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Mark the Travel Dad, Norwalk, IA (2026)

10/22/2026

PUERTO VALLARTA SPRING BREAK DEALS! As a dad of four, I know how important it is to find convenient, family-friendly travel options. Utilizing exclusive, non-stop vacation flights out of Minneapolis (MSP) to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) gets you right to the beach quickly and efficiently. These flights have been open for a while and are filling up rapidly, so I highly recommend locking in your itinerary before they sell out.

While most of my clients are right here in Des Moines, matching packages out of DSM are currently running $3,000+ higher. Making the drive up to Minneapolis saves your family thousands while securing reliable, non-stop flights. Plus the flight times are such that you wouldn’t necessarily need a hotel in Minneapolis the night before or after!

Sample package rates below are based on a family of four (two adults, child 12 or under, youth 13–17) for travel from March 14 – 19 (5 nights). If your family has a different configuration or children of different ages, please contact me directly for a customized quote tailored to your group.

• Sunscape Puerto Vallarta ($4,597.90) | A strictly budget-level property. It gets you steps from the sand with an arcade and volleyball but keep expectations realistic as it does not offer the high-end amenities or the top-tier service found elsewhere on this list.

• Grand Palladium Vallarta ($5,523.12) | Set on a private jungle-meets-beach cove with an on-site animal habitat and outdoor archery.

• Marival Emotions Resort ($5,567.53) | A classic mega-resort offering a sprawling beachfront layout, four pools, and guided family bike tours.

• Iberostar Selection Playa Mita ($5,742.59) | A sports-focused property with multi-level water parks and excellent boogie boarding waves.

• Hilton Vallarta Riviera ($5,927.43) | A refined resort on a private, vendor-free cove with poolside entertainment and open-air food trucks.

• Velas Vallarta Suite Resort ($5,944.50) | Features a spacious studio suite layout with a King bed and an adjacent sitting area with a sofa bed for the kids. This property keeps the whole family active with sports courts for tennis, basketball, and pickleball, plus beach and pool games, a dedicated Kids' Club, family casino nights, and evening entertainment.

• Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta ($6,444.89) | High-energy, music-themed resort featuring music jam labs for the kids and swim-up bars for the adults.

• Dreams Vallarta Bay ($6,616.64) | Located near downtown with an expansive pool complex, specialized youth clubs, and beachside movies.

• Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta ($6,847.97) | A high-end family option tucked away on its own secluded, private beach cove, featuring zero-entry pools and excellent multi-generational amenities.

• Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta ($6,883.36) | Celebrated for premium service, offering distinct teen lounges and open-air dining on a calm, swimmable beach.

To request a customized quote for your family's specific size or alternative dates, please:

• Send a direct message
• Click the "Contact Us" button to complete the travel request form
• Email [email protected]

Rates were accurate as of October 21, 2026. Pricing includes flight and resort accommodation only. Ground transfers, travel insurance, baggage fees, and seat selections are additional. All packages are subject to availability at the time of deposit.

10/18/2026

Congratulations to the C family, who just locked in an incredible spring break getaway for this coming March! They scored a massive win by taking advantage of the exclusive nonstop vacation flights out of Minneapolis, saving nearly $4,000 compared to flying out of Des Moines. They are heading to the Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for an unforgettable beach escape with their 18 and 21-year-old young adults.

Located along the shores of Cabeza de Toro, the property sits nicely between a white-sand beach and the calm waters of the Bávaro Lagoon, just a short twenty-minute drive from the airport. The resort itself offers a relaxed, casual, and social atmosphere designed for modern travelers who want to skip rigid schedules and formal dress codes. Instead, the focus is on wellness, creative workshops, and low-key acoustic music.

This environment is an absolute home run for families traveling with older kids aged 18 and 21. Because the resort is adults-only, the young adults get full access to a vibrant, sophisticated social scene. During the day, they can hang out by the pool complexes featuring poolside DJ sessions, or jump onto the pickleball and padel courts. Once the sun goes down, the entertainment shifts toward themed night shows, live music, and golden-hour gatherings. The breakout favorite for this age group is the hidden speakeasy jazz club, which comes alive late at night with a live DJ and pool tables—giving them their own upscale lounge space to enjoy.

Dining is completely hassle-free with nine distinct food and beverage venues, including five à la carte restaurants, a global food hall, and a beach club, none of which require reservations. Guests can also enjoy four outdoor pools, a swim-up bar, and seven lounges.

The beach at Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana is beautifully sandy, calm, and rock-free. Unlike areas of Punta Cana that face the open, choppy Atlantic, Cabeza de Toro is heavily protected by an offshore coral reef barrier. This reef breaks up the heavy surf, creating very calm, gentle, lap-style waves rather than rough undertows—ideal for floating, wading, or just relaxing in the water.

This upscale, social environment makes it a perfect fit for families with young adult children. If you want a custom quote for the Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana or any other all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico, feel free to reach out. You can send a direct message, click the Contact Us button to fill out my travel request form, or email me directly at [email protected].

10/11/2026

I am incredibly honored to share that I have qualified as one of the top 20 travel advisors nationwide in the American Airlines Vacations Race for Miles competition. Thanks to the incredible support of my clients and strong partnerships with American Airlines Vacations and the Hyatt Inclusive Collection (which includes Alua, Breathless, Dreams, Hyatt Vivid, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Impressions, Secrets, Sunscape, and Zoëtry), I have accepted an invitation to head to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from November 15 to 18, 2026.

This isn't a traditional meeting heavy trip. Instead, the top 20 finalists will be grouped into teams to participate in hands on challenges at resort properties ranging from sushi rolling to crafting cocktails and mocktails. We will be competing for a share of 1 million AAdvantage bonus miles.

I am excited to bring you all along on this journey. I plan to post updates each day to share how the competition is going, the specific challenges we are participating in, and an inside look at the resort properties I visit along the way, starting with our host resort, Secrets Vallarta Bay. Stay tuned for a daily look at Puerto Vallarta through the eyes of a travel advisor.

10/08/2026

Huge congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. T and Mr. and Mrs. P on locking in their upcoming getaway to Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya this July!

When these clients reached out, they wanted a vibrant, adults-only social setting with incredible pools and classic entertainment, but without a rowdy, "party-hearty" spring break crowd. They were looking for high-quality live music, great shows, lots of daily activities, and fantastic people-watching.

To check every single box, they booked the gorgeous Golden Swim Up Junior Suite, giving them direct pool access right from their terrace.

Here is why the Valentin Imperial is my #1 selling adults-only resort in Mexico and the perfect match for them:

The Ultimate Social Hub & Entertainment: Valentin shines with its mature but lively nightlife. Evenings center around the Imperial Plaza—a gorgeous open-air courtyard with excellent live bands and dancing—plus professional theater productions, a sports bar, and a cigar lounge. It is the perfect atmosphere for mingling or just grabbing a drink and people-watching.

The Perfect Swim-Up Setup & Activities: Valentin features one of the largest pools in Mexico, effortlessly hosting two different vibes. One side offers lively swim-up bars, music, and an incredible lineup of daily activities like pool volleyball, fitness classes, and foam parties. If they want a break from the action, the other side of the resort features a completely quiet pool oasis designed for peaceful reading, napping, and total relaxation. With their Golden Swim Up suite, they can step straight into the water and join the fun or retreat to their private terrace whenever they want.

Stress-Free Dining: Skip the hassle of waking up early to fight a glitchy app for dinner reservations. At Valentin, you just walk up to any of the 7 à la carte restaurants whenever you're hungry.

Authentic Mexican Charm & Great Location: Instead of looking like a clinical concrete box, Valentin is built like a grand Mexican hacienda surrounded by lush jungle and wildlife. Best of all, it's just 25 minutes from the Cancun airport, so you bypass the long shuttle rides down the coast.

Ready to see what makes this resort the perfect fit for your next getaway? Click the Contact Us button to fill out my travel request form, shoot me a DM, or drop me a line directly at [email protected].

09/30/2026

A lazy river, wave pool, FlowRider, AND a bowling alley……..at an adults-only all-inclusive resort? Meet Ocean Allure Costa Mujeres, a stunning new luxury escape located just north of Cancun.

Starts at just $3059.17 for 5 nights per couple including flights from Des Moines!

Here is the best part: this resort was originally designed to be a family property before plans changed and it switched to adults-only. That means all of those incredible, high-energy amenities stayed behind for us grownups to enjoy. Think modern, stylish architecture, an absolute "wow" factor when you walk into the lobby, and a compact layout that is incredibly easy to navigate.

Resort Highlights:

☑The Fun Factor: A bowling alley, game room, golf simulator, wave pool, lazy river, and a FlowRider.
☑Daily Recreation: Two pickleball courts, a tennis court, a multi-sports court, and non-motorized water sports.
☑Effortless Relaxation: Pristine beachfront with Balinese beds, massive pools, and the Despacio Spa Centre.
☑Top-Tier Dining: 9 restaurants and 11 bars. Enjoy everything from Japanese Teppanyaki and premium cuts at the Steak House to authentic Mexican, Italian, and French fine dining. No rigid dining reservations required.
☑Perks for Everyone: Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service are included for all guests.

10/25 - 10/30 - $3059.17 per couple
11/8 - 11/13 - $3324.62 per couple
11/15 - 11/20 - $3408.80 per couple
12/6 - 12/11 - $3661.04 per couple
12/14 - 12/19 - $3340.04 per couple
1/10 - 1/15 - $3846.12 per couple
1/24 - 1/29 - $3846.12 per couple
2/7 - 2/12 - $4291.80 per couple
2/28 - 3/5 - $4002.90 per couple
3/17 - 3/22 - $4459.71 per couple
3/25 - 3/30 - $4085.83 per couple
4/11 - 4/16 - $3609.67 per couple
4/25 - 4/30 - $3609.67 per couple
5/16 - 5/21 - $3188.11 per couple
5/23 - 5/28 - $3450.88 per couple
6/11 - 6/16 - $3460.54 per couple
6/18 - 6/23 - $3460.54 per couple
6/28 - 7/3 - $3460.49 per couple
7/4 - 7/9 - $3422.30 per couple
7/11 - 7/16 - $3408.80 per couple
7/24 - 7/29 - $3460.42 per couple
8/1 - 8/6 - $3408.80 per couple
8/15 - 8/20 - $3408.92 per couple

Would you rather spend your afternoon floating the lazy river, attempting the FlowRider, playing pickleball, or just hanging out on the beach? Let me know in the comments.

Ready to head to the beach? Click the "Contact Us" button to fill out my vacation request form, shoot me a direct message, or email me at [email protected] to get your custom quote started.

*Prices were valid as of 9/29/26 but are subject to change at any time. Prices do not include ground transfers or insurance.

09/18/2026

I am excited to share a personal milestone. To celebrate my wife and my 30th wedding anniversary in July, I have just booked a stay at one of the most anticipated upcoming resort openings in the Caribbean: The Pyrmont Curaçao, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort. As a travel advisor, I always look for unique properties that offer something special for my clients. This resort represents Marriott's first adults-only, all-inclusive footprint on the island of Curaçao, making it a highly anticipated option for luxury travel.

Slated to open early 2027, this 5-star property breaks the mold of standard all-inclusive resorts by blending historical charm with modern seaside luxury. The resort sits on a private beachfront in Willemstad’s historic Pietermaai District, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located just 20 minutes from Hato International Airport and sits within walking distance of the famous Queen Emma pontoon bridge, vibrant shopping districts, and local art galleries. The design beautifully restores and incorporates two iconic neoclassical residences, Cerro Bonito and Kas di Pueblo, offering a distinct Old World Dutch-Caribbean aesthetic paired with modern comforts.

The property features 305 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, each equipped with a private balcony offering views of either the Caribbean Sea or the city of Willemstad. The all-inclusive program focuses on elevated, curated culinary experiences across six distinct venues. This includes Cerro Bonito showcasing local island flavors, Saboria featuring Mediterranean dishes, Kaiya serving Asian cuisine, and Vista Waldeck, a rooftop sunset lounge. For amenities, guests have access to multiple beachfront infinity swimming pools, dedicated beach and pool service, a custom waterfront boardwalk, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a luxury spa integrated into the historic structures. I'll be posting a full review of this resort upon our return, so stay tuned!

If you would like to take that special someone to the Pyrmont Curaçao or any other all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, click the Contact Us button for my Travel Request Form, send me a message, or email [email protected]!

08/28/2026

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. "M" and Mr. and Mrs. "M" who just booked a repeat trip to Secrets Playa Blanca this February in Cancun! They'll loved their first stay so much they brought other family members this time! They'll both be staying in a Swim Up King suite!

Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres is an AAA Five Diamond award-winning, adults-only sanctuary tucked along a secluded, expansive stretch of pristine white-sand beach just 12 miles north of Cancun. Seamlessly blending modern elegance with earthy, organic architecture and local Mexican art, the resort creates an upscale yet laid-back atmosphere perfect for romance and deep relaxation. Guests can immerse themselves in the brand's signature Unlimited-Luxury experience—which includes wristband-free access to nine gourmet à la carte restaurants, eight top-shelf bars, and 24-hour room service—or unwind across four distinct pool areas, ranging from a lively oceanfront infinity pool with a swim-up bar to a quiet, lushly shrouded jungle oasis. Complete with a world-class, 18,000-square-foot spa, swim-out suite options, and convenient proximity for day trips to Isla Mujeres, this tropical haven masterfully balances tranquil privacy with unforgettable Caribbean exploration.

Why Secrets Playa Blanca?

☑ All-suite, luxury oceanfront resort located along the Costa Mujeres shoreline, featuring a pristine and expansive white-sand beach with secluded natural surroundings and crystal-clear waters

☑Handmade local art adorning each guest suite

☑Four large swimming pools including two oceanfront infinity pools with
breathtaking views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, one activities pool, one jungle-inspired pool plus 10 smaller pools exclusively for guests staying in swim out suites

☑Ideal location for snorkeling, kitesurfing, whale shark swimming experience, scuba diving and sport fishing – the world’s second largest barrier reef sits close to the resort’s shore

☑Unique culinary experiences including kitchen tours to meet chefs, cooking classes and tequila/wine tastings

☑9 reservation free restaurants and 8 bars

☑State-of-the-art Spa facilities, the ideal place to pamper yourself and your loved one

☑Limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining options without reservations required

☑Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits

☑Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks

☑24-Hour room service

☑Concierge services

☑Pool and beach wait service

☑Daily refreshed mini bar with soft drinks, juice, bottled water and b**r

☑Daily maid service

☑Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment

☑Theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues

☑No wristbands required

☑Free Wi-Fi

If you would like to take that special someone to Secrets Playa Blanca or any other all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, click the Contact Us button for my Travel Request Form, send me a message, or email [email protected]!

08/15/2026

Huge congratulations to the future Mr. and Mrs. H! They just booked their dream honeymoon for this June at Impression Moxché by Secrets in Playa del Carmen, and I could not be more excited for them.

To make their celebration extra special, they went with a Signature Swimout Suite Tropical View room. This place is an absolute jaw-dropper. It offers nearly 1,000 square feet of pure luxury with a King bed and top-tier amenities. Unlike traditional swim ups, these suites essentially give them their own oversized private pool right off the terrace, which can even be heated upon request for total vacation bliss.

Because Impression Moxché is an ultra-exclusive, boutique section built directly inside the main Secrets Moxché property, Mr. and Mrs. H get the absolute best of both worlds. They will enjoy the ultimate privacy of the upscale Impression side, plus full exchange privileges to explore the entire sister resort right next door. This means they have dual access to 12 total pools, including a stunning lagoon pool and 3 unique man made cenote pools, plus a hidden speakeasy, live music, and every single restaurant and bar across both properties.

Here is a glimpse of what is waiting for them:

VIP Treatment: A dedicated personal butler available via WhatsApp from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm to handle restaurant lists, room customization, and daily itineraries.

Rooftop Luxury: Lazy days spent lounging on complimentary Bali beds at the breathtaking, exclusive Cielo rooftop infinity pool while catching stunning panoramic sunsets.

Incredible Food: Access to an elite culinary lineup, ranging from the private Seaside Beach Club to over a dozen global dining options across both resorts, perfect for adventurous foodies.

Discerning Perks: High end boutique luxury within a secure gated community, complete with complimentary daily laundry service to keep packing light and stress-free.

If you would like a quote for Impression Moxché by Secrets or any other all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean let me know! You can send me a direct message, click the Contact Us button for my travel request form, or email me at [email protected].

08/05/2026

Huge congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. K, who just booked a well deserved anniversary trip this February to Atelier Playa Mujeres in Cancun. They had a specific list of exactly what they wanted out of a resort, and Atelier hit every single requirement on their list.

To make the milestone celebration even better, they chose an Inspira Swim Out suite.

Atelier Playa Mujeres is an incredible adults only, all-inclusive property tucked away in a quiet gated community. It sits right on a pristine stretch of soft white sand beach. Because the coast is protected by nearby Isla Mujeres, the turquoise water stays calm, shallow, and peaceful. The property is famous for its world class, personalized hospitality. The highly attentive staff anticipates every need, offering flawless beachside wait service so guests never have to leave their loungers. The resort also features 13 restaurants and 12 bars, making it a perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

By upgrading to the Inspira Suites category, Mr. and Mrs. K get some great VIP perks during their stay. They will enjoy a personal butler to take care of restaurant reservations, unpacking, and random requests. They also get exclusive entry to the INSPIRA Rooftop Pool, a dedicated lounge, and a private Inspira beach section with its own premium beach bar. Their room will include upgraded amenities like a rolling bar with premium spirits, plus custom pillow and room scent menus. They even get a free hydrotherapy session at NUUP Spa.

On top of the Inspira perks, the Swim Out Suite gives them a large private terrace with direct access to a heated swimming lane right outside their door. They can step straight into the water whenever they want, which is total vacation bliss.

If you would like a quote for Atelier Playa Mujeres or any other all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico, let me know! You can send me a direct message, click the Contact Us button for my travel request form, or email me at [email protected].

07/28/2026

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. W who just got in on that tremendous deal I posted the other day to Majestic Mirage Punta Cana! The price was so good they decided to go for an additional night and upgrade to a swim out suite!

Majestic Mirage Punta Cana is the ultimate all-suite Caribbean paradise, delivering a flawless blend of luxury, entertainment, and world-class hospitality. Guests are greeted with the ultimate upscale convenience of dedicated butler service, ensuring that your premium vacation needs are seamlessly handled from arrival to departure. The culinary journey across the resort is exceptional, featuring eight distinct restaurants that operate on a hassle-free, first-come, first-served basis—meaning you can walk right into the gourmet Argentinean steakhouse, authentic Italian eatery, beachfront seafood grill, or international buffet whenever hunger strikes. The only two exclusive exceptions requiring reservations are the entertaining Teppanyaki cooking tables at Kabuki and the fine-dining French restaurant, L'Essence, both of which your butler can easily book for you upon arrival. Beverage options are equally impressive, with 11 premium bars scattered throughout the property, including swim-up bars, sophisticated lounges, and a 24-hour sports bar serving top-shelf liquors. During the day, guests can cool off in multiple sparkling swimming pools and winding swim-up rivers, or take part in a robust schedule of daily activities including non-motorized water sports, beach volleyball, and fitness classes. As the sun sets, the resort comes alive with vibrant evening shows, live music performances, and an on-site casino and disco that keep the energy high well into the night.

Check out my personal review of Majestic Mirage here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1NuojG372k/

August 28 - September 2 (5 nights) is still pricing out great at $2875.10 per couple for a Mirage Club Suite in the adults section including flights from Des Moines!

If you want a quote for Majestic Mirage Punta Cana or any other all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico, let me know! You can send me a direct message, click the Contact Us button, or email me at [email protected].

Mark the Travel Dad

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