ZAPWATER COMMUNICATIONS FALL/WINTER TRAVEL GUIDE
CHICAGO (October 10, 2017) – At Zapwater, we like to think of ourselves as travel experts. Working with some of the best resorts the world has to offer, we’ve grown to be pretty particular in how we spend our time outside the office. We’ve pulled together our top destinations for the season to get you through the good, the bad, and the terribly cold days ahead.
CALIFORNIA
When you need to get away but want to stay stateside, a road trip up the California coast offers breathtaking views and 3,427 miles of ocean shoreline. California’s Pacific seaboard is the perfect stretch of land for a coastal road trip. And while every inch of shoreline is worth seeing, there are a few destinations that are especially worthwhile.
Starting off in the heart of the charming seaside community of La Jolla, the beloved La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites is just steps away from the beach. Whether you’re there for the surf, the hiking, or the local boutiques and shops in the village, La Jolla is one of San Diego’s premiere oceanfront destinations.
Head about three hours up the coast to Los Angeles, where you’ll find a waterfront retreat in the quiet seaside community of Marina Del Rey. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city yet just minutes from Santa Monica and Venice Beach, the Marina Del Rey Hotel overlooks the picturesque marina and offers access to a slew of aquatic activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and boat tours.
About four hours north, you’ll find the charming seaside village of Cambria. Nestled between towering pines and sparkling sea, Cambria’s Pelican Inn & Suites sits just across the street from the glistening shores of Moonstone Beach and is just a short trip away from local attractions such as the iconic Hearst Castle, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, and various wineries.
The last leg of the trip takes about four hours and lands just south of San Francisco. Half Moon Bay is a peaceful enclave with miles of scenic beaches and an impressive line-up of activities. Less than a mile from the coast, the Half Moon Bay Lodge is the perfect place to take in the natural beauty of this seaside sanctuary.
MEXICO
Not a fan of cold weather? A Mexican vacation is the perfect cure for the seasonal blues and has no shortage of destinations to choose from. La Paz and Riviera Maya both offer a unique experience for any type of traveler and fall at the top of our list.
La Paz, Mexico may not ring any major bells – and that’s a good thing! It is the lesser known neighbor to Los Cabos and the capital city of Baja California Sur, situated on the eastern side of the peninsula, along the tranquil Sea of Cortez. La Paz quietly charms guests with its small-scale, authentic Mexican city vibes; its breathtaking landscape of mountains, desert and bright blue sea; and its incredible wealth of natural wonders. Called “the world’s aquarium” by none other than Jacques Cousteau, the waters of the Sea of Cortez team with wildlife wonders.
Fall is the perfect season to visit when the water is warm, the air is cooling down and the whale sharks are swimming. Whale sharks are a sight to behold – by far, the largest living non-mammalian vertebrate on earth but also holding records for sheer size in the animal kingdom. Confirmed whale shark measurements have reached 41.5 feet long and about 47,000 pounds. But they are gentle giants, slow-moving, filter feeding, toothless carpet sharks. There are many places to see these magnificent beasts, but schools of them can often be found just ten minutes off the coast of La Paz where outfitters will take you for intimate snorkeling excursions.
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is the perfect choice for those looking for a true resort experience. Whether you’re looking for an adventure with the family or a weekend escape to relax and unwind, Fairmont Mayakoba, located just 30 minutes south of Cancun, has endless activities and offers to make your long weekend unforgettable.
Perfect for families, the resort offers friendly packages that include 50% off a second room, dining discounts for children under 12, and access to three hours of daily activities at the Discovery Club. Fairmont Mayakoba also offers its guest’s boat tours, use of kayaks, guided catamaran tours, and tennis and paddle courts. Those traveling for a romantic getaway can spend the day at the resort’s Willow Stream Spa, laying side by side in their breathtaking spa suite that overlooks the treetops of the mangrove forest. Guests can also experience a variety of cuisines from chef Richard Sandoval with the Premium Appetite for Luxury Inclusive package that includes unlimited dining and premium beverage service at El Puerto, Brisas, La Laguna, the Lobby Lounge, all pools, both pool bars and beach.
SERBIA
For those who prefer a destination where they can embrace the elements, we recommend making the trip to the southwest corner of Eastern Europe and taking on all that Serbia has to offer.
Skadarlija is one of Belgrade’s most famous neighborhoods. This bohemian quarter, similar to Paris’ Montmartre, is best to explore by foot. Grab your winter coat, and enjoy well-known restaurants, art galleries, cafes and hotels. After a long day of sightseeing, Ceger Bar is a must-do. Known for their eclectic interior and signature cocktails, this local favorite is the perfect location for a cozy night out.
Serbia’s largest mountain range Kopaonik is infamous for its incredible winter skiing. All the tracks are very well connected with the system of ropeway and ski lifts, with a capacity of over 32,000 skiers per hour. This system consists of a six-seat chairlift with a capacity of 3,000 skiers per hour; 4 four-seat chairlift of high speed (total capacity of 10,000 skiers per hour); three fixed four-seat chairlift with conveyor belt for loading skiers (total capacity of approximately 6,200 skiers per hour); three two-seat lifts with total capacity of 3,600 skiers per hour; two tow ski lift "anchor" the capacity of 2,400 skiers per hour; eight ski lifts "plate" capacity of 6,500 skiers per hour; and three connecting ski lifts.
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Images via Pacifica Hotels, La Paz Tourism, Fairmont Mayakoba, D. Bosnic.