Archives for August 2011

All-Inclusives

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Jamaica

Let’s face it: It can be difficult to properly budget for a vacation, especially when you factor in the (unknown) costs of essential elements like meals and entertainment. Enter the all-inclusive vacation! While the cost of most standard accommodations cover only the room itself (and certainly not what’s in the mini bar), an all-inclusive vacation means the price you pay includes much more than where you put your head at night.
All-inclusive options at some hotels, resorts and even cruise lines run the gamut from including just a few things to including absolutely everything (yes, even what’s in the mini bar). With so many choices, you can rely on us to help you identify exactly which will work best for you. To get you started, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning an all-inclusive vacation.

Know What’s Included—and What’s Important to You

You’ll want to be prepared when planning an all-inclusive vacation by finding out what’s included in the price, like:

Dining options (like number of restaurants and bars, how many meals and types of beverages are included as well as dining restrictions, if any);
Number and types of activities;
Number and location of pools (and if there are separate pools for kids and adults);
Kid’s programs (including age ranges, available times and additional costs if any);
Room types and location of rooms—all-inclusive resorts and hotels can be quite large, so the location of your room (in the back, right on the beach or near the pool) is an important element to consider ahead of time; and
Gratuities.

These are just some of the specifics to consider when choosing an all-inclusive. We can work with you to find out what’s most important to you, and where you can find your best match.

Know Where To Go

All-Inclusive resort vacations are predominately located in Costa Rica, Mexico and the Caribbean. You will find optional all-inclusive supplements at resorts in Belize, Tahiti and Fiji. There are also upscale all-inclusive cruise lines with all meals, beverages, gratuities and even shore excursions included!

Know the Policies—and What to Expect

It’s important for you to be clear on what is included in the policies. As an example, spa treatments, off site tours and motorized water sport equipment are often available only at an additional charge. Trust us: You’ll want to know if you’re going to be charged for all sorts of incidentals, like renting snorkel gear! Some places offer enhanced amenities for certain rooms, so you should look for “club” or “preferred” room types—keep in mind that these rooms are usually in a more desirable location on the resort and come with additional perks and benefits.

Know If It’s Right For You

All-inclusive vacations tend to appeal to North American and European travelers, and can range from moderate to upscale, and from family friendly to adults only to a party scene best for singles. To make sure you get what you pay for—and you get exactly what you want—contact us to plan your all-inclusive vacation.

Complete my Family Questionnaire or Honeymoon Questionnaire to get started!

Honeymoon and Romance

There is perhaps no vacation as sacred as a rendezvous with that special someone. Whether it’s your first trip away as a couple, or a celebratory trip honoring your 50^th anniversary, in these special moments together that the two of you can focus on each other, and the things you both enjoy most.

To ensure you love the trip as much as you love each other, it is vital that you enlist the help of an expert travel agent to match you with the top romantic destinations (or top honeymoon spots) and accommodations that best reflect the two of you. To get you started, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a romantic vacation or honeymoon.

Know Where to Go

Some destinations seem specially designed for lovers, and here’s a quick look at several top romantic spots:

Tahiti: This exotic destination is easy to get to (just an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles) and offers an appealing Polynesian culture and utterly romantic accommodations in the form of private, overwater bungalows. Think about cruising the islands of Tahiti to sample multiple destinations (while only having to unpack once).

Jamaica: This diverse island has everything from beautiful beaches to coffee plantations, mountains (with waterfalls!), spas, horseback riding and golfing. While perhaps best-known for its all-inclusive, adult-only resorts like Sandals, Couples Resorts and Secrets, Jamaica has a resort for every budget and interest.

St Lucia: This lush island can certainly keep you busy with a number of outdoor activities, but we suggest you succumb to its relaxed pace and romantic mood. Here, most resorts are built into the hillside so your room, suite or villa will probably have the kind of dramatic ocean views seemingly made for romance. There are three Sandals properties on the island as well as several condo and boutique-style accommodations ideal for a romantic getaway.

Dominican Republic: This inviting destination has activities like water sports and golf, but you might find the DR puts you in the mood to simply relax and be together. There are dozens of resort types here, including the one we prefer most: boutique, beachfront resorts that provide personalized service and cater to couples.

Italy: This dreamy destination—the land of “amore”—consistently ranks in the top 5 honeymoon destinations worldwide each year . . . and it’s no wonder: Between the history, the people, the food, the wine, the villas, the shopping and the views, Italy’s tantalizing diversity offers something for everyone.

Paris: This chic city is all about love and romance—think of embracing at the top of the Eiffel tower, cruising along the Seine, walking the halls of the Louvre hand in hand, buying each other something special in a nearly hidden boutique and toasting each other over an exquisite French dinner. Ooh, la, la.

Mexico: This easy-going destination has an inviting culture, impressive cuisine and affordably luxurious accommodations! If you’re based in North America, this is the perfect destination for a quick trip, or a close-to-home—but not too close—honeymoon destination for those looking to stretch their vacation dollars.

Know Where to Stay

When it comes to lighting your fire, a generic hotel room might not cut it. Instead, consider truly unforgettable (and romantic!) alternatives like overwater bungalows in Tahiti, tented camps in Africa, luxury hotels in Paris, villas in Italy or private verandah staterooms on cruise ships. Think about where you’ll be returning to each night, and prioritize those elements (like a view) that matter most. Sure, there are many choices, but the good news is we can make quick work of helping you decide which romantic option is best for the two of you.

Book in Advance

If you have your heart set on a certain spot, don’t procrastinate—book 6-9 months in advance (this might also make it easier to get a deal). This is especially important if you’re traveling during the destination’s high season or interested in doing a payment plan.

Budget Beyond Your Wedding

Our best honeymoon planning tip is to budget for your wedding and your honeymoon. There’s nothing more disappointing than cutting corners and compromising on the trip that should usher in your married life in style. If you’re planning to take a honeymoon after the wedding or planning a year in advance, you may want to consider doing a honeymoon registry.

Want to count on love at first sight when it comes to your romantic vacation or honeymoon?

Complete my Honeymoon Questionnaire

Cruising

Cruising Alaska with Princess Cruises

When it comes to cruising, you have a virtual sea of cruise lines, ships and itineraries to choose from! The good news is that, with this vast number of options, there’s something out there just perfect for you. The bad news is that it might take you a significant amount of time to find the proverbial needle in your vacation haystack . . . unless, of course, you work with an expert travel agent like us!

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, almost 70 percent of travelers book their cruises with a travel agent. And with (very) good reason: We will get to know you—your travel style, your vacation wish list, your budget, etc.—and will then match you with your ideal cruise line, ship and itinerary. To get you started, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a cruise.

Know the ABCs of Cruising

One of the reasons cruising is such a popular vacation option is that it is truly one of the most personal ways to travel, and that’s ultimately because of the many options you can customize to reflect your preferences, like:

Ship Type: Take your pick between mega ships, small ships, expedition ships, yachts, barges and river cruisers—each type includes its unique set of pros and cons (for instance, a big ship might have more people, but it will probably also have all manner of conveniences, like a barber shop and a place to buy provisions, and fun extras, like a casino and a rock climbing wall);
Voyage Length: You can be gone for a long weekend, or most of the year;
Itinerary: Beyond simply getting you from here to there, today’s cruises are all about your best experiences, including itinerary elements like adventurous shore excursions and on-board food and wine classes;
Cost: Cruising costs range from budget to moderate, premium and luxury;
Pre- and Post-Cruise Options: Bookend your cruise with hotel stays to best take advantage of your time away and to get a different perspective on the destination(s) you’re visiting; and
Cruise Deals: Okay, this might be your favorite part—there are great cruise deals to be had, you just have to know where to look (that’s where we come in) and when to book . . . cruise deals often include a reduced rate, free airfare, 2-for-1 prices, free excursions, pre- or post-night lodging accommodations and onboard credits. It’s also smart to look for all-inclusive cruising options!

Know the Benefits of Cruising

Truly, there are too many cruising benefits to mention, but a few favorites include the chance to sample many ports without having to repeatedly pack and unpack, quality entertainment options, enriching and educational activity programs and diverse dining (whether you’re into endless buffets or 5-star gourmet cuisine, or both!).

Know a Few Good Tips for Planning a Cruise

Do Your Homework: Consider the destinations you want to visit, the time of year you’re going to go and the budget you have available.
Speak Up: To help us narrow down the cruising options to those that are best for you, tell us what you like to do on vacation and be clear about what you’re looking for so our recommendations best reflect you.
Respect Your Budget: Sure, opting for a balcony stateroom is definitely worth it, but only if you can afford it. If you can’t, don’t fret! The size of the stateroom—from inside to verandah categories—is usually the same; what you’re paying for is often the view (no window, window or balcony) and there are typically many places on a ship where you can take in an unforgettable view!
Compare Apples to Apples: Don’t just look at the bottom line price when making a cruising decision. Know what is included in the price (meals, gratuities, entertainment, insurance, etc.), and what isn’t, and make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when looking at different cruise options.
Trust the Experts: It’s perhaps most important that you trust the advice of your travel agent when making a decision. An expert travel agent often has personally experienced the different cruising options, and knows firsthand the differences between the many cruise lines, stateroom choices, onboard amenities and more.

Family Vacations

Happy beautiful family on a tropical beach vacation

Create moments & memories together

For many, the love of travel begins in childhood, with a family vacation taken across the state or across the world. And, year after year, it’s these shared family experiences that create lasting bonds and lifelong memories.

A great family vacation is as unique as each family. With near-endless vacation options, it’s smart to enlist the help of an expert travel agent to match you with the top family friendly destinations and accommodations that are perfect for your family. To get you started, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a family trip.

Define Your Version of “Family”

Your family vacation doesn’t have to include only those who live in your house. Invite your parents along. Extend an invitation to your siblings. Ask the kids to bring a friend! Today, just as families come in all shapes and sizes, so do family trips. Multigenerational travel—or traveling with kids, parents and grandparents—is especially popular because it gives all members of your extended family a chance to spend quality time together while enjoying a destination . . . and, if your kids are little, it affords you built-in babysitters!

Know Where to Go with Kids

You can enjoy a family vacation almost anywhere, it’s true, but here’s a quick look at several top family friendly destinations that offer the most for every member of your family:

Alaska: This US state has an abundance of wildlife and adventure; it’s ideal for families who love the great outdoors and are looking for unforgettable bonding experiences.
Hawaii: This US state has great family friendly beaches and a variety of family friendly resorts and condos; each Hawaiian island appeals to families for different reasons based on its own personality and offerings.
Caribbean: This alluring destination has many islands to choose from—it’s wise to pick an island based on where you’re traveling from, as well as your interests (water sports, outdoor adventures, new cultures, etc.)
Europe: This historic destination can be enjoyed by younger members of the family but it’s best as a way to introduce older children to the diverse cultures, cuisines, museums and languages of Europe’s countries.
Mexico: This affordable destination has great family friendly beaches, a strong culture, a variety of family friendly accommodations and is close to home if you’re traveling from the United States.
Costa Rica: This nature filled destination has much to offer families looking for a more adventurous twist to their holiday. From zip lining in the jungles, volcanoes to sandy beaches, Costa Rica offers a wide range of activities and accommodation options.

Know Where to Stay with Kids

When it comes to family vacations, think outside the hotel room. You’ll find much more room—and often a real travel deal—when you stay in a suite hotel, condominium, villa rental or apartment rental or when you enjoy an all-inclusive family vacation or a family cruise (cruising with kids is especially fun). Sure, there are many choices, but the good news is we can make quick work of helping you decide which family friendly vacation option is best for your family. One of our favorite all-inclusive resort options are the Beaches resorts in Jamaica and the Turks & Caicos.

Get Tips for Traveling with Children

Contact us for personalized tips for traveling with your children based on essential elements like their ages and interests. Beyond that, our best tip is to get out there and do it: When you travel with your kids, you truly give them the world.