It's raining, now what? Part #2

Continuing on with the top things to do on your vacation when it rains:


6.  Exchange to other resorts - Depending on your resort, you may have exchange privileges to the other sister properties. This exchange privileges will allow for a variety of dining options, entertainment revues, pools and different atmospheres. Check with your concierge to arrange for the transportations to the sister resorts; many times it is complimentary, but may follow a schedule.

7.  Fitness center - Well, I cant say I utilized ours while I was here, but the facilities are state of the art! Want a fitness profile? Trainer for the day? Need to burn off the unlimited amount of Coronas from the night before? Head to the gym!

8.  Sports bar - This venue proved to be particularly fun! Not only did I find new friends to hang with, but the game was always on and the crowd was lively! It was here I was able to find my favorite American greasy food such as chips, burgers, nachos and pizza!

9.  Dine around - Not to spend so much time focusing on food, but for so many, the value of an all inclusive comes in the fact that everything is included; that means food, beverages, snacks, even the tip! For a day that is particularly long and dreary, why not mix it up a bit by doing the dine around program. Start with a signature drink at the lobby bar followed by an appetizer at the first restaurant. Continue the night by eating each course at a different restaurant and finish up with dessert and a fabulous Vegas style show at the resort's theater. We saw Elvis to Grease to a traditional Mexican revue; all were top notch!

10.  Sleep! - Do you know how relaxing it is to listen to the sound of rain? Coming from Minnesota, listening to rainfall is virtually impossible unless you are absolutely sure there are no rips or tears in your window screens! The Mosquitos that come out with rainfalls are as big as helicopters therefore, many a storm is missed and not enjoyed. We never saw a mosquito or fly or any insect come to think of it while we were in Mexico. Therefore, we slept with the balcony doors wide open and listened to the rain while enjoying the ocean breeze!As we make our final decent back home, I'm filled with great experiences, I'm well rested and I don't have to deal with painful sunburns or scaly skin!

Despite all of this, I had a wonderful time and look forward to my return. This time, I'm taking mi familia so they too can experience the wonderful people, hospitality and experiences of Mexico that I have had the opportunity to enjoy. The Mayan calendar predicts December 21, 2012 not as the end of the world, but a new beginning. If you haven't been to Mexico in awhile, consider this destination for your next vacation. Whether you are dreaming about an adults only getaway or that family vacation with the kids and even Grandma, you will find the perfect location and be treated like royalty by the Mexican people. Need help finding the perfect resort? Give me a call, drop me a line or tweet me a message. Adios, it's time to "shut off all electronics, make sure my seat back is in its upright position and my tray table is stowed".

It's raining, now what? Part #1

As I announced my departure and eagerly packed my bags for Cancun, I anticipated long days in the sun with my iPod set to sexy Latin music, endless mojitos and my Midwestern complexion taking on a new shade of pink. Soon after this daydream, I checked the weather channel and to my horror I saw my entire vacation was forecasted to be 85 degrees and 60% rain! With hopes that the meteorologists were just a inaccurate as ours here, I pushed the forecast far from my mind. It quickly reared it's ugly head the minute the pilot announced the current conditions upon our decent into the gateway of Mexico; Cancun. So, for the next four days I was faced with "Plan B". Can you believe that I was able to thoroughly enjoy my trip, despite the lack of vitamin D? What did I do you ask? Well, I have put together a list of things you can comfortably do if the sun isn't shining her beautiful rays. Of course, there are plenty more things to do, but with only four days, this is a start.

1.  Shopping - Did you know Cancun rivals Las Vegas with their amount of shops and upscale boutiques? Whether you are searching for the newest Coach clutch or just want to roam the halls and window shop, there are plenty of shops to see. Another convenient option for shopping for souvenirs is duty free at the airport ( my personal favorite).

2.  Swim with the Dolphins - What a magical experience! To touch, kiss, hug, hold and be pulled or pushed through the pool with such gentle giants is truly a must do experience for everyone, regardless of your age. When I was being pulled around by two 600 pound dolphins I've never felt such exhilaration! My only regret is not choosing to be pushed up and out of the pool by these surprisingly strong animals during the foot push. I witnessed people say, "I'm scared, Eeekkk, OMG that was SO awesome!" all within 10 seconds of doing the "foot push".

3.  Snorkel- I talk about what to do in the rain and for some you may think its weird to do water sports in the rain. The rain in Cancun is very warm and light and my thoughts are, if you're wet already, what is the difference? Did you know some people say some of the best sightseeing in Cancun is under water? Did you know there is an underwater museum? Have you heard about the fresh water cenotes? These are just a few treasures you an see while snorkeling in and around Cancun.

4.  Connect with friends and family via wifi - In our resort, The RIU Palace Peninsula, the lobby offered free wifi 90 minutes per day. That is just enough time to get your electronic fix, update your status, upload photos and simply reconnect with those loved ones back home. I unfortunately didn't learn of the wifi until the last day so be sure to check with the front desk. After seeing how many copies of "50 Shades of Grey" were in women's beach bags and consistently sold out at the resort gift shop, I am willing to bet that many took advantage of the free wifi to down load the copy to their Kindle! It was all the rage and and a very fun conversation starter wherever we went. "What page are you on? Have you gotten to Chapter 10 yet?"

5.  Spa- The resorts have the most incredible spas, don't they? I love how you can walk from your hotel room down to the spa, enjoy your treatment and blissfully walk back to the room, the balcony, the bar, wherever. The bummer of a spa back home is the driving afterwards; it just seems to undo all of the relaxing a spa treatment can provide.

Check please...

So weve been talking about the debate whether to check your bags or carry on. Surprisingly, this last go around on facebook (www.facebook.com/4divinedeals) showed a unanimous vote to pay the fees and check your bags. As I sit here comfortably checked in, purse stowed and ready for my flight, I'm so glad I'm not "that person"! You know, the one who's dragging on an overstuffed suit case, trying to cram it into the over head bin. And for what? Was it really to save the $20-25 bag fee? Could it be mistrust; fear the airline won't deliver their precious cargo to their final destination? Whatever the reason, I can see the overhead bins are bursting at the seams. The flight attendants have already had their upper body work outs completed by 5:03am! We will be leaving later due to the hassle of stowing bags therefore a missed connection is imminent for some poor soul (hope it's not me; I've got a Mojito with my name on it once I arrive into sunny Cancun!) And honestly, does it really speed much up? Whether we wait for our bags on the carousel or wait for you to stow your bags on the aircraft, it's a horse a piece. So if given the choice , I will opt to lighten up and check my bags! Just remember the rules: under 40#, 3 oz or less on liquids in a clear plastic bag for easy identification and a total of 45 linear inches (14x9x22)

So, as I sit back and enjoy my flight to Cancun, I say, "Adios!" from 35,000 feet!