Cancun All Inclusive: Reflect Cancun

Reflect is a family all inclusive resort in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. It used to be Krystal Cancun. AmResorts took it over, updated it and added a new tower for their preferred club called Altitude. The resort has an active vibe and four pools including an adults only infinity pool for Altitude guests.

I filmed this resort tour in March 2020. Take a peek:

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Socially Distant Summer Getaway: Yellowstone National Park

Continuing our look at outdoor social distancing summer getaways, let’s visit Yellowstone National Park this week. Situated in northwestern Wyoming, part of southern Montana and eastern Idaho, the park was established in 1872 by the United States Congress and its area is larger than that of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. It has the greatest concentration of hydrothermal features in the world, and is home to the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful, and the world’s largest geyser, Steamboat. Here's how a geyser works: 

The park began re-opening in May after being closed due to the pandemic. Most services and facilities like restrooms, gas stations, trails, stores, medical clinics and approved tours are now open while campgrounds and visitor centers remain closed, but should open at a later date. 

Park Highlights

Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun

Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun is an adults only all inclusive resort in the hotel zone of Cancun. This spa resort is focused on relaxation, excellent service, and gourmet dining.  This is the type of resort that passes out chilled cucumber slices instead of mystery shots by the pool. The resort has two pool - an infinity pool with views of the oceans and an activity pool facing the lagoon that hosts in water cycling classes and pool volleyball.  Be sure to download the App.

I filmed this resort tour in March 2020. Take a peek:



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Virtual Vacation: Yosemite National Park

As Americans are starting to look at getting out and about this summer and looking to squeeze in a trip, many are looking for vacations that are outdoors. 

Last week we took a look at the Smoky Mountains area in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. This week lets head west and check out Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. 

Yosemite National Park was created in 1890 by an act of Congress. It was the first time the U.S. Government protected land for public enjoyment, laying the foundation for the establishment of our national and state park systems. The park is best known for its waterfalls, towering granite monoliths, deep valleys, and ancient sequoias. It encompasses 1189 square miles, and is located about 140 miles east of San Francisco. 

The park has just re-opened to the public after being shutdown for 83 days due to the coronavirus pandemic. Like many attractions around the country, the park is taking a phased in approach to opening. Popular landmarks and hiking trails are open, but the museums and visitor centers are still closed. Only one campground is open, but the shuttles around the Valley and at Mariposa Grove won’t be operating at all this summer. Lodging is available at Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, and Ahwahnee. Only about half the usual number of visitors for this time of year will be able to get in to the park, so you will need reservations to visit. 

Let’s take a look at some highlights of the park:

Cancun All Inclusive: Hard Rock Cancun

Hard Rock Cancun is a family all inclusive resort in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. It lives up to the Hard Rock brand with music programs for teens and adults, an active vibe, and a lobby filled with memorabilia. The kids' club is large and the pool area of oceanfront. Rock Royalty rooms have access to two rooftop pools - one for adults and one for all ages.

I filmed this tour in March 2020. Take a peek:





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COVID Travel Update: All Inclusive Resorts

A common question has been: When will all inclusive resorts reopen?

Below is information that is current as of June 22, 2020. 

A few things to keep in mind about visiting an all inclusive resort during the COVID pandemic:

• Swim up bars are closed
• Occupancy is 25% - 30% so restaurants have not all be open.
• Buffets are closed or adapted with staff to serve.
• Excursions may not be available.
• Masks are required on flights and in airports.
• If you or a travel companion test positive upon arrival – you may be required to finish a 14 day quarantine in country.

For more specific country information: 

Virtual Vacation: Smoky Mountains

As the U.S. begins to open up and people are starting to look a bit at travel I thought this week we would check out the Great Smoky Mountains area, which is a drivable destination for close to half the country. 

The Smokies are named for the blue mist that always seems to hover the peaks and valleys. The Cherokee called them shaconage, (shah-con-ah-jey) or “place of the blue smoke. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 and is comprised of ridge upon ridge of endless forest on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Gatlinburg, TN is a mountain resort town that borders the Smoky Mountains and offers many tourist attractions aside from the mountains. Tennessee’s only ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg is famed for its aerial tramway. 

The Gatlinburg Space Needle offers an amazing panoramic view of the town and the Smoky Mountains. There are also several Ripley’s facilities, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Moving Theater and more. Visitors will also find tons of unique shopping and dining experiences.