Back to Jamaica !!

Last week I attended the Sandals American Express Vacations More Knowledge 2015 conference in Jamaica.
Everyone knows I love Jamaica and last week just furthered my love affair with the island!  I am truly fortunate to have visited the island so many times and stayed in so many of the resorts over the years.
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 Destination Wedding, Honeymoon and 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.  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.
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 Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, or 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.
During my visit last week, I stayed at Sandals Whitehouse on the South Coast.  This resort features 2 ½ miles of beautiful white sandy beach.  The resort is beautifully landscaped; the food and service were excellent.  It is a somewhat quiet resort, but that does not equal boring; there are plenty of activities available for you at the resort as well as off resort excursions as well.
I toured Sandals Negril; they have done extensive renovations and renovations are ongoing.  The resort looks and “feels” great!  It’s hard to describe, but the atmosphere at the resort was calming yet engaging.   I can’t wait to see the new section when it is complete; the renderings we saw for completion are amazing!  The staff was genuinely warm and welcoming, the food was excellent, the guests were all having fun, and let’s face it – it’s Negril, the beach can’t be beat!
We also toured and had lunch at Beaches Negril.  Beaches is the family friendly brand of the Sandals family.  If you will have children at your Destination Wedding, or are doing a honeymoon with your family, this is a great option.  They have a water park, Sesame Street Characters, a DJ academy, X-box, kids programs, and of course options for adults only time.
My few days came to an end with a stay at Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay.  I love this resort!  The service is outstanding and the rooms are beautiful.  Secrets Wild Orchid is actually one of two resorts in the Secrets “complex”.  Secrets St James is the other resort.  Both resorts share many of the common areas and all of the
restaurants.
Each has its own unique style, yet they are a seamless transition from one to the next.  Secrets resorts are adult only resorts.  They are not couples only; (although a large focus on romance) they are also a great option for those friend getaways as well.  I was there with a couple of other travel agents and we did not at all feel out of place or like we “stuck out”.
While Sandals is certainly the most well-known resort chain on the island, there are many fabulous resorts to choose from; there is literally something for everyone!
Let me know when you are ready to experience the warmth and hospitality of Jamaica.

Happy travels.                     

      

Kelley

What NOT to bring on your flight

Air travel has certainly changed over the years, and continues to change on a regular basis.  Since I have to pack and prepare for flights next week, I thought I would review with you some reminders about air travel.  Each airline may have specific requirements, so always be sure to consult with the airline as well as these guidelines.  Each airline has a dedicated section on their website for luggage and allowances.
TSA screening uses the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, fluids, and gels to be carried on to an airplane.  In a nutshell – that is no container larger than 3 oz., in a 1 quart zip lock baggie, and 1 per person.   Technically the allowable size is 3.4 oz., but 3 oz. is much easier to remember when it comes time to pack!   Always remember to remove your zip lock baggie from your carry-on (unless you are qualified for TSA Pre-Check) and place it in one of the bins for security screening.  Each time security has to search a carry-on bag it slows down the line.  If you have any doubt about something being considered a liquid, fluid, or gel it is safest to put it in your checked bag.  You should also declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. You must declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Please remember and be patient as officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.  Remember, the 3-1-1 rule only applies to liquids, fluids, and gels; it does not apply to pills or powders.
        
If you are a bride and will be taking your wedding dress with you, please check the requirements and airline policy prior to flying.  Most aircraft no longer have closets to hang your dress!  Many will allow you to lay your dress in the overhead bin, on top of luggage.  Each airline handles this a bit differently, it is important to know before you go!  Some of my brides have determined the wedding dress they purchase based on ease (or lack thereof) of transporting the dress!  Also, there are specific garment bags you need to use to carry-on the dress.  If you do not, you will have to stand there and watch the TSA folks inspect and unpack your carefully arranged dress.  I promise you, they will not put it back the same way you had it!
If you will be doing any sort of air travel over the holidays, I highly recommend that you do not pre-wrap your gifts!  There is nothing worse than spending that time and energy to wrap your gifts, only to have them unwrapped for a security inspection.  I promise you, the officers will not take the same amount of gentle care to unwrapping the gift as you did to wrapping the gift!  This goes for both carry-on and checked bags.
There are some prohibited items that you cannot take on the plane with you.  A very general list includes Sharp Objects Sporting Goods, Guns & Firearms, Tools, Martial Arts & Self Defense Items, Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals, and Other Dangerous Items.  While these items cannot be carried on the plane, some of these items can be taken in your checked luggage.  For specific allowances, please check http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items 
For general security information, screening processes, and information about carry-on items, please check the TSA website at www.tsa.gov   I also recommend downloading the TSA app to your smart phone – it has great information for you.
When it comes to your checked bags, there are also specific allowances for those as well.  Please remember to confirm your airline allowances prior to travel so you don’t have any surprises at the airport upon departure or return!  With the exception of Southwest Airlines, all airlines now charge for checked baggage when purchasing the least expensive (and in some cases any!) tickets.  There are also weight and size requirements for your checked bags.  Each airline will have their specifics, but a good rule of thumb is no heavier than 50 pounds, and no bigger than 62 linear inches.   These requirements will vary among airlines, please check!  As a note, the international carries have very different standards for their flights that originate in countries outside of the United States.  If you are uncertain of the requirements, please check with them so you don’t find yourself re-packing in the midst of a very busy airport in another country.
The official policy is Federal law prohibits hazardous materials from being included in either checked or carry-on baggage. Items such as explosives, compressed gases, oxidizers, corrosives, flammable liquids and solids, loaded firearms, radioactive materials and poisons are considered hazardous.  Some common examples of prohibited items include paints, mace/tear gas, lighter fluid, oxygen bottles and fireworks.  You would think this goes without saying, but dangerous or hazardous materials are not allowed on aircraft.  However, if you follow TSA on Twitter, you will quickly learn that people try to get all sorts of things on airplanes!
With just a little knowledge and preparation in advance, you will significantly decrease your travel day stress.
Remember to check my social media channels for updates on my travel next week!
Twitter:  @kelleyaus
Instagram:  kelleyaus

Paradise doesn’t have to have a passport !!

Paradise doesn’t have to have a passport!  For that matter, paradise doesn’t have to involve a tropical getaway with a beach and ocean!  What is your vision of paradise?  For your vacation experience, it is all about creating your own unique and amazing journey.    Think about the future memories you want to have!  Do you love the idea of cities with all of the high energy and excitement?  Or, are you more of an outdoor adventure seeker?  Are you a spa lover looking for your quiet Zen experience?  Are you looking for foodie and wine paradise?
Here are a few ideas right within the continental US that are outside of the box that most think of as “paradise”, but if done right, can truly be your own unique experiences.
Santa Barbara, CA –Santa Barbara can truly be a unique and romantic getaway, even just for a long weekend.   Santa Barbara has coined itself “The American Riviera”.   Did you know Santa Barbara has its own wine trail?  Culture, farm-to-table cuisine, outdoor adventure, unforgettable romance, shopping, and sightseeing, are just a few more of the experiences in this great location.
Scottsdale, AZ – Spa, golf, shopping, hiking and adventure are just a few ideas for this great destination!  How about a hot air balloon ride?  Do you like horseback riding?  Did you know there are a couple of casinos in Scottsdale?  You also won’t go hungry in Scottsdale!  Yes, Scottsdale is widely considered by most to be dessert area, but you can also go rafting, tubing, and participate in other water sports in the immediate area.
New York City – Truly the city that never sleeps and there is truly something for everyone!  Do you love the theater?  Do you love good food?  Do you love live entertainment? Do you love shopping (both high end and street shopping!)  Do you love parks and quiet walks?  Do you like sports or outdoor activities?  The list of options for New York City can go on and on!  There are so many ways to create your own unique NYC experiences.
Miami Beach, FL – A city with a unique vibe all its own that has it all.  If you are looking for beach and water, you can work on your tan, swim, surf and Jet Ski in the warm and crystal-clear Atlantic waters. South Beach is the place to see and be seen, it is a favorite among models and celebrities.   A couple of my favorite recommendations are the Miami Beach Boardwalk and Lincoln Road.
These are just a few of the amazing destinations right here in the USA.  There are many others in this great land of ours!
If you want to get that tropical paradise feeling without your passport, there are a few great destinations that will be perfect for you!
The Hawaiian Islands – With 5 islands to choose from, your perfect island experience awaits you.  Each island has its own personality and distinctive experience.  Rich in history and culture, with beauty that can’t be adequately described, there is an island just waiting to be experienced!  While the islands are a good year-round destination, it does have a “wet season” and a “dry season” to consider when planning your Hawaii experience.
Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico is a US Territory and no passports are required for US Citizens.  Make no mistake, you will definitely feel like you are a world away!  Puerto Rico is the perfect blend of colonial Spanish culture, natural beauty, and contemporary lifestyles.  Visit historic Old San Juan, awe-inspiring rainforests, coffee plantations, historic forts, or a rum distillery.  Take a swing at world-class golf, played amidst lush greenery or try your luck in one of the casinos. Explore endless stretches of pristine white beaches where you can snorkel, sail, fish and surf.
US Virgin Islands – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, a chain of 3 islands each with their own unique personalities and experiences.  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.
I hope this has helped you to think about your idea of paradise in a bit of a different way!  Remember, your vacation experience should be just that – YOUR vacation experience.  It shouldn’t be what you read online, in a book, or what your friend did; it should be your unique experience that will create your future memories!

Happy travels.                     

      

Kelley

New York New York.

Sometimes we get so consumed with thinking about faraway places, tropical or beach destinations, that we forget there are amazing vacation destinations right here in the USA!  My client services specialist Emer took her family to New York City this summer for a bit of their own summer fun and I’ve asked her to share their experience with you.
We took a whirlwind vacation this summer up to The Big Apple NYC.  My 14 yr old twin girls were really looking forward to it and I love New York City.   We wanted to be close to the the Times Square area and somewhere central with easy access to most of the action, so we stayed in The Homewood Suites, 312 W. 37th St. NY.   We were really pleasantly surprised by this location, we could walk to the 5th Ave/42nd Street area and we also had free full breakfast and evening happy hour.  The rooms were comfortable and the hotel in general was clean and modern.
We walked into Midtown when we got there.  I love the hustle and bustle of the city.  Times Square never sleeps.  It’s a bit of a culture shock when you are not used to walking around in a major city. Soon enough we fitted right in with the throngs of people going here and there.
                
Some of the fun places we visited during our first days were the new Carlos Bakery on 8th Avenue.  We have enjoyed the TV show and it was a treat to visit the store and try some of their delicous pastries.  Everybody had the same idea !!!
           
Our Grayline  “Hop on Hop Off Bus” tickets provided a great deal for the 3 day all attractions unlimited pass. The package includes some additional extras like a ferry tour and some museum tickets.  I have used this tour previously and think it is the best value for money.  We saved a fortune in cab fares by riding the Hop on Hop Off to our favorite spots.  Some of the attractions include The grament district, Financial District, Central Park, Soho, Greenwich village and many more.
One of the items on our bucket list was to take in a show while we were there.  Thanks to Kelley, we were able to secure great tickets at a great price right on her Website in advance for “Wicked” which my girls really wanted to see – we weren’t disappointed with our choice!!!  I didn’t want to wait until we got there to buy discount tickets as I wasn’t sure what we could get.  The link right from Kelley’s Website is:   http://www.cruisevacationsandmore.com/pages/tickets
You can actually purchase tickets to concerts, plays, and much more right from Kelley’s website!

My girls are 14 now and it was really important to us that we go visit the 911 Memorial Park as they were just little babies in 2001.  We rode the Hop On Hop Off bus down to the site and my goodness, as soon as you walk into the area the whole atmosphere changes.  We felt an overwhelming quite and reverence.  They have really captured the emotion with the infinity pools, the Momorial and the Museum.  Unfortunately we had not anticipated the crowds visiting the museum and hadn’t allotted enough time to do that tour.  We did however view all the other monuments etc.

        

We all had our own list of things we wanted to do and see, among there were of course shopping for the girls.  They were thrilled to visit many huge stores like Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Century 21, and it gave Neal and I the opportunity to hang out in Times Square enjoy a coffee and  rest our feet.   What can I say, best people watching ever !!!  We enjoyed great food on our travels, of course some of the favorites for the girls were street food, Pizza, Bagels, Hot Dogs.  We also walked through the restaurant district and enjoyed some great food in “Hells Kitchen”

 

I have also wanted to visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and that’s what we did.  It was a great tour all of the exhibits are so real.  We visited a few of our favorites like Pink, Marlyn Monroe, and many more.  This tour really is for everyone as there are so many different exhibits.  There’s also a Ripley’s believe it or not next door if you wanted to take in both together.  We didn’t have enough time.

         

We had a fantastic vacation, there’s no way to see it all in a few days which means that we will HAVE to go back !!!! I look forward to it.  A great vacation spot for everyone.  It truly is the city that never sleeps.

I hope you can see through Emer’s experience what a great destination New York City can be for your next vacation getaway!

Kelley

What do you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled ??

 

What do you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled?  There are some steps you can proactively take to stay informed and alleviate some of the stress associated with disrupted travel.

My first recommend is to always book your flights with a reputable travel agency or directly with the airline.  Please remember, that the online booking sites are not all equal in the eyes of the airlines.  When you book with some of them, you are not necessarily the customer of the airline.  Not being the customer of the airline can present many challenges when it comes to delays or cancellations.

If you have not already, I highly recommended downloading the apps for your preferred air carriers.  If you don’t have a preferred air carrier, once we have vacation flights booked, download the app for that carrier.   You can check flight status via the app and many of the airline apps allow you to sign up for text message alerts for your flights.  If you aren’t an “app” kind of person, you should visit the airline website; check your reservation via the record locator number and sign up for text alerts about that reservation.  Having the app on your phone, or receiving text alerts, make it easier to monitor your flight status for changes, delays, or cancellations.  Of course if you have booked through me, I’m happy to assist you with any of these steps!  I also monitor flights as best I can for you while you travel.

                

If the flight is cancelled prior to your day of departure, most airlines will automatically rebook you on another flight if they have control your reservation.  An important note here – if you have not booked with a travel agent or directly with the airline, the automatic rebooking may not occur instantly.  If you booked with one of the big online booking sites, you are their customer, and not necessarily the direct customer of the airline.  The airline may refer you back to the company where you booked your flight so they can assist you.  (This can be a real challenge if you are out of the country and your online site of choice only has internet support or no international phone number to call.)

If the flight is cancelled the day of departure and / or you are already at the airport, most airlines will immediately begin the rebooking process.  Some of the airlines have automated systems that rebook you, others it is a manual one by one done by the agents at the ticketing counter or gate.  Many of the airline apps will allow you to rebook within the app.  This will save you from having to stand in line at the airport ticket counter, or spend time on hold.   If the cancel occurs prior to you checking in for your flight and you have booked with me, I am always happy to work with you to reschedule your flight.  If you are already checked in for your flight or at the airport, working directly with the airline is often the most streamlined process.  If the airline is unable to assist, and you have booked with me, you should definitely call the 24 hour customer care number provided in your travel documents.  Again, if you booked with one of the online booking sites, getting help directly from the airline can be a challenge.  Please remember, it is not that they do not want to help you, but their first priority is their customer – those that book through travel agents and directly with the airline.

If you are at the airport and your flight is delayed, always stay close to the gate area so you can hear announcements.  At many airports, the flight schedule monitors are not actually updated by the airline, but by airport operations so the screens aren’t always updated as quickly as the changes occur.  If you have text alerts set up on your phone, these will be helpful as well.  If your delay is that of more than a few hours, the airline may be willing to provide a meal voucher for you.

If your delay turns in to a cancellation that requires an overnight stay at the airport, you do have options.  Depending on why the flight was cancelled, the airline may provide a hotel option for you.

If it is not a complimentary option (that is correct, it is not always a “free” hotel night), make sure to ask if they are offering a distressed traveler rate.  Most of the times they have negotiated distressed traveler rates with the airport area hotels.  Also inquire about meal vouchers, and toiletry kits.  In most cases, the airlines will not be able to provide you with your checked luggage in the event of an overnight situation.  This is one reason I always carry on a few toiletries and a change of clothes.  If I have them I don’t need them, it’s when I don’t throw them in that it comes back to haunt me!

Yes, delays and cancellations are painful for all involved, including the airport staff.  Please remember, they are no happier about the delays or cancellations than you are.  You may be traveling for an important event, or simply trying to get home after a long trip, whatever the reason for your travel, and whatever the reason for your delay, please do not take it out on the airline staff (or your travel agent!).    

Happy travels.                     

      Kelley

Do you know your name ??

jpegDo you know your name?  I’m serious; do you actually know your name as it appears on your official documentation?  You would be shocked if you knew how many people give me their “names” but upon further questioning or looking at their documents, they learn their name isn’t what they have been calling themselves!  When you get a chance, take a look at your driver’s license, your passport, your social security card.  Do they all have the same name?  Many people have different names on every piece of government issued identification or document they have!
Ideally, you should have the same name on all of your documentation so there is no mistaking your identity.   Then there is the whole, how does your name appear on your credit card?  More often than not, the name appears slightly different on your credit card than it does any of your documentation.
When it comes to travel outside of the US, your passport is ultimately all that matters.  Before booking any travel that involves travel outside of the country, please make sure you look at your passport and know how your name appears.  It does not matter how your name appears on your driver’s license in another country, they only care about your passport name.  If you don’t already have a passport, or it needs to be renewed, please make sure you know how your name will appear on the passport when booking your travel.  It is important that the name on your travel reservation and the name on your documentation be an exact match. Remember, your name must exactly match!  If there is Jr, Sr, II, or III, etc. after your name that matters too!
Airlines are not fond of name changes and there can be significant financial penalties.  Many times, the name cannot be changed; the ticket must be cancelled and reissued.  This is a double whammy, they will not refund your money on the cancelled ticket, plus you have to buy a new ticket.
It’s not just the airlines; it is the immigration officials in the country you are entering or exiting, and even the resort you are visiting.  If your name does not match on your travel documentation and your passport, you may be subject to additional immigration screening upon entering or the country.  Surprisingly, exiting a foreign country to return to the US can be even more of an issue if there is a name discrepancy.  Resorts also check your name at check-in and if it does not match your passport, your check-in process can be long and arduous.  Also at the resort, if the name on your passport does not match the name on the credit card they will be using for incidentals, they may ask for an additional form of identification to prove the credit card is indeed yours.
Many travelers (including myself) will use their passport names for all travel, including domestic travel.   There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, just remember to always have your passport with you!
It sounds so simple, but at least once a week I get a call about a name issue with clients.   This is the one issue that can make me (and all other travel professionals) lose sleep at night.  There is nothing more gut wrenching than getting that call from a client that is at the airport and cannot check-in for their flight due to a name discrepancy.
Now, go check all of your documentation so you know your name!
Kelley

Which All-Inclusive is right for you ??

 

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 Mexico, Jamaica, 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 destination weddings, 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
Great option for destination weddings if children are on the guest list
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 (think traditional sit down restaurant style dining with a menu)?  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, primarily buffet options for dining and reservations required for A’ la carte dining.  Availability of reservations can be dependent on your length of stay and room category.
  • Moderate – usually 3-4 star properties, good mix of buffet and A’ la carte dining.  Some will still require reservations for A’ la carte dining but with less restrictions than most budget resorts.
  • Luxury – usually 4.5 -5 start properties, primarily A’ la carte dining with generally only buffet option for breakfast or breakfast and lunch.
  • Exceptional Luxury – usually 5 star +, primarily A’ la carte dining with generally only buffet for breakfast, but A’ la carte options for breakfast as well.
As a Couples Travel Concierge and Travel Professional, I can help you sort out all of your options.  It is important to work with a travel professional that has been to and experienced the resorts they are recommending.  I work with you based on your personal preferences, not just some data you type in to a website.  Don’t hesitate to contact me when you are ready to book your All-Inclusive Resort Honeymoon, Destination Wedding, or vacation!

Happy Travels!

Do you know about these changes ??

 

Travel is always changing and this summer is no exception!  There have been a few announcements recently about changes that are both interesting and “need to know”.  Here are just a few of the changes!

Carnival Cruise Lines has been busy with announcements this last week.  The announcement from Tuesday will have an impact on anyone cruising Carnival starting in July.    Effective July 9, Carnival is prohibiting passengers from bringing on bottled beverages.  According to Carnival they are implementing the bottled beverage ban for two main reasons. First, it slows down the boarding process due to security checks for contraband booze. Second, it can lead to behavioral problems caused by overconsumption.   Carnival will still allow one 750-milliliter bottle of unopened wine or champagne in carry-on baggage on embarkation day. If they choose to consume it in a restaurant or bar, they will be charged a $15 corkage fee. Carnival did clarify a policy regarding the ability to bring on soda or bottled water.   “We will continue to allow up to 12 unopened cans or cartons of water, sodas and non-alcoholic beverages per person to be brought on board during embarkation,” the line said. “Guests can now purchase a 12-pack of bottled water from Carnival at a price of $2.99 plus tax online prior to their cruise or $4.99 plus gratuities once on board. We sincerely apologize for any disappointment these changes may cause. However, we firmly believe these changes will ultimately benefit all guests.”

Also in the news late last week, Carnival announced a new brand of cruising specifically dedicated to volunteerism.  Carnival will be launching fathom in April 2017 with seven-day voyages from Miami aboard the Adonia.  The Adonia is a 710-passenger vessel redeployed from Carnival Corp.’s P&O Cruises. The first destination for this new concept will be the Dominican Republic.  According to Carnival the Dominic Republic was chosen as the first destination because the average household income is about US$6,000 a year and more than 2 million Dominicans do not have access to piped water.  Passengers will pay cruise fares starting at $1,540 per person for an outside cabin. On the initial sea days guests will attend onboard “readiness experiences,” such as an orientation to the Dominican Republic, conversational Spanish lessons, activity training, workshops, personal enrichment and more.  There will be on-shore social impact activities such as helping cultivate cacao plants and helping a women’s cooperative produce artisan chocolates; teaching English in schools or to adults; or helping build water filters using clay.  This is certainly going to be a unique and rewarding cruise experience!  Keep your eyes and ears open for more fathom details as they are released!

Frontier Airlines also made headlines this week.  Frontier Airlines is no longer going to put the actual departure time on their boarding passes!  Yes, it’s true.  They are now going to put the time that “boarding begins” and the time that the boarding “door closes,” which is 10 minutes prior to a flight’s scheduled departure time.   In an article for Today in the Sky As for Frontier, spokesman Jim Faulkner says the goal for the change is to keep flights on schedule.

“It’s part of our emphasis to ensure an on-time departure for our customers, if the door closes 10 minutes before scheduled departure, customers still have time to stow their bags, get their seat belts fastened and get settled in so that the plane can push back from the gate on time or before.”   While I don’t think this is a bad thing, it is worthy of noting the change.  If you are flying Frontier, please make sure to check your boarding passes!

Keep an eye out over the coming months for possible changes to carry-on size luggage.  Currently, there is no standard in the industry, each airline sets their own.   The industry trade association International Airline Transport Association (IATA) is recommending that all airlines standardize so consumers are no longer confused with the different airline allowances.  They are recommending a smaller size that will allow for all flying passengers to have room in the overhead or under the seat in front of them for their carry-on bags.  One of the goals is to stop the “fight for the bin” space and therefore expediting the boarding process.  The European carriers already (and always have) have smaller carry-on size allowances than the US carriers.  So far 8 international carriers have formally signed on and back the IATA recommendations and another 30 have expressed interest.  Currently, no US Airlines have formally supported the recommendation.  This will be an interesting story to follow and will certainly change the way we fly if all airlines adopt the recommendation.  For now, my recommendation is the same as always – check your airline website for their carry-on allowance prior to your travel.

Travel is constantly changing, and I will always do my best to keep you informed of any significant industry changes or announcements.   Since the changes may not be a topic of my newsletters each week, I do hope you will engage on social media with me so you can continue to be informed and probably entertained by some of my posts or photos.

Happy Travels!

      

Protect Yourself and be healthy !!

I am often asked how people can protect themselves from getting sick when traveling.  My first concern is always for your safety and well-being.  I will never recommend areas or resorts that I feel are unsafe or that I would not travel to personally.  If you have any health concerns, please make sure to advise me when we are in the planning process, or prior to travel so you we can manage any situation!

One thing to remember (and this is on every one of my confirmation invoices I provide) is that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the proper travel documentation (passports, visas, identification, vaccinations, etc.) in order to travel abroad.  Did you notice that word vaccinations?  Too often people always overlook this and think it doesn’t pertain to them or their destination.  In most cases you are right – it doesn’t.  However, the CDC is constantly updating their information with regards to required or recommended vaccinations for any destination you may travel to.  Please note there is a difference between a requirement and a recommendation.  For a requirement, it is just that – and you will have to show proof before being allowed to enter the country.  Recommendations are just that, general wide scope recommendations.  For any questions regarding the recommendations, you should consult with your physician to see if the recommendation applies to you in your health assessment.  Often times, the recommendations will not apply to you based on your overall health.

Many times people will get sick when traveling and assume they have food poisoning.  True food poisoning is actually quite rare in the more mainstream tourist destinations or on cruise ships.  Often times it is your body reacting to unfamiliar or excessive foods (especially when combined with alcohol), or different bacteria or pesticides.  It can also be an indicator there is something more serious going on.  There are ways you can protect yourself when traveling.  The two biggest ways you can protect yourself are through eating safe foods and personal hygiene.  The other way is by working with a travel professional that visits the resorts on a routine basis and knows the practices at each resort.  Did you know that most of the resorts I recommend use only bottled and treated water throughout the entire resort?

Eating safe foods such as those that are cooked and served hot is one recommendation.   If you don’t know the food source, you want to make sure your eggs are hard cooked or cooked thoroughly, and that you are consuming pasteurized dairy products.  If you are working with a good travel professional, they will have good insight for you on this type of thing.  (Did you know some resorts actually have their own greenhouses and grow their own produce?)  There are some general recommendations – but these will vary slightly based on the destination and health concerns.   If you are at a good quality resort (this is where value comes in to play and not necessarily just price!), or on a cruise ship, the recommendations will be slightly altered.  The recommendations below should definitely be followed if you are eating out side of your resort or in a port of call!

Some general recommendations of foods not to eat:

Food served at room temperature

Food from street vendors

Raw or soft-cooked (think runny) eggs

Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits or vegetables (if you want these – please make sure to wash them!)

Peelings from fruits or veggies

Condiments made from fresh ingredients if you don’t know or trust the food source

Salads

Unpasteurized dairy products

“Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)

Drinking safe beverages is also important.  While most of the better resorts only use bottled or filtered water, it is always best to ask about the water source!  I only recommend resorts that use bottled or filtered water, but believe it or not, some people choose not to take my recommendations!

Don’t forget about the ice!  Ice is water!  You need to know if the ice cubes are made from filtered water or tap water.  If tap water – stay away!  Personally, I don’t use ice at all when I am traveling, no matter where I am going.  The safe beverages are generally bottled water (that is sealed or opened in front of you), water that has been disinfected (boiled, filtered, treated), ice made with boiled or disinfected water, carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, and pasteurized milk.

Drinks to avoid include:

Tap or Well water (Don’t even brush your teeth with it if it is not treated!)

Ice made with tap or well water

Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juices or iced tea)

Open market drinks made with fresh fruit pulp

Flavored ice and popsicles

Unpasteurized milk

Personal hygiene cannot be understated here!  You hear it all of the time “wash your hands” – but do you do it?  You should wash your hands often and with soap whenever possible.  If soap is not available, make sure you clean your hands with sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.    Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth unless your hands are clean.  Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.

One other hint – if you have ever been on a flight and they give you a hot / warm towel before you eat or land – Don’t use that to wipe your face!!  Those towels can be a breeding ground for bacteria!  Use those towels to wipe your hands (but don’t touch your face!), and clean the tray table you will be using.

If you have any questions regarding health concerns in the area you are visiting, I encourage you to visit with your doctor to determine if you need any vaccinations or if following a few simple precautions will be all you need.  Most of the time, just following simple precautions is all you need to have a safe and healthy vacation experience!

Happy Travels!

Excellence Playa de Mujeres – a review

My Clients Services Administrator was kind enough to share her memories and give you a great overview of her recent experience at one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Cancun area.

We visited The Excellence Resort – Playa de Mujeres for 5 days.   This resort is an all-inclusive Luxury/Adults Only resort in the beautiful Playa de Mujeres area, just 30 minutes from Cancun Airport and away from all the hustle and bustle.   The resort is chic and contemporary – beautifully decorated with lush colorful grounds.
     
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted with a fresh towel and a welcome cocktail. The staff is very professional and courteous.  Our room was ready so we were able to go there first and drop our luggage etc.  Lucky for us we were in the “Excellence Club” section which are the top of the line suites with private concierge, Excellence club lounge with snacks, beverages, additional amenities, rooms with in room Jacuzzi, premium mini bar, separate in-room and balcony seating areas for plenty of space.  Our room was on the second floor overlooking one of the 7 pools. Gorgeous and peaceful.

We decided to check out some lunch choices – there are lots of different flavors to enjoy.  Breakfast and lunch are available at 3 of the Restaurants, Toscana serves a Breakfast buffet, The Lobster house and The Grill offer many selections of seafood, salads etc. for lunch.
There are lots more choices for dinner incuding, Italian, Habachi, Indian, Mediterranaen,Mexican,French, Tapas and more.   All Dining is included in the All Inclusive pricing, no upgrades or additional costs.   Reservations are only required at the Hibachi restaurant.
                
I wish we had more time there to try all the restaurants, but we managed to fit in as much dining as possible !!!!
We went exploring the next day and decided to take it easy down at the beach.  The beach was lovely, it was paradise with luxury lounge chairs and beds, under shaded grass umberellas.  Staff came around continously to freshen drinks and take care of any other requests you had.  We were spoiled..!!! In addition, they also had live music and lunch buffet at the Beach bar.  Later we relaxed at one of our quite pools in these Hammocks !! (Still dreaming about the Hammocks)
     
Every evening they had amazing entertainment at their covered Ampitheater, we saw a circus aerial type act, Michael Jackson impersonator (really good) Spanish Flamenco show and many more – they really did a wonderful job with the entertainment choices.  One night they set up a Mexican Fiesta with buffet, local music etc.  For the men, they also had a large Sports Bar with many Big Screens showing the highlights.
The Mille Spa on the property was out of this world, world class massages and other spa services were also available.   These services were an additional fee, but well worth it.  There was also a complete Hydrotherapy section – which was included in any other service you purchased – now that was a treat.
This year we relaxed more and only booked one shore excursion.
We did a Catamaran boat trip to Isla de Mujeres including a snorkeling trip on the way.  We saw some Mayan ruins, beautiful reefs and so much sealife.  We had a couple of hours on the Island to eat lunch and shop.  The restaurants were right on the island where we had fresh catch of the day and delicous fresh seafood varieties.  The shopping area was quite the bargaining adventure – lots of fun to be had there.  Silver is very popular on this island and you can get some great bargains.
         
Overall everything was wonderful, the customer service, amenities, food ….. all fantastic.   As you know Kelley, last year we stayed at The Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Riviera Maya and so we had something to compare this trip to.  This resort was a little more upbeat with younger couples, wedding parties etc.  We loved Excellence, it was more social with lots of entertainment and it seemed more guests.  I would absolutely return to both locations again.
Until next year ………………..Emer
Thanks Emer for taking the time to share your vacation memories with us!
Happy Travels!