Travel Agent - March 17, 2008 - (Page HS8)

Mexico: MUY ROMÁNTICO Royal Hideaway Playacar Riviera Maya El Dorado Maroma Azul Beach Hotel Stretching the Dollar W With luxuriant stretches of beachfront along the coasts of the Caribbean, Paciﬁc and Sea of Cortés, a tropical climate, and romantic accommodations ranging from grand resorts to intimate hideaways, Mexico has the ingredients for an idyllic honeymoon. Sprinkle in friendly Mexican ﬁestas, restaurants and clubs for partying types, colorful customs and crafts and ancient pyramids for culture hounds, and coral reefs and treks into the deserts and mountains for the adventurous, and Mexico’s distinctive appeal comes to life. Yet with all its delightful differences, Mexico still has a comfortable, familiar feeling. English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. And when cost is a consideration, Mexico’s competitive air connections and still-favorable exchange rates help couples get the luxury they want at a price they can afford. In fact, 19 percent of U.S. honeymooners head to Mexico and for more than half of them, cost is a major factor in their decision, according to the Condé Nast Bridal Media 2006 American Wedding Survey. ISLAND ROMANCE: CANCUN AND COZUMEL Cancun draws fun-loving couples who want round-theclock options. A narrow island connected to the mainland by two causeways, Cancun’s 14 miles of powder-soft white-sand Caribbean beaches are dotted by the pyramids, thatched-roof palapas and glass towers of the Zona Hotelera (hotel zone). Here, at deluxe Hilton, Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Melia resort properties, tranquility and romance reign. Meanwhile, across the street, the restaurants, shops and discos of the “Party Zone” earn Cancun its fun-city reputation. Busses and taxis run up and down the island day and night, making it easy to go restaurant and bar hopping. By day, couples can parasail, windsurf and rent small boats to zip through a lagoon out to a sheltered reef for snorkeling as well as swim with dolphins at the Interactive Aquarium Cancun and tour the Ruinas del Rey archeological site. Cozumel, a short plane or ferry trip from the mainland, has special appeal for divers and snorkelers. The South of the Border 8 Travel Agent University’s HONEYMOON SPECIALIST

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - March 17, 2008

Travel Agent - March 17, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor Contributors Africa: Lodges that will Make your African Safari through Tanzania Unforgettable Special Supplement: Honeymoon Specialist Africa News and Briefs Caribbean: The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino is a Perfect Choice for all Types of Clientele Hawaii: The Less-Visited Island of Molokai Provides a taste of Old-Time Hawaii Central and South America: Where to Enjoy the Reefs, Rainforest and Ruins in Belize’s Maya Country Hotels: Properties that Cater to the Growing Trend of “Girlfriend Getaways” Cruises: Increasingly, Cruisers are Choosing Outside Companies for their Off-Ship Excursions Barbados: A Caribbean Travelers' Dream Airline Update: Several European Airlines Offer New Nonstop Service Ski/Snowboard: Three New Hotels Hit the Slopes in Wyoming, Utah and British Columbia Multi-Generational Travel: Cavallo Point: the Lodge at Golden Gate is a New “Green” Hotel Outside of San Francisco Agent Profile: Lynda Turley of Alpine Travel of Saratoga in Saratoga, CA Agency Profile: Largay Travel’s Company Retreat Cover Story: Barbados Technology: Open Travel CRM Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Onsite from Jordan Travel Mart Harrah’s Draws Younger Clients to Atlantic City Cruise News India’s New Hotels and Nonstop Flights Saluting Travel Industry Contributors Report from Travel South In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - March 17, 2008

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