Maximize Your All-Inclusive Vacation with These Tips

You booked your all-inclusive vacation in Cancun, bought your plane tickets and made sure your passports were still current. Whether this is your first all-inclusive vacation or your tenth, you're sure to have an amazing time. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your upcoming all-inclusive vacation in Cancun:

1. Treat yourself to the spa! You're on vacation to get away from it all and relax, and nothing can relax you quite like being pampered for several hours (or for the entire day!) Whether it's a hydrotherapy treatment, a visit to the sauna and steam room, or a deep tissue massage at least once during your vacation can help you shed the stress of your everyday life so you can enjoy your vacation to its fullest.

2. Try a new activity. Whether it's the ultimate surfing challenge Flowrider, golfing, trying your hand at ping-pong, swimming with dolphins, trying a new non-motorized water sport or going down a waterslide at the resort for the first time, vacation is the time to be adventurous. 

3. Get out of your culinary comfort zone. Your all-inclusive package includes your food and drinks, so this is your chance to try something you've never tasted before. Find your new favorite drink at the swim-up bar, try a new Mexican, Pan-Asian, Italian or American fine dining experience, or order room service at 2 AM. Go ahead: send your taste buds on vacation too!

4. Take advantage of kids' programs. If your whole family is going on vacation to Beach Palace or Moon Palace, take advantage of the fun activities and classes just for kids under 12! Your kids will enjoy making new friends and having fun, and you can enjoy the beach or pool knowing they're having a great time. 

5. Plan for "down time." You'll likely want to plan some excursions during your vacation to experience all that Cancun and the Riviera Maya have to offer. Whether it's swimming with dolphins, visiting the Mayan ruins, shopping or taking advantage of the area's bustling nightlife scene, make sure you don't over-schedule yourselves. You'll want plenty of time to relax on the beach or by any of the amazing swimming pools. Pro-tip: Instead of trying to schedule your tours and outings on your own, schedule them through the resort's Vacation Planner. Not only will they be able to steer you in the right direction for safe, fun excursions, but they can also arrange great pricing for resort guests.

If this is your first visit to the Cancun area, do some research first so you can make the most of what is sure to feel like an all-too-short stay in paradise. Then, go ahead and pack your bags to prepare for the vacation experience of a lifetime. 

Top Attractions on the Riviera Maya in 2016

Mexico is a land of pleasure and mystery where serene beaches are found just meters away from thrilling jungle scenery.  The Riviera Maya is an unforgettable place that has captured the imagination of generations of travelers.  Today it stands as one of the premier vacation hotspots in the world, and Palace Resort properties give visitors a glimpse of the finest Mexico can offer.

Whether you're an on-the-go single looking for adventure or part of a bustling family that wants to celebrate a big milestone, Palace resorts offers an all-inclusive package to fit your needs.  Our selections include guest rooms, food and drink, and unique experiences.  These may include hitting a golf ball through unsurpassed Mexican scenery or getting in touch with the wonders of the ocean during a dolphin encounter tour.

Palace Resorts offers a number of outdoor activities.  Guests can strap on a snorkel and see jewel-toned, iridescent fish and swaying coral.  You can sail in a yacht and explore the islands dotting the coast, join a yoga class and balance your body's energies, or play volleyball on porcelain-white sand beaches.  

Golfing enthusiasts flock to our Moon Spa & Golf Club.  This Nicklaus Signature Golf Course offers 27 challenging holes. Budding golfers can enjoy lessons by one of our team of certified instructors.  When you're done hitting balls on the green, the Moon Spa will work all the knots from your body and leave you fully rejuvenated.  The spa's experienced masseuses offer aromatherapy treatments, facials, several themes of marine wraps, and of course a wide range of massages.  One of those, the Chiro-Golf treatment, even incorporates golf balls into the relaxing fun!

For the more adventurous at heart, Palace Resorts offers a number of tours depending on the season.  Contact our hotel staff and they'll be happy to arrange one for you.  One popular option is a visit to the remarkable ruins of Chichen Itza.  There, tour groups can marvel at this work of Mayan art and architectural ingenuity.  Another favorite is the Ultimate Dolphin Swim Experience.  This educates visitors on the lives of these playful, majestic animals and gives a chance to see them up close.

Guests who have worked up an appetite will be completely satiated by the dining opportunities included in our all-inclusive packages.  These experiences include five star cuisine from around the globe, from American to Pan-asian and beyond.  We also offer a comprehensive selection of name brand liquors, refined beers, and perfectly balanced wines in both our resort bars and your own personal minibar.  Room service can provide more of the same stellar cuisine for you to enjoy, twenty-four hours a day.  

When you're ready to unwind after a day packed with activities, our guest rooms stand ready to welcome you.  These spacious, luxuriously appointed suites included whirlpool tubs, high thread count linens, and sensational views.  

What are you waiting for?  Contact us at Cancun Time Vacations and book an all-inclusive package today.  A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits in the Riviera Maya.

Booking Your Cancun Vacation: Travel Agent or Travel Website?

If you are planning a trip to Mexico or another fun and exciting destination, you are likely pondering whether you should use a travel website or a travel agent. Sure, you can book your travel online with a travel website with great ease yet there are a number of benefits to making reservations through a traditional travel agent. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each method to help you figure out which is best for you.

The Benefits of Using a Travel Agent

A travel agent will provide some absolutely invaluable advice that you just can't get from a travel website. Your travel agent will do much more than help you plan out your trip. He will also recommend places to eat, lodging and transportation. Agents also have access to special deals and upgrades that are rarely, if ever, found on travel websites. Furthermore, a travel agent will prove especially beneficial if you plan to embark on a complicated trip. Your agent will highlight potential hazards and even coordinate tours ahead of time to prevent dead ends or long waits for tickets. A travel agent also represents your best chance at booking a hotel during a busy time of the year such as the date of a convention. Your agent might even be able to nab frequent flyer flights on your behalf during times when booking is a challenge. A travel agent can even provide assistance mid-trip should something go wrong. Don't lose sight of the fact that these professionals have established relationships with service providers throughout the years. Your agent's experience and network just might turn a trip that has gone sour into one that is quite enjoyable.

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

Unlike travel websites, travel agents are not accessible around the clock. Some travel agents also require fees to make reservations for airline tickets etc. Some travelers will testify that they obtained better prices when booking through travel websites as opposed to travel agents. Others will argue that there is little motivation for travel agents to score you a cheap flight or hotel room as many of these professionals are paid on commission.

The Benefits of Using a Travel Website

One of the primary benefits of using a travel website is the fact that it provides around the clock access. If you pinpoint a certain room or fight in the middle of the night, you can make reservations at that very moment. Furthermore, it provides the type of transparency and control that you can't obtain when you place your trust in a travel agent to do the work on your behalf.

The Cons of Travel Websites

Travel websites require you to do all of the work. If you don't mind researching all of the flights, hotels , tours etc., go ahead and make the attempt to plan out your trip by yourself. However, this process could take up hours of your time and prove to be quite stressful. Also, a travel website offers little-to-no assistance once you embark on your trip. While a travel agent will be more than willing to step in and provide assistance mid-trip, a faceless website offers no such help.

Is Vacationing in Mexico Safe?

If you are pondering where to go for your next vacation, the idea of a trip to Mexico might have crossed your mind. If you immediately shot down the idea due to safety concerns, it is time to revisit the notion. Though Mexico has acquired quite the reputation as a highly stratified and dangerous country, the truth is that it is much safer than most think.

Mexico's Popularity as a Travel Destination

Thousands of United States citizens travel to and from Cancun every year. Cancun, along with a number of other Mexican cities, is thought of as “ground zero” for Spring Break. Just like any other big city on planet Earth, Cancun has its fair share of crime. However, a little bit of common sense and precautions will allow for a drama-free trip. The bottom line is that Mexico can be described as “safe” simply due to the fact that millions of Americans travel to the country each year.

About Those Travel Warnings

In the past, the United States Department of State issued travel alerts urging citizens of the United States to postpone travel to certain parts of Mexico. However, these warnings expired and they did not apply to the country's premier travel destinations. The alerts were only issued in response to a brief period in which violence reached a peak. If you are still questioning whether a trip to Mexico is a good idea, do not hesitate to dial the state department's toll-free number of 888-407-4747 for updated information regarding which (if any) areas of the country are considered to be unsafe.

Water Safety

Most people question whether Mexico's streets and tourist sites are secure. Many do not question whether the country's water is safe to consume. Others fail to question whether a strong undertow threatens their security. There is a chance that the consumption of the country's water will upset your stomach. Do not hesitate to opt for bottled water instead of water from the tap. Also, be aware that certain stretches of the beach have uber-strong undertows. A number of Mexicans and U.S. citizens have drowned in these areas in the past. Do a little bit of research ahead of time and there won't be a problem.

Common Sense Precautions Will Make Your Trip to Mexico Safe

A trip to any foreign country poses a certain element of risk. Be proactive and take a number of precautions before departing. Find out whether medical experts recommend getting specific vaccinations for a trip to your desired destination. Also, visit with your doctor in the month before your trip to ensure a clean bill of health. Furthermore, use common sense once you land in Mexico. Do not make yourself a target. Keep a close eye on your belongings. Don't wear gaudy jewelry. Don't carry multiple credit cards or large amounts of cash. Don't attempt to navigate the city by yourself at night. These precautions might make it seem like Mexico is a dangerous place yet they also apply to a trip to any destination inside or outside of the United States. The bottom line is that Mexico really is a safe country, especially for those who take the proper precautions.

Want an All-Inclusive Vacation You Won't Regret? Read the Fine Print

Moon Palace Resort - Cancun

All-inclusive vacation packages offer convenient options for planning a trip, so you don't have to nervously count pennies throughout your entire stay. Unfortunately, not every resort offers the bargain it advertises. While many packages include the room, food, drinks and activities, the quality of these amenities may not be worth the sizeable budget you're investing in your trip. Take time to perform careful research before you book to find resort packages that offer the best value and live up to your expectations. 

1. Read the Terms and Conditions

Imagine you booked an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico, and every night you invite your friends to freely enjoy the alcoholic beverages stocked in your room. When you check out, you receive a hefty bill because your package excluded top-shelf liquors or only included free beverages from the restaurant bar. Whether or not you can cover the bill, your trip is ruined by  the unexpected setback. If you want to avoid this scenario, thoroughly read any booking details, and keep track of service limitations, such as phone calls, and Internet access. Speak to a booking agent when you have questions about the terms, and make sure anything the agent promises is clearly stated in the contract. 

2. Identify Your Must-Have Features

A legitimate vacation package may still be wrong for your needs, so pay attention to the flexibility of services. Some resorts allow vacationers to visit several onsite restaurants, while others only provide one buffet option. Others offer flexibility, but provide low-quality meals that drive you to spend extra cash at offsite restaurants. The same holds true for activities. Request a list of activities included with your package and the cost options for enjoying additional recreation. For example, the Palace Resorts of the Sierra Maya grant resort points for booking, so customers are able to choose free activities. 

3. Find Detailed Customer Reviews

A common tactic of disreputable companies is to lure in vacationers with photos of luxurious suites while providing low-end lodgings upon arrival. Whenever possible, ask for photos of the exact type of room you're reserving.  Look for reviews of all-inclusive packages on websites that aren't affiliated with the resort or booking agency. Focus on reviews from customers who paid a similar price point and traveled in the same season as you, as these factors may also affect your lodgings. You should also pay attention to comments about customer service to avoid resorts that aren't accommodating.  

4. Research Child Care Standards

If you're looking for a resort that offers child care, don't hesitate to ask what it entails. You don't want the kids to be stuck watching TV or doing one activity for the entire trip while you're having the time of your life. Choose vacation packages that offer enriching recreation for children, such as aquatic exploration one day and sandcastle contests the next.  

An all-inclusive vacation can relieve you of many travel burdens, but you have a better chance of appreciating the experience if you do detective work ahead of time. Only commit to a package that feels right for your vacation style and your budget. 

All-Inclusive Vacations Let You Be the Carefree Traveler You've Always Envied

All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Resort Vacations

You’ve seen them — the people on Cancun vacations who are always elated and carefree. While you’re stressed out over mounting food costs, they’re feasting on grilled salmon and signature cocktails at the resort restaurant. When you’re deciding between a trip to the Mayan ruins or the Xcaret Eco Theme Park, they’re happily exploring an aquatic wonderland in a snorkeling expedition. You can’t help feeling a touch of envy toward those blissful vacationers, and it makes you wonder why it’s so hard to simply live in the moment.

Worries about money often get in the way of having a good time. That’s why all-inclusive resorts are a smart option for travelers who want to indulge without the guilt that comes afterwards. No matter how hard you try to relax, real life keeps creeping in to remind you of the colossal bill looming over your trip. When you pay upfront, you already know the trip is within your budget, and you maintain the peace of mind you’re supposed to have on vacation.

Palace Resort’s Comprehensive All-Inclusive Packages

All-inclusive resorts are not created equally, so be prepared to do the research to find a great fit. A comprehensive package is only worthwhile if it offers the amenities and activities you enjoy most and doesn't tack on hidden fees. If you’re visiting the Riviera Maya area, the Palace Resorts should top your list of places to stay. The Palace Resorts epitomize the idea of planning a stress-free vacation because your room, food and bar costs are already covered. The resorts are in ideal locations close to major attractions and offer thrilling all-ages activities, ranging from dolphin swims to jungle tours.

Take Your Vacation Further with Palace Resort Dollars

Most importantly, you don't just pay for a vacation. You pay for total relaxation and fewer limitations — the chance to become that completely carefree traveler who leaves the money woes behind. You can sip top-shelf liquors right alongside the other happy-go-lucky vacationers and wake up every morning to a delicious meal delivered right to your room. At the Palace Resorts, simply booking your trip earns you resort dollars you can spend on activities that aren't included in your all-inclusive package.

Instead of restricting yourself to a strict itinerary activities, you gain opportunities to go beyond your travel plans without incurring any extra cost. Paying for an all-inclusive resort vacation may seem intimidating at first glance, but making a one-time purchase before you travel eliminates many of those spontaneous moments of impulsive spending. And of course, you'll be so busy living in the moment that you won't have time to envy anyone else.