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Do you want in on some Secrets?

 

I’m not talking about gossip or confidential information; I’m referring the Secrets resorts! Secrets Resorts are upscale adults only all-inclusive resorts. Secrets Resorts features “Unlimited Luxury”, a new and better way for adults to have it all. At Secrets resorts there are no wristbands or reservations for dining, an extra measure of romance, 24 hour room service, gourmet a la carte dining options, top shelf spirits, daily refreshed in room minibars, pool and beach wait service and more! They do a great job at combining an active lifestyle with relaxation and privacy. Secrets also offer their Preferred Club category of rooms that come with additional amenities and privileges.

There are 10 Secrets resorts located throughout Mexico, 2 resorts in Jamaica, and 1 in the Dominican Republic. Recently I was in Cancun, Cozumel, and the Riviera Maya and toured 6 of their resorts. There was not a bad one in the bunch, but all had distinctly different personalities!

Secrets Playa Mujeres will be their newest resort in Mexico; opening in November 2014. This resort reminds me of Costa Rica meets Mexico. It is lush and beautiful! We were there during construction (hard hats required for our tour!)

Secrets the Vine was my host hotel for 3 nights; I love this hotel! It is a very hip, happening resort. Do you like wine? This is the resort for you! They have daily wine tastings and one of the largest wine menus I have ever seen. Premium hotel zone location offers convenience to the airport and to Cancun and the beach is amazing.

Secrets Maroma Beach is a 5 diamond AAA resort located on one of the top ten beaches in the world and certainly the best beach in Mexico. If you are all about the beach, this is the resort for you! This is definitely a great option for couples or couples traveling together.

Secrets Silversands is a hip, modern, chic resort. This resort combines style with sexiness and sophistication. I would definitely categorize this as a fun resort for couples or a group of adults traveling together. The resort is one of 8’s – 8 pools, 8 bars, and 8 restaurants.

Secrets Riviera Capri is situated in a gorgeous tropical yet ocean front setting. This resort is unique in that the entire resort is Preferred Club with regards to room categories and amenities. The drive in to this resort is gorgeous, and the resort does not disappoint. Beautiful, nice sized rooms, great pools, and of course a great beach.

Secrets Aura Cozumel sits on one of the best beaches on all of Cozumel. Cozumel is a water enthusiast’s paradise and this resort has full service onsite dive operator. The resort all has the largest resort spa on the island. This is the perfect resort to do it all, or do nothing at all.

Each Secrets definitely has its own personality and its own vibe. While all of them are adult only, some are more of a couple’s environment and some are great for all adult guests. Working with a travel professional who takes the time to become educated and visit the properties helps to insure the right resort selection for you.

If you would like to see pictures of these resorts and some of the other Secrets resorts, check out my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CouplesTravelConciere

Safe Travels,

 

Do you have dreams in your future ??

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Do you have Dreams in your future?  jpeg
Dreams Resorts & Spas are located throughout Mexico (7), Dominican Republic (3), and soon Costa Rica & St. Thomas.  Dreams Resorts & Spas provide luxury in fabulous tropical settings with a great value proposition for your vacation experience.  There are no wristbands required and no dinner reservations required.  Dreams Resorts & Spas are managed by AMResorts; a North American company catering to the North American clientele.  You will find familiar brands throughout the resort, not just in beverages, but in food as well.  All resorts feature 24 hour room service, world class spas, specialty themed restaurants, top shelf spirits, fun-filled daytime activities, Explorers Club for kids, activities for teens (some resorts now have the Core Zone specifically for teens), themed night-time activities, and entertainment.  Each resort has its own personality which is something I love.  They are not cookie cutter!

Dreams Sands Cancun just opened on September 1, 2014.  It is in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone and very convenient to the airport.  Personally, I think the beach is small, but it is a very nice beach!  The view as you walk in to the resort lobby is amazing!

Dreams Riviera Cancun is about 30 minutes from the airport and is ideally situation for both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.  This is a great resort for everyone!  The resort features unique octagonal shaped rooms and suites, and most of the ground floor suites have private plunge pools!  Fabulous resort for Destination Weddings, group travel, families, couples, and singles!

Dreams Tulum is one of my favorite resorts!  Apparently I am not alone because this is where they filmed Bachelor in Paradise!  This resort has 44 acres of lush gardens and a beautiful stretch of beach.  There isn’t another resort for miles so you virtually have a private beach!  This resort features a new adult only section making this a great option for honeymoons and romance travel!  This resort has something for everyone; singles, couples, families and groups!

Dreams Puerto Aventuras is situated in the charming village of Puerto Aventuras.  The drive in to the resort is fabulous with all of the marina homes and yachts along the canal.  This resort has an onsite dolphinarium with dolphins and manatees.  There is also a PADI Gold Palm certified dive center on premises.  This resort is great for everyone!  The wedding gazebo is so cool at this resort!  This resort is ideal for Destination Weddings or family vacations.

Dreams Huatulco is on the Pacific coast of Mexico, down in the southwest corner of the country.  Hualtuco has 34 pristine beaches and 9 bays!  This luxurious resort, located on Tangolunda Bay is ideal for families, couples and friends. The resort is minutes away from waterfalls, lagoons, lush tropical jungle, and traditional Mexican towns.

Dreams Los Cabos is an all-suite AAA 4 diamond resort on the Sea of Cortez.  It is located 15 minutes from Cabo San Lucas & San Jose Del Cabo.  This resort embraces the elegance of traditional Mexican design!  All suites have a view of the Sea of Cortez and are generously sized.  This resort is also ideal for golfers as it located near 8 championship courses.

Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta is an all-suite resort outside of Puerto Vallarta with specatular views of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains.  This resort has exterior jacuzzi’s on every terrace; imagine sitting in your Jacuzzi watching the fabulous view of the bay or mountains in the evening.

Dreams Punta Cana  is in a secluded lush tropical paradise about 40 minutes from the airport on Uvero Beach.  This resort has one of the largest free-form swimming pools in the Dominican Republic.  The pool starts at the lobby and stretches all of the way to the beach, complete with waterfalls, a swim-up bar and venues throughout.  This resort is on a beautiful beach and offers a wide array of activities.

Dreams Palm Beach is conveniently located about 12 miles from the Punta Cana airport. This resort is located on the amazing Bavaro Beach!  This resort is somewhat spread out so bring your walking shoes and don’t be afraid to indulge in desserts!  This resort is great for families and couples.

Dreams La Romana is located on the Southeast coast of the Dominican Republic outside of La Romana.  This resort is great for singles, couples, and families.  Plenty of daytime activities for all age ranges, casino onsite, golf nearby, and 10 restaurants to choose from.

Dreams La Mareas Costa Rica is coming in November 2014!  Located on sugar-white sand and surrounded by lush green mountains and jungles in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, guests of all ages enjoy an action–packed vacation featuring watersports, land activities, and swimming pools while sunbathing or laying under a thatched palapa.  This resort will be geared to families, couples, and friends.

Dreams Sugar Bay is scheduled to open on December 25, 2014; Merry Christmas St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands!  This will be an excellent option for those needing or wanting to travel to a US Virgin island without a passport!  This will be a great resort for singles, couples, families, and groups.

I hope this brief overview gives you a glimpse in to your future Dreams!

Happy Travels,

Are you ready to live the Palace life ??

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Are you ready to live the Palace life?

Palace Resorts are way more than just a hotel at the beach; they are a resort experience. Palace Resorts are all-inclusive resorts that feature luxurious accommodations, fine dining, top shelf drinks, non-motorized water sports, and more at each resort.

The list of amenities and activities at each resort it too lengthy to mention here!  Some of the hallmark amenities at each resort include free Wi-Fi (throughout the resort and in your room), free calls from your room back to the US and Canada, unlimited food and beverage, 24 hour room service, a liquor dispenser and minibar in your guest room, and nightly entertainment.

One thing Palace is well known for is their up to $1500 resort crLeBlanc Pooledit! The amount of your resort credit is based on your length of stay at the resort. The current $1500 promotion is based on a 5-8 night stay; if your stay is less than 5 nights, the offer changes. This resort credit can go a long way in customizing your vacation experience to make it uniquely yours. On top of the all-inclusive luxury amenities and service, this resort credit can be used on spa and beauty salon treatments, golf outings, tours, romantic dinners, upgraded wine list and select Palace Resorts Wedding Collections.Palace Room Collage

 

Another great option with Palace resorts is their exchange privileges with the sister resorts. If you stay at one, you can visit others to enjoy their amenities, restaurants, pools, and beach.

 

 

Palace Resorts has 7 resorts in the Cancun-Riviera Maya area, including 1 on Cozumel.

 

 

Sun Palace – a couples-only resort set in Cancun. It has been a top award winner for romance ressun palaceorts and is ideal for  those who want a quiet, romantic getaway with an opportunity to experience Mexican culture through tours and activities, shopping and other experiences that only Cancun can offer.

Playacar Palace – situated on turquoise waters and powdery white sands of Playa del Carmen, a destination known for its laid back charm. This resort is also convenient to the ferry over to Cozumel so you can enjoy all the island has to offer as well. Playacar Palace is ideal for families, couples and social groups who seek culture, shopping and Mexican hospitality at its finest.

 

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Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort – perfect for a range of travelers including families, groups, and couples on the outskirts of Cancun, only about 10 minutes from the airport. There are endless activities and it is more like 3 resorts in one with the Sunrise, Nizuc, and Moon Grand. This resort is huge and has activities to suit nearly everyone.

10645237_575175052592692_7509697437647026473_nLeBlanc Spa Resort – located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone the coveted and highly acclaimed LeBlanc isperfect for those seeking to indulge in Cancun’s tranquil shores. A high-end playground for adults only, Le Blanc offers a world class spa, butler service, and fine international dining. It is also located near Cancun’s finest shops and nightlife.

Isla Mujeres Palace – a small, intimate, couples-only resort located in Isla Mujeres. This resort is ideal for travelers seeking a getaway that’s off the beaten path. Isla Mujeres Palace, boasts 62 luxurious rooms with the finest amenities, including a complimentary yacht ride for guests arriving from Cancun. Now that’s a great way to make an entrance!

Cozumel Palace – set directly on the amazing water of Cozumel, this resort is an ideal destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Cozumel Palace is one of Cozumel’s top rated all-inclusive resorts and is perfect for family, couples, and adventure travelers.

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Beach Palace – minutes away from Cancun’s trendy nightlife and upscale shopping, this destination caters to those seeking a warm escape with traditional Mexican hospitality. Beach Palace is a top rated resort for families and couples set on a white sandy beach in Cancun.

 

Coming Soon, Palace will have their first resort outside of Mexico! The new Moon Palace Jamaica Grande is coming to Ocho Rios Jamaica in early 2015! It will be the fabulous Jamaican spirit combined with the warmth of Mexican friendship. The family friendly resort will boast 705 rooms; most with ocean views! The resort will feature 5 restaurants, 6 bars, 4 pools, a kid’s pool, and all of the hallmark amenities that Palace has throughout the brand.
This is exciting news!

Now, are you ready to live the Palace Life?

 

Happy Travels

Kelley

5 reasons you need an All-Inclusive Group Getaway!

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All-Inclusive resorts are great options for your group getaways!

Whether, it is your Destination Wedding, your bachelor or bachelorette party, anniversary, mancation, girlfriend’s getaway, or a family vacation, an all-inclusive resort may be just what you and your guests need! Group vacations can be very fun, but they can also be very stressful when it comes to dealing with everyone’s budgets, travel schedules, and vacation expectations. Let’s look at 5 reasons why you will be the hero for suggesting the all-inclusive resort option for your next group getaway.

 

  1. Better Value

With any type of vacation, you have to balance price and value. All-Inclusive resorts are a great value proposition in a variety of ways. There are a variety of accommodation levels at the resorts, some of the guests can be in the entry level resort view rooms, while others may be in their butler suites with private plunge pools; yet they can all enjoy the vacation together.
There will always be guests, who don’t take full advantage of the resorts’ offerings, but they pay for it anyway; there will always be guests who use some of the amenities, then there are the guests who will make sure they use everything and anything available to them at the resort. Again, it’s about the group being together, yet each couple or family having exactly their style of vacation. My favorite quote by Warren Buffet is “Price is what you pay, Value is what you get”. This certainly rings true at an all-inclusive resort.

  1. Eat and drink like royalty
    Admit it, when we are on vacation, our eating habits change and we tend to indulge in everything! It is our responsibility to make sure we know what is we might be missing out on! C’mon, I know it’s not just me!! I’m not just talking your run-of-the-mill buffets, bland cafes, or fast food grills. The new face of all-inclusive resorts are in-house Michelin chefs, gastronomic dining programs (a la El Dorado Royale) and cocktail menus that are significantly fancier than that hipster dive bar down the street from you that was just on Bar Rescue. Did you know that at Sandals resorts, the various themed restaurant chefs are actually trained by chefs from the authentic regions? In short, it’s a foodies’ paradise these days at many of the all-inclusive resorts.

 

  1. Never be bored
    Activities at all-inclusive resorts are as varied as your group may be. There is literally something for everyone! Most resorts have opportunities for daily sports activities (think beach volleyball, basketball, tennis etc.!), non-motorized water sports, nightclubs, weekly themed beach parties, technology centers (think Xbox!), cooking and dancing classes, or even an     on-site casino in some locations. (Did you know Sandals even includes diving as one of their luxury included activities?) Of course there is also the activity of picking the perfect beach chair or cabana and listening to the sounds of the waves or catching up on your favorite book that has been on the bed stand for months waiting to be read. Let’s not forget the spas…

 

  1. No wallets!
    Okay, not literally. Someone is going to pay for something at some point, but you know what I mean. One of the beauties of an all-inclusive resort is you pretty much know your vacation cost right up front. At many of the all-inclusive resorts even the tips are included in the vacation cost! At an all-inclusive, there’s no lugging that hefty purse or wallet with you to the swim-up bar, the beach, dinner, snorkeling excursion, or anywhere else resort related! Please do bring it with you back home with most of the cash that you came with!

 

  1. Your guests will love you.
    This is partially because guests love reason #4. But furthermore, it also eliminates that awkward moment at a group event where everyone is scrambling/head-scratching over who is going to pick up the tab. Your guests will also love #1 (who doesn’t like a good value for their dollar?), #2 (we all love being royalty on our vacations!), and #3 (Remember, there is a difference between “bored” and “relaxed”!). Indeed, you get to look like the hero for suggesting this vacation option for your next group getaway.

 

Hopefully this gives you a brief insight as to why all-inclusive resorts are a great option for your next group getaway!

 

Happy Travels,

Did you insure ???

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This time of year brings a close to many of the summer activities, but in my world, it also brings the potential for storms that affect travel.  We are now in well in to hurricane season with the highest potential yet to come.   I always encourage everyone to get travel insurance because you just never know what is going to happen.  This week there are 2 hurricanes headed for the Hawaiian Islands, these are just not things you can anticipate!
The whole purpose of travel insurance is the same as any other insurance you may purchase, to protect you from unforeseeable events.   Unforeseeable events range from storms to medical emergencies.   Without discussing specific travel insurance policies, let’s take a look at some of the events that may affect your travel plans.
Storms:
Once a storm is named you cannot purchase insurance that will cover problems with your trip due to the storm. I hate it when I hear stories of vacations ruined due to a storm and people were traveling without insurance. If you’re going on the vacation you’ve always dreamed of, why would you risk all of your hard earned money by traveling without insurance?

Medical Emergency prior to travel:
It’s not just your medical emergency to consider, it could be someone else’s in your immediate family.  Do you have aging parents or grandparents?  Do you have children?  Do you have siblings?   My own personal story is that my dad became very ill and 5 days before a 3 week trip we had scheduled to Europe.  We were advised by physicians not to travel.  Had we not had travel insurance, it would have been a forfeit of all of our funds.  Just last week I had a client have to cancel due to a sudden unexpected death of a grandparent.  I had a groom have to reschedule a honeymoon due to a motorcycle accident.

Health insurance may not go the distance:
The majority of health insurance (including Medicare), worker’s compensation insurance, third-party and personal liability policies don’t cover international travel. Many employer based policies only provide medical coverage internationally when traveling on business, not personal travel.  If your insurance pays based on networks, there are very few international health care facilities that are considered “in network”.  In fact, a closer look at the inside of your passport will reveal that the government recommends travel insurance when traveling outside the United States.  (Check the “Important Information” page, #3)
Emergency medical evacuation may not be covered under traditional healthcare policies; if it is covered it may be at a very low limit.  $10,000 may sound like a lot of coverage, but the average medical evacuation is well over $30,000.
Trip Delay or Interruption:
Flights get delayed, flights cancel and luggage gets lost.  The airlines do not always provide compensation when you get stranded somewhere or if they “mishandle”.  Travel Insurance can be a real saver when it comes to the extra expenses incurred.  With proper documentation you can get reimbursed for hotel nights, meals, lost luggage, or even clothes to get you through until the luggage arrives.  It often takes 5 days for luggage to get reunited with its owner, if you are only on a 5 or 7 day vacation, this can be problematic.

We all experience tough economic times.
The loss of a job or other income might mean a trip planned in advance may have to wait. Travel insurance can help ease this burden.

I could go on and on with reasons and sad stories, but I won’t.  The bottom line is that life is unpredictable, things happen.  Peace of mind is priceless.  Please protect yourself and your vacation investment.  Not only will it give you peace of mind, it will give me peace of mind as well.  Trust me, you don’t want your travel concierge being cranky and worried about you!

Happy Travels!

Are you packed ??

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Are you packed?

Are you getting ready to go on a trip and wondering what to pack?   How do I make all that stuff fit in my suitcase and not go over 50 pounds?   What do I take to make my vacation easier and stress free?
Obviously, I have many tips of my own as I have traveled extensively for the last 18 years.  I also spoke with Angela Kubacek, owner of Haute Couture Boutiques in Navasota and Bryan, TX.
Between the two of us, we came up with some great ideas for you to think about.  Angela just recently returned from a mission trip to Honduras and some of her recommendations are based on her first hand experiences.

First, Angela recommends you carry a small over the shoulder or cross body purse that will hold the basics such as your passport (or ID if domestic travel), and money.  Keep your passport handy because when you are at the airport you will need it many times.  My recommendation here is a small cross-body bag that can be put inside your bigger carry-on tote so as not to exceed carry-on allowances.  Also, a cross-body bag will leave your hands free, which is always a plus not only in the airport but when touring in destination.


Next, Angela recommends you take basic tops and pants and dress them up.  A basic top can bedressed up with a scarf and the scarf can also be used as a shawl.  Try to pack with colors that will go together; two pair of pants and three shirts can all be changed around to make a different look.  Personally, I stick with solid color tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched.  I also recommend taking a jacket that can be used with everything you take.  I usually pick 2 or 3 core colors for the trip (you know me, one is always black!); this also helps cut down on the number of shoes you take.  Shoes take up space and add weight.  The fewer shoes you take, the more clothes you can take!  For example, all of my evening clothes revolve around the core color of black so only 1 pair of shoes required for the evenings.  One of my favorite color schemes for a week on the road is black, khaki, and red.  Here is an example of what I packed on a recent 8 day trip I took a pair of black pants, black Capri’s, khaki Capri’s, black and khaki shorts, and a khaki skort.  Those bottoms got me through days and evenings for an 8 day trip.

I wore the pants on the flight down and flight home; I alternated the Capri’s each evening, and the shorts or skort each day.  I did not take 16 tops!  I only took a few – all solid colors that were worn “plain” during the day, and dressed up in the evening with scarves or the jacket.  Tip – if you buy better fabrics (think wrinkle free, light weight) , as long as you don’t spill your red wine, you usually get more than 1 day wear out of your tops, especially tank tops or sleeveless shirts.  When it comes to shoes, try for no more than 3 pair!  Yes, you read that right, no more than 3 pair.  For me, that is my workout shoes, a casual pair that goes with everything and a dressy/casual pair that also goes with everything.  Remember your goal on vacation is to relax and enjoy, not be a fashionista!

Last, Angela says “Don’t forget the all-important Poo-Pourri!”   Have you heard of this fabulous product? Poo-Pourri is a blend of essential oils that virtually eliminates bathroom odors.   Poo-Pourri is not a chemical cover up; the formulas are based on aromatherapy principles.  A few squirts in to the bowl will prevent the odors from ever showing up in the first place.  I know, this sounds funny and many will say they don’t need it but trust me, if you are going on a trip with your new husband or a group of friends you will need your Poo-Pourri.

You can check out Angela’s stores in downtown Navasota, TX and downtown Bryan, TX.  Stop in to take advantage of grand opening specials this weekend!
Angela also has a Facebook page for each of her stores –
Navasota:   https://www.facebook.com/hautecoutureboutiquenavasota
Bryan:   https://www.facebook.com/hautecoutureboutique.
Check out the website at http://www.hautecoutureboutique.com.
Happy Travels,
Kelley

Are you Happy ??

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Are you happy? Travel is certainly something that can make you happy! Have you been to Aruba yet? If not, I highly recommend it! Aruba’s actual slogan is “One Happy Island”, and anyone who has visited this island knows this to be true.

 

 

Here are 5 facts about Aruba that may help you consider this as your next island destination:

  1. Aruba is one of the most re-visited islands in the Caribbean
  2. Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt making it a great year round destination
  3. Average year round temperature is 82°
  4. Aruba has the most sunny days of any of the Caribbean Islands
  5. Aruba has a booming culinary scene influenced by more than 92 nationalities (aka foodie’s paradise!)

 

Aruba is among the livelier, more developed islands in the Caribbean. Aruba has low- and high-rise resorts, great restaurants, and glitzy casinos lining the white-sand beaches and the downtown boulevard. You’ll find plenty of things to do on Aruba, too: sunbathing, world-class windsurfing and water-skiing by day, and discos, cabarets, dinner shows and high-stakes gambling at night.

Aruba is located just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela; Aruba is the farthest west of the Dutch Caribbean islands known as the ABCs (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). It is 19 miles long and 6 miles wide, and the land is mostly flat and arid with scattered fields of cacti and aloe plants. If you prefer lush rain-forest-type destinations, Aruba may not be your preference. It’s more like Arizona or New Mexico than Puerto Rico or St. Croix.

Aruba’s foremost attractions include beaches, shopping, casinos, water sports, excellent restaurants, high-energy nightlife and very friendly people. If you enjoy good beaches, ethnic food, gambling and quality shopping, Aruba is for you.

Except for the Arikok National Park Foundation (the largest national park in the Caribbean Islands), you won’t see an abundance of natural attractions in Aruba. Nor is Aruba covered in lush foliage. It’s about as close to a desert island as you’ll find in the Caribbean, with stands of cacti and aloe vera dotting the dusty terrain. In fact, Aruba is so dry; goats eat the cacti in search of something resembling leaves. Still, Aruba has one of the world’s most threatened tropical ecosystems—its mangrove forests.

Aruba is well known for its bent-over trees; I’m sure you’ve seen them in pictures. Those unusual-looking trees bent over by the wind are watapana (divi-divi) trees, and they make it impossible to get lost on Aruba. All of the trees are bent to the southwest, where the majority of the hotels and resorts are located.

Aruba has a wide range of accommodations ranging from deluxe high-rise properties located along Palm Beach to smaller, low-rise hotels and inns lined up along Eagle Beach. If you prefer to stay in town will want to make reservations at the upscale Renaissance, which has a private island reached by complimentary boat shuttle. Aruba is one of the destinations that I do not necessarily recommend an all-inclusive resort. As mentioned above, Aruba is a culinary mecca, I encourage you to get out of your resort and try the many great dining establishments!

 

Aruba is an easy destination for US Travelers in many ways. There is convenient flight access from most the major US Gateways, including season non-stop flights from Houston. While the official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florian, the US Dollar is widely accepted throughout the island so no currency exchange is required. To change florins to US dollars, divide florin amount in half and add 10%. This formula will be especially useful when shopping in supermarkets. While Dutch is the official language, English is widely spoken on the island. Actually, most Arubans speak 4 languages!

 

Remember, Aruba is One Happy Island!

 

Happy Travels,

Barcelona is different !!

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As a Couples Travel Concierge, I’m often asked for “different” ideas for honeymoons, anniversaries, or vacations.  Barcelona is a different and great year round destination offering good value and great experiences.  Barcelona is a fabulous city that will capture your heart you from the moment you arrive.

Barcelona is located in the northwest part of Spain in an area known as the Catalonia Region.  Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and the capital of the Catalonia region.  Barcelona is a very diverse European destination with a great combination of modern flair and traditional influences.  Barcelona retains a firm grasp on its past, with medieval treasures, gourmet foods, trendy bars and clubs, and traditional designs.  The two thousand-year-old city is steeped in cultural heritage with vibrant art and architecture.

Barcelona is also a foodies paradise!  The people of Barcelona are serious about their food. A special mixture of sea and mountain dishes will temp your taste buds with seafood, meat, and aromatic mountain herbs, spices, and other foods. It’s important to take note, in Barcelona, people eat later that what we are accustomed to in the United States.  Lunches are usually served around 2 or 3 in the afternoon and dinners not until 9 or 11 at night.

The most famous street in Spain, the tree-lined boulevard Las Ramblas, is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, and is usually jam-packed with shoppers. As soon as the sun sets, the city’s many bars and restaurants come to life. The bars and nightclubs are open well into the early hours of the morning.  Las Ramblas is a definite “must do” on your visit to Barcelona!   I love sitting at one of the sidewalk cafes with my beverage of choice and just observing; it is a mecca for people watching.

Are you in to architecture?  

The city has become a destination for world-famous architects, many inspired by Barcelona’s native son, architect Antonio Gaudi. In fact, the city’s skyline is most famous for Gaudi’s masterpiece, his unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral.

You may want to take a stroll through Güell Park, where the imaginative integration of architectural elements in a natural setting holds in store many visual surprises for visitors.

Another great option is the Magic Fountain which is located in breathtaking Montjuïc Park.  The water in the fountain performs by dancing through various routines, accompanied by music and color.  It is truly stunning!  If you enjoy museums, there are plenty of museums in Barcelona.   There is a Picasso museum in the Gothic Quarter that houses many of his early works, both oils and drawings.

A few basics about Barcelona:

  • The currency is the Euro
  • Primary languages are Spanish and Catalon
  • Best weather is May – July
  • Best value is November – February
  • Spain is a conservative country, so skimpy tops and too-brief clothing are inappropriate for visits to churches. Catalonians normally dress well and stylishly; modest dressing is advised for tourists.

In general, Barcelona is a reasonably safe city to walk around in, even late at night. The biggest danger is petty crime—pickpocketing, bag snatching and assorted scams.

A few simple precautions will help keep you out of trouble: Don’t carry money, credit cards or documents in back pockets, breast pockets or backpacks. Leave valuables in a safe-deposit box at your hotel. Wear purses, bags and cameras slung around your neck or across your chest and keep them close to your body in crowds. Don’t set them down at your feet or in adjacent seats in outdoor cafes or on trains and buses—keep your hand on them. Never leave any item of value unattended or inside a parked car.

Barcelona offers a wide range of accommodations and is easily accessible from most major US gateways.  If you choose a hotel in a centrally located area, you’ll have no need for a rental car in Barcelona.

Let me know when you are ready to experience Barcelona!

Happy Travels,

Kelley

Travel is changing again !

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Travel is changing again!

There is an old saying “The only thing constant is change”; that should be the theme of travel these days! Travel is changing on almost a weekly basis these days. With all of the new cruise ships, the new or changed cruise itineraries, the new resorts in various destinations, the key personnel changes at the various travel suppliers, and the changes in the airline policies and frequent flier programs, it is important to work with a travel professional so you aren’t left out of the loop when the change can impact your vacation!

Most recently, three airlines announced changes to their carry-on baggage policies. This is very important information for you if you plan on taking a carry-on bag for your vacation. Here is a summary of the recent changes for you. The biggest change is in the specific measurement requires, mainly in the width. They now specify 14” wide, so even if your bag is shorter than the length requirement, if it is wider than 14”, you may still be in for a surprise at the gate when they ask you to put it in the sizer.

United Airlines:Carry-on bag :The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and wheels.

Personal item:The maximum dimensions for your personal item, such as a shoulder bag, backpack, laptop bag or other small item, are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).

Carry-on items that are acceptable to transport in the cabin but are fragile or bulky will be considered cabin-seat baggage. Customers can purchase a ticket for a cabin-seat baggage item so that it may be carried on board and transported in a seat. Examples of cabin-seat baggage may include large or valuable musical instruments, media cameras, artifacts, garment bags and similar items of a delicate nature or unusual size. Note that guitars are not considered cabin-seat baggage and customers traveling with guitars should continue to follow carry-on baggage guidelines.

American Airlines:one small carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as the carry-on bag fits comfortably in the sizer without being forced and does not exceed overall dimensions of 45 inches (length + width + height).

The maximum dimensions cannot exceed any of the following measurements: 22″ long x 14″ wide x 9″ tall or 115cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm). All carry-on items should be stowed in an overhead bin.

Personal item – includes: purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote that does not exceed 36 inches (length+width+height) and must fit under the seat in front of you. For travel after June 11, 2014, the personal item does not have specific size requirements, but must be smaller than your carry-on bag and must fit under the seat in front of you.

Delta Airlines: one carry-on bag and one personal item at no extra charge. Just make sure they fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Baggage may not exceed 45 linear inches in combined length, width and height, including any handles and wheels. Baggage must fit easily in the Carry-on Baggage Check (approximately 22″ x 14″ x 9″), which is located near the check-in counters

  • Approved Personal Items: 1 purse, briefcase, camera bag or diaper bag
  • or 1 laptop computer (computers cannot be checked)
  • or 1 item of a similar or smaller size to those listed above

Passengers traveling on Delta Connection flights, and only those flights with fifty (50) seats or less, are only permitted to carry personal items on board the aircraft due to limited overhead space.  Personal items must be able to fit securely under the seat in front of the passenger.  All carry-on bags within Delta’s size restrictions will be gate checked, free of charge, during the boarding process and returned upon deplaning.  Please ensure that a pink Gate Claim/Planeside tag is securely attached to the carry-on item.  Assistive devices are not subject to this restriction.

Here is a picture of how to measure your bags so you can make sure your bags comply with the updated policies:

Safe Travels,

Kelley

I don’t know where I want to go !!

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I don’t know where I want to go!                            

 

As a professional travel concierge I’m often contacted by people who tell me I don’t know where I want to go, but I want to go somewhere. Honestly, this statement often confuses me and frustrates me! My goal is always to help you plan your perfect vacation. However, if we get the destination wrong, the rest of it doesn’t really matter. If there is one thing I have learned, even if you don’t know where you want to go, you probably know where you don’t want to go! It never fails, someone will tell me “I’ll go anywhere that has a nice beach”, and I make a suggestion only to hear them say “oh, I don’t want to go there, I’ve been there” and on it goes…. With literally over a thousand beaches just a plane ride away, you can see this could make for a long process.

Any time someone says “I don’t know where I want to go”; I reply “sure you do, you just haven’t realized it yet”; most of the time that response is met with silence. This silence is golden; it gives me the opportunity to start asking the questions that will help us find the perfect destination. The questions and answers may not always make much sense to you, but to me, they are very telling and help streamline the destination selection significantly. There are some questions you can ask yourself, once you know those answers, and I ask my additional questions, this becomes a very easy process for both of us!

Five questions to ask yourself when trying to figure out where you want to go include:

Where don’t I want to go and why?

It is important to know “why” you don’t want to go somewhere as those reasons may be relative to other destinations as well. For example, you don’t want to go on a cruise because it is summer and you are concerned about hurricanes. (This by the way is not necessarily a real concern for cruisers). That rationale would also suggest you not travel to many other destinations in the Eastern or Western Caribbean.

How long do I want to be gone?

If you only have time for a 5 night vacation, it may not be wise to choose a destination that involves all day travel to get there, and all day travel to get home.

How many hours am I willing or able to travel on each travel day?

If you aren’t the kind of person who likes to make connections during air travel, that is an important consideration in destination selection. If you have any special needs or physical conditions, those may also play a role in the destination selection with regards to the length of your travel days.

What was my favorite vacation you have ever taken and why?

While you certainly may not want to repeat that same vacation, there are characteristics of it that we may be able to incorporate in to your next vacation.

What is my realistic working budget?

Don’t say you don’t have one, or you don’t know how much things cost – everyone has a budget! You don’t have to give a specific amount, but you at least need to have a range! Some sample ranges are less than $5000, $5000-$7000, $7000-$10,000 and over $10,000. Setting a budget will help you with realistic expectations. The purpose of a budget is not to spend every bit of it, but to help know what is and isn’t possible. For example, if your budget is less than $5000, you aren’t going to some of the more exotic vacation destinations such as Bora Bora or an African Safari.

 

The answers to the questions above may not tell you your exact destination, but it will certainly help me to quickly narrow down the choices for a more efficient and effective planning process.

 

Happy Travels,