Wicked Good Travel Tips, Unique Vacations, Travel Deals » Latin America

Insanely Great Sale – One Week Vacation For $199 – Act Fast!!

Susan — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:19:15 +0000

Sea Palace St. Maarten

Can a week’s vacation get any cheaper than this? I’ve just been reading Arthur Frommer’s Blog (great resource of top travel info), and learned about this insanely great sale. A full week’s vacation in a resort rental apartment (studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedrooms) for a mere $199 per week. That’s not per person folks, it’s per unit for a full 7 days. And these are not some flea bag properties, they are from the apartment rental division of Wyndham Hotels – Endless Vacation Rentals. There are resort properties located all across the USA, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe! I just can’t stop using !!!! this is such a great deal.

Here’s the main catch…. this is a “blowout” sale on the Wyndham Vacation last minute site. You only have until 4pm on Friday 5/21/10 to reserve your vacation at this amazing price, and travel must take place within 30 days. Can’t get away for a full week? No problem, check out early (the price is still worth it)…. or split the booking with some friends and each stay a few days…that would be a vacation for $100!!!!

Now if you just can’t carve out some vacation time in the next 30 days, this is a site you should definitely bookmark and keep an eye on. The last minute page always offers properties at amazing rates that are available for travel within 30 days. The standard rate right at the moment would be $349 per week for a studio apartment, up to $399 per week for a 2 bedroom – still a fabulous deal. I think this is going to be my new go-to site for booking quick getaways.

Here’s my suggested strategy for cashing in on these offers:

Strategy #1
Pick a few locations from the destination list
Look for available frequent flyer seats and grab them
Go back to the Wyndham site and book the apt rental

Strategy #2
Select a destination that is served by a low cost airline (JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, AirTran etc) and look for a great airfare. Combine that fare with a one week rental from the Wyndham site.

Strategy #3
See a great airline sale…freeze some seats, check the Wyndham last minute site for an apartment rental.

Make your friends incredulous with envy…”You paid WHAT for your vacation????!!!!!!” You have to love it when that happens!

Machu Picchu Closed To Tourists

Susan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:32:00 +0000

In recent weeks there are been major damage to the roads, railbeds and trails leading to Machu Picchu in Peru. Heavy rains have caused mudslides and erosion to roads betweeen Cusco and Agus Calientes. You may remember recent stories of 2,000 tourists being stranded at Machu Picchu after mudslides closed access roads. After days of being stranded, tourists from around the world were airlifted out by helicopter. Luckily the archeological site itself has not suffered damage. For those who are hoping to visit this fascinating site this year, it will be wise to put your trip off until May and follow news of reopening closely.

Have Beds, Will Travel – A Group Tour Was Never Like This Before!

Susan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:54:55 +0000

Meet Exploranter, a whole new concept in overland coach travel for those with a free spirit and the ability to sleep with bunk mates. Move aside Greyhound, Exploranter brings the cushy leather seats, the kitchen, the beds and the shower along for the journey. Think Winnebego meets tour bus.

Based in Sao Paulo Brazil, the moving hotel charts adventurous courses through Brazil, Chile and Argentina, visiting areas on and off the traditional tourist map. Journeys can last from 1 week to 22 days and offer the ability to unpack once and enjoy a comfortable nomatic journey through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. While living space is modest, some upscale adventures are offered along the way like hot air baloooning, horseback riding, off road rally and more surprises. The top deck is furnished like a railway car with reclining seats and tables, while the rear is divided into 28 sleeping platforms. Whenever the ‘hotel’ is parked, a huge canopy opens up on the side to form a congenial kitchen and dining area.

Have a look at the Exploranter website to get an upclose look at what the adventure is all about. AND tune up on your Spanish because it appears their English translation is not functioning at the moment :-<

Club Med Jumps On The Discount Bandwagon – $799 pp for 7 Nights!

Susan — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:16:03 +0000

Club Med, long known for providing it’s guests with 24 hours of fun, and the first resorts to offer all inclusive vacation pricing, is making a big splash this fall with its “7 day Weekend” promotion. Stay 7 nights for the price of 3 – that’s $799 per person all-inclusive, whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family, OR AS A SINGLE (meaning no dreaded single supplement!). The promotion is valid at it’s resorts in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and Florida and runs from now right through the winter months until April 30, 2010, and you must book your travel by October 31, 2009. Visit the ClubMed website for all the great details. Sounds like a whole week of great activities, food, friends, and fun at a lower price than we’ve seen in years at Club Med!!

Summer Lasts A Little Longer With Super Caribbean Vacation Deals

Susan — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:40 +0000

Don’t put that bathing suit away just yet…. the beach frolicking folks at Apple Vacations have some super summer-stretching vacation offers for the fall. You set the budget, they make it happen with offers of 7 night all-inclusive vacations ranging from $599, $699, $799 or $899 per person for a full week’s beach front lodging, all meals, drinks, tips, airfare and yes…more! Deluxe resort hotels for these deals can be found in Punta Cana, La Romana, Cancun, the Mayan coast, Jamaica and other ocean front locals. So if you’re not quite ready to pull out the jeans and fleece as September winds blow cool, give your shorts and T’s one more go around with a quick escape to a Caribbean beach at a spectacular price!

Lodge-To-Lodge Kayak Adventure in Stunning Belize

Susan — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:22:40 +0000

Picture yourself gliding through aquamarine waters, hovering over dramatic coral heads; pausing to watch a giant manta ray swoop by. Island Expeditions of Belize will have you experiencing Sea Kayaking (Paddling & Sailing), Snorkeling, Fishing, Birding, Photography, and Natural History Interpretation as you paddle from one idyllic cay to the next. Hundreds of picturesque cays stretch along a shallow offshore reef system in Belize, forming the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. This rich marine habitat is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

I read about this adventure recently in the National Geographic’s list of best new adventure tours of 2009 and it really captured my imagination. No mountain climbing, no running the rapids, no dare devil challenges, just peaceful days of kayaking from one coconut palm island to the next. All along the way, guests are pampered in rustic island lodges, where Belizian guides prepare delicious meals and share tales of native life. The snorkeling and diving of course are spectacular. Two to three Belizian guides and North American leaders accompany every group of 6 to 12 adventurers as they learn to maneuver and sail their kayaks, snorkel, fish and dive. The company also offers a variety of paddling adventures exploring inland rivers, the Mayan underworld caves, and rain forest habitat.

If you’re ready to leave your designer togs at home, grab a t-shirt and bathing suit and head off for a eco adventure of a lifetime, visit the Island Expeditions website to read all about their wonderful adventure offerings.

World’s Most Luscious Food Markets

Susan — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:17:45 +0000

Local food markets give a glimpse into the soul of a destination. The crops that local farmers grow and the culinary creations that food artisans produce speak to the history of the location and the traditions of its citizens. Nothing is more pleasing and engrossing than roaming among the stalls of a neighborhood farmer’s market or the grand food halls of a metropolitan city. In China I was almost afraid to look (bugs on a stick?!), in Vancouver the smells and colors were dazzling, in Hawaii I found vegetables I had never seen before in my life, and the markets in Rome and Paris were sensuous. Now that it’s harvest time around the world, don’t miss the opportunity to visit a luscious food market wherever you roam – here are some of the world’s favorites:

Americas
New York - Chelsea Market, a hub of foodie activity
San Francisco - Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, large Organics Markets, operates 3 times per week
New Orleans – Crescent City Farmers Market, Uptown and Downtown fabulous fruits
Seattle – Freemont Sunday Market – more than fruits & veggies – treasures of all description
Hawaii – Hawaii Farmers Markets Online, several gorgeous markets on every island
Vancouver – Granville Island Public Market, The ethnic diversity of Vancouver makes this market a sensory explosion
Mexico City - Mercado de la Merced, nirvana for chili pepper lovers – every color of the rainbow!

Europe
Rome – Campo de Fiori – on every tourist map and well worth the visit
Paris – Wonderful markets in almost every neighborhood – Gayot List and descriptions. And don’t miss a visit to Fauchon, considered “the Tiffany’s of food purveyors”.
Provence – lavendar and sunflowers in every town! Don’t miss the huge market in Carpentas, with 350 stalls – operating since 1155! French Entre full list of markets.
London – Borough Market – London’s oldest market, and don’t miss the food halls at Harrods and Selfridges
Barcelona – La Boqueria - take a virtual tour!
Stockholm – Ostermalm Saluhall – closed food market with a smorgasboard of delights!
Vienna – Naschmarkt, since the 16th century – anyone for a torte?
Jerusalem – Mahane Yahuda Market – highly recommended by good friend and avid traveler, Deanna

Far East
China – In every city, don’t miss this experience, it will redefine your definition of food! Shop at the Red Bridge Market in Beijing
Hong Kong – A kaleidoscope of sensory encounters In every neighborhood – Virtual Tourist List
Tokyo – Tsukiji Market – it’s all about the fish – largest fish market in the world! Visit the Tokyo Food Page
Singapore – Kreta Ayer Wet Market – named for the water carts (not the food), you’ll find every kind of food, spice, and ware – be sure to visit Food Street and the Chinatown Night Market.

To find a farmers market experience wherever you travel in the USA, visit LocalHarvest.org

Cruise Aboard The Restored Luxury Yacht, Grace

Susan — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:44:26 +0000

Just the word “Grace” conjures elegance, distinction and beauty as exemplified by Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Today you can relive some of the royal majesty of those by-gone days aboard the newly restored 145-foot motor yacht Grace. Originally gifted to Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly as a wedding gift by billionaire Aristotle Onassis, the storied vessel hosted the Prince and Princess on their extended honeymoon journey in 1956, and later served as a hospital ship in World War II. Although the vessel has had many owners and names, it has never looked more regal and sleek as it does today.

Following a multi-million dollar, 20-month refurbishment, ‘Grace’ has begun to welcome guests for eight day expedition voyages through the Galapagos Islands. Cruising aboard Grace, evokes the spirit of early expeditions to these ecologically unique islands. This vessel is able to explore areas that are inpassable by larger boats, giving the fortunate passengers an exciting yet elegant experience. With just 9 spacious stateroom cabins, the 18 guests are pampered by 10 crew members and 2 naturalist guides. Pricing for the cruise ranges from $4,500 to $5,300 per person, (not including airfare) which is well in line with other expedition cruiseships in the area. Visit Galapagos Expeditions to read all the details of this once-in-a lifetime cruise experience.

Safety Card for Travelers to Costa Rica

Susan — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:49:54 +0000

If you’ll be vacationing in Costa Rica soon, look for a Costa Rica Safety Card distributed at Juan Santamaria (San Jose) International Airport. The card, produced by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute, lists a 24 hour hotline to report problems and receive travel tips. There’s a phone number answered in English and another in Spanish. Personal assistance is available 7:00am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday; 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturdays; and 8:00am to 8:00pm on Sundays. On the back of the card you’ll find emergency phone numbers and contact numbers for foreign embassies. A card well worth having on hand for safe travels.

Find Your Inner-Self on a Surfboard!

Susan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:21:16 +0000

We’ve found a terrific and unique Costa Rican adventure designed especially for women that combines the peacefulness of yoga with the exhilaration of surfing in a gorgeous beachfront setting. Dive into the waves, dive into the rainforest, dive into luxurious villas , dive into your inner rhythms, and emerge with a new outlook on life.

Pura Vida Adventures has crafted an empowering week long yoga/surf retreat that celebrates “pure life”. They promise you’ll “surf by day, lounge in beach front hammocks in the afternoon, and relax poolside by night” all in the natural landscape of the Costa Rican jungle bordered by white sandy beaches. Women are empowered to try new things, find balance through yoga and surfing and best of all make lasting friendships. Costing a bit more than $2,000 per person, Pura Vida provides luxury accommodations at the Hotel Tropico Latino, daily surf and yoga instruction, beachside message and delicious local culinary cuisine. So for a dose of wellness and a dash of heart pumping wave riding, take a Pura Vida Adventure!