An island with dual personalities. ?

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Have you ever been to an island with dual personalities?  One such island is St. Maarten / St. Martin.

St. Maarten is the Dutch side of the island and St. Martin is the French side of the island.  Together they share a fantastic island! The island has its own distinct charm, but the combination is a fabulous blend of colonial and Caribbean splendor. Visitors have the unique experience of enjoying 2 distinct cultures on one stunning tropical island.  Dutch St. Maarten is known for being lively and cosmopolitan, while French St. Martin is more tranquil and has the flair of San Tropez.  The island is widely known for some of the best dining and duty-free bargains in the Caribbean!

 

 

St. Maarten / St. Martin is a 37-square-mile, tropical island in the northeast Caribbean with year-round temperatures in the 80’s.  The island is surrounded by spectacular beaches where you can snorkel, dive, windsurf and kayak in the stunning, warm and crystalline waters.  Away from the beach lie colorful open-air markets, sites rich in colonial grandeur, acclaimed restaurants of every flavor and variety, and an artistic community that brings the world’s cultural elite to celebrate this tropical brilliance. This island is ideally suited for beach lovers, foodies, and shoppers.

 

      

 

The Dutch side, St. Maarten, is on the southern side of the island.  It offers a lively atmosphere with an American feel, and fun that includes great beaches, fine dining, bars and nightclubs, and Vegas-style casinos. Nights are the time to experience true Caribbean evening culture on this little metropolitan island. Simpson Bay and the bustling capital of Philipsburg are where you’ll find St. Maarten’s dining and entertainment hubs. Philipsburg is also known for its long streets of quaint shops with terrific duty-free bargains.

The French side, St. Martin, is on the north side of the island and exudes a chic European charm.  Very reminiscent of France it is enhanced by sidewalk cafes and an array of bistros and restaurants that cook up the most fabulous gourmet cuisine in the Caribbean. The beaches are peaceful serene and very European in their atmosphere.  Certain nights at Marigot port and Marina Royale feature many local bands and avant-garde street entertainers. The Marina area is also a hotspot for several chic nightclubs.

 

The capital of Marigot is slower paced than Philipsburg, but the duty-free shopping here and elsewhere is excellent, with French-inspired arcades offering a wide selection of European goods.
When it comes to beaches on St Maarten / St Martin, they are spectacular!  There are 37 white sand beaches that encircle the island. Whether they prefer people-watching, nonstop action, or peaceful seclusion, there is something for everyone. Some beaches feature calm waters perfect for families, while others boast waves large enough for surfing. As a note, there are a number of beaches on the French side of the island that are clothing-optional. Orient Beach is the island’s only official nudist beach. The beaches on the Dutch side are a bit more conservative.
St Maarten / St Martin is an island that lives up to the phrase big things come in small packages!  I hope you have enjoyed your brief overview of St Maarten / St Martin.

 

Let me know when you are ready to start planning those future memories!

Kelley

Are you fit to travel ??

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As a professional Couples Travel Concierge, my consultations and conversations cover a wide variety of topics with my clients.  Quite often, Future Vacation Travelers will express concerns about getting fit or healthy before their vacation experience.  Believe it or not, with some time, dedication and working with a professional, you can improve your fitness before it is time to travel.  Some travelers tell me they want to lose weight; others tell me they need to increase their endurance or level of fitness because they want to have a very active vacation.  Whatever your fitness or health needs are, it is great to address them before travel so you can make the most of your vacation experience
Many of us have tried to get fit and healthy on our own with varying degrees of success. Being a professional myself, I always encourage the use of professionals in any given field.   If you are looking for a professional to help you, I’d like to introduce you to 2 ladies that have slightly different approaches to fit and healthy lifestyles. I personally know both of them and either one can provide great motivation and support for you.   I recently interviewed each of these ladies about their approaches to getting fit and healthy for travel and I’d like to share with you their thoughts.

 

Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts, Certified Health Coach and Certified Consulting Hypnotist specializing in helping people get on track toward optimal health with lifestyle programs and customized hypnosis sessions.  Robin says “Travel and vacations oftentimes find us more physically active than the rest of the year. To get the most out of your trip (and not be sore or uncomfortable) use the rest of your year to get in, and stay in great health! Get in shape before you go by incorporating healthy foods, healthy portions and physical activity into your daily life. With this new routine when vacation time rolls around you’ll be ready to play those rounds of golf, go zip-lining through the tree tops, climb high mountains or swim in the ocean with great ease! (Btw – hypnosis is great for improving your golf score!).”  Need guidance?

For more information contact Robin at: Robin@RobinRobertsCH.com  or 979 739-7143

 

                                                                                                                                                                      Regina Rowley

Regina Rowley, Personal fitness coach.  Regina says “As your Team Beachbody Coach, I can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Decide. Commit. Succeed!  Transform your body and your life before your big event or vacation experience! Get support and personal coaching as well as the tools you need to achieve real results”. For more information, contact Regina at reginarowley@gmail.com  or 713-569-2189. You can also visit her website at www.beachbodycoach.com/reginarowley  Regina also founded KUTA Empowered Women and is dedicated to stopping violence against women.

You can find more information at www.reginarowley.com

 
Whatever your pre-travel goals may be, with focus and determination, you can make them a reality!

Kelley

 

Are you a Smart Traveler ?

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When it comes to your vacation experiences, are you a Smart Traveler??

SMART TRAVELER

Smart Traveler, the official State Department app for U.S. travelers, invites you to see the world with easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, U.S. embassy locations, and more.

With Smart Traveler, you can create personal itineraries, add notes, and organize your trips.

Smart Traveler also provides access to the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Free STEP enrollment enables the State Department to better assist you in emergencies such as natural disasters, unrest in foreign countries, or lost/stolen passports overseas. During your travels, STEP can help family and friends reach you in an emergency.

Smart Traveler also provides quick access to the Department’s Consular Affairs Facebook and Twitter pages. And for a bit of fun, you can shake your device to get information on a random country!

Application is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iPhone and Android devices    (search term: Smart Traveler).

 

Link to create account on state.gov website =

https://step.state.gov/STEP/Pages/Common/CreateAccountStart.aspx

I highly recommend that anyone traveling outside of the USA become a Smart Traveler!

Kelley

 

 

Which All-inclusive resort is right for you ??

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We all know that when it comes to vacation travel, the All-Inclusive resorts remain a very popular choice.  All-Inclusive resorts offer some of the best value for your money; the choices are vast and there is a resort out there to suite any traveler interested.  The all-inclusive resorts of today cover a wide variety of styles, budget, and clientele.   When choosing your resort, it is important to understand the differences and options available.
All-Inclusive resorts are located in many of the sun-drenched islands and countries of the Caribbean and Mexico.  The largest concentrations of all-inclusive resorts are in Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.  There are many others scattered throughout the Caribbean – such as St Lucia, Antigua, The Bahamas, and Costa Rica, to name a few.

 

There are 3 main types of All-Inclusive Resorts:

  • Couples Only: Cater to the romance and celebration clients – think honeymoon, destination weddings, and anniversaries.  Of course no special occasion is required to enjoy the adult only atmosphere.  Most often 4 star properties and above
  • Adults Only: Restricted to adults only, but not couples only.  Great for couples, groups of couples, girlfriend getaways, or the “guys trip / mancation”  Most often 4 star properties and above
  • Family Friendly: Large range of family friendly dining, entertainment, and activities  Many have adult only areas or sections  Many are great for couples, girlfriend getaways, or the “guy’s trip / mancation”. Available in all budget ranges

Inclusions are as varied as the resorts themselves – some questions to consider:

  • How important is dining?  Do you prefer buffet or A’ la carte dining?  Are you willing to make reservations?
  • Is room service important to you?  Butler service?  Concierge service?
  • Do you prefer premium brands of alcohol or domestic brands (consider the country you will be in!)
  • Are you a beach bum or a pool person?
  • What type of activities do you enjoy on vacation?  Do you like water sports?
  • Do you like a large mega-resort, smaller boutique resorts, or something in between?
  • Do you want to stay mostly on the resort or do you want to enjoy the area and local culture?

                            

When it comes to budget, as a general rule, resorts fall in to the following categories:

  • Budget – usually 2-3 star properties
  • Moderate – usually 3-4 star properties
  • Luxury – usually 4.5 -5 start properties
  • Exceptional Luxury – usually 5 star +

As a Couples Travel Concierge and Travel Professional, I can help you sort out all of your options.  Don’t hesitate to contact me when you are ready to book your All-Inclusive Resort vacation.
Kelley

Is St.Lucia your Paradise ??

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St. Lucia has become a top favorite destination for couples travel with good reason!   St. Lucia has a year round average temperature range of 75° – 85° and non-stop activities to suit everyone.  The foremost attractions in St. Lucia are great beaches, friendly people, stunning mountain scenery, a steaming volcano, plantations, bird-watching, turtle-watching, all forms of watersports (including scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling, windsurfing and kite-sailing), hiking, tennis and good food.

 

St Lucia is accessible from several US Gateways including Miami, Atlanta, and New York.  United Airlines recently introduced new non-stop service from Newark.  St. Lucia has 2 airports Hewanorra Airport (UVF) handles most long-distance international flights and is located on the southern part of the island, and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU),  is primarily for flights to other islands in the region and is located on the north side of the island.   Flights from the US will land at UVF, on the southern part of the island.  A passport is required for US Citizens, but no travel visas are required at this time.  The Eastern Caribbean (EC$) dollar is the official currency. However, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Be aware that a business may take U.S. dollars but give change in EC dollars. Always ask specifically if prices quoted are in U.S. or EC dollars.  Currency exchange is available at banks, major hotels and the ship terminals. ATMs are widely available except in small villages. Most banks are open Monday-Thursday 8 am-3 pm and Friday 8 am-5 pm.  Major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and businesses, especially in tourist areas. Gas stations and small businesses usually do not accept credit cards.
St. Lucia is one of the Windward Islands, located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain. It has a terrain that combines towering mountains, volcanoes, forests, low-lying lands blanketed in luscious green, and beaches.  The breathtaking allure of swaying palm and banana trees, accented by powdery-soft, white-sugar beaches and shimmering, green-blue topaz waters stretching as far as the eye can see is not to be missed.
St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, and the topography is mountainous. The main coastal road is paved and in good condition, but it is narrow and winding, which makes travel slow.  St Lucia is stunning to see from the water; one of my favorite things to do in St Lucia is a sunset catamaran cruise.

 

There is a large variety of accommodations including luxury pampering at its majestic resorts including all-inclusive resorts as well as the traditional European plan resorts.  There are beach front resorts, cliff side resorts, and everything in between; there is truly a perfect resort for every couple.  The uncompromising beauty of St Lucia attracts couples, honeymooners, and those who desire to retreat, relax, rejuvenate, explore, and revel in all that this awe-inspiring island has to offer.

Kelley

 

Can we afford our celebration travel ??

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Have you heard about a travel gift registry?  It works just like a traditional gift registry for a wedding, only your guests and friends give you gifts to make your honeymoon or other celebration travel perfect.  Travel registries are great for Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, but are also great for anniversaries, vow renewals, milestone birthdays, graduations, even the ever so deserving babymoons.
                  

Many couples are well established and don’t need any more towels, dishes, picture frames or another toaster.  Asking for cash gifts is not always appropriate or acceptable.  A travel gift registry can solve this problem and make it a win-win for all involved.  List anything you want to do on your trip and let your guests and friends pay for a portion of your trip!  Recent data shows that average bride and groom are getting approximately $2500 for their honeymoon registry.  Celebration travel for other occasions is quickly catching up!

 

Sure, towels and a Mont Blanc pen sound nice. But do you ever wish of going to an exotic island and getting pampered by your own private butler? Think it’s out of reach? Not with a travel gift registry!
If you want more information about travel gift registries, please visit http://www.cruisevacationsandmore.com/pages/registry

Beaches, Casinos, and rum drinks with no passport!

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Did you know Puerto Rico is an amazing Caribbean destination with much to offer for your vacation experience  and no passports are required?   Puerto Rico is a US Commonwealth and with a unique blend of Spanish culture, natural beauty, and contemporary lifestyle Puerto Rico has something for everyone.
While Puerto Rico is a great year ‘round destination, December – April are the best months to visit.  The temperatures are in the 70s-80s F during the day and in the 70s at night. You will want to take a sweater for the evenings, especially in the mountain areas or to wear inside in air-conditioned areas. Hurricane season is June-November, when it can be cloudy, more humid and rainy. It seems to rain at least every other day year-round, but most of the rain comes in brief torrents and doesn’t ruin a whole day.  Since it is a commonwealth of the U.S., Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar; just don’t be surprised when locals often refer to as a peso.  All major credit cards are widely accepted, however, some smaller shops may not accept American Express or Discover.

 

 

 

Activities and attractions abound in Puerto Rico!  Puerto Rico’s main attractions include deep-sea fishing, gambling, historical attractions, horse racing, culture, nightlife, beaches, rain forests, shopping, golf, tennis, caves, hiking, horseback riding, world-class surfing and watersports (including snorkeling and scuba diving)..  You c        an visit old forts (San Felippe del Morro and San Cristobel are two not-to-be-missed forts), enjoy the shopping and Spanish colonial architecture of Old San Juan, tour the Bacardi Rum Distillery, or try your luck at one of the islands many casinos.

 

            
Bacardi Distillery                                                                    Old San Juan

 

While San Juan is definitely the heart of Puerto Rico, there are other great areas to explore as well.   Ponce is a historic city on the southern coast of the island features attractions such as the Serralles Castle and the Parque de Bombas (old firehouse).   Another great option is to visit the off shore islands of Vieques and Culebra is great for some off-beat adventure. Culebra has a wildlife refuge and coral reefs, and Vieques attracts snorkelers and boasts some of the best beaches.

 

    

San Felippe del Morro

 

A few fun facts about Puerto Rico:
1.Puerto Rico purports to be the largest rum producer in the world.

2. The Caribbean National Forest, dubbed El Yunque in Spanish, is the only tropical forest in the U.S. Forest Service system, and the smallest as well.
3.Puerto Ricans measure distance in kilometers but speed limits in miles per hour.
4. In San Juan, at midnight on St. John the Baptist Day (23 June), people walk backward into the sea (or the nearest body of water) three times. This ritual is performed to wash away the year’s sins and ensure good luck for the following year.
5. The island’s local beer is the award-winning Medalla Light. It’s sold in 7- to 10-ounce sizes to ensure that the beverage can be consumed before it warms.

I hope you have enjoyed this short introduction to the island of Puerto Rico!

Kelley

 

No- You don’t need a Passport !!

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Did you know that there is no passport required for the US Virgin Islands?  You can visit the beautiful islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix without a passport.  Each island is beautiful and unique in its own special way.   Each island can be an independent destination, or you can combine them for a true Caribbean sampler.  Generally speaking, the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands, and of course peak travel season for the islands, is December – April, but it is a great year round destination.   The average annual temperature on the islands is 75°- 84°F.  Hurricane Season is June – November with peak season being mid-August through mid-October.  December – February fall to the cooler side and are slightly windier.   Since the islands are a US Territory, the unit of currency is the US Dollar.  While there is a wide range of accommodations throughout the islands, all-inclusive resorts are not commonplace.

      
St. Thomas is your island for bustling beaches, nightlife and shopping.  St Thomas offers a wide variety of attractions, beaches and activities such as watersports, golf, tennis, sightseeing, restaurants and nightlife. The capital city, Charlotte Amalie, is a major port of call for duty-free shopping.   St Thomas is a heavily developed island with a definite North American atmosphere and lacks a bit of Caribbean distinction.  Despite this, and largely thanks to the many cruise ship passengers, this island is high-volume tourism (among the highest in all of the Caribbean).  St Thomas is the most visited island of the 3 US Virgin Islands.
       

 

St. John is just about the opposite of St Thomas.   St. John is tailor-made for nature lovers with unspoiled scenery and quiet surroundings with much of the island being a National Park.  St John is just off the coast of St Thomas and is an easy ferry ride away.  This makes for a great day trip, or a combination vacation of the 2 islands.  St John is also a great island to get away from it all and truly relax and rejuvenate.  With plenty of water activities, beaches, and nature trails, there is certainly enough activity to provide the right balance for your vacation.  St John is also the smallest of the 3 US Virgin Islands.
   

 

St. Croix is the largest of the Virgin Islands and retains an unhurried island atmosphere.   St. Croix is most typical of other Caribbean islands.  It has a great balance of attractions and shopping, yet a very relaxed atmosphere and great historic architecture.  St Croix is divided basically in to 4 areas:  Christiansted, the North Shore, the East End, and Frederiksted. The varied terrain includes arid rockiness as well as a verdant rainforest, mango, mahogany, and tree ferns that dot the landscape, while beautifully secluded beaches entice water lovers.   One fun fact, Point Udall on St Croix is the easternmost tip of the United States.

 

   

 

I hope you have enjoyed your brief introduction to the US Virgin Islands and will consider 1 or more of them for your next vacation experience.

Kelley

 

Paradise without a passport! The Hawaiian Islands

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Paradise without a passport!  The Hawaiian Islands

Even without a passport, you can truly experience paradise for your vacation.  The Hawaiian Islands are a great option for you!  Each island has its own distinct personality; if you have more than 5 nights, you can easily experience at least 2 of the islands for a truly unique experience.

Oahu is the most famous of the Hawaiian Islands and by many considered to be the heart of Hawaii.  This is where you find Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head just to name a few.  During the winter months the legendary North Shore is a surfing mecca for the world’s best surfers.  No trip is Oahu is complete without experiencing a traditional Hawaiian Luau!  While there are many, my favorite is the Paradise Cove Luau.

 

 

 

Maui is the magic isle of the Hawaiian Islands.  The historic streets of seaside Lahaina, the beautiful beaches of Kaanapoli, the scenic road to Hana, and the Haleakala National Park, are just a few of the reasons Maui has been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for nineteen years.  During the winter months, Maui is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, the Humpback whales return to the warm waters (by whale standards that is!) year after year.  Watching the sunrise from 9,740 feet atop Haleakala Crater is an experience not to be missed.

Haleakala Crater
Kauai is known as Hawaii’s Island of Discovery. There are the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast and the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon.  You can explore charming and historic small towns like Hanapepe and Koloa where no building is taller than a coconut tree!  Some of my other favorite spots on the island are Poipu Beach Park (it was once voted America’s best beach!), Wailua Falls, and Opaekaa Falls.  Some of the lush interior of the island is only accessible by air, so you may find yourself taking a sightseeing sky adventure by helicopter or small plane.

 

                      

Mauai                                                                                                             Kauai

 

Hawaii Island, known as The Big Island, isn’t just big, it is still growing!  Hawaii Island is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands and geographically the largest.  It is home to Volcanoes National Park and one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea.   Hawaii Island also has the tallest sea mountain in the world at more than 33,000 feet (Maunakea), the most massive mountain in the world (Maunaloa) and the largest park in the state (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park). All but two of the world’s climate zones generate everything from lush rain forests to volcanic deserts, snow-capped mountaintops to beautiful black sand beaches.

 

Lanai is considered Hawaii’s most enticing island.  You can definitely escape the crowds, hustle, and bustle of very day life as it is largely an island of untouched tranquility. This romantic island is truly a “get away from it all” destination.  Hulopoe Bay fronts the Four Seasons resort and is a protected bay with incredible tide pools and a great place for dolphin watching.   Kaiolohia, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is located on the northeast coast of Lanai and features a ghostly ship, wrecked off shore.  Lanai City is the central town and features charming shops and local restaurants.
           

 

Molokai is Hawaiian by nature.   Visit Molokai and travel back to a timeless place with serene seascapes, unspoiled coastlines, and untamed wilderness.  Molokai stays true to its Hawaii traditions tucked away from the hustle of the outside world.  No building is taller than a coconut tree, no traffic, and not even a traffic light!  Molokai is also said to be the birthplace of hula!  You can get to Molakai by air from Honolulu or there is an interisland ferry from Maui.  There is absolutely no public transportation so you will definitely need a rental vehicle; it is best to plan this well in advance as they can be limited.

    
I hope this gives you a brief taste of what the Hawaiian Islands has to offer you!

Kelley

Hurricane Season – How does it affect your travel ??

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Hi Everyone,
Now that we are bringing May to a close, June 1 is fast upon us.  June 1 is significant in the world of travel as it is the official start of Hurricane Season.  This year, experts are predicting a very active hurricane season with 16 named storms; 3 of which are expected to make US landfall.

I’m often asked what travelers can do to mitigate their risk when traveling during hurricane season.  There are ways to lesson your risk, both financially and emotionally.   The financial risks are obvious, but some don’t realize there can be emotional risk as well.

 

What if you have a destination wedding planned on a certain day in a certain port of call or destination?  That can certainly be stressful for you if 1 week prior to your special event a named storm pops up and your destination is straight in its path!

With a little research and assistance from your travel professional, you can determine if your dream destination will be at risk during the time frame you want to travel.  There are certain types of travel less impacted than others and certain destinations less impacted than others by hurricanes.  Cruising for example, is actually a good choice during hurricane season.  Remember that the ships move and can change course to keep ahead or avoid storms.  I’ve been on many cruises where we have had to alter the order of the ports of call, or completely change an itinerary so as to avoid a storm.  If a cruise isn’t your vacation style, there are certain Caribbean destinations less impacted by hurricanes such as Aruba and Barbados.
            
ARUBA                                                                                BARBADOS

Another thing to remember is travel insurance.

Travel Insurance can protect your financial risk in the event of a hurricane.  If you are traveling anytime during hurricane season, it is highly advisable to purchase your travel insurance as soon as book your trip, and absolutely no later than final payment for your best protection.  (The terms and conditions vary, and we can discuss during the planning process)  The important thing to remember, once a hurricane becomes a “known event”, it is too late to insure it.   You can’t wait until the hurricane is on its way then take out the insurance; insurance should be proactive, not reactive.

Above all, be flexible.  Flexibility is the best way to handle any weather related travel issues.  If possible, have a back up plan (such as alternative travel dates if possible), if a back up plan is not possible, flexibility is key.  You may end up on a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean instead of Western, staying a resort for a day longer, or leaving a resort day earlier.
               
Finally, a sense of humor can be the best coping mechanism.   I’ve heard it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I have found one thing to be true.  Those that handle the challenge with flexibility and good humor seem to weather the storms much easier.
Kelley