Cap Cana All Inclusive Resorts

 

Cap Cana is an exclusive area close to the Punta Cana airport with great beaches, a golf club, and marina area with shops and restaurants. This area does tend to get a bit more seaweed during hurricane season so it's ideal to visit between November to May. 

Cabo Excursions for Couples

The picturesque coastline of Cabo makes is a great location for a romantic getaway. Whether it is fine dining barefoot on the beach, horseback riding along the coast, or a couples massage, Cabo is a great destination for your next vacation together. Here are some great excursion options for just the two of you.

Sail past Lover’s Beach on this romantic sunset cruise aboard a luxury French-made sailboat. Enjoy an open bar and a delicious array of appetizers as you watch a romantic Cabo sunset. This tour last two and a half hours and is offered most days of the week (check calendar for availability). For information on a private sunset sailing, check out this tour. 

If you and your significant other like to get your adrenaline pumping while on vacation check out the Los Cabos Zip Line Tour. There are seven zip lines 300 feet above the surface with speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Enjoy birds eye views of the Baja Desert Mountains and natural oasis. There is also a suspension bridge, optional rappelling opportunity and a Tarzan Swing for kids only. This tour is offered daily and lasts 2 hours with three departure times.

Explore the city of Cabo, just the two of you on this private guided half day tour. Stops include Cabo San Lucas Main Square, Glass Blowing Factory, Tequila Tasting, Glass Bottom Boat Tour including Los Cabos Arch and Lands End. This tour is offered daily.

Experience Cabo on this Art and Beer Tour. See the famous Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo and experience the Art, Folklore, music, and local food stands. Visit Baja Brewing, a local restaurant and brewery and enjoy some pizza from their wood burning pizza oven. This tour is only offered on Thursdays and lasts 5 hours with a departure time of 3:30 pm. 

Ride a horse on one of the most secluded, iconic and beautiful beaches in in Los Cabos. Enjoy amazing views of the Sand Dunes, the Pacific Ocean and the Dry Riverbeds. Visit the National Parks, including the Zoo and finish off your day with tacos and a tequila tasting. This tour lasts 4 hours and is offered daily with 3 departure times. 

Spend some unforgettable time getting to know dolphins in their natural habitat. Experience a foot push, dorsal tow, a kiss, a hug and play a series of interactive games as you get to learn about these tender animals. This experience lasts one hour and is offered Monday through Friday at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.

The perfect tour for not only the experienced cyclist but the first-time mountain biker as well. Explore the outback of Cabo on a mountain bike! Expert guides will fit you on a modern, all-terrain bike before heading out on cactus-lined sandy tracks leading to a stunning hidden beach. The ride concludes with a Mexican feast and drinks. This tour lasts 3 hours and a half hours and is offered daily.

An alternate way to explore the outback of Cabo is via ATV, race through desert pathways, mountains, dry rivers beds and the beach. Visit the Herpatario after your tour for some great photos with native birds, iguanas and other species. Tacos and beer are also available but not included in the tour price. This tour lasts 4 hours and departs daily at 9 am, noon, and 3 pm.

See Cabo from a different point of view while driving your own 4x4 Jeep. Stops include Fox Canyon to see the waterfalls, lunch at a local restaurant, and the beautiful town of Santiago. This tour is offered daily and lasts 7 hours. 

If your trip to Cabo is between December and April why not take advantage of a whale watching tour? The waters around Cabo are perfect for whale watching this time of year. See the whales swim, breach and perform. You will even have the opportunity to listen to the whales communicate underwater utilizing hydrophone listening technology. This tour lasts two hours and is offered daily from mid December through mid April. 

Explore Cabo via two-person kayak, visit unspoiled beaches, the famous Arch, the Sea Lion Colony, and Lover’s Beach. Also included is a guided snorkel adventure. This tour is offered daily and lasts two and half hours. 

Are upgrades and add-ons worth it?

 I got a very good question on a recent YouTube video: 

I think this is really everyone's question: Is this going to be worth my money and time? 

The most common add-on is upgrading to a Club level room or a suite. The common benefits of an upgrade to a club level or suite are: 

• Better location or view within the resort 
• Access to excusive areas of the resort including special pools, restaurants or lounges 
• Concierge service to help with dining reservations 
• Reserved bali beds or cabanas around the resort 

I can honestly say this is not worth it at some resorts and a must do at others. 

Cabo Excursions for Families

 

Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Sur, Cabo San Lucas is known for its beaches, scuba diving, “El Arco de Cabo San Lucas", and marine life. Cabo is less than a 2 hour and 30 minute flight from major western US cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and Phoenix. Now let’s see what types of activities this area has to offer families!

Enjoy a guided snorkel cruise with lunch and visit Cabo’s world- famous Arch at Land’s End, followed by a scenic cruise up the Sea of Cortez and time for snorkeling. A grilled lunch will be served with an open bar, and music provided by a DJ. This tour lasts 3 hours, and is offered most days of the month. No minimum age. 

For a more unique way to explore Cabo, how about a Camel tour? Your included tour transportation will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the National Park to get ready for your tour. You will spend time petting, feeding and interacting with you camel before riding along one of the most beautiful beaches in Cabo. Enjoy incredible views of sand dunes, the ocean and dry riverbeds. End your day with a visit to the National Parks included Zoo and participate in tequila tasting while you indulge in some tacos. This tour is offered daily and lasts 2 hours with multiple departure times throughout the day. Minimum age is 5.

Why not start your day with Whale Watching & Breakfast cruise? Board a twin-level power catamaran and begin your cruise with a scenic view of Cabo’s famous Arch and beautiful coastline. Enjoy a breakfast of coffee, waffles, eggs, chilaquiles, beans, toast, mimosas, and Bloody Marys. After breakfast knowledgeable marine naturalists will educate you about the whales as you see them in their natural habitat. This tour lasts 2 hours and is offered daily from mid-December through mid-April. Minimum age is 6. If early mornings are not in your vacations plans there are other options to go whale watching later in the day. You can also do a whale watching and dolphin watching combo tour. 

For a more immersive dolphin experience consider this Dolphin Swim and Ride tour  Participants in this tour will get to try the boogie board push, belly ride and much more. This tour is offered Monday-Friday with several start times throughout the day. Minimum age is 8. For a Dolphin Encounter with no swimming required check out this tour. Minimum age is 6.

If your family loves to get their adrenaline pumping while on vacation check out the Los Cabos Zip Line Tour. There are seven zip lines 300 feet above the surface with speeds up to 50 miles an hour. Enjoy birds eye views of the Baja Desert Mountains and natural oasis. There is also a suspension bridge, optional rappelling opportunity and a Tarzan Swing for kids only. This tour is offered daily and lasts 2 hours with three departure times. Minimum age is 7.

Hop aboard a pirate ship and learn about Cabo’s pirate history and secrets on this Yo Ho Show Sunset Dinner & Pirate Cruise. Hoist the sails and take off for this wild pirate party. Watch the famous Baja sunset as your enjoy BBQ ribs, chicken, and an open bar. After dinner chant, dance and shout with the pirates and have fun as only pirates can. Guest participation is highly recommended. This tour last 2 hours and 15 minutes and departs at 6 pm. No minimum age. If you are interested in a lunch time pirate experience check out this tour. 

Explore Cabo just off the coast on this Glass Bottom Boat Tour. This 45 minute boat ride starts with a stop at Pelican Rock. During the tour see colorful fish through the glass bottom of the boat. Continue on to Divorce Beach, Lovers Beach, Sea Lions Colony and of course the Cabo Arch. If conditions allow you can stay on at Lovers Beach and return on a later boat. This tour is offered daily and has 7 departures throughout the day. No minimum age. 

Todos Santos is located just one hour away from Cabo near the shore. This colorful town is always in a relaxed state. Visit several points of interest such as The Art Walk of Todos Santos, the blanket factory, Hotel California and the beautiful mission of Nuestra Señora del Pilar. You will be able to taste different types of Mexican and regional candy. There is also time for shopping and lunch on your own. This tour is offered Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with a departure time of 9 am. Minimum age is 6. 

Discover Scuba - Perfect for those that just want to try out Scuba Diving without the commitment of certification. A great quick and easy introduction to the underwater world. This program takes place in either a pool, off a beach or from a dive boat. Minimum age is 10.

Caribbean Cruise Packing Must Haves

 

In addition to the Trips with Angie Caribbean Cruise packing list found here, I brought along some great Amazon finds on last week's Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Magic. 

These are Amazon affiliate links. 

1. Metallic Magnetic Hooks - The walls are all metal so magnetic hooks are super helpful to keep items off the floor. We bought ten small hooks. I used them to hang out bathing suits to dry, our face masks by the door, and my purses organized. 

2. Speaking of bathing suits, I love this bikini, swim shirt and swim hat. I am a huge proponent of swim shirts and swim hats.  I am terrible about reapplying sunscreen. This keeps the sunburn away. 

3. I am slowly replacing a lot of my t-shirts with dri-fit or moisture wicking shirts. The Caribbean heat and humidity are no joke. This helps wick away the sweat. 

4. For packing, I love using packing cubes. Cruise cabins tend to have more shelves than drawers. I keep the clothes packed in the cubes to keep them organized. I designate one shelf for dirty clothes. About halfway through the trip, I empty the remaining clean clothes out of the packing cubes and start packing the dirty clothes. 

5. I also love a good sleeveless dress to dress up for dinner. This option packed beautifully. 

Parents Traveling with Adult Children: Best All Inclusive Resorts

Traveling with adult children can pose a bit of a challenge. You want adults only since you aren't traveling with kids. However, a lot of adults only resorts are geared towards couples. Others have a bit too much of a party atmosphere. Here are my recommendations for adults only resorts that strike the right balance for a family traveling together. 

Hilton Playa del Carmen - This resort is steps from the vibrant Playa del Carmen. Hilton Playa del Carmen has a more lively pool near the beach or a quieter pool closer to the lobby.

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana - This resort is close to the airport. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana has a fun vibe that doesn't get too crazy. Booking a club level room gives you access to a quieter pool. The resort connects to a family resort so the shows will be family friendly.

Secrets Vallarta Bay - Secrets Vallarta Bay is a great location to explore Puerto Vallarta. The resort has an active, fun vibe.

Unico - Unico made the list because it does attract young honeymooners without being overly romantic. The adults kids will have people their own age at the main pool and the parents will find their peers at the main pool or the quiet pool. Unico also has terrific dining.

 

Aruba Excursions for Groups & Families

 

Aruba is a great location for vacation anytime of year with your family or group. It’s located outside the hurricane zone so the risk of getting hit by a storm during hurricane season is low. The trade winds that blow across the island help to keep it cooler year round and also lends itself to some fun activities including windsurfing, kitesurfing and blokarting. Let’s take a look at what Aruba has to offer for your group vacation!