Summer Savings

Summer is the time you can save on trips to Mexico and the Caribbean – Here’s a roundup of two great resorts to consider for a peak summer getaway and two destinations best to visit in the later Indian summer months of Sept/Oct.

COSTA RICA

Couples, families or singles looking for a vibrant beach getaway will love traveling to Playa El Jobo in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Dreams Las Mareas, located on an expansive palm-studded beach and surrounded by lush green mountains & jungles, provides an action-packed vacation featuring water sports, land activities, and swimming pools while sunbathing or laying under a thatched palapa. Continue the fun into the evenings with live nightly entertainment, outdoor bars and lounges. Book this package through Apple Vacations for a 5-night stay with departure dates on Monday from 9/7-10/5 in the Junior Suite tropical/pool view for $1,651/person. This package is part of Unlimited Luxury including airfare, hotel accommodations, food, drink and activities. You’ll also receive $200 in resort coupons.

RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

Discover the beauty of the Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern peninsula with a getaway that combines luxury with an adventure-filled vacation to Riviera Maya. Snorkel in the largest natural aquarium in the world of Xel-Ha, explore the mystery of the Mayan caves in Aktun Chen, or relax and experience a Mayan spa treatment. Stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya and incorporate modern style and experiential dining to your getaway. Enjoy Unlimited Luxury, which includes airfare, hotel accommodations, hotel transfers, food, drink, and activities. Book this 3-night package from Apple Vacations by 6/30 with departure dates on Monday, Tuesday and Sunday 7/19-7/28 and stay in the Deluxe Gold King room for $899/person and receive free WiFi, private balcony and $500 resort coupons per room, per stay.

 Can’t get away now?  The Indian summer months of September/October are the ideal time to visit these two stunning locales -

BERNARDUS LODGE & SPA - CARMEL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

California’s Carmel Valley is a pastoral river valley and one of a few hidden gems when it comes to producing fine wines so the most exciting time to visit is in Sept/Oct when the annual wine harvest is in full swing.  Here, visitors can visit twenty top shelf wine tasting venues tucked within a quaint walkable village, including award-winning pinot noirs and estate chardonnay.  The valley offers horseback riding, hiking at the 4,000-acre Garland Ranch Regional Park and is a good jump off point for visiting nearby Carmel by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, the Monterey Bay Aquarium or legendary Big Sur along Highway One.  New and not to miss is the Forbes Four Star Bernardus Lodge and Spa, which ranks number one among Carmel Valley properties by Trip Advisor.  The sleek new interior and design sensibility delivers 57 spacious guestrooms tucked within olive trees, vineyards and sweeping lavender, romantic soaking tubs for two, the new Lucia Restaurant & Bar and a full service Spa, certain to slough away any city stress. Rates start at $475.00/double.  Airfare from the starts at $440.00/pp. www.bernarduslodge.com

CANADIAN ROCKIES W/ ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Autumn in the Canadian Rockies is one of the best times of year for travelers seeking

gorgeous weather combined with stunning scenery. In September, the days are almost always sunny, and you’ll begin to see the trees turning gold. And in October, millions of salmon return to British Columbia, and the rivers literally turn red from the salmon run. Families or couples seeking relaxation and an unforgettable journey will love hopping aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, a seven-time winner of the World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train. You’ll ride in beautiful, comfortable domed cars on-board a luxury train traveling into the heart of the Canadian Rockies through legendary Spiral Tunnels, dramatic canyons and the Kicking Horse River. Relax and sit back while being served delicious gourmet food, wonderful Canadian wines, all while soaking in the surrounding scenery. Combine comfort and adventure with time spent sightseeing in the incredible mountain towns of Banff and Lake Louise during your trip. Book the First Passage to the West going Eastbound from Vancouver to Banff for 4 days and 3nights for $1,611/person and enjoy: 2 day Rocky Mountaineer Service; 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches; 3 nights hotel accommodations in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff; Sightseeing from the Vancouver Lookout Tower that is 430 ft in the air; Rail stations transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff; Luggage handling and National Park Pass. This package is good for departure dates from now to October. Roundtrip airfare from Chicago to Vancouver is $529/person.

·      For your next trip, contact Royal Travel at www.royal-travel.com or call 1-800-747-7695.