Monday, April 8, 2013

Puerto Vallarta Confirmations

Room & Board reservation:
Mayan Palace (Puerto Vallarta)


  • Check In Time: 17:00
  • Check Out Time: 10:00
  • TRANSPORTATION CALL: 01 322 226 6000, SEND AN E-MAIL TO conciergepvr@mayanpalace.com.mx, AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

    • Confirmation Information
    Transaction Date:01-Apr-2013
    Check-In:14-Dec-2013   17:00 PM
    Check-Out:21-Dec-2013   10:00 AM
    Maximum Occupancy:8
    Private Occupancy:6
    Unit Size:2 Bedrooms
    Kitchen:Partial


    Flight reservations:

    E, Z & A
    Arrive Puerto Vallarta:    Dec. 15th (Sunday) 3:10PM Alaska
    Depart Puerto Vallarta:   Dec. 21st (Saturday) 4:00PM Alaska

    L, K & S
    Arrive Puerto Vallarta:    Dec. 14th (Saturday) 2:55PM United
    Depart Puerto Vallarta:   Dec. 21st (Saturday) 3:50PM United

    Posted by at 1 comment:

    Thursday, March 28, 2013

    Puerto Vallarta Activities

    Here are the recommendations I've gotten (there is A TON to do!!):

    (1)  The beach and resorts (Casa Vela) up north near the Marina are going to be much nicer, cleaner and secluded.

    (2)  Rent ATVs and go to beach

    (3)  Waterfall Hikes (several routes available each about 5-6 hours $60)

    (4)  Marietas Islands

    (5)  Bucerias:  locals, street tacos, seafood (Dukareals)

    (6)  Sailboat from Marina (semi-private) out to sea

    (7)  Sayulita Plaza:  yoga, hiking

    (8)  Horseback riding through tequila plantation & hot springs

    (9)  Buy seafood from boats and cook at hotel

    (10) Andale (dive bar off the strip)

    (11) Foam bars - avoid (ew)

    (12) General travel guide

    **I am starting to lean toward get a nice resort up north / near Nuevo Vallarta and take cabs to go out (~$13-15 each way).  Get fresh seafood from boats and beer, take it back to resort and chill!!
    Posted by at 1 comment:

    Saturday, January 26, 2013

    Marietas Islands, off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

    They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Marietas Islands, here we come.
    Hi BFFs!!
    I've made an executive decision for us, we are going to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in December!  Reasons being:
    (a)  Have you SEEN the picture above?  Enough said
    (b)  Best available timeshare in December for dates available
    (c)  Inexpensive flight
    (d)  Inexpensive costs while we're there
    (e)  Plenty to do!
    (f)  Again, did you SEE the picture above???  Also it is no surprise it has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches.

    Veto?  I think not.  Please see additional details below and post comments/questions.

    P.S.  KATE we are doing this for you so.... you have to come.  NO EXCUSES!  <3 Also if everything goes as planned I will have graduated by then... but that's too much to think about right now.

    Room & Board:
    RCI Timeshares available in December (Luxury vs. Location):

     Casa Velas Boutique Hotel - Decadent luxury but far, no kitchen.
    -Trip advisor reviews:  "Traveler's Choice Winner" but couples-oriented.
    2 Bedrooms6 (4)No KitchenSat 14-Dec-2013Sat 21-Dec-2013Exchange Fee11 
    Buganvilias Resort Vacation Club - Walking distance to the city plus has a kitchen.
    -Trip adviser reviews:  This one is nice and has an even mix of couples and families
    3 Bedrooms8 (8)PartialSat 14-Dec-2013Sat 21-Dec-2013Exchange Fee15 

    Special thanks to the Hirds, we should pool our efforts as a token of our gratitude~!

    Activities:
    (1) We can take charter boats from Puerto Vallarta to Marieta Islands, prices vary with Pegaso Chartering it's $80/person
    *Another option is Puntamita Charters
    (2) Um, it's Puerto Vallarta helloooo there will be tons to do here.

    Flight:


    Cost:
    Travel Expenses:  Approx. $600 incl. flight, charter boat plus misc. travel expenses (tips, tax, etc.) 
    Room & Board:   $0
    Recreation:         $400 ?
    Total Cost:          $1,000 (or less!)

    Posted by at 24 comments:

    Friday, January 11, 2013

    Puerto Rico + Culebra Island





    BASICS

     - US state! 
    - Island East of the DR and Haiti in the Caribbean.

     Potential Destinations

     - Culebra Island! 
    - Old San Juan, historic colonial town with cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants, and a fort protecting the city. 
    - El Yunque - Rainforest
    - The Lechon Highway - a stretch of road known for their roadside Lechon (whole roasted pig) stands.
    - Vieques Island - I haven't heard or read much about it yet, but it looks gorgeous! 
    - Rincon - known for "surfing and sunsets" according to tripadvisor...
    - Ponce - looks like another cute colonial town.

     Other Things To Do

     - Caving
    - Zip lining
    - Snorkeling/Diving
    - SHOPPING!

     COSTS
    - $480 from LAX - San Juan in August (doesn't let me search for Dec yet)
    - on vrbo.com i looked at places on Culebra, and the average price was around $175 per night, which would be about $45 per person if there was 4 of us. 
    - for old san juan, prices are similar to culebra, a little cheaper. and from staying in an apt there before when i visited, they're usually plenty available, kind of hit and miss on the amenities, bathrooms can be iffy (leaky, toilets clog easily). 
    **** We should definitely find a place that has AC!! it gets SUPER humid.
    - Food is probably close to American prices, maybe a little cheaper at mom n pop places. definitely try to avoid the tourist traps. 

     PERKS
    - My cousin lives in old san juan! So she could show us around a bit, and give us the low-down.
    - US dollars. holla.
    - beautiful beaches for days 
    - puerto ricans are beautiful...especially the hot ladies. but guys are ok too :)
    - good food, and probably more variety of foods available. 
    - outdoor activities about, and also culture/history. 
    - safe.
    Posted by at 1 comment:

    Bocas del Toro, Panama



    BASICS:
    Region


      Potential Destinations
      COSTS:
      1. Flights starting at $512 from LAX to Panama City (PTY) 
        1. There is an airport in Bocas del Toro.
      2. Room & board moderate
      3. Eating out meals is pricier, but we can buy groceries and cook!  

      PERKS:
      1. Affordable flight & stay
      2. Gorgeous beaches
      3. Island hopping
      4. National park
      5. Unique fauna, flora
      6. Friendly, safe
      7. Famous for surfing = Hot international surfers (bonus!)

      Posted by at 3 comments:

      A few questions

      Are we very determined we want to depart in August?
      I think we should potentially go next December.  Grey season so sunshine would be pretty awesome.
      What are your thoughts on this?

      I might be embarking on a trip in the next few months and August just feels very close . . .
      Also, Kate, Ekid, Zo, and I all turn 30 after Sept.  Angela... when do you turn 30?

      Ok, I will start researching locations but I am pretty flexible with any of these options.

      Love you ladies,
      Shosh

      Posted by at 6 comments:

      Thursday, January 10, 2013

      Nicaragua

      Corn Island, Nicaragua "30 Most Beautiful Beaches"
      BASICS:
      Region
      • Pacific Side (West)
        • Spanish speaking
        • Surfing, lakes, rivers, and lots of outdoor adventures 
        • Cave tubing is supposed to be AMAZING here (bonus!) 
        • Minagua, the capital is kinda sketch, but cheap and rich in culture.
      • Caribbean Side (East) 
        • Creole & English speaking
        • Field station "Apoyo Field Station"
        • Cheap hostels & hotel
      Potential Destinations
      • Corn Island (Caribbean)
        • "One-time pirate hub, now a (seriously) low-key Caribbean kick-backer w/ fresh lobster and cheap dives"
        • "The two Islas del Maíz retain in many ways the magic associated with the Caribbean - clear turquoise water, white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms, excellent fishing, phenomenal coral reefs to explore and an unhurried, peaceful pace, as yet uncluttered with Cancún-style resorts. Little Corn in particular lives up to this elusive image."
        • This place is seriously out in the cuts!!
      • Isla de Ometepe (Pacific)
        • An island located in Lake Nicaragua.
        • "A fantasy island formed by joined volcanoes, with lovely villages, great beaches hiking and prehistoric rock art"
        • Primary forests trade off with organic farms in the folds of the volcanoes' fertile skirts, teeming with howler monkeys and parrots, and hiding a wealth of archaeological treasures.
      • Granada (Pacific)
        • A trip-maker, Granada's colonial lakeside gem rolls out the welcome mat with volunteering opportunities and volcanoes to climb
        • It's close to Isla de Ometepe so we could hit up both destinations (which LonelyPlanet recommends)
      COSTS:
      1. Flights starting at $581 R/T LAX to MGAon 8/19/13 - 8/26/13 
      2. Hotel ???
      3. Food starting at $3 / meal

       PERKS:
      1. Affordable flight & stay
      2. Great beaches "30 Most Beautiful Beaches"
      3. Colonial towns
      4. Safe


      Posted by at 1 comment:
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