5 reasons you need an All-Inclusive Group Getaway!

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All-Inclusive resorts are great options for your group getaways!

Whether, it is your Destination Wedding, your bachelor or bachelorette party, anniversary, mancation, girlfriend’s getaway, or a family vacation, an all-inclusive resort may be just what you and your guests need! Group vacations can be very fun, but they can also be very stressful when it comes to dealing with everyone’s budgets, travel schedules, and vacation expectations. Let’s look at 5 reasons why you will be the hero for suggesting the all-inclusive resort option for your next group getaway.

 

  1. Better Value

With any type of vacation, you have to balance price and value. All-Inclusive resorts are a great value proposition in a variety of ways. There are a variety of accommodation levels at the resorts, some of the guests can be in the entry level resort view rooms, while others may be in their butler suites with private plunge pools; yet they can all enjoy the vacation together.
There will always be guests, who don’t take full advantage of the resorts’ offerings, but they pay for it anyway; there will always be guests who use some of the amenities, then there are the guests who will make sure they use everything and anything available to them at the resort. Again, it’s about the group being together, yet each couple or family having exactly their style of vacation. My favorite quote by Warren Buffet is “Price is what you pay, Value is what you get”. This certainly rings true at an all-inclusive resort.

  1. Eat and drink like royalty
    Admit it, when we are on vacation, our eating habits change and we tend to indulge in everything! It is our responsibility to make sure we know what is we might be missing out on! C’mon, I know it’s not just me!! I’m not just talking your run-of-the-mill buffets, bland cafes, or fast food grills. The new face of all-inclusive resorts are in-house Michelin chefs, gastronomic dining programs (a la El Dorado Royale) and cocktail menus that are significantly fancier than that hipster dive bar down the street from you that was just on Bar Rescue. Did you know that at Sandals resorts, the various themed restaurant chefs are actually trained by chefs from the authentic regions? In short, it’s a foodies’ paradise these days at many of the all-inclusive resorts.

 

  1. Never be bored
    Activities at all-inclusive resorts are as varied as your group may be. There is literally something for everyone! Most resorts have opportunities for daily sports activities (think beach volleyball, basketball, tennis etc.!), non-motorized water sports, nightclubs, weekly themed beach parties, technology centers (think Xbox!), cooking and dancing classes, or even an     on-site casino in some locations. (Did you know Sandals even includes diving as one of their luxury included activities?) Of course there is also the activity of picking the perfect beach chair or cabana and listening to the sounds of the waves or catching up on your favorite book that has been on the bed stand for months waiting to be read. Let’s not forget the spas…

 

  1. No wallets!
    Okay, not literally. Someone is going to pay for something at some point, but you know what I mean. One of the beauties of an all-inclusive resort is you pretty much know your vacation cost right up front. At many of the all-inclusive resorts even the tips are included in the vacation cost! At an all-inclusive, there’s no lugging that hefty purse or wallet with you to the swim-up bar, the beach, dinner, snorkeling excursion, or anywhere else resort related! Please do bring it with you back home with most of the cash that you came with!

 

  1. Your guests will love you.
    This is partially because guests love reason #4. But furthermore, it also eliminates that awkward moment at a group event where everyone is scrambling/head-scratching over who is going to pick up the tab. Your guests will also love #1 (who doesn’t like a good value for their dollar?), #2 (we all love being royalty on our vacations!), and #3 (Remember, there is a difference between “bored” and “relaxed”!). Indeed, you get to look like the hero for suggesting this vacation option for your next group getaway.

 

Hopefully this gives you a brief insight as to why all-inclusive resorts are a great option for your next group getaway!

 

Happy Travels,

Are you packed ??

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Are you packed?

Are you getting ready to go on a trip and wondering what to pack?   How do I make all that stuff fit in my suitcase and not go over 50 pounds?   What do I take to make my vacation easier and stress free?
Obviously, I have many tips of my own as I have traveled extensively for the last 18 years.  I also spoke with Angela Kubacek, owner of Haute Couture Boutiques in Navasota and Bryan, TX.
Between the two of us, we came up with some great ideas for you to think about.  Angela just recently returned from a mission trip to Honduras and some of her recommendations are based on her first hand experiences.

First, Angela recommends you carry a small over the shoulder or cross body purse that will hold the basics such as your passport (or ID if domestic travel), and money.  Keep your passport handy because when you are at the airport you will need it many times.  My recommendation here is a small cross-body bag that can be put inside your bigger carry-on tote so as not to exceed carry-on allowances.  Also, a cross-body bag will leave your hands free, which is always a plus not only in the airport but when touring in destination.


Next, Angela recommends you take basic tops and pants and dress them up.  A basic top can bedressed up with a scarf and the scarf can also be used as a shawl.  Try to pack with colors that will go together; two pair of pants and three shirts can all be changed around to make a different look.  Personally, I stick with solid color tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched.  I also recommend taking a jacket that can be used with everything you take.  I usually pick 2 or 3 core colors for the trip (you know me, one is always black!); this also helps cut down on the number of shoes you take.  Shoes take up space and add weight.  The fewer shoes you take, the more clothes you can take!  For example, all of my evening clothes revolve around the core color of black so only 1 pair of shoes required for the evenings.  One of my favorite color schemes for a week on the road is black, khaki, and red.  Here is an example of what I packed on a recent 8 day trip I took a pair of black pants, black Capri’s, khaki Capri’s, black and khaki shorts, and a khaki skort.  Those bottoms got me through days and evenings for an 8 day trip.

I wore the pants on the flight down and flight home; I alternated the Capri’s each evening, and the shorts or skort each day.  I did not take 16 tops!  I only took a few – all solid colors that were worn “plain” during the day, and dressed up in the evening with scarves or the jacket.  Tip – if you buy better fabrics (think wrinkle free, light weight) , as long as you don’t spill your red wine, you usually get more than 1 day wear out of your tops, especially tank tops or sleeveless shirts.  When it comes to shoes, try for no more than 3 pair!  Yes, you read that right, no more than 3 pair.  For me, that is my workout shoes, a casual pair that goes with everything and a dressy/casual pair that also goes with everything.  Remember your goal on vacation is to relax and enjoy, not be a fashionista!

Last, Angela says “Don’t forget the all-important Poo-Pourri!”   Have you heard of this fabulous product? Poo-Pourri is a blend of essential oils that virtually eliminates bathroom odors.   Poo-Pourri is not a chemical cover up; the formulas are based on aromatherapy principles.  A few squirts in to the bowl will prevent the odors from ever showing up in the first place.  I know, this sounds funny and many will say they don’t need it but trust me, if you are going on a trip with your new husband or a group of friends you will need your Poo-Pourri.

You can check out Angela’s stores in downtown Navasota, TX and downtown Bryan, TX.  Stop in to take advantage of grand opening specials this weekend!
Angela also has a Facebook page for each of her stores –
Navasota:   https://www.facebook.com/hautecoutureboutiquenavasota
Bryan:   https://www.facebook.com/hautecoutureboutique.
Check out the website at http://www.hautecoutureboutique.com.
Happy Travels,
Kelley

Are you Happy ??

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Are you happy? Travel is certainly something that can make you happy! Have you been to Aruba yet? If not, I highly recommend it! Aruba’s actual slogan is “One Happy Island”, and anyone who has visited this island knows this to be true.

 

 

Here are 5 facts about Aruba that may help you consider this as your next island destination:

  1. Aruba is one of the most re-visited islands in the Caribbean
  2. Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt making it a great year round destination
  3. Average year round temperature is 82°
  4. Aruba has the most sunny days of any of the Caribbean Islands
  5. Aruba has a booming culinary scene influenced by more than 92 nationalities (aka foodie’s paradise!)

 

Aruba is among the livelier, more developed islands in the Caribbean. Aruba has low- and high-rise resorts, great restaurants, and glitzy casinos lining the white-sand beaches and the downtown boulevard. You’ll find plenty of things to do on Aruba, too: sunbathing, world-class windsurfing and water-skiing by day, and discos, cabarets, dinner shows and high-stakes gambling at night.

Aruba is located just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela; Aruba is the farthest west of the Dutch Caribbean islands known as the ABCs (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). It is 19 miles long and 6 miles wide, and the land is mostly flat and arid with scattered fields of cacti and aloe plants. If you prefer lush rain-forest-type destinations, Aruba may not be your preference. It’s more like Arizona or New Mexico than Puerto Rico or St. Croix.

Aruba’s foremost attractions include beaches, shopping, casinos, water sports, excellent restaurants, high-energy nightlife and very friendly people. If you enjoy good beaches, ethnic food, gambling and quality shopping, Aruba is for you.

Except for the Arikok National Park Foundation (the largest national park in the Caribbean Islands), you won’t see an abundance of natural attractions in Aruba. Nor is Aruba covered in lush foliage. It’s about as close to a desert island as you’ll find in the Caribbean, with stands of cacti and aloe vera dotting the dusty terrain. In fact, Aruba is so dry; goats eat the cacti in search of something resembling leaves. Still, Aruba has one of the world’s most threatened tropical ecosystems—its mangrove forests.

Aruba is well known for its bent-over trees; I’m sure you’ve seen them in pictures. Those unusual-looking trees bent over by the wind are watapana (divi-divi) trees, and they make it impossible to get lost on Aruba. All of the trees are bent to the southwest, where the majority of the hotels and resorts are located.

Aruba has a wide range of accommodations ranging from deluxe high-rise properties located along Palm Beach to smaller, low-rise hotels and inns lined up along Eagle Beach. If you prefer to stay in town will want to make reservations at the upscale Renaissance, which has a private island reached by complimentary boat shuttle. Aruba is one of the destinations that I do not necessarily recommend an all-inclusive resort. As mentioned above, Aruba is a culinary mecca, I encourage you to get out of your resort and try the many great dining establishments!

 

Aruba is an easy destination for US Travelers in many ways. There is convenient flight access from most the major US Gateways, including season non-stop flights from Houston. While the official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florian, the US Dollar is widely accepted throughout the island so no currency exchange is required. To change florins to US dollars, divide florin amount in half and add 10%. This formula will be especially useful when shopping in supermarkets. While Dutch is the official language, English is widely spoken on the island. Actually, most Arubans speak 4 languages!

 

Remember, Aruba is One Happy Island!

 

Happy Travels,

Barcelona is different !!

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As a Couples Travel Concierge, I’m often asked for “different” ideas for honeymoons, anniversaries, or vacations.  Barcelona is a different and great year round destination offering good value and great experiences.  Barcelona is a fabulous city that will capture your heart you from the moment you arrive.

Barcelona is located in the northwest part of Spain in an area known as the Catalonia Region.  Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and the capital of the Catalonia region.  Barcelona is a very diverse European destination with a great combination of modern flair and traditional influences.  Barcelona retains a firm grasp on its past, with medieval treasures, gourmet foods, trendy bars and clubs, and traditional designs.  The two thousand-year-old city is steeped in cultural heritage with vibrant art and architecture.

Barcelona is also a foodies paradise!  The people of Barcelona are serious about their food. A special mixture of sea and mountain dishes will temp your taste buds with seafood, meat, and aromatic mountain herbs, spices, and other foods. It’s important to take note, in Barcelona, people eat later that what we are accustomed to in the United States.  Lunches are usually served around 2 or 3 in the afternoon and dinners not until 9 or 11 at night.

The most famous street in Spain, the tree-lined boulevard Las Ramblas, is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, and is usually jam-packed with shoppers. As soon as the sun sets, the city’s many bars and restaurants come to life. The bars and nightclubs are open well into the early hours of the morning.  Las Ramblas is a definite “must do” on your visit to Barcelona!   I love sitting at one of the sidewalk cafes with my beverage of choice and just observing; it is a mecca for people watching.

Are you in to architecture?  

The city has become a destination for world-famous architects, many inspired by Barcelona’s native son, architect Antonio Gaudi. In fact, the city’s skyline is most famous for Gaudi’s masterpiece, his unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral.

You may want to take a stroll through Güell Park, where the imaginative integration of architectural elements in a natural setting holds in store many visual surprises for visitors.

Another great option is the Magic Fountain which is located in breathtaking Montjuïc Park.  The water in the fountain performs by dancing through various routines, accompanied by music and color.  It is truly stunning!  If you enjoy museums, there are plenty of museums in Barcelona.   There is a Picasso museum in the Gothic Quarter that houses many of his early works, both oils and drawings.

A few basics about Barcelona:

  • The currency is the Euro
  • Primary languages are Spanish and Catalon
  • Best weather is May – July
  • Best value is November – February
  • Spain is a conservative country, so skimpy tops and too-brief clothing are inappropriate for visits to churches. Catalonians normally dress well and stylishly; modest dressing is advised for tourists.

In general, Barcelona is a reasonably safe city to walk around in, even late at night. The biggest danger is petty crime—pickpocketing, bag snatching and assorted scams.

A few simple precautions will help keep you out of trouble: Don’t carry money, credit cards or documents in back pockets, breast pockets or backpacks. Leave valuables in a safe-deposit box at your hotel. Wear purses, bags and cameras slung around your neck or across your chest and keep them close to your body in crowds. Don’t set them down at your feet or in adjacent seats in outdoor cafes or on trains and buses—keep your hand on them. Never leave any item of value unattended or inside a parked car.

Barcelona offers a wide range of accommodations and is easily accessible from most major US gateways.  If you choose a hotel in a centrally located area, you’ll have no need for a rental car in Barcelona.

Let me know when you are ready to experience Barcelona!

Happy Travels,

Kelley

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,

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso – Riviera Maya

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My assistant Emer was in Mexico with her husband Neal earlier this month.   I’ve asked Emer to provide us with a review of her vacation.
Here is the review from Emer!

Kelley, as you know, right before you left for Mexico, Neal and I had just returned from a 5 day paradise trip at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso, Riviera Maya.  We had previously had only one experience with an all inclusive resort on our Honeymoon – many moons ago.

We flew into Cancun airport, and it was only about a 45 minute drive to the resort by pre-arranged transportation.  Once we got there, I was surprised by the size of the property – there are several different Iberstar hotels on property, some are family friendly, ours was the Adult ONLY Grand hotel. The drive around property was beautiful with lush trees and well maintained grounds.

         

The Lobby area of the Grand Hotel is stunning – cool, airy, tiled floors and tasteful decor.
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted with a fresh towel and a welcome cocktail. The staff is very professional and courteous.
We had arrived early so our room was not quite ready, we were invited to visit the Lunch Buffet by the pool.  Our patio table looked out on the ocean.
The assortment of food was unbelievable – there was a fresh seafood buffet with Lobster tails, Jumbo Shrimp. Crab claws and many different salads and side dishes for anyone’s taste.  In addition, there was a hot cooked buffet line and a full dessert bar to boot.  Needless to say we went there regularly.
  

There are several restaurants(Italian, French, Japanese and Surf and Turf) on the property along with two different buffet style restaurants.  We tried them all and each one was outstanding – no complaints here about the food or service.

Our room was an oceanfront with balcony – really beautiful and tastefully decorated.
After a few minutes our butler arrived to review the resort amenities and room features, and to insure that we were satisfied with our amenities.   We had been able to pre-order our comfort requests including mini bar preferences, spa appointments, restaurant reservations and desired pillow menu online prior to arrival, and everything was perfect.
  

The beach was right outside our room, it was paradise with luxury lounge chairs and beds, under shaded grass umbrellas.  Staff came around continously to freshen drinks and take care of any other requests you had.  We were spoiled..!!!  We booked a couple of Spa treatments that were out of this world !!

We got to see several beach wedding photo shoots while we were on the beach, it seemed like the perfect place to get married.  We chatted to a wedding party one evening at dinner and they were having a great time, they said everything was outstanding.


We also booked a couple of excursions
off property including a Catamaran          snorkeling trip and a Pro-fishing trip.
Thanks to Kelley we had booked these through one of Kelley’s reputable companies prior to leaving.

We thoroughly enjoyed both, especially for me the snorkeling.  The Ocean was perfect.

 

One of the things I most appreciated about this resort was that it never felt crowded.  Because of the size of the property and the number of amenities, everything was spread out.  I loved walking through the hotel as it was cool, airy and quiet.  Also, even though we don’t personally play Golf, other guests were commenting on the world class golf course on property.  We had a restful vacation and would have loved some more time.

I would definitely go there again and this time, I would stay longer and also do a full day tour of the Mayan Ruins – I heard fantastic things about that trip.

Until we go back, I can dream of paradise……..

I don’t know about you, but Emer has been successful in making me want to go back again… Thanks Emer!

Safe Travels,