BUS 449 Post 12: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana – surely one of the most of the beautiful places I have visited with the most gorgeous beaches I have seen. Located in the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, boardering the Atlantic Ocean to the east, this place is like a little paradise; definitely one of the top Caribbean destinations.
            The  coastline of the beautiful sandy white beaches has so much to offer! Considering the endless water and outdoor activities and the breathtaking views, one could never be bored. Some of the most popular activities you would want to get into would be: the Aquatic Tour, where you get on a speed boat and cruise the coastline in style and the Marinarium, which offers some of the best snorkeling in the area, complete with nurse sharks and sting rays!

When I vacationed there, we took a catamaran cruise to Saona Island and we ended up at the most exquisite beach I have seen. The island is a government protected nature reserve and is part of East National Park. With so many coconut palm trees, the softest sand and lots of cute and colorful little fishes to observe in the water, I could stay and relax there for days.

Saona Island

The all-inclusive resorts offer all kinds of great food. One little tip I want to give you is to book your preferred restaurant for dinner in advance. In case you forget, you will end up having lunch or dinner at the buffet, which is not that bad actually – from fruits and vegetables to seafood and other specialties – you will stay fully stuffed. And one more thing ... I want to warn you that the climate is very tropical and humid. I remember coming off the airplane and thinking “Oh my god, I am having trouble breathing.” There is little rain falls around the area, mostly because of the flat landscape, so you must get used to the humidity and enjoy the long, sunny days in Punta Cana to the fullest. 

The view from our room.

Me getting ready for snorkelling!!!

BUS 449 Post 7: Cancun, Mexico.

            Cancun, Mexico is one amazing tourist destination, for sure! I had always wanted to go to Mexico and I finally got to in the summer of 2012. My parents, my best friend and I vacationed in Cancun for a week and that trip will always be happily remembered. We stayed in a big, all-inclusive hotel, situated right on the beach, which had several outdoor pools, lots of palm trees around, and a great, friendly staff.

Every morning we woke up, got breakfast and went straight to the beach. The water was a warm and clean and a tranquil color. I love the beach so much and that beach we went to was just perfect! Cancun weather is tropical and humid with plenty of sunshine. Having ice cold drinks, while sunbathing in the sun or chilling in the shade was only part of what we got into while we were away. One of the days we were there, we went far into the Caribbean Sea on jet skis to go snorkeling. One guy was leading the way as we got further and further into the sea and several of us were following. At one point we were moving so fast, it almost felt like we were flying over the water. It was a bit of an extreme experience, but I cannot complain, I enjoyed the ride J When we got far enough, we stopped the jet skis and got to snorkel in the deep waters. I saw so many cute, little fishes, I was thrilled.

In the evenings, we normally went to the downtown area of the city, which was only a short bus ride away. It is very easy and cheap to get around Cancun. The city was buzzing; lots of people, lots places to dine, shop, and party. One of the nights we even go to go to a club. The music was good and they had a special dance performance with male and female dancers and part of the ceiling coming down as a special effect.

One of the days we rented a car and went to another extremely beautiful city, Playa del Carmen, which was a couple hours away. The beach was gorgeous and so was the architecture all around. We came across a wedding that was happeneing on the beach and had an awesome day.

The set up for the wedding.

With so many fun-filled activities and spots such as watersports, tours, zip lines, cruises, jungle adventures, shopping and dining areas, and spas, one could never be bored in Cancun! The city is home of the Mayan archaeological wonders, turquoise seas, a bountiful underwater world, and world-class vacation amenities. I would recommend it to anyone!

Sources: http://cancun.travel/en/

Right outside our hotel.

My friend and I in the pool.

The view from our room.