Sizzling Summer Road Trip Destinations

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 21, 2022

There are a few different options for things to do in Lake Como for a day. One option is to take a boat tour around the lake. This is a great way to see the sights and get an idea of what the lake offers. Another option is to go hiking or biking in the area. There are many trails that offer stunning views of the lake. And lastly, if you are looking for a more relaxing day, you can head to one of the many beaches on the lake. Whatever you decide to do, you will indeed have a great time! If you are wondering where you can stay for a night or two, check this out: privateupgrades. 6 Things You Can Do In Lake Como 1. Take a ferry ride around the lake There is no better way to take in the natural beauty of Lake Como than from the water. A ferry ride is a perfect opportunity to do this, and plenty of companies offer tours. Most ferry rides will take you around the lake, stopping at some of the most popular towns. This includes Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. You can also hop on and off the ferry at any of these towns, giving you the chance to explore them at your own pace. Just be sure to buy a ticket that allows for this. No matter which company you choose or what route you take, a ferry ride around Lake Como is sure to be a highlight of your trip. 2. Visit the Villa Carlotta Museum The Villa Carlotta Museum is located in the town of Tremezzo on Lake Como, in the Lombardy region of Italy. The villa was built in the 17th century and was once the home of the Duke of Milan. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful gardens and art collection. It is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is €10 for adults, €8 for seniors and students, and €5 for children under 14. Guided tours of the villa are available in English, Italian, and French. The museum also has a cafe and a shop selling souvenirs and books. 3. Have a picnic lunch in one of the many parks or gardens One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Como is to have a picnic lunch in one of the many parks or gardens. This is a great way to spend time with family or friends while enjoying the scenic views. There are numerous parks and gardens around Lake Como, so you will have no trouble finding one that suits your needs. Once you have found the perfect spot, unpack your picnic basket and enjoy the meal. Make sure to take plenty of pictures to capture the memories of this special day. 4. Stroll through the streets of Como and do some shopping You can find everything from clothes to souvenirs to handmade goods. Be sure to stop in at one of the cafes for a quick bite or a refreshing drink. As you stroll through the streets of Como, you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities. The stores lining the sidewalks offer a wide variety of goods, including clothes, souvenirs, and handmade items. Make sure to take a break at one of the cafes for a quick snack or refreshing drink. 5. Enjoy an afternoon gelato In the heat of the afternoon, there's nothing quite like a refreshing gelato. Lake Como has some of the best gelatos in all of Italy, so be sure to enjoy a scoop (or two!) while you're visiting. There are tons of great gelaterias to choose from, but some of our favorites include Il Gatto Nero, La Cantina del Gelato, and Cremeria Valsolda. Whatever your flavor preference, you're sure to find a delicious gelato to enjoy on a hot summer day. 6. Take a swim on one of the lakeside beaches There are plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the water around Lake Como. If you're looking for a more traditional beach experience, then head to one of the many lakeside beaches. Take your pick from popular spots like Lido di Menaggio or Lido di Bellagio, or go off the beaten path and explore some of the smaller, hidden beaches. Additionals: Best Scenic Places In Alta, Utah Which Is The Best Time To Visit Mussoorie? Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park Stephen Gleave On The Best Waterfalls And Trails In Ancaster

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 26, 2021

Are you looking for the perfect family vacation spot to take your kids this holiday season? Do your kids love swimming with the dolphins, water rides, and other safe adventure games? Have you tried looking at the fantastic resorts in the Puerto Vallarta region of Mexico, which boasts of excellent weather and resorts? The year 2020 has been tough, especially for kids. The Coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on them in a major way. The social distancing requirements have meant that they have not been allowed to meet their friends for months on end. No school has also resulted in a lot of boredom and monotony at home. However, things are taking a turn for the better now and as a parent, you can do a lot to help raise their spirits and see them smiling again. In this article, we are going to help you pick the ideal vacation spot for your entire family. We will review the Aquaventuras Park on the Mexican Pacific Coast. We will discuss some of its star attractions and tell you why this can be the place for your next magical family vacation. Aquaventuras Park: Where is it located? Situated in the tropical paradise that is the Mexican Pacific Coast, Aquaventuras Park was formerly known as the Sea Life Park. It is situated in the tourist-friendly region of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta and boasts of some of the world’s most scenic natural landscaping. The tropical weather also ensures that if you are traveling from the American north or Canada in the winter holidays, you and your family can still soak in the sun. Lush beaches, great tropical hills for trekking, and excellent world-class resorts make Puerto Vallarta a must-visit destination for families. Apart from the resort itself, vacationers can also check out the sights and sounds of the beautiful city, which is steeped in colonial culture and history. If you want to get your family to a paradise for the next vacation, Aquaventuras Park is as good as it gets. You can Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta by the day and enjoy local cuisine at one of the small authentic restaurants in the evening. Major Attractions of the Aquaventuras Park: Why you should consider 1. Swimming with the Dolphins- Unlike other aquariums and aquatic water parks, which do not allow individuals to get up-and-close with dolphins, at the Aquaventuras Park you can come very close to these magical creatures. Our trained handlers and experts ensure that you can swim with these majestic animals on the open seas. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. 2. Sea Lion Discovery- Like dolphins, sea lions are highly intelligent animals. They are very cute, adorable, and love to interact with human beings. Your kids would find this the perfect opportunity to learn more about how aquatic animals live, what they eat, and other things. It will also make them compassionate about protecting our environment and our ecosystems. 3. Water Rides- Aquaventuras is one of the leading water parks on the west coast. At last count, the park boasted of more than 100+ water rides, which are completely safe for all age groups. Yes, there are some rides, where adults might need to accompany the kids, but then again, it is tipped to be a family water ride. Trust us, you will not get bored of water rides at the park. 4. Adventure Sports- If you have teenagers who love to engage with adventures like wall climbs and zip lines, fret not, the park has got your covered. End-to-end zip lines crisscrossing the entire resort and overseeing the tropical forests is sure to take anyone’s breath away. You can also challenge one another at the rock-climbing area, or try the balancing log. 5. The Lazy River- Where else can you enjoy floating around on a raft for 160 meters? At Aquaventuras Park, if you want to engage in an activity, which is a bit on the slower and relaxing side, you should try the Lazy River. You can see most of the park’s attractions on the Lazy River, sip a beverage, and let the good times roll. This is an ideal way to unwind and relax at the resort. The Park’s Commitment to Marine Life: What Kids Can Learn Apart from all the fun and the games, as parents, we would want our kids to keep learning and picking up valuable information. When you come to Aquaventuras Park, the experts and handlers make it a point to educate the kids about how marine animals live. They also touch upon issues like pollution and show them how polluting the water can harm these beautiful marine animals. When kids get up and close with these animals, they cannot help but fall in love. At this time, the handlers impress upon kids why they should try to keep their surroundings clean, not engage in pollution, and care for their ecosystem. The Park invests heavily in the conservation and protection of marine habitats. When kids come across such issues at a young age, it influences their future development. They become more sensitive to the environment, the animals, and take steps to conserve and preserve the same. Almost all Water Parks in Puerto Vallarta have a solid commitment to marine and aquatic life protection and conservation. If you want your kids to learn something even on a vacation and help them become better human beings when they grow up, a trip to Aquaventuras should be something, which you should consider. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How much is for Aquaventuras park admission? For visitors, it is 25 dollars for each adult and 19 for each kid. If you have participated in the dolphin function then your entry is free. What kind of foods are available in Aquaventuras park? If you have a swim adventure program then you get a hamburger with french fries and soda. They also offer combos where there are soda and french fries with which you will option like pizzas, hamburgers, chicken wings, hot dogs, Caesar salad to choose from. The amazing thing is you will get all of these in just 7 dollars.  What is the policy on children? Infants under 1 to 5 years do not have to pay for the service at all.  The infant cannot be under 1 year and must wear a life jacket that fits properly.  Children from 6 to 12 years will be given appropriate activities keep their age in mind How many people can be in the water at the same time? For the royal swim, only 10 people are allowed For swim adventure, 12 people maximum. For the Dolphin encounter, 15 to 20 people can together in the water.  The Final Word A tropical paradise, which allows you to swim with the dolphins, try adventure sports, and enjoy some of the finest cuisines, Aquaventuras Park located in Puerto Vallarta is an experience unlike any in the world. In addition to being rich in its offerings, the park is also very affordable in terms of the prices. This means that you do not have to shell out a lot of money to enjoy world-class amenities. The entire family can have the time of their lives on a very affordable budget. Do you have any other questions, which you would want us to answer Aquaventuras Park? Hit us up in the comments section below and we will try to answer as many as possible. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) 3 Ways To Enjoy Spring At Zion National Park The Perfect Destination For Adventure Enthusiasts In Jamaica- Yaaman Adventure Romantic Getaway Tips: 9 Romantic Tips To Celebrate Couples Vacation

BY  Sibashree May 14, 2025

The Baja California Sur region of Mexico is gaining massive foreign investments. Los Cabos is the most prominent name in this development, fetching a foreign investment of $783.3 million from January to September 2024. No wonder this dramatic region in Mexico, welcoming 3 million visitors annually and recording a 16% growth in tourism, is setting the benchmark for cities and municipalities that want to thrive on luxury tourism.  In the Quintana Roo state, Cancun, a Mayan refuge, is another popular destination in Mexico, attracting millions of visitors every year. The total number of air passenger movements in Cancun from January to April 2025 was 10,759,514.  Despite a 5% year-on-year deficit compared to 2024, Cancun, famous for its whale shark tours, remains a major contributor to Mexico's $16.25 billion tourism industry. Cancun also has some of the best amusement parks in Mexico.  So, it seems Cancun and Cabo are favorites when it comes to planning a Mexican getaway. However, which one is better for a vacation?  We will find the answer in this Cabo vs Cancun comparison.  Cabo Vs Cancun: Know The Basics Cabo is located in Western Mexico. Further, Cabo San Lucas is located at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.  San Jose del Cabo International Airport is the main airport in Cabo. The city experiences a tropical desert climate with a maximum annual rainfall of 10 inches.  On the other hand, Cancun is on the eastern coast of Mexico. It has a tropical climate and receives around 52 inches of rainfall annually. What Is Cabo Famous For?  Why Does Everyone Go To Cabo? Los Cabos is a crown jewel in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Just below the Tropic of Cancer, Los Cabos has 340-350 days of sunshine yearly. Further, its luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and the most happening nightlife, with places such as El Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo Cantina, make Cabo famous.  Los Cabos is also easily accessible, especially through direct flights from major U.S. cities such as Dallas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Additionally, US Dollars are easily accepted here.  Moreover, Los Cabos is the second home to Hollywood biggies such as Cindy Crawford, George Clooney, Nick Jonas, and Jennifer Aniston. The Kardashians and Will Smith also frequently visit Cabo.  In addition, Cabo is the best place for spotting humpback whales from December to April. What Is Cancun Famous For? With its name originating from the Mayan language, Cancun, or the “Nest of Serpents,” is an unmatched location for anyone interested in the Mayan culture.  It is no wonder that Chichen Itza is the top attraction in Cancun. Located in the Yucatán, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Further, Cancun has the Great Maya Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. So, it is a paradise for the scuba divers who want a slice of marine life.  Again, Isla Mujeres is an idyllic island in Cancun for snorkeling, swimming, and spotting whale sharks.  Moreover, the Ecological Reserve is the biggest natural ecosystem in Mexico. Also, the Riviera Maya has some of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Those are: Ox Bel Ha: 146.7 Kilometers Nohock Na Choch: 61 Kilometers Dos Ojos: 57.7 Kilometers Overall, the diverse tourism attractions in Cancun have made the Cancun International Airport the second busiest in the country. Cabo Vs Cancun Safety: Which One Is Safer? Winner: Cabo 🏆 Like the question of “Is Monterrey Mexico Safe?”, traveler safety in Cancun and Cabo remains a concern. Cancun Traveler Safety The U.S. Government has issued a travel advisory for Cancun in 2025. Quintana Roo, the state where Cancun is located, has a Level 2 caution for tourists.  With robbery being the most frequent crime in Cancun, reaching a whopping 25% of the total crimes in 2024, Cancun has also been struggling with issues such as street scams and violent crimes.  However, increased police presence, surveillance systems, coordination with the hotels, and public awareness campaigns have been the measures to keep the crime rates in this region in check.  Cabo Traveler Safety Is Cabo San Lucas safe? What about the crime scenarios in other parts of Los Cabos? Let’s find out the data.  Cabo is safer than Cancun, with a USA Travel Advisory of “Exercise Increased Caution” in the Baja California Sur area. This caution is similar to that of many European destinations.  However, the murder of a law enforcement officer on 22nd April and the burning of three buses on 24th April, 2025, have created some unrest in the area.  Still, Los Cabos has a lower crime rate than many other areas of Mexico, such as Acapulco and Tijuana.  In addition, there are dedicated tourist police in areas such as Medano Beach and the Marina District.  Moreover, the types of crime here include petty scams and theft. Violent crimes against tourists are rare here.  Cabo Vs Cancun Beaches: Which One Is Better As A Tropical Getaway? Winner: It’s a Tie 🤝 It’s hard to pick a favorite among the beautiful beaches in Cabo and Cancun. Cabo in the Pacific Ocean and Cancun in the Caribbean Sea have very different waters and beaches.  Beaches In Cabo The beaches in Cabo exude the quintessential charm of the Pacific Ocean coast. Further, Cabo sees the Pacific Ocean meeting the Sea of Cortez.  The most beautiful beaches for swimming in Cabo are: Medano Beach and Lover's Beach, along the Sea of Cortez Cabo Pulmo Marine Park Playa Acapulquito and Chileno Beach in the Tourist Corridor The waters here are electric blue, and the coastline is dotted with cacti. Furthermore, from January to April, Cabo is the best place to spot whales and go deepwater fishing.  In addition, you can do scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo, a nearby national marine park. Here, you can meet eels, big-eyed jacks, sea turtles, porkfish, snappers, etc.  Beaches In Cancun Beaches in Cancun show the charm of the Caribbean Sea. Playa Delfines, Playa Langosta, and Playa Tortugas are the most popular among them.  Playa Delfines is a known destination for Jet skiing or parasailing. Also, you can do scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking.  Moreover, you can spot whales if you visit Cancun from June to October.  Cabo Vs Cancun For Partying: Which One Is More Fun?  Winner: Cancun🏆 Cancun is the Spring Break destination in the world. You can dance it out at Mandala Nightclub and enjoy the best cocktails at the JW Lobby Bar.  Los Cabos also has a vibrant nightlife. However, the vibe here is much laid-back. El Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo Cantina are some of the best places to experience the party scene and nightlife of Los Cabos.  Cabo Vs Cancun For Families: Know The Top Attractions Winner: Cabo 🏆 Cancun's natural and cultural attractions are more varied and vivid than those in Los Cabos. However, Los Cabos is a more family-friendly destination because most activities and attractions here are beach-centric, accommodating people of all ages.  Also, the luxury hotels and accommodations in Los Cabos offer a “Next-Level Experience” to visitors.  Moreover, Los Cabos is safer than Cancun in terms of crime rate.  Top Attractions in Los CabosTop Attractions in CancunFamily-Friendly Things to Do in Los CabosFamily-Friendly Things to Do in Cancun‣ Medano Beach‣ Santa Maria Beach‣ Playa el Chileno‣ Lovers Beach‣ Cerritos Beach‣ El Arco‣ Cabo Pulmo National Park‣ Sierra de la Laguna‣ Todos Santos‣ San José del Cabo‣ Chichén Itzá - UNESCO World Heritage Site‣ Isla Mujeres‣ Selvatica Eco Park‣ Mayan Museum of Cancun‣ Zona Arqueologica El Rey‣ Playa Tortugas‣ Xcaret Park‣ Ventura Park‣ Swimming and building sand castles at Medano Beach.‣ Boat tours to visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. ‣ Snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo‣ Horseback riding in Baja Outback‣ Whale watching and dolphin encounters.‣ Ferry ride to Isla Mujeres‣ ATV tours and zipline in Selvatica‣ Swimming in Playa Tortugas‣ Visiting Chichen Itza Cabo Vs Cancun For Couples: What Are The Best Things To Do? Winner: It’s a Tie 🤝 If you are traveling as a couple, your favorite destination between Cancun and Los Cabos will depend on your preference.  For example, Cancun is more energetic, while Los Cabos has a laid-back vibe. Cancun further stands out thanks to its Mayan connection.  Also, Cancun has more swimmable beaches than Los Cabos.  The beaches in Los Cabos offer more adventurous experiences to couples. You can swim, surf, dive, and snorkel there. On the other hand, despite having scuba diving facilities, the beaches in Cancun are more resort-centric.  Again, the nightlife in Cancun is more vibrant in Cancun, whereas Los Cabos is a better choice for a gastronomic delight. Cabo Vs Cancun Food Scene: Local Flavors And Delicacies Winner: Cabo 🏆 Los Cabos promises a diverse food experience. You can have the best tacos at a beachside shack and indulge in the best haute dining.  You must also try the best handmade tortillas and wines from the North Baja wineries.  Nevertheless, if you want a gourmet experience, visit Cocina de Autor (a Michelin Star restaurant), CarbónCabron, and Lumbre.  Again, San José del Cabo is the best place in Mexico to celebrate the country's “Farm-to-Table” tradition.  Food in Cancun, however, is an ode to the Mayan culture. You will fall in love with the fish cooked in banana leaves and slow-cooked pork here.  Kiosk Verde (a Michelin-mentioned restaurant), El Pocito, and Rosa Negra are some of the most famous eating places in Cancun. What Is Better Cancun Or Cabo? And The Winner Is… Let’s explore a different side before declaring the winner of this Cabo vs Cancun comparison.  Mexico these days, earns a lot of foreign investments in tourism. Cancun and Los Cabos are not exceptions in these.  Los Cabos, especially, is located in the Baja California Sur, which is the topmost destination in attracting foreign investments.  However, foreign investments and the developments here are now harming the local habitat and ecosystem. The breach of environmental regulations and intrusion to traditional way of living in these places are posing challenges to local heritage and conservation efforts.  Nevertheless, here is the scorecard from this Cabo vs Cancun comparison. ParameterLos CabosCancunSafetyWinnerRunner-UpBeachesWinnerWinnerAs a Family DestinationWinnerRunner-UpNightlifeRunner-UpWinnerAs a Couple DestinationWinnerWinnerFoodWinnerRunner-UpOverall Winner Score53 So, the winner is Los Cabos!  Is Cabo Or Cancun Water Warmer? The water in Cancun is warmer than in Cabo because of their geographical locations. Cancun is located in the Caribbean Sea, while Cabo is nestled in the Pacific Ocean.  However, the maximum water temperature in Cabo reaches 31 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the maximum water temperature in Cancun, 30.5 degrees Celsius.  January is the coldest month in Cancun, and August is the warmest. In Cabo, April is the coldest month in terms of water temperature, and the water temperature reaches its maximum in September.  Here is a detailed month-wise comparison of Cabo vs Cancun water temperature based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. MonthMaximum Water Temperature in Cabo (°C)Maximum Water Temperature in Cancun (°C)Minimum Water Temperature in Cabo (°C)Minimum Water Temperature in Cancun (°C)January24.726.520.224February22.726.420.324.1March22.626.420.224.2April23.427.119.625.8May25.628.321.426.4June26.12920.127.5July28.829.822.727.1August30.230.526.728.1September3130.127.928.1October30.729.827.226.7November29.12824.525.8December26.426.821.825.1 Is Cabo A Luxury Destination? Yes, Cabo is a luxury destination. It has Michelin Key hotels, such as: Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection (2 Keys) Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection (2 Keys) Montage Los Cabos (2 Keys) Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (2 Keys) Nobu Hotel Los Cabos (1 Key) The Cape, a Thompson Hotel (1 Key) These names, featured in the Michelin Guide announcement made on 12th September 2024, continue to provide visitors with their “next-level” of service. Cabo is also home to Cocina de Autor, a Michelin Star restaurant in the Grand Velas Hotel.  However, Cabo's “luxury” quotient is not just limited to Michelin-Key hotels and Michelin-Star restaurant experiences.  From ATVing to snorkeling, scuba diving, whale-watching, and horseback riding, Cabo's outdoor and wellness activities are endless.  Further, the beaches and the beautiful coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez make Cabo one of the most picturesque locations in Mexico, with a laid-back vibe.  In addition, the desert landscape, hot springs, and waterfalls make Cabo vivid and unique. Why Is It So Expensive To Go To Cabo? Los Cabos, one of the safest areas in Mexico, is expensive because of the luxury experience, geographical location, and the growing popularity among tourists. Further, international flights to Cabo are expensive, and there are high immigration and customs charges. However, these are not the only reasons Cabo is an expensive travel destination.  The rise in the number of visitors to Cabo has led to rapid development in the area, which is great. However, it has also made doing business or living here more expensive.  On the other hand, the decreasing national unemployment rate in Mexico1, high inflation, “doubling of wages since 2018) and shortage of laborers have made things worse for the tourism and hospitality businesses in the region.  In other words, businesses also have to maintain their financial health, and operational costs will increase due to increased labor costs and higher dependency on imports for various goods.  So, these facilities, such as accommodations and restaurants, charge travelers more money.  Nevertheless, with Cabo being an expensive location, businesses face challenges in offering customer satisfaction or a value-for-money experience. Starbucks has been one of the most prominent names to flag this issue.  Having said that, strategic investment in the use of technology in these facilities and a lesser dependency on human labor can keep the cost of living or traveling to tourism within limits.  Cancun Vs Cabo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are frequently asked questions and answers related to the Cancun vs Cabo comparison. Why Is Cabo Mexico So Popular? Cabo, connected to various US cities through the Los Cabos Airport, is a popular tourist attraction due to its diverse attractions. It has calm and beautiful beaches like Medano, and in the winter, it offers whale-watching activities and adventures such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and big-game fishing.In fact, Cabo San Lucas in the Los Cabos region, known as the “Marlin Capital of the World,” is experiencing significant growth in its sports-fishing industry. Moreover, the desert mountains and unique geological formations such as El Arco add drama to the local landscape. Additionally, you can enjoy luxurious dining and resort experiences here. Want to explore the surroundings? Cabo and its surrounding areas are well accessible by car.  Why Can't We Swim In Cabo? Cabo has many swimming-friendly beaches, such as Medano Beach and Lover's Beach, along the Sea of Cortez, Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, and Playa Acapulquito and Chileno Beach in the Tourist Corridor.   Having said that, many beaches in Cabo, especially along the Pacific Ocean, are unsuitable for swimming. Playa Solmar, Divorce Beach, and Pedregal are beaches where you cannot swim. Strong currents, waves, and rip tides make these beaches unsafe for swimming. Also, the steep drop-offs on many beaches make it difficult to gauge the depth of the water. What Money Is Used In Cabo? The Mexican Peso, the country's currency, is used in Cabo. Cabo also accepts US dollars. Many ATMs dispense US dollars, or resorts convert US dollars to Pesos. However, be careful about the current exchange rate. As of today, 1 USD = 19.44 Mexican Pesos. Also, many local merchants offer you less than the exchange rate while buying goods from them. So, it is best to pay with Mexican Pesos.