Just imagine a destination with powdery beaches and tropical jungles. A place of modern convenience and ancient mystery. A destination that provides both rest and discovery. Travel approximately 90 minutes south of Cancun and you will find the Riviera Maya which has undergone a transformation from largely undeveloped to a tourist hotspot over the past 9 years. Each year brings more visitors to this destination, new resorts multiply, and the towns here offer everything from clubs, to shopping, to dining, to spas (you can get an hour long massage in Playa for $30 US!). Yet, while becoming increasingly popular, this area of Mexico has managed to still feel set apart and really offers something of interest to everyone.

While in the Riviera Maya I had the privilege of staying at two amazing resorts. The Aventura Spa Palace and Secrets Capri Resort Riviera Cancun. I really can't say enough about these two properties. The resorts were beautiful! The service was phenominal at Aventura and the rooms at Secrets Capri were a beautiful, luxurious end to really exhausting days! For more information about these resorts as well as the Paraiso de la Bonita, the Fairmont Mayakoba, and the Paradisius go to our website and look on our "Features" page. After being pampered by Aventura Spa Palace and Secrets Capri for a week the thought of making my own bed and cooking for myself was too much to bear! Not to mention I returned to a balmy 40 degrees with rain!

Now, if basking on a warm beach isn't the only thing you want to do then Riviera Maya is the destination for you! Swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery was a lifelong dream-come-true. The ruins at Tulum are fascinating and yes, the water is that blue! Playa del Carmen is the place to play, party, shop, and eat! They have a great pedestrian town center filled with plenty of things to do. The show at Xcaret highlighting Mayan Culture, Spanish colonization, and music and dress from the various states of Mexico was absolutely fabulous and not to be missed. Although it is better to allow the day there and enjoy the park's efforts of ecological and cultural preservation. Check out our website for more on availabable activities and my favorite adventures zip-lining and rappelling...it was a first, but now I'm hooked thanks to Alltournative Off Track Adventures!

I can hardly wait to go back to Mexico...for every activity I participated in there were 10 more that I wanted to do. There just weren't enough days. For a relatively short, direct flight from most gateways on the East Coast (2hours and 50 minutes from Dulles) you can be on a vacation full of luxury and excitement in a place rich with warmth and hospitality. Isn't it time you set up your own Mayan Riviera adventure? Give us a call or an email and we'll be happy to arrange it for you!

January is fast approaching. Do you have your passport? Remember that after January you will need a passport to fly in to the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Canada, and Mexico. Originally the regulations were to include cruises, but due to a huge lobbying effort by the cruise industry this has changed to a 2008 date for land and sea.

A passport is a travel necessity and unfortunately only about 6% of US Citizens are passport holders. Many destinations and hotels are offering specials to individuals obtaining their first passport during this time. Just remember that in January, without a passport, this can't be you! For more information you can contact us or go to www.state.gov.

United Vacations unveiled their 2007 product line this past Thursday. The airline is adding new direct flights to Tokyo and Rome in 2007. It is also possible to use your Mileage Plus miles to upgrade to business and first class on your vacation to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, and the US! United Vacations also allows for customized itineraries for those clients who want something more specific to their interests. Give us a call and we'll be happy to set up your 2007 United Vacation for you. Check with us for discounts to your desired destination! (Must be booked and deposited by 12/15/2006 through Dreams and Destinations Travel)