Affordable Dreams Travel

04/12/2022

Send me a message with dates you are available to try this new Norwegian ship! I personally can't wait to check it out 😃

SOMEWHERE IN THE ATLANTIC — Since ships are often referred to with feminine pronouns, it’s fitting Norwegian Cruise Line gave its newest vessel in its newest class the feminine version of the Italian name for “first.” The Norwegian Prima is the first of what has been known for years as the L...

07/09/2020

Even as dozens of countries continue to bar American tourists, a lengthy delay in processing U.S. passports has been eased and officials predict a return to normal by fall.

06/09/2020

25/02/2020

Want to plan an exciting vacation without spending an arm and a leg? Here are cheap vacation ideas for each month of the year.

24/02/2020

Good things to remember!

Here are 11 items to cross off your to-do list before you go on vacation.

31/01/2020

One of my favorite places in the world...Xel-Há !
Here are some pictures of this beautiful 'park' . . . unlike any park in the United States that I know of, Xel-Há is a true paradise for nature lovers and an amazing natural aquarium. It is located in the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and since 1995 it is a model for sustainable tourism development, with unique family attractions. (It is pronounced "Shell-ha")
The ancient Mayas blessed this wonderful site with the name Xel-Há, which in the Mayan language means “where the water is born”.
Due to its privileged location, during pre-Hispanic times Xel-Há served as an inner port, trading center, place of pilgrimage and shelter for sailors, as well as being a food reserve during bad weather.
According to legend, Mayan gods joined together their wisdom, illusions and love for beauty to create a place that would bring together the best of nature, and that place was called Xel-Há. Once created, the gods were so pleased with this heavenly place that they decided to permit the entry of all mortals. To take care of it and the elements that surround it, the gods appointed three guardians: Huh, the Iguana, Guardian of the Land, Chuc Kay, the Pelican, Guardian of the Air, and Kay Op, the Parrotfish, Guardian of the Water. It is said that these guardians still protect and care for the Park and everyone who comes to visit.
The cove of Xel-Há is not only an entrance of the sea to the interior of the continent, but also the mouth of several fresh water channels that make up the longest system of underground rivers in the world.
The cove itself is a unique adventure, swimming or snorkeling you get to see more than 400 species of plants, animals and fish of different colors and sizes that live freely in this protected ecosystem. This place of gentle currents is home to more than 90 species of fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, the spotfin butterflyfish, sergeant major, balloon fish, snapper, damselfish and even barracudas. The queen conch is a protected species that also inhabits this place and which is under careful monitoring by specialists dedicated to their protection and conservation. Turtles and manatees also inhabit the lagoon.
I personally have been to Xel-Há twice, and still haven't done or seen all there is in this amazing place. I did learn, however, that going there for one day from a cruise which stopped in Cozumel is not the ideal way to visit. There is too much to see and too much traveling time! (Taxi from cruise to ferry terminal, ferry to the mainland--Playa del Carmen, taxi south to Xel-Há, and then all that in reverse on the way back!) Hopefully there are no accidents on the narrow highway back, because you may be left behind by your cruise ship! 😜
The first time we went there, we were staying in Cancún
and it was definitely more relaxing; but now there is an even better option closer to all the Xcaret parks: the Hotel Xcaret México. All-Fun Inclusive® is the all-inclusive concept by Hotel Xcaret México, which surpasses the traditional all inclusive by including access and transportation to the Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco, and Xenses parks, as well as the Xenotes, Xichén (Chichen Itza), Coba, and Tulum tours. Transportation airport-hotel-airport is included as well. To complete the experience, you can enjoy the restaurants and bars of the hotel as many times as you want. All-Fun Inclusive® is the solution for a perfect vacation.

Click here for more information. Have unlimited fun... and save up to 15% by booking online
Here's a link for a discount if you ever decide to check it out... https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=341673&u=398065&m=32794&urllink=&afftrack=
Thank you for using my link, and don't forget to add the photo package! Part of the fun is looking for the photo spots...you scan your wristband unlimited times, and beautiful pictures are available to download the next day.

29/11/2019

Going to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya? Don't miss Xel-ha -- an amazing experience for all ages!
https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=733553&u=398065&m=32794&urllink=&afftrack=

https://youtu.be/DyhkDw87aSA (video)

and some Black Friday deals here: https://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=631866&m=32794&u=398065

The moment of true joy has arrived, it's time to let yourself feel the blue sea and the warm touch of the sun, to do what you have never done before in a new...

05/04/2019

Our guide to Las Vegas shows will help you find the best prices on show tickets whether you are looking for Cirque du Soleil or Celine Dion, magic shows or concerts.

26/02/2019

If you visit Huatulco, Mexico I highly recommend taking a scenic bay tour with Pilo Vasquez (which for us included some fishing and snorkeling as well!) He will basically work hard to please you, which he clearly has learned from experience!
He picked us up at our hotel (Hotel Misión de los Arcos) and took us to his boat. We wanted to see the bays and beaches, but also wanted to do a little fishing on the way out. So we headed out and first he took us to several pods of dolphins, which was super fun to see! He said they tend to chase tuna, so... Sure enough, my husband quickly caught a Yellow-fin Tuna. We trolled around a bit more and ZZZING! Fish on! It was a bull (male) Dorado (aka mahi-mahi) who fought hard, but my husband won, and as you can see from the picture, it was about 42 pounds! On the way back to the bays, Pilo stopped for me to snap some photos of a huge sea turtle! Every once in a while we'd see a bird perched on a shell of one of these turtles. We then went to San Augustin bay, which is best accessible by boat. He got out with us and we snorkeled among the abundant coral and fish. Pilo dove down about 15-20 feet to grab a blowfish from under a ledge, so we could see it close up and hold it! He also showed us a sea cucumber. We then got back in "The Black Pearl" and headed out to see the bays. We could have snorkeled in each one that had a place to snorkel, but decided to stop in Playa El Maguey and eat some of our freshly caught fish. Pilo knows everyone, and introduced us to a restaurant owner who cooked some of the mahi in a wood oven. We thought it was good, but dinner was even better. (More on that later)
It was about 3 pm by the time we were done and we headed back to the marina. Rather than just taking us straight back to the hotel, he suggested dropping off some more of the fresh fish at a restaurant close to our hotel, the #1 rated Grillo Marinero, so we could have more for dinner. We did, and asked them to save us a table around 7 pm. Pilo then took us to the hotel.
That evening, we enjoyed the fish which was cooked to perfection! You'd think we'd be tired of fish, but there's nothing like grilled mahi fresh from the ocean! So good.
It's clear why Pilo Vasquez is so highly rated. You can't go wrong with our amigo Pilo!
P.S. - another beach that had terrific snorkeling was Playa la Entrega. We were there for one day in September on a cruise, and took a taxi (60 pesos or about $3 USD) there to snorkel. Stay close to the rocks on the left side (looking out at the ocean) and the water was clear--except close to the beach--and the variety of fish and coral was amazing!

23/02/2019

In Huatulco, Mexico this week, getting ready to go snorkeling. Yesterday we rented a scooter ($500 pesos for 24 hours...about $26 USD) to explore a bit...was very fun! The weather here is amazing and the area is beautiful. More later!

13/10/2018

Just returned from a Panama Canal cruise on the Island Princess. I'll be posting pictures and ideas for each port! For starters, this was my favorite dessert of the cruise 😋 ❣️

24/06/2018

Another Mexico adventure...which started out horrible! I wanted to share how great Airbnb was. I found a fantastic deal for a "2-bedroom condo on the beach" in the Los Barriles area, one of our favorite getaway spots. So I booked it (despite having no reviews of the rental 🤔 ). Well, the first pic sums up the inside of this place, and the 2nd pic sums up the beautiful location! It had no locks on the doors, no water coming from the faucets, the upstairs toilet was leaking all over the floor and smelled, and it was just filthy and cluttered. I called Airbnb and they were terrific. Not only did they refund the entire amount, plus 10%, but also gave us a $50 credit towards another rental. They offered to get us a hotel for the first night, but we were too tired after the whole day getting there, so we just slept there and left first thing in the morning. We luckily found another place on Airbnb and were able to check in there at noon. The 3rd pic is this other rental, and although it wasn't right on the beach, it was only a block away and a couple blocks to walk into town which was great. So if you haven't tried Airbnb, here is a link that includes a $40 credit on your first stay! www.airbnb.com/c/nancya66 (I also get a $20 credit if you sign up 😜 ) And if you ever want to visit the East Cape area-- between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz -- I can definitely tell you where to stay and where NOT to stay! (Also the best snorkeling spots!) 🐠 The last 2 pics were some of the tasty meals we had 😋

26/04/2017

Isn't this a strange sea creature?!

24/03/2017

Went whale watching in Puerto Vallarta, and also saw these dolphins! The video isn't that great because I kept switching between looking at the camera and looking directly at the dolphins ;) ...Good to have the memories on video, but next time I think I'll just enjoy the show!

23/03/2017

Where to stay and what to do in Puerto Vallarta? So many options from a basic room on the beach to luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Check out some prices at www.ItsaSweetDeal.com . If you go, don't miss eating at The Ocean Grill! You will need to take a bus (7.5 pesos per person) and then a water taxi to get there (free if you have a reservation for the restaurant), but SO worth it! Amazing food and location!

31/01/2017

Last day for a great sale on Carnival Cruises! Send me a message if you'd like me to book one for you, or visit www.itsasweetdeal.com ! I'm happy to help or answer any questions :)

Affordable Dreams travel for Pro Travel Network

10/01/2017

Here's how to book some sweet deals online: www.itsaSweetDeal.com. The quotes usually include taxes, so be sure you compare the TOTAL price! Safe Travels!

08/11/2016

Read the article, and remember as it mentions, some travel agents (like me!) offer their own incentives on top of any deals the cruise line offers. Do you prefer to book yourself? Check out www.ItsaSweetDeal.com for the best prices.

Vacations are all about the memories you make, and each one starts with anticipation—from finding just the right trip and pinning down your itinerary, to nabbing a price that gets you even more excited to get away. Wondering the best time to book a cruise, your flight for it, or if there are surefir...