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Showing posts with label Mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mexico. Show all posts

Make your vacation worry free!

Here are just a few things to help you on your next vacation!


Insurance
It never hurts to be covered! There are a variety of insurance options available and it varies with where you are traveling to. Insurance can cover everything from needing to cancel due to an illness or loss of a job to lost baggage and missed connections. Some insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions as well. Check with your travel agent for more details on how to cover your travel investment.

Documentation
As soon as you book your vacation get out what ever documents you will need to travel and confirm you have everything you need and nothing expires within the few months of your return! Before travelling give someone a copy of your passport. In the event that you misplace it while traveling you will at least have your passport numbers to make arrangements to get you back home! Another good idea is to take a copy of your passport with you and store it in a different location than where you keep your passport. While passports are the best choice when traveling outside of the country, birth certificates ans state issued photo ID is accepted on some cruise lines. If you are using a birth certificate and drivers license to travel, do the same!


Contact Information
Leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member as well as the contact information for where you will be staying. By designating one person to have your contact information will guarantee that they only contact you in the event of an emergency. Also, let them know your travel agents information in case they have trouble getting a hold of you on vacation!

Money
Cash, travelers checks, credit cards.... What is best? We suggest a little bit of cash and use a card. By using a credit card you get extra security. If your card is lost or stolen you can cancel your card and the company will offer you some protection against unauthorized charges (check with your card).

Mail and packages
Don't forget to arrange for someone to pick up your mail while you are away or contact the post office to arrange for your mail to be held. USPS website makes it easy to have your mail held while you travel. Also designate someone to check in on your hose to make sure there are no packages delivered while you are away. It doesn't hurt to have someone peek in and make sure things are secure while you are away either!

Pets staying home
Designate a friend or family member for the kennel or pet care company to contact in the event of an issue with your pet. There is nothing more stressful than getting a call from the kennel to tell you your pet is depressed and misses you while you are in Mexico... Discuss with your designated person what your dog might need and what you want done in case your pet needs to visit a vet while you are away. Make sure the kennel or animal care company has the designated persons information too!





Port of Cozumel

On Western Caribbean itineraries, Cozumel is my favorite port of call. Yes it is very touristy, but its a safe port to explore on your own without feeling nervous. I love the variety of excursions offered as well!
Whether you get off the boat to shop on the pier and have a bite to eat or want to explore some ruins, or do some scuba diving. Cozumel is a great port to do it all!

Taxi cabs are readily available throughout the island making it easy to get around. Renting a moped or walking is always an option. Depending what pier your ship docks out will make all the difference. Ask your travel agent for suggestions on the easiest way for your family to get around.


On our most recent trip we decided to swim with stingrays. There was a cold front that had just gone through the area so the water was rough and the air was cool. It definitely wasn't ideal weather to be in the water. The guides that helped us “meet” the stingrays were informative and helpful. We went in about waist deep but the waves were rough and with the ground being rocky it was easy to get pushed around by the water, making some people nervous about the stingrays swimming around our feet. They also offered a large area that was netted in that you could snorkel in after meeting the stingrays. I highly recommenced doing this when the weather is nice.

 


There are a variety of animal encounters available in Cozumel including dolphins, manatees and sea lions. While snorkeling is available make sure you go with a tour operator or guide to guarantee a good spot for seeing all there is under water.

If you don’t want to get in the water and shopping is not your thing check out the Chichen Itza or Tulum for those seeking some enrichment. Your travel agent can help you find a tour that fits your needs as well as those in your party. Please let the travel depot know of any physical limitations when booking your cruise to make sure everything is taken care of.

We always have lunch at Pancho's backyard located near the pier where Disney docks. The food is good but pricey. It's become a recommended tourist spot over the years and it is obvious when you visit but our family knows it well. They usually have a couple playing the xylophone and will allow kids to come up and play while parents take pictures. There are many other"local" food options as well.

The gift shops are much cheaper in this area compared to the pier, Puerto Maya! Expect to pay at least 1/2 of what things cost at Punta Langosta in downtown San Migel. There are a variety of items available but the most popular are bright colored pottery, magnets, leather goods, jewelry and wooden carved items. As for alcohol, go right for the tequila!

If you’re lucky and your ship is staying in port late check out Carlos and Charlies for a fun time! Huge drinks, bar food and a hopping party scene. http://www.carlosandcharlies.com

Another great restaurant choice is La Mission. Delicious Mexican fare with a great atmosphere. My favorite is their tortilla soup.
http://www.lamissioncozumel.com/ing/

Cozumel is a great port with tons to offer, even though it has become very touristy of the years it's worth the visit!

Want to make sure your cruise stops in Cozumel? Let the travel depot show you the cruise that is best for your party. We have many years of experience planning vacations, weddings, honeymoons and family reunions on cruise ships! In fact Jennifer was married aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. Make sure you book with a knowledgeable agent!