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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,

 

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 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,

It’s all in the details !!

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I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “it’s all in the details”. This is also true when it comes to your vacation experiences. Whether it is a destination wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, life milestone, girl’s weekend getaway, or any other type of vacation experience, truly it is all in the details. Let’s take a look at some of the details that can really enhance your vacation experience, or on the other hand, be problematic if you overlook them!

Let’s start with details to enhance your vacation!

Every vacation experience can be enhanced with additional details. For example, on your honeymoon, consider things like planning a romantic dinner on the beach, a couples massage, or dinner served in your room on the balcony or terrace. Many resorts offer some fabulous honeymoon amenities for guests that have been married within an allotted time frame. Tip: If you are a honeymooner, it is important to take a long proof of your recent marriage so you can get the honeymoon amenities!

Are you taking a cruise? There are some details to really enhance your cruise experience! Spa treatments can often be reserved in advance as can some specialty dining options. While on your cruise how about a champagne breakfast on your balcony? You can also have birthday, honeymoon, and anniversary celebrations onboard. Don’t forget to think about planning your shore excursions in advance! Many of the popular activities and excursions are for smaller groups and do sell out in advance.

If you are going on a family vacation to a resort or destination that provides opportunities for character visits or meals (think Disney or Sesame Street Experiences at Beaches) make sure to schedule them well in advance as they are very popular and do sell out. There are also things to consider like children’s programs on ships and at resorts, toys, diapers, and the list goes on. Some resorts have partnerships that will provide toys and baby or children essentials.

Now let’s look at the details that can become problematic if not taken care of properly!

The name on your booking must EXACTLY match the name on your passport. Airlines are very particular about this and it is an expensive mistake if made.

Make sure your passport is good for 6 months past the date of travel. There is nothing worse than getting to the airport and not being allowed to board because your passport expires too soon after travel.

Credit Cards are another important detail when you travel. First, make sure to use an actual credit card, not a prepaid card or a debit card. Secondly, make sure you notify your credit card company of your travel dates and destination. It isn’t fun when your card gets denied in another country and you have no other form of payment and must try to call your credit card company.

Do you have any special needs with regards to Medical, dietary, mobility, sleeping? These must be noted prior to travel so the proper details can be attended to and arranged to make your vacation experience a good one. Most cruise lines and resorts can accommodate most special needs with advanced notification. As a note, I know that for people who live every day with themselves, they don’t think of certain things as special needs. If you have any possible special need, please discuss it in advance so there are no surprises.

 

This is a topic I could literally discuss for days! There are many details to be considered when planning your vacation experience! I hope this has given you an idea of a few of them!

Happy Travels,

Time to plan !!

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As we approach summer, it’s time to think about your travel plans for the rest of the year!  Now is the time to think about your holiday travel, whether it is to celebrate the holiday, or celebrate your very own special occasion.  Are you getting married this fall or around the holidays and have yet to plan your honeymoon?  Are you celebrating a life milestone this year?  Are you thinking about taking the family on that holiday vacation this year so you don’t have holiday stress at home?  Do you like to wait until closer to the end of the year to take your vacation time?   Whatever the occasion for your travel, now is the time to plan!

Here are some fun ideas you may not have considered for your travels that coincide with the holiday season!

Christmas Markets in Europe – these are fabulous and amazing!  River Cruising is one option to see multiple Christmas markets on your vacation.  Another option is making them a destination vacation.  For example, Spain, Germany, and Austria all have great Christmas markets, as do many other European countries.  Some of my favorites are the markets in Barcelona, Berlin, Vienna, Prague, and Brussels.  The Christmas markets typically start the week of Thanksgiving and run through Christmas.

Ski vacations – it doesn’t have to be just about the slopes!  Of course the slopes are the main attraction for skiers, but the ski vacations of today can be a romantic getaway for 2 or a great family trip for everyone.  Some of the lodges have hot tubs en suite, spas on site, and offer romance packages.   Did you know that some resorts have ski concierges that will warm your ski boots and transport your gear for you?  If you are looking for a family vacation, there are resorts and slopes specifically designed with the family and children in mind.  Remember, there are some fabulous ski destinations outside the US as well.  If you are looking for a little international adventure, think about skiing in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Argentina, or Canada.

Costa Rica adventure awaits you!  Costa Rica is best visited between November and April!   Costa Rica has everything from hot springs and volcanoes, to rainforests!   Zip lining, hiking, surfing, and sport fishing just to name a few more options.   You can visit multiple areas of the country or stay in one area for more destination immersion.  You can visit the Nicoya Peninsula for a more quiet nature loving experience, or visit the Guanacaste and Arenal regions for a little adventure and more activity.  Yes, of course there are also beaches in Costa Rica, some are black sand (remember, there are volcanoes there), some are more typical beaches.  Are you looking for quiet romance?  Are you in search of family fun?  This is one destination that can offer it all for you!

Holidays in the sun – of course you can go to Mexico or the Caribbean and bask in the sun, but there are other sunny winter destinations as well!

How about a holiday down under?  While the holiday season here can be a bit chilly, November and December are summer months in Australia and New Zealand!  If you have the time (and of course the budget), consider visiting one of your bucket list destinations during the holiday season.  Yes, I know, I am assuming that Australia and / or New Zealand are on your bucket list!  Aren’t they?

I hope these ideas spark your curiosity!   The world is a place meant to be explored, and I am here to help you!

Happy Travels,