6 Waterparks the Kids will LOVE!

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Nickelodeon Suites Resort, Orlando

Guests at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort, one of Orlando’s best options for families outside of a theme park, have free access to two on-site water parks. The Oasis water park, seen here, has an Olympic-size pool, waterslides, and a kids’ play area (just note that this pool might be closed during the off season). The Lagoon water park, seen here, has a zero-depth entry pool, a four-story water tower, waterslides, two Jacuzzis, and a 400-gallon “dunk tank.”

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort

Larger-than-life Atlantis boasts a 141-acre Aquaventure water park featuring two slides with vertical drops over 50 feet, a mile-long lazy-river ride (with waves, tunnels, and rapids along the way), a tube that gushes past sharks, and a plethora of other scenic slides. Kids can glide past sharks — in a tube running straight through the tank — as part of their Aquaventure experience. There are also 11 pools on the complex to explore.

Beaches Negril Resort and Spa

Kids’ activities galore, including a large water park in the center of the resort and “Sesame Street”-themed activities, makes this one of the best family resorts in Jamaica. (Guests seem to prefer it even to the cheaper Beaches Sandy Bay.) The resort has plenty for adults too–parents love the spa. Older kids love the high waterslides and younger ones can circle around the complex in the lazy river.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort And Spa

The 809-room Hyatt Regency was one of the first mega-resorts in Kaanapali and it still rivals newer hotels in almost all aspects, especially in regards to the pool (one of the most impressive in Maui). It boasts a waterfall, rope bridge, 150-foot waterslide, and a children’s section seen here with its own waterslide, sprinklers, and sandlot in the center of the shallow water.

Rose Hall Resort and Spa, a Hilton Resort

This relaxed, beachside golf resort is more popular with families than rum-chugging partiers. Rose Hall’s main feature is the Sugar Mill Falls complex of waterslides, waterfalls and swinging bridges, all in a huge lagoon-shaped pool. The waterslides send kids zipping into the massive pool but the whole area is well planned, and there are several private perches for parents to keep an eye on their kids.

The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

The Fairmont sits on a 22-acre beachfront property that includes five restaurants, access to world-class golf, some of Maui’s largest rooms, and four well-designed pools with swim-up bars, footbridges, basketball nets, and a waterslide. Picnic packages are available for kids to bring to the pool because they’ll never want to leave!

Germaphobes Unite!

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The rest of the world may laugh when we tap elevator buttons with our knuckles or open bathroom doors with a paper towel, but we know the truth, it’s a germ-y world out there, and there’s not enough hand sanitizer to cover it all. Nowhere is this more apparent than in hotel rooms. Don’t be fooled by those hospital-corner beds and the gleaming bathroom fixtures; no matter how swanky or pristine, all hotel rooms get a rotating parade of guests. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ensure the cleanest, most germ-free environment possible, whether it’s at a luxury property or a budget chain.

1. Ditch the bedspread.

When it comes to hotel germs, bedspreads are some of the biggest offenders. “Bedspreads need to be dry-cleaned, which is only done a few times a year,” says Michael Oshins, associate professor of Boston University School of Hospitality Administration. “Think of the number of people who use it before it is thoroughly cleaned,” he adds. Thankfully, as Oshins notes, most hotels are switching to washable duvet covers. But if you’re staying in a hotel with bedspreads, Oshins advises you “immediately roll up the bedspread and put it in the corner." And if you get cold at night? “Ask the front desk for extra blankets,” he says.

2. Bag the remote control.

Oshins identifies the remote as being the germiest surface in a hotel room, and most investigations support this. Tests that compare various surfaces against each other consistently find that bacteria counts skyrocket on TV remotes. Remotes just don’t get the same housekeeping attention that other surfaces do. And given all the little crevices and buttons, it’s not the easiest thing to clean. Some hotels are moving toward turning your smartphone into a remote, but until that future is here, there’s a surprisingly low-tech way to avoid these germs -- toss the remote in a plastic baggie. You’ll be containing all the bacteria and still be able to read which button is “volume” and which is “mute.”

3. Wipe down the phone handset.

This is another spot that’s consistently rated germ-y on investigations. Considering all the hands and faces pressed to these phones -- and all the breathy conversations they've hosted -- it’s easy to see how these phones are teeming with germs. Unlike the TV remote, it’s a bit harder to bag this in plastic, but giving it a once-over with an antibacterial wipe will go a long ways in improving the situation. And while you’re at it, hit the bedside light switch with a wipe; it's another germ-y spot that’s often overlooked by housekeeping.

4. Use those slippers.

You can't just blame previous guests for a hotel's germ-y state. The state of cleanliness during your stay is most obviously affected by the germs you bring into the space. What’s the germiest item you’re adding to the room? Probably your shoes. Chances are they’ve tracked through all kinds of public spaces (airports, taxis, public transportation, city streets, etc) that are varying levels of cleanliness -- only to tread all that contamination all over recently vacuumed hotel floors. If you’re in an upscale property, throw your kicks in the closet and make the most of those hotel slippers. Not only will it make you feel pampered, but you’ll stop yourself from spreading all those outside germs. If you’re in a budget-friendly property in particular, you're best advised to put your shoes by the entrance and change into a fresh pair of socks. 

5. Wash the drinking glasses.

As Jacob Tomsky noted in his book “Heads in Beds” (a tell-all memoir about the hotel industry a la “Kitchen Confidential”), housekeepers don’t exactly have mini dishwashers in their carts, and some will use any tools at their disposal to get the drinking glasses looking clean. A common method employed by staff that he witnessed to obtain spotless glasses was to “spray furniture polish all over them,” and buff the glasses to a "clean" shine. “The next time you put a little tap water into the minibar glass and wonder to yourself why it has a pleasant lemon aftertaste, that’s because you just took a shot of Pledge,” he writes. Before you take that swig of Pledge or Windex, give those glasses a rinse down with soap and hot water. And while you’re doing dishes, go ahead and soap up the neglected ice bucket as well.

6. Tip early and tip often.

As far as jobs go, housekeeping is a tough one. Wrangling dirty towels, stripping beds, folding toilet paper into little points -- it’s exhausting stuff. So it’s a given that you should tip. But it’s not a given when to tip. Oshins has an untraditional approach: “I tip each night rather than at the end of the stay.” His reasoning? Your room will be flagged from the get-go for special attention and a more vigorous scrub-down. “If you wait until you check-out [to tip], the message is too late.” And if you’re new to tipping your housekeeper, take Oshins’s approach: “I usually leave a note on the desk with a simple ‘thank you, housekeeping’ and my name.”

Mexico- Not Exactly As Seen In Breaking Bad!

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More Americans visit Mexico every year than any other international destination. It's no wonder: the very idea of a vacation in Mexico conjures up images of white sand beaches, clear, blue water, and sunny weather -- no matter when you visit. While hot spots like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are some of the country's most popular destinations, there are lots of places (with top-notch food and shopping) to check out beyond the typical tourist destinations. Check out our tips below for making the most of your visit to Mexico. 

1. Mexico has 32 UNESCO World Heritage sites -- more than any country in the Americas.

Chichen Itza is the most well-known of Mexico's UNESCO World Heritage sites, but there are many more, and not just ancient ruins. They include colonial cities, like San Miguel de Allende (shown above), and natural wonders -- like El Vizcaíno, the largest biosphere reserve in the country. There's also the monarch butterfly reserve in Michoacán, where millions of butterflies congregate every winter.

2. Mexico isn't a scene out of "Breaking Bad."

Headlines about drug cartels and smuggling have scared some people away from traveling to Mexico, but that shouldn't be the case. While there are certainly pockets of violence in some border towns and cities, there are also regions that are generally very safe. The Yucatan peninsula, where many of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations are located, has been relatively unaffected by drug-related violence. So has Baja California Sur. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year without incident. As always, do your research, and exercise caution and common sense. 

3. Linen and cotton will be your saviors.

Mexico is hot all year round, but the humid climate and climbing temperatures are especially uncomfortable in the summer months. If you see locals wearing long pants and wonder how they do it, the answer is probably natural fabrics like linen and cotton, which are very breathable. In fact, the traditional huipil, still worn throughout the eastern regions of Mexico, is made out of cotton. Synthetics like polyester, on the other hand, tend to trap body heat in.

4. Mexican food isn't just tacos.

Tacos are delicious, but don't stop there when there are also tortas, tamales, and mole poblano to indulge in. Each region of Mexico boasts its own local specialties. In the Yucatán, for example, you'll find Mayan-influenced dishes, like cochinita pibil -- pork slow roasted in banana leaves with bitter orange marinade -- and lime soup. 

5. Mexican desserts are delicious.

As if we really needed to say this. But if you've never had a churro before, it's fried dough covered in sugar and cinnamon. In other words, it's amazing. Find a bakery that offers flan, tres leches cake, and pan dulce, a Mexican sweet bread that comes in lots of different shapes and sizes, like the concha or colorful polvorones cookies. 

6. There's way more to buy than tequila.

Visitors looking for unique souvenirs will find plenty of them in Mexico. Tequila and coffee are among the most popular, but Mexico is also known for locally-made handicrafts found throughout the country. The city of Puebla, for example, produces beautiful talavera pottery, while Merida is known for its handmade hammocks. Chocolate, Mexican cinnamon, wool blankets, and leather bags are just some of the other commodities that are great finds in Mexico. 

7. Buses in Mexico are safe! And cheap!

Buses in Mexico are generally safe, clean, and on time. There are "executive class" and "first class" buses that run on express routes and offer air conditioning, reclining seats, and movies -- they're even better than Greyhound. Second class buses usually make more stops, but make sense if your stop is a local one. Another plus? Buses in Mexico are great for sightseeing independently. A one-way bus ride to Chichén Itzá from Cancun costs about $16. 

8. Don't drink the water in Mexico.

It's a common warning for travelers in Mexico -- be cautious of ice in beverages at restaurants, and avoid using tap water to brush your teeth as well. Drinking water in a new place can make you feel sick anywhere, not just in Mexico, but even residents in Mexico don't trust their local tap water. 

9. Chances are you'll fly into Mexico City or Cancun.

That's because those are Mexico's two busiest airports. Benito Juárez airport in Mexico City saw more than 34 million passengers last year, while over 17 million people passed through Cancun. That's more than double the next most busy airport. 

10. The cheapest time of year to go to Mexico is late spring through early fall.

View of the Pool and Beach at Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Resort & Spa

Low season in Mexico runs from late spring to early fall. The most expensive times to go are Christmas and New Year's, which are especially popular with travelers. Prices stay high during the winter, when travelers head south to escape the cold, but fall after Easter. If you're traveling to coastal areas, avoid hurricane season, which usually runs from June through October. 

Mazel Tov! Jetsetter's Best Boutique Hotel...

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Luxury American tourism magazine Jetsetter has just named the world’s best boutique hotel, and it’s none other than Israel's stunning Norman Tel Aviv.

“The term ’boutique hotel’ can be applied to everything from major chains’ brand extensions to indie sleeps one step removed from B&B status, but Tel Aviv’s smart, stylish Norman is the real deal,” Jetsetter explained of its vote, which was based on reviews by 200 international journalists.

Overall, the magazine examined 23 hotel categories, such as business hotels and all-inclusive beach resorts.

Located just a few steps away from Rothschild Boulevard in the heart of Tel Aviv, the plush Norman Hotel is housed in two reconstructed Bauhaus-era buildings, surrounded by a luscious Mediterranean garden. Of the hotel’s high-end interiors, Jetsetter magazine points to the beautiful “hand-painted tile floors, high ceilings, creamy leather seating and original Israeli artwork.”

The hotel, which has only 50 guestrooms, many of which boast private balconies, also has the first international branch of British-Japanese small plates restaurant Dinings, in addition to the Norman Restaurant; a cocktail bar called the Library; and a stunning rooftop infinity pool. For guests looking to pamper themselves, The Norman offers spa treatments, an in-house yoga instructor, and an ultra-modern gym.

To see all of Jetsetter' awards, click here: http://www.jetsetter.com/feature/2015-best-of-the-best-awards 

What To Do When Disaster Strikes While Traveling

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Michelle Berneir-Toth, the Managing Director for Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs at the Department of State recommends checking travel.state.gov for up-to-the-minute warnings about potential problems like terrorist activity, widespread civil unrest, and breaking emergencies. Also, make sure to write down the address and telephone number of the U.S. Embassy in the country you’re visiting, and to make multiple copies of your passport. Travelers can also register with Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), so that the embassy can contact you directly in case of an emergency. Don’t forget to leave your itinerary and a copy of your passport with a trusted friend or family member back home, so, if necessary, they can get help on your behalf as well.

What to Do: If You're Robbed

Ouch, this one adds insult to injury. It’s always wise to carry small bills and spread out cash between the hotel safe and your wallet, and also keep a hidden stash among your personal belongings (with your dirty laundry, perhaps?). Leave pricey jewelry at home and don’t flash your valuables while in public. Keep a copy of your passport with you, and a picture of it in your smart phone as a backup. If your passport is stolen, you’ll need to file a police report before the embassy can issue you a temporary travel document. It’s worth putting password locks on computers and smart phones, and installing the Find my iPhone app. Take photos of your valuables before you leave; your insurance company may partially reimburse you for stolen electronics and clothes if you have a record of their existence.

What to Do: In the Case of a Natural Disaster

It might seem obvious, but if there’s a hurricane, tornado, tsunami, earthquake, flood, fire, volcanic eruption, or other epic natural disaster near you, listen to local reports and follow their directions. Many hotels train their staff on how to deal with an emergency. Ideally, you’ve already taken serious note of the evacuation routes (a smart habit to get into no matter where you’re traveling). When a disaster strikes, leave belongings behind and remain calm. It's a good idea to travel with a small flashlight, and those traveling particularly far afield should pack a grab-and-go mini-survival kit.

What to Do: If You're Stranded in the Airport

One of the best pieces of travel advice is to have as many airline phone numbers programmed into your cell phone as possible. If your flight is canceled once you're at the airport, get in line with everyone else to speak to an agent, but call the airline directly as well. Someone on the phone might be able to rebook you more quickly. If there aren’t any available flights for rebooking until the following day, airlines are no longer required by law to put stranded travelers up in a hotel (especially if the delay is due to weather), but a few still will if you ask for a voucher directly. Always travel with a cell phone charger (battery powered options are best for emergencies when everyone is huddled around the one outlet in the terminal floor), snack, clean change of clothes, and basic toiletries in your carry-on, no matter how quick the flight is supposed to be!

What to Do: In the Case of a Political Coup

Ideally, you’ve already checked the State Department’s travel warning website before heading to a country that’s politically unstable; these things rarely happen overnight, although anything is always possible. If the government is overthrown (of there are riots and political unrest), getting to the U.S. embassy -- FAST -- is the best way to deal with this less-than-ideal situation. But don’t put yourself or fellow travelers in harm’s way; use your best judgement, which may mean you choose to stay in your hotel room and call the embassy until you get the all clear. Avoid large groups of protestors on the streets.

What to Do: If You're Hospitalized

Check with your insurance company before you leave the country to find out what it covers overseas. You may need to purchase supplemental insurance, as most policies won’t cover a medical evacuation to the United States, which almost always costs tens of thousands of dollars. U.S. embassies and consulates maintain lists of local hospitals and doctors, which can be found on their public websites. If you’re feeling ill, but perhaps not sick enough to warrant a visit to the hospital, it may be more effective to check yourself into a luxury hotel. Upscale properties often provide on-call doctors (for a fee, but it’s more comfortable than any emergency room). Be sure you’re up-to-date with all your vaccinations and check with your doctor before leaving to see if you need any prescriptions for anti-Malarial medication, the Yellow Fever vaccine, or other medications that might be more necessary when abroad. Leave an "in case of emergency card" in your wallet (in both English and the native language of the country you’re visiting) that you can give to hospital staff so they can contact your family back home. The consulate should be reached in serious cases, and this is why you should leave an itinerary with a family member or friend, and check in once in awhile. If you have a prescription, bring extras and keep all of them in their original containers.

What to Do: If You're Kidnapped

While a kidnapping is a highly unlikely occurrence, we can’t stress enough how important it is to check in with a contact at home on a regular basis and leave an itinerary with someone, so they have a general idea of where you should be. Apps like I’m Getting Kidnapped might save the day. Hit one button and the app automatically sends a customized message (like, "Laura is in danger, here is is her last location. Please alert authorities.") to the numbers you previously programmed into your phone. The message will be sent every 15 minutes. The app is available in 14 languages, but only on Android devices. It’s probably best to alert family and friends about the app before dropping it on them, and, of course, if you have access to your cell phone, calling local authorities should be the first priority. Also, always put up a fight from the beginning. Studies show that more kidnapping victims escape when they try to get away as early as possible, versus those who think that going along with their abductors will eventually lead to freedom.

What to Do: If You're Stranded on a Cruise Ship

The last few years have been tough for the cruiseline industry, with everything from an Ebola scare on a ship headed for Belize, to the infamous “poop cruise” that left Carnival Triumph passengers at sea for five days without working toilets. In response, Cruise Lines International Association drafted a passenger bill of rights, which includes everything from the right to an emergency power source in case of a main generator failure, to the very important right to disembark a docked ship if adequate food, water, and restroom facilities become unavailable onboard. While there isn't much that stranded passengers can do if there's an emergency onboard, listening to the crew and remaining calm are good first steps.

What to Do: If You're Arrested

Tune into “Locked up Abroad” on the National Geographic Channel and you'll be amazed at how seemingly simple it is to end up in the slammer overseas. Of course, in reality, odds are pretty slim that you’ll be arrested (especially, ahem, if you don’t break the law). It’s important to remember that laws vary from country to country and that every person visiting that country must follow them. If you do find yourself behind bars, the State Department should know about it: ASAP. The arresting officer may contact the consulate if you announce that you’re a U.S. citizen, but if you can get one phone call, make it to the American Embassy, not your mom back in Illinois. Consulate officers monitor foreign prisons for abuse or unfair treatment towards U.S. prisoners, and will do what they can to provide assistance to the citizen, as well as his or her family back home.