10 Travel Resolutions for a New Year

A new year is upon us and that means new opportunities for travel and vacations.  Here's an article courtesy of the Huffington Post:

Every year we make resolutions. Every year most of us break them.

Travelers are a different breed, however. We usually follow through. Even when we have more will than wallet, we figure it out and get to where ever it is we really want to go.

In fact, for serious travelers, New Year resolutions are even kind of fun to think about -- not just additional demoralizing, self-improvement tasks threatening our self-esteem. Travelers have dream destinations, bucket lists and more ideally, living lists to compile. They are fun, positive and hopeful lists.

So, thinking in that vein, I polled a gaggle of great travel buddies last week, and assembled the following 10 Travel Resolutions that would make us all better travelers in 2014:

-We resolve to be more patient dealing with the trials and tribulations of traveling -- be they TSA lines, surly customer service airline reps, over-packed tardy flights, noisy hotel rooms, boorish fellow travelers or screaming babies. No more whining and kvetching. None of them are personal vendettas against us, and we know how lucky we are to be traveling. We will be more patient this year.

-We resolve to go someplace new in 2014, instead of returning to the old tried and true go-to vacation destinations we normally visit. We will spread our wings, expand our horizons to new experiences, sights, cultures and unique cuisines.

-We resolve to put our money where our mouths are (and beliefs too!) in 2014, and not patronize travel services that, well, patronize us. "No" and, "That's not right," are mighty powerful words that many in the travel business need to hear -- a lot more often!

-We resolve to take authentic, challenging and participatory adventures; less like the reality show, The Amazing Race, and more like the real-life event The Global Scavenger Hunt.

-We resolve to not let technology get in the way of us meeting fellow travelers and indigenous people when traveling (some of us will actually resolve to completely unplug when we travel in 2014).

-We resolve to start speaking up for our vacation and travel rights: 1. Our right to have and take annual time off work (America needs a vacation mandate), and 2. Our rights as traveling consumers (a.k.a. a real Passenger Bill of Rights).

-We resolve to leave our expectations packed, hidden and deep in the back of a closet at home alone, and travel fearlessly without preconceived ideas or prospects. To be free and open to the great serendipity of travel.

-We resolve to integrate travel into our lives more, as we have with a good diet, exercising regularly and sleeping right. Travel is good for us in so many ways, be it physically, mentally and spiritually.

-We resolve to never again bring up the over-intellectualizing, self-aggrandizing, ego-gratifying vapid distinction between so-called travelers and tourists. Anyone who travels is both -- tourist and traveler -- no matter what they think.

-We resolve to not flaunt our travel exploits and long-winded adventure stories to others -- nor to shamelessly show off our travel selfies to others.

Airlines on Track for One of Safest Years

Good news for frequent travelers.  2013 was the second safest year for airline travel, coming in behind 2012.  Read the article below for more information.

From the Wall Street Journal:

GENEVA—Airlines world-wide are on track to complete one of their safest years on record, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Through Nov. 30, this was the second safest year after 2012 in terms of crashes of Western-built airliners. In the 11-month period, there were 11 crashes, or a rate of 0.41 crashes per million flights. One year earlier, there were five crashes, for a rate of 0.21 crashes per million flights.

In terms of fatalities, this year is even safer than last, with 210 deaths, versus 403 in the first 11 months of last year.

Given the small number of accidents, shifts from one year to the next can look big in percentage terms. Safety specialists say that the generally downward trend from a few years ago is significant. Between 2004 and 2008, the world-wide accident rate hovered around 0.75 crashes per million flights, according to IATA.

The lower fatality rate this year, set against the higher accident rate, also "shows the survivability of accidents is improving," said Giancarlo Buono, European director of safety and operations at IATA. "This makes us think that manufacturers and the industry in general are doing a good job in ensuring not only safety but also survivability."

By region, Europe and north Asia were safest, with no crashes. The rate in the Americas was below 0.5 crashes per million flights, while Africa and the former Soviet Union both had accident rates above 2.3 crashes per million flights.

Mr. Buono said Africa has shown "great improvement" in safety despite its high rate, while former Soviet countries are "an area of concern." He said IATA and other organizations are working to help countries with the highest accident rates.

Another area of concern for the industry is pilots' reliance on airplane automation, which has been identified as a factor in accidents including the crash this summer of an Asiana Airlines Inc.  Boeing Co. 777 while landing at San Francisco International Airport in July.

As jetliners have become more computerized over recent years, pilots have come to rely increasingly on the systems. When forced to understand the systems or fly manually, some pilots have struggled.

"In aviation, you always have new threats emerging, and our goal is to manage those threats," Mr. Buono said. Handling automation "is one of those risks."

He said the industry is working to mitigate that risk by modernizing pilot training.

Holiday travel tips: How to keep your data safe and accessible while traveling

The holidays may be a time for reconnecting with family, but long flights and the promise of plenty of unscheduled time make the temptation to bring work along irresistible. But the parade of planes, trains, and taxis—along with the highly coveted nature of laptops and mobile devices—put your data at immense risk. Lose your laptop during a layover or leave your phone in a cab, and you may be looking for a new job come New Year’s. Follow these tips to secure your data while traveling this season and avoid a holiday horror story.

Use the cloud

The best way to make sure your data isn’t compromised if your laptop or mobile device is lost, stolen, or damaged is to not store your data on it in the first place. Instead, use cloud storage. You’ll be able to access your files from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection (and, if the service offers offline access, even when you don’t).



In the event you do get separated from your device, at least you'll know your sensitive work files are safe.

Create your own cloud
Box, DropBox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive, and Apple iCloud, all offer free cloud storage just for setting up an account. The last three also offer online productivity tools so you can create or edit content directly from the Web. And there are several alternative cloud services for specific needs like heightened security.

For all the convenience of the cloud, there are potential security and compliance concerns with trusting sensitive company or customer data to a third-party. Consumer-grade services typically encrypt the data, but the cloud service provider has the encryption key, and the IT personnel that manage the servers may have access to it.

To get the anywhere access of the cloud but with a tighter rein on your data, consider creating your own cloud with an external hard drive that can be accessed over the Web, like the Western Digital (WD) My Cloud. You’ll be able to get to your files from Grandma’s house in Poughkeepsie, but the data itself will remain safe back home.

Keep your Kodak moments

That quarterly report likely isn’t the only precious data you’ll be toting around on your device this season. The holidays are rife with photo opportunities. How bad would you feel if you captured that once-in-a-lifetime shot of four generations of family gathered together, only to have your Uncle Al spill a mug of mulled cider on your phone in his holiday revelry?

The cloud—a public service or your own—is the best protection for your photos and videos as well. You can manually upload your photos to a cloud service, but who has time for that between the feasting and the football? Fortunately, Android, iOS and Windows Phone can automatically sync photos to Google Drive, iCloud and SkyDrive, respectively. (SkyDrive also recently added the ability to auto-upload photos from iOS devices.) Dropbox, also has a feature to automatically upload and sync photos from your mobile device. And the apps for Facebook and Google+ will sync images to those social networks, giving you the option to share your holiday memories at the same time.

Holiday travel is stressful enough without having to worry about the security of your data. Use these tips and you'll be able stay productive and enjoy the season with peace of mind.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2065604/holiday-travel-tips-how-to-keep-your-data-safe-and-accessible-while-traveling.html

10 Packing Tips From a Professional Organizer

Sarah Nelson is the Chicago-based professional organizer and the founder of Less is More. Nelson happens to know a thing or two about getting organized to get out of town. So, we asked her for her 10 best-practice packing tips. Read on to learn what you should always pack first, which fabrics fly best, and which carry-on suitcase wins best in class (or, as the case may be, cabin.)

1. "Be intentional when packing your suitcase. Rather than trying to pack your closet and bring a completely different outfit for each day, aim to create an edited, multifunctional wardrobe."

2. "Plan your travel wardrobe by first laying out all the clothes and accessories you think you will want to wear. Use the floor or your bed to spread everything out."

3. "Select bottoms whose colors and styles are versatile enough to be worn with a variety of tops. Solids in neutral colors work best. Make sure tops can also be worn with more than one bottom. Also consider fabric. Heavier fabrics like denim and jersey will look better right out of the suitcase than will silk."

4. Create outfits from this selection. Select only accessories, including shoes, that will do double duty. Try on outfits to make sure it all works together."

5. "Pack shoes first, as they are heaviest. To save space, socks can be tucked into shoes."

6. "Since toiletries can be bulky and heavy, pack only the essentials. If you find you have forgotten something, more likely than not you can purchase it at your destination. Put bottles that could leak in Ziploc bags."

7. "If you are checking a bag and bringing a carry on, put heavy items, like shoes, in the checked bag to lighten the load you have to walk through the airport."

9. "Keep large carry-on totes organized by putting smaller items in pencil pouches."

10. "Don't forget to pack an extra bag for bringing home gifts or souvenirs."

Best and Worst Airlines to Fly This Holiday Season

Traveling over the holidays can be stressful,especially when trying to find a flight.  Do you know which airlines to select?  Here is a list of the best, and worst, airlines to fly during the holidays, based on percentage of delayed flights.

Best Airlines:

1. Hawaiian Airlines: 6.92%
2. Alaska Airlines: 11.27%
3. Mesa Airlines: 14%
4. AirTran: 14.11%
5. US Airways: 15.57%

Worst Airlines

1. JetBlue: 22.02%
2. Express Jet: 20.5%
3. Frontier Airlines: 19.8%
4. American Airlines: 19.5%
5. American Eagle: 18.39%

Interval International Expands Its Relationship with Grupo Vidanta in Mexico

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 13, 2013--
Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), announced the addition of The Grand Bliss Riviera Maya and The Bliss Nuevo Vallarta, luxury shared ownership resorts in Mexico. Developed by Grupo Vidanta, these properties follow Grand Luxxe Residence Club Riviera Maya, which joined Interval's global network in 2011.

"We're delighted to expand our partnership with Grupo Vidanta, a company that has been recognized for building award-winning resorts since its entry into the industry," said Marcos Agostini, Interval's senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Latin America. "These spectacular properties offer visitors a host of upscale, family-friendly amenities in two of Mexico's top vacation destinations."

Situated north of Playa del Carmen, The Grand Bliss Riviera Maya has 96 suites with unparalleled views of the ocean and jungle. The open-air concept of the resort blends in with the lush vegetation and Mayan architecture. Its casual yet elegant décor features a palette of warm colors combined with wood tones and natural textures that provide a sense of tranquility. Each beautifully appointed suite includes a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, spacious living room and dining area, plunge pool on the terrace, and state-of-the-art electronics.

Guests at the resort have access to numerous upscale amenities and services available onsite and at the adjacent Grupo Vidanta resorts. They include a variety of gourmet restaurants, Brio Spa and Fitness Center, several extensive, free-form swimming pools, tennis courts, and an 18-hole Nicklaus-designed golf course.

Among the services created to pamper visitors are the Kid's Club with supervised activities, babysitting services, 24-hour room service, an Internet Café, and a concierge service to assist guests with everything from unpacking luggage to making reservations for dinner, golf, private jet charters, and the extensive menu of spa treatments.

"We're committed to providing our members with the best possible vacation experiences and meeting their needs through deluxe accommodations, modern amenities, and personalized service," commented Eric DuBaele, director of Hotel Operations for Grupo Vidanta. "Our affiliation with Interval will help us achieve that objective by offering them access to the same caliber properties around the world."

The Bliss Nuevo Vallarta is located north of Puerto Vallarta in the heart of Banderas Bay. The property will be comprised of 240 suites decorated in refreshing pastel colors with kitchens, living and dining areas, and private terraces. Onsite amenities and activities that will appeal to all members of the family include several swimming pools, multiple restaurants and bars, Brio Spa and Fitness Center, a Nicklaus-designed golf course, tennis, shopping, the Kids Club, nature treks, arts and crafts, and more.

Currently under construction, the Bliss Nuevo Vallarta is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2014.

About Interval International

Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market since 1976. Today, Interval has an exchange network of more than 2,800 resorts in over 75 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and about 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

Grupo Vidanta

Founded in 1974, Grupo Vidanta has evolved for more than 35 years into one of Mexico's leading developers of luxury hotels and resorts, shared ownership, golf courses, real estate, and tourism infrastructure, including Mexico's first privately built international airport in Puerto Peñasco. The company was has an impressive portfolio of resort brands in Mexico's finest beach destinations. For further information, visit www.grupovidanta.com.

Note to Editors: Photo available upon request


 CONTACT: Interval International
Beatrice de Peyrecave, 305-666-1861, ext. 7032

Beatrice.dePeyrecave@intervalintl.com

6 Genius Tips for Traveling in Style This Holiday Season

With the holidays approaching, there's a good chance a lot of us will find ourselves on planes. Dry-aired; germ-filled; over-crowded planes, where the unsaltiest thing to eat is a bag of double-sodium peanuts. Sure, traveling is fun, but getting wherever we're going can wreak havoc on our appearance. (How do celebs always look so chic after getting off a nine-hour flight?!)

I've got some tips for you, world-traveling buddy. Easy tips. Here are 6 ways to look seriously stylish while traveling. Bon voyage!

1. Apply self-tanner on your face before you board. I read this in some magazine article years ago -- I believe it was Donna Karan or Bobbi Brown who does this. Applying a little self-tanner on your face while you're getting ready to leave for the airport will allow the color to develop while you're in the air. Then, after you disembark and look at yourself in that horrid airport bathroom lighting, you'll be pleased to see you've got a nice glow going on. It's like a vacation before your vacation.

2. Don't use Evian mist. For years I was spraying myself with those travel-sized Evian mists while up in the air under the assumption that it would help keep my skin hydrated. While a blast of cool water to the face always feels refreshing, a friend (who knows a lot about beauty) told me that a better option is a hydrating spray -- one with actual moisturizing agents. A good (affordable) option is Boots No7 Hydrating Water Spray.

3. Brush yo' teeth. Nothing can make a person feel ickier and less glam than stale breath. Never board a plane without a travel toothpaste and toothbrush.

4. Wrinkle spray. If you're on a long flight, your clothes are not going to look as they did when you arrive at your destination as they did when you first boarded the plane. It's basic science. Instead of going the celeb route (bringing a change of clothes), pack a de-wrinkler spray and look like you were never sitting in a cramped seat for four hours when you land.

5. Keep your clothes simple. Thousands of miles up in the air isn't the time to try out the latest trends. Keeping clothing simple -- yet fashionable and comfortable -- is a surefire way to always look chic when traveling. Something like black leggings, a Breton striped shirt, black booties, and a thick cardigan is perfect.

6. Go easy on the makeup. Save the blush and eyeliner for after you land. A full face of makeup likely won't stay in place when you're sitting on a plane for hours on end -- especially when you're misting your face with a hydrating spray.

http://thestir.cafemom.com/beauty_style/163532/6_genius_tips_for_traveling

The 55 Best Travel Tips Ever.

Written by blogger The Everywhereist (www.http://www.everywhereist.com/), here are the best 55 travel tips...ever.

• Packing for a trip is infinitely easier when you’ve just done laundry.

• Bring a travel first aid kit with the following: ibuprofen (or other pain killer), decongestant, NyQuil, bandages, hydrocortizone cream. You will not believe how often it will come in handy.

• Going somewhere with clean drinking water? Pack a reusable water bottle that clips on to your bag. Bonus points if it’s collapsible. In an age where the bottled stuff costs $7, you’ll save a ton, too.

• You will never wear that second dressy outfit, so stop packing it. Most trips, you won’t even wear the first dressy outfit (but you should still pack that one).

• Bags with wheels are amazing. That backpack might seem more agile, but have you ever seen someone trek across an airport with one of those on their back? Nimble does not come to mind. Sciatica, yes. But not nimble.

• Don’t forget your camera charger. You will go through that battery in a second, esp. when your friends insist on flipping through all of the photos that you just took in order to relive something that happened 5 minutes ago.

• Don’t pack clothes that require ironing. Hell, don’t buy clothes that require ironing.

• If you are staying with someone, get them a present. Either bring it from home, or take them out during the trip, or send them something afterwards. Do it not only because you will likely be invited back, but because your mom will be so proud.

• Never pack something that you haven’t worn before. Otherwise you’ll find your new shoes too uncomfortable, your new jacket too flimsy, your new underwear too wedgie-prone.

• Buy that delightfully grotesque souvenir, even if you don’t know who to give it to. Odds are, you will think of someone for whom it would be perfect. Worst-case scenario, you’ll keep it for yourself. Which is a really great worst-case scenario.

• If you hate wearing something at home, you will hate wearing it even more on a trip.

• Pack those god-awful tennis shoes you only wear “jogging” (a.k.a., “to the store to buy ice cream”) At some point during your trip, you won’t care what you look like. You will only care about being comfortable. For me, that point is “Day 2.”

• Do not go into a McDonald’s. I don’t care if you are scared and starving – McNuggets are NEVER a viable option. If you need fast food, at least hit up a regional chain.

• Always ask museum staff for tips. They’ll tell you what the best exhibits are, and what you can skip.

• If you are at an aquarium or a planetarium, feel free to skip the IMAX movie. They cost a bundle, and are the same EVERYWHERE.

• Tip your hotel housekeeping staff. (A good rule is to leave them about $2 U.S./day.) While you can leave it every day on the pillow, most staff is instructed not to move money or personal items, so they might not pick it up. If this is the case, just leave it in a prominent spot when you check out.

• Never carry your wallet in your back pocket, and never carry your purse on just your shoulder.

• Take notes. As much as you believe the contrary, once you get home you will not remember your tour guide’s name, or the artist whose worked you loved so much, or even the city where you stayed. Write it down.

• If you have an inkling that you should be taking photos of something, take them.

• If you have an inkling that you should not be taking photos of something, don’t take them.

• The second you think of packing something, PACK IT. If you wait, you will forget. And then you’ll end up using a plastic bag as a shower cap. Subsequent attempts to seduce your husband will be impossible after he’s seen you with a Rite-Aid sack on your head.

• If you don’t speak the local language of the place you are heading, then at least learn the following phrases: Please. Thank you. I’m sorry. Do you have those shoes in a size 37?

• Wherever you  are, wherever you are going, bring snacks.

• Dry shampoo is a godsend for those days when you don’t have time to wash your hair, but still want to interact with other humans.

• You will inevitably forget something, either at home or while on your trip. Accept this reality, and pray it is not your passport or your spouse.

• Call your credit card company before you leave and put a travel alert on your card. While you’re at it, jot down their international customer service number.

• Consider contacting the embassy and letting them know the dates of your trip. Or at the very least, have their contact info on hand.

• Make photocopies of your passport and leave one with friends and another tucked into your bag. Or, better yet, scan your passport and email a copy to yourself.

• Pack more underwear than you could ever conceivably go through. They don’t take up much room, and after a few days on the road, you will feel FRIGGING DECADENT when you put on a fresh pair in the morning and again in the afternoon.

• Stuffing socks into your shoes can help you save space and ensure your loafers retain their shape.

• No one will judge you for watching a dumb movie while on a plane. That’s what you’re supposed to do on planes.

• When packing, try to match all of the pants/bottoms you are taking with all of the tops. This will prevent you from looking like a total goober by the end of your trip.

• Dryer sheets remove static from your hair and clothing and make your suitcase smell awesome while taking up virtually no room.

• Do not, under ANY circumstances, use an airplane lavatory while not wearing shoes. That is not okay. I don’t care how swollen your feet are. Also, consider rolling up the hems of your pants while you are in there, so they don’t brush the floor.

• Toilet paper is not a given in many parts of the world. Which is why those little packs of tissues they sell at drugstores are a godsend.

• It is far easier to get drunk and make an ass of yourself at 30,000 feet than when you are on the ground.

• Border control agents do not get sarcasm.

• If you can’t afford to lose it (either financially or emotionally), don’t pack it.

• When in Bulgaria, never get into a cab that doesn’t have a meter.

• If you’ve selected the window seat, you’d better have a big bladder.

• If you are starting a brand-new book on your flight, bring at least one other form of entertainment with you, because that brand-new book might suck.

• Suffer from motion sickness? Ask for a drink that is half ginger ale and half club soda. It will help alleviate nausea without putting you into diabetic shock.

• Never check any of the following: your toothbrush, your prescription medications, your deodorant, your pjs.

• Wear sunscreen anytime you will be outside, regardless of the temperature or weather.

• Regardless of size, never bring more than two bags with you- any more than that is unwieldy and difficult to keep track of.

• Rolling non-wrinkable items before shoving them into your suitcase really does save space.

• A passport protector is the most useless item anyone can buy, ever.

• If you’ve forgotten something, check with the hotel before running to a drugstore. Most housekeeping departments carry toothbrushes, combs, sewing kits, shower caps, and disposable razors that they will give you free of charge.

• Budget hotels almost always offer free wi-fi. Luxury hotels will charge you for it. This is almost always the case.

• Sleeping in while traveling is only acceptable if there is absolutely NOTHING better to do. In other words, it’s never acceptable.

• Never trust a theater review from a London critic.

• Don’t take foreign guests to an Americanized version of their cuisine. I know I shouldn’t generalize, but NO ITALIAN HAS EVER WANTED TO GO TO THE OLIVE GARDEN.

• If a restaurants posts its menu in more than three languages, the food is probably going to suck.

• Never, EVER leave any valuables in your vehicle. I don’t care if it’s safely hidden in the trunk. I don’t care if you’re parked in the safest part of town. Don’t do it. It’s not worth the risk.

• Always pack a hat. In the winter, a knit hat will keep you warm and take up little room. In the summer, a brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face. In either case, it will save you when your straightening iron doesn’t work in the trapezoidal electrical socket you found in your hotel room.

25 Best Spas in Mexico

If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in Mexico, be sure to book a room at one of the resorts named on Mexico's 25 Best Spas.  No matter where you may be headed, be pampered in decadent treatments and have your troubles rubbed away at one of these award winning locations:

1. Aroma Spa, Esencia, A Seaside Estate, Riviera Maya
2. Auriga Spa, Capella Pedegral, Cabo San Lucas
3. Banyan Tree Spa, Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
4. Brio Spa, Mayan Palace, Riviera Maya
5. Desert Spa, Villa Group, Cabo San Lucas
6. Gem Spa, Coral Beach, Fiesta Americana Grand, Cancun
7. Heavenly Spa, Westin Santa Fe Mexico City
8. Kinan Spa , Maroma by Orient Express, Riviera Maya
9. Miile Spa, Excellence Riviera Maya
10. Naay Spa, El Dorado Seaside Suites, Riviera Maya
11. One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
12. Rancho La Puerta, Tecate
13. Remede Spa, St. Regis Mexico City
14. Sense Spa, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
15. Sense Spa, Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
16. SOMMA Wine Spa, Fiesta Americana Grand, Los Cabos
17. Spa by Liverpool, Mexico City
18. Spa Marquis, Marquis Reforma Mexico City
19. Spa Matilda, Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende
20. Spa, Grand Velas, Riviera Maya
21. The Apuane Spa, Four Seasons Punta Mita
22. Vassa Spa, Azul Beach, Riviera Maya
23. Vassa Spa, Azul Fives, Playa del Carmen
24. Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya
25. Zoetry, Paraiso de la Bonita, Riviera Maya

Second Annual Grand Luxxe Photo Contest

Vida Vacations launched their second annual Grand Luxxe Photo Contest on June 17, 2013.

To enter, members of the Grand Luxxe will upload photos of themselves and family members during their

stays at the Vida resorts.  The best photo will win a week stay at the Grand Luxxe, and two runner ups will be given a $150 resort credit to use on their next stay.

Entering is simple!  Check out the full article here.



The winning photo from 2012.

Tips For Traveling to Mexico

Planning a trip to Mexico this summer?  Traveling to another country isn't always easy, so here are some valuable tips for your trip:


DO research your destination, but DON'T overplan
DO practice general safety precautions
DO learn a few phrases in Spanish before you go
DON'T drink water from the tap
DO use sunscreen
DO beware of scams
DO keep an open mind and go with the flow

For more information, read the full article here.

New Flights From Las Vegas to Puerto Penasco!

Good news for worldly travelers:  starting June 20th, AeroMexico will start providing flights from Las Vegas to Puerto Penasco!

Flights will be biweekly and the destinations are the perfect place to get away from it all.  High luxury, quiet locations await travelers looking to take a departure from traditional Mexican vacation locations.

Five Tips for Traveling Solo

Ever thought of taking a trip all by yourself, but don't know how to manage?  According to the Huffington Post, all you need is five simple steps that can make take your solo trip from stressful to blissful.

1. Prearrange accommodations and transportation.
2. Plan arrival during daylight hours.
3. Respect the local culture.
4. Make friends at your hotel.
5. Trust your gut.

People commonly make these simple mistakes.  Be sure to read the full article here.

Welcome to Vida Vacations' Blogger!

Here's our very first post on Blogger!

To get things out of the way, this is NOT the official blog for Vida Vacations.

The lovely Vida Vibe is where you should go if you want to read great original articles written for the discriminating traveler.

The official Vida blog

And if you're looking for the official Vida Vacations website, click here.

Beautiful homepage, wouldn't you agree?