Handy Phrases for Your Trip to Mexico or the Spanish-speaking Caribbean

Without a doubt, most of the wonderful people who work in the hospitality industry throughout the Caribbean speak passable English - and often a few other languages as well. But one of the benefits to learning some of the native language is that it enables travelers to more authentically experience the destination, and it shows respect for the native language and culture. The locals will appreciate your attempts to speak their language and will enjoy teaching you some Spanish. Go ahead and try it - it's fun!


Here are a few of the words and phrases that I use frequently that might be helpful to you on your next trip:

Hola -----> Hello
Buenos Dias -----> Good Day
Buenos Nochas -----> Good Evening
Buenas tardes -----> Good Afternoon
Sí -----> Yes
No -----> No
¿Habla usted inglés? -----> Do you speak English? 
No hablo español -----> I don't speak Spanish
Por Favor -----> Please
Gracias -----> Thank you
De nada -----> You're welcome

¿Donde está el baño? -----> Where is the restroom? 
¿Cuánto es? -----> How much?
La cuenta por favor -----> The check (bill) please
Cerveza fría por favor -----> Cold beer please
La playa -----> The beach
El Mar -----> The sea
Comida -----> Food
Bebida -----> Drink
Hermosa -----> Beautiful


Do you have any others to add?

Four Lessons Learned From Traveling With a 5th Grader

Church Bay, Bermuda as seen from our scooter

Remember the show "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader"? The kids always seemed so smart and sensible while the adults always ended up looking a bit foolish.  The same can be said of the trip I recently took with my 5th Grader. We went on a "Last Minute" Bermuda cruise, and it was the first time that he and I traveled alone together (usually there are 5 or more of us).  I let him miss a few days of school, knowing that he would learn more by traveling and experiencing than he would learn in the classroom.  As it turns out, I learned quite a few things from him as well.

Getting Ready at the Jump Zone

Have Fun! No matter where you go, there is fun to be had.  As adults, we worry about being seen doing silly things and decide that the potential embarrassment is not worth the risk.  My son happened to fall in love with the Jump Zone on the top deck of our ship.  It's an area made up of trampolines and bungee cords.  He would get strapped in and start jumping - the higher he jumped, the better the view and the bigger the smile. He started telling everyone we met that "there's no age limit for the Jump Zone.  You just have to be 6."  I'm fairly certain he was responsible for doubling or tripling the adult participation during our cruise.   I tried it, and couldn't stop smiling.  

Multi-Cultural is Cool  My son read everyone's name tag and memorized where they were from.  We met staff members from Jamaica, Columbia, Ukraine, Sweden, Indonesia, and England. It's very interesting to meet people from far away countries,  learn some words and phrases in a different language, and make new friends.  As soon as we left the ship, he said that he missed being around people from all different parts of the world.  I had to agree.

Pack Light  Before we left, I made sure that he had plenty of clothes to get him through our journey.  He needed shorts and tops for the day, swim suits for the beach and pool, long slacks and nice tops for dinner, etc. Despite my valorous packing efforts,  I'm pretty sure he lived off the very top layer in his suitcase and didn't ever even go beyond the first couple of inches.  He used one swim suit, wore his favorite shorts several times, and returned with the tags still on a couple of newly purchased shirts.  It was fine. As long as he looked clean, nobody noticed if he wore the same shirt twice. I'm still working through this one.

Ready to Ride!

Be Spontaneous Being a Travel Agent, I had everything planned.  What we would do in port, which excursions we would take, etc.  Of course, it never works out as planned.  Our first excursion was canceled, so we scheduled another one.  That one was also canceled.  And the 3rd one as well.  Sometimes, you just have to wing it.  So, with nothing scheduled or planned, we got off the ship, headed into the area at the dockyard to see what we could find.  At first we considered a bus tour, but my son saw some people zipping around on scooters and decided we should try that. Despite the rental shop being skeptical of my ability to ride a scooter (just a wee bit of sexism here), I passed my "driving test" and off we went.  We saw some beautiful scenery, stopped at several beaches to check them out,  found a great beachfront restaurant for lunch, and generally had fun just riding around with the sun shining and the breeze blowing. It's probably the best memory from our trip and one that we will remember for a long time.

Sometimes the best moments are those that are the least expected.  That is certainly true of this trip. I'm so glad I had my 5th grader to show me how to enjoy it.

  

Ten Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation

Let's face it, the economy has taken it's toll on just about everybody.  Travelers are having to balance their need to cut back with their desire to take a vacation.

Saving money on your next getaway doesn't have to be painful. You don't have to settle for a "staycation" or a notoriously rundown resort, and you don't need to find some crazy last minute travel deal. Stretching your vacation dollars just takes is a little creativity and flexibility.

1) Travel Off-Peak.  Peak travel times to certain destinations may vary. Check before you start planning to find the most popular times to visit the destination you have in mind. Plan on visiting either right before or after this time period (known as the shoulder season) or in a completely different season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year's are peak times for travel just about anywhere.  You will pay more if you must travel at this time.

2) Look for a resort that is offering "kids stay free". For those traveling with children, Catalonia Resorts, Palace Resorts, Real Resorts, and even Disney offer promotions for kids to stay free.  Taking advantage of these offers can cut your bill significantly.

3) Be flexible with your flight days and times.  You might be planning on taking your vacation for a week from Saturday to Saturday, but airfare is often less expensive if you travel mid-week.  Consider traveling Wednesday to Wednesday or Thursday to Thursday. It might shave hundreds of dollars off your bottom line.  Also take a look at less desirable flight times.  The only seats left on the early a.m. flight might be first class (and pricey!), but if you leave mid-day (or return on a red-eye) you could find yourself paying less for your tickets.

4) Check for Charter flights. Don't forget to check for charter flights to your destination.  Regular scheduled air could be booked up, but if you look for a charter, you might luck out and pay a fraction of what the full fare on a scheduled flight would cost. Check for charters with your favorite tour operator or travel agent.

5) Consider an alternate airport.  Airports within driving distance might offer service on an airline your regular gateway can't offer. Some low-cost carriers only provide service from secondary hubs to keep their costs down.  Or, if you live near a secondary hub, check for fares from the nearest major hub.  Compare and then decide if the extra drive is worth the savings you will reap.

6) Book Early. Early booking rates at popular resorts are often the lowest rates that will be offered. Start looking early enough to take advantage of them. As the resort starts filling up, rates often increase. If you like, you can  book your resort first and then shop for the best airfare later. Some tour operators offer a "best price guarantee" (often for a small premium).  Look for this coverage if you want to be sure you are paying the lowest possible price.

7) Look for Resorts with flexible "credits" or bonuses. While the upfront cast might be a little more, some resorts offer extra inclusions that you would otherwise have to pay out of pocket for once you arrived.  Sandals Resorts offer free scuba diving for certified divers, snorkeling tours, and motorized water sports (at some but not all locations).  Palace Resorts offer up to a $1500 resort credit that can be used for excursions, golf, and spa treatments. If you will use these "extras" consider a stay at a resort that makes a similar offer, it could save you money in the long run.

8) Consider a "value destination". Mexico, Jamaica, and Punta Cana are all destinations with resorts that offer "bang for your buck".  They also are highly serviced by the airlines and may offer the best fares.  Don't rule them out.  You might be amazed at what you can afford.

9) Use third party travel protection.  Many tour operators and cruise lines offer travel protection bundled in with your arrangements, but this isn't always the most cost-effective coverage.  Third party coverage through Travel Guard or Access America might offer similar (or better) coverage for a lower price (especially if you are young or traveling with children).

10) Use a travel agent.  A good travel agent can help you save money and get the best fit and value.  They are familiar with resorts that are offering specials and know how to work within a clients' budget. They will offer suggestions and expertise to help make sure you get the trip you are looking for at one of the best prices available.

Readers: Do you have any other tips to offer?

One of the Most Common Misconceptions About Travel Agents.......

It seems that one of the most common misconceptions about travel agents is that it costs "extra" to use one. People seem to think they will save money by booking their vacation directly or by booking online. That simply is not the case, and, in fact, the opposite is often true.

The truth is that commissions are built into the price of virtually every travel product (with the exception of airline tickets, but that's another story).  It's the way the travel industry prices.  You pay this built-in commission even when you book directly (and they love it when you do!).  Booking directly is not a better deal for you; it's more profitable for them.

In addition,  many travelers do not realize that when they book online with a big travel company, they have chosen a  travel agent  - and it's a faceless computer that really couldn't care less.  By using one of the online travel agencies (OTA's), the traveler is basically paying for a level of service they are not receiving. 

Do the OTA's ask questions up front to make sure they understand the client's vision and to find the best fit for each and every customer? Do they shop around to make sure they find the best value and pricing?  Do they monitor industry specials and advise travelers of those that might apply to their trip? Do they develop relationships with resorts and suppliers to ensure their customers are treated well?  Do they act as a pre-trip concierge - suggesting additional activities or excursions that might be of interest and offer to pre-arrange them? Do they provide destination information and detailed trip itineraries?  Are they available to take customer calls during a trip to assist with a problem? Will they act as the customer's advocate before, during, and after travel?  Do they truly care about your travel experience, your satisfaction, and your business?

No, of course not, but travel agents do.

It's not at all unusual for an agent to find a better rate on a vacation package that a traveler has been quoted from an online source. (And if they can't find a better rate, they can often price-match and provide a higher level of service.)   Recently, two of my fellow agents cited incidents in which they were able to find a better deal for their clients saving them hundreds of dollars (and, in one case, obtaining a valuable "freebie" through our consortium).  Yes, she had to go looking for additional amenities that might be available to her client, but that's what travel agents do. 

So, go ahead - look around online to get some ideas of destinations, prices, etc. but when it comes time to book your trip, do yourself a favor and call a travel agent.

Fun 'n Sun Travel and Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.

Tips for Visiting the Riviera Maya

Akumal Bay

There are a few questions that I frequently get asked  by people who are planning a visit to the Riviera Maya. Here are a few of the most common:

Q) What's the best way to get around in the Riviera Maya?

A) I have heard that it's safe to take the public buses, and I know many folks who have done so and returned unscathed.  I have an inexplicable aversion to public transportation in general and much prefer to either arrange for private transportation, take a taxi, or rent a car. Private transportation is easy to arrange and I frequently use companies that are very reliable and reasonably priced.  If you choose to take a taxi,  ask the concierge or bellhop what the typical taxi fare is.  Many resorts have fares posted in the lobby area. There are also many car rental facilities in the area, and you can rent by the day or for your entire stay. (Make sure you get the insurance.)

Q) What about tipping?

A) I recommend you bring at least $60- $100 in small bills.  USD is widely accepted, so don't worry about exchanging money before you leave.  15% for a transfer, a dollar per bag of handling for bellboys, and a dollar or two to the bartender   I also usually leave a few dollars per day for the maid. Otherwise, for other service people 10 -15% is good.  Here is a tipping guide from Fox News that you might find useful.

Q) What about shopping - should I use USD or pesos? 

A) If you are shopping, use pesos - you'll get a better conversion rate (current rate is about 12 pesos to the USD) You can get pesos from an ATM using your card or from a currency exchange booth in the main shopping areas.  Remember, there are new laws restricting the spending of US Dollars. You are only able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD cash per person per month into Mexican Pesos, and businesses can only accept a maximum of $100 USD cash per transaction
Note: Other payment methods such as credit cards, Travelers Checks, and non-American foreign currencies (such as Euros or Canadian Dollars) are not affected in any way by this new law.

Q) What are some fun things to do while we're there? 

Quinto Avenida

A) Excursion/day trips that I highly recommend:

Playa Del Carmen  - take a shuttle or cab to Quinto Avenida (aka 5th Avenue) for shopping/people watching. Have lunch/dinner and shop until you drop.  The shop keepers may call out to you and bartering is expected in most of the shops. Head toward the ferry terminal and grab a nice cold drink at Senor Frogs. Take a walk along the beautifully restored beach.

Akumal - Take a trip to visit the lagoon at Yal-ku (be sure to bring only biodegradable sun lotion) and then head to the beach in Akumal bay.  Bring equipment or rent it from Akumal Dive Shop.  Snorkel right from the beach. Swim with the Sea Turtles, look for grouper, baracuda, permit, etc. Have some pappas fritas and a cervesa at the Lol-Ha beach bar. Sheer perfection! 
You might be able to combine Akumal with a visit to Tulum - that would be ambitious.  If you wanted to do that, see the ruins first (early), and then head to Akumal to cool off.

Turtles in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres - Head to the ferry terminal north of Cancun and take the ferry to Isla Mujeres.  Rent a Golf cart and drive around the island.  Be sure to stop at the turtle sanctuary to see the babies, the teenagers, and the big guys.  You won't want to leave.
Snorkeling is also good on the island.

The list goes on and on - ziplining, cenote exploring, sailing.  What's your favorite day trip to take while in the Riviera Maya?

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.

Is Mexico Safe?

Recent photo taken at the Aventura Cove Palace

Recent media reports have many people concerned about the safety of traveling to Mexico. Potential travelers often ask me:

• Is it safe in Cancun (or Playa  del Carmen)?
• Will I be able to leave the resort?
• Will I be safe while traveling to and from my resort?

The answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES!

Allow me to point out that the Mexican government is fully aware of the value of the tourist industry on the Yucatan peninsula (which also happens to be more than 1000 miles away from the nearest "hotspot").  And, while there is the presence of armed police patrolling the main roads, they are there to ensure that the tourist areas remain safe.

I recently returned from a week in the Riviera Maya and did not at any time feel that I was in any type of danger.  I visited Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, Akumal, and Puerto Aventuras.  There were many other tourists out and about shopping, eating, and enjoying themselves.  My visits to Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel were made after dark, and while I generally avoided dark alleys and stuck to the main centers, at no time did I feel threatened.

There was an aggressive shopkeeper in Playa who insisted that I come visit his shop and didn't want to take "no gracias" for an answer. A nuisance? Perhaps.  A threat or danger? Absolutely not.

I saw no drug dealers, no violence, and no scared tourists.  I did see lots of people walking, talking, shopping, sun-bathing, swimming, and people-watching.  The beaches, towns, and roads were all bustling with visitors.

The weather was gorgeous, the shopping was fun, and the food was great.  We "discovered" a cenote on the road to Coba, we snorkeled with the turtles in Akumal, we poked around the shops and watched the dolphins in Puerto Aventuras, and we shopped 'till we dropped in Cozumel and Playa.

There is so much to do and see in the Riviera Maya that it's never the same trip twice.  This was my fifth trip to the Riviera Maya and I have never felt safer.  If I could go again tomorrow, I would!

Tell me, are you concerned about safety in Cancun and the Riviera Maya?

Six Ways to Spice up Your Honeymoon

Looking for ways to add romance to

• your honeymoon
• your weddingmoon
• an anniversary trip
• a special birthday
• or any other romantic getaway?

Here are six ways to do just that!

1. Breakfast in Bed
Many hotels and resorts will offer breakfast in bed for their honeymoon guests or upon request. If it's not offered, call room service for breakfast. It's the next best thing!

2. Romantic Candlelight Dinner for Two
Sandals, and other luxury resorts that cater to couples, offer candlelight dinners for two on the beach. A private table is set up in a special location complete with table cloth, candlelight, flowers, and wine.  A private waiter is yours for the meal and provides personal service.

3. Bottle of Champagne
A bottle of champagne in your room (or at your candlelight dinner) is a fun way to add a bit of romantic celebration to any trip.

4. Couples Massage
A couples massage reserves a special "room for two" and two masseuses for your treatment.  Some couples massages also include a jacuzzi tub and some quiet time. Be sure to reserve your massage before you leave home so that you can be assured of availability.

5. A Nice Warm Bath
Many resorts will work with you to make a special night even more romantic.  Arrange beforehand for them to draw a bath, sprinkle in some rose petals, and light some candles while you are at dinner.

6. Sunset Walk on the Beach
Go for a nice long walk just as the sun is setting.  It doesn't cost a thing and the memory will be priceless.

As with most special occasions, a little planning goes a long way.  Be sure to ask about availability for any of these extras.  A good travel agent will be able to make arrangements for you.  All you have to do is ask!

Do you have any other Romantic tips to share?

Fun 'n Sun Travel and Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.

Where to for Spring Break?

Ah yes, spring break is almost upon us. New Year's resolutions are in full-swing, the fitness club is packed with new members, the winter weather is getting a bit oppressive, and we all have the urge to head for the sun and sand. The question is: Am I too late, and where are the best deals?

It is not too late to book your trip, especially if you are flexible about your dates, your flight itinerary, and/or the airport that you would like to depart from.  Reasonable packages can still be found.  Where to? Well, it's hard to narrow it down to just a few spots, but here are 3 of the most popular:

1) Mexico - warm, sunny days, white powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts on the planet. It's really hard to beat the value that Mexico offers. The violence that plagues our neighbor is far from the main tourist areas (more than 1300 miles from Cancun), and tourism to Mexico is up more than 20% from the previous year. Cancun and the Riviera Maya recently benefited from millions of dollars that the government invested in restoring the beaches - they are white and wide! Everything from Dolphin encounters, to ancient ruins, to zip-lining can easily be found here. Do nothing but lay on the beach or do it all - it's entirely up to you.

2) Jamaica - another great value destination with a wide variety of accommodations. There are fabulous luxury resorts, and there are budget hotels. Stay in Montego Bay to enjoy the shopping and nightlife of the Hip Strip or find a small secluded beach away from it all. Negril has 7 miles of gorgeous white beach, and, because it faces West, guests are treated to amazing sunsets virtually every night. Visit Dunn's River Falls, tour a coffee plantation, watch the cliff diving. See if you can resist saying "ya mon" after a day or two. I think not!

3) Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean's finest, white sand beaches. Punta Cana is also home to many fine all-inclusive resorts. In addition to Punta Cana, there are several other great beach destinations in the DR: La Romana, Samana, Puerto Plata. Swim with the sharks, play some world-class golf, take a surfing lesson. There is plenty to keep you busy here.

A few words of warning before you go - many resorts have age limits for guests, so be sure to check before you make your reservation. Also, the Dominican Republic limits motorized water sports and public club hours in the week prior to Easter. Check with your resort prior to arrival.

Are there other beach destinations that are good for Spring Break? Absolutely! The Caribbean offers so many options that it's impossible to cover them all in one article, but wherever you decide to go, you'll find warm, friendly people and plenty of fun and sun!