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Five Reasons Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Travel

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 01:43:53 GMT

When you think of Fall, you probably think of football, the leaves changing colors, and everything pumpkin spice. But did you know it’s also the perfect time to travel?

Here are five reasons why you should be thinking about booking a vacation in Fall...

1. The weather is perfect. Not too hot or cold, you’ll be able to explore all day without breaking a sweat.

2. There are fewer crowds. While children head back to school and crowds go back to work, the savvy traveler is just getting started. You won't have to worry about getting dinner reservations, standing in lines, or trying to get a picture without other people in the background.

3. The scenery is spectacular. Take a road trip, stay in a cabin in the woods, or stay in a charming village where you can marvel at Mother Nature’s handiwork.

4. There are so many fantastic festivals. Choose between epic celebrations or small fairs. Some of our favorites are Oktoberfest, Día De Los Muertos, and the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Harvest and wine festivals are also abundant.

5. You will get an authentic travel experience. Locals appreciate fall travelers in a way that is different from other seasons. With the summer crowds gone, local store owners and restauranteurs are able to provide service at a peaceful pace. Instead of trying to turn tables over quickly, meals become leisurely and enjoyable.

While all these are great reasons to travel in the fall, the most compelling may be price. Known as the shoulder season, fall travel is less expensive than traveling in the summer or other times of year. Airfare, hotels, train tickets, and even food and drink, are all available at cheaper rates.

The next time you’re planning on packing your bags, think Fall- the perfect season to travel.

Happy Travels!

The BEST All-lnclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:30:00 GMT

Here are our recommendations for the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean.

An All-Inclusive Resort is a great way to vacation. They’re in beautiful destinations, have phenomenal service, and you’ll have everything you need in one place! But with so many options to choose from, determining which one to visit can be daunting. How do you determine which is right for you?

The best choice for you will be based on your tastes and the occasion for visiting. But your travel advisor will get to know what you are looking for from a vacation resort and be well-informed to offer the perfect options for you. Here are a few of the best in our humble opinion:

Best in Luxury- Kamalame Cay, Bahamas

For the ultimate in luxury, a laidback chic feel, and pristine beaches visit Kamalame Cay. There are only a few ways to access this Bahamian island. A 15-minute seaplane flight from Nassau, helicopter, or private boat will all carry you to this secluded oasis in style. There are no hotel rooms here. Instead, you’ll stay in a bungalow or cottage, located right on the beach. While you may be tempted to spend all your time on the white sand beaches or in the crystal-clear water, you won’t want to miss the hospitality provided by the Hew family or the fine dining available at this resort. For an all-inclusive vacation, be sure to book the Guest of House package. “Stay a little longer.”

Best for Families- Beaches, Turks and Caicos

If you’ve heard the phrase “there’s something for everyone,” and don’t think it’s true, you haven’t been to Beaches in Turks and Caicos. This resort was designed with the entire family in mind. There are five villages, each with a distinct feel and price point so you’ll always be able to find one within your budget. This all-inclusive resort boasts 12 miles of beach, 10 different pools, and a 45,000-square-foot water park. Additionally, there are dedicated areas for toddlers, children, tweens, and teens, not to mention adult-only areas. This all-inclusive resort will have you wanting to book your next stay before you leave.

Best for Adults Only- Secrets Cap Cana Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic

Looking for a romantic getaway for you and your significant other? Shhh ... the answer is Secrets Cap Cana Resort and Spa. This sophisticated hideaway, located in a gated community, has idyllic accommodations, excellent food, and beautiful beaches. While staying at Secrets Cap Cana Resort and Spa, you'll be treated to all-inclusive luxury. Interested in upgrading even more? Consider booking the Club Level which includes a private pool and beach area as well as premium locations.

For more information about these or other all-inclusive resorts, reach out to your favorite travel advisor (me!). We’ll help match you with the destination that’s perfect for your next vacation.

Happy Travels!

Bucket List Destinations for Red Blooded Americans

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 03:01:28 GMT

Do you bleed Red, White, and Blue? If so, you’ll want to add these iconic American destinations to your Bucket List.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - Pearl Harbor, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the US Naval base resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. Today, over 1.8 million people visit annually to learn about the past and pay their respects. Although the monument is sobering, Pearl Harbor grounds are not sad or depressing. There is a great amount of love found in the displays and the people who visit.

Though typically thought of as a single location, Pearl Harbor is actually a mix of museums, ship tours, and historical sites. The most famous of these is the USS Arizona Memorial. Tickets are free, but reservations are required for the film and boat ride out to the memorial itself.

Washington DC - One of the most visited places in America, Washington, DC offers a great variety of experiences. You can learn about American history, see iconic sights, and enjoy any number of museums ranging from space flight to the history of spies.

When in DC, there are some “must-see” locations. Stop by the Washington Monument, a grand tribute to our first president. Find a loved one’s name at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and create a rubbing. Visit the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every hour of every day.

You might also enjoy many of the festivals and celebrations going on throughout the year. Plan your trip during the spring if you would like to

see the flowers at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. For the true patriot, watching the fireworks on the 4th of July, our Independence Day, is a once in a lifetime event!

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona - One of the most beautiful locations in the United States is the Grand Canyon National Park. Coming in at a whopping 1904 square miles, the park is larger than Rhode Island.

The view from the rim can’t be beat. Take a stroll on the Grand Canyon Skywalk if you’re feeling particularly brave. This horseshoe shaped, glass bridge extends 70 feet out over the canyon and offers a spectacular view 4,000 feet to the canyon below.

The canyon was considered to be a holy and sacred site by the Native Americans who lived in the area. Today, you can experience that same sense of awe by taking a white-water rafting trip through the canyon. Spend your days on the river and sleep under a canopy of stars.

Denali National Park, Alaska - Listen to the call of the wild and add Denali National Park to your list. Named by the Koyukon Athabascans, a Native Alaskan group. the word Denali means “the high one” or “the great one.” The name fits perfectly as Denali is the highest mountain in all of North America.

Denali National Park is still as wild and wonderful as when Charles Sheldon first visited over a century ago. Mountaineering and hiking are available, but be sure you have a trail map as many trails aren’t well maintained. For those whose idea of hiking means a short walk, motorized tours are available. Most people to visit are hoping to see the big five: moose, caribou, wolf, Dall Sheep, and the brown or Grizzly Bear.

The Freedom Trail, Boston - “One if by land. Two if by sea.” History will come alive as you retrace the steps taken for the United States to gain our freedom.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that takes you through historic neighborhoods to tell the tale of the American Revolution. Starting at Boston Common, you’ll visit 16 locations including the location of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere Home, and The Old North Church. The tour ends at the US Constitution.

There are multiple ways to tour the Freedom Trail. Guided tours are available. You can also do a self-guided walking tour. If you choose to walk, feel free to bring your precious pup, on a leash, of course.

So, if you want to take a Great American Road Trip or enjoy a quick patriotic vacation, it doesn’t get any better than this. There’s something wonderful to be seen “from sea to shining sea!”

Happy Travels!

Cruising 101

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 06:26:47 GMT

First time cruiser?

I’m sure you’ve got a million questions, but there’s no need to lose sleep wondering about how it will all go. We are here to help!

Here’s what you need to know about getting on and off the cruise ship.

Embarkation

This is the process used by cruise ships to verify everyone who will be sailing with them. Most likely, you will have a time slot at which you will

be scheduled to arrive. Drop off your luggage with the porters. It will be scanned by security and delivered to your cabin. From there, go to check in. You will need all of the documentation required by your cruise line.

We recommend that you bring a carry-on bag. It will hold medications, valuables, your laptop and other electronics, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

Once you are cleared to board, smile for the cameras (there are many) and walk the gangway onto the ship. Your vacation has officially started! Don’t expect to go to your cabin right away though, that's not always the case. Instead, find a place to eat lunch and grab a drink.

Before the ship leaves port, there will be a mandatory muster drill. This is a safety exercise designed to familiarize all passengers with the location where they are to assemble in the unlikely event of an emergency. When finished, the cruise ship horn will blow as people gather on the lido deck to wave goodbye to dry land.

From there you will be free to enjoy your cruise and all the ship has to offer. If you have any questions, you can visit guest relations. They will also be able to help you with any services you did not schedule prior to the cruise such as specialty dining reservations, spa treatments, and shore excursions.

Disembarkation

Preparing to leave the ship will actually start on the last full day of your cruise, and your cruise director will hold a briefing to go over disembarkation procedures. We highly recommend attending this meeting, especially if it is your first cruise. They will share any forms which may need to be filled out prior to clearing customs. They will also explain options that are available for taking your luggage off the ship.

If you are going to have the cruise line carry your luggage off the ship, you will pack your bags, and set them out in the hallway between 10:00 pm and midnight. They will be picked up and carried down for disembarkation. You won’t see them again until you are off of the ship, so be sure to hang on to anything you may need overnight. The stories you’ve heard about passengers leaving the ship in the same clothes they wore the night before are true!

Early the next morning, your ship will be cleared by the port authorities and disembarkation will begin. It will take about three hours for all the passengers to leave the ship. If you opted to carry your luggage off the ship instead of having the crew move it for you, bring it with you when you leave your room. You will be responsible for your luggage and will not receive any help with it.

You will likely be assigned a group and time for disembarkation. Once your group is called it will only take about 15 minutes. While you are waiting, you may grab a bite to eat or take advantage of any last-minute sales happening on the ship. Be mindful that most of the crew are helping with disembarkation or preparing for the next group of passengers so many public places and restaurants may be closed.

The final step is to go through customs. Porters are not available to help you with this process. You may be required to show the immigration official your passport and forms. Some passengers may be required to meet with immigration officials prior to leaving the ship. Because rules change based on the country of disembarkation and nationality of the passenger, it is best to follow all the instructions given onboard.

Cruising is so much fun and is truly a great way to see the world. Now that you know what to expect, it’s time to get you on a ship! Let’s set up a time

to discuss your first cruise. There are so many options available, we'll help you find the one that's right for you.

Happy Travels!

Using Sunscreen Responsibly

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 06:10:37 GMT

Is the type of sunscreen I use important?

Maybe you’ve never really thought about the safety of your sunscreen before. Not only do we advocate for properly wearing sunscreen to protect yourself, but we also want to give you our list of sunscreens that are much less harmful for the environment.

1. Best for active travelers: Think Sport

Think Sport is a great option, especially if you plan on partaking in rigorous water activities like scuba diving or snorkeling, due to its lasting power.

2. Best organic option: Badger Balm

Badger Balm is a great choice, not only because it’s organic, but it’s also clear!

3. Best for body and coral: All Good

This option is a great balance of protection for both your body as well as corals. They also offer a tinted option, so it won’t leave behind that annoying white residue.

4. Best for portability: Olita Mineral

This option comes in a 3-ounce stick, meaning you can drop it in your carry-on and be ready to hit the beach!

5. Best for the whole family: Hello Bello

Hello Bello has very few ingredients, all of them organic and eco-friendly! Great for sensitive baby skin, too.

6. Best smelling, and best for skin: Kokua Sun Care

Kokua Sun Care is a treat! Made from locally sourced Hawaiian ingredients, it’ll leave your skin feeling great, even while offering outstanding sun protection.

7. Best overall: Babo Botanicals

Babo Botanicals gets our vote for being the best overall sunscreen for both body and sea. It checks all the boxes, and then some: vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and ethically sourced, among many other great attributes.

We love helping you travel! Being able to help you protect your skin as well as the reefs to our favorite tropical destinations is a win-win for everyone!

Happy Travels!

Four Reasons Why Travel Advisors are More Relevant than Before

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:35:34 GMT

If you've never worked with a Travel Advisor before, now is the time to start.

There have been a few major events in history that have impacted the travel industry. Things like 9/11, the invention of the internet, and the Coronavirus pandemic have caused travel agencies to make changes in order to stay relevant and serve their clients well. What are those changes, and how do they affect you? Let’s look at a few key items so you can see why using an advisor is more relevant than ever.

#1 Travel Insurance Is Vital, It’s No Longer Just a Suggestion.

Pre-pandemic, it was common to chance traveling without travel insurance. But now, with all the changes and requirements of travel, it’s more important than ever before. To accommodate, agencies and advisors have taken necessary steps to learn great products in order to make recommendations based on your needs. This also goes for testing, documentation, and ever-changing requirements. When you work with an advisor, they will be able to recommend the best travel insurance for you, as well as monitor any destination and/or testing requirements so you are prepared and ready to travel without the added hassle or risk.

#2: Planning Travel Is Complicated!

There are so many moving parts to travel though, and that hasn’t always been the case! Booking a vacation used to be far less complicated than it is now. Thanks to technology and ongoing learning, many advisors are adopting a new way of taking care of their clients. New school methods are client-centric and are about crafting a trip for you, rather than just picking a pre-made trip package. Technology has also allowed advisors to have better, more accurate information than what is “Google-able” by you as a consumer.

#3 Booking with A Travel Agent Is Not Transactional, It’s Relational.

No one likes to be ghosted, especially when you’re shelling out your own hard-earned money. Nowadays, advisors tend to establish a working, ongoing relationship with clients. They are there to take care of you.

#4 Advisors Have Access to Systems That the General Public Does Not.

Travel advisors have an entire world of systems and tools at their disposal, far beyond what you can see as a consumer. What’s more, these systems and tools give advisors access to virtually anything. The trips advisors can create for you are so much more than you could create for yourself. Additionally, advisors make a point to build great relationships with vendors and other advisors, as well as continually learn, train, and network to bring you an even greater experience.

With so many changes overall to the travel industry, it is best to rely on experts for your travel planning. Most people hire an accountant to do their taxes or a mechanic to fix their vehicle, simply because there are too many unknowns and too many risks that come from doing it on their own. Apply this same concept to travel and leave planning to a true expert in the industry. We challenge you to put us to the test!

Schedule a vacation consultation to see what we can do for you.

Happy Travels!