Travel made easy

It’s funny, when people find out that I own a travel agency, the topic of travel planning inevitably comes up.   The one thing I have learned is that many people have no idea how to work with a travel professional.  As a travel concierge, I specialize in creating travel experiences that are tailor made for you!  Keep in mind that perfect vacation experiences don’t just happen; planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way.  Working with the right travel professional can streamline the process, insure no details are overlooked, and increase your value and experience dramatically.
Before you contact a travel professional, there are a few things you need to consider.  Thinking about these key items will help the travel concierge make thoughtful and appropriate recommendations for creating your ideal honeymoon.  You may not know the exact answers before contacting your travel professional, but just thinking about them will get you ahead of the planning process.  Here are 5 key questions you should ask yourself:
1. What is your priority for this experience?   Think about choosing up to 3 of the following:  romance, quiet, activity, adventure, food / wine, culture, tropical beach, or exploring cities.  Of course you could have completely different ideas!  Remember this is your vacation and your future memories!  Close your eyes for a minute and picture exactly what you want!
2. Do you have a specific destination in mind or are you looking for someone to help decide?  If you do have a destination in mind, what attracts you to that particular destination?  If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the answers to question 1 will help your travel professional guide you.
3. What are your preferred travel dates or window of time?    Believe it or not, saying “I can travel anytime” isn’t actually helpful to your travel professional, and if you really think about it, it’s not actually true!  There’s always that “1 thing” you forgot about.  You really need to narrow it down as much as possible.  If you can’t give a 2 week time frame, give a month or at the most 2 months.
4. How long do you want to be gone?   This can make a big difference on your destination options.  For example, you won’t be visiting the south pacific nor doing an African Safari if you can only be gone 5 days.
5. What is your budget for your vacation experience?  While you may not know what “things cost” (I hear this all of the time), you certainly know what you can and / or will spend.  A budget isn’t an exact dollar amount but a range.   Knowing your budget range upfront can help set realistic expectations and eliminate a great deal of frustration during the planning process.  This is usually the hardest part for everyone.  A way to make this easier is to consider the following sample ranges:  Less than $5,000, $5,000-$7,500, $7,500-$10,000, $10,000-$13,000, $13,000 – $15,000, and over $15,000.
Remember – budget has nothing to do with “price” – budget is what we use to create your experience and provide you with value for your dollars!  Price is what you pay, Value is what you get!
Once you have thought about these key elements, the real fun begins!!  Then we move on to the types of vacation experiences:  all-inclusive resorts, multi-destination, river cruises, escorted tours, or cruises are just a few of the options!
Remember, your vacation experience is all about you!  Let’s spend your hard-earned money in a way that provides the most value and creates ever lasting memories!
Happy Travels
Kelley

Important Health Advisory for Travel

January has been an interesting month in the travel world. We’ve had enough weather issues to last us a while, airlines have changed their loyalty programs and other policies, new resorts announced, new cruise ships announced, and of course some really great promotions for you! Also, January brought us an important travel health advisory warning. This warning is geared specifically for pregnant or potentially pregnant travelers, but is important for all travelers. Please note, I am not sending this to scare anyone, but I feel you should be informed about the latest travel related information. I also choose to provide you with accurate information via reliable sources. This information is being widely discussed on social media and some of the facts are being widely distorted.
On January 15, 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded their Zika virus travel health notice to “Alert Level 2”, (Practice Enhanced Precautions) with specific affected areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America. You may have received our previous communication providing this information. As of January 26th, the CDC notice now includes the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the affected areas. For the most up-to-date information on the Zika virus and countries affected, please visit the website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

Zika virus is spread primarily through mosquitoes, which mainly bite during daytime hours. It is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms of Zika typically develop 3-12 days after being bitten and may include fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from 2-7 days and most people who contract Zika experience no symptoms at all. Comprehensive health information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.

There has been a recent increase in poor pregnancy outcomes among mothers who contracted Zika during pregnancy. These cases are being reported in areas where Zika virus outbreaks have occurred. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is still developing. For this reason, the CDC Advisory particularly impacts women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant.

The CDC advisory recommends that women who are pregnant in any trimester consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If pregnant women do opt to travel to Zika affected areas, the CDC recommends talking to their healthcare provider in advance and strictly follows steps to avoid mosquito bites during their trip. Specific guidance for women who are trying to become pregnant is also included in the CDC advisory. More information can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/question-answers.html.

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika Fever however individuals can reduce their risk of contracting Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses by following these steps:

• Apply insect repellent which contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.
• If both sunscreen and insect repellent is used, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
• Repellent is available for purchase from the shops on board.
• Wear a loose, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, preferably of a light color to minimize the likelihood of being bitten.

Please note, the only advisory for postponing travel is for pregnant woman. If you are pregnant and scheduled to travel to an affected area, please review the information and discuss with your healthcare provider.

Again, this information is not meant to scare you! It is meant to inform you and provide you with the tools to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions.
I hope January was an amazing start to 2016 for you! Look out February, here we come!

Happy Travels

Kelley

2016 Travel Trends

 

As a Couples Travel Concierge, I’m often asked about travel trends.  There are definitely some trends for travel in 2016.  Some trends are about the type of travel and some are about destinations.  Let’s take a look at some of the top 2016 travel trends.
Multigenerational Travel – 
This is a rapidly growing trend in travel.  Because families are now spread out all over the map, it is more and more common for families to “meet” or “go” somewhere.  Destination Weddings continue to be a huge trend.  Since many times family has to travel to a destination for a wedding, many couples are deciding to make it a fun, all-inclusive experience for their guests.  Many couples also use it as a way to help “limit” the guest list, or as a perfect option for a second marriage.  Family reunions or Lifetime Milestone travel is also on the rise.  Many families are meeting on the high seas or at a resort for that reunion.  Many couples are celebrating milestone anniversaries while traveling with friends and family to a bucket list destination.
Honeymoon with friends / Friendmoons
No, I’m not kidding!  We are seeing a trend of more than just the newlyweds traveling on their honeymoon.   Some couples want to share the most important “week” of their life with some of their closest friends.  While we aren’t seeing big groups, we are seeing between 1 and 3 couples traveling with the honeymoon couple on some of these honeymoons with friends.  Don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways to make this very special for the newlyweds and insure they have just the right amount of privacy on their honeymoon.
River Cruises – 
Yes, you’ve heard it in years past, and you will hear it for some time to come.  The rivers are growing!  Okay, not the actual rivers, but accessibility to those rivers.  We are seeing new ships every year, and exciting new programs from many of the river cruise lines.  River cruises are destination immersion at its finest!    You can cruise a river just about anywhere you want to go!  There are river cruises for just about everyone!  Gone are the days that river cruising attracted a mostly “mature” audience.  River cruise lines now attract a wide demographic of guests.  Disney has partnered with AMA Waterways to offer family friendly Disney sailings; this is a new way to travel for families.  Younger active adults are not left out of the options either.   Depending on the itinerary there are many activities in the destinations for the active traveler.  Of course there are also theme cruises such as chocolate (yes!), wine tasting, Christmas Markets, and more.
Cruises – 
Believe it or not, cruising is still a largely untapped market!  A recent article suggested less than 20% of the US Population has actually taken a cruise.  A recent survey on Trip Advisor indicated 1 in 5 global travelers plan to take their first cruise in the next 12 months.  Cruises are becoming a very popular option for solo travelers, even with the solo supplement often charged.  Cruises by nature are a very social way to travel, and very comfortable for the solo traveler.  Cruises are also very popular for group travel, multigenerational travel, family travel, wedding groups, friends, and the newest trend – honeymoon groups
Experiential Travel
More and more, travelers are starting to want more experiential travel, and they are willing to pay for it.  I don’t mean a “spend all you have” vacation; I mean a vacation that is full of experiences.  You know one of my favorite sayings is “Price is what you pay, Value is what you get”.  That is becoming more and more the mantra for travel.  There are many ways to include experience in your travels.  If you are cruising, consider smaller ships or longer itineraries that allow for longer time in ports.  You may want to consider a cultural experience in a port of call.  For example, in some ports you can arrange to visit local schools and help with the children for a day, or visit a local animal shelter and help with the animals.   There is also a new cruise line that specializes in impact travel to provide cultural experiences.  You can also consider those options with destination vacations.  For example, Sandals offers the option of visiting a local community center and interacting with the children for an afternoon.  I did this last September and it was truly an amazing experience.
Cuba – 
As the US and Cuba continue to repair their relationship, travel restrictions have been eased and may eventually be completely lifted.  It has been 60 years since Americans have been able to travel to Cuba, and it has quickly become a hot spot for US Tourists.   While travel to Cuba is significantly easier than it has been in the past, it is not a free for all!  General tourism is still illegal under US Law.  However, there are 12 broad categories of travel activities that are now allowed.  The most common tourism categories are people to people and humanitarian.  Both escorted touring and cruising have embraced this and have travel options available.  Carnival Corporation has introduced a new brand – Fathom Cruises; in Cuba, you’ll participate in an ongoing cultural exchange program that gives you the opportunity to interact with the Cuban people, one on one.
Which trend is your favorite?  I’d love to hear your feedback and ideas!
Happy Travels
Remember to check my social media channels for updates !
Twitter:  @kelleyaus
Instagram:  kelleyaus
      

Kelley

 

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

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!
       

When Irish eyes are smiling !!!

Can you believe that it is March ????!!!! The year is absolutely flying. We celebrate St.Patrick’s day in March and in honor of that, I wanted to do a newsletter about The Emerald Isle !!!! My Colleague Emer, who incidentally is from Ireland traveled there in the Fall and I asked her to share some of the highlights and insights from her trip. So here’s some information from Ireland direct from the source !!!!
Thanks Kelley, Last year I had the opportunity to visit Ireland as a tourist with some friends. Returning as a tourist gave me a fresh new perspective and I was very impressed.

Ireland is a unique and fun-filled country with breathtaking scenery, charming people, and attractions that are legendary. The Irish are widely considered to be some of the friendliest folks in all of Europe. Upon your arrival, you will soon understand why Ireland has been such an inspiration for poetry, theatre, music, arts, and of course – adult beverages!

Ireland is easily accessible via most major air carriers from the US. You can be on a guided tour or travel independently; both will provide you with an excellent experience in Ireland. The accommodations range from bed and breakfasts to castles!

Our first stop when we arrived, was Bunratty Castle in County Clare which is just a few miles from Shannon Airport. We stayed at the Bunratty Castle Hotel on the same grounds as the original castle, a folk park and the famous “Durty Nellys” Pub which is well known Worldwide for fun, food, live music and they boast the best Irish Coffee around.

food              IMG_3486

BUNRATTY CASTLE CO. CLARE                

The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. Join the Earl of Thomond for a glorious banquet at this majestic 15th century Bunratty Castle. The Earl’s Butler welcomes guests from the four corners of the world toasting an era of great Irish taste with excellent food, fine wine and honey mead. When you visit Bunratty Folk Park you experience a living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland of over a century ago. Set on 26 acres, the impressive park features over 30 buildings in a ‘living’ village and rural setting.

Blarney   blarney     Adare
BLARNEY CASTLE                                       ADARE MANOR

Some of the cultural highlights from the first leg of our trip were Blarney Castle – where we did actually kiss the Blarney stone!. We also traveled to Adare Manor and Golf resort in Limerick which is astoundingly beautiful. (seen above)

We were driving ourselves and so we decided to go west, south and then back accross to the east coast and last stop in Dublin. The towns and attractions we visited were as follows: The Dingle Peninsula on the Coast of Kerry which was breathtakingly beautiful and quaint. We stayed in the Dingle Skellig Hotel which boasted the most wonderful views and delicous food.

dingle       Coastline     Dingle        

DINGLE   PENINSULA                         WEST COAST VIEWS

We then traveled to Kinsale Harbor in County Cork, and again were overwhelmed by the beauty of this little harbor town. The fresh fish and seafood there was out of this world. There was a “bohemian” feel to this area with many different types of food and entertainment. We also went and visited the “Irish Redhead convention” in Crosshaven, County Cork.
Kinsale1                  Crosshaven

KINSALE HARBOR                          CROSSHAVEN CO. CORK        

In addition to the beautiful scenery, we also experienced many cultural events and delicous traditional food. Our last stop was Dublin city which is the bustling capitol and also where I am originally from. We stayed right in the heart of the city in the St.Stephen’s Green/Grafton Street area. This area also boasts Trinity College and many other landmarks. There are wonderful stores to shop in and it is a treat to walk down Grafton street, listen to some street performers and shop to your heart’s delight.
Ireland is famous for Waterford Crystal, traditional Irish wool sweaters and many other treats and delicacies. We visited Bewleys coffee house on Grafton Street, which is a landmark and was estblished in 1840. We toured famous St.Patrick’s Cathedral, had an Irish coffee in “The Brazen Head” which is officially Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. We also did the tour of the Guinness Brewery which is truly a treat and I would recommend to anyone.

Grafton Street                   Guinness.

GRAFTON STREET-DUBLIN                     GUINNESS BREWERY TOUR

The only regret I had was that we didn’t have enough time to see all that Ireland has to offer.   So now I’ll say Slan Leat (Goodbye) and Slainte (to your good health!)

Ireland has so much more to offer than what I can possibly cover in this small space. I encourage you to seriously consider Ireland for your next or bucket list destination.

 

Kelley

Are you ready for your authentic experience that rocks?

IMG_4196Hard Rock all-inclusive resorts are not your average, every day all-inclusive resorts! We’ve all heard of the Hard Rock brand thanks to Hard Rock Cafes and Hard Rock Hotels. Hard Rock started in London as a café to provide the Brits to classic American Food, and the music connection evolved. It all started when Eric Clapton donated one of his guitars to be placed over “his” seat in the place. They now have the biggest Rock n’ Roll memorabilia collection in the world throughout their brand.

 

Each of the Hard Rock All-Inclusive resorts includes an extensive list of amenities in their all-inclusive program. Some of them include:

  • Up to $1800 limitless resort credit (more on this later!)
  • Unlimited long distance in room calling to the continental US, Canada, and Mexico
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort
  • 24 hour room service
  • Non-motorized water sports
  • In room liquor dispenser with brand name whiskey, rum, tequila, and vodka
  • Unlimited a la carte dining
  • Pool and Beachside drink service
  • Complimentary Wedding and Honeymoon packages
  • Kids Club – The Little Big Club

Of course there are many more, inclusions, just too many to list here.

There are currently 4 Hard Rock All-Inclusive resorts with a 5th one coming in the next year or so. The current resorts are:

Hard Rock Cancun with 601 guest rooms right in the heart of the hotel zone is on one of the best beaches in Cancun

Hard Rock Riviera Maya is two resorts in one. With a total of 1264 guest rooms, the resort is divided into an adult’s only area, known as Heaven; and the family friendly Hacienda side. Any adults, regardless of which section they are staying in, can use any of the facilities on the Heaven side. Personally, I loved being in Heaven!

Hard Rock Punta Cana gives new meaning to mega resort with over 1780 rooms. Hard Rock Punta Cana ishome to one of the largest casino’s in the Dominican Republic as well as the most hip and chic night club (Oro) on the island.

Hard Rock Vallarta is currently their smallest resort with 348 rooms. This resort in Riviera Nayarit is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains; the scenery is stunning.

Coming in 2016 the Hard Rock Los Cabos will feature 600 guest rooms with both family friendly and adult-only sections.

How do Hard Rock All-Inclusive resorts set themselves apart from all of the other resorts and resort chains? ” There are many ways, but here are just a few of them:

  • Their mission statement says it all: “To spread the spirit of Rock n’ Roll by creating authentic experiences that rock.” It started all with food and music, and music definitely lives on throughout their resorts! They have live music, DJ’s, and great concerts at the resorts. For example, Bon Jovi did the opening concert at Hard Rock Riviera Maya earlier this year!
  • “The Sound of Your Stay” is their audio experience program that allows you to choose from picks, tracks or mix delivered straight to your room. They will actually deliver a complimentary (for use during your stay) mixing board or guitar to your room so you can practice. You can also download a personalized playlist for your stay.
    The Music Lab Experience that puts you in the middle of the music! They have a Jam Band experience that gives everyone the opportunity to star in their own rock band. Spin Sessions allow you to discover spinning / mixing techniques and even DJ your own live performance. RockTube allows you to be the star of your own music video! You pick your song and they shoot and release your video!
  • Perhaps the most popular differentiator for Hard Rock is their limitless resort credit! Depending on your length of stay, you can earn up to $1800 limitless resort credit! I know, it’s all-inclusive – what would you use a resort credit for? The spa, tours to attractions and activities, wedding packages, dinner on the beach, and golf just to name a few. There are no caps on any one thing; you can spend the credit on what you want!
  • Philanthropy is a very important part of the Hard Rock mantra. The do multiple awareness campaigns throughout the year and give back in more ways than I can list here. A couple of examples are Pinktober (breast cancer awareness that generates $1-2 million each year) and Imagine (John Lennon’s foundation that focuses on children and hunger).

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 Are you ready for your authentic experience that rocks?
Happy Travels!

Are you a Freestyle Traveler ??

This weekend we depart on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Norwegian Getaway and will be cruising in the eastern Caribbean.

The thing that Norwegian Cruise Line is most well-known for is their FreeStyle cruising.  FreeStyle cruising is many things to many people.  With some of the newest ships in the industry, Norwegian Cruise Line currently boasts the youngest fleet among major North American cruise lines.  Norwegian continues the expansion and modernization of their fleet with the Norwegian Escape set to debut in 2015

FreeStyle cruising is a great choice for the independent folks who want to truly do it their way.  There are no set dining times, no set dining tables, and no formal nights!    FreeStyle dining is fantastic for those long port days on port intensive itineraries.  You no longer have to leave your destination early to get back in time for dining, or on nights when you are hungry early, you don’t have to “snack” before dinner.  Your vacation truly is whatever you want it to be.   Some of the dining options (which can vary by ship) include a wide variety of complimentary dining with up to 3 main dining rooms, a buffet, and 24 hour room service.  Specialty dining is also creative and varied throughout the fleet.  Experience the fine cuisine of Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. Indulge in succulent meats at Moderno Churrascaria or on Certified Angus Beef® at Cagney’s Steakhouse, exclusively on Norwegian. Dine on expertly prepared chicken, steak and shrimp at Teppanyaki. Or savor French cuisine at Le Bistro and go for Italian at La Cucina. They’re all on board – and they’re all delicious. Cover charges for the specialty dining venues range between $15 – $99 per guest; with $25 being the average.  Having experienced many of them, I can honestly say they are more than worth the coverage charge!

Norwegian also touts their FreeStyle entertainment and FreeStyle accommodations.

When it comes to entertainment and activities, they have truly raised the bar!  They have bowling alleys, Wii sports, multiple supervised recreational programs, and a golf program with Elite Golf.  The entertainment is first rate with options on some ships such as Blue Man Group, Second City Comedy, Howl at the Moon, amazing production shows, White Hot deck parties and more.  On the new ship, the Norwegian Getaway you will be able to see the musical Legally Blond or Wine Lovers, the musical.

With regards to the FreeStyle accommodations, the choices are vast!  There are the traditional interior, ocean view, balcony, and mini-suites for you.  Norwegian also caters to the solo travelers with their studio cabins.  The studio cabins are specifically designed for the solo traveler complete with their own social gathering area.  The suites are where they have really stepped up the FreeStyle accommodations.
They have recently introduced The Haven.  The Haven is a ship within a ship feel!  Hidden away at the top of the ship is an exclusive enclave with the most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. Not only will you have access to all the ship has to offer, you’ll enjoy the personal service of a 24-hour butler and concierge throughout your entire stay.

This is only the tip of the iceberg of Freestyle cruising on Norwegian Cruise Lines.  I’m happy to share any additional information if you have questions.  Be on the watch for an upcoming article dedicated to the new Norwegian Getaway.

Happy Travels!

How do you choose ??

There are all-inclusive resorts suitable for everyone, how do you choose the right one 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. The proper resort choice will definitely make or break your vacation experience.

All-Inclusive resorts are located in many of the sun-drenched islands and countries of the Caribbean and Mexico. The largest concentrations of all-inclusive resorts are in Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. There are others scattered throughout the Caribbean – such as St Lucia, Antigua, The Bahamas, and Costa Rica, to name a few.

There are 3 main types of All-Inclusive Resorts:

Couples Only
Cater to the romance and celebration clients – think honeymoon, destination weddings, and anniversaries. Of course no special occasion is required to enjoy the adult only atmosphere.
Most often 4 star properties and above

Adults Only
Restricted to adults only, but not couples only.
Great for couples, groups of couples, girlfriend getaways, or the “guys trip / mancation”
Most often 4 star properties and above

Family Friendly
Large range of family friendly dining, entertainment, and activities
Many have adult only areas or sections
Many are great for destination weddings, couples, girlfriend getaways, or the “guy’s trip / mancation”.
Available in all budget ranges

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

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

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

Budget – usually 2-3 star properties

Moderate – usually 3-4 star properties

Luxury – usually 4.5 -5 start properties

Exceptional Luxury – usually 5 star +

It can’t be overstated – choosing the right resort is the most crucial part of your vacation experience. Make sure your choice suits your lifestyle and expectations. Remember, price is what you pay, value is what you get. If you choose based on price alone, it may not be the value you think it is. The reverse is also true; you can certainly overspend on your vacation without getting any extra value.

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