Wander Wisely

Trip Report: Cancun, Mexico

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div>This past December I traveled to Cancun, Mexico with my girlfriend Emily for the 2015 New Year!  We spent 7 days and 6 nights in Cancun - split between two different resorts. <b> The total cost of the airfare and hotels was just $166.22 for the two of us!</b>  You can read how to get the exact same deal with less than 2 hours of total work in this post:  <a href="http://liveexecutively.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-to-6-days-in-cancun-mexico-for-16622.html">Seven Days in Cancun Mexico for $166.22</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4SWargtRCDdCIza0KAcQ7Rw3jym4WjqBQ-_gAZGDSP0CjC-eQdan7NChnm1ZWmXtdnrmbKJThsfkV3mEi8d4r8Ypa0h0tVeHx3788AKwe_BXsq6jtQbzvJYnX0leBuctBnlAhuFFkJ92/s1600/10885591_10205943897661275_7892665122059913203_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4SWargtRCDdCIza0KAcQ7Rw3jym4WjqBQ-_gAZGDSP0CjC-eQdan7NChnm1ZWmXtdnrmbKJThsfkV3mEi8d4r8Ypa0h0tVeHx3788AKwe_BXsq6jtQbzvJYnX0leBuctBnlAhuFFkJ92/s1600/10885591_10205943897661275_7892665122059913203_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our room at the Westin Lagunamr Ocean Resort in Cancun, Mexico</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>Landing in Cancun and Making Mistakes</h2><div><br /></div><div>Emily and I flew from Chicago's Midway airport directly to Cancun, Mexico via Southwest airlines on New Year's Eve day.  We landed mid-afternoon.  The only issues we had throughout the entire trip were within our first hour in Cancun, but they were two lessons that make for wise travel in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Lesson 1:</b> Instead of exchanging money at an airport currency exchange, use the local ATMs.  The exchange rate at the airport kiosk was 11.5 Mexican Pesos (MXN) to 1 USD where as you get the full valued exchange rate of ~15 MXN to 1 USD when withdrawing Pesos from your checking account at the ATM.   Here's the math showing why this can be a very expensive mistake:</div><div><br /></div><div>Person 1 exchanges $300 USD at a rate of 11.5 MXN at the airport exchange kiosk = <b>3,450 MXN</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Person 2 withdraws $300 USD from the ATM and pays a withdrawal fee of $3 USD = <b>4,500 MXN</b></div><div><br /></div><div>With the exchange rate of 15 MXN - 1 USD, <b>Person 1 now only has $230</b> USD ( 3,450 / 15 ) worth of Pesos!  <b>Person 2 has $300</b> USD worth of Pesos.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Person 1 lost </b>$<b>70 USD </b>by using the airport currency exchange instead of the ATM! </div><div><br /></div><div>If it's your first time travelling internationally just give your bank a quick call and let them know you will be heading to Mexico and you will have no problems using the local Mexican ATMs with your debit card.  I always advise to bring extra cash along in case of an emergency as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>The second lesson we learned was that there's no easy way to escape the Cancun airport.  The transportation services at the exit of the airport are highly regulated and very expensive.  Emily and I didn't plan ahead and had to pay <b>$55 USD for a 4 mile trip</b> from the airport to our first hotel... It was a very upsetting experience, but it doesn't have to be...</div><div><br /></div><div>There are two better options for escaping the Cancun airport.  The first is to book transportation ahead of time.  A company like <a href="http://www.entertainment-plus.net/affiliates/transfers/cancun-transfers.asp?affid=1082">USA transfers</a> will charge you $25 USD for the trip.  The second option is to take a bus from the airport to downtown Cancun and then another bus from downtown Cancun to the hotel zone.  A bus ride costs $0.75 USD, so the second option will cost $1.50 USD per person but will take between 1 and 1.5 hours.  The second option is a lot of work and after a long flight I would recommend just paying the overpriced van transfer service so you can begin enjoying your time in Cancun.</div><div><br /></div><div>After making our two mistakes at the airport we had finally arrived at our first hotel which was the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.starwoodhotels.com%2Fwestin%2Fproperty%2Foverview%2Findex.html%3FpropertyID%3D1092%26language%3Des_ES%26localeCode%3Des_ES&ei=a_qyVNypBJOnyQSmlYHAAg&usg=AFQjCNHjUY2vaGj3AdQHOOO_P9DmLcUc2A&sig2=1jx-qRCQrF-U-pnIksh4Fg&bvm=bv.83339334,d.aWw">Westin Resort & Spa Cancun</a>.  </div><div><br /></div><h2>Westin Resort & Spa Cancun </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVD0uIc-bJQUc5LGYIXpPEuIwcO_anuJE7r2Act2SZVjXrNETitlFLAz_Wpy-2mzIsek6u5PezQtif9GsCLo83mCXw5j2BnxpdGxxGWyd83HmZQf1Lmr9RkKfT5JAm6ecfIJHEyRD8jTb/s1600/cun_wstn_wstn_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVD0uIc-bJQUc5LGYIXpPEuIwcO_anuJE7r2Act2SZVjXrNETitlFLAz_Wpy-2mzIsek6u5PezQtif9GsCLo83mCXw5j2BnxpdGxxGWyd83HmZQf1Lmr9RkKfT5JAm6ecfIJHEyRD8jTb/s1600/cun_wstn_wstn_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun is located at the far South end of the Hotel Zone.  The Hotel Zone is a seven mile stretch of land situated between the Caribbean sea and a large lagoon.  Here's a rough map of Cancun and the Hotel Zone:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ8-woFPlgT9OlIKdMmli1QNYh-5nOUusABql2BQMIZYQV_cAx4HMyPooHAFOlKDsgs58-w1s9k4jfrW8rbVRc1mIRGRw2bJ_9IZOT5XLr-yGbGal7CgaAJsMjq1LiNfdZVQD-99Kpr4K/s1600/westin+map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQ8-woFPlgT9OlIKdMmli1QNYh-5nOUusABql2BQMIZYQV_cAx4HMyPooHAFOlKDsgs58-w1s9k4jfrW8rbVRc1mIRGRw2bJ_9IZOT5XLr-yGbGal7CgaAJsMjq1LiNfdZVQD-99Kpr4K/s1600/westin+map.JPG" width="508" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Westin Resort and Spa was at the far South end of the hotel zone which I've circled in red.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The Westin was amazing, relaxing, and peaceful.  The South end of the hotel zone is much quieter than the North end.  The rooms were clean and spacious.  Half of the rooms had views of the ocean and the other half had views of the lagoon, which were just as beautiful:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31rpHk5MmHhQt96G60q7Dxlffb3p3_JtcTV_g1e9xKUYRhIg_WARMfni_TanwK8A09MoyIMvTCqQudEYaX2VTsPSiFw5OCeCn5X_ccIplRAfqzmNszZr-p2JIxQl1bGqYDMCxMgIOuxTR/s1600/IMAG2872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31rpHk5MmHhQt96G60q7Dxlffb3p3_JtcTV_g1e9xKUYRhIg_WARMfni_TanwK8A09MoyIMvTCqQudEYaX2VTsPSiFw5OCeCn5X_ccIplRAfqzmNszZr-p2JIxQl1bGqYDMCxMgIOuxTR/s1600/IMAG2872.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view of the lagoon from our room at the Westin.</td></tr></tbody></table><div>There were numerous pools as well as an amazing beach for swimming in the ocean.  As a Platinum SPG member Emily and I received complimentary breakfast each morning and also had access to a free nightly manager's reception with a full service bar (lot's of delicious Mexican margaritas for free!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgEuw7q2SwnU9_QjMT0gC9v5Sh449b2ra8c7WscDcTQzbsB3DTLL4Z9vgrguSHrYTbTvZnQd7-lMsoCfK1xx81xbLbs1O6hbnkk_alg6F-aZmiku7SIlxe2WfJxmlWdP_wQNz0oKyrQvu/s1600/westin+lagoon+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgEuw7q2SwnU9_QjMT0gC9v5Sh449b2ra8c7WscDcTQzbsB3DTLL4Z9vgrguSHrYTbTvZnQd7-lMsoCfK1xx81xbLbs1O6hbnkk_alg6F-aZmiku7SIlxe2WfJxmlWdP_wQNz0oKyrQvu/s1600/westin+lagoon+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very spacious room at the Westin Resort and Spa Cancun</td></tr></tbody></table></div><h2>NYE in Cancun and David Guetta</h2><div>Cancun is a very popular destination during New Year's Eve which can result in sky-high rates at the resorts.  Thankfully, SPG's free night redemption policy for points doesn't fluctuate based on popularity!  We had no plans for NYE but meet up with a fraternity brother of mine, Matt Dohse, who was also vacationing in Cancun.  The three of us jumped on a city bus next to the hotel and went to the North part of the hotel zone in search of a place to celebrate NYE.  When we got to the bar area we were bombarded by salesmen trying to sell us tickets to NYE parties in the various bars.  The majority of the salesmen were charging between $70-$120 for the night with drinks included, but we decided to instead grab beers from a convenience store and enjoyed the celebration in the streets with the locals.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ-12pr6kNoPKmw8U9U-7ftc9s-BhLhFXlVcsQNdOf46ndUzN7eqefzGeG0rI70ugfmtFrTf0b96Yx20qwtT43l8pmSXdu7mxiFewE1G_Ny7rjw3HCRgNwgBEs82hPCQMfCipBr6WOSYf/s1600/epic+cancun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ-12pr6kNoPKmw8U9U-7ftc9s-BhLhFXlVcsQNdOf46ndUzN7eqefzGeG0rI70ugfmtFrTf0b96Yx20qwtT43l8pmSXdu7mxiFewE1G_Ny7rjw3HCRgNwgBEs82hPCQMfCipBr6WOSYf/s1600/epic+cancun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating NYE in the streets of Cancun with Emily and Matt.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIBVlr2zZvX78KOaOJ_Ky7eaSavWJzfCXMDlJkAGlgZZ1McyWr2qghuIptVEkCtHYRAqIJ2xz2sTyYAp_1a2s4Ne-8vccsbqm0_lhm9JwEn2dwujGSxOyhQuV9CTlqU3Ye-xuNl8bzTD_/s1600/10881313_10152715829063952_450605756_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIBVlr2zZvX78KOaOJ_Ky7eaSavWJzfCXMDlJkAGlgZZ1McyWr2qghuIptVEkCtHYRAqIJ2xz2sTyYAp_1a2s4Ne-8vccsbqm0_lhm9JwEn2dwujGSxOyhQuV9CTlqU3Ye-xuNl8bzTD_/s1600/10881313_10152715829063952_450605756_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our NYE Midnight hike</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>After midnight we walked South on the beach to see if we could reach a concert headlined by David Guetta (a very popular DJ) that was happening in the middle of the Hotel Zone.  After a 3.6 mile walk  we arrived at the concert and were able to find a great spot to watch the concert from the beach for free!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br />Standing in the sand on a warm NYE night in Cancun while watching David Guetta perform, with two people who are very special to me, was an amazing start to 2015 and definitely a magical memory!</div><div><br /></div><h2><br />Cancun Adventures </h2><div>Cancun is full of awesome and exciting things to do.  There's scuba diving, snorkeling, Mayan ruins, Cenotes, dolphins, and much more.   Emily and I went on one guided tour while in Cancun to see the Cenotes.  Cenotes are sinkholes in the limestone bedrock with fresh water feed from underground rivers.  The Mayans swam in the sinkholes and performed religious rituals as well as sacrifices at them.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj912xsmbPlgDS1br9sChWSRIUzo_9u6KZNMEINdKdk9hnAwRUveBcSt5GrECsI8hU8yQozR5ZKNydrPHj0zOSJr8LlyoKkB8bKumBS04y37u-GWHF6XO7IlnAyZLci3esIOJZ_akTP6KCw/s1600/cenote-280253_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj912xsmbPlgDS1br9sChWSRIUzo_9u6KZNMEINdKdk9hnAwRUveBcSt5GrECsI8hU8yQozR5ZKNydrPHj0zOSJr8LlyoKkB8bKumBS04y37u-GWHF6XO7IlnAyZLci3esIOJZ_akTP6KCw/s1600/cenote-280253_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the larger Cenotes in the area with a relatively well preserved limestone ceiling.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynAt5wtcj3lqwDsp3NNjKeETMaBENUeALQ5VQNawDCiG6HKU2FOO5D7kXStw9diuSiYwkqrefGN6SzfPuo_KKhniIPtwRcHNKNbTQXW0dEf_iQvJYDZGKtY_8TZTWYT2I0yxnvK2mBmj2/s1600/cenotre+zip+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynAt5wtcj3lqwDsp3NNjKeETMaBENUeALQ5VQNawDCiG6HKU2FOO5D7kXStw9diuSiYwkqrefGN6SzfPuo_KKhniIPtwRcHNKNbTQXW0dEf_iQvJYDZGKtY_8TZTWYT2I0yxnvK2mBmj2/s1600/cenotre+zip+line.jpg" width="222" /></a><br /><br /><br />We visited 5 Cenotes on our tour and got to repel, zip-line, canoe, swim, and snorkel at each one.  It was a full day tour and cost $100 USD per person.  We booked the tour through <a href="http://www.xenotes.com/">Xenotes</a>.  Xenotes is part of a huge tour company and the entire trip was safe, well organized, and fun.  If you're looking for a guaranteed enjoyable tour trip I'd recommend using their service.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also took the bus from the Hotel Zone to downtown Cancun one evening and checked out the local shops and restaurants.  The people were welcoming and it was nice to get away from the tourist area.  The rest of our time in Cancun was spent swimming in the ocean, hanging out poolside, and relaxing!  </div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafWsRCeXzhfN_pXdOjMbqnD3xRLBsJrryBIgRdf3_NkYMmk8irR9hXj9BnIN4YBPj2lOOmyd-zWe7TtRvatRRTHfWalKDR2O0dO9rF1bIvfV6iWbuwTfgV6EUD4VNDCyrAdFWZ35LK8xO/s1600/cenotesssss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafWsRCeXzhfN_pXdOjMbqnD3xRLBsJrryBIgRdf3_NkYMmk8irR9hXj9BnIN4YBPj2lOOmyd-zWe7TtRvatRRTHfWalKDR2O0dO9rF1bIvfV6iWbuwTfgV6EUD4VNDCyrAdFWZ35LK8xO/s1600/cenotesssss.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily and I enjoying the pristine waters of a cenote.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DUgggVVi1RGBLjxp0aK5ygsQDcVDz8nqX-FVO69yFldKfTl8Vu0wPDY3BbxdVEzPk70m4bzn6bhJJ4HVcX0FmEXSmNsSNg-rzOuGdvPEeo63Rpulg5wz09xtWTV6RAJ2Bjn4WyzPeOCm/s1600/11414_10206037301596315_5207445674560003145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DUgggVVi1RGBLjxp0aK5ygsQDcVDz8nqX-FVO69yFldKfTl8Vu0wPDY3BbxdVEzPk70m4bzn6bhJJ4HVcX0FmEXSmNsSNg-rzOuGdvPEeo63Rpulg5wz09xtWTV6RAJ2Bjn4WyzPeOCm/s1600/11414_10206037301596315_5207445674560003145_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach along the Hotel Zone in Cancun had beautiful sand, the water was warm, and very clean.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafWsRCeXzhfN_pXdOjMbqnD3xRLBsJrryBIgRdf3_NkYMmk8irR9hXj9BnIN4YBPj2lOOmyd-zWe7TtRvatRRTHfWalKDR2O0dO9rF1bIvfV6iWbuwTfgV6EUD4VNDCyrAdFWZ35LK8xO/s1600/cenotesssss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><h2><br />The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort</h2><div>Midway through our trip we changed hotels and went to the <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=5646&language=en_US">Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort</a>.  The Westin Lagunamar was near the North side of the Hotel Zone.  It is a villa property which means every room has a kitchen with dishes, pots and pans, and all other necessary cooking equipment.  The room also had a washer and dryer, Jacuzzi tub, and a balcony with amazing ocean views!  The resort was massive and had 5 heated infinity pools and 4 hot tubs scattered throughout.  </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R0TS25HTmpydzAXaIptqTmJiW0hxyMGv6V81zTr-GMZTq4fMUdUp1PZB2qCAiswZ4W7Nhv6xq3CPyz2TtbEj_ShTLMaPkDfhKv96t-DlCAoBXEz9Udc4ykJOggiJuGW-UwQR7aJJSi2r/s1600/10417496_10206037300676292_7484844550376210762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3R0TS25HTmpydzAXaIptqTmJiW0hxyMGv6V81zTr-GMZTq4fMUdUp1PZB2qCAiswZ4W7Nhv6xq3CPyz2TtbEj_ShTLMaPkDfhKv96t-DlCAoBXEz9Udc4ykJOggiJuGW-UwQR7aJJSi2r/s1600/10417496_10206037300676292_7484844550376210762_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the infinity pools above the ocean at the Westin Lagunamar.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The Westin Lagunamar is a timeshare property which means that many of the employees who have guest relation job titles are most likely salespeople...  We were contacted multiple times throughout the stay via letters under our door regarding a free welcoming gift, a deeply discounted rate on our next visit, and local activity advice.  However, knowing that accepting any of the offers would most likely result in a 2-3 hour sales pitch to buy into the time share, we politely declined all offers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, a note for SPG snobs -- the only benefit we received for having SPG Platinum status was our welcoming gift which we chose to be free continental breakfast each morning and because it was a villa property suite, night upgrade awards could not be used.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ5-msc0VIKBQUbNfPoOLfbdWB97rsCrqsNDzM1D1CiEi5sdzrOIRiBsFY-ihdUMlanxJpi_Z3PHN83vKMsvUKYMN3f_DhQQCSaYj5HA1hJ1EQo9anKW0H5-vZx0SR2Au-CRHL5cRxCRA/s1600/10343011_10206037304076377_4013806528164493993_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQ5-msc0VIKBQUbNfPoOLfbdWB97rsCrqsNDzM1D1CiEi5sdzrOIRiBsFY-ihdUMlanxJpi_Z3PHN83vKMsvUKYMN3f_DhQQCSaYj5HA1hJ1EQo9anKW0H5-vZx0SR2Au-CRHL5cRxCRA/s1600/10343011_10206037304076377_4013806528164493993_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our villa balcony at the Westin Lagunamar</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Mayan ruins are very common in the area but I had no idea how common they actually were!  Steps away from the Westin Lagunamar property there is a small Mayan ruin overlooking the ocean that used to be a look-out tower.  It was a fun and quick way to experience a part of the area's history.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ei57o-ePkVBGX9waQsJqiXTyMrBmzHBi9sOhZx37o4KR-p5FmhNFXhB-jcpdI-wiWGP-ePzphmgK3JNemCCTHwcnOxaiaNyh-BRjdD9sTsi104TMUFLCjYzoaAV656yIfqhDm0OgJ5FF/s1600/10931273_10206037303276357_8254557044720258697_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ei57o-ePkVBGX9waQsJqiXTyMrBmzHBi9sOhZx37o4KR-p5FmhNFXhB-jcpdI-wiWGP-ePzphmgK3JNemCCTHwcnOxaiaNyh-BRjdD9sTsi104TMUFLCjYzoaAV656yIfqhDm0OgJ5FF/s1600/10931273_10206037303276357_8254557044720258697_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayan ruin steps away from our hotel looking out towards the ocean.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-oYlC1Z0kpqQR4kA258iZRgoQsePHbeQztbYzFY24t8v661cF7Nrgly-jgctlTYyZEWrWMTBszrz5Jt8dj_gCrMXGEnBDxNzfAc0fucJUh_8CpsNe05U4sUupI5yWq3oD7NA-U895QJ9/s1600/westin+lagunamar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-oYlC1Z0kpqQR4kA258iZRgoQsePHbeQztbYzFY24t8v661cF7Nrgly-jgctlTYyZEWrWMTBszrz5Jt8dj_gCrMXGEnBDxNzfAc0fucJUh_8CpsNe05U4sUupI5yWq3oD7NA-U895QJ9/s1600/westin+lagunamar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Westin Lagunamar.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h2>Words for Wise Wandering</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>Spending the first week of 2015 basking in the sun in Cancun, Mexico was epic.  It was also very affordable!  Thanks to the SPG credit card I was able to redeem Starpoints for all of the hotels stays and paid $0.  The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also gave me enough points to fly two people round-trip from Chicago to Cancun with only $166.22 total in taxes.  Here's the link to the full post on how you can have the exact same trip for the same price: <a href="http://liveexecutively.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-to-6-days-in-cancun-mexico-for-16622.html">Six Days in Cancun Mexico for $166.22</a>.</div><div><br />I highly recommend <b>taking the bus everywhere in Cancun</b>.  It costs $0.75 USD per person, is safe, and the drivers speak enough English to be able to help you navigate around the city.<br /><br />Also, be sure to leave your phone on airplane mode throughout your visit to avoid the ridiculous international fees phone carriers charge.<br /><b><br /></b><b>You should be using the GPS on your phone whenever you leave your hotel.</b>  Using the GPS system in your phone will never cost you data or fees because it is a separate piece of hardware from your cell provider's network.  Google Maps also has a great <a href="https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3273567?hl=en">feature</a> that allows you to download maps for use offline so you can <b>easily navigate any place in the world for free without a data connection.</b><br /><br /></div><div>Both of the SPG properties we stayed at were amazing.  Here are the major differences between each property which may help you decide what one would be a better fit for your own trip.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Westin Resort and Spa Cancun (7,000 starpoints per night):</b></div><div><b>Pros:</b></div><div><ul><li>Calm and Relaxed (away from major party areas and bars)</li><li>Great SPG Platinum member benefits</li></ul><div><b>Cons:</b></div></div><div><ul><li>Not within walking distance of the majority of restaurants/shopping, so you will need to take the bus or taxi often</li><li>Limited kid activities offered by resort</li><li>Water is not filtered, you must drink from water bottles</li></ul></div><div><b>Westin Lagunamar (10,000 starpoints per night):</b></div><div><div><b>Pros:</b></div><div><ul><li>Full kitchen with laundry and balcony, ocean views</li><li>Very close to majority of restaurants and shopping</li><li>Heated pool and hot tubs</li><li>Great resort organized activities for teens and kids</li><li>Water is filtered </li></ul><div><b>Cons:</b></div></div><div><ul><li>Can be loud </li><li>May have to listen to a timeshare sales pitch</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Do be aware that the food and shopping is very expensive in the hotel zone and even in parts of downtown Cancun compared to the rest of Mexico.  The prices are comparable to any vacation zone in the United States.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I am already looking forward to the next time I get to return to Cancun.  The people were so incredibly kind, the weather was perfect, and we felt very safe the entire time.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cancun is the ultimate balance of relaxation and adventure with modern day amenities!</b></div><div><br />Feel free to ask any questions you may have or add your own Cancun tips in the comment section below!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><br />

Trip Report: Cancun, Mexico

This past December I traveled to Cancun, Mexico with my girlfriend Emily for the 2015 New Year! We spent 7 days and 6 nights in Cancun - sp...

The Only Flight Search Tool You Should Be Using

<div>There's a myriad of flight booking tools on the web toting the cheapest flights, package deals, and  booking discounts.  Which of these booking tools is the absolute best?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG96wnmbl94yfVpdywLkvh1wfv5ruCF4sWiJBsQxeo_b6hVzJDEiUo7bCREJgffrhq78BT0uV9k1OyDFv3E7q1W2WSUTfmdUws4_Dg_S46frAx6LA5ncclEZRAU8JnqM34Lzm9-U1K8w9/s1600/airport+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG96wnmbl94yfVpdywLkvh1wfv5ruCF4sWiJBsQxeo_b6hVzJDEiUo7bCREJgffrhq78BT0uV9k1OyDFv3E7q1W2WSUTfmdUws4_Dg_S46frAx6LA5ncclEZRAU8JnqM34Lzm9-U1K8w9/s1600/airport+board.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's impossible to know what site actually offers the best deals without running multiple comparison checks on each one but even after all of that work there are often hidden fees that only show up when  you are completing the purchase.  The only thing worse than hidden fees while checking out is showing up at the airport and having the airline-counter employee inform you that each checked bag will cost an extra $50.00.  A flight booking tool may offer a first time booking fare discount or show well designed graphics when filtering flights, but what I care about is the tool that will always give me the best prices, is fast, and consistent.  </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Google Flights</b> is the ultimate flight booking tool.  <a href="https://www.google.com/flights/">Google Flights</a> shows the lowest prices, is extremely fast, and provides data that can make or break your trip.<br /><br /><i>(NOTE: I am not in any way compensated by Google through the recommendation of their product: Google Flights.  The opinions expressed here are solely my own.)</i><br /><br /> Here are 7 reasons why <a href="https://www.google.com/flights/">Google Flights</a> is the only flight search tool you should be using:</div><div><h2>1. Combines other flight booking websites, airline's websites, travel agent prices, and more in search.</h2><div><br /></div>Nearly all travel booking tools let you "compare" the competitors prices and "guarantee" to give you the best prices.  The truth is each of those sites gives you the exact same final price and usually that price is the same as it would be booking directly on the airline's website.<br /><br />This flight search from Google Flights shows that regardless of booking through Spirit, Priceline, CheapOair, or Orbitz you're still going to pay $117:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83MKU9lvaVWUt_ClY7z9hKm-o3wZSpcV58pG3pHq9RnSkLEwli5gokYL9gKclxXEzf1SeQqdg2Su4PzFHd4TLhTkFDl8oaiKmoLmMBVWd5xwhUf1EWlJM4ZStomc2PTkfyZJ1cu0e7JnQ/s1600/ads+on+google+flights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83MKU9lvaVWUt_ClY7z9hKm-o3wZSpcV58pG3pHq9RnSkLEwli5gokYL9gKclxXEzf1SeQqdg2Su4PzFHd4TLhTkFDl8oaiKmoLmMBVWd5xwhUf1EWlJM4ZStomc2PTkfyZJ1cu0e7JnQ/s1600/ads+on+google+flights.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All booking options are displayed in each search.  Image from Google Flights.   </td></tr></tbody></table>From the graphic we see that the booking companies are charging the exact same price for the ticket as Spirit Airlines.  Those booking companies have employees and bills to pay so if they are not marking the price in flights up any how are they making money? <br /><br />They make money by suggesting hotels and rental car packages to include with your flight.  These suggestions can result in a very cluttered and confusing check out process on the website and you may end up paying way too much for a hotel room! <br /><br />The difference between other airfare booking tools and Google Flights is that Google makes their money from advertisements and not through expensive trip add-on's.  The Google Flights platform has very few ads and the ads that do appear have never ruined my flight search experience.<br /><br /></div><div><h2>2. Immediately Displays Final Price including all fees </h2><div><br /></div>The displayed price on a Google Flight's searches includes all government taxes, booking, and airport fees.  A flight from Chicago to Dallas provides us with a great example showing how important displaying the final price immediately is:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbLB0w92F08e14Rb9pT1kfC4n7QB6TDBysfRk7j-Ov_DF0rYPiZXB2W6OTZvuEVKRtENyBwUWe6PvrfXWDICdJ4iU_fVO9wooWrdk8gLrkbvyC1b3QGgJ6Zru42z6Y2E2Q0iVW9tjgkkX/s1600/total+fees+shown+google+flights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbLB0w92F08e14Rb9pT1kfC4n7QB6TDBysfRk7j-Ov_DF0rYPiZXB2W6OTZvuEVKRtENyBwUWe6PvrfXWDICdJ4iU_fVO9wooWrdk8gLrkbvyC1b3QGgJ6Zru42z6Y2E2Q0iVW9tjgkkX/s1600/total+fees+shown+google+flights.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra fees are added into the final displayed price.  Image from Google Flights.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>We can either book online through the American Airlines webpage or call US Airways to book the flight, but when calling US Airways a $25 phone service fee is added onto the cost of the flight.  This sort of detail is very important when purchasing high cost items like airfare.<br /><br /></div><div><h2>3. Provides important details regarding baggage fees, in flight Wi-Fi, and average on-time departure statistics.</h2><br />Spirit airlines usually has the lowest prices in the United States for common routes but is also notorious for delayed flights, high baggage fees, and limited in-flight amenities.  Only Google Flights shows the exact percentage of time the flight is delayed and the average legroom on each flight:</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SBVSkPn0AM1rZYFRyauKxilstvjGjhkXOA51LOmZ9qtKKSR-JGgIGjw25KlZh7rGM-TzJkvimFm1pwT1KsN3GdIv6jzIMNNJsLl2VX6SBFfLj6jtCylxrNGE8f3N352kTu0xIN5TCLI9/s1600/extra+details+google+flights.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SBVSkPn0AM1rZYFRyauKxilstvjGjhkXOA51LOmZ9qtKKSR-JGgIGjw25KlZh7rGM-TzJkvimFm1pwT1KsN3GdIv6jzIMNNJsLl2VX6SBFfLj6jtCylxrNGE8f3N352kTu0xIN5TCLI9/s1600/extra+details+google+flights.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Important details like the percentage of the time the flight is delayed.  Image from Google Flights.</td></tr></tbody></table>The statistics provided by Google Flights can truly make or break a trip.  I've missed my fare share of connecting flights because my first flight was delayed, but with details like the percentage of time the flight is delayed I've been able to better plan and avoid the classic <i><b>airport sleepover</b></i>!<br /><br /></div><div><h2>4. Map view lets you quickly check nearby airport prices and adjust flights</h2><br />The Google Flight's map view is one of the most powerful features of the tool.  You are able to quickly see the prices of flights to nearby airports, adjust the dates of your flight, and see a monthly average price for flights to your destination.   On most travel booking sites it would take 30 extra searches to get these statistics, but with Google Flight's you are served the details on a silver platter in the form of a map with pretty city pictures.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YTAafevNIDRJA5aB7q7b1oPkw7vOoen3hoCitnXy0a72xMvbMhGpPZXPt3NxwrxQt0va-dDSIX34ZFr5o46ZYm5ippWxjQZIZbJZ8rvsBkubQPSgGZIuid8R_Rd7NjnkbZFL10DMIT8C/s1600/map+view+google+flights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YTAafevNIDRJA5aB7q7b1oPkw7vOoen3hoCitnXy0a72xMvbMhGpPZXPt3NxwrxQt0va-dDSIX34ZFr5o46ZYm5ippWxjQZIZbJZ8rvsBkubQPSgGZIuid8R_Rd7NjnkbZFL10DMIT8C/s1600/map+view+google+flights.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The map view provides prices for flying into nearby airports as well as a monthly fare view.  Image from Google Flights.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><h2>5. Fastest Flight Searches and Results</h2><div><br /></div>I've never had a Google Flights search take longer than 6 seconds!  In comparison the same search on <a href="http://hipmunk.com/">HipMunk.com</a>, a popular travel booking website, took over 15 seconds and I was asked to subscribe to their news and announcements (aka advertisements) while I was waiting on the search.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITNt1gy8SGK9sKZVRwMHkJ4HQYHPAjPDeybHL2FibQALSmU7itetP27D5tX6NrFgnlM-l1H-cgvPt8AkTXPZRFpyk61GchS8dkvJL4CsWGEAcZ5LdwfWcfYUBLYZA_Cv1VlTAvAU1vkKp/s1600/searching+other+site.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITNt1gy8SGK9sKZVRwMHkJ4HQYHPAjPDeybHL2FibQALSmU7itetP27D5tX6NrFgnlM-l1H-cgvPt8AkTXPZRFpyk61GchS8dkvJL4CsWGEAcZ5LdwfWcfYUBLYZA_Cv1VlTAvAU1vkKp/s1600/searching+other+site.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Searching for a new route on HipMunk can take longer than 15 seconds.  Image from HipMunk.com</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><h2>6. Previous flight searches are stored -- Makes checking flight prices super quick</h2><div><br /></div>One secret to finding super cheap flights is persistence.  Watching flight prices on a daily basis can save you hundreds of dollars each year, but the pace of our world makes the extra 5 minutes a day it used to take to check flight searches too burdensome.  With Google Flights previous searches it literally takes 1 second to check changes in flight prices each day.  You don't need to save any flight searches or subscribe to any updates Google Flights automatically remembers your previous searches. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjenQS0A-GzLND9mioTfgilf84_ZKUsznjOsHU5kJl6cl45JbaQJRWyGqHStGLJj4gHhyH903dtvb292MasfLmiyDkTt_XYzgg8ERqgGeFhmf9aJpXtI4JIfSFpYWQUPwe7dki0LN5jynN/s1600/previous+searches+google+flights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjenQS0A-GzLND9mioTfgilf84_ZKUsznjOsHU5kJl6cl45JbaQJRWyGqHStGLJj4gHhyH903dtvb292MasfLmiyDkTt_XYzgg8ERqgGeFhmf9aJpXtI4JIfSFpYWQUPwe7dki0LN5jynN/s1600/previous+searches+google+flights.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When hunting for great airfare deals be sure to check your previous searches daily in Google Flights.  Image from Google Flights.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h2><br />7. Best Flights Filtering</h2></div><div><br />The luxury of comparing every possible route, fare, and airline provider isn't always available when you're in a rush.  Thankfully, with Google Flight's Best Flights listings you don't need to be a financial analyst to find the best option for you!<br /><br />Best Flights calculates the trade-off between price, duration, number of stops as well as baggage fees and based off of the majority of users preferences suggests the best flight options for you!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkChuaU0JxOu_G-CAjE8RLQ-cKiXWTZNPIfiOTsA_361NkTEkM0G2LMIzGdd_woZrXFKItr4tpmFjzEchnpiJAoQ46tTV7kDL-aVLuzOhO8OAD7E8h_5MDfRA3uDIGfmZ4BSHypXYmCqT/s1600/Best+Flights+google+flights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkChuaU0JxOu_G-CAjE8RLQ-cKiXWTZNPIfiOTsA_361NkTEkM0G2LMIzGdd_woZrXFKItr4tpmFjzEchnpiJAoQ46tTV7kDL-aVLuzOhO8OAD7E8h_5MDfRA3uDIGfmZ4BSHypXYmCqT/s1600/Best+Flights+google+flights.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Flights service by Google Flights.  Image from Google Flights.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><h2>Are there reasons to not use Google Flights?</h2></div><div><br /></div><div>No, at the end of the day you'll be most successful using Google Flights.  It is important to note that Southwest airlines fare prices do not show on Google Flights, but the search will still display any Southwest flights on that route and then provide a direct link for you to check price of the fare on Southwest's website.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtsqdSro1-7g0tpRBfhtPXXIQq0lHEsz6p4-S9bOBCfCmFMsVJ_wVdhUWREWbfgRvr7a515fGDJmCpdF7iGONI5B3oPNGqYwiDgy6AHiZubg7CSALxl4eHOay1EWgD7qTLYcdZhyphenhyphengAAjt/s1600/southwest+google+flights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtsqdSro1-7g0tpRBfhtPXXIQq0lHEsz6p4-S9bOBCfCmFMsVJ_wVdhUWREWbfgRvr7a515fGDJmCpdF7iGONI5B3oPNGqYwiDgy6AHiZubg7CSALxl4eHOay1EWgD7qTLYcdZhyphenhyphengAAjt/s1600/southwest+google+flights.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You must go to southwest.com to check the price of airfare for flights.  Image from Google Flights.</td></tr></tbody></table>Southwest airlines does not participate in the GDS airline system so their prices will not show up on any 3rd party websites.  It is always useful to check Southwest's website if they do have lots of flights on your route as Southwest usually has very competitive rates.<br /><h2>The Bottom Line</h2><div><br /></div>There are hundreds of websites that provide travel booking services available online.  Save yourself time, money, and confusion by using the simple <a href="https://www.google.com/flights/">Google Flights</a> booking tool.<br /><br />Please share any experiences you've had using Google Flights in the comments below!<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>

The Only Flight Search Tool You Should Be Using

There's a myriad of flight booking tools on the web toting the cheapest flights, package deals, and booking discounts. Which of these ...

10 Must-Sees At The World's Largest State Fair (Texas State Fair)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div dir="ltr">On a recent trip to Texas I attempted to understand why Texans were so crazy about their state fair and what brought approximately <span id="goog_1201415360"></span>3 million visitors every year.  Growing up in Iowa, the Iowa State Fair was an annual family tradition with must-sees including a butter cow, beef barn, and all the pie you could ever eat.  I was hoping for a unique experience at the Texas state fair and ended up getting exactly that!<br /><br />I spent over seven hours trying to experience all the Texas state fair had to offer and ended up finding some amazing surprises.  Here is an Iowans top ten list from the Texas state fair:<br /><h2>1. Ostrich Races</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXx2h_8v_8EvkB8Qr86SGKV2jQXkNY-01kisSVueVzGE0WET_vGHu12a6gdwmqr_FpfH638Gprta5RchPuiBNrIDeps-8fsZsUEveKwNzqibsvhbk3gJnsokcIelfRzDO6dxPlEWfW3_Y/s1600/VIDEO0072_0000012275%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXx2h_8v_8EvkB8Qr86SGKV2jQXkNY-01kisSVueVzGE0WET_vGHu12a6gdwmqr_FpfH638Gprta5RchPuiBNrIDeps-8fsZsUEveKwNzqibsvhbk3gJnsokcIelfRzDO6dxPlEWfW3_Y/s1600/VIDEO0072_0000012275%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The ostrich races were easily the most unique attraction at the fair and were part of a free event with multiple daily showings.  The races went exactly as you would imagine they would go.  When humans ride birds interesting things happen... enjoy this video I captured of my first ever ostrich race experience:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-caa0c82f82a5b5a9-2687" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwm6nm-Mux0UGpt6AR_BuD_AdlSisjIFwpzZ72XQlESJjAdYVhJt5Kt_boAdLmYsPnsUL53Ij5E3PBillE2gIPH7LIqquHseuLS0XdpDDt5HRYaMVojcRY6qdb8NFr06PG2Yug&origin=wanderwisely.blogspot.com" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><h2>2. "Extreme" Test Drive Track</h2>The <a href="http://bigtex.com/chevy/">Chevrolet Ride and Drive</a> is an "extreme" test track built for test driving Chevy trucks located in the middle of the fairgrounds.  With "mountains", "rocks", and "twisty ditches" the track is no joke!  Texans take their trucks seriously and it was very evident by the huge line of cowboys waiting their turn for a chance behind the newest Chevy truck model.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiik2XHNBR-jVk69dyzgR_DIyySLffSfVkqt_ZR6fkH1tBQKgscPKezIUb6bmE_1dVo3tlGoD3qYWy0ApS8YRJMLKL56V-EbNV3lKdZOnuR1wx97jiULmfNt8rIhk_D3P02-aOjfMUe0dyU/s1600/IMAG2660_1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiik2XHNBR-jVk69dyzgR_DIyySLffSfVkqt_ZR6fkH1tBQKgscPKezIUb6bmE_1dVo3tlGoD3qYWy0ApS8YRJMLKL56V-EbNV3lKdZOnuR1wx97jiULmfNt8rIhk_D3P02-aOjfMUe0dyU/s1600/IMAG2660_1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Extreme" Truck Test Drive Track in middle of fairgrounds.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAwXsZgXfvVOtzrLChFd7S4UeKn0n8nB6fwnRCD-KLXv9ABnoJ4ckCU73VoemB8mJCrhcXosVx93vs2k8EwoxF1Y6Go_nQljnpABbBv3oMhDTaM7NHfBku-0Jf_t01cMEYRDm8RBiTT33/s1600/IMAG2617%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAwXsZgXfvVOtzrLChFd7S4UeKn0n8nB6fwnRCD-KLXv9ABnoJ4ckCU73VoemB8mJCrhcXosVx93vs2k8EwoxF1Y6Go_nQljnpABbBv3oMhDTaM7NHfBku-0Jf_t01cMEYRDm8RBiTT33/s1600/IMAG2617%5B1%5D.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of the tree.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2>3. A Home in A Tree</h2>Built from a 1900 year old California redwood, the home is built inside the carved out tree trunk and has a bedroom, kitchen, and living room.  The tree home is privately owned and tours the country as <a href="http://www.redwoodloghouse.com/">Allens Redwood Log House</a>.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCIVxLg0OZ0SKqtfF_PmBEe4UoM4yRCffK-JvLxMj1In2KAEzfsTb8Hs2SRUe9xz5fGEFiot0QGLVy_le5TDSOdxNdXLJkEQ5NImnLMdOSi45J1HcQzCAyCQKpUN7BNcx0b45vV7hQxlM/s1600/IMAG2629%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCIVxLg0OZ0SKqtfF_PmBEe4UoM4yRCffK-JvLxMj1In2KAEzfsTb8Hs2SRUe9xz5fGEFiot0QGLVy_le5TDSOdxNdXLJkEQ5NImnLMdOSi45J1HcQzCAyCQKpUN7BNcx0b45vV7hQxlM/s1600/IMAG2629%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tree the home resides inside of!</td></tr></tbody></table><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2></h2><h2>4. A 55 ft. Texan That Speaks</h2><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQqBUFuuhJiL-sLsdBqt4WjXrKMNdadVLQzG5G8wRXzJSWw-yKKZoLu3OYom4LfyALyUWM2907lTRe1airzZYItuwwdxOYJcMybSj1pC1OTFy8k4SnjIyiU6mCtGxUWFgsrrp2MWXz_uW/s1600/BigTexBurn1theunticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQqBUFuuhJiL-sLsdBqt4WjXrKMNdadVLQzG5G8wRXzJSWw-yKKZoLu3OYom4LfyALyUWM2907lTRe1airzZYItuwwdxOYJcMybSj1pC1OTFy8k4SnjIyiU6mCtGxUWFgsrrp2MWXz_uW/s1600/BigTexBurn1theunticket.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Big Tex Burning in 2012 (Courtesy theunticket)</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Big-Tex-Makes-His-Debut-One-Day-Early--225380402.html">Big Tex </a>is the shining crown of the fair.  He's an over-sized cowboy who stands at the entrance of the fairgrounds waving his mechanical arm at those who walk by.  Big Tex even talks to fair-goers in the most Texan of ways with a slow and drawn out pace.  In 2012 the original Big Tex caught on fire in the last week of the fair which was nearly apocalyptic for Texans! <br /><br />Thankfully a new Big Tex was quickly made for the 2013 fair and is looking strong in 2014!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvapWAkKuIezvh7x-Q_AWE5YaSnQOIpoA4kleWo6vt3E0LKUPY2rB5fI7OO5rzpnV2oBzlLphJEM0XZM-Hsd3jcqrcEez_b66OTjZgoDhAw6pZRfeJMhqR8dYloe3o4_q9MPj5yDzA6NVx/s1600/IMAG2579%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvapWAkKuIezvh7x-Q_AWE5YaSnQOIpoA4kleWo6vt3E0LKUPY2rB5fI7OO5rzpnV2oBzlLphJEM0XZM-Hsd3jcqrcEez_b66OTjZgoDhAw6pZRfeJMhqR8dYloe3o4_q9MPj5yDzA6NVx/s1600/IMAG2579%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Big Tex standing at 55 feet tall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2>5. Fried Beer</h2><br />The Iowa State fair needs to pick up their fried food game!  Fried beer is basically beer poured into ravioli pockets and fried... Each bite into the pocket releases a flood of boiling beer into your mouth... yeah it's terrible and disgusting....<br /><h2>6. Fried Thanksgiving Dinner</h2><br />An entire dinner rolled into one big ball and deep fried, the Thanksgiving Dinner is ridiculous.  It begins with a pile of stuffing and turkey rolled into a ball which is then dipped into creamed corn and rolled in corn meal.  The dinner is served with cranberry sauce and gravy to give it the complete Thanksgiving Dinner taste.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kheI-ZrsIBoqd9D18mlKLBdV-kTo3RPsrv6WFYR58X_qAYGWlJ6VOZ0rl6AQ_TLAYxLT4_ncVxVE1Ep2MndpJiP0S3dQNiAz5tylCXvkgi0jaC1g_L_2a53RZSq2TQNFj60Bvu0fZ2qy/s1600/deep-fried-thanksgiving.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kheI-ZrsIBoqd9D18mlKLBdV-kTo3RPsrv6WFYR58X_qAYGWlJ6VOZ0rl6AQ_TLAYxLT4_ncVxVE1Ep2MndpJiP0S3dQNiAz5tylCXvkgi0jaC1g_L_2a53RZSq2TQNFj60Bvu0fZ2qy/s1600/deep-fried-thanksgiving.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Thanksgiving Dinner.  Image courtesy of delish.com</td></tr></tbody></table><h2>7. A 1200lb pig</h2>Of course over-sized farm animals are always a must see at any fair!  The record pig weighed in at just about 1200 lbs. </div><h2>8.  Illumination Sensation</h2><div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.5px;">The illumination sensation is a water, light, sound, and video show played on a nightly basis.  It was a display of various fair traditions and history, and was a perfect way to end a great day at the Texas State Fair!</span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #333333; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></span><br /><h2>9. Wine Tasting</h2><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxi-7MFZZUwvU2o6-g9dpWwCQTtfiVOWIWco9mfizhMaYaSMdjAkIOq5ydoVZ-lrUA6qlfwUW-B42EGKJ_dgWi6IcHkAaQhmowt6LhupJK39psEmbC7wS7QjErGV-z5VirLVKcyN3-UcrC/s1600/IMAG2631%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxi-7MFZZUwvU2o6-g9dpWwCQTtfiVOWIWco9mfizhMaYaSMdjAkIOq5ydoVZ-lrUA6qlfwUW-B42EGKJ_dgWi6IcHkAaQhmowt6LhupJK39psEmbC7wS7QjErGV-z5VirLVKcyN3-UcrC/s1600/IMAG2631%5B1%5D.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="360" /></a>In the back corner of the fair is a beautiful little courtyard with a variety of local wineries offering wine tastings, glasses of wine, and even bottles for sale.  The average taster was about $1 which was my highlight of the fair!  The wine was all wonderful and with each taster being $1 it was one of the best deals at the fair.  Sitting in the courtyard enjoying the shade, tasting local wines, and listening to live music was superb. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><h2>10. Texas Star Ferris Wheel</h2><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.5px;">The Texas Star Ferris wheel is massive and provides an amazing view of the fairgrounds and downtown Dallas.  It's the perfect way to end a long day of exploring at the fair and to catch the sun go down across the fairgrounds.</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLboodmkDdW7Eh1WGtmvkwOgy72iB2KAvVR70zMlOIRIqFcu_lXu2l6woFzrf4O20XzfLmWjvyc749rDoBE2lMux389wLCSWwtH6E1HXlXOWoYLVPGa2-lLh-iQk5AGNkoe7wT-z-E8ct/s1600/IMAG2669_1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLboodmkDdW7Eh1WGtmvkwOgy72iB2KAvVR70zMlOIRIqFcu_lXu2l6woFzrf4O20XzfLmWjvyc749rDoBE2lMux389wLCSWwtH6E1HXlXOWoYLVPGa2-lLh-iQk5AGNkoe7wT-z-E8ct/s1600/IMAG2669_1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Star ferris wheel on a beautiful night in Dallas, Texas.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>

10 Must-Sees At The World's Largest State Fair (Texas State Fair)

On a recent trip to Texas I attempted to understand why Texans were so crazy about their state fair and what brought approximately 3 millio...