You can survive Cancun

I did it! I went to Cancun and lived to tell the tale. No one chopped off my fingers, no H1N1 symptoms, not even Montezuma’s Revenge.

First and foremost the ocean breeze was brisk and cool and made every day a total delight. It wasn’t as hot in Cancun as it was here in Oklahoma, and that refreshing breeze took a big bite out of the humidity.

Second, the resorts are immaculate and there is hand sanitizer everywhere you look. My host resort, the Gran Caribe Real, even offers a flu free guarantee. If you come down with the flu within 14 days of your return from one of the Real properties, you receive three years of vacations free of charge. So far there has not been a single claimant.

You can survive Cancun - Mcalester News Capital

via isla mujeres - Google News on 8/29/09

You can survive Cancun Mcalester News Capital Day two was the Isla Mujeres adventure. We boarded the catamaran and made our way through the gorgeous turquoise waters north of Cancun to Isla Mujeres. ...

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What I Ate on My Summer Vacation: Guacamole

via washingtoncitypaper.com

Before Y&H does anything else on his first day back, I’d like to give a big round of applause to Derek Brown, Orr Shtuhl, Tammy Tuck and Bruce Falconer for their informative, funny, and hang0ver-free Two Week Bender. C’mon, folks, give it up for these two-fisted all-stars! (I say that, even though I think Mr. Brown needs to enroll in Dick Cheney’s Remedial Torture Techniques class before suggesting that a simple Indian rug burn would be punishment enough for the next person who puts whipped cream on a daiquiri.)

As for me, I spent that past two weeks roaming the Yucatan, where I managed to successfully avoid Montezuma’s notorious vengeance, despite wolfing down just about every food I encountered, from smoked sausage in Temozon to homemade popsicles in Izamal to roadside chickens in Piste to the best damn Mayan barbecue grouper on Isla Mujeres.

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Oh, Maya heavens

via examiner.com

When we turned the doorknob to Room 414 at Maya Villa, I’m not sure that I had a picture of what to expect.

Since I’ve covered tourism for many years, I’ve found hotels each have a unique spin on hospitality, décor, and ambiance.

Maya Villa in Playa del Carmen is truly unlike any hotel I’ve ever stayed in. It felt like a palace – practically marble everything, clean and inviting, quiet, and complete with way more space than I was prepared for.

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Carnival Cruise Lines to Cozumel

Carnival Cruise Lines to deploy 'Elation' to Mobile; could carry ... - Press-Register - al.com

via cozumel - Google News on 9/17/09

Press-Register - al.com

Carnival Cruise Lines to deploy 'Elation' to Mobile; could carry ... Press-Register - al.com On its new Mobile-based schedule, Carnival Elation will depart the Alabama Cruise Terminal Thursdays on four-day cruises to Cozumel and Mondays and ... and more »

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Snorkeling in Cozumel: priceless

via examiner.com

We began Day 2 of our Playa adventure with a restaurant recommendation: A local spot named Nativo. Boyfriend and I were told we would find fresh juices and smoothies and quality food there. We weren’t disappointed. (The beef tacos were especially good.)

After breakfast, we tackled the Mayan ruins at Tulum. A 40-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, Tulum was further down the Yucatan Peninsula, away from Cancun.

The heat that day was hotter than hot. One of the saving graces on this jaunt was the fresh fruit guy selling baggies of pineapple and mango from a cooler at the entrance.

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ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for August 2009 Down 12.8 ... - Reuters

This announcement reflects comparisons between August 1 through August 31,
2009 and 2008. Transit and general aviation passengers are excluded.

Domestic
August August
Airport 2008 2009 % Change

Cancun 332,419 341,873 2.8
Cozumel 8,766 6,184 (29.5)
Huatulco 30,791 31,275 1.6
Merida 92,050 81,962 (11.0)
------------ ------ ------ ------
Total Domestic 694,360 655,242 (5.6)
-------------- ------- ------- -----

ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for August 2009 Down 12.8 ... - Reuters

via cozumel - Google News on 9/3/09

ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for August 2009 Down 12.8 ... Reuters Domestic August August Airport 2008 2009 % Change Cancun 332419 341873 2.8 Cozumel 8766 6184 (29.5) Huatulco 30791 31275 1.6 Merida 92050 81962 (11.0) ... and more »

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Peace Voyage Sets Sail From Cozumel - This is Cozumel

A message of peace to the world left Cozumel on its 4½ month sea voyage to Greece and back, via 15 ports in North America, Europe and Africa, at the end of last month.

The magnificent wooden trimaran, Zamná, set sail from Cozumel and made its first stop in Miami.

Florida's sunshine city met the vessel with roaring fanfare as part of the Festival México-Miami, which marks the anniversaries of Mexico's revolution and independence.

Peace Voyage Sets Sail From Cozumel - This is Cozumel

via cozumel - Google News on 9/7/09

This is Cozumel

Peace Voyage Sets Sail From Cozumel This is Cozumel Cozumel was declared as "Island of Peace" earlier this year due to its freedom from conflict since ancient Mayan times. Because of this honor, presented by ...

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Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Delivers Sweet Tunes

Musician and Resorts Managing Director, Jean Agarrista, Showcases Saxophone Talent at Festival & On-Property

Mexico, 2009 The seventh annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival returns to Mamitas Beach November 25-28, and music lovers, foodies, and pampered travelers alike can take advantage of a fourth night free at the award-winning Royal Hideaway Playacar during the event. The festival features four nights of complimentary musical performances by a variety of local and international acts including Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendes, and, on opening night, Royal Hideaway Playacars managing director Jean Agarrista with his ensemble, The Royal Band.

Attentive villa concierges can arrange for transportation to and from the musical festivities each night, in addition to providing area information, booking excursions, dinner reservations, spa treatments and more.

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Delivers Sweet Tunes & Free Nights at ... - All About Jazz

via riviera maya - Google News on 9/16/09

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Delivers Sweet Tunes & Free Nights at ... All About Jazz Mexico, 2009 The seventh annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival returns to Mamitas Beach November 25-28, and music lovers, foodies, and pampered travelers alike ...

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Riviera Maya's Esencia hotel adds gym equipment to room service menu

Originally built as the private estate of an Italian duchess, the Esencia is not equipped with a standard fitness center. Rather than clearing the jungle or blocking the view of the beach to make way for a room full of treadmills and stair-climbers, the staff of Esencia took a more innovative approach to help guest get their exercise fix.

A portable gym, complete with Bosu balance balls, resistance bands, free weights, exercise balls and other gear can be delivered on request to the guest rooms, as easily as ordering room service. A fitness concierge is available to assist with set-up and offer instructions and training tips.

Riviera Maya's Esencia hotel adds gym equipment to room service menu - Examiner.com

via riviera maya - Google News on 9/1/09

Examiner.com

Riviera Maya's Esencia hotel adds gym equipment to room service menu Examiner.com The creators of the Esencia Estate upscale resort in the Riviera Maya have designed an in-room fitness program for guests who would rather not spend their ...

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Frontier adds new flights to sun destinations

In addition to new service to Ft. Myers, Florida from its Denver hub, Frontier Airlines will increase the number of flights it offers to Tampa International Airport. New non-stop service to Cancun will be introduced from both Indianapolis and St. Louis, and Kansas City will be getting a third weekly flight to the Mexican Caribbean resort.

The new Florida service will start up in mid-November, with the increased Cancun flights coming in mid-December. All of the newly added service is currently open for sale on Frontier's website.

Frontier adds new flights to sun destinations - Examiner.com

via cancun - Google News on 9/18/09

Frontier adds new flights to sun destinations Examiner.com New non-stop service to Cancun will be introduced from both Indianapolis and St. Louis, and Kansas City will be getting a third weekly flight to the Mexican ...

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Cancun’s beaches look “amazing” from outer space

Mexican astronaut, Jose Hernandez, member of the Discovery Shuttle crew who is currently at the International Space Station, was interviewed by a TV station and while discussing Cancun’s beaches he stated that “even from here, they look amazing.”

Hernandez, who will be in space for two weeks, confirmed that from space “Mexico City is seen all lit up at night and Cancun’s beaches are easily distinguished.”

Hernandez joins the NASA Discovery crew, made up of four experienced and three novice astronauts, in transporting more than seven tons of food, supplies, spare parts and scientific experiments, including six genetically altered rats, to be used for bone marrow loss research.

Cancun’s beaches look “amazing” from outer space

via General (EN) by fmainou on 9/10/09

Mexican astronaut, Jose Hernandez, member of the Discovery Shuttle crew who is currently at the International Space Station, was interviewed by a TV station and while discussing Cancun’s beaches he stated that “even from here, they look amazing.”

(more…)

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Remembering Hurricane Wilma in Cancun

Wicked winds: The worst hurricanes in Mexico's history

Mexico's hurricane season technically begins in June and lasts through November, but most hurricanes, and certainly the most destructive, strike in September and October, when the warm ocean waters that fuel the storms reach peak temperatures.

Since that most famous of October hurricanes, Wilma, ripped up the Yucatán's eastern coast in 2005, every impending hurricane incites a flurry of travel cancellations, hotel evacuations and boarded-up windows. The reaction might be frenzied, but it is not unjustified; whether it's the effect of global warming, as many scientists assert, or merely the swing of the meteorological pendulum, the past 15 hurricane seasons have brought storms of increasing frequency and intensity.

Direct Flights to Cancun

Direct flights to Mexico start Nov. 7

Air-only direct flights to Mexico will be available from the Comox Valley airport for the first time as early as November.

WestJet is offering a new service with direct air-only flights to Puerto Vallarta, as well as package deals, beginning Nov. 7 and continuing until May.

"Passenger feedback from people who have flown from Comox to Mexico says they love the convenience of not having to take a ferry, navigate through Vancouver traffic and deal with the usual crowds in large airports," said airport acting CEO Ian Heselgrave.

"Flying from Comox is like gaining two extra days to your precious vacation time."

The WestJet Puerto Vallarta flights will leave weekly on Saturdays.

Transat Holidays will also continue to provide direct flights to Mexico, with package deals to Puerto Vallarta that leave on Fridays starting Dec. 18 and flights to Cancun on Thursdays starting on Christmas Eve.

Flights to Mexico allow cell phones now

Mexico Now Allows In-Flight Cell Phones

As of yesterday, flights to Mexico just got even better. Now when you’re on board, you can use your cell phone.

While the US still bans cell phone use during flights, Mexico has decided to follow the European Union and Malaysia by lifting the 8-year ban on cell phone use. Officials say that technology is sound enough to allow restricted use without interfering with the plane’s navigation system. Only portions of the flight will permit cell phone use.

The pilot has exclusive authority to determine when cell phones can be used. Passengers will be monitored during calls, so that large groups of people aren’t on their phones at the same time, busying the signal.

Flights to Mexico are still relatively inexpensive, so what are you waiting for? Book a flight to Cancun and call your friends from the air.

Hurricanes potential danger to GAP Airports

GAP Faces Strong Hurricane Jimena |

Hurricane Jimena--a very strong Category 4 storm--is projected to encompass the Mexican Baja peninsula over the coming week, immediately threatening Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico's PAC Los Cabos and La Paz airports. Beyond these facilities--GAP's fourth- and ninth-largest airports, respectively--Tijuana (third-largest), Hermosillo (fifth), Mexicali (seventh), and Los Mochis (twelfth and smallest) also stand in the hurricane's path, although each will probably face a much weaker storm as the hurricane passes over land.

Alaska Air cheap flights to Cancun

Alaska Air fall sale lists cheap flights to Mexico, Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Washington

Several cities in Mexico are included in the Fall Sale. Flights from Los Angeles to Mexico start at $75 for Los Cabos and cap off at $139 each way for Manzanillo. But flights to popular south of the border cities such as Puerto Vallarta start at $109 and Cancun, Mazatlan and Mexico City all start at $119 each way. Note: The low-fare calendar wasn’t working for Cancun, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, and it made it hard to search for the cheapest fares. You might want to call if you have a tough time finding sale prices online.