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The airport is approx 30 mins drive from the town of Varadero. The hotel zone is a strip of land jetting into the Caribbean Ocean. What I liked about Varadero was of course the beaches, and beautiful spirit of the Cuban people. Here are a few tips to keep your trip ideal.

Cigars. I would stay away from random cigar sales people on the street. 75% of the time the cigars are made from Banana leaves. Speak to your rep about the best places to purchase real Cuban Cigars.

Book 4* or better. The reason hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Cuba year after year, is for the culture, history, people, and of course amazing beaches. Please know that many of the hotels in Cuba are not exactly to the same standards as many Canadians may be used to. I recommend staying in nothing less than a 4* Resort. 

Stay Healthy. See your family doctor or International Health Clinic for Twinrix™ shots before any travel. Your local Health Clinic will advise if you require any other vaccinations.

Passport. A valid Canadian Passport is required. Make sure you have a photocopy of your identification with you as well just in case you lose it.

When to go. Best time to travel: Late December – June. Hurricane season runs from July – end November.

My most recent river cruise along the Danube from Budapest to Nuremburg just reconfirmed my conviction that river cruising is the best way to see Europe. Unpack just once, relax and let the ship take you to the center of the cities and villages along the river where you can get off and on the ship at will, during the hours the ship is in port.

Every day is different on a River Cruise, sometimes cruising during the day and sometimes through the night.

Ephesus just outside of Kusadasi, Turkey. This is an amazing working archeological site still in progress. You can see the markets and the intact amphitheatre. Guides take guests through a tour of the site and tell the story and the history of Ephesus.

The Coliseum and Roman Ruins. Again, the history that goes before you. The lifestyle, government and incredible buildings that the Romans built.

View of Pompeii from the ferry to Capri. This was one of the saddest places I have been. Pompeii had a haze over it the day we viewed the mountain and we were reminded of the day the mountain exploded and so many lost their lives. The city of Pompeii is so moving to see the beauty of the city through the digs and then to see those that lived there, preserved forever in stone.

Queen Elizabeth’s country home at Windsor. The first time I saw Windsor, I was so surprised at what a simple English town it was with the huge castle at its north end. A Sunday afternoon had all of the local people shopping and enjoying a sunny spring day. There was a craft market in the town square. Touring the castle was a treat to see were the Queen entertained. When we arrived the Union Jack was on the flag pole but shortly after we arrived the flag was taken down and the Queen’s standard was put up. The Queen was in the house.

The Palace of Versaille. A short trip from Paris to the Palace of Versaille, is so much more splendid and larger than any picture. Regular tours take you through a history of the Palace and it’s occupants. We saw Marie’s bed chamber and as we walked the Hall of Mirrors and looked out over the gardens I could only think that I was walking where Louis and Marie had walked.

Vaccinations. See your family doctor or International Health Clinic for Twinrix™ shots before any travel. Your local Health Clinic will advise if you require any other vaccinations.

Don’t forget your bug spray. When the sun sets, the mosquitoes are out.

Time Shares.  BE FORWARNED – Mexico have many of them – they will approach you in the street offering you a free trips – don’t fall for this – unless you want to spend one day of your vacation with these people.

Tipping is customary. While you may be vacationing at an all inclusive, it pays to leave a little something – The maid works very hard – it’s so nice to leave her say 20-40 pesos a day – you’ll have the cleanest room with some unique decorations as thank you’s – Bartenders enjoy them as well, plus it will keep you replenished “sooner” and they will appreciate the tip by serving you somehow first all the time(!)

Passport. A valid Canadian Passport is your best bet. Make sure you have a photocopy of your identification with you as well just in case you lose it.

When to go. Between January to May – Hurricane Season starts mid July to early December – however the best pricing is during this season.

 I’ve travelled to Cancun a few times and there are a  lot of tours I would recommend, but I would have to categorize as a a must-see!

Tulum / Xel Ha. This is a great day trip – in the morning visit the only Mayan City built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea (great photo opp here ) and then swim in the natural aquarium of Xel-Ha where the Mayan Royalty explored the under sea life – you can swim with the dolphins here too – great restaurant’s here as well – they’ve thought of everything.

Playa Del Carmen. This is a great gateway to the Mayan World and is the heart of activities starting at the top of the Mayan Riviera – only 20 mins. From Cancun it boasts varied cuisine, parties on the beach with live music, and of course the famous 5th avenue – famous for it’s shopping and great tequila shops – yum!!

Isla Mujeres. Only a short ferry ride away scuba divers can expore the “ultra Freeze” ship wreck or the Sleeping Sharks Cave .. This is a great day trip to “chillax” or rent a golf cart to jet around the island.

Chichen Itza. This is a must – you truly feel you are sent back in time – this is the Capital of the Mayan Culture – full day trip includes lunch and all entrance fees.

As nice as it is, you can’t stay in the hotel all the time!  Here are my favourite recommendations for a night out in Cancun.

The ever-famous Señor Frogs offers good fare and a lot of fun – same with Carlos O’Briens – dancing happens their as well.

If your looking for some Cajun influence try the Blue Bayou at they Hyatt Caribe – they get excellent Crawfish flown in from Louisiana daily.

Cocobongo in Cancun -live performances from all walks of musical type – Circus acts above your head – great sight for all types of music lovers ambience – open till 330am.

Cancun is serviced by a major International airport and there are packages from all major Canadian cities as well as several smaller centers. It’s so easy to get there, but where do you stay?

Most of the Cancun all-inclusive resort hotels are concentrated in the Hotel Zone. An all-inclusive resort provides all your drinks and meals combined in a package deal with airfare.

The Mayan Riviera of Mexico is close to Cancun (extending just south of Cancun along the coast) and also includes the resort areas of island of Cozumel (accessible by ferry), Playa del Carmen and Tulum. There is also easy access to ancient ruin sites, abundant marine life and, of course, tropical beaches.

Here’s my Top 5:

El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Royale
Adults only. Quiet and Romantic. 5 star Deluxe. A la Carte Dining – you won’t miss the buffet experience!

Bahia Principe Complex and the Barcelo Complex
All properties are good for families/couples alike. Lot of facilites. Kids club for over age 4. Ranging from 4-5 star.

Bahia Principe Tulum – Great 1 km sandy beach and lots of activities.

Golden Crowne Parnassus
4 star adults only in Cancun. Smaller more intimate resort but still has lots to do! You must book the ocean view … spectacular!

Oasis Cancun Complex
3 star. Good for singles or lively couples. Great beach and pools- Upgrade to the Grande Oasis if you are looking for something a little more upscale.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular and established vacation resorts in Mexico and hundreds of thousands of Canadians flock here to enjoy all that it has to offer. Going for a package vacation lets you choose from luxurious all-inclusive resorts to budget hotels– whatever suits your indivual budget and desires.

There are four main resort areas in Puerto Vallarta (and several other smaller distinct areas). The El Centro or Downtown South area is close to Los Muertos beach, the Malecon and its restaurants and nightlife and is home to many budget-priced hotels and resorts – as well as newer all-inclusive properties located convenient to the best of the cultural attractions in the old city. The attraction here is the diversity and “old world” feel of the cobbled streets and the mingling of touristy shops with the vibrant life of a functioning Mexican town.

Further north, the aptly named Hotel Zone is the largest area and is filled with all-inclusive resorts and other hotels. Even further out you will find Marina Vallarta, with many exclusive 5-star luxury all-inclusive resorts and Nuevo Vallarta – 15 minutes north of the airport. Unless you are staying very close to the city (El Centro) we recommend you look for an all-inclusive vacation which will provide all your drinks and meals combined in a package deal with airfare.

While vacationing in Puerto Vallarta you will discover that there are tons of great local attractions. Take a cruise to Los Arcos for snorkelling and catch a sunset on the Pacific. Hit the links at one of the seven area world-class golf courses. Go deep-sea fishing or just enjoy a stroll on the Malecon for shopping, entertainment and a world of culinary choices.

It is now recommended that Canadians traveling to Mexico carry a valid passport and a travel card (a small paper form) that is available free from airlines and Mexican Government Tourist Offices. It is valid for six months.