Destination Exclusives
Have It All: What Is All-Inclusive?
All inclusive resorts are pretty simple, but there are still some ins and outs you should know before you decide to book this style of vacation, which is popular at tropical destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Cancun
Most travelers probably don’t know that in 1969, Cancun was specifically chosen by the Mexican government as an ideal site for tourism development.
Reef Adventures
Turtle turtle turtle! It was the snorkeling dive master’s job to point out any interesting sea life to our crowd of floating tourists, and on this day, his voice was getting some exercise. Ten minutes earlier from the dock, the captain pointed out our three snorkeling destinations; they were only about a mile offshore in calm conditions.
Walk & Wander
Walking is a great way to see the city. The slow pace allows you to absorb the sights, talk to people, get some exercise, and use your senses of hearing and smell a lot more than you would cruising along at 40 mph in a car. The numeral 7 shaped hotel zone of Cancun is highly walkable and safe, with enough variety to keep everyone interested.
Ancient Astonishment: The Heart of Mayan Civilization
Getting up at 3:30 in the morning may not seem like the proper way to relax on a vacation, but that’s the way we did it for our Chichen Itza tour, and that’s the way we’d recommend it. The ancient Mayan capital city, built starting in 600 AD, is about a 2.5 hour bus ride from Cancun.
Island Escape
Stepping off the ferry onto Isla Mujeres, you get the feeling that not much has changed on the sleepy island since the 1970s. Here, you won’t find high rise hotels or designer stores, but you will find plenty of charming, friendly people, and a little piece of old Mexico.
Michelada: A Mexican Classic
If you’re seeking respite from the hot Mexican sun, at most any bar in Cancun you can order a Michelada, which is a Mexican style beer served in a chilled, salt-rimmed pint glass, mixed with tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce and other spices. It’s an interesting alternative to the classic margarita, and is a tasty companion to the tropical heat.
Snorkeling Excursions
Explore the magic beneath the ocean’s surface in these tropical snorkeling spots.
Spanish Speaking
Brush up on the language spoken by more than 14 million in the U.S. at these tropical paradises.
4 Local Favorites: Beaches
Near the southern end of the numeral 7-shaped hotel zone lies Playa Delfines, one of the largest beaches in Cancun. It also boasts some of the bluest water you’ll ever see. Public access means plenty of parasailers, jet skiers, and kite surfers.
River Front Views
Lake Havasu boasts 400 miles of coastline and 300 days of sunshine per year. It’s the place to be for boating and water recreation. And they have an In N Out Burger. Everywhere you look there’s hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, off roading, shopping, dining and boating in the desert heat. Visit during one of the many boating race events and poker runs and you can stretch out on the beach at Bridgwater Channel and check out million dollar boats idling by, passing under the famed London Bridge.
Staying Liquid
This Appalachian mountain town harkens back to its roots with real authentic moonshine distilleries that make liquor on the premises. Check out Ole Smoky Whisky Distillery or Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery, both right downtown for free samples. But they also step into the modern age with craft beer brewers and wineries. Visit Smoky Mountain Brewery and Smoky Mountain Winery for a variety of libations that will make your taste buds dance!
The Gold Rush
When staying in Scottsdale, it’s hard to deny the mining history of the sleepy surrounding desert. Well worth the two hour drive north is the town of Jerome, which supported 10,000 people through a copper mine in the 1920s. Now it’s a tribute to ghost towns of the past, hosting artists, restaurants, shops and galleries. Dine in the Asylum restaurant in the Jerome Grand Hotel, which was once a miner’s hospital, and tour Jerome State Park, located in the mansion of former mine owner James Douglas.
Star Struck
The natural wonders of Lake Tahoe compliment the night sky very well: the high altitude sky is often clear and bright, without distracting city lights. Check out Emerald Bay and the reflections off the calm water, and the extremely dark skies of Hope Valley. For higher altitude viewing, Spooner Lake sits at 7,600 feet with many backcountry hikes available.
Whale Watchers
Catch more than a glimpse of the iconic humpback as these majestic creatures seek warmer Hawaiian waters for breeding in the winter months. The fifth largest whale species in the world, their numbers have grown due to conservation efforts. See them breach and spray mist from their blowholes on a variety of whale watching boats in the clear blue water.
Radical Rides
Pedal part of the spectacular 469-mile-long ridgeline highway that runs along the crest of the southern Appalachian Mountains. This is one of the most scenic rides in the country, with vast expanses and mild traffic patterns. Give your legs a workout as you cycle past blooming rhododendrons, misty tunnels, and even the occasional black bear.
Native American Roots
Rich in cultural history, the Native American ruins in Sedona are accessible to all via a Jeep tour. View the cliff dwellings of Palatki or Honanki, as well as ancient petroglyph sites. See Hopi reservations and even experience a ceremony at this sacred site in the American Southwest.
Grape Escapes
There are more than 425 wineries in this lush region of Northern California, making it a top destination for those interested in tasting and learning about some of the best wine in the world. You can also take a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, the rugged Pacific coastline, or the ancient redwood forests.
Museum Mashup
With so many beaches and bike paths, rain might not be on your mind when you visit the Cape, but it’s good to know there is a backup plan available near the resort if the weather should happen to turn foul, or if you and the family just need a break from the sun. Here are three excellent family-friendly museums that offer captivating exhibits on Cape Cod culture, all within minutes of Southcape Resort and Club.
Turn the Tide
For a nature lover, Cape Cod is a playground of 560 miles of coastline, 115 beaches, 365 freshwater ponds, miles of thickly-wooded as well as seaside hiking trails, and the spectacular 27,000-acre Cape Cod National Seashore. We’ll highlight just a few of the natural areas you can see on the Cape while on a road trip north to eclectic Provincetown, a historic tourism destination that has become very hip and fashionable.
Province Lands
Summer is a mighty fine time to be on the Cape. The surrounding water regulates temperatures and provides a constant cooling breeze. High temps averaging in the upper 70s in July are perfect for a dune tour, whale watching excursion, family bike ride, or a round of golf.
Captain Parker’s Pub-Clam Chowder
There are many clam chowders available on Cape Cod. All are tasty, but one reigns over them: Captain Parker’s Pub clam chowder, a silky smooth taste explosion that has won numerous awards and appearances on “best of” lists. The family-friendly pub and restaurant in West Yarmouth overlooks Parker’s River, and has been serving the Cape for more than 30 years. Now you can recreate their famous chowder to enjoy at home.
Southcape Resort
Festiva’s Southcape Resort and Club is conveniently located in Mashpee, in the Upper Cape. The property offers two indoor tennis courts, three outdoor courts, an indoor and outdoor pool with sauna, a fitness room, shuffleboard court, and playground. The 55-unit resort is in a woodsy area just down the road from Mashpee Commons, a popular outdoor shopping area, and is a 10 minute drive to South Cape Beach, which has over a mile of beach, as well as woodlands and ponds for hiking, boating and fishing.
Crustacean Cravings
Since 1974, Sam’s has been serving large helpings of clam, haddock, lobster and shrimp, and now has two family-friendly locations in Falmouth and Sandwich.
Conservation on the Cape
As you cruise through diminutive Woods Hole, located in the southwest corner of the Cape in Falmouth, the streets practically crackle with scientific activity. There are federal research buildings and college satellite offices everywhere, all dedicated to studying the mysteries of the ocean.
3 Things to Know Before You Visit
The Pilgrims landed in Cape Cod first. After seeing land, they headed south toward their destination of Virginia, but encountered shallow, rocky waters. They doubled back and scouted Cape Cod near Provincetown, but decided to settle in Plymouth, Massachusetts, across the bay.
Wildlife Refuges
Visit the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, a 4,000 acre refuge adjacent to Hilton Head Island. Much of the area consists of salt marsh and tidal creeks. Migratory birds and native animals also take shelter in the numerous forests, brush land, fallow field and freshwater ponds. Wildlife commonly observed on Pinckney Island includes waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, neo-tropical migrants, white-tailed deer and American alligators, with large concentrations of white ibis, herons, and egrets.
Gulf Coast Gems
Upscale Naples is located on the Gulf in southwest Florida. Well known for its high end shopping, world-class culture and sophisticated dining, it’s also an affordable family destination that appeals to those looking to spend time in nature or at the beach. Numerous art galleries and chic clothing boutiques dot the area of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South.
Famous Forts
The first shots of the Civil War were fired here on April 12, 1861. A surrender 34 hours later didn’t deter Union forces, who tried for four years to take back this powerful symbol of one of the greatest challenges this country has ever faced. Tours to the island are conducted by Fort Sumter Tours, with two departure locations. Families love the breezy boat ride over and a hands-on lesson of the fort. Take a guided tour or explore the cannons, bricks and gun emplacements of the fort.
Go Fish! RTX’s Best Fishing Destinations
You don’t even need a boat to enjoy the 800 miles of shoreline at Table Rock Lake. You just need a sunny summer day and your swimsuit. Visit Moonshine Beach, a large, sandy stretch that will make for perfect summer lake memories. It has volleyball nets, a swimming area, a diving board and picnic areas.
Deep South Adventures
The sand felt warm against my bare feet as I ventured out onto the beach in the predawn light. Today I’d venture west, and I had followed the coast until there was no more road. I found myself only about 10 miles from the cozy confines of my resort, but it seemed like a different world: uninhabited, pure, serene. I set my camera on my tripod and waited for the sun to come up in the cloudless sky.
Take a Hike
If you’ve got a hankering to get outside, we’ve got some great hiking destination ideas for your ideal nature-cation!
Step Back in Time
Nostalgia rules at these historic vacation destinations. Soak it all in with living history museums and more.
Show Stoppers
You don’t have to travel all the way to Vegas for spectacular live shows. (Although Vegas is still the king.) Check out our roundup of live shows across the country.
Midwest Favorites
Visit America’s Heartland, where family-friendly small towns, natural wonders and cultural powerhouses will make you want to pack your bags today.