San Diego, California

Overview

San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public.

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Things to Do

There are many exciting activities to enjoy during your stay in San Diego. First of all it is on the ocean so you can enjoy the beach and warm sunny days. There is also a zoo that is found to be very popular for tourists. There are also lighthouses, brewing companies, shopping, ice cream shops, and more!

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Price/Hotels

You should plan to spend around $161 per day on your vacation in San Diego, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $36 on meals for one day and $19 on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in San Diego for a couple is $183. So, a trip to San Diego for two people for one week costs on average $2,256. All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

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Beaches

There are many beaches to visit while spending time in San Diego. They also provide multiple activities to do while on the beaches. Each beach features different restaurants, hotels, and activities.

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Shopping

In San Diego there are many shopping options from locally owned boutiques to shopping malls. Being that San Diego is a bigger city there are multiple options for you to choose from. There are also the normal tourist stores.

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Language

The main language in San Diego is English. There are also people that speak Spanish.

Personal Opinion

I have never been to San Diego, but I will be visiting in June! I am excited to visit this new place with a classmate of mine and a teacher! It sounds like a beautiful city where I will be able to learn many new things.

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Gulf Shores, Alabama

Overview

Gulf Shores is a city on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Its Gulf State Park has beaches, trails and a pier, plus a golf course and a zip line over the dunes. To the west, sea turtles and migratory birds thrive among the coastal habitats of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Farther west, 19th-century Fort Morgan guards Mobile Bay. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo offers hands-on encounters with lemurs, kangaroos and sloths.

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Things to Do

There are a variety of things to do in Gulf Shores. You can hike at the Gulf Shores State Park, visit the zoo, go to Waterville, visit the beach, and go ziplining. There are also fishing charters, water activities, and shopping. The list never ends!

Things to do

Price/Hotels

The average price of a 7-day trip to Gulf Shores is $1,594 for a solo traveler, $2,863 for a couple, and $5,367 for a family of 4. Gulf Shores hotels range from $62 to $284 per night with an average of $92, while most vacation rentals will cost $360 to $480 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) are between $490 and $779 per person for economy flights and $1,538 to $2,445 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $47 to $90 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

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Beaches

There are many beaches in Gulf Shores. There are private and public. The most popular is the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Also, every beach has different activities. Some beaches offer parasailing and water activities while others offer sun and relaxation.

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Shopping

There are many options for shopping in Gulf Shores. From funky souvenir stands and elegant fashion finds to your standard outlet mall stores, the opportunities to buy and window shop in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are endless. Find out what kind of beach shopping you can get done when you take a trip to Alabama’s Gulf Coast this season by clicking on the link below!

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Language

91.51% of Gulf Shores residents speak only English, while 8.49% speak other languages.

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Personal Opinion

I have never visited Gulf Shores, Alabama before. My family is looking into visiting here this upcoming summer. I have been doing some research on different things that we can do or see while we are there. I hope to visit this summer because it seems like a quiet area with a lot of things to do!

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Overview

Jackson is a town in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole valley, home to 3 ski areas: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort. The Town Square features arches made of shed antlers from the nearby National Elk Refuge. The National Museum of Wildlife Art has works by Andy Warhol and Georgia O’Keeffe. North are the peaks of Grand Teton National Park, as well as vast Yellowstone National Park.

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Things to Do

You can visit Jackson Hole in the summer or winter. They are both beautiful! This lovely Midwestern town serves as the backdrop for outdoor sports and adventures such as skiing, hiking, climbing, golfing, shooting, and so much more.

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Price

The average price of a 7-day trip to Jackson is $2,473 for a solo traveler, $4,442 for a couple, and $8,327 for a family of 4. Average worldwide flight costs to Jackson Hole Airport are between $591 and $1,041 per person for economy flights and $1,855 to $3,267 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $54 to $135 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

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Hotels

There are many hotels, vacation homes, and condos to stay at in Jackson Hole. Jackson hotels range from $85 to $386 per night with an average of $121, while most vacation rentals will cost $200 to $1000 per night for the entire home.

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Shopping

Jackson Hole is known for their town square. Filled with fun shops, and many places to eat. Spend a day shopping Jackson’s Town Square, famous for the elk antler arches on each corner. Just off the square, nestled away, is Gaslight Alley, home to jewelry stores, a made-in-Wyoming store, a candy shop, a bookstore, and more!

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Language

The main language in Jackson is English.

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My Personal Opinion

I have visited Jackson Hole for the past 3 years and absolutely love it! I have visited in the summer and gone to Yellowstone National Park. It is stunning and an amazing experience. I got to see elk, buffalo, birds, fish, and so much more! We also went white water rafting and that was a lot of fun. When we visit in the winter we go snowmobiling, but take a day to visit Jackson Hole! Amazing trips always!

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Dominican Republic

Overview

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west. It’s known for its beaches, resorts and golfing. Its terrain comprises rainforest, savannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain. Capital city Santo Domingo has Spanish landmarks like the Gothic Catedral Primada de America dating back 5 centuries in its Zona Colonial district.

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Things to Do

There is plenty to do in the Dominican from camel rides to day cruises. Many people like to golf and sit on the beaches. There are also national parks for hiking or walking.

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Price

The average price of a 7-day trip to the Dominican Republic is $1,889 for a solo traveler, $3,393 for a couple, and $6,360 for a family of 4. Obviously you could find deals on flights or hotels to lower this price.

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Beaches

Punta Cana is easily one of the most famous beach and resort spots in the country. With so many of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic in this one area, it can be hard to choose one that stands out — but Bavaro Beach is easily one of the best and most unique in Punta Cana.

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Hotels

Hotels range from $45 to $406 per night with an average of $167, while most vacation rentals will cost $120 to $1000 per night for the entire home.

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Shopping

The Dominican Republic is the shopping giant of the Caribbean. Browse designer stores in Santo Domingo’s shopping malls, notably the Blue Mall and Ágora, or shop at a handful of Dominican and international boutiques in Punta Cana, and La Romana. There are also tourist shops and many local sellers if you are looking for the personal touch.

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Language

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish, using the West Indians way in the everyday language. On its lexicon can be found African influences, foreign words coming mainly from the US English and also neologisms which collide with the archaisms kept from the old Spanish.

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Personal Opinion

I have never visited the Dominican Republic. I would love to visit some day as I have heard it is beautiful! My parents vacationed here for their honeymoon and loved it! I know students from a class I am taking that are currently visiting for a Spanish trip!

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Isla Mujeres

Overview

Isla Mujeres is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea, 13 kilometers off the coast from Cancún. It’s a vacation destination known for beaches such as northern Playa Norte, resort hotels and for snorkeling and scuba diving on the surrounding coral reefs. At Punta Sur, the southern tip, there’s a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple and a sanctuary for sea turtles.

Things to Do

There is plenty to do in Isla even though the island is “tiny”! Obviously on of the best things to do is hit the beach, but there is much more than that! There is a historical/eco park that is complete with Mayan Ruins, epic views, trails, and cliffs. There is an underwater sculpture garden that you can dive or snorkel at. This is a very interesting garden! There is also kayaking, snorkeling, boating, and more.

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Price

The average price of a 7-day trip to Isla Mujeres is $1,663 for a solo traveler, $2,987 for a couple, and $5,599 for a family of 4. Isla Mujeres hotels range from $92 to $531 per night with an average of $157, while most vacation rentals will cost $120 to $440 per night for the entire home.

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Beaches

Playa Norte is perhaps Isla Mujeres’ best-known beach. With its spit of sugar-white sand and ring of shallow aquamarine water bordered by palm trees, Playa Norte has consistently been listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is considered a must-see when visiting Isla Mujeres. There are also many other beaches to visit!

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Hotels

There are many hotels to stay at in Isla. They range in many prices. The following link is a guide that has different priced hotels. Check it out!

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Shopping

Although Isla produces few local crafts, the streets are filled with souvenir shops selling cheap T-shirts, garish ceramics, and seashells glued onto a variety of objects. Amid all the junk you may find good Mexican folk art, hammocks, textiles, and silver jewelry.

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Language

The main languages spoken on Isla Mujeres are Spanish and English.

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Personal Opinion

I have never visited Isla Mujeres, but I do have close family friends that have visited! They LOVE it! They say it is a small island where most people drive golf carts around. There are taxis, but not UBER. I would love to visit Isla as it sounds like a quiet environment where everyone can enjoy!

Watch this video to learn more!

Watch this video to find out more fun things to do and see at Isla.

Bora Bora

Overview

Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Surrounded by sand-fringed motus (islets) and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, it’s known for its scuba diving. It’s also a popular luxury resort destination where some guest bungalows are perched over the water on stilts. At the island’s center rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano.

Things to Do

There are many things to do in Bora Bora such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, yoga classes, and much more.

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Price

The average price of a 7-day trip to Bora Bora is $3,184 for a solo traveler, $5,718 for a couple, and $10,721 for a family of 4. Bora Bora hotels range from $136 to $684 per night with an average of $334, while most vacation rentals will cost $120 to $800 per night for the entire home.

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Beaches

There are many beautiful beaches in Bora Bora. The most popular is Matira Beach, located at the southern tip of Bora Bora’s mainland, Matira Beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of French Polynesia. It’s the only real stretch of beach on the mainland, and given that it’s open to the public, it attracts a mix of locals and tourists. White sand and clear, calm water combine for a breathtaking vista. The beach wraps around a peninsula, and it’s a popular spot for watching the sunset, snorkeling and topless sunbathing. There is also a hotel that is on this beach that you can stay at.

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Hotels

There are many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals to stay at while you are there. The popular thing about the resorts are the overwater bungalows. These bungalows range from $400-$1200 a night!

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Shopping

There are many different options for shopping. Art galleries, tourist shops, a lot of jewelry shops, and much more.

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Language

The main languages in Bora Bora are French and Tahitian, but you’ll find that many people also speak English, especially resort employees. French Polynesians move at a relaxed pace.

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Personal Opinion

I have always wanted to visit Bora Bora. Sometimes I think it would be a perfect place to vacation, but it is VERY expensive. Especially if you want to stay in an overwater bungalow. The flights are about $2,000 and it takes around 30 hours to get there. I don’t know that I could do all the connecting flights and waiting. I would love to visit, but maybe when I’m older.

Watch this video to learn more!

A video with more information!

Cozumel

Overview

Cozumel is a mostly undeveloped Mexican Island in the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular cruise ship port and is famed for its scuba diving.

Things to Do

There are many things to do in Cozumel. There are many tours, beaches, snorkeling, reefs, cooking classes, glass bottom tours, and much more.

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Price

The average price for a week trip to Cozumel is $1,541 for a solo traveler. Hotels range from $79 to $358 per night, while most vacation rentals cost $120 to $440 per night.

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Beaches

There are many beaches in Cozumel, but there are a few favorites. The first popular beach is called San Miguel de Cozumel. You can snorkel, scuba dive, and much more. The second popular beach is called El Cedral and this beach is cool because it is an archaeological site.

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Hotels

As mentioned before prices range for hotels. In Cozumel there are many hotels, vacation rentals, and condos available to stay at. There are choices along the beach or in the city.

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Shopping

There are many places to shop in Cozumel. There are malls, souvenir shops, and much more!

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Language

Spanish Mexican is the official language spoken by the majority of the population. Some people have to learn english due to their jobs.

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Personal Opinion

I have never visited Cozumel. I don’t know that I ever will due to the fact that so many cruise ships go there everyday. I don’t like to be constantly surrounded by that many people every day. I like a quiet and peaceful space!

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Cancún

These are a few photos I found on Google of Cancun Mexico.

Overview

Cancún is a Mexican city on the Yucatan Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its beaches, numerous resorts, and nightlife. Cancun is also a famed destination for students during universities’ spring break period.

Things to Do

Some popular things to do in Cancun are bus tours, day trips, water parks, archeological tours, snorkeling, theme parks, shopping, city tours, and self guided tours.

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Price

The average price of a 7-day trip to Cancun is $1,116 for a solo traveler. Cancun hotels range from $25 to $525 per night and most vacation rentals range from $20 to $440 per night for the entire home.

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Beaches

There are many beaches in Cancun, but some are better than others. The best beach rated by tourists is Playa Delfines. The second best beach is Costa Mujeres.

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Hotels

There are many hotels in Cancun. There are also condos, and vacation rentals. The top rated one is Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach.

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Shopping

There are many places to shop in Cancun. From tourist shops to large modern shopping malls. There are also grocery stores and flea markets.

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Language

The official language spoken in Cancun is Spanish. Most of the Mexicans working in tourism can speak English. Some of the local indigenous people speak Mayan as their first language, and Spanish as their second.

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Personal Opinion

I have actually never been to Cancun, Mexico. I am planning on going in April of this year! I am looking forward to exploring a new part of Mexico with friends! Overall I think it looks like a beautiful place to vacation along with spending time with family and friends.

Watch this video to learn more!

This is a short video about Cancun, Mexico!

Marco Island, Florida

Pictures of Marco Island, Florida. Picture Credit: Google Search

Overview

Marco Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida, linked to the mainland by bridges south of the city of Naples. It’s home to resort hotels, beaches, marinas and golf courses, as well as a network of inland waterways. A long, sandy beach covers most of the west coast, with resort hotels in the south. The population is around 17,930 people.

Things to Do

There are many things to do in Marco Island to keep adults and children occupied. Two of the most popular activities are paddleboarding and kayaking. One of the most popular places to do this activity is in the everglades. You can also go on airboat tours through the everglades and see alligators along with many other animals. There is also fishing charters, sunset cruises, dolphin watching, movie theatres, and much more!

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Price

The average price for a seven day trip to Marco Island as a solo traveler is an average of $2076. Marco Island hotels range from $108 to $494 per night. Average worldwide flight costs are between $520 and $983 per person for economy flights. Depending on activities, it is recommend budgeting $72 to $134 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

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Beaches

Marco Island is known to have some of the top beaches in the world. Being that it is an island there are not many beaches. There are two main beaches, Tigertail Beach and South Beach. These are the public beaches, but there a few private beaches.

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Hotels

Marco Island has multiple options for hotels, resorts, condos, and vacation rentals. There are choices along the beach or in the city.

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Shopping

In Marco Island there are plenty of shopping options such as grocery stores, malls, shopping plazas, and much more! There are tourist stores or just your normal shopping.

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Language

In Marco Island they speak English. This is a beautiful place to travel and there are no worries about learning a new language!

Personal Opinion

I have visited Marco Island in the past. It is a beautiful island that is full of nature and wonderful, kind people. My family and I stayed at the Hilton hotel and it was absolutely beautiful! We did some shopping which was fun and we went to a movie being that it rained a few days. We also went on an airboat tour and wildlife tour. We saw dolphins, alligators, manatees, and so much more. I would definitely go back and tour this island even more!

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San Josè del Cabo, Mexico

Pictures from San Jose del Cabo. Photo Credit: Macy Tollander

Overview

San Josè del Cabo is a resort city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. It is known for its sandy beaches and colonial buildings. The population as of 2020 is 136,285 people.

There are certain times that are better to travel to San Josè del Cabo. Peak season runs from December to Easter. If you are interested in watching the migrating whales, they pass through this area during peak season. Rainy season runs from July through October and during this time you will experience rain and possibly a hurricane.

Things to Do

In San Josè there are a variety of things to do. You can eat, tour the arch, fish, swim, golf, and much more! When I go to Mexico every year I do different activities. I have rode horses, ziplined through canyons, surfed, went on a cruise, snorkeled, and ate at many different restaurants. The food is delicious! There is something to do for everyone from sitting on the beach to riding atvs down the shore line!

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Price

The average price for a downtown trip to San Josè is $2397 per person. This price includes food, flights, and hotels.

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Beaches

San Josè del Cabo is rated one of the top five travel destinations and it is known for its sandy beaches. Medano Beach is rated number one for the most swimmable beach. Most of the beaches in San José are not able to be swam at because of the strong undercurrents. Some of beaches that I have visited are surrounded with people selling things and some are private. The beach in front of the resort that I stay at is private so there is no one on it.

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Hotels

San José has multiple options for hotels, resorts, condos, and vacation rentals for you to choose from. There are choices along the beach or off the beach. There are also options available on golf courses.

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Shopping

This city has many shopping attractions from small stores to shopping plazas. The stores line the streets and there is something for everyone! There are also local vendors on the beaches in town that offer a wide variety of items!

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Language

In San José del Cabo they speak mainly Spanish and some English. The workers hired at local resorts, hotels, and restaurants are required to know some English being that this area is highly common for travel. There is no need to worry about speaking Spanish as you can speak English the entire time you are there!

My Personal Opinion

Every year my family and I travel to San Josè. We stay at a resort called Baja Point (The Westin). Some people always think that Mexico is not a safe place to travel, but for me I have never felt like I was in danger. Our resort is guarded by police officers and it is gated, so it is a very safe environment. We have done many activities as I talked about above. My overall favorite activity was when we rented a yacht for the day. We were served lunch, beverages, and were able to swim. My second favorite activity was a fishing charter. We went deep sea fishing and caught two marlins.

My sisters and I swimming with dolphins!

My family and I after deep sea fishing!

The resort we stay at.

Video About San José

Watch this video to find out more about San José del Cabo to find out why you need to visit this location today!