Who says Empty Nesters can’t have fun? No more kids - it’s just the two of us now. I decided it’s time to go on vacation with my hubby to Cancun/Riviera Maya. Don’t get me wrong, we love our daughter and had many wonderful family vacations along with friends to Cancun and Punta Cana, but it was time for just the two of us to do whatever we pleased. And we did!  From the USA3000 flight to our transfer to the hotel, everything went smoothly. We stayed at the all-inclusive Iberostar Paraiso Maya. The hotel was just beautiful with its warm colors and Mayan architecture - so picturesque. The staff were so friendly they couldn’t do enough for you. We thought we were on our honeymoon again with concierge service, a Jacuzzi in the room, full mini-bar stocked daily, 24 hour room service, flower petals on our bed and flowers in the Jacuzzi (along with bubble bath) we definitely were getting spoiled. We also had a private pool in our building. The gourmet restaurants were superb from the food and service to the presentation; we looked forward to dining every day.  We were trying to fit it all in, a little time at the hotel’s lazy river pool, a little time at their spectacular beach, a visit to their disco, some snorkeling and a trip to the quaint and vibrant town of Playa del Carmen, with its own ambiance of culture was fascinating. A little tequila, a little Mohito’s, a little dancing - we were having a blast.  A great, much needed, mid-winter break.  The only regret – 4 nights is not enough, so much to see and do, next time definitely 7 nights. So to all you empty nesters, revive yourselves, take the blues away - take a vacation! What are you waiting for – it’s your time.

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If like me you are looking for something more than just a beach vacation, have you considered Costa Rica for your next trip?

Costa Rica is one of the most advanced countries in the world to travel, with high literacy rates, a booming “Health Tourism” industry and service levels to rival the most advanced of tourist destinations.  Did you know this small country is a firm favorite with Americans choosing it as their home away from home, with more Americans choosing to live in Costa Rica, than Costa Ricans (affectionately known as Ticos) moving over here to the USA? …Read More>>

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Forty is the new thirty. That’s what they keep telling us in the media, anyway. Personally, I wouldn’t want to be thirty again. I’m smarter, stronger, more secure and in better shape than when I was thirty.  I appreciate the amazing women in my life far more now. Not that I didn’t love ‘my girls’ then, but now that the kids are grown, I look back and cherish the village that helped raise them.

I feel fortunate to work here at Apple Vacations, where I get to be the one who organizes the Girls Getaway for our crew. I can put together an all-inclusive trip that allows the girls to truly relax and not think about anything. From transport to and from the airport to tipping - everything is done ahead of time. No cooking, no clean up. There is no worrying at all. Just laughing, singing and there’s always dancing.

I polled ‘my girls’, who range in age from thirty-five to mid-sixties, to get their thoughts on how our annual “Girls Getaway Vacation” has changed over the years.  Here is what we came up with …Read More>>

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I am a beach lover. I am also someone who loves to float, swim, snorkel, play, or even just stand and chat with friends in the ocean.  I love looking at the ocean, listening to it, smelling the saltwater scent, but most of all, I love submersing myself in it. If given the choice, I will always opt to sit in the sand on the beach and swim in the ocean rather than be poolside while on vacation. That’s just my preference.

The average beach-goer brings a plethora of paraphernalia along with them for a day at the beach. A variety of suntan lotions, a hat or visor, sunglasses, aquatic shoes, perhaps something to read or some sort of listening device, a camera to capture memorable moments, snorkel, fins, goggles…these are just some of the items we bring to the beach to entertain us.

In addition to many of these standard items, my personal beach bag includes one rather unique item… …Read More>>

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There’s no better way to get the most out a vacation than to go on an optional excursion. It’s a great way to experience a destination’s culture, people, land and sense of adventure.

In my opinion, tours break up the daily ‘routine’ of breakfast in bed, indulging in phenomenal cuisine, drinking margaritas and soaking up the sun on the beach. Who would want to break-up that routine, you ask?! I know it’s hard to convince my friends that it is worth leaving the lap of luxury for half a day. But once they experience these adventures, they never regret it. We remember those moments like it was yesterday and we haven’t stopped talking about them since!

No matter the destination, there are always excursions to choose from for every interest. The culture-craver, the adventure-seeker, the history-buff, the shopper, the night owls…there is an excursion for everyone.

One of my favorite adventure-packed excursions is the Jungle Crossing Tour offered in the Riviera Maya.  …Read More>>

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