Sherman's Travel

Nothing can help you relax and take your mind off the stresses of everyday life quite like a vacation. Throw a spa into the mix, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate relaxing getaway. Whether you’re heading out to the deserts of the Southwest or the beaches of Cancun, these spa vacation deals will clear your mind and recharge your batteries – without putting a dent in your wallet. Read more

Daydreaming about taking a vacation but think you can’t afford it? Stop right there. Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice travel, whether you want to go somewhere warm or take a long weekend in the mountains. Here are some of today’s best travel deals, and all for under $160, proving that you really can take that trip you’ve been dreaming about. Read more

Aeromexico is giving us another reason to get sunburned this summer, with its launch of daily direct flights from JFK airport in New York to Cancún, Mexico from starting July 1.

Timed so you can hit the beaches the same day you land, Aeromexico’s flights depart JFK’s terminal 1 at 7:10am daily, and arrive at Cancún International Airport before lunchtime. Return flights take off daily at 5:25pm from Cancún, and land at JFK by midnight.

While summer in the Caribbean means hurricanes combined with high temperatures and soaring humidity, this usually results in off season advantages, like cheap hotel rooms and shorter queues. In addition, Cancún hosts a wealth of warm weather attractions. Visitors can swim with the whale sharks at Isla Holbox, explore the Tulum Mayan ruins in Quintana Roo, go cave diving in the submerged cenote caverns, or just relax at one of Cancún’s many beach resorts.

Other new Aeromexico flights include non-stop flights from Washington D.C. to Mexico City from $529, and a daily service from Atlanta to Mexico’s capital from $449 starting July 1. For nonstop flights to Cancún, both Priceline and Expedia currently list flights starting from $759 on American Airlines.

See our Cancún destination guide for general trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.

So, the world didn’t end when the Mayans said it would. But that doesn’t mean that the popular Mayan ruins in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Chichén Itzá, Tulum, and Cobá, aren’t still worth a visit. The Mundo Maya, which also include the countries of Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala, saw tourism numbers rise during 2012, and now that things have calmed down a bit, you’ll want to check out these unique sites. After a long day of exploring, a refreshing dip in a cenote, or natural well – the Riviera Maya is full of them,  is the perfect way to cool off. And, aside from the ruins, the Riviera Maya is becoming a popular adventure travel destination, with an array of opportunities for hiking, diving, and cave exploration. One word of advice: If you’re thinking about a visit in 2013, book now. Read more

Celebrate 2012, the final year of the Mayan calendar, in style with a trip to Cancun, Mexico. Book the Escape! Mayan Experience package for $289 per night that features accommodations at the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort. The packages includes:

•    Two 80-minute Mayan-inspired spa treatments – a $129 value per person
•    $50 daily resort credit
•    A tour for two of Chichen Itza – a $174 value
•    Free wi-fi
•    A Mayan theme welcome amenity

The beachfront AAA Four Diamond CasaMagna is an exceptional getaway spot, be it for a weekend or an extended stay. Located in a region rooted in Mayan culture and set in the now famous Cancun hotel zone it’s the ideal setting to take in the storied history, enjoy the resort’s modern amenities, all while basking on the pristine sun-soaked beach.

The package is available at the CasaMagna, or stay at the Five Diamond JW Marriott Cancun Resort located next door for $399 per night. With a stay at CasaMagna, the package offers over $400 in amenities while stays at the JW offers over $500!

Book and travel by Decemeber 21, 2012. The offer is based on availability and subject to blackout dates, taxes not included.  Book online at www.casamagnacancun.com or www.jwmarriottcancun.com or by phone at 1.800.228.9290.  When booking this package, request promotion code CUE.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to Cancun. For general trip-planning information, see our Cancun destination guide.

Want to book a trip to Mexico but not sure where to start? Head over to Aeromexico’s new Gran Plan site for vacation package bookings. The site conveniently bundles air and hotel for Aeromexico destinations like Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. Gateways within the U.S. include major hubs like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, as well as smaller cities such as Fresno, Phoenix, and Sacramento. There’s also a just-launched (as in yesterday) route between Las Vegas and Guadalajara. On the hotel front, you can expect to find perks and offers like room discounts, third night free, resort credits, and kids stay and eat free. Note that many flights require a stopover in Mexico City, but Aeromexico connections are easy at the new-ish Terminal 2, which opened in 2008. You’ll also be able to check your luggage without paying fees, and you might even get a free meal on the plane! us.granplan.com/packages

For general trip-planning information, see our Mexico Travel Guide.

Pre-dawn Cancun often evokes image of young partiers, embalmed in alcohol, taking the haggard walk of shame back to their hotel from the likes of Señor Frog’s. But this last August I ventured to the partiers’ paradise and discovered the true reason to be awake before the sun rises: for a chance to swim with the largest fish in the world, whale sharks.

I left my hotel at 6am, driving north through the hotel zone to the Solo Buceo diving company. Here, after booking in advance, guests pay a modest $165 before boarding the boat with nine other passengers and a crew of three. My group headed northwest, searching for the docile giants via GPS. The sharks come to the region on their southern migration in May and stay through early September, feasting on plankton and microorganisms in the warm Caribbean waters. After the tour companies initially locate the sharks in May, they can keep daily records of the sharks with each morning excursion, making sightings throughout the season a near guarantee.

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There is no shortage of deals to sunny destinations in the summer months, but once winter rolls around hotel prices typically skyrocket. Not so this year at Barcelo Hotels in Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. The premise: the farther in advance you book your stay, the great the discount. Reserve a room more than 120 days in advance for 35 percent off; 90 to 119 days in advance for 30 percent off; 60 to 89 days in advance for 20 percent off; and 31 to 59 days in advance for a 15 percent discount. Reduced rates are available in Mexico and the Dominican Republic from November 1-April 30, 2012, and Costa Rica from December 24-April 30, 2012.

THE VALUE: All-inclusive rates at some of Mexico and the Caribbean’s top resorts start under $100 per person, per night.

THE CATCH: You’ll have to nail down your plans pretty far in advance in order to secure the best discounts. However, there’s no cancellation fee if something comes up closer to the date. There may be minimum stays around the holidays, and rates are much higher during those periods.

THE DETAILS: Go to www.barcelo.com to book, or call 800-227-2356.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights.

For general trip-planning information, see our Mexico Travel Guide, Costa Rica Travel Guide, and Dominican Republic Travel Guide.

ShermansTravel editors already consider The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun a smart splurge, but the resort no doubt recognizes the need in these difficult economic times to boost its splurge-worthiness, hence its Stay Four Nights Pay Only For Three offer, starting at $249 per night and valid through December 21.

Given that the deal includes an ocean view room with a balcony, you might be tempted to leave the kids at home. But because that’s likely not an option, you’ll like the fact that the offer permits up to two children younger than 12 accompanied by a grown-up to eat selected meals for free in all six of the resort’s restaurants; poolside snacks are included, too.

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SHERMAN’S EXCLUSIVE

The Luxury: Located in Cancun’s world-renowned hotel zone, the AAA Five Diamond JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa offers endless onsite luxury and relaxation with some of the Yucatan Penisula’s most famous sites just a short distance away. The resort couples light hints of Mayan influence with subtle sophistication to the 448 guest rooms, all of which include private balconies and ocean views, perfect for unwinding to the sound of the sea. The resort’s world-class amenities include the AAA 4-star Italian and Mediterranean cuisine of Gustino, an infinity pool overlooking the white-sand beach and turquoise Caribbean waters, as well as the 35,000-square-foot spa, complete with Mayan inspired treatments, a lap pool, and health bar.

The Value: Fall rates regularly start at $219/night, but with this exclusive, ShermansTravel.com readers can get rooms from $153 per night – a 30 percent discount. Our readers will also receive a free room upgrade (based on availability at the time of check-in), and free access to the second level of the spa. Additionally, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, the JW’s AAA 4-Diamond sister property, is also taking part in this special. Those looking for a luxury getaway on a slightly smaller budget will find the CasaMagna is the perfect fit, with rooms from just $104 per night (regularly $149/night). Book by September 15 for travel September 1 – November 20, 2011.

The Catch: A four-night minimum stay is required.

The Details: www.jwmarriottcancun.com or www.casamagnacancun.com (use code L9Z)

For general trip-planning information, see our Cancun Travel Guide.