Airmiles Armchair Chatter

[alohamom]

m

Just make sure you book at least a 4 star, you don't want anything less.

This is very true.
As well, my BFF has worked in travel for years and she advises that not all countries 4 stars are the same.
A 4 star in Cuba is a 3 star in Barbados. I don't know why this is rated this way but compare amenities and read, read, read reviews
I like to look at the traveller pictures on Tripadvisor (not the promo ones posted by the resort itself) and do a little detective work from them
If the resort advertises a calm peaceful adult pool but the majority of the travellers photos show it crowded and full of partiers then this might not be true LOL
I always look at the beach photos too because if the travellers photos mirror the promotional ones then I know at least the beach is decent
I don't always trust the written reviews because I know they can be manipulated easier

 

[bababear_50]

Riviera Maya Mexico for me Marchingstar .

Top of my list of things we did or experienced last trip
1. Butler service (gotta try this once in a lifetime right)
2. Spa/salon
3. Poolside BBQ
4. Swim up pool bar
5. swimming in natural underwater caves
6, swimming with the Sea Turtles
7. Visiting Mayan ruins
8. ATV riding in the forest
9. Lunch in a tropical rainforest natural preserve.
10. Shopping in open markets

I am definitely going back here someday.
https://www.xcaret.com/en/https://www.xcaret.com/en/attractions/underground-rivers/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riviera_Maya
New things to try
1. Tad bit scared but........................................... Ziplining
2. ATV forest adventure
3. Stone tub on terrace
4. Visit a Mexican Mansion
5. Relax and Explore


And for little ones check out their new Park for kids
https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/xcaret-childrens-world/http://www.familyvacationhub.com/ca...ark-is-full-of-family-fun-eco-activities.htmlHugs
Mel

 

[alohamom]

Mexico for me Marchingstar

I am definitely going back here someday.
https://www.xcaret.com/en/https://www.xcaret.com/en/attractions/underground-rivers/
Hugs
Mel

I agree @bababear_50 xcaret is phenomenal.
@marchingstar I would say that one of our best non-Hawaii vacations was the Mayan area that Xcaret is located.

 

[tinkerone]

Another one for Xcaret Park. We stayed at the Occidental at Xcaret. It is right beside the Xcaret Park. There were small boats that ran through the lobby of the hotel, picked you up and dropped you off at an entrance to the park, maybe a 5 minute ride. Gorgeous hotel, great dinning, lots of entertainment. This was about 15 years ago, well before the new one was built, but reading the reviews it sounds like it's just as nice.
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Re...ation-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html
There's so much to choose from! You have your work cut out for you.

 

[dancin Disney style]

We have done many AI vacays to many different countries. I've never been to one that was truly bad....a couple that were just ok but they were cheap and you get what you pay for. You have to do your homework and by that I don't mean read reviews for 15 minutes. It means you need to spend a few hours reading reviews and researching the country. You need to know what is considered rude/polite behaviour....ok maybe that's just a me thing but it's something I've always done and as a result I've been treated very well.

I want to comment on star rating. It is something that is greatly misunderstood and as a result when you read reviews, on places like Tripadvisor, you will get a lot of unreasonable complaints. Properties are rated on the number of amenities. It has absolutely nothing to do with cleanliness, maintenance or food.

Probably my favourite place to go is Riviera Maya but when we go there we have stayed in the high end 5+ star properties. One thing to be very aware of with that area....Mexico in general....is that things have changed a lot in the last 2 years. The cartels never used to come anywhere close to the tourist areas but now they will come right on to the resorts. You have to stay at resorts that are not on the public beaches. There are gorgeous resorts and condos in Playa del Carmen but that's all public beach and now there are regular incidents in that area. The government works pretty hard at covering it up because the tourist industry is huge.

For a more reasonable priced vacay I love Cuba. The people there are the best anywhere....they keep bringing us back. Time after time we are treated like royalty. We have stayed at brand new resorts and old resorts. To fully enjoy yourself there you need to know what Cuba is and have appropriate expectations. Choosing the right resort requires a fair amount of research. I've got a list of resorts that I want to stay at. My one and only draw back to Cuba is that you don't see a ton of huge palm trees so that tropical vibe is a tad absent. The beaches though are the best you will see anywhere.

The other most common spot is Dominican Republic. We've been several times to all different areas. All are pretty similar but the beaches are a little different on different sides of the island. If beach is a hug factor I would suggest Punta Cana but as close to the airport as possible. The water is calmer down that way....the further north you go the water is rough and people go for surfing. I highly DO NOT recommend going to Sosua on the north side of the island. All the beach there is public and it's teaming with beggars, prostitutes and stay dogs. Walking through the town there is very dangerous. One thing I really hate about DR is the timeshare sharks that literally pursue you through your resort. They are relentless. ONE time we managed to get the guy to back off and stop following us.

There are several other islands that are really nice but rather expensive. St. Lucia, Barbados, Aruba and T&C.

 

[bababear_50]

I would definitely go back to Cuba BUT this time I want a 5 t star resort.
When I am ready I will be researching and asking for lots of suggestions.
Hugs
Mel

 

[Disney Addicted]

On a side note, I just wanted to advise that Hudson's Bay seems to be having trouble. There's news articles out yesterday and today about them not paying their rent across Canada and locations closing...

One of these years I'd like to go to Xcaret. I keep reading great trip reports about it.

 

[damo]

On a side note, I just wanted to advise that Hudson's Bay seems to be having trouble. There's news articles out yesterday and today about them not paying their rent across Canada and locations closing...

One of these years I'd like to go to Xcaret. I keep reading great trip reports about it.

So far, so good with shipping from The Bay over the past month.

 

[bababear_50]

I think all delivery sources are going to be somewhat taxed this season.
I just got my baby Magic Bag that I ordered from Amazon and it was delivered via UPS delivery.

Hugs
Mel

 

[dancin Disney style]

I would definitely go back to Cuba BUT this time I want a 5 t star resort.
When I am ready I will be researching and asking for lots of suggestions.
Hugs
Mel

There aren’t a lot of 5 stars in Cuba but lots of great 4.5. Most will have an upgrade option for things like butler service or all al a carte meals. It’s actually a better value to do it that way but that depends on the time of year.

 

[bababear_50]

Nope............. nope......................... nope....if I am in lockdown so are you,,,,
ha ha ha just kidding
here are your weekly flyers

Metro Ont
https://www.reebee.com/flyers/13406/1384589
Sobeys Ont
https://www.reebee.com/flyers/10012/1384290Bay, Rakuten,Old Navy/Gap , H&M,KIBO , OLG
Buy 50$ Gift card get 60 bonus airmiles

*************See Page 5 of 16*****************
Star Wars Mandalorian The Child Cookie Kit
$8.99

Blue Bonus
General Mills Chex or Cheerios cereal buy 5 boxes get 95 airmiles
$3.99 each

Foodland Ont
https://www.reebee.com/flyers/10016/1384292

Sobeys Urban Fresh
https://www.reebee.com/flyers/10092/1384294
Shop safely please
Hugs
Mel

 

[Donald - my hero]

Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes, made me feel very special.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Xcaret is AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING

 

[bababear_50]

Yeah Sample source is taking pity upon me being in lockdown.

​

SURPRISE! WATCH YOUR MAILBOX!

Congratulations! Based on your profile, you have been selected to try out a sample of Starbucks® K-Cups®! We're sending you a sample kit of Starbucks® K-Cups® in 2 delicious roasts - Pike Place® Roast and True North Please make sure to try your sample soon after you receive it. As usual, we will be sending you a quick survey to collect your rating and review! Please allow 5-15 business days for your sample to arrive. Hugs Mel

 

[marcyleecorgan]

that would be awesome if that was whole beans instead of K-cups.

but coffee! MMMMM I miss it, I have been having too much acid reflux right now, so it is off my list, and the Dr. wants me to take some pill or something. maybe then the coffee can return!
i have been "coffee sober" for almost a week now? auuuuuugh

 

[bababear_50]

Can anyone see the amount on the Amazon gift card that needs to be purchased to get the 20 airmiles.

https://www.shell.ca/en_ca/motorists/loyalty-and-payment/air-miles/every-day-air-miles.html
Also if it's $50.00 do you think I could buy 2 $25.00 ones?

Thanks
Hugs
Mel

 

[juniorbugman]

Can anyone see the amount on the Amazon gift card that needs to be purchased to get the 20 airmiles.

https://www.shell.ca/en_ca/motorists/loyalty-and-payment/air-miles/every-day-air-miles.htmlAlso if it's $50.00 do you think I could buy 2 $25.00 ones?

I opened up the PDF file and this is what it shows for the gift card offer.
Gift Card Offer Offer valid November 2, 2020 through to January 3, 2021 at participating Shell locations in ON, MB, SK, AB, BC, and NT only (excluding Shell Flying J locations). Get 20 AIR MILES® Bonus Miles on your purchase of any of the following Gift Cards: Nintendo - $24.99 or $50, Sony - $25 or $50, Keg - $50, HBC - $50, Winners - $50, or Amazon - $100. Maximum 20 Miles per transaction. Offer may be combined with other Bonus offers. No coupon required. A valid AIR MILES Card must be swiped/Collector Number entered at time of transaction. Shell reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice. Please allow up to 4 weeks post promotion for your Bonus Miles to be loaded to your collector account. ®™
Looks like it is a $100 Amazon gift card.

 

[ottawamom]

I had to look it up on the Shell site. It's a $100 GC. I was thinking about it as I like to have some $ on my Amazon account for Kindle book purchases.

 

[marchingstar]

to everyone sharing their ideas and experiences with all-inclusive,



i am so grateful for all the details!

i’m dipping my toes in with some research about xcaret. it really does look amazing! so many things to do. i priced it out in the airmiles site and it looks like it’ll run about 50,000 miles for a week-long stay, so it seems a bit pricey, but also like it comes with everything.

 

[bababear_50]

Just ,,ridiculous ...................................
I have been on hold waiting to speak to a Sobeys customer service rep for 53 minutes...............................just plain crazy.

Hugs
Mel