Are you afraid to travel right now with all of the hype about the N1H1 flu virus? We here at tropicaltravel.net would like to give you the facts and not the hype! The reality is that we, as Americans are more scared of a possible scenario and not about what is actually happening. There have been about 247 cases of the H1N1 flu documented in the states, and sadly one death. This is compared to the 35,000 documented deaths annually attributed to the common “winter flu”. The virus is primarily dangerous to small children and older adults that have comprised or developing immune systems. While healthy adults can indeed get sick from this virus it is nothing that cannot be avoided with some basic health precautions that we all learned in kindergarten. The CDC recommends us to take these steps to stop the spread of N1H1:

-Wash your hands often with soap and water.  This removes germs from your skin and helps prevent diseases from spreading.
-Use waterless alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.
-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a wastebasket.
-If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
-Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
-Try to avoid close contact with sick people (within 6 feet). Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
-It is important to follow the advice of local health and government authorities.  You may be asked to restrict your movement and stay in your home or hotel to contain the spread of H1N1 flu (swine flu).
-Wear a surgical mask when in contact with other people.

The CDC has also asked, on the 30th of April, that for the time being people would limit their travels to Mexico to the necessary trips. Mexican authorities have already stated the virus has peaked in their countries and that the virus is on the decline. While U.S. authorities are still skeptical of this fact they have said that they have seen no signs of this virus being any more serious than the common “winter flu” that we see every year.

Stop falling victim to the panicking hype of the television new and get the facts for yourself!

Don’t believe us? Here are our sources!
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20090504/UPDATES/90504011/Flu+cases+leveling+off++too+early+to+say+it+s+under+control
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFlu.aspx
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148594.php

School update! 5/5/09

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090505/ap_on_he_me/us_med_swine_flu_schools 

Don’t be afraid to travel, book your trip with us at http://www.tropicaltravel.net

If you are thinking about visiting Jamaica and you want the best value for your buck, you’re in luck! In July 2008 Palladium Resorts opened up two new properties called The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa, as well as the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa. These resorts are both about 23 miles west of Montego Bay and are located in an area that contains both lava-rock and sandy beach coves! While the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort is an adults only property, the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa is designed to be very family friendly.

But whether you are traveling as a couple just trying to get away from it all or you are traveling with you family, these resorts will not disappoint. The Grecian architecture and decor will never cease to provide an exotic atmosphere for you to enjoy. There are many different ways for you to spend you’re day, days, or even weeks at these resorts, they are both fully equipped with beauty services, massage parlors, hydrotherapy, and gyms. Not to mention the tennis courts, volley ball beach courts, soccer field, mini-golf, pools, and even a basketball court. To explore these two new, exotic destinations, click here and book your trip!

The Renaissance Curaco is the first ful service, branded resort to open up in Caraco in about 15 years. The Renaissance truely lives up to its name with its mix of Dutch lesser Antilles and Western European architechture. The resort has 237 rooms, 14 suites, and even two Majestic suites, which just happen to contain flat screen tvs, reading areas, dining areas, and a separate bedroom.

Outside of the all-inclusive service, luxurious rooms, and the beautiful architecture, the Renaissance has one other attraction to add to its list of many. The Carnival Casino that can be found at the Renaissance offer a large spread of games, nightlife, dining, and shopping that is fit for anyone looking for a good time. To book your trip visit TropicalTravel.net!

The Sandos Hotel and Resorts in Riviera Maya can be counted as some of the most comfortable, both in terms of vacationing and with the checkbook, resorts to be found in the Caribbean/Mexican areas. Between the five different Sandos resort areas, vacationers have plenty of options when choosing the area, price, activity level, and room catagory! But even if someone were to choose the cheapest room and activity program possible, there is no way for them to be uncomfortable within these resorts. WIth their all-inclusive programs, spectacular views, and beautiful beaches, the Sandos Resorts send thousand of happy campers home every year satisfied and relaxed.

Two Sandos complexes of note are the Caracol Complex and the Playacar Complex, both of which can be found in Riviera Maya. Between the two complexes there is a total of 1238 spacious rooms that are complete with bathrooms, day rooms, mini-bars, and even in the case of the suites, an outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi. The Caracol Complex was also built with the enviroment in mind, which in turn created an artificial ecosystem in which guests can view some of the Rivieras most beautiful wildlife. To book your trip today visti TropicalTravel.net!

The RIU Palace Pacifico in Riviera Nayarit has been called the Giant Wedding Cake of resorts. Not for its high rate of marriages that take place there, if they do, but because of its unique decore. The RIU Palace Pacifico is all about making its guest feel as comfortable as possible, using the unique and modern decorations, the friendly service, and the quiet atmosphere. This specific resort is a little higher end because they are targeting a very unique genre of guests; people who want that special quiet and private enviroment and who are willing to pay a little extra to get it. This RIU has 445 jr. suites availible and is located directly on the Flamingos Beach, providing it with that exotic, adventurous feel that a person can readily enjoy with relaxing on the beach sipping on the All-Inclusive beverages offered by this resort. Some of the great activities to be found at the Palace Pacifico could be the gym, jacuzzis, steam rooms, spas, and even a unique cold-stone massage. The area around the resort offers many areas to be explored and experienced, whether your pleasure is art, surfing, or just dancing and relaxing.

The RIU Palace Pacifico is a great place to go and experience this particular area of the world (Riviera Nayarit) but if you would like to try somewhere else, it might be worth it to check into the RIU hotels website for more locations! RIU has many different hotels in many different locations, including Playa del Carmen, Mazatlan, and there is talk of a new RIU resort being build in Huatulco! These resorts are all top notch and are kept up with about $45 million in repairs each year! Visit TropicalTravel.net to book your vacation today!

While economic times are tough life can be just as tough. Sometimes it is necessary to escape all of the hassles of the world and take some time out for yourself. Whether that time is by yourself, with your partner, or with your family it is an important aspect of life. But the problem comes when all of the good deals for travel cost an arm and a leg for seven nights. The trick is to find a good deal on a vacation for a weekend. Two or three nights is the ideal length of time for the budget and work schedule. 

With that fact in mind, the next question would become where to take these two or three nights so that you can really get your moneys worth. One good option could be the Hotel RIU Montego Bay, located in one of Jamaicas hottest vacationing spot the RIU is a great option for any single, couple, or family to enjoy life on the beaches for a weekend. The RIU has something for everyone in the family! The kids can enjoy a action-packed day full of swimming, both in the ocean and in the pool, dancing, singing, and playing games all supervised by trained staff while their older brothers and sisters enjoy the chill teen area complete with an inline skate park, a non-alcoholic bar, and hammocks on the beach. But while the kids are off enjoying their day, mom and dad can be enjoying a lovely day at the spa, sitting on the beach, or even playing beach volleyball with some newly met friends! The RIU can be as relaxed and chilled as a person wants with its hammocks, spa, and pools, but it can also be the catalyst to a action packed weekend with nights full of drinks, dancing, and new acquaintances! Two or three nights at the RIU could be just what you need! Check out TropicalTravel.net to book your budget weekend today!  

If you are planning a trip at all this year, then maybe you should consider taking a fun-filled excursion to Costa Rica! In 2008 more than two million people decided to take that small step in visiting Costa Rica and that did not just happen by chance! Costa Rica is a tropical oasis with over half of its land mass protected by natural reserves! It has been deemed politically stable and economically prosperous making it a hot-spot for those business men and women looking for a good getaway from the hustle and bustle of North American culture.

Even with all of these facts stated, a person cant help but wonder what to do once you get off the plane. After you get off the plane, what you do depends on which direction you set off in! The trip from the West coast of Costa Rica to the East coast takes about three to four hours on land and only 45 minutes by air. But in that small distance a person could tour a coffee plantation, go rafting on the beautiful tropical rivers, or even climb a volcano! Taking a pit-stop in San Jose, the Costa Rican capital city, would be a must for any serious sightseer. Experiencing things like the National Symphony Orchestra, the Marriott Costa Rica, eyeballing the 1880 piece gold collection at the Gold Museum or even touring the National Museum that is built within the former Buenavista fortress.

But if big cities arent your thing, you could easily find some of the most relaxing, tropical hideaways in the area within a couple of hour from San Jose. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve would be the place to go in February to witness not only the mating habits of the beautiful Quetzal but also the 2,500 types of plants, the 399 other species of birds, and the 110 different kinds of mammals! Or you could visit the Arenal Volcano Nation Park for a hiking excursion, the Caribbean coast to visit the Tortuguero Lodge that is placed inside the exotic Tortuguero National Park, or even the Manuel Antonio National Park that is found on the Central Pacific Coastline. There really is something for everyone that can be found in Costa Rica!

Book your trip today at TropicalTravel.net!

In Riviera Maya and Cancun there have been countless, All-Inclusive resorts built on the beach front. Most of them built as close to the beach as the government allowed and then connected to the road with private drive-ways and made into beautiful beach hotels and resorts. But the only downside to all of these beautiful, All-Inclusive resorts being constructed is that the ecosystems in the Riviera Maya have been destroyed and polluted. For instance, there is a plant called the mangrove that grows on the coastlines of most tropical locations that help protect the coasts from erosion, surge storms, and tsunamis and they do this through their root systems that work to dissipate wave energy. This plant has largely been removed from the areas that the resorts have been built to make room for pools, hotels, and driveways.

But as always there is an exception to this enviromental incident caused by all of the construction and tourism. The Mayakoba Resort and the Tres Rios Hotel have been constructed without destrying the enviroment, and have actually been built in such a way that they have helped encourage the aquatic ecosystems found in the Riviera Maya! For instance, instead of removing all of the mangroves and underground rivers that are so vitally important to the ecosystem, the Mayakoba resort has simply uncovered some of these underground rivers and has used them as the center piece of the resort creating an atmosphere of being in the jungle instead of being on the beach. But never fear! The beach is still only a few minutes away, and is actually connected to the resort via the new uncovered river systems.

But in addition to the Mayakoba the Tres Rios hotel has also implemented a new, green design that was created to not only preserve but utilize the natural ecosystem of the Mexican beaches. The Tres Rios has been built on more than 400 piles of permeable rock so that the hotel has about 3 yards of clearance between the ground/lagoon and the hotel floor. This was done so that the rivers and plant life could live on without being disturbed. Both of these hotels have actually seen an increase in animal life since being built because of the aquatic ecosystems that have been created. These hotels also utilize multiple systems of using green energy and not letting things go to waste. For instance they sort all of the garbage before it is recycled and their water comes from the ocean and is distilled in a processing machine instead of using the ground wells and depleting resources.

For more information on booking a trip to the Riviera Maya or either of these hotels please contact us at tropicaltravel.net!

 The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino has recently gone through a $20 million redesign, which is obvious the second you get there.  This resort offers intimacy and serenity, along with action and activity on a beachfront access, and is perfect for everyone, from couples to families to groups.  Their beautiful open-air lobby is where you will get your first impact of the intricate redesign through looking at their beautiful light fixtures, white marble floors, sleek couches, and breezy white curtains.

 Their upgraded 360 guest rooms all now include flat-screen TVs, iHome alarm clocks, bathrooms with more space, rainshower showerheads and stylish marble countertops all designed with a “Caribbean-contemporary” décor in bright, but not tacky, oranges and greens.  They also have many varieties and levels of Suites available, so you can choose the room that is more specific to your needs and preference. 

If you are looking for unbeatable views, any of the rooms should satisfy, but the Sunset Suites and Ocean Front King Suites are the best when it comes to views and tranquility.  And if you’re looking for the most luxury and accommodations to really spoil yourself, the Governor’s Suite would be ideal.  Located on the top floor, on the Regency Club level, the space consists of cathedral ceilings, two furnished rooftop terraces, a large living room, multiple bathrooms, and Regency Club access.  Through the Regency Club, you are offered complimentary breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and wine each day in the private lounge, a dedicated concierge staff, and more between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.  And for families the three-bedroom Orquidea Suites offer you and your family a comfortable deluxe living room, a conference table for eight, a long balcony with stunning views, a master king bedroom, and two queen bedrooms with French balconies.

When it comes to dining, the Hyatt offers special accommodations that are ideal for groups, families, or couples.  For groups, the qualified staff members can arrange activities and meals for groups or couples that start with a chauffeured limp ride, and are topped off with your favorite dessert and after-dinner drink.  And for groups you can arrange a gourmet group brunch rich on the beach underneath a palapa.  You can dine on the outdoor, torch-lit, patio of the hotel’s Ruinas del Mar, which offers twists on traditional Spanish cuisine in a dramatic atmosphere.  It is also recommended to tray the restaurants lavish Sunday brunch, served 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and which is popular with locals.  Other dining at the restaurant include:  gourmet Asian at Café Japengo, Northern Italian at the casual Café Piccolo, fresh South American food and an extensive drink menu at the Palms Restaurant, where you can dine to the sounds and entertainment of live music and Latin dancers.

For couples, you can arrange special meals or exhibitions for private occasions, such as honeymoons or engagements.  The Hyatt’s “Ultimate Experience” sunset cruise for two includes a private two-hour sail for two aboard the The Fiesta (a 62-foot catamaran), and where you are treated to a five-course gourmet dinner cooked onboard by a personal chef.  The night starts with a limousine ride from the hotel to the pier and a red carpet escort to the ship.  The bar on the ship will be pre-stocked with you choices of preferred cocktails and Dom Perignon, and you can dine and drink to the sound of the saxophone serenade, and keep these memories from the discreet, professional photographer which will take candid photos of the night.

 And for activities, you can spend time at the bustling casino, listening to the live music throughout the resort, and at the many outdoor lounges.  Also on the grounds is their Stillwater Spa, the Fitness center, and their three-tier pool (with swim-up Balashi Bar and waterslide).  Also located at both the hotel lobby and on the beach, you will find information desks for the onsite adventure outfitters, Red Sail Sports.  Through the outfitters, safe and knowledgeable guides oversee diving lessons, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing charters, and many other watersports.  Their packages come in large group, family-friendly and full-day-with-meal itinerary options. For more information regarding Aruba, contact tropicaltravel.net

BARBADOS, CARIBBEAN

Almond Beach Village

The Almond Beach Village consists of 400 rooms in 10 different room categories.  This resort is perfect for families, and some couples.  Though very beautiful, it is ideal for families, which means a lot of families travel there regularly, so couples looking for calm and secluded experience may not want to choose this resort.  But for those who won’t mind some of the families, there are several adults-only swimming pool on the property, along with a nightclub on the second floor, which is open until 2 a.m. 

The resort went under major refurbishments about two years ago, when they added a fifth floor.  They also have future upgrade plans in the making, such as plans to add four new treatment rooms to their spa.

Almond Casuarina Beach Resort

This resort, situated on Dover Beach, opens in spring on the south coast of the island.  Currently, the resort is undergoing a $30 million expansion and refurbishing of the existing property.  This family-oriented, all-inclusive property holds 289 rooms, separated in to six categories, ranging from standard rooms to two-bedroom suites, and as a guest here, you are given access to the other to Almond Resorts, with complimentary shuttle service between the resorts.  Amenities here include:  dining at the three gourmet restaurants, four bars, three swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, golf, free water sports, a Kid’s Club (where different age groups can find activities and more to do throughout the day), spa services, and land activities.

Their rooms come within six categories, ranging from standard rooms and two-bedroom suites.  And as a guest here, you are offered access to the other two Almond Resorts in Barbados; they even have a complimentary shuttle service between the resorts for your convenience.

Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane is located only 20 minutes from Almond Beach Village, but seems worlds away.  This resort is the opposite of family-oriented, but caters to more upscale couples, and is one of the most elegant properties.  Known not only for their elegance, but also known to those with a passion for golf, Sandy Lane is where Tiger Woods got married, and where many come to golf.  Among their courses are: the Green Monkey (world-renowned, and the most aesthetically pleasing, with waterfalls and cliffs among the many sights), the Old Nine (an executive nine-hole golf course), and the professional Country Club Golf Course.  For more information regarding Barbados, contact tropicaltravel.net