Why You Really Need That Blue Book

In the past I have written about bucket list travel and if yours includes foreign destination you are definitely going to need a passport, so go ahead and get one. Why? you never know when that great value to a location comes up and don't you want to be ready to take advantage of it? Processing times listed at on travel.state.gov site range from 4-6 weeks. If you have a passport, check the expiration date, because a good rule of thumb for foreign travel is your passport needs to expire 6 months after your return date, and while anyone age 16 and over passport is good for 10 years, in reality it's really 9 years and 6 months. Do you really want to be sweating out waiting for the Fed Ex truck to deliver a new passport a day before you leave?

So maybe really exotic "foreign" locations aren't what you are looking for, but you may not realize that you do need a passport even closer to home. Thinking about getting to a warm weather location in the middle of winter? Let's face it Southern Florida can get too chilly in January & February to sit on a beach. By not having a passport, you are limiting yourself to only a few places to get out of the cold, like Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. If you are looking for all inclusive resorts, the majority are found in Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic.  I spent some time researching flights and resorts for a colleague, who had clients that couldn't get to St Thomas, USVI because of weather and no passports, remember those 3 snowstorms that hit the Northeast last winter? She ended up sending them to Florida and the clients saw the light and are applied for passports when they return. So if you are thinking warm weather for next winter get that passport application filled out.

While a certified birth certificate will be accepted on "closed loop cruises" , Caribbean cruises embarking and ending in US ports, a passport is a much better option to take  along. It is actually recommended by the cruise lines and myself. Why? What happens if there is an family emergency and you need to fly home from a foreign port? Or if you get injured or sick and have to be taken off the ship? Plus from a practical stand point, it's much easier carrying a sturdy passport than an older birth certificate that can easily be torn. Plus countries are requiring passports, like Martinique. If you are on a sailing including that island you will need a passport.

Thinking of an Alaskan cruise+land tour, well you are going to need a passport, because you will start or end your adventure in Vancouver Canada. Yes you need a passport to fly into and out of Canada, even though the majority of the trip will be spent in the United States. Also some of the longer Canada/New England cruises start or end in Quebec City. You may also need one if you are doing a land tour in New England, because some do cross over into Canada.

So go ahead and apply for that passport, it's your key to the world.

Top All Inclusive Beach Resorts for Families

All-inclusive resorts are a popular vacation option for families. The convenience of knowing everything from your hotel room to food, drinks, and most activities are included in one up-front price is often quite appealing.

We’ve rounded up our favorite family all-inclusive resorts from the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. We’re sure you’ll find something your family will love on this list…

Azul Beach Resort Negril - Jamaica

photo ©Karisma

Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach is famous for its dramatic sunset views and tranquil waters. It’s the perfect Caribbean escape for families, and this 5-star resort has everything your family could ask for. Beautiful spacious accommodations, multiple pools, nine restaurants, a spa, a to-die-for beach… and it’s all wrapped up in luxury.

The resort offers the “Karisma Gourmet Inclusive Experience” to provide top-notch food and beverages. The restaurants on site feature gourmet cuisine that is sure to impress even the foodies in your family, but don’t think that means the kids won’t eat. The menus include kid-friendly options as well. Just a taste (pun intended) of what you have to look forward to… Mojito tastings, rooftop barbecues, innovative 12-course meals in top restaurants, s’mores parties on the beach, traditional Jamaican meals, margarita tastings, cooking classes, 24-hour room service, and more.

Azul Beach Resort makes traveling with the youngest kids as comfortable as possible. 

There is no need to pack all of the gear you typically have to travel with, the resort will provide you with just about anything you might need including cribs, bottle warmers, sterilizers, baby baths, changers, strollers, bathrobes, baby sleepers, diaper genie, baby monitor, high chair, pack 'n plays.

Kids age 3-12 can enjoy scheduled supervised activities at the Azulitos Playhouse. Activities include arts and crafts, cooking classes and beach trips. Or they can hang out at the My Gym Center where they can enjoy trampolines, springboards, parallel bars, and more.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit 

photo ©Velas Resorts

“Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” is the motto of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, and the AAA Five Diamond resort absolutely lives up to it!

From the moment you step foot in the gorgeous palapa lobby, your every need is taken care of. The service is impeccable. The friendly and welcoming staff will make you feel more like an extended family member rather than a resort guest. They will greet you with a welcome beverage, a cold towel and even a complimentary head and shoulder massage from one of the spa staff members. Relax and enjoy… your vacation has officially begun!

Oprah Magazine listed this resort among their top choices in an article titled “22 Family Vacation Destinations with Activities for All Ages." The kids club offers activities such as an Alebrijes painting workshop inspired by the Disney movie Coco, Spanish lessons, sand castle building, kite flying, and much more. Teens have their own space and high-tech club where they can enjoy karaoke, video games, air hockey, and a bar area with sodas, and snacks.

 They’ve even got something special for parents of infants with their signature “baby concierge services” that provide all of the comforts of home for your little ones – strollers, cribs with illuminated mobiles, baby bathtubs, baby hammocks, and pretty much anything else you might need. Nannies are available for childcare for an additional fee as well.

The accommodations are spacious and family-friendly with the smallest one-bedroom suite giving you at least 1,000 square feet of space (two- and three-bedroom suites are also available). Each suite is appointed with Balinese teak furniture, a jacuzzi, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a private terrace with a view of either the ocean or pool.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Mexcio
Photo credit Starr Wlodarski

There is plenty of fun to be had outside your room too! There is always something happening at the tri-level infinity pool or on the beach. Your standard activities are included, but you will also have the option to enjoy activities like boogie boarding, water polo, cooking classes, scuba diving lessons.

Also Grand Velas has resorts in Cabo San Lucas and Rivera Maya.

Royalton  Resorts and Spa 

photo ©Royalton

Royalton  Resorts & Spa is known for being enthusiastically “all-in” for vacation fun. You can do as much or as little as you want during your stay…

In addition to your typical beach and water activities, the Royalton Resort family offer guests the chance to learn to surf on the Flowrider ultimate surf machine, or if you prefer some lower-key relaxed fun, spend an afternoon floating on the 1,200 ft lazy river that flows through mini-caves and lush landscaping. Not all the activities are water-based either. Take part in beach volleyball, mini-golf, ping pong, cooking classes, dance classes, trivia games, aquatic Olympic competitions, aerobics classes, and weight-training with professional instruction.

Looking for a more upscale experience? Consider booking a room in the Diamond Club where guests enjoy upgraded service and amenities. Diamond Club guests receive preferred suite locations, butler service, preferential reservations in a la carte restaurants, access to a private Diamond Club pool, and several other benefits.

Dining options are plentiful and enjoyable. In addition to the casual buffets and poolside dining, specialty restaurants include an Italian Trattoria, an upscale steakhouse, teppanyaki, Brazilian, and their signature C/X Culinary Experience, with personal selections from the chef. Kids will love the addition of an onsite food truck that has plenty of kid-friendly options.

Royalton has locations in Cancun, Riviera Maya, St Lucia, Dominican Republic  and opening soon in Antigua.

Ready to plan your next family vacation? I’d love to help you get started planning! Click here to visit my online calendar and find a time for us to talk. I’ll be happy to make some recommendations for you and to share with you how I can help make your Disney Cruise practically perfect in every way!

World's Most Luxurious All Inclusive Resorts

When you think of “all-inclusive resorts,” what comes to mind?

For some people, the idea of a vacation where everything is covered is appealing. For others, a “package deal” conjures images of cookie-cutter hotels with so-so buffets and crowded pool decks with loud music.

There are many flavors of all-inclusive resorts, including luxury properties far from the closest beach. There are exclusive resorts that offer discerning travelers an “everything is included” option.

We’re not just talking unlimited food and beverages. Guests will find things like unlimited spa treatments, yoga, wellness workshops, cooking classes, butler service, and more.

Here are some of our favorite unique luxury all-inclusive resorts…

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, Thailand

photo ©Four Seasons

Set on hillside in the northernmost edge of Thailand with a view of Myanmar and Laos, this luxury tented camp is inspired by 19th-century safari-adventures. The romance of the era is reflected in the handcrafted leather furnishings, mosquito nets, hurricane lamps and hardwood floors of the resorts 15 air-conditioned tents.

With a maximum of 51 guests per night, service is exceptional. The staff prides themselves on remembering and anticipating the personal preferences of their guests. All-inclusive rates include not only food and drink but a 90-minute spa treatment for each guest, and activities such as interacting with the resort’s rehabilitated elephants, an excursion on the Mekong River, visits to the Hall of Opium, early-morning hikes up to the Camp Peak, yoga, meditation sessions, wine and cheese tastings and more.

If you are looking for something unique, exotic, and adventurous… this may be just the thing for your next vacation.

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

photo ©Jade Mountain

If impeccable service, stunning location, unique accommodations, and gourmet dining sounds like the perfect vacation destination, then Jade Mountain resort in St. Lucia should be on your list.

This absolutely stunning resort features 28 unique open-air suites they refer to as “sanctuaries.” With 15’ ceilings, lack of a 4th wall, private infinity pools, and unrivaled views of Soufriere Bay and the Caribbean Sea, the sanctuaries are most destinations unto themselves. Room service, massages, and even cooking classes can be arranged in your private sanctuary if you wish.

Should you decide to venture out of your room to enjoy the property, you’ll find the ultimate in fine dining at the Jade Mountain Club with an on-staff James Beard Award-winning chef. You are also welcomed to enjoy all of the amenities at the neighboring Anse Chastanet resort, including their soft sand beaches, water sports, and multiple dining options.

Jade Mountain is truly the epitome of luxury travel!

The Point Resort, New York

photo ©The Point

“Camping” takes on a whole new meaning at The Point Resort. The term “glamping” doesn’t even begin to cover the experience you’ll have here. The atmosphere at The Point can best be described as rustic elegance.

This 75-acre estate in upstate New York was built by the Rockefeller’s as a woodland retreat. It is the ultimate escape for discerning travelers who want to get “back to nature” without giving up the comforts and world-class service of their favorite luxury resort.

Where else will you find black-tie suggested dinners twice a week combined with accommodations like rustic log cabins or a waterfront boathouse? These gourmet dinners come with premium wine pairings and breathtaking surroundings.

During the warmer months, guests can enjoy activities including boating, fishing, tennis, waterskiing, croquet, badminton, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking. In the winter the property transforms into a veritable winter wonderland. Ice skating, curling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking, boating, and cozy bonfires are just a few of the outdoor activities available. But don’t forget the indoor fun like sipping hot toddies by the fire, classic movies, billiards, and more.

explora Patagonia - Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

photo ©explora

Outdoor enthusiasts will love this eco-friendly resort that gives the term “all-inclusive” new meaning.

 

Located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in southern Patagonia, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, explora Patagonia is situated on the banks of Lake Pehoe and treats guests to unparalleled views of the lake, Paine ridge, and the granite towers. The location provides the perfect base for exploring the surrounding park.

Like all explora properties, the amenities of the hotel are all thoughtfully created to encourage guests to get out and explore nature. The healthy menus are crafted with fresh, local ingredients and paired with fine Chilean wines. The hotel’s rooms and suites are “designed to take full advantage of the silence, privacy, and spaciousness of the surrounding landscape, ensuring deep rest after a long day of exploration.” You won’t find televisions or Wi-Fi in the rooms… but Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and common areas.

During your stay chose from over 40 different explorations led by bilingual expert guides all throughout the park. Explorations are available by foot, horseback or by van and there are options for all fitness and skill levels. Popular options include “walks towards crystal clear lakes, and lenga tree forests, hikes to viewpoints and horseback rides through the Park’s pampas (grasslands) and along its rivers.”

Transfers, food, beverages, and all explorations are included in your all-inclusive package.  


 The Resort at Paws Up-Greenough, Montana

photo ©The Resort at Paws Up

The perfect resort for families to couples that like the great outdoors and don't want to sit on a beach. Luxury tents(glamping) to luxury homes that can accommodate the whole family down to that couple celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary. Unlike a lot of ranches there is there is no main lodge at Paws Up so each accommodation offers a level of privacy. Food and select activities are included, as are transfers from Missoula airport. The resort boasts an impressive 400 bottle wine cellar and their executive chef earned his cooking chops at the French Laundry in Napa working with Thomas Keller and Corey Lee. 

Planning the perfect luxury vacation begins with scheduling your vacation consultation call. Click here to request a time for us to meet. We’ll discuss the details and what you are looking for. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams

Best Vacation Ideas for a Multigenerational Vacation.

Multigenerational travel is becoming more and more popular, and it’s a trend I don’t see slowing down any time soon. Families are placing more importance on spending meaningful time together and making memories on vacations with activities that appeal to all ages.

Not every family vacation destination is ideal for guests on a multigenerational vacation.

 Parents, grandparents, and children traveling together introduces a whole new dynamic to vacations. Choosing the perfect destination or type of trip is essential to its success.

We’ve put together a list of our favorite vacation destinations that are ideally suited to the needs of larger family groups.

Tanque Verde Guest Ranch – Tucson, AZ

photo ©Tanque Verde

A Dude Ranch vacation is sure to be one your family will be talking about for years to come. Tanque Verde is a unique destination that goes well beyond that of your typical hotel. With plenty of outdoor adventures like horseback riding (don’t’ worry, there are rides for all skill levels including true novices, and the staff is trained to work with grandma and grandpa to make them feel comfortable as well), hiking, mountain biking, yoga, swimming, basketball, tennis, and even a spa, there is something for everyone.  Families love the sense of camaraderie and shared, new experiences that make these vacations a bonding experience like no other.

The relaxed vibe at Tanque Verde will put everyone at ease right away. The ranch feels like a high-end summer camp for all ages. Kids age 4-12 can participate in supervised programming that includes riding lessons, hiking, arts and crafts, and nature activities. The whole family will enjoy dining options that include outdoor cookouts from blueberry pancakes griddled over an open fire to traditional barbecue in the evening. Prefer more traditional dining? The options at Tanque Verde are varied enough to appeal to all ages and definitely don’t disappoint. Also would Paws Up in Montana is wonderful option.

Fairmont Kea Lani – Maui, Hawaii

photo ©Fairmont

Who wouldn’t love escaping to the Hawaiian islands for some family fun? The Fairmont Kea Lani is the ideal option for larger family groups. It is one of Hawaii’s only oceanfront all-suite and villa resorts. Some condos offer direct access to the big lagoon pool, others are a short walk to the beach, and many boast private plunge pools on the patio (a definite hit with the kids!).

The resort offers plenty of activities to keep everyone happy including multiple swimming pools (there is an adult-only pool, a water play area for babies, and even two family pools connected by a 140-foot water slide). The Hawaiian Cultural Program is a favorite for extended families. Other activities include various water sports, snorkeling, scuba diving, kids clubs, wellness classes, an award-winning spa, and a fitness center. Golf and tennis are available nearby as well. 

Cruising

Cruises offer great flexibility for multigenerational families. With (almost) everything included in one price, stateroom options for a variety of budgets, and an abundance of activities from sunrise till way beyond sunset, setting sail on the high seas is often the perfect vacation for everyone. Dining options are plentiful and cater to both the simple palate of the youngest member of your family and the desire for more elegant dining among the adults in the group.

Cruises offer the perfect balance of high energy fun and relaxation. Supervised kids clubs that you will often have to beg the kids to leave give parents some time to relax or enjoy the adult-only spaces and activities on board. Since everything is taken care of once you are onboard, cruising eliminates many of the frustrations of traveling with children.

Choosing the right ship will be important. Many of the newer, larger ships will have a massive list of available activities that Grandma and the little ones can all enjoy together.  This is where it gets tricky, as Grandma may have her favorite upper end cruise line. Depending on time of year and location they may not have a kid friendly activites or shows in the evening or have chicken nuggets.

Helping my clients match their vacation wishes and needs to the perfect ship and itinerary is one of my favorite parts of planning a cruise vacation, because I love putting my extensive cruise knowledge to the advantage of my clients.

Also remember cruising is more than just the Caribbean. Alaska is my #1 multigenerational cruise destination. Grandparents and the families with older kids may do the land portion pre or post cruise and the others who have younger children or who can only squeeze a week's vacation can join the others on the cruise portion.

 Bermuda is a great choice for a non Caribbean beach choice, as it's easy for Midwestern families to drive to the East Coast ports. Want history, scenery and older cities without the long European flight? Summer Canada/New England sailings fit the bill as the demographics are younger in summer, due to the easy of getting to ports in Boston, New York and Quebec City.

 Thinking Europe? There is no better way for a multigenerational group to cover a lot of ground than by ship, And don't forget the family itineraries on the European Rivers.

photo Tauck

Jewel Runaway Bay – Jamaica (All-Inclusive Resort)

©Jewel Resorts

Much like cruising, all-inclusive resorts make planning large family vacation simple and easy. Everything is included for one price, and there are a wide variety of activities for guests of all ages.

Jewel Runaway Bay resort makes our list for its extensive list of activities and amenities tailor-made for families. You’ll find a kids club (for all ages), dedicated areas for teens including a recording studio, family laser tag and not only kids programming, but family programming as well. Check the schedule for events such as Mommy and Me spa days, Father-Daughter dances, and family golf lessons. The kids are sure to enjoy the Jewel Lagoon Water Park complete with lazy river, family raft ride, zero-entry lagoon style pool, splash zone, and a giant sun deck.

The warm Jamaican hospitality and gracious service begins as soon as you arrive at the resort where you are greeted with an ice-cold rum punch (or fruit punch for those under 21!) and a smile. The staff are incredibly friendly and will soon be calling you and your children by name.  This is just one example of a great multigenerational resort in Jamaica and the Caribbean. Hyatt Ziva, Royalton, Azul, Moon Palace and Beaches are some other options.

Hyatt Ziva, Rose Hall Jamaica

Planning a multigenerational vacation and organizing all of the details can be a time consuming and stressful task. Let us take care of the logistics (and save you from dealing with all of your relatives' many questions and critiques) so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy your trip.

 The perfect vacation begins with scheduling a complimentary travel consultation. Click here to request a time for us to chat . We’ll discuss the details and what your vacation priorities. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

Get The Right Resort For You

Oops guess the girls missed the part about "senior" singles all inclusive resort. Looks like they focused on the "bright shiny thing" aka the price and didn't catch who the resort actually caters too. So now that vacation they have been eagerly anticipating is not what they wanted. So they either sulk for the entire time or make the best of it. Has this happened to you? Went to a resort and found that it was either too loud, too quiet or too many or not enough kids?

Don't want to be a subject of a cartoon after your next vacation? Call your travel consultant! They want you to have a great vacation, whether you are looking for a resort to let your hair down and party hardy or taking the kids and your mom for a holiday trip so she can spend time with her family instead of being stuck in the kitchen for days. A travel consultant asks the right questions and then goes to work finding the resort that is right for YOU and your vacation objectives. They do this everyday and have their fingers on the pulse of the travel industry.

Besides looking for a family or adult only resort and what your budget is, a travel consultant will ask how long are thinking about going for? Are you a beach person, who wants a long stretch of sand or are you looking for a cove where the water is calmer for your younger kids? And speaking of kids, how old are they? A travel professional wants to know your party's likes/dislikes and what you would like to do on vacation. Are you happy sitting by the pool or does that drive you crazy? By getting to know you, the can narrow down the selection to 2-3 resorts to present to you and help you pick the right one for you and your budget.

How long would it take you to do this yourself? Travel Professionals save you time and make vacation planning stress free for you by providing all the components you need for a great trip.

Also they have your back if something goes wrong, they will be your advocate and spend that time on hold to get something taken care of for you. Most of us get calls from people who have booked themselves via online or the stores that specialize in bulk toilet paper and ask for help. Since we are not the agent of record we can't. This is especially painful for customers who "used" us for research and went and booked themselves. Nothing we can do other than tell you to call that 800 number and hope someone can assist you.

By developing a relationship with a travel professional, you'll find someone who will find the best trip at the best price for you. Plus as an added bonus you get someone who will always be excited to talk about your trip with you.

Come Home in Your Skinny Jeans

  Yes you really can get off a cruise ship or leave an all inclusive resort wearing your skinny jeans. There is no reason to bring your yoga pants if you follow my few rules about staying in shape while on vacation. I have kept off 50+ pounds since 2010 and I travel regularly, so I will share my secrets with you and if you are a regular here, you know I love food.

Workout- Just because you are on vacation, don't take a break from working out. My workout clothes always come with me, because I want to have that dessert tonight or my amaretto on the rocks for a night cap. So I will hop on the elliptical or treadmill for 30 minutes a day to burn off those extra calories.

Don't Wait for the Elevator- When I am on a cruise I take the stairs to get where I want to go instead of the elevator most of the time. If that is too much for you just get off the elevator a deck or 2 before your desired location and walk the rest of the way. This also works at resorts too.

Pick Active Shore Excursions- You may have been sitting around by the pool or the beach for a few days, get out and try some snorkeling or a walking tour of town. And yes if you are at an all inclusive get out and discover the country you are visiting either on your own or a scheduled tour.

Food & Drink- Personally I try to eat my regular diet with some indulgences when on vacation. Okay those bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon do call my name at breakfast, but I will only go with half a bagel and a light smear of cream cheese. I do get lean protein and veggies so I can try the desserts, especially if there is anything chocolate! I tend to stay clear of high calorie drinks like Pina Coladas, and stick with something lighter like wine or a vodka & tonic but I also drink plenty of water. Not only will it help you feel full, it will help keep you hydrated if you are somewhere warm and flying also effects your hydration level, so don't skip your water! Most resorts and cruise ships have low calorie options clearly marked on the menu and the portion sizes are much smaller than say your well known sit down chain restaurant, so while you eat more courses it is probably less food.

Know your level of fitness before you go- I always advise my 1st time Walt Disney World clients about the amount of walking you will do in a visit, very easy to hit that magic 10,000 step mark per day. Most excursions either at a resort or when cruising usually have good guidelines on how active the tour is. If it looks like too much on paper for you or someone in your group it probably is. So maybe start an exercise program, even just starting to take a daily walk will get you into Disney shape before you go. Who wants to spend time on vacation nursing sore muscles from overuse?

You don't need to diet on vacation but strategically pick where to indulge and by adding some activity to your day, you too can wear your skinny jeans home too!

A New Player on the Block

Hyatt Hotels entry into the all inclusive resort market has been somewhat under the radar of most people. They have eased into the market with resorts in Cancun(adult only), Rose Hall Jamaica, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. The last 3 resorts have both an adult only section(Zilara brand) and family section (Ziva). Unfortunately the Cabo San Lucas resort was heavily damaged shortly after it opened by Hurricane Odile and will re-open this summer.  Their concept is the evolution of all inclusive. So I was intrigued by an invitation to visit the location in Rose Hall, Montego Bay Jamaica. I jumped at the chance to check out a luxury family resort only 15 minutes from the airport. With little ones, do you really want to take that long drive to Negril or Ocho Rios especially if you are not staying a full week. Plus this property had been a former Ritz Carlton, so I wanted to see what they did with the renovations and additions to see if they maintained the elegance of the property.

First I did use Club Mobay to fast track through immigrations and customs and was escorted to the Hyatt Ziva/Zilara airport lounge to wait for my included transfer. It's a 15 minute trip from the airport to the resort. Each brand has it's own entrance and lobby. I was staying at the Ziva side and was met by Travis who took my bag and escorted me inside to check in. I was handed a much needed adult beverage after my long flight and checked in. I was escorted to my room by Travis with my bag. I was in a Ziva Ocean View Junior Suite, which was quite large at 656 sqft and in the new addition to the existing hotel.

 

 

The pool area for this section is brand new, it consists of an activity pool(think water volleyball and they do have water spinning classes in the morning also) and a relaxation pool with the swim up bar and water lounge chairs. And around the pool are the covered beds, which will let you take a nap without getting sunburned and they are for everyone, not just people in the "club" or "butler" rooms like at some resorts.

No getting up really early and calling for dinner reservations! The Italian, Brazilian and Asian a la carte restaurants do not require reservations. The buffet is very elegant looking with indoor and outdoor seating. I only ate breakfast there, but it is well laid out even though the bread station is behind a wall. Food is very high quality with some international touches, like baked beans for our friends from the UK and they also had a couple of Jamaican items also. The open air restaurants for both hotels were excellent. They also have a couple of places to get your lattes. Also no need to grab a cab and go to Schotchies to get your jerk chicken, because the resort has a great jerk shack on site.

For entertainment they do put on a nightly show and have a late night English Pub style bar for the night owls. There is a roof top Moroccan style bar, as well as an open air bar and piano bar opened in the evening.

They do have all the other amenities that you would expect from a top level all inclusive; spa, fitness center, 24 hour room service and kids club.

Now the adults only guests from Zilara can come over and use the Ziva facilities(it's really just one resort) but to be honest most everything is over on the Ziva side. When we were there the Zilara pool was more crowded than the Ziva pool.

For the balance of 2015, when staying 3 or more nights you get a complimentary round of golf at either Cinnamon Hill or White Witch, which is always on every Top 10 Caribbean golf course list.
The beach is more lagoon like, so it is safer for kids to swim.

All in all I think this will be a great family resort for those looking for an upscale resort within close distance to the airport, which is great for shorter stays. Who wants to spend a 4 day weekend trip with long rides to a resort? It would be a good choice for a destination wedding, where everyone could be at the same resort. Families in Ziva and the bride & groom and adult guests at Zilara. Also with the meeting room space and the food quality, it would work well for business meetings/events also.


Christmas Vacation Planning - In June?

        The question of whether you should start planning for your Christmas/Holiday trip 6 to 7 months in advance depends on your destination, lodgings, and if you plan on flying or not.  Travel during the Winter Holidays has historically been one of the busiest travel periods.  According to AAA, based on travel trends so far for 2014, the Holiday travel season could set a record.  A little planning  now could save you some money and prevent some disappointment down the line.

       The projected record number of people traveling during the Christmas season means higher rates and possible room shortages at hotels and resorts at the most popular destinations over the holiday period.  According to Orbitz, the most popular destinations can be divided by cold and hot.  By this I mean the opposites in the weather during the season.  For the cold weather, the most popular destinations are:

* Colorado - for many people the Holiday season means snow and skiing.  The ski resorts in the state are expected to be full earlier than normal this year.

* New York, NY - for thousands of people the sites and sounds of New York during the holidays are what the season is all about.  Plus New Years eve in Time Square is something everyone should experience.

       On the other side of the spectrum, for many people, the Holiday season give them the opportunity to leave the cold and travel to a warmer location.  According to Obitz, the most popular warm weather locations are:

* Florida - the major tourist destinations of Fort Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Tampa, and the most popular Holiday destination in the US, Orlando, all offer what many people want: warm weather and major tourist attractions.

* Cancun - the most popular foreign Holiday travel destination offers the right combination of warmth, beach, and exotic locale are a perfect match for Christmas.

* Puerto Rico - other love the islands for the holidays, and San Juan is the ninth most popular destination for the season.

* Arizona and Southern California - for many people, a better option for getting warmer weather means traveling to the Los Angeles or Phoenix areas.  Major regional attractions and activities like golf are reasons for the major holiday travel to the region.

In addition, the 2 week Holiday season, is  the highest demand period for taking a Caribbean cruise, with packed ships and pricing that are 3 to 5 times more than any other time during the winter season.

    Another reason to start planning early for your Holiday travel is the "sticker shock" at the cost of airline tickets.  In general, the price for tickets has risen by nearly 10% over the last several years, as the airlines has reduced capacity, and the increase in demand.  If you are planning on flying during the Holiday travel period, checking airline availability now may offer you a savings, in the price of the ticket, and being able to reserve before the flight you want is booked.

       So as the saying goes, sometimes "the early bird gets the worm".  If your traveling to a popular region, and you want the best rate at a resort, or special accommodations, now may be the best time to start planning and booking.  If you take a cruise, booking now will give you more options on cabin locations and types, and will in general cost less than if you waited, or you may get free upgrades.  If you plan to fly during the season, in general , the longer you wait the higher the costs and the less options you will have.  Some planning and action now, will allow you to take that Holiday vacation you want, and will leave you more money in your wallet.






     

All Inclusives Resorts 101

So you have decided to take that vacation to the Caribbean or Mexico.  You know where and when you want to go; and while exploring were to stay during your vacation, you like the idea of going to an all-inclusive resort.  The idea of paying one fee for not just you room, but also for all your food, drink, activities, entertainment, and gratuities can be a great value.  But like everything in life, you need to know what you are paying for.  Each resort may have a different definition of what is included in the price you are paying.  In addition, you need to factor the quality, variety, and quantity of the amenities that the resort offers into your decision.  Below are some of the factors you should use to help you decide what all-inclusive resort will give you the best value for your vacation time and dollar.