Do you have what you need ??

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Do you have what you need to travel?  Do you know what you need to travel?  As a professional travel concierge, this is a discussion I have quite often with clients.   One common item required for all travel is a government issued photo ID.  As simple as that sounds, it tends to create some confusion.  I’m going to try and provide you with some simple guidelines for basic types of travel for US Citizens.  This is not meant to be a fact sheet or comprehensive list, only a guide.  All specifics should be discussed with me when we book your travel.

Let’s start with the simple answers:
1. If you are traveling domestically within the USA, you need a government issued photo ID- a driver’s license will suffice.
2. If you are traveling to the US Virgin Islands, and plan to visit no foreign countries or islands, a driver’s license will be all you need for your government issued photo ID.
3. All international travel that will involve a flight requires a passport – no exceptions.

Here is where it can get a little confusing for some people – cruising.

1. If you are doing a closed loop cruise – which means you start and end in the same port of call (Galveston for example), technically you can board the ship with an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and your driver’s license.  HOWEVER!  This is not recommended – a passport book is always recommended whenever you are going to leave the country.
2. If you are doing a cruise that starts in one port and ends in a different port, a passport is required.
3. If you are doing a cruise that starts in a foreign country a passport is required.

Cruising without a passport can be very risky.  A passport is your only proof of citizenship; a birth certificate only proves you were born.  You should never leave the US without being able to prove you are a US citizen and / or can reenter the country legally.   A birth certificate is only guaranteed to let you on the ship, as per the cruise lines policies.  The cruise lines do not make the immigration or customs / border patrol policies and laws.  If something unexpected happens during your cruise, you would have no way to fly home from any foreign country, island, or port of call.

Some people get confused between the passport cards and passport books.  In a nutshell, the passport cards are valid for land border crossings to Canada and Mexico. A passport card is not valid for air travel either, you need a passport book.    While the cruise line will accept it as identification, no other country or airline will accept it.  Do yourself a favor and get a passport book, the passport card will not serve you well.

I hope this information is helpful and useful.  As always, when it comes time to plan your vacation, we will go over this information in detail.

Safe Travels!

Kelley

Are you a Cruiser ??

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My Assistant Emer took her first cruise over the New Year break.  She and her family went on a 7 day Eastern Caribbean cruise on board the Norwegian Epic out of Miami.

She has come back with a refreshing perspective on cruising and some tips and tricks for cruising.

Take it away Emer ……………………….

Well, What a wonderful vacation for us – Myself, my husband Neal and our 12 year old twin girls went on our first Cruise and had the trip of a lifetime.  Of course, now that we have done it once, we consider ourselves to be quite the experts now !!!!

We learned many things and figured out ways to be savvy about our activities etc.

Some of the tips that Kelley had passed along to us made all the
difference in the world such as:

Getting to Miami a day early and staying in a hotel the night before the cruise – this gave us the chance to unwind after airport stress, we could get our bearings and explore some of Miami which is a city we hadn’t visited before either.
We took the girls to the Miracle mile in Coral Gables and enjoyed a great dinner along with some exploration.

Our on board experience was wonderful.  We were overwhelmed with the ship and amenities.  The food and choice of restaurants, the entertainment experiences and Guest services surpassed our expectations.  Some of our favorite events were The Cirque Dreams Dinner Show, Teppanyaki Japanese restaurant, La Bistro French Cuisine.
The kids loved the bowling, Water slides, climbing walls and on deck activities, The Blue Man Group and many more.  The met some girls of their own age and had a blast.   One of our most favorite ship experiences was the Svedka Ice Bar on board – what a neat fun idea.

               

One of the other tips that Kelley told us was to book our shore excursions in advance through a 3rd party vendor.   Boy, I wish we had taken her advice – we had some wonderful Shore excursions but I know we paid premium price on board for them and also a lot of people weren’t able to get their first preference as they were already reserved.  The Spa was also very busy which made it difficult to book spa services when you wanted them. In future, I would definitely book these services in advance.

Our ports of call were St.Maarten, St.Thomas and then Nassau Bahamas.
In St.Maarten, We hung out at the beach and rented jet skis.  In hindsight, I think we would book a shore excursion to the other side of the island next time.  It was fun but I felt like we missed out a little on some great local scenery.

St.Thomas was absolutely beautiful.  We did book a shore excursion to Turtle Cove by Hi-speed Catamaran to snorkel and see the sea turtles.  This was a great time.  I would highly recommend this shore excursion.  We stopped off at a private island for lunch and then when we got back to town, we got to shop around for a bit before taking the sea taxi back to the port.

Here are a couple of photos of the St.Thomas island and the snorkel.
         

I think that the highlight of our trip was the Dolphin Cay Adventure at Atlantis.  Wow.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.  Atlantis was really beautiful, we went to Dolphin Cay and played, swam and got up close with the dolphins.
I had no idea how gentle they are and you could totally see their individual personalities, we were intrigued.
We also did a tour of the dig and underground aquarium in Atlantis.

  

Now that we are back on firm ground, we all agree that we would definitely go on another cruise in the future.  Especially now that we have some experience, we can plan ahead and make the next one even better.  Who knows, we might do Alaska, Hawaii, Mediterranean, River ………. the possibilities are endless.
Emer

New Year – New Rules !

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With the New Year brings some new rules with regards to travel.  If you cruise out of Texas, this new policy may affect you.   This announcement affects anyone bringing in any alcohol or cigarettes, duty free or otherwise, in to Texas.
In Late December, The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issued a press release that they will begin collecting taxes at Texas seaports January 2014.  Here is the press release in its entirety:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   December 20, 2013

TABC to begin collecting taxes at Texas seaports January 2014.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) will begin collecting personal importation taxes on alcohol and cigarettes from passengers returning from cruises in Galveston in 2014.

On January 4, 2014, cruise travelers disembarking out of the Port of Galveston will need to pay the tax for alcoholic beverages and cigarettes imported into the state that were purchased either on the ship’s duty free store or at a foreign port of call. TABC currently operates 20 ports of entry collection facilities along the Texas-Mexico border where the tax is presently collected. During the recent legislative session, the agency was appropriated funding to begin tax collection of imported alcoholic beverages and cigarettes from seaport facilities. The Galveston Port facility will be the first seaport location where this tax will be collected with plans to extend to the Houston-Bayport facility in the fall of 2014.

Section 107.07 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, in effect for over 40 years, requires that each adult (21 years old and over) importing alcoholic beverages into the state for personal consumption pay the state tax and an administrative fee of $3.00. The law limits personal importation by an adult to once every 30 days with limits of: 1 gallon of distilled spirits, 3 gallons of wine, and 288 ounces of malt beverages (24 12-ounce containers). Persons importing alcoholic beverages must personally accompany the product as it enters the state.

View our detailed list of the taxes for both cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.

Tax collection points staffed with TABC personnel will be situated at both terminals 1 and 2 at the Galveston facility located where patrons come through the U.S. Customs secondary checkpoint. Passengers will be able to pay the taxes with either cash or credit cards.

TABC personnel have worked with Port of Galveston officials to ensure that the tax collection is done efficiently and with limited disruption of port operations and delays to the passengers.

For more information contact:

Karen Smithwick, Ports of Entry Director at 512-739-9801
Carla Rios, Ports of Entry Quality Assurance Analyst at 512-206-3351
Carolyn Beck, Director of Communications at 512-206-3347

If you would like to review the actual press release , you may visit

http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/home/press_releases/2013/20131220.asp

Please keep this in mind for your next cruise from Galveston and later this year, Houston.

Safe Travels!

Beaches for everyone !!

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This week I am touring resorts in the Bahamas (2 Sandals resorts) and in Turks & Caicos (Beaches).  It is just a 2 night trip; 3 islands, 3 resort, 2 nights.

 

 

Beaches brand are the family friendly resorts by Sandals.  While Sandals is couples only and luxury included, Beaches Resorts include more, anything and everything for everyone. Beaches resorts are the perfect option for your family getaway, your getaway with friends trip, a couple’s trip, a destination wedding, or any other group travel.  You can spend your vacation in luxurious rooms and suites and enjoy a whole array of incredibly exciting and fun activities for kids of every age.  The Beaches brand has been voted the world’s leading all-inclusive family resort brand for 15 years in a row!  I promise you, this is not an accident!  Beaches truly lives up to the statement “something for everyone”.

 
Some of the many inclusions at Beaches Resorts include:
All Meals, Drinks & Snacks
Premium-Brand Drinks
Championship Golf
Luxurious Accommodations
Scuba Diving & Watersports
Kids Supervised Activities
Tips, gratuities, hotel taxes
Butler Service
Airport transfers
Weddings Included (options vary based on resort, room category, and length of stay)

 
             

 

Beaches is also a proud sponsor of Sesame Street!  There are Sesame Street Characters, stage shows, and character parades at each resort.  Kids of all ages enjoy meeting Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, Bert & Ernie, Abby Cadabby, The Count, Big Bird and, everyone’s favorite superhero – Super Grover!  You can also choose from an array of Sesame Street themed activities for kids to participate in such as Super Science Fair with Super Grover, From Trash to Treasure with Oscar the Grouch, Story time with Elmo, Bake with Cookie Monster, and more!

Beaches Resorts are currently located in Jamaica (Negril and Ocho Rios) and Turks & Caicos; soon they will be opening a resort on the island of Barbados.

 

 

Beaches Negril is the ultimate beach resort in Jamaica with endless choices for everyone in the family including Pirates Island Waterpark.  This resort is located on the picturesque 7 mile beach and truly exhibits the beauty of the tropics.

 

 
Beaches Ocho Rios is located on Jamaica’s north coast.  The north coast of Jamaica is home to an incredible variety of natural and manmade bounty that is characterized by luxuriant greenery, mountains that soar down to meet stunning beaches, plus the world-renowned, Dunn’s River Falls.  Beaches Ocho Rios offers the only all-inclusive golf program for kids.

 

            
Beaches Turks & Caicos is located on the best and longest stretch of a beach so stunning that Trip Advisor® named it the world’s best beach. Beaches Turks & Caicos is a resort that offers every imaginable amenity and the Caribbean’s largest water theme park.  Beaches Turks & Caicos has been awarded #1 top family hotel in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure and Best All-Inclusive by Caribbean Travel+Life

 
Beaches recently announced they are expanding to the island of Barbados!  According to Beaches, the resort will be built from the ground up on the site of a former sugar plantation in the island’s prestigious West Coast.  This Luxury Included family resort will embody the rich spirit of the islands, providing a tropical playground tailored to relaxation and recreation for the entire family. Only 30 minutes from the capital of Bridgetown, adults and children alike can indulge in the area’s plentiful activities, exciting nightlife, and natural beauty, as well as the exemplary services and amenities of Beaches Resorts.

 
With 3 current and soon a 4th option to choose from, there really is something for everyone at Beaches.  Please let me know if you want any additional information about any of the Beaches brand resorts!

    

Happy Travels!

 

Kelley

Keep Calm and Pre-Check !!

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Just in time for the holidays, TSA has announced significant expansion to their TSA pre-check program.  If you aren’t already TSA Pre-check approved, I highly recommend you look in to this!  This program can truly make a difference in your travel experience.
In a nutshell, what does TSA Pre-Check experience mean for you?

(Information courtesy of www.tsa.gov)

  • Quicker transit through airport lanes
  • Shorter lines
  • Shorter wait times
  • Improved customer experience
  • No Removal of:
    • Belt
    • Shoes
    • Light outerwear/Light Jacket
    • 3-1-1 compliant bag and laptop from carry-on
      • Note- you still have to comply with 3-1-1 rules, you just don’t have to remove them from your carry –on bag.

Here is a summary of some of the recent enhancements to the program:

  • TSA now has an online application process via their website (www.tsa.gov); this will allow you to directly enroll in their expedited screening program.
  • TSA also recently announced the expansion of the TSA Pre-Check program to include Jet Blue Airways and Southwest Airlines.
  • TSA has also partnered with the DOD to provide Military TSA Pre✓™ at 100 Airports.  Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as Reservists and National Guard members, eligible for expedited screening beginning December 20, 2013.

There are currently 100 airports and 9 different airlines that participate in the TSA Pre-Check program, with more being added on a regular basis.   To see if TSA Pre-Check is available at your local airport, please check http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/airlines-airports
To enroll, there is an $85 non-refundable fee and a very specific application process.

To learn more about the application process, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

and to find the nearest Universal Services Enrollment center, please visit:  https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/faq
There are other ways to take advantage of TSA Pre-Check as well.

 

If you enroll in Global Entry and become a trusted traveler, you are also eligible for TSA Pre-Check.  I am a huge proponent of Global Entry, this one program can save you time and frustration when re-entering the US after international travel.  You may also be eligible based on your status within a given airline’s frequent flier program.
Sometimes, the most challenging part of your vacation experience is the getting there and getting home.

TSA Pre-Check can significantly ease that challenge and provide for a better airport experience during your travel.  I love it!!  For me, just the fact that I don’t have to take off my shoes, virtually unpack my carry-on to get out my laptop, and 3-1-1 bag make it all worthwhile.  Of course the shorter line is nice too!   I do feel a little bad when I am traveling with others and they aren’t part of the TSA Pre-Check program… just a little….
    

Happy Travels!

The rivers are growing !!

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River cruising is still a growing trend and experiencing some of the most rapid growth in the travel industry, and no doubt the most growth in the cruise market.  In the past 10 years, the number of passengers taking river cruises has grown by 15 percent; the ocean cruising segment has seen about 5.4 percent growth. The industry has experienced 10 percent annual growth for five years running.  River cruising is done predominantly in Europe and other exotic areas of the world, but it is becoming increasingly popular in the United States as well.  This is destination immersion at its finest!  Some of the world’s greatest cities are accessible only by river – not by the ocean.  You visit a different city each day and have the entire day and often the evening to enjoy the local area and culture. Cruising the world’s rivers from Europe to Russia and is truly a special experience.

                 

 

I for one thought river cruising was for the older generation but I was completely wrong in more ways than one. This new way to cruise is for the adventurous.  You are docked right into the heart of the city. You walk on cobblestones. You are eating pho, knockwurst and other traditional foods. You are there to really experience the cultures and sounds of the world.  This is for the “Bucket List” crowd.  Let’s not forget about the romance of it all!  Can you imagine spending your honeymoon immersed in European culture?

        

 Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises.                   Photo courtesy of Viking Cruises.

 

Although an increasingly popular and an amazing experience, river cruising is not for everyone.  The river cruise ships are not designed with small children in mind; there are no children’s programs, activities or menus available on the majority of the ships and itineraries.  Some of the river cruise lines offer specific family itineraries during the summer months, but most report less than 2% of their passengers are under the age of 18. 

 

           

River cruising can also be a challenge for physically challenged guests as well; the ships are not designed with handicap accessibility for the most part.  Many ships have no elevators, or if they do, they may not reach the lower decks on the ship.   Cobblestone streets and many stairs throughout Europe can also present challenges.

Even in the US, the ships and destinations can be challenging, but they are certainly more accessible than the global options.
For those only familiar with the rules of big ships, here are three reasons riverboat fanatics come back, time and again, for more.

Dinner
Forget buffet dining with 2,000 strangers. River cruises average about 200 passengers per boat, so the wait staff will likely know your name by the end of the first meal (and so will your fellow travelers).
Evening Entertainment
Instead of dance clubs, karaoke, and glitzy Vegas-style reviews, nightlife on river cruises trends toward string quartets, guest lectures on regional history, local entertainment, and staring out at actual scenery, not just a watery horizon.
Extra Costs
The dirty little secrets of ocean cruises? They always charge extra for excursions, and beer and wine costs are on par with pro sports arenas. River cruise lines opt for flat fees up front.  Yes, your excursions are included, as are wine and beer with various meals.

(Each river cruise line has its own version of their inclusive plan)
River cruising is such a fast-growing trend that by the end of 2013, 167 new ships will have been built since 2000.
When will you be ready to experience the world’s great rivers for yourself?

Kelley

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t leave home without these 5 things.

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Whenever you travel, there are 5 things you should not leave home without!  I often take these for granted because I do travel often, but last week I forgot one essential, and I saw the outcomes for other travelers that forgot (or in one case remembered!) the others.

 
Here are my top 5 items not to forget!

 
1 – Copy of your passport (or Driver’s license if domestic travel)  
You should always carry a copy of your ID and keep it in a separate place from your original documentation.  If you have a copy and something happens to the original (lost or stolen) you are in a much better position for a quick resolution.

Case in point, on our cruise last week a guest lost her passport in one of the towns.

Because she had a copy of her original, the concierge on the ship was able to arrange a next day appointment for her at a consulate in Germany.  She took the train from the port city to Frankfurt, at her appointment she was able to obtain an emergency passport valid for travel home, and she took the train back to the port city and rejoined the cruise before dinner.   If she did not have a copy, she was told it would have been a 24-48 hour process and she likely would have missed at least 1 or possibly 2 more days of the cruise.

 
2 – Over the counter medications. 
Many countries in the world have very different rules regarding over the counter medications.  For example, in many parts of Europe, it is almost impossible to purchase over the counter cold medicine or allergy medicine like we have.  You won’t walk in to a store and find DayQuil, NyQuil, or whatever your favorite brand is.  Typically, I am like a walking pharmaceutical chest when we travel, but this trip I forgot to pack cold medicine and guess what I needed on the last day of the trip – cold medicine!!  Another example – you won’t find anti-nausea or diarrhea medication in the gift shop of a cruise ship.  If you need it, but don’t have it, off to the ship’s doctor for you!

 

3 – Prescription Medications
I know this should be a no brainer, but trust me – it happens, and more often than you might think.  If you are traveling domestically, this can be dealt with after a couple of phone calls.  Internationally, it is not going to happen without a visit to a local physician or clinic.

 

4 – Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Always, always, always let you bank and credit card company know that you are traveling outside of the US, (or outside of your local spending area  if you do not travel or use your cards often) so they do not put a fraud alert on your card and deny all activity.  You should also always have a 2nd card available to use in the event a particular merchant has issues with the first card you provide.  If you are going to use a debit card, make sure to talk with your local bank and find out which network of machines you need to use to access your account and withdraw local currency when traveling.

We were with a couple last week that discovered upon arrival in Europe that their debit card was not accepted because they had a 5 digit pin number and only 4 digits are accepted in Europe.  They had to use a credit card and do a cash advance (and pay the astronomical fees!) to have cash as needed for tips and small purchases.

 
5 – Contact Information
It is always a good idea to keep a list with you (separate from your phone!!) with emergency contact information.  This list should include 1 immediate family member, travel insurance policy number and contact number, your credit card numbers and their customer service numbers.  Also you should always carry the hotel or ship contact information for your trip.  If your phone is lost or stolen, it does no good to have these numbers just in your phone.  If your credit card is lost or stolen, you will need the number to call and you will need to provide them with the lost card number so they can deactivate the card immediately.  Imagine getting separated from your tour group and not being able to find your way back to your hotel or ship; if you have the name, phone number and address, any cab can get you there.  Thankfully the 2 ladies that got separated last week from our group had the ship contact info and they were able to make their way back to the ship without any stress.

There you have my top 5 items not to forget on your next vacation!

Happy Travels!

 

Kelley

Must Have Mobile Apps. for travel

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While travel is often meant for relaxation, rejuvenation, or celebration; sometimes it is important that we are accessible and have access to important information.  Lucky for us, the technology wizards of the world have developed some mobile apps!  Everyone knows about Facebook and that is certainly one tool to use, but there are others that are great as well!  I’m going to give you my list of must-haves to keep in touch when you are gone.

The best part?  They are free to download and if used on Wi-Fi are free to use.  (You may have to pay for the Wi-Fi service wherever you are, but the use will be free once connected!)
If you absolutely must make calls, I highly recommend not using your cell service!  Use a Wi-Fi app!  Two of my favorites for making calls are Magic Jack and Skype.  Yes, Skype can include video, but it is also great for voice only.

 
Magic Jack –FREE Calls to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers – or to any MagicJack number, anywhere in the world. The MagicJack APP will NEVER use your mobile minutes and does not require a voice plan. Wi-Fi or 4G recommended.  MagicJack APP is 100% FREE and does not require any purchase.  You can use your iPhone’s or Android phone’s stored contacts with the MagicJack APP.

This app is my absolute favorite for making calls back to the US when I am outside of the country.  Whoever you are calling does not need to have MagicJack installed on their phones and you can call mobile numbers or land lines at no charge!

 
SKYPE – Skype is not just for mobile devices, but has long been used on desktops and laptops as well.  Call your world from Skype – Talk to your heart’s content with free voice and video calls to all your friends and family on Skype.  Chat with anyone, anywhere – Skype’s available on smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs, and even TVs; whatever device your friends or family use, Skype just works.
* Operator data charges may apply. We recommend using an unlimited data plan or Wi-Fi connection.
If you want to use the free version of Skype, whoever you call will need to have Skype on their device as well.  They do have a low cost paid plan so you can call anyone.  They also have Video Messaging, MMS, and SMS options as well.  I do not use those, I post pictures I want to share to Facebook, and as for texting, I have other apps I prefer for that.
If you feel you have to text, there is an app for that too!  My two favorite texting apps are Tango and What’s App.  Both of these apps require that whoever you are going to text, they must have the app as well so these do take some advanced planning.  Tango is my favorite, but I use both of them.

 
Tango – Tango allows you to easily connect with friends & family or make new friends. Make video & voice calls, send text messages, play games and more all for free.  No login & password – create an account in seconds, automatically finds your friends using Tango, calls & messages work just like they do on your phone.  Tango works across most smartphones, tablets, & PCs.  It has great quality on 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi.

I use Tango primarily for texting only and I use it on Wi-Fi so as not to incur any data charges when I am traveling.  This is hands down, my favorite app for texting via Wi-Fi

 

WhatsApp – WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! Because WhatsApp Messenger uses the same internet data plan that you use for email and web browsing, there is no cost to message and stay in touch with your friends.
This app has a very cool feature where you can send an invitation to your friends to download the app so they will have it.  Always give them a heads up because many think the text invitation is spam and don’t download the app.  Also, make sure to tell your friends to keep WhatsApp on – or check it often as it does not alert to a next text in the same manner that Tango does.  This is a very good app and has some cool group features as well.
There you have my 4 favorite apps for staying in touch while you are traveling!   Some of my other “must have” apps that I use often during travel are:

 

My TSA  – you can monitor security check point line wait times and airport delays

Translator – translate English to local country language and vice versa.  There is a “pro” version for $1.99 that is well worth it.
Airline Apps – don’t leave home without downloading your airline’s app.  You will have up to the minute info on delays, schedule changes, the ability to check in for your flight, and more.

 
                         

 

Of course there are many, many others, these are just a few that I use on every trip I take; feel free to share with me your favorite must have apps for travel!

Safe travels!

Kelley

Jamaican me crazy !!

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Jamaica is an island country situated in the Western Caribbean Sea, comprising the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles. The island is roughly 4,240 sq miles in area and lies about 145 90 miles south of Cuba.  It is about 119 miles west of Hispaniola, the island containing the nation-states of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

 
Jamaica is the largest English speaking island in the Caribbean; this is one of many reasons Jamaica is such a popular vacation destination.    Another reason is the nice year round weather on the island.  The annual average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest months are in the summer, from May to September.  While hurricane season is officially June – November, Jamaica usually sees the largest weather impact in September.  Of course I was there in August last year and we were visited by a hurricane.  The “winter” season (December to March) is appreciably cooler. Areas of high altitude have chilly times. For example, the Blue Mountain Peak has an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and sometimes cooler, depending on the time of year or weather.  The lower altitude (think beach!!) areas are still very nice during the winter season with an average temperature closer to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.   December through April often is the best weather for your vacation, while May – November is often the best value.

             

       SANDALS WHITEHOUSE                               JEWEL RUNAWAY BAY
One of my favorite reasons to visit Jamaica is the people and the culture. The people are warm, kind, hospitable, and downright fun!!   Sometimes things do tend to be on “island time”, but no worries, it will get done, and it will be fun!
The main tourist areas of Jamaica are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril.  Runaway Bay and the South Coast also have some great options for your  vacation.    Jamaica offers the perfect blend of romance, quiet time, adventure, and excitement.  There are activities and attractions all over this amazing island! Water sports – you name it, it’s here.  Hiking, river tubing, cave tubing, zip lining, Bob Marly museum, Margaritaville, Appleton Rum estate tours (tasting included!), horseback riding, golf and so much more.

 

      

Montego Bay, Jamaica is where the majority of the flights land for the vacation destinations.  Montego Bay is a lively destination with a wide variety of resorts to suit any needs.  Montego Bay offers travelers to Jamaica a fantastic opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of an energetic island city set in the midst of absolute paradise with awe-inspiring all-inclusive resorts, myriad golf courses to choose from, wonderful shopping and more.


Ocho Rios, Jamaica is about a 75 minute ride from the airport in Montego Bay, but it is worth the wait! Ocho Rios offers a mixture of natural beauty, including spectacular bodies of water encompassed by gorgeous, lush greenery. One of the area’s best-known attractions is Dunn’s River Falls, a 600 foot stair-stepped waterfall that cascades down the mountain. A sight not to be missed!  Climbing the water falls is a great activity!  You will make friends very fast as you are part of a human chain climbing the falls!
Negril, Jamaica is on the west end of the island, about 45 minutes from the airport, and offers the most stunning beach on the island (in my opinion).   7-mile beach is a world famous stretch of the white sand quintessential Caribbean beach.   This is a hugely popular honeymoon or romance destination as it tends to be much more peaceful and tranquil.
While Sandals is the most well-known resort chain on the island, there are many fabulous resorts to choose from; there is literally something for everyone!  Just this week alone I have stayed at The Jewel Runaway Bay, Sandals Whitehouse, and I will be staying at Secrets Wild Orchid before I return home.  Be sure to keep an eye on my Facebook page as I will be posting pictures and updates from my Jamaica experience this week!

Kelley

Lets have a party !!

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Travel and celebration go hand in hand!  Personally, for me, any and all travel is a celebration.  You can travel and celebrate with a group of your family and friends, or it can be a small intimate celebration for just a couple or even an individual.  The occasions to celebrate are limitless, pretty much whatever you can think of can be turned in to a celebration!  Just about any type of travel is suitable for celebrations as well.

 

          

 

Destination Weddings, Vow Renewals, Girlfriend getaways, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and reunions are just a few examples of some group travel celebration occasions.  Your group can be large, or small, it’s all up to you.  Destination, resort, and cruise travel are all great options for larger group celebrations.  We can do some really fun options for your group celebration!

 

        

 

Can you picture getting married or renewing your vows on a beautiful beach or near a waterfall?  How about a private, exclusive party onboard a cruise ship for your group? What about a private tour or excursion just for your group?  Do you want to take your whole group to a special private dinner?  Sometimes just traveling with your friends and family is a celebration in and of itself, no special arrangements required.

 

Looking for a smaller more intimate celebration?  Destination Weddings, honeymoons, anniversary, birthday, life milestones, and bucket list travel are perfect occasions for smaller private celebrations.  Any occasion can be a celebration!  Any type of travel is well suited for your smaller more intimate celebrations.   Destinations, Resorts, Cruises, River Cruises, Escorted or Guided Tours, and Independent Travel with or without planned activities are all great options for your couples celebration travel.

How about a couple’s massage for that special anniversary or honeymoon?  Dinner on the beach or on your balcony is a very nice way to celebrate an occasion.  Can you imagine watching the sunrise or sunset from your over the water bungalow or safari camp?    Want to get away from it all and have a celebration of yourself and by yourself?  Many people choose to go it alone for their celebrations.  Some are celebrating a life milestone or achievement; some just need to get away.

 

                         

There are some great options out there for the solo traveler.  How about a spa vacation? Escorted or Guided Tour in Europe? Cruise?  Join other like-minded guests for a bicycling tour, or walking tour in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, or even Africa!
Special events can be arranged whether you are a large group, a small group, a couple or a solo traveler.  Only your imagination is the limit for your travel and celebration.  If gifts are in order for your celebration, you can even set up travel gift registries to make gift giving easier and to help defray the expense of travel and celebration.
Travel and Celebration go hand in hand!

Kelley