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Travel By Darcy

Creating Memorable Vacations Since 1996

Archives for July 2016

Zika Free Babymoons

babymoon

Where to Go For Your Perfect Babymoon

A Babymoon celebrates that special, fleeting time in a couple’s life before a new (and very demanding) addition is welcomed into the family. Savoring a bit of time together in a place with stunning scenery, scrumptious cuisine, and relaxing activities is an ideal antidote to pregnancy’s sleepless nights, swollen ankles, and world of worries. It’s also a great escape from that ever-growing to-do-before-baby list!

The secret to Babymoon success is choosing the right destination for the two of you. In addition to representing your travel style and interests, the location should offer low-stress, pampering pursuits, should have unique, babymoon-friendly accommodations, and should be easy to get to—by staying close to home, your airfare will be less so you can indulge on your room and any adventures you enjoy during your stay . . . and a Babymoon is certainly a time to splurge.

It’s also critical to pick a destination that’s known to be free of the Zika virus. According to the CDC, Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. While the most common symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain) aren’t life-threatening, the virus can pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus and can lead to severe fetal brain defects. What is zika-free today may not be tomorrow, you can view a current list of infected areas here.

As important as where you go is when you go and how long you stay. Most doctors recommend pregnant women travel up to the third trimester, and the average Babymoon lasts anywhere from three to five nights, though extending your stay to enjoy even more R&R together is never a bad idea.

Here are TravelbyDarcy.com’s Top 8 Babymoon Destinations in North America:

  1. Bermuda

A mere 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina, the 21-square-mile island of Bermuda is a semi-tropical paradise with famous pink-sand beaches—just right whether you’re having a boy or a girl. Despite its small size, you’ll find a plethora of boutique hotels and luxe resorts on the island (like Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, an adults-only, beachfront retreat), along with plenty of activities to experience in and around the surf. In addition, unlike some Caribbean islands, its food and drink options are safe to enjoy without concern.

  1. Hawaii

A tropical destination in the Pacific, Hawaii is comprised of eight major islands, and each one offers its own personality and experiences along with a unique selection of accommodations, from boutique hotels and full-service resorts to self-catering condos. (Together, we’ll narrow down the options and match you with your ideal Hawaiian escape!) Whichever island or islands you choose, expect to relax and recharge with all sorts of natural pursuits, from snorkeling above a school of rainbow-colored fish to hiking lush tropical rain forests to stargazing with your feet nestled in the still-warm sand.

  1. Aspen

This may not be a typical Babymoon destination, and that’s kind of the point—here, you’ll find all manner of lodgings and unique ways to play and be pampered, all year long. Whether it’s summer and you’re knee-deep in wildflowers or it’s winter and you’re cozying up by a crackling fire, Aspen will seduce you both with its crisp and clean air, Rocky Mountain views, and naturally romantic attitude.

  1. Quebec

The second-most populous province in Canada, Quebec is the only one with a mostly French-speaking population, giving it a distinctly European feel. Whether you’re visiting Quebec City (also known as Little Paris) or taking in the sights and scents of the lavender fields outside Montreal, this close-to-home destination feels worlds away, especially when you’re relaxing somewhere truly special, like The Fairmont Châteaux Frontenac in Old Quebec City or Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel & Spa in the Eastern Townships.

  1. Victoria Island

Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Victoria Island makes a great day trip—though, with its romantic and quaint feel, it’s more than worthy of being your singular destination. The eighth largest island in the world, it offers many must-try experiences, from a sensuous tour of its botanical gardens to an unforgettable high tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel; and, if you don’t suffer from seasickness, hop on a boat to enjoy some of the best whale-watching in the world, with frequent sightings of orca, gray, humpback, and minke whales, typically between April and November.

  1. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Located on the Pacific coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this dream of a destination boasts a year-round mild climate along with beautiful beaches, an artistic vibe, and a quaint downtown ideal for strolling and window-shopping. Carmel is also home to exceptional spas (think pre-natal massage!), golf courses, and world-class restaurants; in addition, nearby sights like Monterey and Big Sur offer fantastic day-trip options.

  1. Austin

As the capital of Texas and the Live Music Capital of the World—and with the motto “Keep Austin Weird”—you know this is a destination meant for couples who want to live it up before the baby arrives. Here, you’ll enjoy incredible art and culture, an inventive food scene (including a can’t-miss food truck tour!), scores of live music venues, and a rather surprising amount of nature, from the city’s plethora of parks to the lovely Lake Austin.

  1. Santa Barbara

Nicknamed the American Riviera, Santa Barbara dazzles with its Mediterranean climate and gorgeous location: it’s tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and has the longest section of south-facing coastline of any city in the United States. Here, with its amazing spa resorts, world-class restaurants, and exquisite shopping, it’s all about indulging in the good life. For the ultimate coastal California experience, consider combining stays in Santa Barbara and Carmel—you’ll never get over the beauty of a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.

The two of you are over the moon about the upcoming arrival of your baby—now let me match you with a Babymoon you’ll go gaga over! Contact me directly so I can personally see to your perfect babymoon retreat.

xoxo

 

Anyone can be a travel agent!

travelhead

But should they be?

The last several years has seen a wave of new agents enter the industry. From kids fresh out of school, hungry to see the world to those looking to make a mid-life career change it seems being a travel agent is the new cool trendy job to have.  Interestingly, there is no formal license required to be a travel agent in the US. With a click of a button you can order business cards at VistaPrint, pick a cool name and you’re in business! Is it just me or is that a little scary? I am on various forums and social media groups where I see posts regularly from new “agents” working on client quotes that literally have zero idea what they are doing. Questions like – who should I call now? how do I book this? They want the beach, where should I send them? How do I make money? And the horror stories!  “I meant to book their flight to Paris, France not Paris, Texas! Now what do I do?” … oops.  Others sign up with a company for a fee to get an affiliate link and a third party travel website to promote to their family and friends in the hopes that they’ll earn a commission.  Sorry, this does not make you a travel agent and consumers beware of anyone part of a Paycation or similar MLM group.

Let me stress how critical it is to select an experienced travel agent to assist you with your travel plans. Yes, many in this new wave of agents are no doubt smart, tech savvy and likely come from another professional background where they excelled. Maybe they are even well traveled and pride themselves on having planned their own trips for the past X number of years.  There is so much behind the scenes work that a new person just doesn’t even realize they are not doing because they haven’t been taught. I am a firm believer in not only gaining an organized education (there are numerous travel agent and destination courses available online or from local colleges) but also first hand experience and guidance from a mentor. It takes years to build up a successful business and gain the knowledge needed to confidently and competently coordinate complicated travel arrangements.   So before you book your next trip – find out more about that agent. How long have they been in business? Have they been to the destination you are interested in or booked it in the past? Are they members of any associations or local chambers, registered with their state as an LLC or other corporate entity? Is the sum of their travel knowledge based on TripAdvisor.com reviews and the latest issue of Conde Nast?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with working with a part time travel agent or someone that works from home. It’s the American dream right? Just make sure they have the experience, knowledge and tools to ensure you have a smooth, hassle free vacation experience.  It’s easy enough to go to expedia, travelocity etc. and with a few clicks book a trip anywhere in the world. The point of working with a travel agent is to benefit from their experience and knowledge.  With my 20+ years of experience, I know how to find you the absolute best value for your vacation dollar so I can not only save you time and money but enhance your vacation experience. Our contacts at the destination are eagerly waiting to welcome you with a smile and more than likely a special amenity.  We’ve been there, done that and on the off chance we haven’t – we’ve booked it.

But doesn’t it cost more to work with a travel agent? Generally, No! In fact just today I worked up a quote for a family to go to Jamaica.  I had access to an exclusive sale that Expedia didn’t. This resulted in a savings of over $2400 for the family!

tbdcompare

So if you’re thinking of taking a trip, don’t get click happy and book the first thing you see or rely on information from your Great Aunt Edna who just decided to be a Travel Agent on Friday. Talk to a professional travel agent. Call me or send me an email personally.

xoxo

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About Me

I’ve come nose-to-nose with a giraffe during an African safari. I’ve strolled along the ancient pathways of Machu Picchu. I’ve honeymooned in the Australian Outback. I’ve stayed in villas, enjoyed all-inclusive vacations, and gone on cruises and escorted bus tours. Collectively, these experiences—and many, many more—add up to a pretty impressive travel resume but, more importantly, they make me a great choice for your go-to travel agent. Read More…

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