All-inclusive resorts and sunny beaches are just a short, nonstop flight away.When was the last time you turned off your phone, closed your laptop, and spent some quality time lounging on the beach? If it’s been a minute, let’s chat about why you should consider Cancun and Riviera Maya as your next vacation destination.Soak up the sun in Cancun.The hotel and resort options are endless.Cancun and Riviera Maya (including areas like Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel) are among the most visited tourist regions in Mexico and boast over 120,000 hotel rooms. Whether you’re interested in simple overnight accommodations or want to splurge on a massive, luxury all-inclusive resort on the beach, you’ll find it. Pork tacos, anyone?It can be overwhelming to decide where to go and where to stay. One thing I’d recommend as you begin your trip planning is to hop on TripAdvisor and check out the things you’d like to see and do. Save them as you go, and then view them all on a map. If the majority of things you’d like to see are near Tulum, stay there.These boats are ready to head out from the beach in Cancun.If you don’t want to spend much time exploring and plan to be at a resort for most of your stay, skip right to the hotels page on TripAdvisor and explore the amenities of each property. You can also enter your desired travel dates and compare prices.Punta Sur Eco Beach in Cozumel is picture perfect.Remember you’ll need to factor in travel time from the Cancun airport to your resort. Tulum and areas to the south will take about an hour to reach from the Cancun airport. Cozumel requires a ferry, which will add another 45+ minutes to your journey.Cancun is in sight…ready for landing!It has never been easier to get to Cancun!CVG has several nonstop airline choices to get to and from Cancun easily. Four carriers at CVG offer year-round or seasonal service to the sunny shores of Mexico.- Frontier (departs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays year-round)- Viva Aerobus (departs Sundays year-round)- American (seasonal winter service)- Delta (seasonal winter service)Service days and routes are subject to change at any time.Keep in mind you will need a valid passport to travel to Cancun. Be sure to apply or renew your passport well before you travel and stay up to date on the current processing times [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html).Playa Delfines is gorgeous.The beach looks great; what else is there to do?Cancun is home to famous beaches like [Playa Delfines](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/cancun/zona-hotelera/attractions/playa-delfines/a/poi-sig/411558/1342478), and many of my friends can lie out by a pool or in a beach chair for seven days and love every minute of it. And that’s totally cool! I love visiting beautiful beaches and spending some time relaxing, but I usually get a little antsy and want to see what else is happening in a new destination.There are many shopping and dining options in Playa del Carmen.Cancun, Riviera Maya, and the surrounding areas have a lot to offer.Xoximilco CancunThere’s music…with food…and drinks…on a boat with friends! What could be better? Check out [Xoximilco](https://www.xoximilco.com/en/), and enjoy a ride on a trajinera through canals with live entertainment and games paying homage to the famous Xoximilco lagoon. Consider booking your ticket in advance during peak season. Taking control of a monster truck? Yes!XavageAt this thrill park, you can drive your own monster truck and get muddy, take on a ropes course, or hop aboard a jet boat. [Xavage](https://www.xavage.com/en/?langRedirect=1) offers a variety of adrenaline filled activities and includes meals throughout the day. The coolest part is that all activities are unlimited, as is the food. Book in advance for cheaper tickets.Cenotes Dos OjosCenotes’ naturally occurring sinkholes filled with water are beautiful to see in person. Many of them, including [Cenotes Dos Ojos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistema_Dos_Ojos), located about one hour south of Cancun, offer relaxing swimming, snorkeling, or diving opportunities. The area surrounding the Tulum Ruins adds to the experience.Tulum Archaeological SiteThe ruins of this Mayan city sit along a beautiful coastline, which makes for a perfect day trip from Cancun. Situated about 90 minutes south of the Cancun tourist area, the [Tulum Archaeological Site](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g150813-d153186-Reviews-Tulum_Archaeological_Site-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html) or Tulum Ruins offers the chance to see temples, palaces, and watch towers.Historic Chichen Itza awaits.Chichen ItzaTake a daytrip to one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Mexico, [Chichen Itza](https://www.chichenitza.com/). Over two million people come through this 1,500-year-old site every year. To visit one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World,” you can book a reputable guide service or check with your hotel to help arrange a tour.Mayan Museum of CancunThis highly rated modern museum features many artifacts and displays the history of the Mayan people and archaeology of Quintana Roo. With an entry fee around $5, the [Mayan Museum of Cancun](https://www.inah.gob.mx/museos/museo-maya-de-cancun) is a great way to spend an afternoon.Tulum RuinsBook a vacation package and leave the planning to the pros.Don’t feel like sifting through hotel reviews or figuring out how to get to and from the airport in Cancun? [Vacation Express](https://www.vacationexpress.com/) and [Apple Vacations](https://www.applevacations.com/) offer complete packages, many of which feature all-inclusive resorts.Check out the lighthouse overlooking the beach in Cozumel.What to know about sargassum?Like many Caribbean, Mexican, and Central American destinations, Cancun beaches have to deal with a build- up of grass called sargassum. It’s not harmful, but it stinks if it sits on shore for a while. Large-scale efforts are in place to reduce the amount of sargassum that washes ashore, and many hours are spent by workers removing the grass if it does reach the shoreline.The “sargassum season” runs from around late January to September. It won’t ruin a trip (we dealt with heavy sargassum on a trip to Belize), but it’s something to be aware of.Taakk Bi Ha Cenote near Playa del CarmenI’m always on the lookout for low fares and post them on the [Jay’s Deals](https://jetwithjay.cvgairport.com/jays-deals/) page. I’d love to hear about your Cancun trip! You can reach me on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and X ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial)) at @JayKruzOfficial.I’ll see you in a lounge chair by the pool!-Jay

A helicopter, an assortment of engines, and various small aircraft are some resources available to students at [Epic Flight Academy’s aircraft mechanic school](https://epicflightacademy.com/aircraft-mechanic/). The school held its grand opening ceremony on Monday, April 22 at its new location on CVG’s campus.Students can complete Epic Flight Academy’s program in about 19 months. They will have the opportunity to become FAA-certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) aviation mechanics, which are in high demand, and the students can seek employment at CVG. As one of the fast-growing cargo airports in the world, as well as having robust passenger airline activity, CVG has thousands of jobs across the campus and only looks to increase employment in the years to come, as evidenced by the recent [opening of FEAM Aero’s second aircraft maintenance hangar](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/news/item/business-courier-feam-aero-opens-second-usd45-million-aircraft-repair-hangar/). Many future mechanics are eager for their careers to takeoff.“I’ve been working for an airline for three years. I’ve become friends with other mechanics, and they informed me about this school. It was the right place and right time. I’m excited about electronics and avionics, and I am ready to learn how different computer systems work in each different type of aircraft,” said Elias Unasa, student, Epic Flight Academy. Another student, Dalton Messer, was previously employed in cargo operations, and he is ready for a new opportunity within the aviation industry.“I’m looking forward to being back out on the ramp and being with the planes. I want to learn everything I can, I am really looking forward to it,” said Messer.If you or someone you know is interested in joining Epic Flight Academy’s school, the program is offering year-round open enrollment and has rolling start dates for classes. Eligible students must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent, amongst other requirements. You can learn about the school’s curriculum by visiting [Epic Flight Academy’s website](https://epicflightacademy.com/aircraft-mechanic/), or by calling 1-866-359-3742. The opening of Epic Flight Academy’s aircraft mechanic school at CVG represents another way that the airport has become a self-sufficient ecosystem at the epicenter of e-commerce in the United States and a leading job hub for the Cincinnati region.

After what many are calling the ‘gloomiest winter ever,’ passengers are flocking to CVG Airport to fly south for spring break and summer vacations. In fact, more than 1.6 million people are expected to fly in and out of CVG throughout March and April; that number grew by 10% year over year. The airport’s most popular spring break destinations are: - Tampa (TPA)- Orlando (MCO)- Fort Myers (RSW)- Miami (MIA)- Destin (VPS)If you are one of the many travelers who has their flight booked, CVG has important travel tips for you.1. Reserve a parking spaceNew to the airport, you can pre-pay and reserve a parking space in the CVG Terminal Garage or CVG Economy Lot. Spaces are limited, [book your spot today](https://www.cvgairport.com/parking-options/).2. Free wheelchair assistanceIf you have mobility needs, contact your airline in advance to arrange free [wheelchair assistance](https://www.cvgairport.com/accessibility/) at both your departure and arrival airports. Often, a wheelchair assistant will meet you at ticketing in the Terminal and assist you through the airport to your gate and onto your flight. When you get to your destination, the assistant will then help transport you off the plane and through the airport to your ground transportation.3. Personalized assistance through TSA CaresAnother free option available to all passengers is a program that offers personalized assistance through the TSA security checkpoint called the [TSA Cares program](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support). This is especially helpful to a person who has a medical device, disability, or medical condition. In addition, this program is helpful to those who do not speak English as a first language or those wearing or traveling with important religious or cultural items. To request this service, contact TSA at least three days before your flight. You can fill out the [TSA Cares form](https://www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares) or call (855) 787-2227.4. Free sunflower lanyard signals non-visible disability to aviation employeesCVG participates in the worldwide [Sunflower Lanyard Program for Hidden Disability Awareness](https://hdsunflower.com/us/). Free sunflower lanyards are available at the information desk on the Baggage Claim level or can be ordered ahead of time via info@cvgairport.com or 859-767-3230. This program is helpful for those who want to signal to employes at the airport that they have a non-visible disability or travel anxiety and may need extra support.5. Come home to a clean carYou have a lot to think about before you leave on a trip. Now, at CVG, you can take car-care off the list. When you utilize CVG’s Valet parking service, you can have your car taken care of by the airport’s partner, Vohnt. Your car can get detailed, including pet hair removed, oil changed, tires rotated, and gas topped off while you’re away. [Explore pricing options now.](https://www.vohnt.com/valet-car-care-airport/cvg)6. Reserve a taxi at CVGA cutting-edge taxicab service, zTrip, is now at CVG Airport. The convenient option allows you to walk up to reserve a taxi or book by calling 513-962-1122. You can rest assured that your drivers have met high-quality safety standards. [View the reliable taxi options](http://www.zTrip.com).

Thanks to our travelers who participated in the [Airport Service Quality (ASQ)](https://aci.aero/programs-and-services/asq/) surveys, [CVG has now been named a top airport](https://www.cvgairport.com/business/news/item/nky-tribune-cvg-named-to-aci-worlds-roll-of-excellence-one-of-best-airports/) in North America that serves five to 15 million passengers a year. We are also one of eight airports in the world to be inducted into Airports Council International (ACI) World Director General’s Roll of Excellence – a recognition given to airports that have won multiple ASQ awards over a five-year period.“Delivering an excellent customer experience continues to be a shared priority for all of us at CVG,” said Candace McGraw, CEO, CVG. “We are proud to be included in this year’s Roll of Excellence for the Airport Service Quality Awards, a distinction based on direct, positive passenger feedback over the last five years.”Overall, the ASQ survey results showed that CVG passengers were most pleased with the courtesy and helpfulness of our staff and were most satisfied with the ease of accessing the terminal and traveling through the airport. Every survey response matters to CVG and will be used to continue the airport’s mission of redefining and elevating the role of an airport. If you would like to share your feedback next time you fly through CVG, look for an airport team member being followed by a droid-like robot. That robot is used to carry iPads for the surveys. We guess you could say it’s responsible for human-airport relations (for Star Wars fans). Thank you for traveling through CVG and naming the airport a top one in the world.

Fifth Third ATMA lounge full of comfortable couches and chairs, an interactive play space for children, desk space, a hydration station, and private booths for phone calls are some of the features at Fifth Third’s new location in Concourse B at CVG Airport. You don’t have to be a bank customer to utilize the space that is conveniently located outside of the food court, but if you are interested in banking on the go, Fifth Third offers all the services you need including an ATM and currency exchange. Fifth Third lounge“This modern and versatile space is a great amenity for leisure and business travelers,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “Fifth Third’s new location in Concourse B is yet another improvement to elevate the travel experience at CVG, and we’re grateful for their partnership.”Private phoneboothInteractive play area for childrenIt is important to Fifth Third and CVG to highlight the community. Two Cincinnati area artists, Scott Filipiak and Jeffrey Samuel Jr., have pieces on display. One illustrates currency exchange from the U.S. dollar to the British pound. The other depicts Black female leaders from the Cincinnati area: Marian Spencer, the first African American female mayor of Cincinnati, and Miriam Nagel, the first female officer of Fifth Third Bank, who had her student pilot’s license during World War II.Scott Filipiak’s “Dollars to Euros”Jeffery Samuel’s “The ‘Tail’ of the M’s: A Tribute to Pioneering Women"Whenever you next fly in or out of Concourse B, be sure to stop by Fifth Third’s new financial center to check out these amenities and the future of banking on the go.

Hi there, Eiffel Tower!All eyes will be on Paris this summer as the [2024 Summer Olympics](https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/paris-2024) make their way to The City of Light.If you’re planning a trip to cheer on swimmers in the Seine River or watch volleyball with a view of the Eiffel Tower, I want to help!Paris is one of the most famous European destinations from CVG and with good reason. It’s easy to get to (with even more flights being added later this year), easy to navigate even if you don’t speak French, and offers a chance to visit some of the most famous spots in the world. The perfect start to a day in Paris.The Eiffel Tower… and much more!Any first-time visit to Paris will probably include visiting the city’s most iconic landmark. At over 1,000 feet high, the real Eiffel Tower is three times bigger than the one at Kings Island. There are also multiple ways to ascend to the viewing platform at the top. If you want to save a few bucks and are physically able to, you can climb the 674 steps from the ground to the “second floor.” The climb to the top takes a little extra time but offers unique views.It makes for a pretty cool experience: fewer people, a chance to pause and enjoy the view on the way up, and the opportunity to appreciate the intricate design of the Tower. You can also take an elevator from the ground to the top. We decided to visit at sunset and enjoyed a daytime and nighttime view.A stunning view from the Eiffel Tower.There are plenty of famous places to check out. Make sure to grab a ticket in advance for The Louvre. Originally a 12th-Century fortress, it is the most visited art museum in the world. And for good reason. It houses some of the most iconic works of art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus De Milo, and The Raft of the Medusa.A perfect activity for a brisk, cloudy morning.We chose the very first time slot and immediately made our way to the Mona Lisa, then the Venus De Milo. This allowed us to view both works before the massive crowds moved in.(Left) All alone with the Mona Lisa. (Right) The façade of The Louvre.Make sure to allow plenty of time to see as much as you can; it’s a huge space with thousands of pieces on display. About five years ago, a massive fire heavily damaged one of the world’s most famous examples of French Gothic architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Since then, over 1,000 people have worked tirelessly to restore the 860year-old building to its former glory. The building is scheduled to reopen to the public this December, but the exterior can be viewed anytime. The Notre-Dame de Paris (before the fire of 2019)If you have time, try strolling by during the day and again at night to truly appreciate its beauty. Continue walking along the Seine River to appreciate the beauty of Parisian homes and neighborhoods. Stop into a cafe for a bite to eat or a pastry (just don’t eat while using public transportation).A cloudy day along the Seine RiverOther stops on your trip might include the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Moulin Rouge, Musee d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees. I recommend checking out the TripAdvisor top things to visit page here to decide what you’d like to do before arriving. Paris is a perfect destination any time of year.The city makes a great vacation choice for anyone, whether it be a honeymoon, a couples getaway, family trip, an excursion for a solo traveler, or just a last-minute escape. As the seasons change, so do the events and things to see around town. A bustling street in the cityJanuary through early March offer great value. Flights are cheaper, accommodations are plentiful, and tourist attractions have shorter lines. Spring break sees an increase in tourism as families look to visit while their kids are out of school, and the number of visitors continues to increase into summer. July is generally the busiest month for tourists. August is busy, too.Summertime is magicalLonger days and nicer weather attract visitors from around the world. Prices will be a bit higher, and you’ll want to book hotels and attractions well in advance. The Pantheon Dome during Christmas 2019When September rolls around, so do the deals. The crowds thin, and the weather is still nice. Christmas in Paris is beautiful with decorations and markets to visit around town. A Christmas market with Notre Dame in the backgroundParis makes a great “home base” to explore France.Thanks to an excellent public transportation system, including high-speed trains, Paris is a great place to begin or wrap up a trip around France.Hello, Lyon!Take a two-hour train ride south and experience the city of Lyon. We really enjoyed it. It’s a big city but has sort of a smaller town feel than Paris. (Kind of like Cincinnati!) A trip in November was perfect for us; the weather was comfortable, the crowds were small, and we were able to see some remaining fall colors while the Christmas markets were gearing up.A beautiful view along the Rhone River in LyonContinue just another hour south by train, and you’ll experience the magnificent medieval town of Avignon. I can’t say enough about this incredible gem in the Provence region of France. The town looks like a fairytale around every corner, complete with a 14th-century papal palace appropriately named the [Palais des Papes.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_des_Papes)Avignon is gorgeousThe city has a beautiful river, excellent cafes and shops, and friendly people. We booked a small group tour of the Provence area, which ended up being a private tour with an excellent guide because it was the low season. The views, history, and tastes of the region are unlike anything else. The Provence region in late fall was perfectAccommodations are easy to come by and are more affordable than larger cities like Paris. Much like any European city, expect smaller, cozier hotel rooms. Bonus: terraces!We’re all about a good terrace!Paris is easy to get to from CVG!I’ve often mentioned my favorite flight from CVG is Delta’s non-stop service to Paris. And it still is! Here’s why.- It’s currently offered three times per week, and beginning May 23, 2024, it will be offered seven days a week.- It leaves at 6:05 pm, which can save you valuable vacation time. Work pretty much a full day, head to the airport, hop on board, and enjoy dinner shortly after takeoff. After dinner, pop on your eye mask and headphones, get some sleep, and wake up around 8:00 am Paris time, ready to greet the city!- You can often find a great deal on this flight during off-peak times or by booking ahead. One-stop flights are offered daily on American, United, Delta, and Air Canada as well.The architecture of The Louvre is beautiful.Planning on traveling to Paris during the Olympic Games?Awesome! It will be an incredible experience in a world-class city. Here are a few things I’d recommend.- Book your flights now. Or better yet, yesterday. If you’re having difficulty finding flights, try flying into London, Barcelona, Amsterdam, or other nearby cities, and book a short flight from there.- Book your accommodations now. (Again, yesterday would have been better.) Paris can get pricey during the summer months. Add in a major event like this, and finding a place can be challenging. Consider looking outside of the main core of the city and in an area with good public transit access to get you into the city. There will also be competition [venues](https://www.paris2024.org/en/competition-venue-concept/) throughout the Paris region—and all of France—so figure out what interests you most and plan accordingly.- Beware of ticket deals that seem too good to be true. Make sure to purchase tickets directly from trusted sources.Keep an eye on the [Jay’s Deals](https://jetwithjay.cvgairport.com/jays-deals/) page for a great deal on your next flight. We love visiting Europe and sharing our adventures at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and X ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial)). I’ll see you in a cafe in Paris this summer!-Jay