Travels - ALGV TravelBlogue

In Orlando, Concessions Start at the Airport: A Preview of MCO’s New Terminal C

We may be well into back-to-school mode, but that doesn’t stop parents from seizing the moments they can to travel to theme park central. Orlando is easy, with so many…

View Post

One Year Later: Catching Up with Marriott on Their Biggest Beachfront Breakouts

What a difference a year makes! This time last year, mega-brand Marriott revealed two major openings and a massive beautification project for some of their most covetable, high-end, beachfront properties.…

View Post

The 2022 Mid-Year Bucket List Report

When we rounded the corner on COVID, travel burst with pent-up demand. People across America were escaping the confines of their own communities at rapid speed to make up for…

View Post

Sober Travel: 9 Expert-Approved Tips on How to Make All-Inclusives Feel More Inclusive

Staying sober on vacation may feel daunting, but with these behavioral health expert-approved tips, it’s may not be out of reach. For some, the lure of the all-inclusive is a…

View Post

Behind the Gates: A Peek Inside TRS Cap Cana

Everybody knows about Punta Cana. It’s the primary destination most leisure travelers associate with Dominican Republic, its Bavaro Beach practically synonymous with the country itself. … But only the privileged…

View Post

Trip Interruptions, Travel Delays & More: What Are You Covered For?

Travel’s back … but not all of its airline staff. Here’s how to protect yourself against the delays and cancellations that have been hitting the headlines. Travel is back! Destinations…

View Post

Unsure About Medical Coverage While Traveling? Here’s What You Need to Know

As COVID becomes less a life-threatening risk, travelers should still never let their guard down when it comes to their health. Have you heard the great news? Testing is no…

View Post

Cool Pools, From Popping Bottles & Scenes to Accessible Dreams

Why do we travel to beachfront resorts? Honestly … to look at the beach from your chair in or near the gorgeous pool. Because while Mother Nature is an absolute…

View Post

Beyond Just June: Pride Festivals Around the World for the Rest of the Year

It’s July already (how?!) and you didn’t celebrate Pride with travel this year. But don’t worry—you haven’t missed the boat! Just because Americans have designated June as Pride month doesn’t…

View Post

City & Sand: How to Have It All in Europe – Azores, Portugal

When most consumers think about European vacations, their minds first go to the greats: London, Paris, Rome. They picture historic sites and cobblestone streets, museums and moody skies. They agonize…

View Post

Earthly Pleasures Meet Heavenly Wellness in Los Cabos

In our normal everyday, we are not close to nature anymore. We are compressed, the weight of our obligations, responsibilities, our schedules weighing us down, pushing us smaller and into…

View Post

Why Secrets® Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort Should Host Your Next Event

A panoramic of the Secrets Bahia Mita pools.

Special occasions become even more so at this Unlimited-Luxury® Riviera Nayarit retreat. A recent addition to the stunning shoreline of Riviera Nayarit’s Banderas Bay—and, now, to the World of Hyatt®—Secrets®…

View Post

What to Wear? Demystifying Resort Dress Codes

It’s hard enough to pack for vacation—and stressful! It forces you to think about what clothes you really live in, plus what you want to be photographed in. How many…

View Post

Travel Advisors Share: The Most Special Treatment & Special Moments Ever Scored

In the second roundup of the Travel Advisors Share series, we get advisors to reveal some of the most VIP moments they’ve been a part of, and spill the beans…

View Post

The Fine Art of Experience: Hotel Xcaret Arte & Casa de la Playa

Authenticity-seekers talk a lot about a sense of place. Vacationers want to feel like they’re somewhere new, exciting, and extraordinary—they want to feel immersed in the destination they went to…

View Post

Cities & Seas: How to Have It All in Europe – Canary Islands, Spain

View Post

Cities & Seas: How to Have It All in Europe — Mallorca, Spain

View Post

Hotel Confidential Insider Tips: Character & Setting

Be more present at hotels with personality and a sense of place, like the new Andaz Prague, and Dreams Karibana, the first in Colombia, Hacienda Dominicus, and the Grand Oasis…

View Post

Hotel Confidential Insider Tips: From Moxche to Mexican Moxy

Straight-from-the-hotel travel hacks on how to make the most out of a stay at the new Secrets Impressions Moxche, Secrets Moxche, Breathless Cancun Soul, Riu Latino, La Casa de la…

View Post

Travel Advisors Share: Most Mind-Blowing Proposals

Enlisting a travel advisor means an epic proposal that’s anything but predictable … that is, outside of the set plan! All this year, we’ve been saying Ask a Travel Advisor…

View Post

Hotel Confidential Insider Tips: Caribbean Cool

Straight-from-the-hotel travel hacks on how to make the most out of a stay at the new Royalton Grenada, Margaritaville Island Reserve, Secrets St. Martin, Riu Paradise Island, and Royalton CHIC…

View Post

The Family Remix: Renovations at the All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

A reimagined experience keeps this Dominican beach resort a #1 hit for families. Just like a cover breathes new life into a favorite song, recent renovations have given Hard Rock…

View Post

Hotel Confidential Insider Tips: Party in the USA

Straight-from-the-hotel travel hacks on how to make the most out of a stay at the new Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta, Resorts World Las Vegas, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger…

View Post

A Closer Look: Getting to Know the New For You Giveaway Prize Properties

There’s always something new going on in travel. Or just as accurately, something up, as new builds are erected, décor gets refreshed, rooms get renovated, and expansions … well, expand.…

View Post

Eight Picks for Adventure Only Seconds From Your Room

A lot of us travel for relaxation. A lot of us travel for adventure. And for many, the two are one and the same. And even better? If you don’t…

View Post

“Tings” to Do in Jamaica to “Feel the Love”

As Jamaica readies itself to celebrate 60 years of independence, there’s no time like the present to pay homage to the nation that made it easy to “feel the love.”…

View Post

Travel Etiquette: Are You a Bad (Airplane) Neighbor?

In quarters as tight as airplanes, everyone’s nerves are more easily frazzled. How best to keep the peace? By never, ever being guilty of these bad neighbor behaviors. When you…

View Post

Family Travel Tips: How to Avoid the Dreaded “Are We There Yet?” with Kids

“Are we there yet?” might just be one of the four most cringe-inducing words in travel today. Uttered innocently by babes in the backseat, car seat, or plane seat, its…

View Post

Share Your Epic Stories, Win 10,000 WAVES® Points! a Quarter

As we encourage everyone to Ask a Travel Advisor, why wouldn’t we do the same? After all, it’s sound advice, and we at ALG Vacations® believe in practicing what we…

View Post

Four Ways to Soothe Travel Jitters

These days, it might have been some time since you or someone you know has traveled. With guidelines and policies changing often even experienced travelers may feel like newbies and…

View Post

Luxury Ahead! New and Upcoming AMR™ Collection Resorts

Man and woman on a pool lounger overlooking the ocean.

More luxury. More privileges. More destinations. Yep, the AMR™ Collection is getting bigger in 2022. There’s nothing more exciting than when a travel brand you love introduces a new hotel…

View Post

Isn’t It Time You Took a Break? Planning Travel to Prevent Burnout

Planning ahead with a travel advisor lets you set up your next vacation and safeguard your mental well-being. Too much time in life is spent waiting. Waiting for work to…

View Post

8 Resorts Where Romance is Year-Round … But Extra Special Now

Right before every Valentine’s Day, resorts start ramping up their romance quotient. You start seeing packages that celebrate soulmates, added values that encourage intimacy, a stronger focus on couples getaways…

View Post

Five Easy Ways to Simplify Family Vacation Planning

A family vacation is a must for most at this point in time. We’re all tired and all need a break. But the problem is, planning one adds even more…

View Post

The 10 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Travel Advisor

A world map in the background behind a desk with travel sundries.

Travel advisors are prepared for any travel situation. But do you know the right questions to ask to make the most out of your vacation planning? Just like with any…

View Post

10 Reasons to Make the Switch from Cruise to All-Inclusive

Say bon voyage to cruising, and hello to all-inclusiving this winter. With cruises once again on the CDC’s cautionary list, there’s no better alternative for the winter wave season than…

View Post

A Change in “Value” … and the Island That Will Get You More of It

Think about what you value most in a vacation. That’s what you get in Aruba, One Happy Island that will help you redefine—and expect more!—of what a “value vacation” means.…

View Post

Stays that Put the “Ahh” in Spa

When life has you tearing out your hair and going, “Ahh!,” it’s past due time to get somewhere that will have you sighing “… Ahh.” And that means one of…

View Post

More Than a Destination: Why Individual Resort Details Matter for Destination Weddings

Whether local or abroad, a wedding isn’t about the destination. Just as a couple wouldn’t be excited to pick any venue in their hometown for their nuptials, the same goes…

View Post

Find Me in the Club … Level Suites, That Is!

What does it mean to have special club privileges and access? This round-up of some of ALG Vacations®’ most notable explains. When it comes to leisure and travel, exclusive clubs…

View Post

Mexico’s Most Appetizing Destination? One That Helps to ‘Set Yourself Apart’

Get to know the 23400 District in San Jose del Cabo, which is fast becoming a foodie destination for those in the know. Move over, 90210—there’s a new five-digit code…

View Post

Have Turkey, But Can You Travel? What Foods You Can Fly With

There’s no substitute for home-grown, home-cooked. Be the toast of the party when you follow the guidelines here of all the food items you can fly with, and how. There’s…

View Post

Gifts from Travels for This Holiday Season

Traveling before the holidays? Don’t find yourself in a bind! Experienced world travelers from the ALGV team can help you out, with their list of biggest hits for holiday gifts…

View Post

Happy Holiday Home-Cooked Meals in a Home Away from Home

With full-kitchen accommodations and private chef services available, there’s no reason why you can’t celebrate a home-style holiday in luxurious vacation style. Especially in light of the restrictions of the…

View Post

Live a Little … Or a Lot at Live Aqua Beach Resort

A private swim-up pool on the terrace of a Fuego Suite.

We go on vacation to be present. To feel, in every sense of the word, and get back in touch with what it even means to feel. The landscapes always…

View Post

The Top 5 Most Unique, Sumptuous, Gourmet All-Inclusive Resort Dining Experiences

Think all-inclusive fare is just buffets and beachside grills? No way! These over-the-top, once-in-a-lifetime high-end experiences are worth traveling for, even without the posh digs and exemplary service. Some people…

View Post

Something to Taco ‘Bout

Last month, we gave you #SomethingToBlogueAbout. But this month, as we discussed tacos a few short weeks ago on #NationalTacoDay, over our virtual water coolers, we found that we had…

View Post

Room(s) for Everyone! Best Bets for Guaranteed Connecting Suites

Figuring out who sleeps where and how much privacy or access parents grown-ups and kids want can be a challenge. Guaranteed adjoining rooms and special family suites take the guesswork…

View Post

What’s More Natural Than Family?

For many of us, our first and most basic instinct is to protect, be with, and enjoy time with our families. Because really, what’s more natural than family? No matter…

View Post

Perk Up! Here’s Where to Get the Best On-Resort Coffees in the World

Flat white at Secrets Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Every day is a coffee day, but only today is International Coffee Day. Here’s where to get the best cuppa while on vacay so you never miss a bean. Every…

View Post

Will (RI)U Marry Me? Your Guide to the New Wedding Collections by RIU

Planning a wedding can be STRESSFUL! Take the pressure off the bride with ready-to-customize, “save the (big) day” solutions. Find out which one is THE One with this exclusive interview…

View Post

Can a Collection Forge Connections?

Breaking down the different components of the new AMR™ Collection In one of the biggest headlines of last month, the new AMR™ Collection was debuted by the brands formerly known…

View Post

The Arts in Every Form: The Focal Point of Hotel Xcaret Arte

First there was Xcaret, the most popular eco-park in all of Mexico, showcasing Mexican pride in all its creatures, culture, and landscape. Then a series of other parks followed, with…

View Post

Can’t Go to Europe? Count on Curaçao Instead

Europe may be a bit of a stretch for many these days. But ready to step in? Caribbean Curaçao, an island with a lot of Continental flair. For every traveler…

View Post

Screen/Sharing in the Bahamas

Here’s how a virtual People-to-People series closed the gap between visitors, residents, and tour guides across The Bahamas. As a travel advisor, you know there’s more to every destination than…

View Post

10 Things You Can Only Do in Mexico

Three young women taking a selfie on a trajinera in Xochimilco.

When in Mexico … well, do something purely Mexican! This top-ten list breaks down the can’t-miss, can’t-find-elsewhere activities for your next visit to our southern neighbor. If all you know…

View Post

Six On-Site Water Parks for Hassle-Free Fun

Why pay water park admission fees, lug your things around, and spend extra on food when slides, sprinklers, and more can be steps away and all included? At the height…

View Post

The Countdown Begins: How to Keep Passport Delays from Affecting Your Travel Plans

You’re six months out … is it too soon to think about prepping for departure? With recent passport delays, the answer is, it’s not soon enough. Very often, people don’t…

View Post

Far from “Wasting Away” in This Margaritaville

In fact, this new all-inclusive resort will fill you to the gills! The song may go that Jimmy Buffett is “wastin’ away in Margaritaville,” but when Margaritaville is Island Reserve…

View Post

5 Ways to Protect Your Customers from Flight Delays and Cancellations

Travel is back in a big way … and so are delays due to staffing that hasn’t recovered as quickly as traveler interest. Updated January 10, 2022 The airports are…

View Post

Is It Safe to Dine Indoors Again?

As restaurants at home and in-resort dining outlets open up their indoor seating again, we find out from culinary experts: is it safe? Everyone’s been doing it. Joyously, with big…

View Post

My Big, Fat Gay Wedding … And Where to Have It

Destination weddings are unforgettable, joyous, and colorful experiences. These resorts make them even more so by holding up that rainbow flag for LGBTQ+ couples as they celebrate their next chapter.…

View Post

Think Small: 7 Boutique Resorts for Your Next Getaway

The seating area of a terrace with a pathway leading to a private infinity pool beside the ocean.

Fewer people doesn’t mean a lesser experience at these intimate hotels. A return to travel is what we all counted down to. Still, that doesn’t mean everyone’s ready to face…

View Post

Let the Sun Shine On with Eco-Friendly Protection

Sunglasses, sunscreen bottle, and sunhat on a blue towel with an ocean pier in the background.

Help keep your skin safe—and our oceans and beaches as beautiful as we found them—with sun protection that does no harm. There are few places we love more than the…

View Post

Hotels to Take Pride In

ALG Vacations™ is proud to offer a wide selection of hotels and resorts that are LGBTQ-friendly. But there are some that go the extra mile, and we take even more…

View Post

ID That YOLO! Tours & Excursions Straight from the Screen

Why should you have to take your best guess at what tours and excursions you’re marketing to customers when we can just tell you? How many times have you shown…

View Post

Bug Off! How to Keep Summer Bites at Bay

We love the great outdoors. But we don’t love some of the little critters that live there! Here are some natural solutions and products that can help you take the…

View Post

Pride on the Beach: The 9 Best Beach Destinations in the U.S. for LGBTQ Travelers

Of the many reasons to love the U.S. of A., a big one is love. At ALG Vacations™, we believe that #LoveIsLove. We believe in standing behind every color of…

View Post

Pride on the Beach: Top 14 International LGBTQ Beach Destinations to Travel To

Where in the world should out-and-proud travelers jet to for the beach vacation of their dreams? Keep reading for answers. There are a few truths that are universal, and speak…

View Post

The Great Outdoor Adventures to Restart Your Travels: The U.S.

The Skywalk observatory extends out over a cliffside at the Grand Canyon.

Stuck inside no longer! Explore what makes the outdoors “great” with these activities worth building a trip around. After months spent indoors, getting back to travel also means getting back…

View Post

The Great Outdoor Adventures to Restart Your Travels: The Caribbean & Central America

A man and a woman jumping off of a low wooden bridge into the ocean below.

Getting back into travel? These Caribbean and Central American destinations give you plenty of space to choose your own open-air adventure. Too much time inside has us ready to get…

View Post

The Great Outdoor Adventures to Restart Your Travels: Mexico

Mayan ruins of Tulum on the tropical coast of Mexico with a beautiful iguana in the foreground.

Ready to get out and get exploring Mexico? We’ve found the best ways to fill up your days under the open sky. Fresh air is good for you! As much…

View Post

When Traveling, Mask On or Mask Off?

We’re at a pivotal moment and thisclose to normalcy. But is it too early to unmask when traveling? To mask or not to mask? That has been the million-dollar question,…

View Post

When Caring is in a Resort’s Culture, Kids Benefit Now and in the Future

Family travel isn’t an afterthought at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. Experiences for kids are right there at center stage. It’s easy to cut corners. It’s easy to set up a…

View Post

American PRIDE – 9 of the Best LGBTQ Destinations in the USA

In the land of the free, take Pride in these top-billed domestic vacation destinations, where #LoveWins year-round. As a progressive country, there are a ton of destinations from sea to…

View Post

Release … the Turtles! At These Environmentally Responsible Resorts

Sea turtles are adorable and beloved, but also endangered. Here are resorts doing their part to change their status, and how you can participate, too. One of the cutest residents…

View Post

Greener Pastures: Environmentally Responsible Resorts to Support

Being environmentally responsible isn’t just on the traveler—it’s on the hospitality and travel industry, too. Here are some of the brands and properties working on making a difference. Responsible tourism…

View Post

Flagship Phenom: Honoring a Sense of Place with Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s $80 Million Renovation

The Outrigger brand’s flagship property was already a stunner, but now it has more reasons than ever to be your Hawaii home away from home. The Outrigger brand is a…

View Post

Five Reasons We Can’t Wait for Unlimited-Luxury® to Come to Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit

Rendering of sunset at the Preferred Club Beach Club rooftop deck at Dreams Bahia Mita

The opening-soon Secrets and Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resorts deserve a spot (or two!) on your future travel list. Here’s why. As one of the fastest-growing, highest-rated all-inclusive…

View Post

Becoming a Thought Leader for Responsible Travel

Responsible travel is a tourism buzzword that’s gaining steam. ALG Vacations™ shows you how travel advisors can lead the way. Travel advisors are stewards for the world. You map routes,…

View Post

What It Means to Be a Socially Responsible Traveler

Travel is back! But to keep it that way, we need to be responsible with this privilege. Here’s how. In our first of this mini-series on what it means to…

View Post

What It Means to Be an Environmentally Responsible Traveler

Travel is back! But to keep it that way, we need to be responsible with this privilege. Here’s how. “Responsible travel” has become a buzzword in the tourism industry. But…

View Post

Swap Your Stale Suburbia for UNICO 20˚87˚’s Spectacular Superbia

Offer extra value to customers going to UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya by inviting them to this limited-time special event taking place July 12, 2021 – August 22, 2021 In…

View Post

Seven YOLO Experiences That Are More Accessible Than You Think

For over a year now, we’ve all been staying close to home. And for over a year now, we’ve been saving money in incremental ways, following the classic budgeter guidelines…

View Post

Balance Your PH for Wellness

No, we’re not talking about your pH, your potential of hydrogen—we’re talking about Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts! You know what’s better than alkaline water to get your pH straight? A…

View Post

Five Easy Ways to Amp Up Your Immunity

We’ve got the masks. The gloves. The face shields, UV wands, and all our other external gear. But let’s talk about staying well from the inside out. Hallelujah! Huzzah! And…

View Post

If You Haven’t Yet Heard of Lopesan … You Will Soon

Here’s the scoop on this Grand Canary Island-based brand’s latest entrant to Dominican Republic’s Costa Bavaro Although they’re the leading tourism company on the Canary Islands, with more than 20…

View Post

Stay Calm and Keep Your Vacation Safe with Travel Protection Plus

Protect your trip—and peace of mind!—with Cancel for Any Reason insurance that lets you zig when life zags. Life happens. And sometimes, it happens to travel. As this past year…

View Post

It’s Only Natura(l) to “Dream” of an Escape Right Now

If you tuned in to our most recent FAM, you probably have a lot of questions about where we held it. Here are the highlights. During the ALG Vacations™ superfam…

View Post

Staff Faves: Best Exclusive Perks of 2021

Earlier this year, ALG Vacations™ announced that all of our … well, exclusive perks will now be part of one grand collection. Here are the ones that got our staff…

View Post

Family without the Fuss at RIU

Thought you needed LESS family time? Guess again, because it’s quality, not quantity, that matters most. For families that have been cooped up together for upwards of a year, the…

View Post

Excellence in the Skies: The Exclusive Nonstop Vacation Flight Commitment

Any flight that takes you to that tropical shore is the right flight. … Or is it? ALGV’s Exclusive Nonstop Vacation Flights commit to being best in “class” from booking…

View Post

How to Eat Healthy While On-Resort

With the wealth of options and recent resort emphasis on wellness and inclusion, believe it or not, making healthful choices while on vacation is not as hard as you think.…

View Post

Mastering the New CDC Rules: What Post-Vacation Recommendations You Should Be Following

Learn how simple heading home safely can be with the third and final part of ALG Vacations’™ guide to traveling in line with CDC requirements. “That was surprisingly simple.” After…

View Post

Mastering the New CDC Rules: What to Do While You’re on Vacation

Afraid the CDC is taking over your getaway? Don’t be! The second part of our travel guide gives you the inside scoop on how to meet test requirements and have…

View Post

Mastering the New CDC Rules: What to Know Before You Travel

If the CDC’s new travel requirements are throwing you for a loop, read on to find out how to plan ahead and take that much-needed vacation without worry. The key…

View Post

Worried About Potential On-Resort Quarantine? Don’t Be—It Might Be Free!

If you have to isolate before re-entry to the U.S., these posh resorts offering free 14-day quarantine stays have got you covered. Editor’s Note: ALG Vacations™ takes COVID-19 incredibly seriously…

View Post

Best Healthy Protein Snacks for Busy Travelers of 2021

Travel advisors and travelers are always on the move. Here are some of the best protein-packed products of 2021 to keep you fueled up and ready for any adventure! During…

View Post

CDC COVID-19 Testing Travel Toolkit for Agents

There’s been a LOT of information—and questions!—flying around since the CDC announced you’ll be required to undergo COVID-19 testing before returning to the U.S. But don’t worry—ALGV’s got you covered.…

View Post

6 Reasons Why You Should ALWAYS Pre-Book Your Tours

What’s the difference between a “trip” and a “vacation”? The answer is: what you do once you’re there. Make sure yours is the latter by pre-booking your Amstar DMC transfers…

View Post

Below the Radar, Above the Standard

Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Playa del Carmen area in Riviera Maya—these are the top-of-mind destinations for a beach getaway in Quintana Roo, and the most popular in the region (for…

View Post

Q&A with Palladium on Protocols & Procedures

Asking the tough questions on safety, sanitation, and other COVID-19 travel concerns for your customers. As people find themselves itching to get out of their home bubbles, the question becomes…

View Post

The (Blue) Diamond Standard

The phrase “the gold standard” is a classic one … but now, there’s a Blue Diamond one and it goes as above and beyond as you would think, and then…

View Post

I-SOLO-ation Vacation

One is far from the loneliest number when social distancing is in play. Take an iso-cation to recharge. If there’s anything this pandemic has shown us, it’s that there’s nothing…

View Post

300+ Ways Iberostar Cares

Three hundred. Three hundred is the number of new measures Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has taken since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health and safety of…

View Post

Making a Clean Getaway: New Health & Safety Standards at AMR™ Collection

In only seven months, COVID-19 has changed just about everything. From face masks to social distancing, “normal” has clearly evolved. Yet some things can’t be changed, even by a pandemic:…

View Post

Puerto Vallarta – Find Safe Harbor in a Stunning Port

Setting the spotlight on Puerto Vallarta, a perfect road-less-travelled but well-beloved destination for beach-goers. Once upon a time, when it came to travel, top-of-mind makes a destination a top choice.…

View Post

Sun, Sand & Safety: How All-Inclusives Are Leading the Way to Healthier Travel

It’s a typical day on a tropical beach somewhere in the Caribbean, or perhaps Mexico. The breezes are cool, the ocean warm, and hours languorous. Butlers carry cocktails to waiting…

View Post