Carefreetrip.com Travel Blog

When you’re looking for accommodations in Miami, keep one thing in mind: the nature and cost of your stay will be determined by the location of your hotel. Within the hazy borders of Greater Miami, over a dozen smaller towns coexist, each with a distinct personality and pace. Visitors are sure to find the perfect vacation spot somewhere within the city; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is, in many ways, the quintessential vacation destination. This strip of land, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, offers miles of gorgeous beaches, a wide variety of lodging choices and plenty of Shopping, dining and entertainment options. It is connected to the mainland by six causeways. Families and international travelers often frequent mid-range hotels such as the Golden Sands or the Dezerland Miami Beach Resort, while honeymooners, convention-goers and anyone wishing to splurge can wallow in Luxury at resorts such as Loews Miami Beach Hotel or the Fontainebleau.

South Beach

South Beach lies in the southernmost section of Miami Beach. If you’re wondering where the best parties are, look no further - they’re all here. The only question is, how close do you want to be? If you stay in a place like the National or the Clevelander, you won’t even have to leave the hotel to find yourself in the center of the action. However, at some point amid the Shopping, dining and general revelry that constitutes a stay in South Beach, you may want to sleep. If so, make sure you choose a hotel that allows for it. The Blue Moon Hotel and the lushly landscaped Hotel Impala offer pockets of serenity within the busy rush of central South Beach.

Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour is on the northern end of Miami Beach. It is the most exclusive district in South Florida, and offers only a few accommodation choices, all of them expensive. While some of the world’s finest Shopping can be found at the Bal Harbour Shops, the main appeal of the district is its stately seclusion. Luxury accommodations there, including the Alexander Hotel, offer every imaginable amenity, including the intangible but priceless one: privacy.

Central Miami

Central Miami is the home of some of the largest, most imposing hotels. Business or leisure travelers who wish to be in the center of the city will appreciate the convenience of the Hotel InterContinental or the Hyatt Regency Miami. Located only minutes from the Port of Miami, Bayside Marketplace and the Metro-Dade Cultural Center, these hotels can be found in the center of the Financial District, near the Design District.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is a charming gated village crisscrossed by canals and covered in lush vegetation. Here you’ll also find the The Venetian Pool, an enormous swimming pool shaped by a coral formation. Another attraction is the Biltmore Hotel, a good home base for visitors who like to combine sightseeing with other activities. Another venerable hotel is the Omni Colonnade, located a block away from the Miracle Mile Shopping district.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is a bustling little arts district, chock full of Shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. The Grove is second only to South Beach in energy and activity. Accommodation choices are numerous, and most of them are pricey. The Mutiny Hotel offers great service in beautiful surroundings. The Mayfair Hotel & Spa, located just across the street from the Streets of Mayfair Shopping center, is a study in stately elegance.

West Miami

West Miami offers safe, clean, budget-friendly lodgings, as well as more expensive ones. If people choose to stay here, it’s either to save money or to be close to the airport. If you’re trying to save money, however, note that the only way to get into central Miami is by automobile — and a cab costs about USD20 each way. Most of the quality inexpensive hotels are recognized chains such as the Holiday Inn or the Days Inn. One of the most expensive hotels is the Miami International Airport Hotel, located inside the airport terminal. While the noise of planes flying overhead might be a distraction, this hotel is quite pleasant in all other respects. It’s elegant, comfortable and ever so convenient.

The choices above are just a few of the best options in the most popular districts. There are hundreds of other accommodations to choose from, ranging from rock-bottom to five-star. Whatever you’re looking for in a hotel, there is no doubt that if you look long and hard enough, you’ll find it here.

This Travel Warning updates information regarding the security situation in Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor). The Department of State advises U.S. citizens of the continuing potential for violent civil unrest in Timor-Leste and urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Timor-Leste at this time. Americans currently in Timor-Leste should evaluate carefully their safety and security situation in light of this Travel Warning. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on February 15, 2008.

While politically-related civil unrest in Timor-Leste has diminished and security has improved, the potential for violence remains. Security conditions could deteriorate without warning, and foreigners may be specifically targeted. U.S. citizens should consider carefully the risks of travel to Timor-Leste. Those already in Timor-Leste should exercise caution, limit movements to the extent possible, and maintain a high level of security awareness while moving around in Dili; be alert to the potential for violence, and avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and areas where disturbances have occurred. Demonstrations can occur anywhere, and especially at or near symbols and institutions of the Government of Timor-Leste, including government buildings and houses belonging to prominent politicians. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

Since April 2006, Timor-Leste has experienced outbreaks of politically-related civil unrest, and the risk of further violent unrest continues. In 2007 violent disturbances broke out in Dili and in the Eastern districts of Baucau and Viqueque following the President’s announcement of a new government. In February 2008 rebels carried out an unsuccessful assassination attempt against the President and Prime Minister. The attackers subsequently surrendered, and the security situation has remained calm since then. However, indiscriminate communal violence and criminal violence have occurred, and they can occur unexpectedly throughout the country.

Areas in Dili affected by violence have included the international airport and its surroundings and the areas around internally displaced persons camps near the Comoro market and Bairo Pite. Gang-related violence has occurred often in Dili, and Americans risk intentional or inadvertent injury when traveling in affected areas. Criminals have been known to operate illegal checkpoints for taxis and minibuses in some areas of Dili. American citizens are advised against using taxis or minibuses for transportation. Americans remaining in Timor-Leste despite this warning should monitor the media for updates on the safety and security situation and check the status of flights before traveling to the airport.
The Government of Australia has advised its citizens to reconsider their need to travel to Timor-Leste and warns that Australians and Australian interests may be specifically targeted. Attackers could indiscriminately target foreigners, including Americans. The Australian travel advice may be viewed at http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East Timor.

Americans in Timor-Leste should immediately register at the U.S. Embassy and obtain all recent messages sent to the American community in country. The U.S. Embassy in Dili may be reached at 670-332-4684 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time, or one may call the duty officer at 670-723-1328 outside business hours. The Embassy’s new website may be viewed at http://timor-leste.usembassy.gov. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida de Portugal in the Pantai Kelapa area. U.S. citizens living in or traveling to Timor-Leste may also register through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings may be found. Travelers should also consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for Timor-Leste. Current information on security may also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada. Callers from other areas may call a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except on U.S. federal holidays).

Rent a car. What sounds expensive can actually often save you money. Consider renting a car instead of using the airport shuttle. Many times the cost of the shuttle is more than that of a modest car rental – and you have the flexibility of having available transportation. Also, if you are driving to your destination, renting a car instead of using your own vehicle is often cheaper than the extra wear and tear on your own car. Take advantage of Coupons to upgrade to a larger, and more comfortable, vehicle.

Eat breakfast where kids eat free and split meals. This can mean an enormous saving for a family of four or larger. Children are many times too excited or tired to eat much at a time. Restaurants that are kid friendly are more than happy to accommodate special requests for extra plates.

Eat lunch in your room. You’ll be surprised how good a peanut butter sandwich, chips, and fresh fruit tastes away from home, and everyone gets a needed break from the heat and crowds of tourist destinations. If you get a fridge in your room you can eat like a king for weeks!

Take advantage of Coupons. Whether it is for lodging, food, or Attractions – Coupons SAVE money! Find them everywhere… online, in local newspapers, at convenience stores, motels, etc. Always read the fine print carefully for terms of the coupon.

Bring your own stroller. This can save $7 to $10 a day at some of the Attractions. It is also handy to have when you are not at the main Attractions.

Bring along individual refillable water bottles. These can be refilled at the hotel and at attraction water fountains. A family of four could easily spend $20 or more a day buying water.

Take advantage of multi-day passes at the Attractions. This is especially a good deal when they can be used anytime. Sometimes you can get a yearly pass for the same price as a two-day pass.

Make your own reservations. Many hotels and airlines offer additional discounts and specials for booking online. Click here to view the latest travel specials and deals from our Carefreetrip.com and our third-party travel partners.

Give each child a set amount to spend. You can tame the “gimmes”, and your pocketbook at the same time, by giving children a pre-set spending limit for souvenirs. Also, invest in an autograph book (about $6 at most Attractions) and watch the fun as the children collect the “autographs” of their favorite characters. About once a week my son shows me Goofy’s signature and can’t stop smiling about it.

Spend the day away from the Attractions. You’re paying for that hotel swimming pool… use it! Spend the day at the beach or a nearby museum. The Shopping areas near the major Attractions have children’s play areas, providing an inexpensive day of fun for the little ones.

St. Thomas combines the natural beauty of the islands with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most beautiful harbors in the world and the most visited port in the Caribbean. Elegant dining, exciting nightlife, and world-class duty-free Shopping are abundant in Charlotte Amalie. The city’s reputation as the Shopping mecca of the Caribbean draws visitors from all over the region and around the world.

A mountainous island, St. Thomas offers stunning vistas in almost every direction. While Charlotte Amalie is full of energy, St. Thomas also provides natural wonders such as the indescribably beautiful Magens Bay and stunning views of the Caribbean from 1,500 feet above sea level. Drake’s Seat is particularly famous for its vistas.

St. Thomas’ activities are as rich and varied as the items that stock the duty-free shelves of Charlotte Amalie’s boutiques.Golf, tennis, fishing, yachting, and Shopping are just a few of the activities available. Mahogany Run, a George and Tom Fazio-designed golf course, contains 18 of the most beautiful and challenging holes in the Caribbean. Virgin Islands Ecotours provides guided kayaking and snorkeling tours through St. Thomas’ Marine Sancturary and Mangrove Lagoon and along Magens Bay. Fishing charters are abundant, and for good reason: The International Game Fish Association reports 24 world-record catches from U.S. Virgin Islands waters. Guests can even take a one-hour submarine voyage off St. Thomas to view the coral reefs and marine life of the island. For visitors who want to stay above water, Coral World Marine Park & Observatory, on the northeast shore at Coki Point, offers an underwater observatory tower, a tropical nature trail, a marine gardens aquarium, and an 80,000-gallon coral reef tank.

In and around Charlotte Amalie visitors will find a number of options. Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands, is rich in history. The Paradise Point Tramway takes visitors above Charlotte Amalie for a bird’s eye view of the city and the island. Blackbeard’s Castle, also known as Skytsborg, stands guard over Charlotte Amalie’s harbor. Government Hill provides numerous sites of historical interest, including Government House, 99 Steps, Crown House, and Seven Arches Museum.

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, it’s no wonder most major airlines fly here. As an estimate it will take you around 14 hours to fly to Australian shores. Any day, anywhere you will find the right climate conditions that will make your Australian experience unique and memorable.

Imagine a hot red land edged with surreal beaches. Now imagine that on this land, you can also discover lush rainforests, cool lagoons and slopes iced with snow waiting for you to explore. Yes, Australia has all of this on offer.

The Australian summer from Dec-Feb is warm and sunny and you can enjoy lazy days on the beach and typical Aussie meals cooked on the barbecue. Summer is the rainy season in our tropical regions in the north that brings our lush rainforests to life. Spring and autumn are mild and are the best seasons for bush walks and discovering nature.

No matter where you are in Australia or what season it is, always remember your sunscreen. The Australian sun can be quite strong, so it’s best to wear a shirt and put on a hat while enjoying the great outdoors. Sunscreen containing SPF30+ coverage is recommended.

Another important tip to remember is Australia has three different time zones, Eastern (EST), Central (CST) and Western Standard Time (WST). EST is for New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. CST is for the Northern Territory and South Australia and then there is WST in Western Australia. CST is half an hour behind EST, and WST is two hours behind EST. So make sure you keep track of what time zone your in.

Make sure you take time to do some Duty Free/Tax free Shopping. Everyone over the age of 18 has a limit of AU$900 worth of goods, such as souvenirs and camera and a limit of AU$450 if you are under the age of 18. This excludes alcohol and cigarettes.

Public transport is available at all airports for your convenience. It’s a good idea to arrange your accommodation before your arrival, as last minute accommodation may be hard to find.

Traveling to Australia with Kids?

Australia is a very family friendly travel destination. There are heaps of affordable things to see and do that will interest the whole family. Whether you’re seeking self-catering accommodation, child-care, theme parks, outdoor activities, tours, child-friendly restaurants, Australians go out of their way to create a truly memorable and fun holiday. It’s sometimes easy to forget how fascinating the real world can be. Forget TVs and Xboxes and take your kids out of their bedrooms and into the great outdoors. Family holidays can be educational experiences – it’s often so enjoyable, you hardly realise you’re learning. Subjects range from songs to surfing, from panning for gold to playing the didgeridoo.

Experience the National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer family vacation with your kids! Experience the fun, history, wildlife & a thrilling downhill bike ride! Tasmania is Australia’s only island state. It is a heart-shaped island of lush green valleys, uncrowded towns and villages and still undeveloped coastlines. The excitement begins in Hobart, capital of Tasmania. Then onto Port Arthur, cruise Carnavon Bay, take a thrilling bike ride know as the Mount Wellington Descent. Use the See Tasmania card which will give you and the kids entry to the best museums, galleries, wildlife parks, cruises and more. Over 60 Attractions to enjoy! Your Tasmania Hands-On adventure ends in Launceston.

They also have one of the best tourism commercials ever - see it here!

This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation in Saudi Arabia and reminds U.S. citizens of recommended security precautions.It supersedes the Travel Warning issued December 19, 2007.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia.There is an ongoing security threat due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing compounds, and other facilities where Westerners congregate.These terrorist groups may also target Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom.

In February 2007, four French tourists were killed in a terrorist incident on a desert track north of Medina.A gunman fired shots at the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah in May 2006.In February 2006, an attack was attempted on Saudi oil facilities in Abqaiq in the Eastern Province.An armed attack on the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah on December 6, 2004, resulted in five deaths and eleven serious injuries among non-U.S. staff members.

Although terrorists have not conducted a successful attack against Westerners since February 2007, the United States Mission in Saudi Arabia remains an unaccompanied post as a result of continued security concerns.The Department of State has approved a family visitation program, in part because of the significant progress Saudi security forces have made in counteracting the terrorist threat within Saudi Arabia as they continue to arrest and break up terrorist cells.

From time to time, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia may restrict travel of official Americans or suspend public services for security reasons.In those instances, the Embassy and Consulates will keep the local American citizen community apprised through the Warden system and make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.Warden messages can be found on the U.S. Embassy Riyadh website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov.

American citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and are also advised to maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners.American citizens also are advised to keep a low profile; vary times and routes of travel; exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles; and ensure that travel documents and visas are current and valid.

The Department of State advises that under Saudi law, married women need the permission of their husbands to leave Saudi Arabia and their children will require their father’s permission to exit the country.This is true regardless of nationality.The U.S. Embassy has very limited ability to facilitate exit permission.

On February 20, 2008, a new regulation took effect.It requires Saudi men seeking the mandatory permission from their government to marry a foreign woman to sign a binding document granting irrevocable permission for their foreign-born spouse, and children born to them and that spouse, to travel freely and unhindered in and out of Saudi Arabia.However, this regulation is not retroactive.Under Saudi law, women married to Saudi males prior to the effective date of these new regulations still need the permission of their husbands to leave Saudi Arabia, and their children require the permission of their fathers to leave the country.

Updated information on travel and security in Saudi Arabia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. or Canada or, from outside the U.S. or Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)For additional information, consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Saudi Arabia, and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Embassy in Riyadh at (966) (1) 488-3800, the Consulate in Jeddah at (966) (2) 667-0080, or the Consulate in Dhahran at (966) (3) 330-3200.

Today’s traveler seeks not just a vacation but a life-affirming experience. They want to be lifted from the mundane, to soar above the ordinary. They seek to elevate the senses and stir the soul. The new brand voice of Utah is a reflection of all the people, past and present, who have come here to seek a richer, fuller life; to seek freedom and peace; to seek quiet and solitude; and to let the majesty and grandeur of the place shape their own independent aspirations.

If you spend five minutes here, five days, or a lifetime, you are transformed—by high places. You find yourself not merely on a new plane but on higher ground. Marcel Proust, the writer and philosopher, could easily have been describing the modern traveler who is no longer simply looking for a vacation, but a lasting experience, when he said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. ” You come to Utah to see; you leave with new eyes. You see vistas like nowhere else on the planet. You see desert scapes that are haunting. You walk in footsteps of ancient civilizations and follow paths cut by weather and the forces of nature. The result: your emotions are stirred, your senses are lifted. You soar. Your spirits rise. Your life is changed. You are elevated.

Try putting the Utah experience into just two or three words. The colors are so diverse, the mountains so majestic, the desert so mysterious, that telling others about it is nearly impossible. Utah is not just about world-class skiing, yet skiing is in our blood. It is too simple to say they are a state of red rocks. They are not just about mountains, but they are surrounded by them. Utah is a great travel destination for summer or winter. This state is rich in history and will appeal to anyone looking to explore a tradition rich in culture. Utah is very modern and progressive, but it still has true, laid-back authentic charm.

The Utah experience can be summarized with two words:

In Utah, you stand on top of King’s Peak looking down from nearly 14,000 feet and you are breathless. Or you stand at the bottom of a slot canyon in The San Rafael Swell, enveloped by rock walls, and look up 300 feet for a sliver of sunset. Utah is peaks and Utah is valleys. Utah is snow and Utah is sunshine. Utah is very red, yet it is also very white and green and a whole palette of color.

Utah is Life Elevated.

Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and one of the largest in the contiguous United States. Sprawling across volcanic plateaus in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Yellowstone contains more than 2 million acres of steaming geysers, crystalline lakes, thundering waterfalls and panoramic vistas.

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world’s most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Approximately 96% of the land area of Yellowstone National Park is located within the state of Wyoming. Another 3% is within Montana, with the remaining 1% in Idaho. Yellowstone is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Rivers and lakes cover 5% of the land area, with the largest water body being Yellowstone Lake. Sitting at an elevation of 7,733 feet above sea level, Yellowstone Lake is the largest high altitude lake in North America. Forests comprise 80% of the land area of the park; most of the rest is grassland.

No trip to Yellowstone National Park would be complete without a journey to see the one and only Old Faithful Geyser. The Old Faithful Visitor Center was constructed in order to accommodate the vast amount of tourist longing to have a gander at The Old Faithful Geyser. It’s located around 200 yards from Old Faithful Yellowstone.

Other than Old Faithful Yellowstone, there are a few more geysers that you can watch erupt. Beehive, Castle, Grand, Jet and Lion Geyser are a just a few of the other Yellowstone Geysers that reside inside the Park other than Old Faithful Yellowstone.

Take some time this year and visit this amazing park. You will need a good 4-5 days to experience all of the beauty and majesty of this national treasure. It will be a road trip you and your kids will never forget!

This Travel Warning is being issued to remind U.S. citizens that the potential for a terrorist attack or localized civil disturbance still exists, despite the fact that there have been no violent incidents in Uzbekistan since May 2005. The Department of State continues to urge Americans in Uzbekistan to exercise caution when traveling in the region. This supersedes the Travel Warning dated October 25, 2007.

The U.S. Government continues to receive information that indicates terrorist groups may be planning attacks, possibly against U.S. interests, in Uzbekistan. Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaida, the Islamic Jihad Union, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement are active in the region. Members of these groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and have attacked U.S. Government interests in the past, including the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, and may attempt to target U.S. Government or private American interests in Uzbekistan. In the past, these groups have conducted kidnappings, assassinations, and suicide bombings, though no instances have been documented in recent years.

High security at official U.S. facilities may lead terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events, and resorts. The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent continues to employ heightened security precautions. U.S. citizens should report any unusual activity to local authorities and then inform the Embassy.

The Uzbek Government maintains travel restrictions on large parts of the Surkhandarya province bordering Afghanistan, including the border city of Termez. American citizens intending to travel to this region must obtain a special permission card from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or Uzbek embassies and consulates abroad. Even with permission, however, some American citizens transiting to Afghanistan via Termez have been briefly detained and/or fined for not registering in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, American citizens affiliated with nongovernmental organizations that have been closed in Uzbekistan may be denied entry, even with a valid visa.

Uzbekistan experienced a wave of terrorist violence in 2004. In July 2004 there were three suicide bombings in Tashkent, including one outside the U.S. Embassy. The Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) claimed responsibility for the attacks. The IJU also used suicide bombers in multiple attacks focused on police and Uzbek private and commercial facilities in Tashkent and Bukhara in late March and early April 2004. In May 2005, armed militants stormed a prison in Andijon, released its prisoners, and then took control of the regional administration and other government buildings in Andijon Province. Fighting broke out between government forces and the militants, and reports indicated that several hundred civilians died in the ensuing violence. While there were no reports of U.S. citizens affected by these events, U.S. citizens and other foreigners in Uzbekistan have experienced harassment from authorities since the 2005 violence.

Americans traveling to or remaining in Uzbekistan are strongly urged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Uzbekistan. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent. The U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan is located at # 3, Moyqorghon Street, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent-700093, Uzbekistan. The telephone number is 998-71-120-5450 and can be reached after hours as well. The Consular fax number is 998-71-120-5448. The website is http://uzbekistan.usembassy.gov.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information documents, including the Country Specific Information for Uzbekistan and the Worldwide Caution, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Los Cabos (The Capes) is one of Mexico’s most beautiful and exclusive destinations. It lies on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, 220 kilometers (136 miles) south of La Paz. The climate is warm throughout most of the year, with an average temperature of 26º C (79º F).

During the winter In Los Cabos you can admire one of the most beautiful natural phenomena to occur on Mexico’s coasts: the courtship, mating and birth process of the gray whale. During peak summer months, Magdalena Bay is perfect for scuba diving, kayaking, sportfishing, also to enjoy a Romantic getaway on a pristine beach as you gaze out onto El Arco, a rocky arch formation is considered a landmark of this destination. Los Cabos unites together the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (also called the Gulf of California). UNESCO declared 244 islands and protected areas of the Sea of Cortez a World Heritage Site.

A 33-kilometer highway, called the Corredor Turistico, stretches from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas. Along the highway, you’ll find world-class hotels with top-notch restaurants, which have been known to lure a fair share of celebrities. Los Cabos is an unforgettable experience for the entire family thanks to its championship golf courses, excellent sportfishing and gorgeous beaches offering quality services.

Los Cabos ACTIVITIES

Land’s End Tour:
Discover the hidden wonders of Cabo as you glide through the Sea of Cortez on a glass-bottom boat making stops at the bird sanctuary, historic San Jose, and a glass blowing workshop.

ATV Motorbike Tour:
Visit the La Playa fishing village and an old light house on this exciting tour, then ride through the hills with sensational views of the sea and desert. The highlight comes when you ride the sand dunes through on beaches and on through the mountains!

Horseback Riding:
Just as adventurous as riding an ATV through the desert, horseback riding is another great way to take in the Old Baja California ambience. People who’ve never had the pleasure of riding a horse along a deserted beach shouldn’t wait a minute longer! All skill levels are catered to at several stables in the Los Cabos area, and guided tours are available with mountain and beach trail rides.

Sunset Cruise:
Watch the brilliant sunset as you sail to Land’s End across the Sea of Cortez into the Pacific. The cruise includes a Mexican buffet and unlimited drinks!

Day Trip to La Paz:
This is the eco-tourism capital of North America, surrounded by deserted beaches, pristine bays, and offshore islands. For many years it was famous for pearls found in its vicinity. The ride there is, itself, beautiful, and in addition to the natural wonders, you can visit the weaving shops of Fortunato Silva, who spins his own cotton and weaves it into terrifically textured rugs and textiles.

Snorkeling Tour:
Cruise through Cabo San Lucas Bay along the scenic coastline to Santa Maria Cove for the best snorkeling in Los Cabos (gear provided). For an extra treat, you’ll be served a buffet lunch on board with an open bar!

Fishing:
Sportfishing is fantastic in Los Cabos, and there are several ways to enjoy it. Two of the most popular outings are on either the small traditional panga boats or deep-sea charter vessels, both of which provide gear and bait. The fishing definitely lives up to its reputation, and reeling in a 100-pound marlin is quite common. A “catch and release” practice is strongly encouraged.

Beaches:
Beautiful beaches are everywhere in Los Cabos, some are great for swimming and others are not, due to a strong undertow and crashing waves, but the vistas at these are spectacular and make a dramatic setting for picnics and pictures. (Always heed the warning flags!)Some Favorite Swimming Beaches:

• Playa Medano is the main beach in San Lucas. You can rent snorkeling gear, waverunners, kayaks, pedal boats, and windsurfers, and dine in one of the many outdoor restaurants.
• Playa de Amor has a secluded cove at the very end of the peninsula, with the Pacific on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other.
• Pueblo la Playa, about 2 miles east of San Jose.
• Playa Palmilla, some 5 miles west of San Jose, with incredible rock formations.

Scuba Diving:
Clear water and a healthy marine environment make diving great. A favorite activity is diving along the wall of a canyon in San Lucas Bay, where you see a sandfall that has no known source or cause.

Whale-Watching:
From January through March, whales congregate offshore and local fishermen at Pueblo la Playa take small groups out to see them on 4-hour trips.

Boat Tours:
Several options are available for touring Los Cabos by sea. Take one of the sunset cruises departing nightly from San Lucas with music and an open bar, or hop aboard one of the glass-bottom boats leaving San Lucas frequently to tour past sea lions and pelicans to El Arco at Land’s End. Most make a stop at Playa de Amor.

Estero San Jose:
This nature reserve harbors more than 270 species of birds. Explore the grounds on foot and take time to visit the cultural center to see exhibits on Baja’s indigenous people.

Golf:
Los Cabos is known as Latin America’s premier golf destination, and hosts tournaments such as the PGA Senior Grand Slam. There are 6 courses, with more being built, and the best are on the Corridor, usually the centerpiece for super-resort developments. The Palmilla Golf Club has 27 holes and was designed by Jack Nicklaus. The 18-hole Cabo de Sol is another Nicklaus course. The Cabo Real Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, has 36 holes.

Iglesia de San Lucas:
You’ll find a wonderful bit of history at this church right off San Lucas’ main plaza, established in 1730 by a Spanish missionary. A large bell in a stone archway commemorates the completion of the church in 1746. Take a walk up to the front to see the interesting tile mural of Indians dragging a captured priest toward a fire.

La Candelaria:
Twenty-five miles north of San Lucas, this isolated and ancient Indian village is known for the traditional ritual magic that is still practiced. The settlement, watered by an underground river, is lush with plants, mango trees, and bamboo.

Shopping:
The municipal market in San Jose features decorative accessories, clothing, edibles, and household tools. In San Lucas, bargain at the open-air market for everything from blankets and jewelry to onyx objects and crafts. At Cuca’s Blanket Factory, design your own blanket and pick it up the next day. At El Rancho, browse through pottery and furniture made by Baja farmers. The Shop is decorated like a Baja ranch house, and features lidded casseroles, pitchers, and jars, and branch chairs with rush seats. For variety, stop in to Mamma Eli’s 3 levels of folk art, crafts, clothing, and furniture, and at Plaza Bonita, a large terra cotta-colored mall on the marina.

Dining:

The dining in Los Cabos covers a wide range of styles, from white-tablecloth restaurants and sidewalk bistros to hacienda restaurants with dancing and live music. The food itself incorporates flavors from Italy, France, Mexico and the rest of the Americas. Local seafood appears on virtually every menu, and most dishes are bold, although not necessarily hot. Keep in mind that Mexicans eat their largest meal of the day in the afternoon between 2:00pm - 4:00pm, and the evening meal usually starts with appetizers and drinks around 8:00pm, followed by dinner an hour or two later.

Gourmet: Peacocks is among Los Cabos’ most exclusive patio-dining restaurants, and the 2-level dining room has an open kitchen and an enormous palapa. Appetizers include pate, and fresh seafood is creatively prepared into savory dishes like the pecan-coated dorado and the shrimp tossed with spinach fettuccine. Save room for the tequila mousse! Paseo del Pescador, San Lucas

Highly Recommended: Mi Casa - housed in a building with a bright-blue façade and a mural of a burro - is pure Mexico. Tables set with colorful cloths and traditional pottery and glassware fill the small dining room and a large back patio. The menu contains such traditional specialties as manchamanteles, cochinita pibil and chile en nogado. Fresh fish is always available, prepared with seasonings and recipes from all over Mexico. Calle Cabo San Lucas at Madero, San Lucas

Local Flair: Felix’s has been providing friendly family fun since 1958, when it started as little more than a taco stand. Today, diners can sit in a colorful, shaded patio or an indoor dining room to eat a wide variety of tasty Mexican and seafood dishes. All the dishes are homemade with the freshest ingredients, including corn tortillas and a plentiful salsa bar. House specialties include fish tacos made with fresh dorado, and ever-changing shrimp dishes. Hidalgo and Zapata, San Lucas

Romantic: Casa Rafael’s is set in a chateau with a patio filled with caged birds and a fountain. Choose from a candlelit dining room with alcoves, or tables outside beside a small swimming pool. Piano music plays softly while you enjoy a leisurely meal. Delicious appetizers include smoked dorado pate and hearts of palm with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Entrees include meat, seafood, and pasta, topped off with decadent desserts and fine wines. Casa Rafael also features a cigar room and an “ocean room” with a saltwater fish tank. Hacienda Road, San Lucas

Nightlife:

The nightlife in Los Cabos is all about variety - and endurance, since San Lucas is known as the nightlife capital of Baja. If you want a roaring party, head for the strips of lively bars and clubs. If you want a lower-key evening head to San Jose, which is less rowdy, but still a lot of fun. But no matter which way you turn, your evening will start with a glorious sunset - and there are many oceanfront bars and restaurants with perfect views of it!

Whale Watcher’s Bar:
This bar’s high terrace offers a spectacular view of the sunset, as well as a glimpse of playful whales from January to March. Mariachi bands play every Friday. San Lucas

Cabo Wabo:
Owned by musician Sammy Hagar, this bar often features the latest US bands and impromptu jam sessions. Overstuffed furniture frames the dance floor, and there are snacks until the wee hours. San Lucas

El Squid Roe:
Typically the rowdiest spot in town, amid 2 stories of nostalgic décor and eclectic food. People often dance on the patio out back. San Lucas

Giggling Marlin:
Live music blasts here, and patrons are known to dance on the tables and bar. A contraption of winches, ropes, and pulleys lets couples literally string each other up by the heels, in the style of a captured marlin. San Lucas

Latitude 22+:
This popular spot plays US sports events on 6 TVs that are scattered among pool tables and dart boards. Munch on hamburgers, chicken-fried steak, and breakfast food any time. San Lucas

Tropicana Bar and Grill:
One of the most popular spots in town, patrons come here during the day to relax in leather barrel chairs and watch American sports events on the big-screen TV.In the evening, solo guitarists and bands play.