Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Top 10 Tuesday: Warm Weather Escapes





Considering the dump of snow we are about to get here in New England, I thought it would be nice to remind you of sunnier times and warmer locations for today's Top 10 Tuesday. These are also ideal for Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, or just a romantic warm weather getaway. As the wind howls outside my window, I pray to be transported to these sandy beaches if only for a few minutes. And in true Mexican wedding week fashion, #1 is Cancun! Bon Voyage!

1. Cancun, Mexico




The name Cancun means "golden snakes," but you won't find any venom in this sun-kissed Yucatan paradise. The most popular destination in Mexico, Cancun beckons with stunning aqua-blue waters and white-sand beaches. While Cancun's reputation is for spring-break fun, wholesome activities for the family can be found: Ride horses on the coast, snorkel and canoe in a reserve, swim with the dolphins. If all this leaves you sun-blind, plenty of bars and fine restaurants tempt at the end of the day.
Source: Vive Mexico


2. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands




Of all the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan island, yet it still retains the distinctive atmosphere of a secluded Caribbean paradise. Though it’s only 32 square miles in size, St. Thomas is packed with millions of opportunities for smiles and surprise, for families or couples.  Whether its shopping and sailing, snorkeling and sightseeing, or diving and dining, enjoy the island’s picture-perfect beaches and spectacular nightlife. Interested in culture and history? Don’t miss seeing the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, the 1680-built Fort Christian or the childhood home of Camille Pissarro, one of the best-known French Impressionists.  There is something for everyone and no passport required.

Interested in a Virgin Island destination wedding or honeymoon, check here.
Source: US Virgin Islands 


3. Playa del Carmen, Mexico




Playa del Carmen is one of the fastest growing and most fun towns in the Caribbean.  An international mix of fun loving travelers come here to party, enjoy the beaches and just generally immerse themselves in the tropical splendor of it all.


"Playa" as it's known to the locals, is in the middle of the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico's Caribbean vacationland. This place is tons of fun with amazing beaches, great beach vacation accommodations and the ferry to Cozumel which runs numerous trips daily. There are taxis everywhere and a couple bus terminals for connections to Riviera Maya vacation resort towns and other parts of Mexico. Playa del Carmen is only 45 minutes from
Tulum ruins, or Cancun. It's central location makes it convenient to all the sights & adventures on Mexico's tropical Caribbean coastline.
Source: Loco Gringo 


4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic




Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is what Caribbean postcards are made of: twenty-five miles of white sand, swaying coconut trees and more than 35 resorts (which by law cannot be taller than a palm tree). European tourists long ago discovered Punta Cana and Americans are now catching on. At this affordable tropical getaway, most guests choose to stay in all-inclusive resorts. The town itself isn't a tourist draw; the primary purpose of Punta Cana is relaxation by the sea.
Source: Trip Advisor


5. Miami Beach, FL




Beyond the radiant sun, surf and sand, discover Miami Beach’s rich history as an entertainment and cultural destination. From world-famous Art Deco architecture to renowned nightclubs to designer fashions, there’s so much going on in Miami Beach that you’ll need an extra day to enjoy all that it offers.  It is located on a barrier island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean; the Bay separates Miami Beach from Downtown MiamiMiami Beach has been one of America's pre-eminent beach resorts for almost a century.
Source: Miami Beach.gov, Wikipedia


6. San Juan, Puerto Rico




Many believe San Juan is a small Spanish colonial town with but a few bustling avenues. However this impression does not aptly describe the breath and depth of this fine old-world city. Modern-day San Juan encompasses a vast metropolis that covers seven unique and distinct districts. This makes for an eclectic combination of sights and sounds that is essential to the wonder and joy of visiting San Juan. 


Old San Juan, the seat of the island's bicameral government, is a traditional, colonial city consisting of narrow streets encompassing over four hundred years of history and tradition and is bordered by walls. El Condado, as the locals say, is the island's most glamorous district, featuring boutiques, a variety of restaurants, and some of the finest hotels on the island. Isla Verde is home to high-rise apartment buildings, huge clubs and luxurious hotels. Hato Rey, several miles from Old San Juan, is the island's central commercial district, where the local wheelers and dealers conduct their business. Both the Santurce and Miramar districts are located just off Condado and Old San Juan, but north of Hato Rey. Santurce was originally an upper-class neighborhood and entertainment. Río Piedras district is known as University City because it houses the University of Puerto Rico. Visiting Río Piedras is enlightening for those who want to explore the real Puerto Rico first-hand.  Enjoy the exploration!
Source: Yahoo Travel, Puerto Rico Vacation


7. Honolulu, Oahu , HI




Sometimes called “The Gathering Place,” Oahu certainly lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island is home to the majority of Hawaii’s diverse population, a fusion of east and west cultures rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. It’s this fundamental contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes discovering Oahu so enjoyable.

Home to the State Capitol, Honolulu is the vibrant epicenter of Hawaii. Here you’ll find everything from historic landmarks and treasured monuments to world-class shopping and a flourishing arts and culture scene. Home to the majority of Oahu’s population, the sprawling city of Honolulu spreads throughout the southeastern shores of Oahu, from
Pearl Harbor to Makapuu Point, encompassing world famous Waikiki.

Source: The Hawaiian Islands


8. Orlando, FL


Whether you have been to Central Florida a number of times or are simply looking to go for the first time, Orlando is always full of new adventures and surprises. Known more for its theme parks and family friendly vacations, now is a great time to visit as the rest of us shiver. In between the holiday crazies and spring break antics, families and couples alike are sure to find fabulous travel deal for a relaxing long weekend or even a domestic honeymoon to take in all the attractions. Home to world famous Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, SeaWorld Orlando and dozens of other popular attractions, Orlando is truly the theme park capital of the world and a renowned destination any time of year.
Source: Article


9. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico


Isla de Vieques is truly one of the last undiscovered spots on the Caribbean, one of the few that remains true to the past, tranquil, lush, uncrowded, alluring, romantic and magical. The island of Vieques has some of the most sublime and delightful beaches in the Caribbean, rich ocean life, lush tropical flora, and the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Until recently, Viequenses only saw a few thousand visitors a year. The majority came from workers in the metro area on the main island of Puerto Rico seeking for the escape that the more tranquil side of Puerto Rico offers. 


The island has a variety of attractions that would appeal to beach, and nature lovers as well as those that seek to feel a sense of adventure during their vacation and history buffs.  When you arrive to the Vieques you will feel as if you've traveled six decades into the past; a past where only nature has been at work to create a special picture perfect place.
Source: Vieques Travel Guide 


10. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt




The simplicity of sun, sea and sand. The luxury of five-star hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment. This is Sharm el-Sheikh, one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. There are small, intimate hotels with modern designs, as well as larger hotel complexes belonging to International chains, plus about all the amenities one could expect of a tourist center, including casinos, discos and nightclubs, golf courses and health facilities. In fact, with diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horses and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions, it is almost impossible for a visitor to ever suffer from boredom.
Source: Tour Egypt


Well there you have it, the Top Ten Tuesday: Warm Weather Escapes. Enjoy, relax, dream, get married, get cozy...just imagine.

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