It’s almost that time of year we all look forward to—Spring Break! When the weather is warm and we get a break from our daily lives to enjoy time with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a place to take the kids or a relaxing location for two, here are our Top 5 Spring Break vacation recommendations I know you’ll enjoy:

• Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico – For me Cancun and Riviera Maya are always the perfect getaway. Last year the Cancun area totally revamped their beaches and it has definitely paid off—the beaches are bigger and more beautiful than ever. Riviera Maya is about 30 miles south of Cancun and little quieter, so if you’re looking for a more secluded getaway for two then this is right area for you. Regardless of where you stay, you’ll be treated like royalty—resorts in Mexico are known for making their guests feel extra special and welcomed. 

• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – I was lucky enough to go down to Punta Cana earlier this year for the first time and I can say with confidence that I am absolutely going back. I stayed at the brand new Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe, which sits right on Bavaro Beach (voted by National Geographic as one of the top 10 beaches in the entire world!). It was absolutely gorgeous. I can easily see why Punta Cana is quickly becoming one of our most popular vacation destinations.

• Orlando, Florida – Orlando is a classic place to go for Spring Break and a family vacation. There’s never a dull moment with all of the theme parks, shopping areas, golf courses, restaurants and so much more. Orlando really takes me back to being a kid—it’s a great vacation for the young and young at heart!
• Jamaica – Another place I would recommend for a Spring Break destination is Jamaica. I took a vacation to Montego Bay and loved every minute of it. I’ve been to many Caribbean Islands before but only in Jamaica did it seem like I was lying out on the beach for days when only an hour had passed by—it was so relaxing time simply slowed. Minutes seemed like hours, and it was heavenly!

• Hawaii – Hawaii is another great Spring Break destination for the whole family. Because of the different islands you can really tailor your vacation for what you’re looking for. Whether you want a beach getaway, history and culture or an adventure, you can find it all in Hawaii. 

Wherever you decide to go for Spring Break I hope you enjoy it!

Sean C.
Delta Vacations

No, that title is not a misprint! I’m going to tell you how to enter to win a vacation to the beautiful Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas. And, I’m going to give you a few pointers you can test out on the golf course at the Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Course, where Golf Channel’s hit show, Big Break Sandals Resorts, was filmed this year.

Delta Vacations has teamed up with Sandals Resorts, Golf Channel, Big Break Sandals Resorts, and “The Shark” himself, Greg Norman, for the Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Getaway Sweepstakes. We are giving away a 5 night stay at the all-new Sandals Emerald Bay resort on the island of Great Exuma, Bahamas! The grand prize trip includes a $250 credit for the Red Lane® Spa and four rounds of golf on the spectacular Greg Norman designed Sandals Emerald Reef Golf Club.

This resort is definitely on the top of my list, especially since every room at the resort comes with butler service! This is one of those opportunities you don’t want to miss so enter now. While you’re entering the sweepstakes, be sure to check out the amazing pictures of the resort and golf course in the photo gallery!

Now for the slice portion. Pay attention because these tips will turn out handy at Sandals Emerald Bay!

Tip 1: Tee It Up

This is a very common drill that I find helpful. Tee the ball up normally and set up your club how you would before you tee off. Then place another tee right outside the toe of your club. This way, if you take an outside-in-swing (most slicers do) you will hit the other tee. By tucking in your right elbow (if you a right handed golfer), this will help promote an inside-out swing and will straighten your slice.

Tip 2: Finish High

This drill focuses on your follow through, which believe it or not is very important to your ball flight. Take a normal swing but focus on extending those arms through the ball and hold your follow through until the ball hits the ground. This will help promote a straighter ball flight and maybe even a bit of a draw with more distance.

Now that you’ve entered the sweepstakes and brushed up on your golf game, tell us, what’s your favorite beach and golf resort?

No purchase necessary. Must be at least 18 to enter. Sweepstakes ends 8/27/10. Visit www.sandalsgolfgetaway.com for complete details and Official Rules. Void where prohibited.

One the best things about working for a travel company is being able to hear everyone’s stories of where they have been. I personally have never been to Hawaii, but I am fascinated by and wanted to get some tips of things to do when I do get to go. Here’s what I found:

Oahu

• Climb to the top of Diamond Head, the view is definitely worth the hike.
• Take a surfing lesson. Can you think of a better place to get a surfing lesson than on Waikiki Beach?!
• Pearl Harbor is a must.
• Visit the Dole Plantation–they have train rides, mazes, crafts, koi fish feeding and of course delicious pineapple…fun for the whole family.
• Check out the Waimea Falls in the beautiful tropical garden in Oahu.
• Honolulu Zoo has a “Snooze in the Zoo” allowing guests to stay overnight and enjoy storytelling, campfire songs and walking tours.   You can either set up tents or sleep under the stars.  If you don’t want to spend the night, take the “Twilight Tour” which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of animals after the sun goes down.
• See the famous Shangri La built in the 1930s on the Pacific Ocean over looking Diamond Head.  This home has a very extensive collection of Islamic Art and is considered one of Hawaii’s most architecturally significant homes.

Maui

• Everyone should do the “Road to Hana” in Maui.  And if you decide to do it, rent or buy the tour guide CD because it tells you the cool spots to stop (waterfalls, pools, bamboo forests, black sand beaches, etc.) and it gives great history and information on the island.
• If you’re going to watch the sunrise atop Mt. Haleakala on Maui remember it will get cold so bring a hat and jacket.  Also, you’ll need to get up very early, so go at the beginning of your vacation when you’re still adjusting to the time change.
• You are in Hawaii so a luau is a must. Lahaina on Maui has some great ones.
• Honolulu has a great Academy of Arts with over 50,000 pieces of art to enjoy.

Kauai

• Take a helicopter tour of Kauai.  It’s an amazing way to see the island and feel like you are in Jurassic Park…minus the T-rex of course!
• Cruise along the Na Pali Coast and drive the Waimea Canyon.
• Go to the Kilauea Lighthouse and look for whales.
• Visit Poipu Beach and see the monk seals sleeping.
• Go to Puka Dog for the best hot dog you’ll ever eat.
• Plan day trips and wear your bathing suit–all beaches are open to the public so it’s nice to end an adventure with a few beach stops on the way home. (You usually can’t drive more than 10 miles without hitting a “large” beach with parking and bathroom facilities).
• Rent snorkel gear for the week. If you snorkel 3 days it will usually pay for itself.  Avoid getting it at your hotel and rent it from surf shops at the beach ($30/week compared to $21/week).

Big Island

• Take a day trip up a volcano at the Volcanoes National Park.  You can witness lava flowing from the active volcanoes.

What are some of your must-do’s in Hawaii?