Hey APC,

My wife and I took a trip to the Riviera Maya the second week in August and we had an awesome trip.  Here is a brief trip report and some photos for you to post on your blog.  We started by reserving parking at the Mission Brewery which went perfectly.  Our flight took seven hours from San Diego and we ended up at the resort by 4 PM that afternoon, so we had the first afternoon to explore the resort and walk along the beach.  It was beautiful there.   The resort is about 20 miles south of Cancun on a beautiful stretch of uncrowded coastline.  We were staying in the Casitas section of the resort which consists of a number of separate clusters of rooms each arranged around a pool and bar area.

Here are some pics of the view from our room.

        

 

 

And the bar area in our section.

On our third day there we actually rented a car and drove to Chichen Itza.  I highly recommend this over taking a tour because we got to experience driving in Mexico which is pretty darn exciting in itself.  It's an easy drive once your off the coastline road and onto the Quota or Toll Road.  The Quota is about 120 miles of nearly perfectly straight well maintained road that leads you straight to Chichen Itza.  Be advised though that you do need to pay a toll and it was surprising how much it cost, at $27 each direction.  So bring some extra cash with you and no, they don't take credit cards ;-).

Chichen Itza is amazing to experience.  Why the Mayan's chose this spot to build these incredible buildings is mind blowing, apparently there are two large Cenotes in the area that are thought to have provided a source of water for them.  As with all pyramids, when you look at them you can't help but wonder... how in the hell did that build that?

 

El Castillo Pyramid

 

 

"El Caracol" The observatory Temple.

 

Templo de los Guerreros (Temple of the Warriors)

After exploring the ruins at Chichen Itza, we headed over to the incredible Mayaland Resort which is right next door to Chichen Itza.  I highly recommend this stop to you if you ever get out to Chichen Itza.  Mayaland is a beautiful resort and the food was the best we had on the whole trip.  While we were there, they entertained us with a traditional Mexican dance, with somewhat non traditional head pieces!

After our excursion to Chichen Itza and Mayaland, we spent the rest of our week relaxing at the resort.  The El Dorado Royale is a spectacular resort with highly manicured gardens everywhere you look.  Here's the main section of the resort looking from the lobby down to the ocean.

And this is the main pool area

 

Another cool thing about this resort is there are huge Iquana lizards that sunbathe on the walkways.  Here's one we befriended that was along the walkway to our room.

All in all, it was an incredible trip.  We would go back again and again.  Thank you APC for posting my trip report and pictures. 

According to a recent study done by JD Power and Associates, airline satisfaction is at the highest point is has seen in three years.  There is no doubt that with increased security, tightened rules and restrictions regarding everything from luggage to whether or not you can reenter the terminal quickly after stepping out to smoke, there are many reasons why passengers have started to experience more frustrations in recent years.  So, with so many complaints in recent times, why are flyers suddenly more satisfied?

At first glance, these results can be more than a little shocking. After all, we are being charged more for bags, we can’t bring on many liquid products, and most flights aren’t even offering meals anymore.  Sure, the food was never really great, but it was one of those little comforts we all grew to expect.  Yet it would seem that passengers are happier without them all of a sudden, even in the face of ever-rising ticket prices.  Believe it or not, researchers are suggesting that airlines haven’t really made any improvements in this time period, but that instead passengers are finally becoming accustomed to the changes.

If you stop to think about it, a basic summary of the statement would be as follows: The airline travel situation declined rapidly after September 11th, and while changes were necessary, they created frustration.  The situation grew worse and restrictions got tighter for a few years, until they hit a plateau.  Now, in 2010, as regulations remain the same, passengers are simply happy that the travel experience hasn’t gotten any worse.

It is kind of crazy when you think of it like that, but in essence this is what has happened.  Customers are satisfied with restrictions and regulations simply staying the same.  Instead of demanding more comforts and new services, we are just happy that none are being taken away from us.

None of this is intended as political commentary, but simply as an observation.  The airlines are still doing their jobs, getting us from point A to point B, and they are doing it at higher costs and with fewer frills, yet passengers are increasingly happy with it.  Perhaps people are starting to believe that we had too many frills and benefits to start with, or perhaps we are just starting to realize that it is a privilege to fly the friendly skies at all.

Whatever the reason, it is certainly a big benefit to airlines that passengers are more satisfied with their services.  The industry took a big toll after 9-11 between grounded flights and a sense of true fear among passengers.  The improved reputation is a sign that things are going in a more positive direction for the industry and certainly fills many with the hope that parking reservations and empty seats will again be hard to find in the near future.  Provided that the airlines use this satisfaction to continue meeting the needs of passengers rather than as a reason to hike prices yet again, it could prove to be the factor that helps to save the airline industry at last.

With airlines competing for business as much out of necessity as out of desire to simply be the best, spending millions on integrating Wi-Fi into each flight is a risky venture at best.  Yet it is one that a number of airlines are hoping will give them the advantage when customers are seeking the right flight for their next trip.  So, with that in mind, it is time to look at what the service offers.  Is airplane Wi-Fi going to be the next big thing, or will the investment put the nail in the proverbial coffin of certain companies?

In truth, the promise of Wi-Fi during flights is more than likely to be a success, provided it is properly marketed.  Most airlines are looking to allow access to the service for a rather low fee, comparable to what some hotels charge for access.  For longer flights, a flat fee will be issued to provide service rather than the need for hourly charges.  With Wi-Fi service paid for, users will be able to send and receive email and files, stream videos, and generally do whatever it is that they like to do on the web.

With that said, there will doubtlessly be restrictions on the service, but this again is a good thing.  Voice chat and other speech programs will be banned, which takes away the fear that planes will suddenly resemble other mass transit systems that are bombarded by the sounds of dozens of one-sided conversations.  Parental controls will likely be tight as well, meaning that small children will not accidentally be given a view of the adult content an overzealous passenger may feel compelled to view.  There will probably be some individuals who complain that parental controls block sites they want to see that could be harmless, but in all they will likely be a necessity.

Ultimately, airline Wi-Fi will mostly benefit those in first and business class.  Anyone who has ever flown economy class knows that there is barely room to move, let alone use a laptop without performing various acts of contortion.  For business and first class travelers, however, the service will help them ensure that they are able to work even during the periods when they are finally able to relax and get away from doing so.  Even those in economy will be able to access social networks and email via smartphones and handheld game devices.

In short, the time for Internet access on airplanes has arrived.  In truth, the service is much needed in a world where our need for instant access to information has surpassed our ability to wait a few hours to find out who is starring in the next big movie to come out.  Whether for business or pleasure, the technology is apt to be a welcome one for many passengers.  Much like reserved airport parking is considered by many a luxury rather than a necessity, it is still a service that offers convenience that exceeds the price, which is a certain indicator of future success.

 

When you visit Nashville, Tennessee, virtually every building you see is more than it seems.  Every restaurant and record store in the city’s downtown area has typically seen its share of big named stars, and most business owners have a unique story or two to share with interested visitors.  What follows is your guide to some of the city’s most famous attractions.

The Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry started as a radio show in 1925 and has seen the biggest acts in music.  The famous Ryman Auditorium was the home of the Opry until 1974 and has seen acts ranging from Elvis Presley and Minnie Pearl to Leeann Rimes and the Statler Brothers.  The Opry is largely famous for country music and has displayed everything from modern country to original Nashville bluegrass.

Belle Meade Plantation

Another of the city’s most famous attractions, the Belle Meade Plantation was built in 1853.  This remarkable plantation home is on one of the largest and finest plantations in the state.  The property is home to an old log cabin as well as a mausoleum and more.  It was also home to a significant battle site between the union and the confederacy during the US Civil War, and many of the older structures still show evidence of damage sustained in battle.

Opryland

Though it contains the aforementioned Grand Ole Opry, Opryland is certainly an attraction all its own.  Here, visitors will find paddle wheeled showboats where they can experience live entertainment.  There is an amusement park located on the grounds as well as numerous shops and restaurants.  The park also plays host to a great deal of live entertainment, including some of country music’s biggest stars from today and yesterday alike.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Located in the heart of Nashville, guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Visitors can find a wide number of artifacts at the museum, including classic guitars used to record some of music’s biggest hits.  There are new exhibits on display all the time, and visitors will find that the museum always offers something new to see and do.

The Parthenon at Centennial Park

Located in the city’s Centennial Park, the Parthenon is a full size replica of the Athens wonder.  Visitors will find a full sized replica of the statue of Athena as well.  Here, visitors can find the city’s art museum which is host to a number of different traveling exhibits as well as its own large personal collection of art from around the world.

Nashville, Tennessee is truly a destination unlike any other.  Few cities have the sort of musical roots that Nashville possesses, and these roots are evident no matter where you go.  In addition to being the home of so many country stars throughout history, however, Nashville is also a historic city in its own right.  Whether you are looking to explore Civil War history, to explore amazing plantations, or just to enjoy some family fun, Nashville has something special on offer just for you.

When visiting New York City, it isn’t hard to understand that you are in one of the most famous and beloved cities in the world.  There are many things to see, do, and enjoy, and finding the time to fit everything in is next to impossible.  What follows is a guide to some of the most famous attractions throughout this remarkable city.

Central Park

Central Park is a beautiful 843 acre park in the center of the city.  Because there is very little open grass area within the largely urban area, the park is somewhat of a mecca for nature lovers.  There are ice skating rinks, lakes, beautiful gardens, and much more located here, and the park brings in visitors from all over the  world.  It is also a common site for movies and television shows.

Broadway

Broadway is well known as the home of the best theater in the country.  Plays, musicals, and other performances are offered nightly and there are a large number of venues along the Great White Way.  Some of the world’s leading film actors got their start on Broadway, and many stars are still happy to take part in the magnificent shows offered here.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

One of the most globally recognizable symbols of the United States, the Statue of Liberty was built in 1886 on Ellis Island and stands tall as a symbol of welcome to people from all over the world.  The island itself was the spot where immigrants once came to make the nation there home, and while it was open, some 17 million people passed into our country.  There is a remarkably museum on the island that chronicles its amazing history.
The Guggenheim Museum

When visiting art museums in New York City, you will find plenty of choices.  The most famous and remarkable of these museums, however, is the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.  Here, visitors can find works of art by Picasso, Manet, and many others.  The building itself was created to resemble a sculpture of its own and was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Ground Zero Museum Workshop

September 11 was one of the darkest days in United States history, as the city’s famed World Trade Center towers fell at the hands of terrorists.  At this museum, visitors can take a look at the history of the towers as well as the history of that day.  There are photos and videos as well as many artifacts, and visitors can see the plans for the future of this historic site.

Finding the time to explore all that New York City has to offer may well take more time than any vacation can offer.  Many people find that one trip to the Big Apple is never enough, and for many visitors an annual trip soon becomes the ideal.  There is always something amazing to see and do in NYC, and the sheer number of museums and attractions on offer ensure that there is never a dull moment.