Best Quick Vacation Destinations for 2016

Don't have a lot of time , try a quick city getaway this year.  With busy schedules these days its not always possible to take a week long vacation.  Fortunately, there are many nice weekend city getaway options.  You can fly out on a Friday evening and spend a wonderful weekend giving you a nice break and at a reasonable price.  Here are some excellent options you might want to consider if you have less than a week of vacation time.  All cater to fantastic quick getaways.

Charleston, SC
Charleston is one of my favorite cities.  Charleston has something to offer everyone.  From a great historic district, to fantastic food and entertainment, to great year-round weather to fun ocean activities nearby.  From the downtown Historic District, to the Waterfront to Fort Sumter National Park, Charleston has a great deal to offer everyone.  A great side trip can be found at Boone Hall Plantation, which is a 110-acre plantation and was the backdrop used in the mini-series North and South.

San Antonio, TX
Located in southern Texas, San Antonio has so much to offer, with the River Walk, the Alamo, SeaWorld and some of the best Mexican food anywhere (oh yeah!).  If you haven't been to San Antonio, then you don't know what you have been missing.  The airport is serviced by all major airlines and is a quick flight from almost anywhere in the US.

Washington DC
DC is one of the great city vacation destinations.  You won't fit it all in over a weekend, but you can certainly take in the highlights.  With all the monuments, the US Capital, the White House, and of course the Smithsonian, there is lots to do here.  Remember, all government buildings including all of the Smithsonian museums are completely FREE.  If you want a tour of the White House or access to the Senate and the US Congress galleries, you need to book these way in advance with the office of your Senator or member of Congress.

Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas caters to weekend getaways and is a great place for adults to play and have fun any time of the year.  The Ls Vegas Strip is a 3.8 mile stretch of Las Vegas Blvd. with 19 of the world's largest hotels.  With themed hotels including Treasure Island to Excalibur, this is also a family-friendly town.

Boston, MA
Boston is one of my favorite city getaways.  If you or your family are into history and some wonderful seafood, then you must head to Boston for a quick getaway.  Boston has some excellent museums like the Museum of Science, which has 500 hands-on exhibits.  You can also take the Freedom Trail or visit Faneuil Hall which both offer a view of Boston's history.  As for seafood, don't forget the clam chowder...it's to die for.

New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is one of the biggest "fun" cities in the country.  If you are looking for a party and you like Cajun food, the head to New Orleans.  New Orleans is just as vibrant as ever before.

New York City, NY
New York City is the most visited American tourist city.  With shopping, museums, Times Square, Broadway shows, the Empire State Building, and of course, the Statue of Liberty, there is more to do in New York than almost any other city in the world.

Take a Cruise on New York's Newest Star

After rolling out the hottest new ship of 2014 ,Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is doubling down in 2015 with a nearly identical sister vessel, Anthem of the Seas.  The ship started sailing out of Bayonne, N.J. in November, is 167800 tons and has the ability to carry 4180 passengers in state of the art comfort.  She will sail from the New York year-round; on 7 to 12 night Bahamas or Caribbean cruises during the colder months, and 5 night Bermuda and 9 night Caribbean sailings during the warmer seasons.


Anthem of the Seas boasts such innovative new features as a skydiving simulator and a class capsule on a mechanical arm that will rise high above the ship for bird's-eye views.  Also on board is the Two70, an unusual, multilevel entertainment space with floor-to-ceiling windows that  features live aerial performances as well as digital performances projected on moving screens.  Anthem also is only the second cruise ship to feature a bar with robot bartenders.

Like Quantum, Anthem isn't be quite as big as Royal Caribbean's two Oasis class vessels - the world's largest cruise ships.  But it will still rank among the five largest passenger vessels afloat and features signature amenities Royal Caribbean fans have come to love, from a 30-foo-high rock climbing wall to a FlowRider surf simulator to an H2O Zone kids water park.

A Brand New "Escape" is Awaiting You This Winter

Fast-growing Norwegian Cruise Line is creating another major mega-resort at sea -- its third in three years.  An expanded version of the company's recently unveiled Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway, the brand new Norwegian Escape will be the line's largest ship to date and feature a sprawling, deck-top fun zone with four major water slides; a restaurant-lined boardwalk; large production shows; and a giant, two-deck spa with a flurries-filled Snow Room.

Able to entertain over 4200 passengers on each cruise; the Norwegian Escape is set to become the largest cruise ship ever based year-round in Miami when she starts her 7 night Eastern Caribbean sailings this November.  Escape also will offer Norwegian's first dedicated nursery for young cruisers two and under; the first Margaritaville at sea; the largest ropes course at sea, a miniature golf course, a full-sized basketball court and a bocce ball court -- another first for the line.

As with past Norwegian ships, Escape also will feature the line's signature "ship-within-a-ship" luxury suite area, The Haven, which has its own private pool, restaurant, butler service and concierge.

For even more information Norwegian Escape

Visiting Aruba? 5 Great Ways To Take It All In!

While it's tempting to spend all of your time sipping Aruba Aribas at your beachfront resort, the unprocessed beauty of this Dutch Caribbean island demands you do more.

In Aruba, you will find cacti mingling with  coconut trees as the island's arid clime accounts for its uncommon coastline, discover the endless azure waters that likely lured you in the first place, and learn that dushi is a term for all things beloved and sweet in the island's native Papiamento.

Aruba is as multifaceted as its people are multicultural.  Traces of Amerindian, Dutch and Spanish influence the island's architecture and cuisine, and at least 90 different nationalities call the 75-square-mile island home.

But it's the raw rugged terrain untypical adventures that make Aruba a treat.  And because it has the most sunny days of any Caribbean island, you won't need to worry much about the weather any time of the year, one among many for the country's catchphrase, "One happy island."

Here, 5 ways to take it all in.

Savor a seafood spectacle

Seriously fresh catch.  All you can eat.  King Crab legs.  The seafood buffet at the Marriott Resorts's  La Vistas restaurant is one scene not to skip.  Aruba'a biggest dinner buffet, aptly named "Seafood Sensatio," is a carnival of culinary joy.  Sample the ceviche station where the citrus cured stuff is made by the restaurant's chef, get shrimp and scallops grilled to order, all the crab legs you could dream of, a side of orzo dill pasta and finish with flan and biscotti.  Then go for seconds--or thirds.  Dine outside to take in the sea breeze.

Take your sun salutations to sea

When you're ready for a challenge, try a yoga class.  On a paddleboard.  Vela Windsurf, a seaside shack on the white sands of Palm Beach gives core workout a new meaning with its paddleboard yoga lesson.  You'll paddle out to sea, fasten your board to the buoy line and practice doing downward dog without slipping into the water; the same tradewinds that make Aruba a top spot for winfsurfing and kitesurfing, may up the level of difficulty for your session.  Once you've nailed warrior pose on a paddleboard, you'll deserve to spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up some bliss.

Get your hands dirty at Zeerovers

The outside sink and generous paper towels should be clear indications that Zeerovers is anything but fancy, though any place where the locals dine is where you want to be.  At this dockside dive in the seaside town of Savaneta, fish comes fresh off incoming boats and served in a no-frills plastic bucket.  The only menu you'll find is won scrawled daily on a dry-erase board as the dishes depend on the fishermen's catch, and your order is priced by weight.  You'll nosh on barracuda, red snapper or king fish, with jumbo shrimp and a side side of pika (onions in vinegar) and pan bati, a corn flour pancake.  Try a cold Balashi beer and watch waves lap against the jetty.

Cool off in conchi

On the island's windward coast, far away from just about everything, you'll find Aruba's greatest unrefined beauty.  But only if you know where to look.  Almost as if designed to remain remote, the Natural Pool, a secluded pond encircled by volcanic stone and rocks--also called conchi--isn't accessible by car.  You'll have to hire a 4x4 or hike, and since oven the attraction signage is scarce, you'll make a left at the yellow house and drive off into the undefined rubble.  Once there, climb over a few rocks and slide into the clear, calm waters where you'll swim with striped sergeant major fish and watch the sea splash against the rocks.

Booze on a catamaran

Though sometimes cliche, sunset cruises can be a great way to take way to take in the island from a new vantage point, possibly while consuming open bar beverages.  Departing from De Palm Pier, Aruba's S  imply Sunset Sail takes you on a two-hour catamaran ride.  Timed to perfection, the sun falls just as your inhibitions subside, and the onboard DJ starts the dance party with saca, konpa, merengue and a little soul.  When  Pharrell's "Happy" plays, you'll realize it's the island's anthem.  After the cruise, it's time for a three-course meal at Simple Fish where you'll dine with your toes in the sand--shoes are prohibited.

                                                                                                                                                  

Great Caribbean Islands to Visit During the Holidays

Are you looking to spend your Christmas or New Years somewhere other than at home?  Then why not plan a wonderful Holiday Season vacation in the Caribbean.  The atmosphere and enthusiasm which surrounds the Caribbean at Christmas time makes it different from the rest of the world.  One of the most cheerful occasions of Caribbean Holiday is the fact that Christmas music is played on almost every street; people are seen dancing to the music wearing masks and having a joyful time.  Christmas is seen as a festival which celebrates the birth of Jesus.  Every individual takes part in the festivities associated with Christmas and the season.

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is a favorite vacation destination for many tourists.  The island is filled with a wide range of history from the mix of cultures that are apart of the island.  Enjoy the flavorful food that can be found throughout the island.  Sit back and drink a delicious glass of rum-punch.  The island is truly beautiful, and is sure to not disappoint!  The night life is also very lively and fun.  Danny Buoy's is one frequently visited destination that offers live music and sometimes a kareoke night.  Take full advantage of all the fun the island has to offer!

St. John

Once a quiet island, the new development on the island has caused more traffic the island of St. John.  The island is the smallest of the Caribbean Islands with less than 20 sq. miles of lush gardens filled with a vast amount of tropical beauty.  Most of the residents are West Indian of African descent.  The US Virgin Island contains a big amount of sugar cane plantations, and is home to the 29th National Park which has around 5000 acres of well-preserved land.  While there, a trip by charter or ferry should be made to Jost to explore the Town.

Anguilla

Sitting north of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean lies the amazing island of Anguilla.  The island is known for its numerous picturesque pristine sandy beaches throughout the island.  There is also plenty of history to be explored as well.  The Big Spring Cave is one must-see site that houses over 20 Amerindian petroglyphs that have over 1000 years of history attached to them.  The Old Salt Factory, Pumphouse, and the Wallblake house are also fun places to visit!  Enjoy the night life of the country and be immersed in the native sounds of reggae, calypso and other music while dancing the night away!  Anguilla is a place filled with multiple adventures around every corner.

Tortola

Tortola serves as the capital of the British Virgin Islands and illuminates traditional Caribbean heritage.  Exploring the island is best done underwater!  Take a visit to Smuggler's Cove and bask in the tranquil atmosphere while underwater.  Hop on a jet ski and ride across the waves or smoothly sail across the waters inside a boat.  The white sand beaches are simply beautiful and look like something that belongs inside a magazine.  The lovely Cane Garden Bay is also a popular place on the island.  It features multiple bars and restaurants and will allow you to fully relax out on the beach while sipping on a refreshing glass of rum punch.

Barbados

At only 21 miles long, the last island you should visit during the Holiday Season is Barbados.  Even though the island is relatively small, it is one of the most developed islands in the Caribbean.  Grab the whole family and hop into a submarine  to visit a shipwreck 130 feet under the ocean.  The Harbor Lights Beach Extravaganza dinner show is the place to go for an incredible dinner and entertainment!  Thrilling performances can be seen from the various acts in the show.  This includes stiltmen, fire eaters, an acrobatic green monkey, and much more.  Trade in your winter jackets for sunscreen and a bathing suit this upcoming Holiday.

fathom: How to Take a Cruise and Do Some Good at the Same Time

Cruises were once known for all-you-can eat buffets and ultimate lazing as you sailed from port to port, squeezing in some sightseeing along the way.  But Carnival, the largest cruise line in the world, is hoping to change that with its new "impact travel" brand: fathom (and yes, that's with a lowercase "f").

The seven-day trips offered by fathom will serve as "volunteer vacations," with a focus on serving communities they visit.  The cruise line's first cruises will depart from Miami in April 2016 and head to the Dominican Republic on the 710-passenger ship Adonia.

In the Dominican Republic, passengers will be able to take part in traditional excursions such as windsurfing or hiking.  But they will also have a chance to participate in "social impact" activities like teaching English in Dominican schools, working in a local women's cooperative to produce artisan chocolates and helping build water filters for families in need.

"we created fathom to meet the real hunger in the world for purpose, while at the same time tackling profound social issues through a sustainable business model," said Tara Russell, president of the newly-formed brand.  "We harness the assets and resources of the world's largest travel and leisure company and combine them with the talents and hearts of those working in social enterprises around the world."

In addition, in May of 2016, fathom has just announced it has been granted permission to cruise with US travelers to Cuba.  The line plans to provide "cultural, artistic, faith-based and humanitarian exchanges between American and Cuban citizens."  The 7-day social impact sailing on the Adonia will be begin alternating between weeklong cruises to Cuba and the Dominican Republic at that time.

According to Carnival, fathom will cater to a variety of demographics; people in their 20s and 30s who want to make a difference, parents who want to show their children other parts of the world "in a meaningful way," and adults age 50 and up who want rewarding ways to give back aside from just writing a check.  Rates for the weeklong trips will include all meals aboard the ship, volunteer activities, taxes and fees, and onboard social-impact immersion experiences and certain on-the-ground cultural immersion activities.

12 Must-Do's in Cancun

Whether you are planning a Cancun spring break vacation or a trip for the family, there are many amazing and fun things to do in Cancun. Here is a list I have compiled of the twelve absolutely best things to do in Cancun.

1. Xcaret Park - This is a wonderful eco-park where visitors may enjoy beautiful wildlife within their natural habitat.  Visitors will marvel at the magnificent flora and fauna as well as enjoying snorkeling and swimming in the underground river.

2. Dolphin Swimming - This is one on the must-do things to do in Cancun with kids.  The entire family will love swimming along these gentle creatures.

3. Interactive Aquarium Cancun - This is one of the most popular things to do in Cancun.  Guests will be able to enjoy swimming along with dolphins and even sharks.

4. A Day at the Beach - Every trip to Cancun should include at least one day visiting the famous beaches, such as Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy where they can enjoy the magnificent seabirds, snorkeling, and swimming alongside the whale sharks.

5. Relax at a Spa - Cancun is well-known for its magnificent spas.  Enjoy many different types of massages such as hot rock massages, traditional Mayan Massages as well as bodywraps and many anti-aging treatments.

6. Mayan Ruins - While finding things to do in Cancun, visitors must check out one of the many wonderful ruins, many of which are within a bus or car ride from Cancun.

7. Cenotes - These amazing underground rivers are one of the interesting and fun things to do in Cancun.  Enjoy swimming, snorkeling as well as exploring the caves and caverns.

8. Cancun Nightlife - If your are looking for exciting things do to in Cancun, there is no shortage of nightclubs to enjoy.  Enjoy clubs such as Pancho and Willy's for the over 30 crowd.  You may also enjoy a party hopper tour which includes about 7 hours of drinking in many of the famous Mexican bars and clubs.

9. Pirate Assault - Enjoy authentic pirate adventures on the Caribbean Sea.

10. Shopping - Spend a few hours enjoying the amazing indoor malls or outdoor plaza's where tourists may purchase anything from souvenirs to designer clothing and traditional Mexican handicrafts.

11. Bonanza Ranch - If you are looking for outdoor things to do in Cancun, this is the place for you!  You will be able to enjoy horseback riding along the beach as well as through a jungle.

12. Golf - With its many wonderful championship golf courses such as the Riviera Maya Golf Club, Hilton Golf Club as well as the Cancun Golf Club at Pok ta Pok, there is no shortage of places for the golf enthusiast to get some golf time in during their vacation.

It is obvious that whatever your expectations are of your Cancun vacation, there is no shortage of fun and exciting things to do while staying in Cancun