In addition to the ballpark and easy beach access, the hotel is also a quick walk from the popular Trolly Tours — a family favorite!

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Oahu sets the bar for pampered beach vacations

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

By Whit Honea

Oahu. Credit: laszlo-photo.

At the beach in Oahu. Credit: laszlo-photo.

There’s a reason that the island of Oahu is called the Heart of Hawaii. Those on the island have a commitment to the finer things in life, and this has a lot to do with Oahu’s reputation. A Hawaii vacation is often synonymous with the ultimate in relaxing, gorgeous beach vacations, but how about adding a glass of wine and a unique massage to the itinerary?

Indulge in these restful Oahu retreats and take your beach vacation to new heights.

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Carry-on liquids rule gets 3 more years of life

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

By Joe Brancatelli

If you were hoping against hope that the annoying restrictions on carry-on liquids — the so-called “3-1-1 rule” first enacted in the summer of 2006 — would be lifted soon, forget it. The European Union last month essentially extended the rules for another three years and that’s a sure sign that the Transportation Security Administration has no intention of lifting our strictures. After all, the rules first were imposed as a reaction to an alleged mid-air bomb plot involving flights between Britain and the United States.

Related resources

Joe Brancatelli is editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com, a non-commercial Web site for business travelers. Copyright 2009 by Joe Brancatelli. Licensed by contract for Orbitz use.

Find paradise at 4 amazing Punta Cana hotels

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

By Whit Honea

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa

Punta Cana, the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic, is known as an ideal Caribbean vacation destination with year-round, 80-degree temperatures, beaches, golf courses, and a breathtaking shoreline that runs along both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Along its coastline, visitors will find endless natural marine pools for swimming and wading. Punta Cana is, simply put, a lot like paradise.

Finding the right Punta Cana hotel for your Caribbean vacation depends on a few variables. Will you be golfing, enjoying the beach, or both? Are you taking a romantic excursion or a family trip?

Once you narrow down the focus of your getaway, take a closer look at my top 4 favorite Punta Cana hotels.

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Universal takes on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

By Maria Mora

Harry Potter

Harry Potter film stars tour The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Credit: Kevin Kolczynski, Universal Orlando Resort.

If you like Harry Potter as much as your kids do, you’re in for the ultimate Florida vacation. On June 18, Harry Potter fans will be introduced to a new attraction area at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure: Harry Potter’s Wizarding World.

Featuring replicas of well-loved destinations like Hogsmeade and Hogwarts, Harry Potter’s Wizarding World will immerse fans in a an exciting — and incredibly detailed — fantasy where you can eat, shop and experience all things Harry Potter.

Before you line up at the gates of the Wizarding World, you’ll want to plan your trip and Orlando hotel stay ( I live about an hour and a half from Universal Orlando, but even we usually stay in the area overnight).

Here are my top three favorite Orlando hotels:

1. Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Stay here and you’ll see it pays to stay right on site. You avoid the parking garage and get to skip ahead in line. Plus, this hotel is just plain gorgeous. Spend an extra night to enjoy time by the spacious, kid-friendly pool.

2. Coco Key Hotel and Water Park. Thanks to convenient connecting rooms and suites, Coco Key is great for family vacations. Whether you have small kids or teens, the attached water park will give everyone something to do. Portions of the park are indoors, giving you a nice escape from the sun at midday.

3. Orlando World Center Marriott Resort. Thanks to a great golf course, huge pool and slide on site, those ready to rest after a visit to Universal Orlando can stay and play at the Marriott with plenty to do. Try to book a room on one of the top floors for an absolutely stunning view.

Related resources

Maria Mora is a memoir blogger and wannabe photographer. She travels extensively throughout Florida and the Caribbean with her two young sons.

Lights on the Lake: The West’s best 4th of July vacation

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

By Jennifer Nielsen

Lake_Tahoe_4th_July_Fireworks_rasputin243

Spectators enjoying Lights on the Lake, Lake Tahoe's 4th of July celebration. Credit: rasputin243.

As a Lake Tahoe native, I’ve been lucky to grow up experiencing North America’s largest alpine lake straddling both Nevada and California. Best-known for its ski resorts, Lake Tahoe is also an extraordinarily beautiful summer vacation destination with an amazing 4th of July celebration. The 72-miles of lakeshore offer spellbinding scenery and rugged terrain, with almost perfect daytime temperatures and cool nights. If you’re looking for the perfect 4th of July vacation, there’s no more spectacular place to be than Tahoe’s Lights on the Lake celebration.

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Will registered traveler programs live again?

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

By Joe Brancatelli

Nearly a year after the CLEAR registered traveler program unceremoniously folded and promptly took its two smaller competitors down with it, there may be new life for security line-cut programs. The somewhat ill-defined bones of CLEAR were purchased out of bankruptcy earlier this month by a new firm that claims it is about to relaunch the plan. The company, Alclear, paid about $5.9 million for the assets of CLEAR and the firm’s chief executive promises to begin enrolling new members this summer. Caryn Seidman-Becker also says that frequent flyers who joined the old CLEAR program will have their original membership terms honored.

The problem? CLEAR has no remaining airport locations and no contracts to re-open them. And one former CLEAR location, Indianapolis Airport, has just hired a previously unknown firm called iQueue to relaunch a registered traveler program there. IQueue, which shares a relationship with and some management of the old FLO registered traveler program, is already taking pre-enrollments, but hasn’t announced a date for reopening in Indianapolis.

Related resources

Joe Brancatelli is editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com, a non-commercial Web site for business travelers. Copyright 2009 by Joe Brancatelli. Licensed by contract for Orbitz use.

Hyatt devaluates the Gold Passport Award chart

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

By Joe Brancatelli

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, a current category five hotel

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, a current category five hotel in the Gold Passport program

Hyatt is devaluing the award chart of its much-admired Gold Passport program. This shouldn’t come as a surprise after a major devaluation in the Hilton Honors program in January and a less-severe increase in prices in the Starwood Preferred Guest program several months ago. Besides, you didn’t think all of these bonus-points offers and stay-twice-get-a-free-night deals would come without inflation, did you?

In the case of Hyatt, the devaluation is effective on June 4. Gold Passport will now have a sixth tier, cleverly called “Category 6.” It’ll cost 22,000 points for a free night in a standard room and about two dozen hotels in major cities–including New York, Paris, Moscow and Tokyo–are being shifted into the new award band.

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