Tag Archives: Punta Cana

All I Want for Christmas is an Apple Vacation

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Do The Holidays have you in a panic? Don’t stress this year and do something different! Take the family on an Apple Vacation to Mexico or The Caribbean. Seriously, it will cost less than you expect. Say no to the shopping list, in-laws, cleaning the house and all that cooking!

Ok, reality check I’m a family person and LOVE The Holidays and seeing my family but I do dream of sitting on a white sandy beach under a palm tree relaxing for once on my vacation instead of the hustle and bustle. The way the Holidays fall this year there are basically two weeks where many people have off of school and can be flexible with work. It’s a great opportunity to add an Apple Vacation in to your Holiday plans.

 

Apple Vacations – Dreams Puerto Aventuras Beach

 

Look to Dreams Puerto Aventuras Riviera Maya – A stunning resort. Depart Thursday December 20 for example out of Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Philadelphia from just $1299 per person. That includes roundtrip airfare (over a holiday!), unlimited luxury with the finest accommodations for 7 nights, 24-hour room service, gourmet dining, unlimited top-shelf spirits, activities and much more.

 

Apple Vacations – Melia Caribe Tropical

 

Do you prefer Punta Cana? Then check out Melia Caribe Tropical, a 5 Golden Apple Resort. The property features 13 restaurants, 13 bars, nightly entertainment, a casino, five pools (including one of the largest in Punta Cana), eight lit tennis courts and two Spa with full array of treatments. You can stay for 7 nights out of Pittsburgh, Cleveland for $1359 per person leaving on on 12/21/12.

Many other departures cities, dates and hotels are available. Go ahead and pick out your Holiday Apple Vacation and be assured of the best air and hotel availability, at the best rates. Holiday space sells out fast, so don’t miss out. Reserve your Holiday in the Sun today!

Legal: Price listed is per person, based on double occupancy, includes roundtrip airfare via Frontier Airlines and U.S. and foreign taxes including September 11th Security fee. Restrictions and checked bag fees may apply.

Family Vacation in Punta Cana

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It’s that time of year again for our annual family vacation.  I have vacationed in Punta Cana before and completely fell in love with the people and the culture in the Dominican Republic. Warm smiles friendly attitudes and a care free environment are the staples of Punta Cana and I was not going to chance losing that going elsewhere. The hardest part about planning an all-inclusive vacation with a family of 10, is choosing the right resort.  It’s a bit of a task finding a place that caters an age disparity that ranges 10 to 65 years old.

Set on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana, this resort offers 13 different outdoor pools with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea and a secluded lagoon.

With activities that range from arcades to casinos, The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was really a ‘no-brainer.’  The moment we stepped off the Apple Vacations van and set foot on the property the whole family was blown away by the aesthetics of the place. Flashy, yet controlled; spacious yet completely decorated in rock memorabilia, the Hard Rock is really a sight to behold. All the rooms are full blown suites equipped with Jacuzzis, personal balconies and stunning views. It really has a way of making you feel like a rock star. Something tells me that’s exactly what they were going for.

 

 

The Hard Rock features luxurious accommodations, fine dining at nine restaurants, seven bars, thirteen pool with four swim-up bars, casino and spa.

 

The resort also offers a magnificent state of the art Spa and an elegant full service Casino. And when you're hungry, you'll have a choice of 9 different restaurants, wireless Internet service, a sports bar, 24-hour room service and much more.

The resort is home to 9 restaurants, 3 deli/snack bars, 15 bars, 15 pools, lounges/nightclubs, arcades, a spa, a casino, and a variety of shops.  Plenty to keep a large family like mine completely entertained. There are also a plethora of excursions available through the Apple representative on site.

 

When the sun goes down, Hard Rock knows how to rock. The fun has just begun. You can go check out a rock show, or bet against lady luck at the casino. Perhaps you want to test your own rock and roll voice at the Karaoke, dance the night away at the club, or sit, relax and have a drink at one of the many lounges. The possibilities are endless and so is the fun.

 

The majestic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana brings the Palace brand of uncompromising, all-inclusive luxury to its newest destination - one of the most beautiful beachfront locations in the Caribbean.

 

This vacation reminded me why I love Punta Cana so much and why its growing in popularity as the years pass. With great people, great food, spectacular service, beautiful scenery and incredible beaches its not hard to see why Punta Cana is becoming THE place to vacation.  Don’t overlook this destination next time you are in need of a great vacation!

Happy travels…

Showing off the Best Apple Advantages

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I have to get this off my chest…Tuesday after a long weekend always feels like Monday! Between the gloomy weather and coming to terms that summer’s over, all I want to think about is my next vacation.  And I’ve got an idea! I’ve been listening to my sisters ask me “When are we going to take a Girls trip?” for months now. It’s time to show them all the relaxing amenities of an All-Inclusive Apple Vacation. Keep in mind, neither of them has actually been on an Apple Vacation yet, so I’m extra excited to be a guide for them. With all of these Apple Advantages, they are going to be really impressed!

Sanctuary Cap Cana - Dominican Republic

 

The Best Apple Advantages

  • Preferred Perks Plus – makes flying actually comfortable and I really like the non-stop transfers to your resort once you arrive.
  • Flowered Shirts – “A friendly face in a faraway place” is an understatement. You just have to spot the flowered shirts, a.k.a. Apple Reps, when you arrive and you’re all set for an easy drive to your resort. Here’s another little extra bonus, there are non-stop transfers with Preferred Perks Plus. Apple Rep’s are in every resort, so if you have questions about your departure or looking for fun things to do outside the resort, they’re the people to ask.
  • All-Inclusive – the best 2 words on any vacation. It’s definitely more relaxing when you’re lounging around the pool or on the beach and you’re not worrying about how much cash you have with you. Or when you’re going to a restaurant and there’s not bill to take care of at the end of your meal. It’s like a vacation for your wallet, and who doesn’t mind that?
  • AV-OK – Total Vacation Security Package. It’s necessary if you ask me, and completely worth it. If there’s a price drop in your vacation, you can get refund. If you need to cancel, for whatever reason, you can get a refund. If something happens in resort, you’re covered. AV-OK = Peace of Mind.
  • Last but not least, you’re in tropical paradise! All of the details I mentioned previously are wrapped up in a bow call an All-Inclusive Apple Vacation.  I think it’s a big relief for vacationers to really unwind and relax and not have to worry about organizing the small details that Apple Vacations has to offer. Vacationers can enjoy what they came to do – VACATION.

I’m sure my sisters will love their first Apple Vacation, and I’ll keep you posted how the trip turns out. In the meantime, while I’m stuck in my cubicle today, I’ll daydream about the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana or Mexico.

 

West Coast Mexico, Secrets Marquis Los Cabos

 

 

 

Apple Vacations launches aggressive expansion for winter 2013 vacation options

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(Elk Grove Village, IL – Aug. 9, 2012) Apple Vacations today announced 11 new exclusive vacation flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from multiple US gateways. The expanded offerings enable Apple Vacations’ to provide consumers with thousands of new airseats – a year over year increase of 15% – on exclusive vacation flights initiating throughout the US in time for the winter 2012/2013 travel season.

 

Apple Vacations today announced 11 new exclusive vacation flights to Mexico and the Caribbean from multiple US gateways.

 

Additionally, Apple Vacations will expand operations into three new markets: Austin, TX, Des Moines, IA and Kansas City, MO. New winter exclusive vacation flights include:

• Austin, TX to Cancun, Mexico
• Detroit to Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Des Moines, IA to Cancun, Mexico
• Hartford, CT to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
• Kansas City, MO to Cancun, Mexico
• Kansas City, MO to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Kansas City, MO to Los Cabos, Mexico
• Lansing, MI to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Minneapolis to Huatulco, Mexico
• Rockford, IL to Montego Bay, Jamaica
• St. Louis to Huatulco, Mexico

“We are always looking for new ways to offer new vacation experiences to our customers,” said Tim Mullen, Apple Vacations President. “Extensive consumer research and input from travel agents helps us to determine what new, nonstop flights to offer to ‘which’ destinations’ from ‘what city’. We try to make our customer’s vacation experience the best it can be – and many times it starts with ‘where they want to go’ and how easily they can get there. This is where that experience begins.”

Apple Vacations works with established airlines such as Sun Country Airlines, Frontier Airlines. jetBlue Airways and AirTran Airways to provide customers with state-of-the-art, first generation aircraft for its exclusive vacation flights. There are many advantages to flying on one of Apple Vacations’ exclusive vacation flights:

• Nonstop flights to new vacation hotspots – Apple Vacations has weekly nonstop flights from select gateways this winter to beach destinations like Costa Rica and Huatulco, Mexico. From many US gateways, Apple Vacations has the ONLY nonstop flights to a vacation destination.

• Vacation accessibility from underserved airports – This winter, Apple Vacations will have nonstop flights from Austin, TX, Rockford, IL, Lansing, MI, Des Moines, IA, Hartford, CT and Kansas City, MO, in addition to nonstop flights from larger cities like Chicago, Philadelphia and Minneapolis.

• Superior buying power – Apple Vacations is the number one tour operator in the world to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and its overall passenger volume results in rate advantage.

• With Apple Vacations, round-trip hotel transfers are always included on international packages. Depending on your hotel, this could save consumers up to $100 per person.

Destination Wedding Trends

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Check out the latest scoop on what’s “in” when tying the knot away from home

as told by Danielle Laverty, Apple Vacations Destination Wedding Specialist

Skip the Cake

Tickle your guests’ taste buds with a non-traditional dessert after you say “I do.”  Incorporate a taste of local cuisine like Mexican wedding cookies, Caribbean rum cake, or Hawaii’s famous coconut-based gelatin dessert, Haupia.  Other fun cake-free options include a color-themed candy “bar” or decorative cupcake displays.  Consider featuring your favorite childhood sweet like cotton candy or salt-water taffy.  Think creative, different, and fun!

 

Dreams Riviera Cancun - Dreaming of an unforgettable beach wedding? On this special day Experience Paradise.

 

Culture-Inspired Customs

Personalization and customization are big trends popping up anywhere and everywhere in today’s society.  To make the most of your destination wedding, make it special and unique by adding a touch of cultural flare to your destination ceremony or reception.

Whether the custom is rooted within your destination’s culture or your own heritage and background, little details like a henna tattoo station (India) or jumping the broom ritual (Africa & Bahamas) are memorable ways to connect tradition with a non-traditional destination wedding couple.

Group Adventures

A popular addition to destination itineraries before and after saying “I do,” is offering guests the opportunity to tag along on some pre-arranged group activities.  Ever think you’d see your future-father-in-law swaying his hips during a hula lesson in Hawaii?  Or maybe you want to try a variety of spirits at a tequila tasting in Los Cabos, Mexico.  If you’re tying the knot in Jamaica, consider touring Nine Mile, the rural village where Bob Marley was born and raised.   Whether you arrange a beautiful sunset dinner cruise, take your friends and family on a kayaking or biking tour, try out some flippers on a fun snorkeling trip, or even a challenge the group to beach volleyball tournament, no matter what kind of activity you arrange, your friends and family will be buzzing about having a great time getting to know each other. Whether you can cover the costs for one activity or several, your guests are sure to appreciate a bit of the local culture.

Enjoy a "Robinson Crusoe" type day with AmstarDMC! Great for beginners and veterans alike. You'll jump into warm Caribbean waters and swim with colorful tropical fish and amazing diversity of marine life as you marvel at the coral formations on the Great Mayan Reef - the second largest reef system in the world. Small launches take you just a short distance from the beach out to the reefs and return the snorkeling session, so you're not on the water the entire day.

Themed Wedding Favors

Saying “thank you” to traveling guests is important.  Individual wedding favors that tie into the theme of your destination are a huge hit. Destination couples are finding more and more locally-inspired ways to show their guests gratitude.  Luggage tags with handwritten notes are a great travel-related favors.  Local delicacies like individual rum cakes in the Caribbean, a bottle of locally produced wine, beer, or spirits, or hand-painted wooden maracas in Mexico all add a great touch.  If your destination wedding is takes place on the beach, there are many seashore-related items to think about.  Flip-flop shaped bottle openers, starfish ornaments, and seashell shaped bottle stoppers are cute ways to tie the whole experience together.

 

Powdery, tropical beaches caressing your feet; warm turquoise oceans enveloping your body, romantic sunsets fullfilling your fantasies - yes, this is the wedding section!!! Destination Weddings have become the rage for brides-to-be.

Apple Vacations LOVES Travel Agents!

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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, and again … Apple Vacations LOVES Travel Agents!

Mark from Dreamers Travel after getting some new window swag.

Mark from Dreamers Travel after getting some new window swag.

We dedicate each May as Travel Agent Appreciation Month. We just announced the Travel Agent Appreciation Month prize winners! Agents, make sure you log on to the NEW Apple Vacations Agent Cafe to check them out.

Check out some pictures of Travel Agents from Travel Agent Appreciation Month 2012.   

Glenside Travel after enjoying lunch for their office.

 

2012 Crystal Retreat in Los Cabos

 

2012 Crystal Retreat in Los Cabos

Why My Mom?

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A Mother’s Day Giveaway.

364 Days a Year your Mom caters to you, to you sisters and brothers (if you have any), to your Dad, to the dog, the cat, the turtles. On the 365th day your Mom gets to rest. Why not give her another seven? Tell your Mom how much you appreciate her with a 7 night all-inclusive summer Apple Vacation for two, including roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations, all meals, drinks, tips and more!!

But, first you have to tell us WHY YOUR MOM? Tell us in 200 words or less, include a photo of you and your Mom (or the Mom you’re nominating) by this Friday and one lucky Mom will win a week-long vacation in paradise this summer.

We will announce the winner this Sunday May 13th, on Mother’s Day!

To officially enter the contest –

E-mail facebook@applevacations.com  and tell us why your mom is BEST (in 200 words or less), include a photo of you and your mom (or the mom you’re nominating) by Friday May 11, 2012.

Be sure to include the extra special Mom’s name, address, e-mail, and phone number where they can be reached.

The winner will be announced Sunday May 13, 2012.

By submitting a photo and story, Apple Vacations has the rights to use it for marketing purposes.

Terms and Conditions

  • Valid for (2) adults (based on availability) excluding holiday weeks (5 days prior and after).
  • Trip must be taken by August 31, 2012.
  • No purchase necessary. One entry per person please.
  • No travel will be permitted over blackout dates. Confirmation will be given on a space-available basis only.
  • Once a reservation has been confirmed, no changes are permitted.
  • All fully completed Apple Vacations registrant entries received will be placed in a random drawing to be held.
  • Odds of winning depend upon number of eligible entries.
  • The winner will be notified via e-mail.
  • You must be 21 years of age or older to enter. Winners will be asked for proof of identity and age.
  • The prize is non-transferable, may not be substituted and is not redeemable for cash.
  • By virtue of entering this contest, the winner agrees to hold forever harmless of any liability whatsoever, Apple Vacations, any other sponsors of this promotion, including their employees, affiliates, parent companies, agencies, and subsidiaries, for damages that may occur by the acceptance and/or use of this prize.
  • Winner will be required to agree to the applicable Apple Vacations “Fair Trade Contract” (dependent on departure city – copies available on request) and sign Apple’s Vacation Booking Form.
  • Odds of winning depend upon number of eligible entries received.
  • Participants must be residents of The United States.
  • Winner is responsible for all applicable international, government, state and local taxes, which includes a $2.50 per segment September 11th Security Fee and airport user fees.
  • Checked bag fees from the air carrier may apply ranging from $10 to $100 per bag. Please see the individual air carrier’s website for a full detailed description of baggage charges.
  • Employees of Apple Vacations, their spouses and families are not eligible to win.
  • Winners agree to allow the participating sponsors the opportunity to use their names and/ or photographs for publicity for this promotion.
  • Winner will be contacted by the Apple Vacations Marketing Department.

 

If you’re stuck for a Mother’s Day gift this year, here’s your chance to save some time and to make Mom proud!

Apple Vacation Gift Certificates Available