New Project for getting out, 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

New Project for getting out, 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

So after almost 7 years of driving my 2010 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, my transmission failed. I had to go out and find a new car, so the next car on my list of “I want on” cars was a Subaru Outback or Crosstrek. After looking for a couple of days I found one in my range and was able to score it.

It’s a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek Premium with 85,000 miles on it. Since it is my new work car, I have also decided to off-road it and get it ready for some trips. So gonna dump some money and time into it to party it up. I have ordered a 2-inch lift kit from Rough Country already and looking and rims and tires now.

New Project for getting out, 2016 Subaru Crosstrek

I’m working on finding a front grill guard and rear tire mount, also a Roof Rack. But most of it will be determined by time and money as most things. I don’t want it to get too much in my travel money.

So I will be posting my upgrades and mods to the car as I go and if you have any comments or questions just ask. Contact me if you have any questions on our contact page

Grand Bahia Principe, Mexico Beach & Snorkeling

Grand Bahia Principe, Mexico Beach & Snorkeling

Spent the day at the beach for my birthday, just swimming around and sitting in the sun. Took my dive gear for snorkeling with me and did some filming of all the fish. It was a good relaxing day sitting on the beach, drinking Jack and Cokes, and swimming around.

I had my new Zeagle Recon fins and love them. I also used my RollUp snorkel I always have it but not hooked up when I scuba dive. The seaweed is pretty bad this year they had crews on the beach every day to keep it clean.

I booked my trip with Kelly at Vitamin Sea Travel she took care of everything, plane tickets, resort and excursions. It was super easy, ad didn’t cost me anything for the service and saved money.

Grand Bahia Principe, Mexico Beach & Snorkeling

The rest of the day got a good seafood dinner and a Cuban cigar but the pool under the moon was a good day. This trip was a birthday trip for my girlfriend and me as our birthdays are 10 days apart. So we made the most of it. Had a great time and hope to get back to dive Cozumel soon. Next time will be a dedicated dive trip, cant wait should be some great diving and want to get some wreck dives in too.

The water was warm this resort is great for kids as the water is all pretty enclosed, and lots of barriers. I prefer to be able to swim out more but was good enough for a little fun in the water.

Contact me if you have any questions on our contact page

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Tulum Ruins Archaeological Zone, Mexico

Tulum Ruins Archaeological Zone, Mexico

While at Grand Bahia Principe Coba, we scheduled an excursion to the Tulum Ruins Archaeological Zone to see the site and markets. It is just down the road a bit and didn’t want to go all day to go to the larger one, can do that next time.

I hate doing the tourist tour of a place, following a guide and such so after we were in the park we ditched the tour and looked around. The views are nice from the cliff looking over the ocean, and other than the people was a nice place.

Tulum Ruins Archaeological Zone, Mexico

So after about 40 minutes made our way to the market out front and looked around and bought some trinkets. Then sat around waiting for the tour to meet back up at 11:45 am. After that, we stopped at a brewery and we just sat outside and waited neither cared about beer LOL. For a quick day trip, it worked well, we left at 9 am and got back at 1 pm. But next time I think I’ll just cab it and do my own thing. I don’t like the resort life, makes me feel like cattle LOL. I’m not a Spanish speaker but my partner is so the trip has been easy on me.

What next….

Tomorrow I’m heading back to the beach, I need some more salt before I head home. I would have liked to get more diving in but it was a great time. Traveling with my current gear has been very easy, and love not having to rent gear. The next trip up here will be all Cancun, and all diving. I do more of an inland trip later to see the pyramid and ruins. I’m looking forward to Peru soon as well.

Contact Nate if you have any questions on our contact page

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Grand Bahia Principe Coba

Grand Bahia Principe Coba, Mexico – Diving 2022

Had a great time diving with Scuba Aquatic at Grand Bahia Principe Coba resort in Mexico just south of Cancun. So the girlfriend planned a 4-day trip to Mexico, and I said I had to dive for at least one day. So she got me a two-tank dive for Saturday.

The excursion started at 8:45 am, and I got there at 7:30ish. They supply everything you need, but I brought all my gear, so I just needed weights and a tank. I was using an untested BCD and new unused fins, a reg I haven’t used since I rebuilt it. Needless to say, a few no-nos, LOL. But I had tested and checked them out beforehand, and all looked fine; the reg was breathing 10x better than it has.

Grand Bahia Principe Coba

The dive team was great and very helpful. The dives went off without a hitch; everything worked great, the new BCD and Fins are amazing love them.

First, Dive the Turtle Reef with SCUBA Aquatic

So after gearing up and heading the boat, we dove into the Turtle Reef. Saw some great turtles and stingrays. We only had three other divers with the divemaster and me. It was a nice and mellow smooth dive. The DM had a leaking connection to the tank. So he had so many bubbles I was worried he would run out of air before we did. I signaled him and was waved off. Later talking to the other dive, he reminded me those guys use such little air, LOL.

 Scuba Aquatic

Second Dive…

The next dive was clams and crabs; not that interesting, LOL. But it was a good dive, and lots of fish to see. I found myself practicing for my upcoming Rescue Diver Open Water in a few weeks, LOL. We finished the dive and headed back to the resort.

My new GoPro 10 worked great; it had a few things to get used to, but I’m super happy with it. I’ll post up my gear when I get back.

About Grand Bahia Principe Coba

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach vacation with plenty of dining options, visiting the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is definitely worth considering. Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, this resort offers everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

One of the main draws of the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is its beach access. The resort boasts a stunning white sand beach stretching miles along the Caribbean Sea. You can spend your days lounging on the sand, soaking up the sun, and dipping in crystal-clear waters. The beach is also perfect for water sports, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing.

In addition to the beach, the Grand Bahia Principe Coba offers several swimming pools, including a children’s pool and a large pool with a swim-up bar. You can spend your days lounging poolside, sipping on a refreshing drink, and taking a dip to cool off the day’s heat.

Regarding dining options, the Grand Bahia Principe Coba has something for everyone. The resort features several restaurants, including a buffet-style restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, an Italian restaurant, and a steakhouse. There is also a snack bar and several bars throughout the resort, so you can always find a spot to grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink.

One of the highlights of the dining experience at the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is the buffet-style restaurant. The restaurant offers a wide variety of international cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian dishes. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. The buffet-style restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you can always find something to satisfy your hunger.

If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, the resort’s Mexican and Italian restaurants are worth visiting. The Mexican restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes, such as tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, while the Italian restaurant serves up classic Italian fare, such as pizza, pasta, and risotto. Both restaurants offer a cozy atmosphere and attentive service, creating a truly enjoyable dining experience.

The snack bar is a great choice if you’re looking for a more casual dining option. The snack bar offers burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and other quick bites that are perfect for a mid-day snack or late-night munchies. There are also several bars throughout the resort, serving up refreshing cocktails and other beverages.

Overall, visiting the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is an excellent choice for those looking for a beach vacation with plenty of dining options. The resort offers easy access to a stunning beach, swimming pools, and water sports. The dining options are varied and delicious, with something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. With its natural beauty, comfortable accommodations, and delicious cuisine, the Grand Bahia Principe Coba is a great choice for your next vacation.

Scuba Aquatic at Grand Bahia Principe Tips

Scuba diving is an incredible way to explore the beauty of the underwater world. If you’re planning a vacation to the Grand Bahia Principe resort, you won’t miss out on the opportunity to scuba dive in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Here are some tips and reviews to help you maximize your scuba diving experience at the Grand Bahia Principe.

Tip #1: Choose the right dive center

The Grand Bahia Principe resort has its own dive center, Scubaquatic, which offers scuba diving and snorkeling excursions. Choosing a reputable and experienced dive center is important to ensure your safety and enjoyment while diving. Scubaquatic has highly trained and certified instructors and offers a range of courses and excursions suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike.

Tip #2: Book in advance

Scuba diving is popular, especially in tropical destinations like the Grand Bahia Principe. It’s a good idea to book your scuba diving excursion in advance to avoid disappointment. You can book directly with Scubaquatic online or in person at the resort.

Tip #3: Get certified

If you’re new to scuba diving, taking a certification course is highly recommended. Scubaquatic offers a range of courses, from beginner to advanced, to help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and enjoyable diving. The PADI Open Water Diver course is popular for beginners and can be completed in just a few days.

Review #1: “Amazing experience”

“I recently went scuba diving with Scubaquatic at the Grand Bahia Principe, and it was an amazing experience. The dive center was very professional, and the instructors were knowledgeable and friendly. The dive was breathtaking, with colorful coral reefs and various marine life, including turtles and tropical fish. I highly recommend Scubaquatic to anyone looking for a memorable scuba diving experience.”

Review #2: “Great for beginners”

“I had never scuba-dived before but decided to try it while on the Grand Bahia Principe vacation. Scubaquatic was great for beginners like me. The instructors were patient and made sure we felt comfortable before we went on our dive. The dive was incredible, with clear water and interesting marine life. I’m so glad I tried scuba diving and would definitely do it again with Scubaquatic.”

Review #3: “Professional and safe”

“I’ve been scuba diving for years and have tried many different dive centers worldwide. Scubaquatic at the Grand Bahia Principe is one of the best I’ve experienced. The staff is highly professional, and safety is always their top priority. The dive sites were varied and interesting, with plenty of marine life. I highly recommend Scubaquatic to anyone looking for a great diving experience.”

Tip #4: Bring your own gear

While Scubaquatic provides all the necessary scuba diving equipment, if you have your own gear, it’s a good idea to bring it along. Using your own gear can help ensure a comfortable and familiar diving experience.

Tip #5: Follow the rules

Scuba diving is a safe and enjoyable activity when proper precautions are taken. It’s important to follow the rules and guidelines set by Scubaquatic to ensure your safety and the safety of others while diving. Listen carefully to your instructor’s briefing and follow all instructions while diving.

In conclusion, scuba diving with Scubaquatic at the Grand Bahia Principe is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. By following these tips and reading reviews from other divers, you can make the most of your scuba.

Contact Nate if you have any questions on our contact page

travaddic

Travel Agent.. Yes or No?

Let’s be honest, we have all at some point done this. We decide in the middle of the night to go on a trip someplace. We grab our phone and go to Expedia or some other similar sight. You see that the price is less than you thought so you grab your card and book it. Hurray, you are going on vacation.

Now we get to the issues. You are on your trip, and you find that the hotel did not get your reservation or that your reservation was canceled for some unknown reason. Now you have to find a hotel that can accommodate you for that night, and at a budget that you can afford because you already paid someone for a hotel room that you are not getting.

You dial the 800 number. After three hours you finally get a person on the phone. You spend two hours trying to straighten everything out and get into a new place. Finally, you are sent to a hotel in a part of town you didn’t want to stay in, in a hotel that isn’t as nice as the first one you selected, and you are still paying the original rate.

Don’t Waste Time

Now you have wasted an afternoon that you could have spent at the beach or out shopping. All because of some computer issue, having to get a real person to talk to on the phone, having to argue with them about the issue based on the limited information you were given, and finally being sent across town.

This is one example of having a travel agent comes in handy. To start with, most TA’s can match if not find your trip cheaper. Secondly, you can contact them directly and they can get to the bottom of the issue and get it fixed much faster than the 800 number. Often times, we are able to get into the systems and fix the error directly or at least able to get a reasonable remedy much quicker.

Saving Money, & Better Service

Let’s talk about another benefit… personalization. If you are going to a new location, which I hope you do, you may spend several hours reading blogs, guidebooks, watching travel videos, etc. trying to figure out key things to not miss, what area to stay in that is convenient and affordable as well as little secret spots. A good travel agent will have already been to that location or will know someone who has that they can get information.

An even better travel agent will have already studied the location themselves. Your travel advisor will save you hours and hours of research on little important details so you can focus on deciding what to do.
Hesitant about the cost? Travel agents don’t cost more in general. Yes, some will charge a little more than if you were to do all the work yourself, but some of us, like me, do not charge our clients for anything. We have formed great relationships with our vendors to where they have agreed to pay our costs and fees for you. So more often than not, we can match if not beat the price you could find on your own.

We can gain access to deals, coupons, and packages that the general public will not have access to. We can pass the savings to our clients. A really good travel agent will tell you directly that if they can not match the price, to go ahead and book it with wherever you found it.

So….

I will spend hours negotiating with a particular vendor for the ability to price match. I have done it several times. For example, I now am on a first-name basis with a certain person at the Carnival Cruise line due to my insistence on price matching. And I still was able to give my services to my clients for free.

Travel can be a very exciting but anxiety-inducing activity. Those of us who love it and have made it a main priority know the differences between a good trip and a great trip hanging in the minor details that can be an inconvenience. By agreeing to work with a travel advisor, you have a much greater chance of having a seamless and smooth vacation.

Your travel advisor over time will become a good friend who will always have a great idea of where to go and what is the best deal at that time. The next time you head out, give a TA a call and see what they can do for you.

Travel Agent.. Yes or No?

Kelly Grace – Travel Advisor
Kellygracetravels.com
Kelly@kellygracetravels.com

Contact Nate if you have any questions on our contact page