Do you have dreams in your future ??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Travels,

Have you heard about the changes from TSA and Carnival Cruise Lines?

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An important change came out from TSA with regards to air travel. 

The change impacts travelers coming back to the US from certain international airports.
The following press release came out last Sunday and is currently posted on the TSA website:

“Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.
As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers. During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.
TSA will continue to adjust security measures to ensure that travelers are guaranteed the highest levels of aviation security conducted as conveniently as possible.”

The list of airports has not been disclosed, so it is best to be prepared at any airport.  The list of electronic devices may include cell phones, tablets, eReaders, iPods, gaming devices and more.
If you are traveling with electronics, make sure they will power up at security so you do not risk confiscation!

Carnival Cruise Lines also made some important changes this last week.  
Carnival has updated both its smoking policy and the gratuity guidelines.   Both policies take effect on sailings October 9, 2014 and onwards, regardless of when you booked your cruise.

The new smoking policy affects where on the ship guests can smoke, it specifically affects the staterooms and balconies.  The following statement was released by Carnival:

“As part of our continuing commitment to keep in line with the personal preferences of our guests, all staterooms and suites, inclusive of balconies, will be an entirely smoke-free environment. This change is consistent with the policy of most major cruise lines and will be implemented on October 9, 2014, or any new voyage departing thereafter.”

In a notification sent to travel agents and to guests, Carnival noted that a cleaning and refreshing fee of $250 will be added to the guests sail and sign account for those found in violation of the new policy.  Carnival will still allow smoking in designated areas including the designated open deck exterior areas, night club, certain areas of the casino and casino bar.

The gratuity guidelines have also changed for sailings departing October 9, 2014 and onwards.  The gratuities will change from $11.50 per person / per day to $12 per person / per day.  If you pre-paid your gratuities prior to July 7, 2014 your prepaid gratuities will be honored and you will not be affected by this change in the guidelines.  If you have not prepaid your gratuities, the gratuities will still be assigned to your sail and sign account as always.

It is important to remember that tipping is discretionary and you can adjust the amount up or down at the guest services desk.

Like they say, the only thing constant is change!    While I certainly try to update you weekly as I can, I cannot possibly update you every single change that may pertain to all travel in this forum.

Working with a travel professional insures that you are always up to date on the latest industry changes and trends that may impact your specific travel needs.

Safe and 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,

5 more of my favorite Apps for travel.

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Since I do travel quite a bit, I rely on some great travel apps to keep me organized, informed, and connected.  I use many different apps and I am always trying different apps out to see which ones can be of service to me and to you!  I’d like to tell you about 5 must have apps that I am really a fan of!

Google Translate –
Google translate is a great feature for both desk top computers and as an app on your smartphone.  I love this app, and guess what – it’s free!  Google Translate will translate around 80 languages!  Can you even name 80 languages?  I’m not sure I can!  You can speak, type, or write, and the app will respond in the target language!

Viber – 
Viber is a great app for free phone calls and texts; you can also send pictures and video.  Another great feature is that not only can you use it on Wi-Fi (certainly best international option), you can use it over 3G as well for free.  There is also a paid service, Viber Out, for calls to non-viber land lines, and mobile numbers.  The app syncs with your phone contact list and will automatically let you know which of your friends already has Viber.  You can also use Viber with groups of up to 100; could be great for your group of family or friends traveling together!

Xe Currency –
I use Xe Currency on my desktop all of the time checking for currency exchange rates; now I have it as an app too.  This is a great tool for travel, both before you leave and during travel.   Since currency rates can change daily, this is an excellent option for having the most up to date exchange rates.  With the XE Currency App, you can access live exchange rates, view historical charts, and calculate prices on your smartphone or tablet.  This is a free app and available on a variety of platforms.

Packing Pro –
This is an amazing must have travel app for people that are obsessed with their packing!  You can create lists or use templates they have already created; they also have sample packing lists for your reference.   You can import / export lists, share lists among devices, print your lists, email your lists, and much more.  This is a quick, simple, reliable and completely customizable packing app.
Cruise Planners Mobile App – My Trips  

(of course I have saved the best for last!)
MyTrips is a great option from my website (www.cruisevacationsandmore.com ) or as Cruise Planners Mobile, a mobile app from your app store. This app is exclusively designed by Cruise Planners for our clients.  It provides you access to your vacation information and allows you to book right from the website or app.  It’s an innovative way to have me with you all of the time!  You can book your insurance, shore excursions, and share your vacation plans with others.  Once you have your vacation booked with me, I’ll send you your MyTrips log-in information and you’ll be able to access all sorts of information about your vacation.

I hope you’ll try some of these apps!   If you have any other apps that you love for travel, please feel free to share them with me!

Safe Travels,

I dream of Fiji

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Do you dream of Fiji?                                                                          All Fiji photos credit to Tracy Bonetti

Fiji is one of those destinations that people do dream about!  It is a gorgeous South Pacific destination that can be more in reach than some people realize.  Many people also don’t realize that Fiji is not just a single island, but a group of islands, 333 to be exact.  (Most of the islands remain uninhabited due to the lack of fresh water.) Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Anniversary, Life Milestones, and Romantic getaways are perfect for Fiji!  Fiji is famous for its soft coral diving, white sand beaches and pristine natural environment.   Fiji is a leader in eco-tourism.

Fiji is located in the heart of the South Pacific.  Fiji is a 10 hour flight from Los Angeles; Los Angeles is the only mainland US airport with non-stop flights in to Fiji.  You can also fly to Fiji from Honolulu in about 5 hours.  (Can you imagine a combination Hawaii and Fiji trip?!)  Fiji is also the perfect stop to or from Australia or New Zealand!

Fiji is a year-round destination; the most popular time to visit is during the peak dry season of July – September.  The dry season is actually June – October and wet season is November – April.  Shoulder season is May-June and October. The dry season is mild, with temperatures reaching a high of 84 degrees. The wet season can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching a high of 88 degrees. While rain can occur sporadically during this season, it is typically followed by sunshine.  As a note, the wet season is also typhoon season.

Fiji is well known as a world premier dive destination with year round sunlight and warm waters. Activities abound in Fiji if you want an active DestinationWedding /Honeymoon, Anniversary, Life Milestone, and Romantic getaways    It offers superb golf courses, tennis, water-skiing, wind surfing, sailing, fishing, bird watching, horse riding, rugby, soccer and cricket, and so much more. A once volcanic area, it is home to rugged mountains, lush green rainforest, waterfalls and remote villages.

The influences of Pacific, Indian, European and Chinese cultures have turned Fiji in to the meltingpot of the South Pacific.  The influences are seen in the food, architecture, language and religion.
Fiji offers a huge variety of choice in accommodation styles, from five-star resorts with an international flavor, to secluded, traditional “bures,” to thatched cottages on private beaches and everything in between.

Fiji and the surrounding islands all have their own special characteristics.  The Coral Coast is traditionally known and promoted as the most densely populated tourist area in Fiji.

The Coral Coast is approximately 50 miles of beaches, bays, rocky outcrops and lush vegetation along the southwest of Viti Levu.  Denarau Island is located on the western side of Viti Levu and is famous for its year round blue sky. Only 20 minutes from Nadi International Airport and 8 minutes from Nadi Town, Denarau Island is well situated for trips to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands from the newly upgraded Port Denarau Marina.  The famous Mamanuca Islands of Fiji are the tropical islands of your dreams.   With their gently swaying palm trees, and being surrounded by white sand beaches, set among deep blue waters with fringing coral reefs of turquoise and pastel green, this is the Fiji that dreams are made of!

               

When traveling to Fiji, there are a few things to keep in mind.  Here are some helpful tips for your trip to Fiji:

Do be prepared for “Fiji time,” which means that things on the islands probably won’t go exactly according to schedule.
Do cover up when invited to visit a village. Women who cover their shoulders, arms and legs will be treated with more respect.
On a village visit, do remove your hat (only the chief may wear a hat); remove your shoes before entering a bure (house); never touch someone’s head; and ask before taking pictures.
Don’t wander into villages uninvited. It’s considered quite rude.
Women who travel alone in Fiji are considered “available” by local men.
Change plenty of money at the airport, where the bank is open 24 hours, before you set out for remote islands, where there are no banks and changing foreign currency is usually not possible. Credit cards are often not accepted outside resorts.

Fiji’s diversity, proximity and unparalleled beauty make it the ultimate reward. The genuine friendliness of the islands’ residents combined with the unique environment, extreme beauty and soothing tranquility make it a perfect vacation destination.

Safe Travels,

Smooth Sailing all the way !!!

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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.  While it is fantastic for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program.

Even if you only travel outside of the country once a year, or once every couple of years, it is well worth the investment of time and money to enroll in the program!   Membership in the program is valid for 5 years with no additional fees other than the initial application fee.

Participants in the Global Entry program may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports. This saves a great deal of time (and sometimes frustration) waiting in the long to very long customs lines upon reentering the US from your international trip. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.

Besides the obvious benefit of expedited arrival into the US after your travel, there are also some nice benefits associated with Global Entry on your travel departure as well.  Global Entry participants are automatically eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits as well.

TSA PreCheck allows you to go through an expedited TSA / Security check when you arrive at the airport.  This can be a huge time saver during peak travel times!

If you have a passport already, there are 4 steps to apply for this program.  If you do not have a passport yet, there are 5 steps; the very first would be to obtain your passport.  Here is a brief outline of the application process:
1.  Apply online (there is a $100 non-refundable application fee)
2. Once your application has been processed, you will schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry  Enrollment Centers
3. The Interview – this determines your eligibility.  You will be interviewed by a CBP officer.
4. Provide proper identification at the interview – you must provide your passport and one other government issued form of identification such as your driver’s license.  If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.

Global Entry kiosks are available at many of the larger airports throughout the US.  Please remember, it may not be as important that the program be available at your local departure airport, the need is for it to be available at the airport through which you re-enter the United States.

For example, using a local example, they do not have Global Entry kiosks at the airport in College Station, TX but they do have them in Houston at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.  They currently do not have them in Austin, TX but they are in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Atlanta, and Chicago – which are the US Entry points for most flights originating out of Austin.  Also, it is important that you can get to one of the enrollment centers for your interview.

If you are ready to save time and would like more information about this program, please visit the program website at www.globalentry.gov

I hope you found this time saving information helpful!

Safe Travels,

What do you know about Karisma ??

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What do you know about Karisma Resorts?


Karisma resorts operate a premier collection of award-winning properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, and now Negril Jamaica.   Their resort brands include the adults-only El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, the family-friendly Azul Hotels, and the newest member of the Karisma family is Generations, all suites, all butler, beachfront family friendly resorts.   Both of the Generations resorts are located in Riviera Maya, Mexico – one on Maroma Beach and the other in the heart of Riviera Maya just steps away from the El Dorado Casitas Royale.  The Azul resorts (Azul Beach, Azul Sensatori, Azul Fives) are located throughout Riviera Maya.  The Azul Sensatori Jamaica is the first Karisma resort outside of Mexico; they do have 2 city hotels in their portfolio that are located in Cartagena, Columbia.  Azul Sensatori Jamaica is located on the world famous 7 Mile Beach
of Negril.

Karisma is known for their Gourmet Inclusive vacations.  What is Gourmet inclusive you ask?

When asked, Karisma will tell you it is about more than the dining.  It takes your all-inclusive resort experience up to the level of a traditional luxury hotel experience.  They call it 2 steps above all-inclusive.  At each resort you are greeted with a smile, a refreshing towel and a welcome cocktail. The décor and overall atmosphere of the resorts provide for a relaxed yet upscale environment with lush landscaping, beaches lined with beach beds and multiple pools with swim-up bars. You will be pampered with Gourmet services and amenities such as beach butlers, concierge, turn-down, 24-hour room service, premium beverages and Gourmet cuisine.  Karisma is well known for their dining!
At one of their resorts, they have a 100,000 sq. ft. green house that provides their fresh produce for the resorts throughout the Mexican Riviera.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the El Dorado hotels and resorts within the Karisma portfolio:

El Dorado – These are the adult only resorts in the Mexican Riviera which cater to romance with Jacuzzis in every suite, truly beachfront wedding chapels and Aguas del Amor—private, outdoor showers.  There is El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, and El Dorado Seaside Suites.

El Dorado Royale – is where the 100,000 sq ft greenhouse is located I mentioned above.  It is consistently ranked in Conde Nest top 100 hotels in the world.  The resort is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, facing the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. 25 minutes south of Cancun International Airport, 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.

El Dorado Casitas Royale – is a Spa Resort featuring 205 luxuriously decorated Suites in 9 categories; all with maximum capacity for 2 guests. This resort is located adjacent to El Dorado Royale and is also a consistent presence in the Conde Nest top 100.  Casita Suites special treats include: DVD / CD library, exclusive concierge service 8.00am-5:00 pm, turn down service, pillow menu, and aromatherapy in your room. Beach butlers are also available between 9.00 am –5.00 pm.

El Dorado Maroma – is located on Moroma Beach which has been listed as one of the top 10 beaches in the world by independent reviewers, including The Travel Channel.   El Dorado Maroma is just 40 minutes south of Cancun Airport, 35 minutes south of downtown Cancun, and 10 minutes north of Playa del Carmen.  This is an upscale and intimate 72-room boutique luxury hotel nestled in the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, overlooking the crystalline turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean.

El Dorado Seaside Suites – has been voted one of the top 10 most romantic resorts by Forbes.  El Dorado Seaside Suites embodies barefoot elegance for the carefree and relaxed. On the secluded beach of Kantenah in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this resort offers an unrivaled combination of relaxation and sophistication. Enchanting pristine beaches and seductive intimate spaces create just the right atmosphere for romantic getaways, weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries.

I hope you have enjoyed your brief introduction to Karisma Resorts!  Their portfolio really does have something for everyone!  Please let me know if you have questions about any of the fantastic resorts!

Safe Travels,