14/11/2017
Holiday and Spring Break Travel Tips
By: Barb Maxwell
The holiday season is creeping up on us and if you’re thinking about traveling, it’s a good idea to make your reservations early as holiday travel can be pricey. This is also a good time to start planning for your spring break travel. Spring break travel can be rather if you wait till the last minute in hopes of getting a good deal. Mexico and the Caribbean are some favorite destinations for holiday and spring break travel.
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are popular because there are non-stop flights (3 ½ hours, one way from Chicago) and there are so many wonderful family-friendly and adult-only, all-inclusive
resorts to choose from that have gorgeous turquoise and white-sand beaches. In addition to the numerous water activities such as snorkeling and diving, you can participate in cultural experiences that include the spectacular eco-archeological Xcaret Park, or you can take a day trip to Chichen Itza (Mayan Ruins). Plus, Southwest Airlines flies non-stop from Chicago Midway to Cancun.
You may want to also consider a vacation to some popular Caribbean Islands like Turks and Caicos (Key West Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos), the Cayman Islands, and Punta
Cana in the Dominican Republic. There are non-stop are some charter flights (4 ½ hours, one way) from Chicago to Punta Cana, too. U.S. travelers are required to purchase a Tourist Card ($10.00 USD per person) upon arrival at the Punta Cana Airport. There are numerous adult-only and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts to choose from and the Bavaro Beach is on one of the best beaches in Punta Cana. The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro is an adult-only, all-inclusive that includes gourmet dining, butler and spa services and world-class golf.
European River Cruising is also quite popular and it’s a great way to see Europe with the ship serving as your floating hotel. It’s a great value that includes all onboard meals, daily shore excursions, accommodations onboard the ship, and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks. Some popular European river cruise itineraries include: the Danube, the Rhine, and Paris & Normandy and Southern France. Cruises begin in the spring and continue through the fall with best pricing in the fall.
Taking a Caribbean Cruise during the holidays is another good option for a vacation from the Chicago area. There are plenty of cruise lines that offer great Caribbean itineraries out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, “Symphony of
the Seas” will sail from Barcelona in Spring 2018 and in the Caribbean in Fall 2018.
Also, keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June through November.
Don’t forget to protect your vacation investment with travel insurance. We never know what can happen before or while traveling. Some travel cancellation reasons may include: equipment problems, weather-related delays (especially from Chicago in the winter), family illness, death of family member, cancellation due to work reasons, baggage delay/loss, interruption due to illness, emergency evacuation. Note: All travel insurance is non-refundable.