Cancun Vacation Blog

Equinox at Chichen Itza

Pamela Acosta — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:35:53 +0000

Kukulkan Pyramid Chichen Itza

From the bottom looking up, the giant serpent head of Chichen Itza’s El Castillo is a stunning beginning to the enormity that surrounds it. Quetzalcoatl—known to the Mayan as Kukulkan—sits eternally at the bottom of the castle, descending every year, twice a year during the spring and autumn equinox to return to his home.

The Legend
Quetzalcoatl, ruler of many ancient cultures, represented life, motion, laughter, health, sexuality, and the arts and crafts of civilization. The legend says that Quetzalcoatl made the Aztecs out of dust and bones and was their ruler. When he was banished by a second deity, he bowed his people he would return and liberate them. Upon his journey, he found the Toltec people, which he also ruled. Once again, he was banished from his own kingdom. At the same time, the Mayan people of what is now the Yucatan Peninsula were waiting for their beloved king, Kukulkan. When Quetzalcoatl arrived, the Mayas believed he was their serpent king. Quetzalcoatl became Kukulkan and ruled the city of Chichen Itza, where he returns to every year.

The Numbers
Each of the four steep staircases consists of 91 steps.
The top platform and 91 steps add to a total of 365 steps, 1 for each day of the year.
The pyramid was build around800 A.D. (550-900 A.D.)
Height: 24m – top platform (+6m with the temple)
The height to the top platform is 24 m, the temple adding another 6 m.
The staircases rise at an angle of 45 degrees to the horizontal, while the average inclination of the stepped pyramid itself is 53.3 degrees. The faces of the individual steps are sloped at a greater angle, approximately 73 degrees.
The temple at the top of the pyramid is 6 m high, 13.42 m wide and 16.5 m long.
Sept 22: Fall equinox (Day and night equal length) when seven triangles are visible.
This is 92 days from previous summer solstice of June 21.

Chichen Itza Equinox Crowd (photo credit www.rafaelancona.com)

The Event
During the equinox, the sun casts its rays on the steps of the pyramid making it look like a feathered serpent is slithering down the steps. The structure is not build like that by coincidence. The Maya managed to build this monument of incomprehensible scale to highlight the time of the year when the hours of daylight and darkness are equal. During these days, the edge of the shadow from the sun falls on the corner of the pyramid, leaving one side of the structure in total sunlight and the other in total shadow. This phenomenal event occurs twice a year during the spring and fall equinox.

Kukulcan’s descent occurs on the North side of the castle. The first shadows begin to form isosceles triangles that form the body of the serpent. Progressively, the shadow descends on the pyramid until it reached the bottom where the head of the feathered serpent rests. This incredible display of light and shadow form Kukulkan, the feathered serpent. The body of the snake slowly disappears as it descends 365 steps in approximately 5 hours with the culmination of events in 45 minutes.

Even though the descent has occurred for hundreds of years, it still continues to astonish and amaze us. People from all over the world come to visit and wait in awe-struck silence to watch Kukulkan return to Chichen Itza. Get wrapped up in the mysticism and wonder of the Mayan culture with a tour to Chichen Itza for the equinox and continue the journey with a peaceful stay at the Mayaland Hotel. Moments of life that you will never forget.

Hurricane Season 2011- Cancun and Riviera Maya

Kelly McLaughlin — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:34:51 +0000

Today, June 1st, 2011 marks the official start of hurricane season in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. While the word “hurricane” may strike fear in the hearts of many, the truth is that the authorities, businesses and people of the region are well prepared for any meteorological event. We proudly survived Wilma in 2005, the biggest and baddest hurricane in history and rebounded quickly. No tourist was harmed and while their vacations may not have been what they expected, most went home with an incredible story of adventure that they’ll remember for a lifetime. Early reports for 2011 seem to indicate an active year in the Atlantic, but predictions at this time of year tend to have about 70% accuracy, things change as the weather and ocean patterns shift.

So, should you travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya during hurricane season? Absolutely. Bargains abound during the season and 99.9% of people who book during this time have fantastic vacations unhampered by serious weather. Hurricane season runs June through November, with chances of a storm increasing closer to the end of the season as the temperatures of the ocean rise. In 2011 the technology for identifying and tracking storms is extremely advanced, generally we know several days in advance if we will be affected by a storm. This should ease your mind as a traveler, with this kind of notice it is easy to avoid danger and prepare for any event.

Important things to know about travel during hurricane season

1. Buy travel insurance. This may seem like a no brainer, but it’s vital! Purchase coverage at the same time you purchase your trip, once the storm has formed it’s too late. Travel insurance varies from provider to provider, read the small print to know what you are covered for.

2. Monitor the weather. This doesn’t mean obsess about it or become paranoid about every little blip on the radar, just pay attention to the weather sites and Cancun travel forums in the days leading up to your trip. The National Hurricane Center is the most vital resource and Dr. Jeff Masters at Wunderground has an excellent blog during hurricane season. (Of course you can always follow CancunTravel on Facebook and Twitter, if anything is happening, we’ll be sure to post about it).

3. Travel registries. Whenever you travel it is a good idea to notify your home government of where you will be and the dates of your trips. In the event of anything serious, they will be a great resource to you and your families. People from the United States of America can register with the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, Canadians with Canadian Foreign Affairs and British Nationals with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. For those of you from other countries, a simple Google search will tell you how to register in your homeland.

4. What to expect if you are on vacation when a storm or hurricane strikes. First, stay calm, you will not be in any physical danger. All hotels have plans in place to ensure your safety during a storm. You most likely will not evacuated from your hotel unless it is a very large storm, the buildings in Cancun were constructed to withstand high winds and rain and have facilities that act as shelters. If it is indeed a powerful storm, you may be evacuated to a shelter further inland, your hotel will guide you through the move. Pack a small bag of essentials with you, alcohol hand gel or baby wipes, extra toilet paper, any non-perishable food you might find and be sure your documents are in a plastic bag and carried with you at all times. The electricity is usually turned off before a storm arrives to avoid problems if electrical lines go down, try to find an ATM before the power goes so you are not left without cash. Telephone service may be affected, contact your family or consulate early to let them know what is happening and where you will be. You can expect high winds and lots of rain during a storm, follow your staff’s instructions carefully. Remain calm and patient, everyone is in the same situation and must work together. The worst thing about waiting out a hurricane is boredom, bring a book, a deck of cards and something to keep everyone occupied and distracted.

Do not let the hurricane season 2011 stop you from enjoying a much needed vacation, just be prepared, be aware and get ready for some fun in the sun! Odds are we won’t be seeing another Wilma for a long time to come. Would love to hear your comments about Cancun hurricanes, share your experiences or any other tips you may have for tourists!

Welcome June, we’re ready for you! We came back from Wilma, we can handle anything!

Sea Turtle Nesting in Cancun and Riviera Maya

Kelly McLaughlin — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:39:58 +0000

Walking along the deserted beach in Tulum, lit only by a million stars and the moon and accompanied by the music of the crashing surf, I heard a strange sound. Thwap. Thwap. Thwap. Like a leather strap hitting the sand. It took only a moment for me to discover the source of the noise, a gigantic mama turtle under a palm on the beach using her flippers to dig her nest. I sat down in the sand some distance away to observe this magical moment and give mom some peace. Thwap. Thwap. Thwap. A few minutes later I saw the beam of a small red light approaching, the turtle patrol had come to measure and tag the mother and to mark the nest. They waved me over, the mother had begun laying her eggs and they invited me up close. She was simply majestic, huge, peacefully releasing her ping-pong ball eggs in the hole she had dug.

Turtle Nest in Tulum

The turtle patrol measured her, she was 1 meter wide and more than 1 meter long! I cringed when they clamped the tag on her flipper, though I knew she probably wouldn’t feel it and in the long run the ability to track these animals will protect and preserve the species. I whispered questions and the volunteers whispered answers back. ”How many eggs will she lay?” ”About one hundred”. ”How long before the eggs hatch?” “About sixty days”. Once they had measured and tagged her, they left, saying they would be back to mark the nest. I stayed for a moment until she started to THWAP again, throwing sand all over me as she began to make her way back to the sea. I left her alone in her journey and continued on my way, changed by the experience and feeling a special connection to the planet.

The Tracks of a Nesting Turtle in Tulum

The Riviera Maya and Cancun are favourite nesting places for sea turtles, they have been coming to these shores between May and October for millenia. Witnessing a nesting turtle is an incredible experience, but there are some rules that must be followed to ensure the moms and nests are safe and undisturbed. Here’s what you can do if you are in the area during nesting season:

1. Do not use lights on the beach, shut off balcony lights, and cover all outside lights and windows if you are in a house/condo. The lights are a major distraction and could confuse the turtles and send them back to sea before they are able to lay their eggs. If you must use a flashlight for nighttime walks, be sure it is covered with a dark red filter. Many hotels are respectful of this rule, if you think yours could do more, let them know!

2. If you see a turtle coming ashore to lay their eggs, notify your hotel staff or turtle patrol if you happen to see them on the beach.

3. Do not approach the turtle (unless specifically at the invitation of turtle patrol), do not touch the turtles (Do I need to say don’t sit on the turtles? Unfortunately it seems I do have to, I have seen some disturbing photos of people “riding” nesting moms). Definitely do not interfere with any part of the nesting process.

4. Do not take flash photography, this will definitely spook the mom.

5. Do not have beach parties during the nesting season.

6. Keep the beach free of litter or any obstacles that may get in the path of the turtle (bring in beach chairs at night, etc).

7. Keep pets indoors at night, barking dogs are not turtle-friendly.

8. Do not disturb the nests, if you see what you think is a nest that has not been marked, notify the hotel or the authorities.

If everyone works together and respects these rules, we can ensure a long and happy life for this endangered species and their continued visits to Cancun and the Riviera Maya for years to come. For more information about turtles in the region, the CEA (Centro Ecologico Akumal) is a fantastic organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of “las tortugas” in the Riviera Maya.

“I Love Cancun & Riviera Maya” Facebook Celebration- Win Royal Garrafon Passes!

Kelly McLaughlin — Mon, 09 May 2011 17:33:56 +0000

We at CancunTravel.com are so excited, our community page “I Love Cancun & Riviera Maya“on Facebook now has more than 10000 friends! To celebrate, we are giving away two “Royal Garrafon” passes to one lucky winner. The idea is simple, leave a comment on this blog telling us why you love Cancun & the Riviera Maya and we’ll randomly draw a winner on Monday May 16, 2011, easy as pie. Invite your friends and family to join our community too and let them participate in the fun!

What is Garrafon Park?

Garrafon Park is located on the little island of Isla Mujeres, a short ferry ride from Cancun. Set on cliffs overlooking the incredible Caribbean Sea, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature, friendly iguanas, soaring birds and a multitude of sea creatures hanging out on the reef. Grab your mask and snorkel and discover the underwater world, harness up for a zip line ride over the water, kayak, ride a bike or simply relax in the hammock garden or infinity pool on the edge of the ocean, there is something for the whole family and every taste at Garrafon Park. The “Royal Garrafon” package includes round trip ferry from Cancun, breakfast and drinks on the boat, lovely lunch buffet and “open bar” in the park, snorkel equipment, life jackets, kayaks and lockers. (Extra $5.00 USD charge for the zip line and $8.00 dock fee per person). This is a wonderful day trip for the whole family or to enjoy some romantic moments with the one you love.

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En CancunTravel.com estamos muy emocionados. ¡Nuestra página de la comunidad “I love Cancún and Riviera Maya” en Facebook ya tiene más de 10.000 amigos! Para celebrar, estamos regalando dos pases de “Royal Garrafon” a un afortunado ganador. Es muy sencillo, la idea es la siguiente: deja un comentario en este blog y dinos por qué te gusta Cancún y la Riviera Maya y el lunes 16 de mayo de 2011 anunciaremos al ganador. Invita a tus amigos y familiares a unirse a nuestra comunidad y házlos participes de la diversión!

¿Qué es Parque Garrafón?

Parque Garrafón está situado en la pequeña Isla Mujeres, a pocos minutos en ferry desde Cancún. Ubicado en los acantilados sobre el increíble mar Caribe , te encontrarás rodeado de naturaleza, iguanas, gaviotas y una multitud de criaturas marinas que viven en el arrecife. Pónte tu máscara y snorkel y descubre el mundo submarino, ponte tu arnés para volar en tirolesa sobre el agua, kayak, pasea en bicicleta o simplemente relájate en el jardín de hamacas o refréscate en la piscina frente al mar. Hay algo para toda la familia y todos los gustos en el Parque Garrafón. El paquete “Royal Garrafón” incluye viaje redondo en ferry desde Cancún, desayuno y bebidas en el barco, buffet y “barra libre” en el parque, equipo de snorkel, chalecos salvavidas, kayaks y lockers. ($ 5.00 USD extra para tirolesa y la tarifa de $ 8.00 para los impuestos de muellaje). Vive un día maravilloso en este tour para toda la familia o disfruta momentos románticos con la persona que amas.

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Leave your comment now for a chance to win! Big thanks and greetings to all our friends on Facebook, this is for you!

¡Para ganar, déjanos tu comentario! Muchas gracias y saludos a todos nuestros amigos en Facebook, ¡esto es por ustedes!

Cancun and Riviera Maya Beach Tips

Kelly McLaughlin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:40:53 +0000

The beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya….sun, sea, sand and blue skies, the main draw of the region for millions of visitors each year. As a resident of the area and an admitted “beach addict”, I’ve learned a few things over the years on how best to enjoy a day on the beach. Whether you’re living it up in the lap of luxury at an all inclusive resort or roughing it on a remote beach with nothing else around, here are a few tips on maximizing your beach days.

Number one rule, sun protection! Seriously. I understand the desire for a great tan, but don’t push it! Your tender skin may not be accustomed to the powerful rays of the sun. Even on a cloudy day the UV rays beat down and can leave you “ouching” your way through the your vacation. “Sunscreen” and “sunblock” are actually different products, “sunscreen” is labeled with an “SPF” factor, most dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF 15. Sunscreen won’t stop you from getting a tan but it will save you from the lobster syndrome. “Sunblock” is usually a zinc-based, thick white cream that blocks ALL UV rays and does not come with an SPF label. Apply your sun protection 20 minutes before exposure and repeat the application every 20 minutes and after swimming. As a mom of a squirmy five year old who loves the beach, I know the battle of getting cream on a little one. Sun protection in spray form is a lifesaver (for grown ups too, the spray makes it easier to hit those spots on the back that you just can’t reach). In my experience kids don’t like having sunblock put on their face, give them the opportunity to do it themselves in the mirror before going outside, they can paint designs or a mustache or pretend they are shaving like daddy, whatever it takes to get them protected.

In addition to the application of a sun cream, be sure to wear your hat, sunglassees with UVA and UVB protection, and light-coloured clothes. “Rash guards” (I call them “surf shirts”) are a great investment, lightweight lycra fabric that dries quickly and does not weigh you down in the water. These are particularly useful if you’ll be in the water all day, snorkeling, sailing or simply floating around. Most people lose track of time when having fun in the sun and may forget to reapply the sun cream, the shirts may not save your nose but your shoulders will thank you.

Look for shady spots to set up camp, a palm tree, a palapa or an umbrella, the rays of the sun will still reflect off the water and off the sand, but you’ll be safe from the intense overhead rays. Parents of little ones may want to invest in a collapsible beach tent, just be sure that there are vents, windows and a big door to allow breezes to come through.

Stay hydrated!!! And no, I’m not talking about more margaritas. Alcohol and soft drinks dehydrate the body quickly, and with the tropical temperatures you will be sweating and losing fluids. Your body needs water, and lots of it. I usually freeze a bottle of water the night before going to the beach, bringing with me a 2 liter block of ice. It doesn’t take long to melt and provide icy cold refreshment. Hotels and resorts provide bottled water all day long, be sure to take advantage. (Do think about the environment though, have your bottles refilled instead of throwing them away, keep the beaches and oceans clean!) Bring a funky cool sports bottle for the kids and keep it full, making sure they take a break from sand castles every few minutes to have a drink.

“Pareos”, the multi-use beach item I most adore! A “pareo” or “sarong” is a beach-bag must, they are light, dry quickly and don’t take up much space. They can be used as a towel, a beach cover-up, a quick and pretty dress, a head scarf or an impromptu tent. They are super cheap, available everywhere and come in some gorgeous colours and patterns. Forget about heavy towels, pareos are your best beach friend.

While my next suggestion may sound odd, it’s something that a friend taught me that really works! Bring a bottle of baby powder to the beach. Yes, baby powder, even if you’re not carrying a diaper-wearing munchkin. The sand of the Mexican Caribbean is sticky, it clings to everything, particularly skin that is sweaty and covered in cream. Sprinkle a little baby powder on the sandy parts and it easily brushes away, leaving your skin soft and smelling pretty too!

With everything you’ll be toting around, you’ll need a good beach bag. Look for something large enough to hold your belongings with a zipper to prevent things from falling out or sand getting in. An inside zippered pocket is a great place to store your more valuable items (though I recommend leaving most valuables in the safe). If the fabric is not waterproof, bring a plastic bag to store your money, documents and electronic devices. It’s a good idea to bring something in a bright colour, easily identifiable as yours, you don’t want the same bag that everyone else on the beach has (not a fashion issue, it simply makes it easier to find your spot on the sand if you know you’ve got the lime green bag with the big pink flower on it).

Protect yourself and your kids from the sun and heat, pack light but pack well, and be kind to the environment. If you’ve got any beach tips to share, we’d love to hear them, just leave a comment here on the Cancun Travel blog!

Spring Break Cancun

Kelly McLaughlin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:39:53 +0000

Spring break in Cancun…..beaches, wild parties, hangovers and sunburns. Spring break is meant to be the time of your life, a chance to be young and free, taking a break from studying and letting loose. Thousands of students converge on Cancun annually for this rite of passage, doing things their parents probably don’t want to know about and having a ball. In order to have the best possible time, it’s important for young travelers to keep in mind a few basic safety rules. These rules apply to all spring break destinations, not just Cancun or Mexico, take care and ensure that this will be a week full of great memories!

1. Smart Drinking. Yeah, I know, I sound like your mom but really, I know that this is 50% of what spring break is about (ok, more than 50%) and those who aren’t careful with the booze are the ones who end up in trouble. If you want to drink all day and all night, it’s important to keep the body hydrated, particularly when out in the hot sun or dancing the night away in the clubs. Keep drinking water in between your tequila shots! You’ll have more endurance for the big fiesta and you won’t feel quite so much pain the next day. Drinking depletes the body’s vitamins too, carry around some chewable vitamin C and keep up your strength. EAT. Yes, eat, before drinking, while drinking and before you go to bed, take care of fueling your body to make it through the long haul. When you start to feel a buzz, STOP drinking for a bit, no need to get obliterated and leave yourself vulnerable to troubles. Take a water and food break for half an hour then get back on the shot horse if you like, but give your body a break! Do not leave your drink unattended, if you set your drink down and walk away, get yourself a fresh one when you get back and toss the old one. Not everyone on spring break is scrupulous, be careful, don’t accept a drink from a stranger, if someone wants to buy you a drink, go to the bar with them and take it right from the bartender.

2. Safety in numbers. Stick with your group or use the buddy system. Don’t ever leave a man (or woman) behind. There is safety in numbers.

3. DON’T DO DRUGS. The laws in Mexico are tough and Mexican jails are tougher. Buying or consuming drugs in Mexico can land you in a heap of trouble and cost you a small fortune. Aside from that, altering your senses and your mind is just another thing that can leave you vulnerable and hey, don’t you want to remember this trip?

4. Use the bathroom. Sounds silly, right? Unfortunately, urinating in public is one of the biggest reasons kids get in trouble on spring break, don’t look for the bush or go beside the building, find a proper rest room please, they really are everywhere. And wash your hands.

5. Physical safety. Don’t swim in the ocean at night, don’t ever drink and swim and steer clear of the balcony when intoxicated. Accidents happen and you really don’t want to be a statistic. On a note specific for Cancun, the lagoon is home to crocodiles, stay away from the shore, do not go looking for them, do not feed them and do not pretend to be Steve Irwin. You could end up getting chomped.

6. Documents and money. Hotels offer safety deposit boxes, use them for your passport, your tourist visa (you’ll receive this on arrival in Mexico, do NOT lose it!), copies of your ID and any other item of value you bring down with you. Make copies of your passport just in case. Don’t carry wads of cash around, get what you need for the day from the ATM’s that are all over town, no need to lose your trip money on a crazy leap into the sea forgetting your wallet was in your pocket. Notify your bank that you’ll be using the card out of country and notify the appropriate government agency in your home country of where you will be.

Be alert, be aware and have fun! The “rules” for safety are really just common sense, the most important thing you can pack for your trip is your brain. My personal advice is to take one day away from the beach party and discover the world outside of your hotel. Explore the Mayan ruins, swim with dolphins or get an adrenaline kick in an adventure park, see something new and go home with some great stories that don’t involve drinking! Thousands of spring breakers can’t be wrong, this is a great destination, come down with your mind open and your brain in gear and have the time of you life! Viva Mexico, Viva Cancun and Viva Spring Break!

Top Eight Tips for Spring Break in Cancun

Mayakoba Golf Classic 2011

Kelly McLaughlin — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:19:06 +0000

The Mayakoba Golf Classic returns to the Riviera Maya this week for their fifth annual PGA tournament in paradise. The El Camaleon Golf Club will host the best of the best in the world of golf in the only PGA event to be played in Mexico. With 132 world-class golfers competing for the $3.7 million USD purse, this is sure to be the best year yet. Players love the El Camaleon Golf Club at the beautiful Mayakoba resort located just north of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, designed by Greg Norman with unique features that weave and wind through jungle, mangrove and even include a “cenote” (natural limestone sink hole). With incredible views of the Caribbean Sea, the warm tropical climate and the hospitality of the Mexican people, golfers and fans will be treated to a spectacular PGA event.

Cancun Travel is pleased to offer tickets to this prestigious event for the second year in a row. To celebrate, we’re giving away 6 double “grounds” passes to some lucky fans! The first six people to comment on this blog post will receive the passes! Winners will be announced in our social media communities, be sure to join us at Cancun Travel and I love Cancun & the Riviera Maya on Facebook and cancuntrvl and rivmaya on Twitter. Special thanks to our friends at the “Cancun” page on Facebook for their contributions!

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El Mayakoba Golf Classic regresa a la Riviera Maya esta semana para el quinto torneo PGA en el paraíso. El Camaleón Golf Club recibirá a los mejores golfistas del mundo en este evento único de la PGA en México. Se espera que este año sea el más relevante puesto que competirán los mejores 132 golfistas por el premio de $3.7 millones USD. Para los visitantes siempre es fascinante El Camaleon Golf Club en el hermoso Mayakoba resort ubicado al norte de Playa del Carmen, México, diseñado por Greg Norman. El campo está adornado y rodeado por bellezas naturales como la espesa vegetación de la selva, el manglar e incluso un cenote. Con increíbles vistas del Mar Caribe, el cálido clima tropical y la hospitalidad de los mexicanos, los golfistas y aficionados disfrutarán un espectacular evento PGA.

Cancun Travel se complace en ofrecer boletos para este prestigioso evento por segundo año consecutivo. ¡Para celebrar, estamos regalando 6 pases dobles para algunos aficionados con suerte! ¡Las primeras seis personas que nos comenten sobre esta entrada de blog recibirán sus pases! Anunciaremos a los ganadores en nuestras redes sociales. Asegúrate de ser fan en facebook de Vacaciones en Cancun y I love Cancun & the Riviera Maya y seguirnos en Twitter con la cuenta caribemex. Gracias especialmente a nuestros amigos en la página “Cancun” de Facebook por todas sus contribuciones.

Crown Paradise Club Cancun

Kelly McLaughlin — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:55:51 +0000

Baby club, kids’ club, teen club and adults-only areas all in one Cancun beach resort? Absolutely! The Crown Paradise Club in Cancun is one of the finest resorts in Latin America for family vacations in the sun. I had the opportunity to visit the resort and I was very impressed, the Crown Paradise Club Cancun has something for everyone to enjoy an unforgettable beach vacation.

Crown Paradise Club Cancun is located on one of the most famous stretches of beach in the world, offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea from every room (ocean view is guaranteed!). From the moment you walk in the lobby you’ll feel at home, greeted by the warmth of the friendly staff. The rooms are bright and fresh, with a variety of accomodation options from standard rooms to honeymoon jacuzzi suites. Family suites that can sleep up to seven are available, perfect for larger families. “Crown Club” rooms are located in the “adults-only” section of the hotel and offer just that little extra touch of luxury, with jacuzzis, stocked mini-bars, his and her robes and a bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket to greet you on arrival.

Crown Paradise Club Cancun is an “all-inclusive” resort, you will eat and drink to your heart’s content! The main restaurant, “La Palapa” serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual environment (I highly recommend the chilaquiles, they were delicious!). The specialty restaurants offer a wide range of dining options, from the elegant “Sans Souci” French restaurant (adults-only) to the country-style steak house “Wayne’s Boots” (complete with mechanical bull!). Specialty restaurants do require reservations in advance, but they are well worth it with their delicious a la carte fare. For a taste of Mexico visit “Los Gallos”, “La Piazza” brings a taste of authentic Italian meals, “Fisherman’s” offers, well, you guessed it, seafood and “Fujiyama” serves up fresh sushi and Japanese meals. Pool side snack bars can feed those midday burger cravings and the “Midway Stop” offers snacks throughout the night. There are seven bars spread throughout the resort and with 24 hour room service, you will never go hungry or thirsty!

The family activites and facilities are really what make the Crown Paradise Club a special place. The “Baby Club” (for children 18 months to 3 years old) is found in a large, air conditioned play area staffed by professional bilingual nannies. There is a “quiet room” with lots of cribs for nap time and a sweet little pool exclusively for the wee ones. Parents receive a beeper and can be immediately notified if their little one is looking for mama and papa. Children from 4-12 years old will love “Kids’ Paradise”, a water park with a pirate ship, castle and water slides, you’ll have a hard time dragging them out of there! Teenagers (and grown ups!) can enjoy their own water slides, rock climbing wall and zip line near the beach. The animation team will inspire you to get up off your lounge chair and play volleyball, soccer, basketball, fun contests and activities throughout the day. The hotel gym is well equipped and is set near the beach with a view of the sea. Golfers can hit the links at the nearby Pok ta Pok golf course, green fees are included in your stay and those who like to hit a few balls around will enjoy the onsite tennis courts. Enjoy the nightly shows, music and dancing with a different theme every day, including “Circus Night”, “Fantasia”, “Mexican Folklore”, “Mamma Mia” and the incredible “This is It” Michael Jackson tribute. Club Nitro offers teenagers a great place to hang out and make new friends while dancing the night away. There is zero chance that anyone in your family will be bored at the Crown Paradise Hotel, a bigger problem would be not having enough time to enjoy everything (you just might want to stay for an extra week).

I truly enjoyed my morning exploring the Crown Paradise Club Cancun and I recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a great family beach vacation. We at Cancun Travel are ready to assist you with your beach vacation plans, contact us for all your travel needs including flights, hotels, car rentals, transfers and tours, worry-free Cancun vacations!

For more photos of the hotel, please check out Flickr, Crown Paradise Club Cancun.

Hurricane Season Cancun

Kelly McLaughlin — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:31:08 +0000

Hurricane season in the Caribbean is about to begin so we’ve put together a little primer of hurricane basics for travellers. While it is unlikely that Cancun and the Riviera Maya will experience a hurricane this year, we do want to assure you that authorities are well prepared to handle any weather situation. The safety and comfort of travellers is a priority for all in the region, no need to worry, just educate yourself for the “what ifs”. Here are some tips for travelling in the summer season, truly a great time to visit, bargains galore, sunshine, sand and sea for the whole family!

1. Hurricane season is technically June 1 to November 30. An old sailors’ poem states:

“June too soon.
July stand by.
August look out you must.
September remember.
October all over.”

June is generally a pretty calm month in the Atlantic and Caribbean, but as the ocean temperatures start to increase in the summer heat, so do the chances of a tropical storm or hurricane. Chances of a tropical storm or hurricane increase as the season progresses. The worst hurricane to hit Cancun in recent history was Hurricane Wilma, wreaking her destruction over two days at the end of October, 2005. Booking a vacation during hurricane season might be risky, but for the slight chance of a storm, you’ll find some great low season discounts!

2. Buy travel insurance- It’s always a good idea, but particularly when travelling during tropical storm season. Purchase your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip, if you try to buy it once the storm has formed, you won’t receive coverage. Travel insurance plans vary in what they cover, be sure to read the fine print!

3. Monitor storm activity in the days preceding your trip- While it’s not necessary to obsess or fret about the upcoming weather (and really, how accurate are the regular forecasts?), it is a good idea to check out what the experts are saying about storm formations. Two great resources are the National Hurricane Center and Storm Pulse. While storms are not always predicatable, travellers and travel agents should know if there is something brewing out there. You will have a few days to make alternative plans or cancel your trip or hang in there to watch where the storm is going to go, if it’s going to increase in intensity or if it (hopefully) fizzles out. For travellers visiting Cancun and the Riviera Maya, you’ll want to monitor the activity in the Atlantic region.

4. What to expect if you get caught in a hurricane- If a hurricane strikes while you are travelling, the most important thing to do is stay calm. The hotels and authorities have tried and true plans for keeping you safe and dry during the storm. Cancun and the Riviera Maya have excellent evacuation plans, safe hurricane shelters and experience in emergency situations. Ask just about anyone who was unlucky enough to be in Cancun for Hurricane Wilma, they will tell you they were well taken care of. It might mean tuna sandwiches for a day or two, but you will be kept safe. You can expect high winds, rains and flooding, thus it’s important to carefully follow the instructions of the hotel staff and authorities, they will keep you out of harm’s way. Electricity will be cut, generally well before the storm arrives in order to prevent any accidents from live power lines falling, be sure to charge any gadgets when you have the chance. You may be evacuated from your hotel, have a bag packed with essentials (you might want to grab some alcohol hand gel or baby wipes and extra toilet paper) and have all your vital documents together, a plastic bag can protect them from the elements. Cel phone service may be lost during a storm, contact folks back home when you have the chance, let them know the name of your hotel and the location of the shelter if you are being evacuated. Be sure to have some cash on hand, just in case, when the power is out credit cards don’t work and neither do ATMs of course. The big complaint during Wilma was boredom, not much to do in a shelter, bring a pack of cards, books, pen and paper to journal the experience, and something to keep the kids occupied.

5. Travel registries- Whenever you travel out of country it’s a good idea to notify your home government that you will be abroad. Residents of the United States of America can register online at the U.S. State Department Travel Registration site, Canadians can register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and British nationals can register with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. For travellers from other countries, a quick internet search will locate your country’s registration requirements.

If you’re looking to travel during the storm season, don’t hesitate! Go ahead and book, enjoy the low season deals! Thousands of travellers take advantage of the great summer travel sales and never have any issues with storms, they are still a rare occurence in the region. Be prepared, be aware and be safe. Follow Cancun Travel on Twitter and on Facebook, we will be monitoring the Atlantic all season and will be sharing any warnings that come up for the Cancun and Riviera Maya region. Safe journeys everyone, here’s to a calm 2010 hurricane season!

photo courtesy Storms 411

Children’s Day Activities in Cancun and the Riviera Maya

Kelly McLaughlin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:35:39 +0000

“Family” and “tradition” are two words that define the Mexican culture and there is no better day to celebrate both than “El dia de los Niños” or “Children´s Day”. Every year children throughout Mexico look forward to April 30th, a day where youth is honored, and people celebrate innocence, playfulness and the unlimited potential of the child. While parents typically give small gifts on “Children’s Day”, it’s the time together that is most important. Families devote the day to spending time with the kids, a day at the beach, a special dinner or neighbourhood party.

In honour of “Children’s Day”, we’ve got some ideas on how to celebrate family while visiting Cancun and the Riviera Maya, kid-friendly days that will put smiles on everyone’s faces, youngsters and grown-ups alike.

For a magical experience for all ages, Xcaret Park is the ideal place to visit. Babes in arms will marvel at the beautiful colours and incredible wildlife, the butterfly pavillion is always a hit, while toddlers and preschoolers will love the beach area and vibrant shows. Paths can be navigated with strollers so mom and dad don’t have to worry about tired arms! Older kids and adults will be thrilled with snorkeling in the protected lagoon area and swimming the underground river. This is an “all-inclusive” day, everything you need for one price, food, drinks, equipment, entertainment and 80 hectares of natural beauty await. This is the perfect way to experience all the incredible things the Riviera Maya has to offer, flora and fauna, water activiites, culture and history, a day the family will never forget.

For a full day of fun on the high seas and an island adventure, the Caribbean Funday tour is sure to please. Start your day with a cruise on a double-decker boat crossing the bay from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, a tropical island paradise that was once a pirates’ refuge. On arrival at Isla Mujeres, you’ll find yourself at a beautiful private beach club with incredible views! Waterslide, kayaks, snorkeling, organized games and activities, the whole family will find something to enjoy. The Caribbean Funday is an “all-inclusive” day, eat, drink and be merry and enjoy the facilities, play hard or just relax, this is a great family day.

The experience of a lifetime for your Cancun or Riviera Maya family vacation awaits at Dolphin Discovery. Swimming with dolphins is a dream come true, an opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing marine creatures with their perpetual smiles. Get a fishy kiss, an embrace or the ride of your life with the famous foot push, Dolphin Discovery in Cancun/Isla Mujeres and the Riviera Maya has programs suited for all ages and abilities. Children as young as one year old will revel in this magical day. In addition to dolphins, you can meet manatees, sea lions, sting rays and even have a chance to snorkel near sharks! Create lasting memories of your family time together as you make new marine friends in paradise.

From all of us at Cancun Travel, we wish you and yours a very happy Children’s Day. Hug your kids, remind them how special they are, forget about the messes/tantrums/runny noses, and heck, embrace your inner child and let loose, everyone deserves a little play time.