Tag Archives: Vacation

Family Vacations – Ready or not, it’s time to GO!

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Another major “vacation company” has a great marketing campaign out right now, and it is what I preach all the time. Take your vacation NOW, your kids are only this age once. Don’t miss out on it.

As my son gets older, I want to freeze time.  My son is 8 and he will only be 8 once. OK, it is for an entire year I know, but I feel like he was 3, I blinked and now he is 8.  I want to soak up every minute of him being 8 and acting 8 (the good and the bad).

I do understand when people want to “Wait until their kids remember” before spending a lot of money on a vacation, or wait until their kids are “old enough” to really enjoy it. But your kids are only this age once. Every family can use some together time away from work, school, video games, homework, laptops and television.  This summer, plan your family together time on an Apple Vacation!

Plan it together by picking out destinations you want to see, hotels that have activities your family enjoys or excursions you want to experience. Or just be spontaneous and surprise them!

There is no better time spent with your family, than on an Apple Vacation!  Make the summer of 2013 one your family will never forget. Go ahead and pick out your vacation here.

 

 

Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel – Kaanapali Beach Hotel

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For many vacationers, especially “East- Coasters” like me, Hawaii is a “bucket – list” vacation. A trip to Hawaii is where you go on your Honeymoon or for a special occasion. It really does not have to be that way. With current airfare rates Hawaii is very, very

affordable. And with several islands to explore and various hotels to choose from, an Apple Vacation to Hawaii the possibilities are endless. Myself, I have a Hawaii “list”, places I want to visit, hotels where I want to stay, and excursions I want to do. I bookmark websites, print articles and save magazines. Whenever I come across something new or interesting about Hawaii, I file it away so I don’t forget about it when it is time for me to book! Low and behold, I recently added to my list! I learned about the Kaanapali Beach Hotel at an educational presentation and now I can’t wait to stay there!

Maui is the 2nd Largest Island in the Hawaiian Island Chain and Kâ‘anapali is Located in West Maui. Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a stunning Beachfront Location on 3 miles of golden sand beach. The hotel has been voted #1 for the past 19 years voted by Conde-Nast. The Kâ̕anapali Beach Resort is the world’s first “planned resort community” – 1,200 acres! There are two 18 – hole championship golf courses, private hotels, five condominiums, several restaurants, the Whaler’s Village Shopping Center and Whale Museum and hotels and resorts.

 


That all sounds great, but here is why I really think you should book Kaanapali Beach Hotel:

  • Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers the best location, location, Location! It is on the widest stretch of beautiful Kâ̕anapali Beach. And, Kaanapali Beach Hotel is Hawai̕i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel. When I travel I am all about the view, location and immersing myself in local culture. This is definitely the hotel for me.
  • As Hawai̕i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers daily Hawaiian activities and they employ full-time Hawaiian “Culture Advisors” (Alaka̕i) right on property. They offer nightly complimentary Hawaiian Entertainment & Hula Show in the Tiki Courtyard. the hotel is adjacent to Pu̕u Keka’a (Black Rock) for world-class snorkeling. They also have the first and only outdoor Tiki-Themed Bar on Maui with exotic cocktail blends, famous Mai-Tais, Pupule and Tiki Tini cocktails. The hotel provides trolley service to Historic Lâhainâ if you want to venture into town.
  • Kaanapali Beach Hotel sounds like paradise and everything I look for in a vacation. Stay tuned for my next blog on Kaanapali Beach Hotel and why this resort is an excellent choice for family vacations.
Susan Haigh-Bishop Senior Sales Manager, Kaanapali Beach Hotel with Tim Mullen and Karen McFadden from Apple Vacations.

 

Playing around Paradise Island, Part 2

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Atlantis is not just a hotel, but an entire vacation destination! It’s larger than life! As dramatically fanciful as it is magnificent in scope and concept, the legendary Atlantis, Paradise Island offers a resort experience of mythical proportions.

 

Here are my Tips for what to do and see while staying at Atlantis, Paradise Island:

  • You can explore the lost ruins of The Dig, a journey into the world of the ancient Atlanteans, complete with an elaborate maze of corridors through underground ruins teeming with a stunning civilization of sea creatures.
  • Or experience the world’s largest marine habitat, second only to Mother Nature, with over 50,000 sea animals spread throughout 11 exhibit lagoons.
  • Then wander the amazing 63 acre waterscape, where you can climb a 6-story Mayan Temple, only to come splashing back down on a choice of five thrilling water slides.
  • Or immerse yourself in Aquaventure, a thrilling water attraction, featuring four exhilarating waterslides and a one mile rapid river experience.
  • There are 20 swimming areas to enjoy, drift down the lazy river ride, or investigate the secrets of the 7-acre snorkeling lagoon.
  • Discover endless action in the entertainment complex, featuring a 50,000 sq. ft. casino, innovatively designed with brilliant glass sculptures and panoramic windows overlooking the waterscape and marina.
  • And for kids, there’s Atlantis Kid’s Club providing children ages 3-12 a fun way to discover the mysteries of Atlantis while making new friends.

Combine all this with a full service spa, a sports center, marina, haute couture shopping and a vast array of restaurants and lounges and you’ll soon discover why Atlantis is not just a hotel, but an entire vacation destination!

 

Interested in going? Here are my quick reviews of the separate sections of the Atlantis Resort:

  • Atlantis Paradise Island –This is the original section of the Atlantis resort. This section contains the Royal Towers with 1200 rooms and the “bridge suite” that connects the two towers. Overall, there are 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, 20 swimming areas consisting of pools, lagoons and water park areas. Six lit tennis courts, a fitness center with yoga and Pilates, a kids club, a teen’s club and the largest casino in the Caribbean.
  • Atlantis Beach Tower – Each room has either 1 king bed or two double beds. All rooms have full balconies. This is The Atlantis’s most economical section and, it is the only tower that is directly on the beach.
  • The Cove Atlantis – 600 suites, and all of them are ocean view. All suites have a separate step – down sitting area. The cove is very upscale, modern and chic. They have pool side cabanas with concierge service available for an additional fee.
  • The Reef Atlantis – 495 units, many of these units are privately owned and the Atlantis rents them out. Each unit has a kitchen area. The Reef and The Cove are the newest sections of The Atlantis and they are not connected however, they are next to each other.
  • Harborside Resort Atlantis – This is primarily a time share property however, rooms are available to book. There are 7 buildings with a total of 392 rooms. There are rooms that will sleep up to 10 people. All buildings have elevators. There are over 30 handicap accessible rooms and a handicap accessible shuttle to the Atlantis main towers. This resort is on the harbor side of the island, not the ocean side.

 

Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino

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Located near Aruba and off the coast of Venezuela, the island of Curaçao offers idyllic weather, exquisite beaches, spectacular snorkeling and much more!

 

Here’s the latest scoop on Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino which just had its grand opening on November 15, 2012.

Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino is situated on more than 1,500 feet of pure white sand has a pristine house reef in the crystal clear waters of the Southern Caribbean. This is actually part of the adjacent Undersea National Park. Guests of the resort also will have close access to the Blue Bay Golf Course and the well-known Curaçao Sea Aquarium. For travelers convenience the resort is actually only 20 minutes away from Curaçao International Airport. While catering to couples and singles with its glittering on-site Casino, Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa and Casino also welcomes families, with the Explorer`s Club for kids and the CoreZone for Teens.

Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino

The Dutch flavor of this island will add a new twist to the active vacations our Apple Vacationers have enjoyed for years. Curacao is known as a “Divers paradise”, and is located just off the coast of Venezuela. Sunscape Curacao Resortis a beautiful resort ideal for families, couple and singles proudly offering 341 rooms and suites. This resort comes to life on the beautiful island of Curacao with its private white sandy beach and crystal clear waters. Here you`ll enjoy wonderful accommodations, all imaginable water sports, premium brand drinks and a variety of dining options ranging from Japanese cuisine at Munasan to the never-ending Jimmy`s Buffet. Of course, with the exceptional privileges of Unlimited-Fun® everything is included in the price and tipping is not allowed! Sunscape Curacao Resort, Spa and Casino is ideal for a family vacation – it’s active and exciting for the kids, yet peaceful and relaxing for you. In fact, the largest casino in Curacao is right on the premises, which means that when you add it all up, Sunscape Curacao Resort is the perfect vacation getaway, because it leaves nothing to chance.

Are you ready to pack your bags?

Apple Vacations Exclusive Promo Code:  OpenSunscape

Save $100 per couple on vacations of 4 nights or more when you book an Apple Vacations including airfare or land only vacation to Sunscape Curacao.

* Sunscape Curacao promo code valid for bookings made 11/30/12 – 12/13/12 for travel by 6/30/13. Discount will be applied as $50.00 per person & per adult fare only. Only one Discount can be applied per person per booking. Offer not valid on group bookings, cancelled or expired bookings. Promo code must be applied at the time of booking. Adjustments to past bookings or future bookings cannot be made. Promo code not valid on square deals.

 

Beach volleyball, rock climbing, water trampoline, non-motorized watersport and Euro-bungee. We have two tennis courts, which are lit for night play.
Largest resort beach on the island with more than 100 sq. ft. of beach front per room.
Guests can enjoy the on-site dive center at Sunscape Curaçao
4 Outdoor Pools
Escape to Unlimited-Fun® where everything is included: Spacious rooms and suites with private terraces and balcony overlooking the
Located near Aruba and off the coast of Venezuela, the island of Curaçao offers idyllic weather, exquisite beaches, spectacular snorkeling and much more!
Save $100 per couple on vacations of 4 nights or more when you book an Apple Vacation including airfare or hotel only vacation to Sunscape Curacao.

Money saving tips for booking your winter vacation

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Here are some of our favorite travel tips for keeping you and your family traveling this winter while still keeping your budget intact.

  1. Look for a vacation package – Often times, you’ll get a better deal when you buy a package that includes your airfare, hotel and transfers, and you’ll save your own time by not piecing your vacation together from several different travel sites. Apple Vacations packages can include round-trip air, hotel accommodations, hotel transfers, all meals and drinks and taxes and fees. You’ll know the entire cost of your vacation up front.
  2. Make sure you’re comparing Apples to Apples – most online travel companies do not include hotel transfers, which could add another $100 each way. With Apple Vacations, hotel transfers are always included in international destinations.
  3. All-inclusives are the way to go – today’s all-inclusives have great dining options. A la carte restaurants, room service and your beverages are all included. There won’t be any unexpected bills at check out.
  4. If you know the dates you want to travel or have a particular hotel in mind, buy your vacation as soon as possible. This winter, we are seeing the best dates and hotels selling out already. So while you may have gotten a great last minute deal in year’s past, this winter you may not get your first or second choices unless you book early. Apple Vacations AVOK vacation protection offers a cash-back feature, where if the price of your vacation goes down after purchase, we will refund the difference so you know you’re always getting the best price.
  5. Your time is valuable too – Spend more time on the beach and not in the airport with Apple Vacations’ nonstop vacation flights. This winter, Apple Vacations will have 130 nonstop vacation flights to sunny destinations.
  6. Shop the sales like Apple Vacations SuperSale – Each November, Apple Vacations holds its biggest sale of the year, discounting brand name resorts like Iberostar, Riu, Secrets and Dreams for winter travel dates. SuperSale ends Nov. 22nd.

 

Apple Vacations SuperSale is here!

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It’s Apple Vacations SuperSale! We are offering savings as big as 50% on many of your favorite resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. It is currently scheduled to run for bookings made by November 22.

I wanted to give you some tips on how to find the best pricing within the sale, what hotels to look for, and how you can take advantage of our great SuperSale Rates. Before I even get to that, I want to emphasize that hotel rooms, especially in Punta Cana, will sell out FAST for winter 2013 travel! More advance bookings are coming in, and they are also much earlier than last year. The best hotels will sell out quickly, so make sure you book the resort you want while you still can.

Apple Vacations SuperSale features prices up to 50% off at select resorts, and many resorts even though they are not 50% off, still have some amazing rates! SuperSale offers are valid on select departures and the best rates can be found for early January 2013 departure dates and post Easter through mid May. Weekday departures are also typically less than a Saturday or Sunday. SuperSale rates are available nationwide, but it is no secret that the best rates can be found on Apple Vacations charters or “value flights”. To see if we have a charter from a city near you click here.

Hotels I want to point out with some of the best rates and value in Punta Cana are RIU Palace and Bambu, Grand Paradise Bavaro, Now Larimar, Iberostar Punta Cana and Dominicana in Punta Cana; and Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Dreams Rivera Cancun, Now Jade and Sapphire, Iberostar Paraiso del Mar, Sea Adventure, RIU Palace Peninsula and Grand Sunset in Cancun and Riviera Maya. On the West Coast look for Now Ambar in Puerto Vallarta and RIU Santa Fe in Los Cabos. To see all the hotels and great deals click here.

To support the sale we’ll be running advertising nationwide including TV, radio, billboards, on – line advertising and much, much more! We even have a billboard in Times Square


Apple Vacations SuperSale

So hurry and book your Apple Vacations’ SuperSale vacation! Book it NOW so you can enjoy the upcoming holidays even more, knowing you have and Apple Vacation to look forward to. Log on to www.applevacations.com/supersale-2012 or call your local travel agent to book your winter 2013 Apple Vacation.

 

 

Get Fit 2 Ski This Season

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Photo Credit: Apple Vacations - Aspen

 

Unless you’ve been skiing in South America and New Zealand this summer, it’s less than 30 days until ski resorts will start opening around the world. Travelers will soon be arriving in their favorite mountain towns such as: Whistler, Park City, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, and Lake Tahoe. Avid skiers and snowboarders will be pulling out their gear for waxing and tuning. Hopefully, everyone has been staying active for the last 6-7 months and keeping their body in shape for the 2012-2013 ski season.

If not, then it is time to hit the mountains for some hiking or trail running. If you live in flatter regions then the elliptical machine would be the next best option. You want to make sure you are ready to be a weekend warrior from the beginning.

The best part of skiing is that it helps you exercise your entire body while having the time of your life. Building strength in certain muscle groups such as quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, inner and outer thighs, calves, abs, back and arms is very important.

So, let the countdown begin and get in the best shape you can before first tracks of opening day arrive.

Click here and Get Fit 2 Ski and save up to 35% off your 2012-2013 ski vacation!