The dots on the left are whale sharks in the ocean.

I never thought I’d be one of those crazies cuddling up to blood thirsty creatures all in the name of a good story but there I was, in a boat floating next to a cluster of whale sharks.  As I glimpsed their huge spotted heads bobbing in the turquoise waves, I felt like I was in a bad disaster movie . Only I wasn’t, I was cruising off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on Contoy Island, preparing to snorkel with the biggest fish on Earth. Read More »

The backdrop for spa services

I don’t usually travel for relaxation specifically.  For me, the very act of exploring another location is usually very soothing in itself . With that being said, I’m not a huge fan of spa services and typically view them as unwanted intrusions that suck up valuable time that could be used for experiencing something a tad more exciting.  So I was slightly surprised when I discovered myself relaxing to the point of  dozing into a light sleep during a Swedish massage treatment at Villa Del Palmar Resort in Playa Mujeres, Mexico. Read More »

Guess what time it is, Internet! That’s right, it’s time to travel around you! Stand still.

Travel Around the Internet is a weekly UpTake feature where we showcase the numerous emails we receive from you, the reader. Also, tweets, deals and stuff we stumble upon (and Digg, and reddit). Basically, it’s internet travel news all in one nice place.

Seriously, we’re a lot of fun to be around.

There’s no crying in flying — at least not on Southwest. (AOL Travel)

Snorkel for luminescence at CasaSandra on Holbox Island, Mexico. (CasaSandra)

Looking for Scottsdale luxury at an affordable price? (Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale)

Win a Disney family trip to Hollywood! (Family.com)

Looking for good surf in Los Angeles? (CBS: Best of L.A.)

Tour the rainforest by zip line and moonlight in St. Lucia! (AdrenaLUNA)

DreamWorks and Gaylord Opryland have an experience that you might like! (Gaylord Opryland)

The world’s most endangered travel destinations — see them while you can! (lonely planet)

Live your own Shark Week! (Gadling)

Jackasses on airplanes. (CNN)

Universal Orlando Resort has some Harry Potter travel deals that are just like magic! (Universal Orlando)

More travel drama re: Cuba. (MSNBC)

In need of a mancation? Here are the best places! (AskMen)

If you would like to see your link on UpTake please use the email link in sidebar. Happy travels!

Isla Mujeres ferry

One of the appealing things about Playa Mujeres, Mexico is that this little fishing village boasts Gran Puerto marina which offers quick ferries to the lovely island of Isla Mujeres.  The island is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and crystalline waters but the scenic ride over provides almost as much fun. Read More »