The hawksbill sea turtle is critically endangered, but even though there's an international law against it, that isn't stopping the sale of turtleshell products, or stopping tourists from buying them. A survey of nine Caribbean and Latin American countries has identified more than 10,000 hawksbill turtleshell items for sale. That's despite international efforts to halt the trade of products … [Read more...]
Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun
Whale sharks are sharks the size of whales, but unlike other sharks, they are not the least bit scary. Even so, swimming with creatures as large as 60-feet is an adrenalin experience, as I found out on a recent whale shark tour in the Gulf of Mexico near Cancun. Whale sharks are annual visitors to the area around the Maya Riviera, esspecially around and the islands of Isla Mujeres, Holbox and … [Read more...]
Best green hotels in USA: Omni Dallas LEED certified
The Omni Dallas Hotel proves once again that green can be beautiful, luxurious, and affordable. The Omni, which opened its doors on 11/11/11 -- a lucky day for those of your who follow numerology -- has earned LEED Gold New Construction certification. That makes this new Dallas landmark the first and only LEED Gold hotel in Texas and the largest LEED Gold hotel in the U.S. outside of Las … [Read more...]
Travel like The Great Gatsby
The summer blockbuster movie, The Great Gatsby, is generating lots of buzz along with travel deals with a Gatsby theme. Here's where to get that Gatsby vibe and party like it's 1922 and you are Leonardo de Caprio: St. Petersburg, Florida -- Jay Gatsby would have felt right at home at The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club , which invites rebellious couples to rekindle their love affair … [Read more...]
Scam alert: bogus free Bahamas cruise
Free vacation scams used to come in the mail. Now, they arrive over the phone. I was just promised a gift of a free two-night Bahamas cruise as thanks for answering three short questions for a national political opinion survey. Okay, I'm listening -- because I do have opinions about Congress and the White House, and curious how Political Opinions of America can afford to give a free cruise to … [Read more...]
Spring travel deals to save your budget
If cabin fever is setting in, check out these budget travel deals for spring getaways -- Half off Hawaii resorts --Castle Resorts & Hotels is offering 50% off stays during its Deals in Bloom promotion at its resort hotels and condos on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Hawaii's Big Island. These include -- Waikiki Beach – Hokele Suites, affordable condos right in the heart of Waikiki. … [Read more...]
Win a free vacation with these free contests and sweepstakes
Stretch your travel budget with these free vacation deals. No purchase required -- just sign up on the website of the country, city, product or travel company offering the getaway prize, keep your fingers crossed. London Callling -- The Wimbledon tennis championships already are underway, but you might be attend for free in 2012, if you win the London Calling sweepstakes sponsored by … [Read more...]
Budget Travel Deals and Discounts for Spring Break and Beyond
Celebrate spring with these budget travel discounts and bargains to the Caribbean. Some of these travel deals can be booked now for travel later this year, others are for spring only. Barbados --Get one night free on a five-night stay, or two nights free on a seven-night stay, with the Take Me to Barbados promotion from the island's official Visit Barbados tourism organization. This travel … [Read more...]
Travel Contests for Free Vacations
Airlines, hotels and tourism boards are giving away free vacations. Some current travel contests, sweepstakes and promotions often involve little more than signing up to the company's Facebook page. Now that I have your attention -- Grand Velas Riviera Maya -- the prize is a two night all-inclusive vacation for two adults and two children at this AAA Five Diamond resort surrounded by … [Read more...]
Best Green Hotels in the Caribbean: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts, Aruba
Go green with one touch at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts, Aruba’s top resort for couples and one of the most eco-friendly in the Caribbean. The resort has added what it calls a Green Button by the bed that allows guests to opt-in to the resort's energy conservation program. The Green Button activates motion sensors that control the lights, thermostat and humidity of guestrooms. The sensors … [Read more...]