Your Vacation Hot Spots

The Questions You Need Answered Before You Book Your Destination Wedding Locale

Any wedding that isn't in the bride or groom's hometown, or current place of residence, can be considered a destination wedding — and the hardest thing about planning a destination wedding? Making decisions, involving a lot of money, about vendors and services you've never tried before.

Brides planning a hometown wedding are probably already familiar with a lot of the best wedding venues in the area, they know instinctively which hotels to suggest to out-of-town guests and, while they might not know the names of the most reputable catering companies off the bat, they can reach out to other friends and get recommendations.

Couples planning a destination wedding — even if it's just a few states away — don't have those luxuries. Before they even start planning their wedding, they need to research the destination. Here are the questions couples need to answer before solidifying their locale.

Is it difficult to get to?

What are the travel costs like around your wedding date?
Airfare to some parts of the Caribbean between Christmas and Easter is three times more expensive than going to the same place the other eight months of the year, for example.

Will your guests need passports?
This can be a huge issue for some people. If your family and friends aren't regular travelers, choosing a wedding destination that requires a passport may mean you won't some of your VIP invites with you to witness your vows.

Are there any travel restrictions?

Does the destination use U.S. currency?

What are the accommodations options at the destination? Are there a variety of price points?

Some people would rather spend less per night and stay longer because they don't plan to be in their room that much. So watch out for destinations that don't have less expensive hotel options available nearby your actual wedding venue.

As for resources to use, Caribbean Blue Book is a good source of information about tropical destination options. It can help you determine whether the destination has enough activities to suit your needs, and it will help answer a lot of the above questions about the island's amenities.

Be sure to also check out TripAdvisor and see what other brides and grooms (and regular tourists) have had to stay about the destination as well as the venues and accommodations there. A hotel's website might look fabulous and showcase spectacular wedding photos, but that doesn't tell you anything about how pleased (or not) the bride and groom were with the venue. To get the real skinny, read the positive and negative reviews to see if the reviewers' concerns would be a problem for your wedding weekend. Don't be afraid to ask the venue about a specific complaint to find out if the problem has been resolved for future guests.

Once you've nailed down your actual destination, just make sure that you've thoroughly researched your wedding destination to make sure it's the right spot for you and your wedding guests before you start making commitments and signing vendor contracts.

Easy Ways to Make Your Wedding Feel Extravagant

Your big day is just that—big. Wanting it to live up to that moniker can be tricky, but with a few easy and small touches, your wedding day can go from beautiful to extravagant, without going over budget. From specialty cocktails and sparkling wine favors to beautiful centerpieces and luxury gifts, these six ideas will give your special weekend that something extra.

Serve a Signature Rehearsal Dinner Cocktail

There’s no hard and fast rule that says signature cocktails are only for the wedding day. Your celebration is a whole weekend long, after all. Save the his-and-hers brews for the big night, but include one magical concoction at the rehearsal dinner. Add a little glimmer to the night with the Starry Night cocktail: two parts chilled Rosa Regale and one part Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka. Trust us—your guests will be double fisting.

Add Slippers to that Bridesmaid Gift

You’ve already bought the cute floral robe, but go the extra mile to make your bridesmaids comfortable while they’re getting ready with a cozy pair of spa slippers. Not only will they keep your ‘maids feeling luxurious the morning of, but these slippers can also be worn during your group pedicures, and post-wedding celebration too! Their feet will need a rest after all that dancing, after all.

Go Big, Like, Magnum Big

Here’s a low-cost way to make a big impression on your guests. You’ll never feel more luxe than popping a magnum-sized bottle of sparkling rose at your wedding. This big-sized bottle won’t just make for an extravagant pour—serve Rosa Regale instead of traditional champagne for toasts!—but a bigger bottle also goes a longer way into the night. We think that’s a two-for-one: High style impact, extra cost savings. Can’t beat it!

Add an Amazing Backdrop

Skip the photo booth and opt for a stunner of a backdrop that your guests will love to feature in the back of their selfies and Snaps. Flower walls—be them fully covered or hanging blooms—are the perfect way to add elegance to your wedding day. If you can, have your florist make it portable, so it can serve as the backdrop to your ceremony, and a photo-stop during the reception. Opt for lower-priced blooms in all white (guests will never know!) for an affordable option.

Give Mini Bottles for Favors

Stumped on what to send your guests home with? How about something they can use to continue the party at home! Set a table with plastic glasses filled with ice, then pop mini bottles of sparkling Rosa Regale, and a cute paper straw, in each cup. Guests can grab these miniature “ice buckets” as they leave and choose to drink it on their way out, or save it for home. Either way, it’s chilled and ready to go.

Add Some Sparkle If your venue allows it, a wash of lit candles can go a long way in taking your wedding over the top. From adding sparkle to your centerpieces to filling blank spaces, candles in beautiful mercury glass, crystal holders, or floating in water will add the perfect soft glow to your day. Think staggering heights and even hanging pieces for a real wow-factor.

Contact us at Vacation Hot Spots

How to Choose a Destination Wedding Location....

A destination wedding has a lot of appeal; who doesn’t love the idea of bringing all their friends and family together at a picture-perfect locale. Some couples choose to bring their friends and family to a place that’s special to them, while others choose a new destination that everyone can explore together. Some venture a few hours away from home while others travel thousands of miles. Whether you choose a location that’s near or far, familiar or uncharted, in the US or abroad, here are some things to think about when planning.

How much time will it take guests to get there?
Consider how long it will take your guests to reach your wedding — and not just how long the flight is, but how long it will take them door to door. Traveling on a direct flight that lasts five hours actually takes much less time in the long run than a trip that requires two one-hour flights, a lengthy connection, and then a long drive to the final destination from the airport.

How safe is the location perceived to be?

While most couples wouldn’t willfully choose an unsafe location, if your guests are less adventurous or well-traveled, consider how they might perceive the location in terms of safety and be sure to look at the potential dangers from their perspective (for example, Zika is less worrisome to a single man than a pregnant woman). If the area has a less-than-stellar rep, you may want to proactively reassure them that there’s little to worry about.

Can you secure any group discounts?
No matter what the cost of traveling to your wedding, no doubt your guests would appreciate any discounts. Many hotels offer group discounts for more than a dozen or so rooms, depending on the size of the property. You can also snag group discounts for tours and activities or help everyone save money on transport by booking a van or bus for groups arriving at the same time.

Will your guests need a passport or visa?
If you’re getting married in a foreign country, or if some of your guests are coming from outside the US, consider whether or not they will need a passport or visa—and how easy it will be for them to get one. Make sure they have ample time to arrange the proper documents to travel.

Is there emergency health care nearby?

Most foreign countries have health care that is as good as, or better, than that found in the US. But, depending on how remote your location, there may not be a hospital that’s all that close by. While it’s unlikely any of your guests would need emergency care, you may want to consider whether or not you have any elderly guests and what would happen if emergency care was required.

Will the food be vegetarian friendly?
Some countries just do vegetarian fare better than others and if you know you’ve got strict vegetarian or vegan guests, you may want to take that into consideration when choosing the location, and especially when booking the venue. For example, if you have your heart set on an Argentine parilla (barbecue), it would be wise to request some extra vegetable dishes and salads for your herbivore guests.

Is there a backup plan in case of inclement weather?
Whether you’ve chosen a mountaintop resort, a tropical beach, a rustic barn, or a fairytale forest, make sure there is a backup plan in case of extreme weather. At the very least, ensure your venue has sufficient coverage in case of rain; and if your wedding takes place during a season known for sudden extreme weather (hurricanes, blizzards), it’s wise to plan for your guests to arrive a few days early so that any delays don’t mean they miss the big day.

How complicated is the legal paperwork?
Some destinations make it easy for out-of-towners to get legally married there. In some cases, you can get a marriage license on the spot or shortly before the ceremony or you may even be able to handle the process by mail. However, some destinations require a more lengthy lead time, so check into the rules of your destination and make sure you can meet the timeline (or consider getting getting legally married at home before or after the destination celebration).

Is it family friendly?
Decide early on if your wedding will be open to kids. If not, consider that some guests with kids will be left with the choice: stay home entirely or bring the kids on the trip and find care while they’re at the event. If you think many of your guests will opt for the latter, you may want to look for a location that’s family friendly; you could also go the extra mile and arrange (or suggest a local agency) for child care during the event.

Contact us at Vacation Hot Spots to help with your destination wedding from start to finish.

NO PASSPORT NEEDED!!!

If you're a U.S. citizen and don't yet have a passport, you still can travel to a tropical paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or Hawaii. For these destinations, you will need only a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license.

Below are brief overviews of these locales. I've also listed our top sellers in each destination.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are in the eastern Caribbean, about 1,100 miles southeast of Miami, FL. Three beautiful islands -- St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix -- offer something for everyone, from secluded beaches and lush rainforests to duty-free shopping.

On St. Thomas, you can explore Charlotte Amalie, the bustling capital, or head to heart-shaped Magens Bay, which frequently is labeled one of the world's most beautiful beaches and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

St. John is a short ferry ride from St. Thomas. Two-thirds of it is dedicated to Virgin Islands National Park, with white-sand beaches, scenic hiking trails, swaying palm trees and sheltered bays. The park service has established an underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay.

St. Croix, the largest of the three islands, offers 18th- and 19th-century plantation homes, sugar mills and the Cruzan Rum Distillery.

Top-selling USVI resorts among our customers include these three properties on St. Thomas: the 4-star, all-inclusive Sugar Bay Resort & Spa; the 3-star, all-inclusive Bolongo Bay Beach Resort; and the 5-star Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, which offers an all-inclusive plan for certain room categories. The 4-star Divi Carina Bay All Inclusive Beach Resort on St. Croix also is a favorite among Vacations To Go travelers.

Puerto Rico, an island territory of the United States, boasts centuries-old cathedrals, seaside promenades and natural attractions like the El Yunque rainforest.

San Juan, the Puerto Rican capital, is a popular tourist hub with fine dining, shopping and colonial architecture. Its historic quarter, Old San Juan, is a picturesque district of narrow cobblestone streets and plazas. Rio Grande is the gateway to the 28,000-acre El Yunque, a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife watchers. Fajardo, at the eastern tip, boasts a large boating community and is a favorite spot for sailing and snorkeling.

Our best-selling resorts in Puerto Rico include the 5-star San Juan Marriott Resort and the 4.5-star InterContinental San Juan, the 5-star Gran Melia Puerto Rico Golf Resort in Rio Grande and the 5-star El Conquistador, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Fajardo.

Hawaii is the epitome of a tropical paradise, where a warm "aloha" welcomes visitors to the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai and Lanai.

On the isle of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, steam vents hiss and lava currents flow at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. OnMaui, visitors can browse the shops and art galleries of Lahaina, a former whaling town, or follow the narrow, twisting road to Hana, a spectacular scenic route.

Lush green mountains and exotic flora give Kauai its nickname, the "Garden Isle." You can take a boat tour up the Wailua River, soar over the jagged green cliffs of the Na Pali Coast in a helicopter or, from December to May, watch humpback whales return to the Pacific for calving season.

Oahu is home to Honolulu, the cosmopolitan Hawaiian capital. Waikiki Beach is lined with resorts that draw sun worshippers from around the world.

Low-key Molokai still remains largely undeveloped and is the place to experience "old Hawaii." Lanai, the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, offers a luxury resort experience with championship golf and rugged back roads for four-wheel drive adventures.

Top-selling resorts in Hawaii among our customers include the 4-star Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort on Oahu, the 5-star Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa and the 4-star Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas on Maui and the 4-star Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay on the Big Island

5 TIPS FOR BETTER SLEEP ON PLANES.

If everything about your dream destination sounds great except the grueling 10-hour flight to get there, then it's time you learned how to sleep on a plane. In most cases, you aren't aiming for eight hours of sound sleep. Four or five hours will get you to your destination in a functional condition, but still tired enough to sleep at the appropriate time in the new time zone.

Warning: some of these take a bit of practice before you leave home. But it's your dream trip, right? Isn't it worth it?

Cancel the noise. Expensive noise-cancelling headphones are great for a quick nap on a cross-country flight. But the weight and awkwardness usually are enough to keep you from slipping into slumber. And earbuds? Almost as bad as heavy headphones. Look at SleepPhones --a fabric headband with flexible flat speakers that rest over your ears so comfortably that you can lay on them, or lean against your seatmate, as the case may be. They are not noise cancelling, so you will need a white noise app and/or a playlist of music that you can sleep to.

Block out light and activity. In most cases, you will fall asleep faster if you can block out extra light and the activity of flight attendants and fellow passengers. Light-blocking glasses called Blackout Bands look cool, but pose the same problem as headphones--not comfortable when you lean your head or face on something. Opt instead for something like this molded eye mask from Flight 001.

Get Positioned. Where neck pillows generally fail is the fact that most of us sleep with our faces touching something. Changing that one aspect can make quite a difference in how well you sleep. The SkyRest is a giant lap pillow that you hug and lean onto. Or look at Little Cloud Nine. It's another huggable, leaning device, but this one has you putting your face forward into a tube, with cheeks and forehead resting on the air-filled sides. A square hole near the bottom of the tube is where you put your arms. With your face in the tube, you may not need an eye mask. It effectively blocks most light and all activity like a set of blinders on a racehorse. As wacky as this thing looks, I have tested it and found it to be one of the most comfortable sleep devices I have ever tried.

READ MORE: How To Dodge Jet Lag

Stay ahead of frigid temps and hard seats. When you think about sleeping on a plane, it's easy to forget about all the little discomforts that may be keeping you from the shuteye you need. Start with your feet. Try traveling in slip-on shoes, then replace them with an extra layer of warm socks for comfort when it's time to sleep. Deal with the high-altitude cold airplane temps by dressing in warm layers and asking for a second blanket if necessary.

And then there is your butt. I haven't flown without a pillow for my backside in almost a decade. You would be amazed at the improvement it makes over rock-hard economy seats. I like this one called Seat Solution. The best part is that it has a built-in handle, making it easy to strap to the outside of your carry-on.

Train your brain. The biggest obstacle to sleeping while flying is probably your brain. The object is to use everything at your disposal to trick yourself into sleeping on cue. That's where practicing with your Sleephones and a sleep playlist comes in. If you have been falling to sleep at home using the same set of songs, it's easier to flip the off switch in your head.

Here's my secret weapon: I use a white noise app by TMSoft set to airplane noise with my sleep playlist playing at the same time for at least a week before I fly. The music soothes and the engine sounds on the app help you grow accustomed to the constant hum and learn to sleep through it.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN JAMAICA AS OF 1/19/17

Early Breathless Resort & Spa: AM Resorts’ new Breathless Resort, consisting of 150 rooms, was opened on December 15 to coincide with the start of the winter tourist season. The ultramodern adult-only resort features luxury accommodations, a world-class spa, mouthwatering gourmet cuisine and a non-stop party with the world’s hottest DJs performing. The modern property located in Freeport Montego Bay boasts a chic design with state of the art technology including free WiFi and in room tablets. More than half of the suites offer complimentary butler service.

Zoetry Montego Bay: An ultra-luxurious boutique resort in the upscale Ironshore neighborhood, owned by AM Resorts. This beachfront sanctuary, which opened in December, is located on a private stretch of white sand beach, a world away from daily distractions, but only 5 minutes from shopping, dining, golf and the Sangster International Airport. All of Zoëtry Montego Bay’s 49 suites will offer enhanced amenities and extraordinary architecture and features, designed to embody the holistic approach of Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, with suites situated in three main buildings: Wood & Water, Bamboo and Blue Mountain – a nod to Jamaica’s ecological tapestry.

RIU Reggae: Located on the beach and surrounded by incredible natural beauty, the RIU Reggae is an all-inclusive Adults Only hotel in Montego Bay. Opened in November 2016 with 450 rooms, RIU Reggae will have idyllic surroundings and a wide array of services and amenities including: free Wi-Fi, infinity pools, a gym and spa, it is the perfect place for a vacation with a partner or friends.

Royalton Blue Waters: Opened in November 2016, Royalton Blue Waters, located in Falmouth, consists of 225 rooms. This allsuites addition offers modern spacious rooms, beautiful architecture and sports and recreational activities for the whole family. Royalton Blue Waters shares access to the adjacent Royalton White Sands so guests can enjoy the unique features of each luxury resort. This all-inclusive luxury facility features unlimited reservation free dining, supervised programs for children and teen, all in connectivity with high speed WiFi resort wide, in room Bluetooth speakers, daily entertainment and nightly shows.

SANDALS RESORTS ANNOUNCES FUTURE PLANS FOR OVER-THE-WATER SUITES AS IT DEBUTS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE CARIBBEAN

~Much-Anticipated Villas Open with Additional Over-the-Water Suites Slated for 2017 and 2018~

Debuting the Caribbean’s first-ever Over-the-Water Villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica on December 1, Sandals Resorts is announcing the development of additional Over-the-Water suites at new locations throughout the region. Citing unparalleled demand and a drive toward continued innovation, the suites will be unveiled at select Luxury Included® resorts throughout 2017 and 2018, including 12 additional Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean slated to open in March 2017.

“I have always said that being out on the water is where I am happiest, and with these suites, guests can experience a direct link to the Caribbean Sea,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman and Founder of Sandals Resorts. “Being first is nice, and as a category leader we’ve enjoyed a lot of firsts – but what is more important is that we continue to evolve, continue to innovate, continue to upend the notion of what an all-inclusive can be and of course, continue to exceed the expectation of our guests.”

The first of its kind in the region, the recently opened Over-the-Water Villas at Sandals Royal Caribbean convey an intimate connection to the Caribbean Sea and represent a new level of innovation for the Luxury Included® company. Each of the five villas has a different design, representing the Feng Shui elements: Wood, Water, Fire, Earth and Metal, illustrated through unique elements from warm wooden pendants and underwater art pieces to mirrored and metallic accents. Merging the interior and exterior spaces through multiple expansive glass doors, couples can admire the majestic beauty of the ocean from their private infinity pool, over-the-water hammock, glass floor panels or the suite’s stylish king-size beds made from teak adorned and soft Egyptian linens and plush pillows for the ultimate sleep.

Beyond the views, guests staying in the newly debuted Villas have access to unparalleled services and exclusive amenities from 24/7 butler service, trained in accordance to the exacting service standards of the Guild of Professional Butlers, and personalized in-room dining to private yoga classes and direct resort access via a “Royal Duffy” luxury boat. Additional villa features include: personal airport greeting with expedited immigration; private luxury resort transfers; House of Marley sound system; welcome gift, including a branded beach tote and towel set; Molton Brown bathroom amenities, free WiFi and more.

Built along a beautiful wooden boardwalk, the Villas are connected to land at Sandals Royal Caribbean’s offshore private island, Sandals Cay. An experience onto itself, the island features a newly redesigned pool with a signature pool-bar; two restaurants including The Jerk Shack, offering authentic rustic cuisine and Royal Thai, capturing the flavors of the East; and number of nestled hideaways. Located on the northern shores of Jamaica, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island a mere 10 minutes from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport. The hotel features 227 rooms and suites and in addition to the Over-the-Water Villas and Bungalows, recently debuted newly renovated Romeo & Juliet Suites and Windsor Beachfront Club Level rooms. The Luxury Included® resort also features 8 on-property restaurant and bars, with access to 12 additional 5-Star Global Gourmet dining experiences at Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Inn through Sandals Resorts’ “Stay at One, Play at Three” program.

Rates for the now open Over-the-Water Villas begin at $1,435 per person/per night, while the Over-the-Water Bungalows are available for booking ahead of the 2017 debut, with rates beginning at $1,100 per person/per night.

Click here to see an Under Water Wedding in Los Cabos

A must visit the next time you are in Cancun............Xcaret Mexico

30 REASONS WHY YOUR TRAVEL AGENTS ARE YOUR TRAVEL BFF.......

Day 1: Dollars and Cents

It is literally an agent’s job to find the latest deals and value if that’s a priority for their client. Agents are often able to get the best deals because of their relationships with travel suppliers. How much can you save? Travel agents can save consumers between $300 and $400 per trip according to a 2016 American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) study, “Best of Both Worlds: Quantifying How Travel Agents Save Consumers Time and Money.”

Day 2: Knowledge is Power
Agents take educational courses to become experts on an array of travel products and often visit and experience them first-hand so that they can come back and sell with confidence.

Day 3: Value Adds
Many agents have relationships with suppliers and consortia partners that allow them to offer value-added benefits for free, such as shore excursions, breakfast, Wi-Fi access, upgrades and more.

Day 4: Answer Questions About the Boring Stuff
Anyone can talk about the exciting world of travel, but agents help their clients with the small details that will ensure a successful trip, such as navigating through passport and visa needs. They also can explain travel legalese, like cancellation policies and restrictions.

Day 5: Groups R Us

If you’re planning a group vacation, whether it’s a multi-generational family trip or girls or golf getaway, travel agents can put it together and pave the way for a wonderful trip for all.

Day 6: Magical Buying Power
Agents are armed with know-how and buying power, so they can often wield magic, such as getting a hotel room at a property that is supposedly sold out.

Day 7: Problem Solver
An agent can try to get a satisfactory resolution if a problem does arise while on vacation.

Day 8: Time is Money
Searching on the Internet for “the best deal” takes time and patience. Agents can do the research for you. Travel agents save consumers three-plus hours in travel planning per trip according to the 2016 American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) study, “Best of Both Worlds: Quantifying How Travel Agents Save Consumers Time and Money.”

Day 9: What’s New Now
Agents are often the first to hear about a new hotel, new cruise ship, and even an emerging destination as the place to be.

Day 10: Combat Indecisiveness
Can’t choose between one cruise line or all-inclusive over another? A travel agent can outline features and benefits of each and help you decide which one is right for you.

Day 11: One Call Does It All
Agents can handle all aspects of travel: air, hotel, sightseeing, transfers, cruises, activities, and more.

Day 12: Agents Keep the Ideas Coming
Even when you’re not shopping for your next vacation, a good agent is. They’ll remember that China is on your wish list and if a new tour comes up that is a good match for you then they will reach out and let you know.

Day 13: Agents Know You
Unlike a cold online site, a good agent will get to know you as an individual: your likes, interests, budget, traveling partners, and more. They’ll be able to accurately suggest travel products based solely on you as an individual and your travel preferences.

Day 14: Small Details Add Up
Looking for restaurant suggestions in Venice, where to shop in Paris, and what’s the hottest club in Vegas? Agents are in the know and can help add to your trip in so many small ways.

Day 15: Putting it All There in Black and White
Agents can come up with a comprehensive itinerary with a choice of options and rates so that you can see exactly what you can do based on your budget.

Day 16: Celebration Time
Destination weddings, big birthdays or anniversaries, graduations, retirements, and other life events all add up to a time to celebrate with a big trip. You want an expert making the arrangements because these are once-in-a-lifetime trips.

Day 17: Extend that Business Trip

You use an agent when you travel for business, so why not ask that agent to extend your time in a destination with some leisure weekend fun and bring the spouse along.

Day 18: Play Referee
It’s not easy to create an itinerary that everyone is happy with if you are on a multi-generational family trip or a girls or multi-couples getaway. An agent can speak to each traveler individually and find out their wish list for the trip and put together an itinerary that will keep everyone happy.

Day 19: Ditch the Stress
Let the experts handle the details and you just enjoy the end result of a great vacation.

Day 20: Senior Travel Benefits
Agents can arrange for private transfers, ADA accommodations as needed, and other ways to ensure comfort for seniors traveling the world.

Day 21: Family Focus
Agents are able to sift through properties to find the best children’s programs based on the ages of the traveling children. They can also work with hotels to arrange for private babysitters if the family has a need for them.

Day 22: Romantic Offerings

Those seeking to set up a romantic wedding proposal can work with an agent who can put everything in place at the hotel and/or destination to make sure it is a proposal to remember.

Day 23: Tackling Travel Fears

If you are concerned about travel to select areas of the world, agents can help provide you with accurate information on travel advisories and work together with you to decide if, where, and when you should travel.

Day 24: Making a Difference
If you wish to be involved in volunteerism during your travels, an agent can help set up opportunities for you to give back to the communities.

Day 25: Understanding Location
Location is key to many destination stays and online information can sometimes be confusing. Agents can do the legwork and find out such things as if a quiet beachfront property really is that quiet or it’s in the path of airplanes flying into the airport.

Day 26: Travel Insurance Ins and Outs
Have questions about whether or not travel insurance is necessary and what type to get? The answer is usually yes, but agents can break it all down for you.

Day 27: Cultural Musts
If you are seeking authentic experiences, agents can suggest and set up the activities that offer insights into the people and cultures of the countries you are visiting.

Day 28: World’s Top Events

Agents can help get tickets to the world’s top events and build a package around them. Alternately, they can let you know not to travel during a certain time of year if it’s that city’s annual festival and you’re not someone who likes crowds.

Day 29: Packing Lists
If you have questions on what to wear and what to pack, agents can help you by telling you expected attire on specific cruises, or what is appropriate in certain countries. They can also explain what you can and cannot carry on the airplane.

Day 30: Time to Upgrade
Do you want to splurge on the suite on Club Level this time? An agent can explain the advantages to upgrading, such as included breakfasts and concierge service.

30 REASONS WHY YOUR TRAVEL AGENTS ARE YOUR TRAVEL BFF.......

Day 1: Dollars and Cents

Day 5: Groups R Us

If you’re planning a group vacation, whether it’s a multi-generational family trip or girls or golf getaway, travel agents can put it together and pave the way for a wonderful trip for all.

Day 6: Magical Buying Power
Agents are armed with know-how and buying power, so they can often wield magic, such as getting a hotel room at a property that is supposedly sold out.

Day 7: Problem Solver
An agent can try to get a satisfactory resolution if a problem does arise while on vacation.

Day 9: What’s New Now
Agents are often the first to hear about a new hotel, new cruise ship, and even an emerging destination as the place to be.

Day 11: One Call Does It All
Agents can handle all aspects of travel: air, hotel, sightseeing, transfers, cruises, activities, and more.

Day 17: Extend that Business Trip

You use an agent when you travel for business, so why not ask that agent to extend your time in a destination with some leisure weekend fun and bring the spouse along.

Day 19: Ditch the Stress
Let the experts handle the details and you just enjoy the end result of a great vacation.

Day 20: Senior Travel Benefits
Agents can arrange for private transfers, ADA accommodations as needed, and other ways to ensure comfort for seniors traveling the world.

Day 22: Romantic Offerings

Those seeking to set up a romantic wedding proposal can work with an agent who can put everything in place at the hotel and/or destination to make sure it is a proposal to remember.

Day 23: Tackling Travel Fears

Day 24: Making a Difference
If you wish to be involved in volunteerism during your travels, an agent can help set up opportunities for you to give back to the communities.

Day 26: Travel Insurance Ins and Outs
Have questions about whether or not travel insurance is necessary and what type to get? The answer is usually yes, but agents can break it all down for you.

Day 27: Cultural Musts
If you are seeking authentic experiences, agents can suggest and set up the activities that offer insights into the people and cultures of the countries you are visiting.

Day 28: World’s Top Events

Day 30: Time to Upgrade
Do you want to splurge on the suite on Club Level this time? An agent can explain the advantages to upgrading, such as included breakfasts and concierge service.

TOP 10 REASONS TO USE A PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENT

You asked for it, you’ve got it. Celebrating the summer with all new proof you are invaluable to your clients.

1. You’ve always been the smart one in the family so you took it upon yourself to book the big reunion trip that included your parents, grandparents, cousins, brothers and even your weird uncle. Three weeks later, you’re not talking to any of them because they can’t make up their minds on where to go, half of them want you to find a better price and your sister wants to bring her two dogs on the trip. Who’s the smart one now?

2. You and your friends cooked up a great scheme: half of you would book rooms at an all-inclusive resort and the other would sneak in without paying and blend in with the crowd. That got you all kicked out of the hotel and now you’re all back at the airport six days earlier than planned. Who knew they had such strict rules in the Caribbean?

3. When you saw the resort you’d selected had a kids’ club, you rejoiced; you could finally get some quiet time with your spouse without hearing your offspring squabbling over who gets to play with the family iPad. Only thing is, when you got there after five hours of flying you found out only children ages four and over could use the club, and your twins are three. Time for some quality evenings with the little ones!

4. You didn’t realize that you should have booked a reservation for theMichelin-star restaurant at your five-star hotel, and who knew that you should have reserved that facial and massage at the spa three weeks ahead of time? Now you’re spending a very expensive vacation glowering at your spouse because you can’t get access to the very places you’d wanted to try out. If only you’d been warned.

5. It’s actually winter in Australia when it’s summer in New York — go figure. And here you are in Sydney with two suitcases filled with sundresses andPanama Jack shorts and flip-flops. Time to shop for some warm clothing and to research something else to do besides laying on Bondi Beach. A travel expert would have been super helpful here.

6. You haven’t flown for years, but you’re really looking forward to the cross-country flight to go visit your brother. You’ve loaded your carry-on bag with his favorite New York things, including Dr. Brown’s diet cream soda and a bottle ofScotch from his old favorite liquor store down the street. Get ready to hand all those liquids over to TSA at JFK and to show up in L.A. with nothing to share but some poppy seed bagels from Zabar’s. Next trip, you’ll ask a consultant what the rules are ahead of time!

7. You booked a villa in Florida near the ocean through an online service. Except it wasn’t a villa and that wasn’t an ocean, unless you consider an inlet with some swampy water surrounding it the ocean. You sure as heck wanted to call someone to complain, but the only person you could think of was your best friend who was flying down to join you for vacation. So you called him and told him not to bother making the trip.

8. You didn’t realize the names on your airline tickets had to exactly match those on your passports and so you used your kids’ nicknames when you made the flight reservations. That smart move held you up with TSA for three hours at the airport as you, Treenie, Bobby and Tippy tried to sort through it all. And yeah, you did miss your flight.

9. Seems there’s a thing called travel insurance that can be really helpful if you have to cancel your vacation. Wish you’d known about it when your kids came down with the flu just before your trip and those nonrefundable hotel rooms and airline tickets went to complete waste. Where do you even find out about stuff like that?

10. The couple that checked in ahead of you at your hotel seems to be pretty important. The general manager greeted them when they arrived and you even overheard them chatting about the special gifts waiting for them in their room. They even got a bottle of wine. Wine! Who gets wine? When you finally got up the courage to ask them what their story is, they said they have no story – just a great travel agent!

How to Save Money When on a Cruise

Cruising can be an awesome vacation for the budget conscious who want to get away for a while. As a matter of fact, during the height of the recession in 2008, ships were always packed. I'd hear story after story of how bad things were back home and yet people were just lining up to cruise anyway.

There was good reason, too: You can go on a cruise for a really low price. Do you know why? Because cruise lines makes most of their money off of you once you're on board. Selling you a $300 seven-day Caribbean cruise sounds like an absolute steal to you, but the odds of you not spending at least $500 while on board are pretty slim. And that's a conservative measure.

Here are some ways to keep cruising in your budget, from someone who knows all their tricks.

Pick the Right Itinerary at the Right Time

You're not going to find great deals at the height of any season. You want to avoid the Caribbean in the dead of winter, Europe and Alaska in the middle of the summer and scenic New England and Canada cruises in the fall. If you want to cruise these destinations, the best time to go is at the very start of the season.

With the Caribbean, you want to watch going at the end of the season because hurricanes can cause the ship to divert its course and miss ports. With Alaska, you don't want to go at the end of the season because the water gets so choppy that it's not uncommon to miss ports, especially any that require tendering.

The exception to this rule is Europe. You can get excellent prices at the beginning or end of the season if you're willing to do their "repositioning" cruise. Most cruise ships have two main routes, a summer route and a winter route. I often spend the winter in the Caribbean and then "repositioned" to Europe for the summer. A ship might spend the winter in Australia and then "reposition" to Alaska for the summer. The ship only repositions once per season and that cruise is often cheaper than all the others because there are many additional sea days. The cruise line knows six sea days isn't a draw for many people, but the European itinerary before it leaves for America or after it gets to Europe from America is, especially if it's at a reduced rate.

Be Flexible

If you're fortunate enough to live near a cruise ship port and have a flexible schedule, you can score some really excellent last minute deals all year. Cruise ships know they need to fill the cabins to make money and can give them away at astonishingly low rates. As the sailing date approaches and the cabins aren't booked, cabin prices drop. Last minute rates for all sorts of itineraries are often rock bottom, assuming you're in a position to hop right on the ship.

Be Aware

Once you're on board, the best thing you can do for yourself is to assume nothing is free. This isn't completely true, but it will save you from racking up unexpected expenses. For instance, most of the entertainment is free, but some lines offer activities like culinary classes or crafts that actually do cost money to attend.

As far as meals, many lines have a higher quality steakhouse/five-star type dining experience that costs additional money to eat at. While you can certainly eat every meal at the buffet or dining room for free, lots of times the only drinks available are water, coffee and tea. If you really like soda, you'll be paying extra for that.

Activities like the spa are also not included, so you'll be spending more if you plan to make use of those services.

Finally, just be aware that there is marketing on board everywhere to get you into the gift shop, over to the casino and even into areas like art galleries, all of which are places for you to spend your money.

A lot of free events also have an upsell in mind. You might go to the free yoga in the morning and spend half of the yoga class listening to the instructor tell you about the fitness classes you can pay to attend or the spa offerings.

Even the layouts of most ships are designed to encourage you to spend. You'll notice that the majority of ships are l aid out with their shops in high traffic areas, such as between the main theater and the dining room. Those are places the company knows you have to walk through often.

All that being said, a cruise can be a terrific and fun vacation as well as an excellent way to see a few new places of the world in one go. Just be aware of the potential budget busters and time your vacation right.

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