Doesn't the photo of this tip jar make you smile and want to leave a tip? I know I would certainly add a fat tip to this jar just for it's creativity and the smile that it gave me.
Sally Black
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Folks ask us all the time why they need to book their family vacations with a travel agent. We could easily spout statistics like the fact that 51% of all U.S. travel is booked via travel agents but this doesn't get to the crux of the situation.
My husband and I were invited to a BBQ this past weekend at the home of one of his colleagues. Other than the host, we didn't know a soul. There were the inevitable introductory conversations and as usual, the very first question I'm always asked is...
"So where does a Travel Agent so on Vacation?"
My answer for 2014 will be Riviera Nayarit, Mexico!
Of course this was received with the usual degree of skeptisim about safety in Mexico and Montezuma's revenge. When I tell people how I normally go to Mexico about 4 times a year for "work" and still want to go back and vacation there...that's when they start listening much more closely.
So Bob, Marissa, Jennifer, Augie and Steve - It was a pleasure to meet all of you! Yes you guys really were the inspiration for this blog post and here are the pictures I promised to show you!
For those of you not at the BBQ, Riviera Nayarit is an area of about 200 miles of pristine coast basically from Puerto Vallarta heading northbound. It is where the Sierra Madre Mountain kiss the Pacific Ocean. It encompasses the entire Mexican state of Nayarit including the historic colonial town of San Blas, the exclusive resort area of Punta Mita and Banderas Bay. There is something for every vacationer here...luxury resorts, indigenous art of the Huichol tribe, watersports, marine life, International cuisine, golfing or the bliss of relaxation. I have visited the area before "for work" and have always wanted to return with my family. Starting in 2014, we'll have nonstop charter flights now from several east coast, including my home airport of Philadelphia, so it's the perfect time for us to go.
Technically, there are three islands situated just off shore of the Riviera Nayarit that I definitely want to be sure to visit while I am in the neighborhood....
The first is Islas Marietas pictured at the begining of this post. This cluster of islands was first discovered by Jacques Cousteau and is now a federally protected wild life preserve. This area is home to thousands of species of birds, octopus, sea turtles and tropical fish. I especially want to visit Playa Del Amor, the "beach of love". This beach is formed out of volcanic rock and is only accessible by swimming thru a cave. It's perfect for a gringo like me who cannot take too much Mexican sun because this beach has it's very own stone palapa!
Next stop will be Mexcaltitan, the Venice of Mexico. This mysterious little island is rooted in ancient Aztec culture and prophecy. Many believe that it is the birthplace of modern day Mexico. It is located just 1/2 hour boat ride off shore. This little island village is about a mile in diameter. You can walk the streets when the water is low or take a boat when the waters run high. Mexcaltitan is a fishing community and I can't think of a better place to enjoy one of the local favorites, shrimp ceviche.
Then there is Isla Isabel, a 1.2 mile National Park and Biosphere reserve with dramatic rugged cliffs and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Similar to Galapagos Islands, this is one of the very rare nesting sights for birds such as the Red Footed and Blue Footed Boobies. Isla Isabel is one of the best kept secret diving spots. Here you will find Yellowtail, manta rays, whales and beautiful coral reefs just Two and a half hours by boat from San Blas.
So see Y'all, I wasn't making this stuff up. Next year I'll bring our own photos to the BBQ but you're all welcome to join us on this trip. And Marissa...this is your reminder to send me that quinoa salad recipe!
"So where does a Travel Agent so on Vacation?"
My answer for 2014 will be Riviera Nayarit, Mexico!
Of course this was received with the usual degree of skeptisim about safety in Mexico and Montezuma's revenge. When I tell people how I normally go to Mexico about 4 times a year for "work" and still want to go back and vacation there...that's when they start listening much more closely.
So Bob, Marissa, Jennifer, Augie and Steve - It was a pleasure to meet all of you! Yes you guys really were the inspiration for this blog post and here are the pictures I promised to show you!
For those of you not at the BBQ, Riviera Nayarit is an area of about 200 miles of pristine coast basically from Puerto Vallarta heading northbound. It is where the Sierra Madre Mountain kiss the Pacific Ocean. It encompasses the entire Mexican state of Nayarit including the historic colonial town of San Blas, the exclusive resort area of Punta Mita and Banderas Bay. There is something for every vacationer here...luxury resorts, indigenous art of the Huichol tribe, watersports, marine life, International cuisine, golfing or the bliss of relaxation. I have visited the area before "for work" and have always wanted to return with my family. Starting in 2014, we'll have nonstop charter flights now from several east coast, including my home airport of Philadelphia, so it's the perfect time for us to go.
Technically, there are three islands situated just off shore of the Riviera Nayarit that I definitely want to be sure to visit while I am in the neighborhood....
The first is Islas Marietas pictured at the begining of this post. This cluster of islands was first discovered by Jacques Cousteau and is now a federally protected wild life preserve. This area is home to thousands of species of birds, octopus, sea turtles and tropical fish. I especially want to visit Playa Del Amor, the "beach of love". This beach is formed out of volcanic rock and is only accessible by swimming thru a cave. It's perfect for a gringo like me who cannot take too much Mexican sun because this beach has it's very own stone palapa!
Next stop will be Mexcaltitan, the Venice of Mexico. This mysterious little island is rooted in ancient Aztec culture and prophecy. Many believe that it is the birthplace of modern day Mexico. It is located just 1/2 hour boat ride off shore. This little island village is about a mile in diameter. You can walk the streets when the water is low or take a boat when the waters run high. Mexcaltitan is a fishing community and I can't think of a better place to enjoy one of the local favorites, shrimp ceviche.
Then there is Isla Isabel, a 1.2 mile National Park and Biosphere reserve with dramatic rugged cliffs and breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Similar to Galapagos Islands, this is one of the very rare nesting sights for birds such as the Red Footed and Blue Footed Boobies. Isla Isabel is one of the best kept secret diving spots. Here you will find Yellowtail, manta rays, whales and beautiful coral reefs just Two and a half hours by boat from San Blas.
So see Y'all, I wasn't making this stuff up. Next year I'll bring our own photos to the BBQ but you're all welcome to join us on this trip. And Marissa...this is your reminder to send me that quinoa salad recipe!
Taking your kids to a foreign country on a family vacation is often an exciting adventure and thrilling milestone for many families.
Planning for a family vacation means paying attention to a great many details. Obviously families want to have fun and parents want to keep their kids safe. Parents of teens looking to travel abroad should also consider the legal drinking age in the destination they are looking to visit.
One of my favorite activities that I look forward to every day is answering all of the "ASK MOM" questions that appear in my inbox. This week I came across a very thought provoking question that I'd like to share about family vacations with three kids...
Have you ever read something that leaves you with this kind of "What the...." expression? Soon after this look of dismay you find yourself screaming explatives similar to when you slam your finger in the car door.
A Hawaii family vacation is the kind of vacation where the memories are guaranteed to last for years to come. It is the type of experience that really bonds a family together. Hawaii has such an exotic feel and yet everything is so familiar.
(Updated Sept. 2018)
This is probably the number one question we get at vacationkids. If folks don't come right out and ask us, it's usually the number one question weighing heavily on their minds.
