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The ultimate romantic getaway means not having to think about a thing…except enjoying yourself with your sweetie. These all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean will sweep you off your feet with picturesque views, thoughtful service, and special touches to make your visit extra dreamy.

1. JADE MOUNTAIN – ST. LUCIA

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This high-end hillside resort is perfect for the couple wanting to be wowed. It’s easy to be intoxicated by the mesmerizing views of the Caribbean and of St. Lucia’s pitons, and even easier from your own private infinity pool. Tropical wood flooring and other organic architectural features accentuate the surrounding natural beauty.

2. COUPLES SANS SOUCI – JAMAICA

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Savor every blissful moment together at the secluded Sans Souci resort on Jamaica’s northern shore. The award-winning spa is a perfect way to unwind together after a day of snorkeling, kayaking or even scuba-diving – all of which are included!

3. SANDALS – GRENADA

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Pink Gin Beach is the home of the luxurious and exotic Sandals LaSource Resort & Spa. Foodies will find themselves will full of dinner-date options to choose from, and afterwards can enjoy a soak in their suite’s Skypool, a solar-heated plunge pool with an infinity edge.

4. COUPLES SWEPT AWAY – JAMAICA

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Every day is Valentine’s Day at this all-inclusive haven situated on western Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach. Active couples will find it easy to kindle the romance at the resort’s massive fitness complex, an endless list of activities, and private verandas overlooking lush gardens.

5. SUGAR BEACH, A VICEROY RESORT – ST. LUCIA

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Views just don’t get any more breathtaking than at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, which is tucked in between the island’s two iconic pitons. Opt for the all-inclusive package so you can relish Sugar Beach’s gourmet cuisine, and for a suite with a private terrace for prime sunset watching.

6. SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA – ANTIGUA

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Sandals has romance down to a science, and Sandals Grande Antigua is no exception. Mediterranean style meets Caribbean luxury here on the silky white sand of Dickenson Bay, Antigua’s most famous beach. From the scenery alone, you can see why the resort has consistently been named among the most romantic in the world.

Contact me today to learn more about these romantic destinations.

Some travelers aren’t satisfied with just an ocean view. They want to explore coral reefs, shipwrecks and the vibrant, diverse ecosystems that inhabit our oceans. Today, scuba diving is a multi-billion dollar industry and one of the world’s fastest-growing recreational sports.

These dive destinations are among the top places to travel for scuba divers:

BONAIRE

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This low-key island in the south Caribbean draws divers back again and again. The waters surrounding the entire island, known as the Bonaire National Marine Park, are calm, and protected and contain dozens of dive sites. Bonaire is known as the shore diving capital of the Caribbean because reefs begin just yards out from the shore.

ST. LUCIA

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This honeymooners’ paradise is also home to colorful, easily accessible reefs and calm waters year-round. Nature-loving travelers can pair their dives with hikes through the island’s lush rainforest or whale-watching excursions. With a selection of chic restaurants to choose from, St. Lucia is must-visit destination for serious adventurers with serious appetites!

HONDURAS

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The islands of Roatán, Utila and Guanaja, roughly 40 miles off of mainland Honduras, boast a location on the world’s second-largest barrier reef system. Wreck dives, drift dives, shark dives and even whale shark dives are all popular here. With more than 300 dive sites, scuba divers have reason to make return trips to the region too.

TAHITI

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A bucket list destination for many, the Tahitian islands offer world-class beauty both above and below water. Currents flowing between the islands attract many different species of shark, including hammerheads, whitetips and blacktips. Clear waters also allow for easy viewing of sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays.

Tell us what you think! Are you a scuba diver and are these destinations on your list?

With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning a vacation together with friends! Meeting in a special destination offers an escape from the day-to-day while experiencing a new destination and genuine quality time with one another. Sipping on coffee or wine. Chatting until long after the sun sets. Touring a new city together, popping in and out of boutiques. Relaxing side-by-side with an amazing view. Dancing into the wee hours of the morning. The sky’s the limit when planning a getaway for groups of friends!

Here are five ideas for trips to plan with friends:

Iceland


ICELAND FOR ADVENTURE

Catching the sweeping beauty of the Northern Lights, bathing in geothermal waters, hiking rugged landscapes, and road-tripping The Golden Circle make for an awesome adventure in the Arctic Circle when friends plan an adventure in beautiful Iceland.

Montreal


MONTREAL FOR FOOD

For trendy bars and a hot restaurant scene, foodie friends should make the journey to Montreal, Canada’s second most populated city. Second only to New York City for restaurants per capita in North America, options abound for whatever craving strikes.

Napa


NAPA VALLEY FOR WINE

The heart of California’s wine country calls to friends who long to chat over glasses of red or white. Pedaling bicycles to local wineries on a guided tour is a fun way to spend the day. Reservations for indulgent spa services before dining al fresco will feel luxurious.

Nashville


NASHVILLE FOR MUSIC

Quirky and friendly Nashville welcomes tourists to its small town with a big city vibe. Visitors are greeted with strumming guitars and microphone checks of its toe-tapping music scene. Small venues, large venues, and everything in-between host a variety of live music of all genres, and this bustling scene is the draw to Nashville. The trip is complete with tasty southern comfort food, icy beers, and perhaps a celebrity spotting or two.

Sedona


SEDONA FOR THE SOUL

The red rocks of Sedona provide the setting for luxurious boutique hotels, exquisite outdoor dining, and dazzling sunrises that soothe the soul. Known worldwide as an area for spiritualism, energy and soul work, restorative retreats, and metaphysical practitioners, Sedona is the perfect destination for friends to find their Zen.

Planning group travel (especially trips with friends!) can be a fun and a great way to reconnect with friends! To learn more about group travel, and start planning a getaway with your friends, contact us today!

Disney Cruise Line has announced the inaugural dates and itineraries for its new island destination in The Bahamas!

In June 2024, Disney Cruise Line will debut its newest Bahamian destination on the island of Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point! Guests will discover a vibrant beach retreat designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation at its core.

On June 6, a three-night preview cruise on the Disney Magic from Fort Lauderdale will offer a sneak peek of Lighthouse Point with limited access to some areas. On June 8, the Disney Fantasy will sail the inaugural sailing visiting Lighthouse Point. This itinerary will feature two stops at Lighthouse Point and one day at Castaway Cay.

Following the inaugural voyage, Lighthouse Point will be a port of call on select three-, four- and five-night sailings to The Bahamas and the Caribbean on the Disney Magic out of Fort Lauderdale. These itineraries will vary stops between Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay, with five special departures including both Disney Cruise Line island destinations.

Contact us today to book your next Disney Cruise where you can visit the incredible new island destination, Lighthouse Point!

This is more than a vacation upgrade. It’s the best family vacation in the world. Introducing the new Icon of the Seas — a first-of-its-kind Royal Caribbean adventure where you’ll have the time of your life, multiple times a day. Let your adrenaline surge at the largest waterpark at sea. Pick from seven unique pools to satisfy any mood, and fuel bolder bonding at Surfside, the ultimate stay-all-day family-friendly neighborhood right onboard. And delight your appetite with 40 different ways to dine and drink. This is the Icon of Vacations — arriving early 2024.

Royal Caribbean’s turned up the adventure on board the new Icon of the Seas with new thrills and reimagined favorites in Thrill Island, including a new take on its signature rock wall. Everyone in the family is in for the ultimate rock climbing expedition, which features the cruise line’s highest vantage point yet, racing lanes for friendly competition and endless ocean views.

n Surfside on the new Icon of the Seas, the neighborhood dedicated to young families, little ones can set their sights on new twists to favorites like a beach-themed carousel. More in store includes a slideable, climbable Playscape and the Splashaway Bay aquapark. 

The new Desserted will be the cherry on top of a day braving the fastest, tallest and surprising thrills at Thrill Island on the new Icon of the Seas. Vacationers can choose from a lineup of Insta-worthy milkshake concoctions, including spiked options for the adults. 

Surfside Eatery will debut as the dedicated buffet in Surfside, the new neighborhood designed for young families sailing on Icon of the Seas. More Royal Caribbean firsts include a spot for a quick stop between adventures, Surfside Bites, and specialty restaurant Pier 7 for beachside favorites. 

Adults and kids alike can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner – and laidback vibes – at the new Pier 7 on Icon of the Seas. In Surfside, the neighborhood dedicated to young families, the specialty restaurant will serve up beachside bites like mango shrimp tostadas and surf ‘n’ turf. 

At Surfside on the new Icon of the Seas, the neighborhood dedicated to young families, adults and kids alike will find a variety of ways to grab a bite and drinks. The Lemon Post will debut as the bar for the whole family, with a menu of options for grownups and another for kids. 

If you are ready to sail on Icon of the Seas, contact us today!

Sandal Resorts International, owner of the Sandals and Beaches family of resorts, has been a leading all-inclusive brand in the Caribbean since 1981. They recently announced two new expansions for their resort in Negril, Jamaica as well as their property in Castries, Saint Lucia. Both expansions will debut in Spring 2023.

Beaches Negril is adding 12 new butler suites to their property, bringing the room count up to 197 luxury accommodations. Six of the suites, located at the north end of the resort, will be called Firesky Reserve Villas, offering 3,700 square feet of three floors with living areas. The villas include four massive bedrooms, a kitchen, private oceanfront plunge pools and rooftop decks with dining terraces. With accommodations for 10, these villas are perfect for large families or groups..

Located at the opposite end of the resort will be six Eventide Penthouse Collection suites that can accommodate up to 18. The suites are offered with three or four bedrooms and include spacious kitchens, expansive balconies and walkout terraces. 

In addition to the new villas and suites, Beaches Negril’s Pirate’s Island Waterpark will house the resort’s Camp Sesame in partnership with Sesame Workshop, debuting summer 2023. This resort provides the perfect getaway for single families, groups of families, or multi-generational groups, with all that it has to offer.

Beaches Negril Firesky Reserve Villas. (photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts International)

Sandals Halcyon Beach, in St. Lucia, has added 20 ocean-edge Joli Beachfront Suites that feature walkout beach access, private pools, and second-story accommodations with tranquility soaking tubs. The open-air suites are decorated with natural woods, blue hues and soft island floral touches.

In addition to the ocean-edge suites, you will find five new Koko Rondoval Villas located amidst the resort’s lush landscaping, just steps from the ocean. The unique design with rounded walls and thatched roofs provides the illusion that the villa extends onto a chic patio with a plunge pool.

In addition to these two expansions, Sandals Resorts International has announced that Sandals Dunn’s River will launch in May 2023 as well as other new properties in Jamaica, Curacao, St. Vincent & The Grenadines,Turks & Caicos, and more.

Are you ready to book your retreat at one of these resorts? Beaches Negril and Sandals Halcyon’s new suites are currently available for reservations for travel beginning April 6, 2023.

What do you get when you combine Marvel Super Heroes and Villains with a Disney cruise? Marvel Day at Sea! Whether you’re a newcomer to the Marvel universe, a lifelong fan,or traveling with someone who is, you will love this action-packed day aboard the Disney Dream, setting sail from Miami January-March 2023.

More than 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains will be featured in new heroic encounters and live entertainment throughout the event.

Which Marvel characters will be there? Captain America Sam Wilson, Mighty Thor, Shang-Chi, Marvel, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Kate Bishop, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Thor, Loki, Black Widow and more.

Shows and activities include Heroes Unite (a nighttime spectacular with stunts, special effects and pyrotechnics), shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, an interactive training experience, a costume bash with a high-energy party on the upper decks, an adult-exclusive dance party and so much more.

Guests can experience this epic day at sea on the following Disney Dream itineraries in 2023:

Departing Jan. 7, Jan. 21, Feb. 4, Feb. 18 and March 4, 2023, the Western Caribbean itinerary features Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

Departing Jan. 16, Jan. 30, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27, 2023, the Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops at Cozumel, Mexico and Castaway Cay.

These cruises are extremely popular and will sell out. Contact me today if you want more information or you’re ready to book your Marvel-ous cruise.

Packing for an Alaskan cruise is VERY different from packing for a warm-weather cruise. The weather in Alaska is unpredictable, it can be warm and sunny one minute and drizzling the next. Remember that even though it is summer, it won’t be warm! 

The key to packing for Alaska is layers!

  • Pants – jeans or khakis (you may want to leave room underneath for long johns)
  • Ladies may opt for leggings; you may even choose a fleece-lined pair
  • Long johns or tights – perfect for those chilly days!
  • T-shirts – cotton is best.
  • Sweater or sweatshirt – don’t bring anything too bulky.
  • Flannel – these are very Alaskan and easy to peel off if it gets warmer.
  • Vest – great to layer! I like this one for women and this one for men because they are easy to pack and water resistant.
  • Lightweight puffer jacket – I like this one because it is water-resistant and has a hood! There is a similar version for men. You may want to size up if you will be layering underneath.
  • Waterproof rain jacket – I like this one and this one because they fold nicely into a little pouch. Here is a good option for men. 
  • Wool or warm socks

Shoes

  • Tennis shoes for walking
  • Nice shoes for dinner
  • Waterproof shoes or hiking boots – this will depend on your planned excursions, but you will need some type of shoe that can get wet. Merrell makes great waterproof hiking boots. XTRATUF boots are very popular with Alaskans. Timberland and Sperry also have great options. 
  • Slippers – I like to wear them in my cabin, but they are not necessary

Accessories

  • Pashmina – great to wear as a scarf or wrap over your shoulders at dinner or while on deck
  • Warm scarf – great while on deck or on excursions
  • Baseball cap
  • Beanie
  • Gloves 
  • Small umbrella

You may also want to bring:

  • At least one pair of shorts – you may have a warm day; the weather in Alaska is unpredictable! 
  • Bathing suit – it may only be warm enough on embarkation day to swim or you may want to hit the hot tub
  • Flip flops – for the pool or hot tub
  • Waterproof rain pants – probably only necessary if you have some type of excursion that you will get wet on like hiking and it rains. Also available for men and kids
  • Binoculars – they don’t have to be super fancy; your excursions will likely have a few pairs for everyone to share but it is nice to have your own on the ship

Formal nights in Alaska are WAY less formal than what you generally see on other cruises. There won’t be any tuxedos or formal dresses. Men will wear a suit but you will also see a lot of sports coats with a collared shirt and dress pants. Ladies will wear nice dresses, but it will be chilly so don’t forget tights or nylons and a light sweater.

For dinner on non-formal nights dress; you will see everything; most will wear business casual. Most ladies will be wearing pants and a blouse or sweater and sometimes even dresses. Men will wear dark jeans or khakis with a dress shirt or sweater. You don’t need to get dressed up by any means but should look nice. 

Packing Tips

Power outlets have traditionally been scarce in staterooms, though cruise lines are slowly modifying them to have more. A 3-way plug or extension cord may help if you have many devices to charge – it must be cruise ship approved and not be a surge protector.

Bathroom counter space is also lacking so you may want to bring a hanging toiletry bag. The counter should be fine for 2 people, but a family of 4 will be crowded for space. We also travel with these magnetic hooks to hang bags, hats, etc. The staterooms walls are magnetic and these come in a few different sizes to hold different weights. 

You may want to bring a low-wattage nightlight particularly if you are in an interior stateroom.

Cruise cabins are small. Consider bringing Poo-Pourri. That’s all I’m going to say about that!  

The three things you MUST bring are sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray. Even though it is cold the sun will reflect off of the ice in the mountains or the water and it is bright! You will regret not bringing sunglasses. I prefer polarized lenses, but any sunglasses will do. Along those same lines, the reflection of the sun will cause you to burn so bring sunscreen. Mosquitos are jokingly known as the Alaska state bird; enough said. 

Take a wristwatch. Clocks are few and far between onboard. You also need a watch when you are off the ship. The port you are visiting may not be on the same time as “ship time”. Set your watch to “ship time” and leave it there. When they say the ship will leave at 3PM, that does not always mean 3PM local time, and you may very well (literally) “miss the boat”. And do not use a cell phone as your watch (it may sync to local time).

In your checked luggage, place photocopies of your passport, medicine prescriptions, return airline tickets, and emergency contacts. You may also want to keep the international toll-free number of your credit card company in case you lose your credit cards.

You will need a bag to carry your items if you are going on an excursion, shopping or even just wandering around the port.  You will need to bring your stateroom key card, photo ID, phone, credit card and some cash. A small bag is fine (I like a crossbody bag) but a small backpack may be best to store your extra layers in. 

Many guests will bring a nice big Tervis or travel coffee mug with a lid. You can fill it up and enjoy a morning walk around the ship with your coffee or with ice water and tea. Great for sitting out by the pool or on the balcony.

If you are ready to book your Alaskan cruise, contact me today!

Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, which was launched in 2021, is the fifth ship in their Quantum Class but she has some noticeable offerings not found on the other ships. This is why I have already booked this ship more than ten times this year, making it the most-booked ship of all the cruises I book. It’s easy to see why with all there is to do onboard. The ship is as much of a destination as the ports themselves!

While there are the traditional activities onboard (bingo, trivia, lectures, etc.), there are so many more incredible attractions and activities. These include:

  • The North Star – an observational pod that will take you over 300 feet above sea level to see your ship and everything around you.
  • Ripcord by iFly – get a sense of skydiving as you don a special suit and enter a wind tunnel.
  • Flowrider – 40-foot-long surf simulator.
  • SeaPlex – bumper cars, pickleball, soccer, basketball, dancing and more. You can also enjoy the Playmakers sports bar directly inside the SeaPlex, watching sports on TV while your loved ones enjoy all the activities.
  • Zone Zero – a fully immersive virtual reality experience
  • Splashaway Bay – aqua park for kids
  • Rock Climbing Wall
  • Sky Pad – virtual reality bungee experience

This incredible ship also has 17 different restaurants along with multiple bars and lounges. Not only does this keep down the crowd levels but also ensures that everyone in your group can find something they like. 

In the evening, you’ll find original production shows, outdoor movie nights, live bands and more. 

If you’re traveling with children, they (and you) might enjoy the youth clubs. Adventure Ocean has multiple programs for babies (6-36 months old) and kids up to age 12. Teens (ages 13-17) have an exclusive space that’s all their own. Just beyond the secret speakeasy entrance, there’s a gaming lounge, music, movies, an outdoor patio and plenty of comfortable places to kick back with new friends.

It’s easy to see why people love this ship. With so much to see, do and eat, there truly is something for everyone. It is the perfect cruise for multigenerational trips because you can be as active or as relaxed as you choose. Nobody will ever get bored on this ship!

So you have decided where you want to go, and your calendar has dictated when you can go. Do the two intersect at a time when you’ll have good weather? If not, you might want to reconsider your plans. After all, you don’t want your dream vacation to become a nightmare. Here are some of the most popular travel destinations along with their best and worst months of travel.

Caribbean

Best months: Although average temperatures are between 78-88 degrees year-round, you’ll find that the area is coolest and has more wind from December to May.

Worst months: Mid-August, September and October due to high heat, humidity and the threat of hurricanes. Although hurricane season is technically June through November, June and November have the fewest tropical storms and hurricanes during the hurricane season.

Mexico

Best months: October to May

Worst months: Mexico is hotter during the summer months. In addition, the humidity is higher. If you have the option to visit the Pacific Coast of Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas), you will find that there is far less humidity than in the Mexican Caribbean (Cancun and surrounding areas). 

Hawaii

Best months: Hawaii’s consistently-warm weather makes it a good destination to visit at any time of the year, with temperatures hovering between 73-86 degrees. With that said, the best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands get the least amount of rain and the warmest temperatures. If you are interested in whale watching, January will be your best bet.

Worst months: Again, there is no bad time to visit Hawaii but you will find that it is wetter and marginally cooler between October and February.

Alaska

Best months: There’s a reason why the cruise ships are in Alaska from late spring to early fall. The best weather is during the summer months. Not only are the temperatures warmer, but daylight is longer, allowing more time for sightseeing. The absolute best time to visit, according to the locals, is June 15-July 15, when it is warm, dry and alive with energy. Daytime temperatures range from 60-80 degrees, and they dip down into the 40s and 50s at night. It’s light outside almost all night long from late May to late July. 

Worst months: The days are shorter, the temperatures are colder, and there is more rain/snow from late September through December. The northern lights are visible from August 20 through April 20, but the best time for an aurora vacation is February and March, when the days are getting longer and the snow conditions are best for winter activities.

Florida
Best months
: March, April, October, November. Temperatures are warm/hot and there is less rain.

Worst months: May to September due to high heat, humidity, and the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Europe 

Best months: May through September or October. You will see higher temperatures and crowds during the summer but it is considered to be their peak season. Expect the hottest temperatures in July and August. During the “shoulder season,” April through mid-June and September through October, you’ll enjoy decent weather, smaller crowds and long enough daylight.

Worst months: December to February. Because much of Europe is at Canadian latitudes, the winter can be cold and the days are shorter. However, Europe is known for its Christmas markets, making it a popular destination during November and December.

Dubai

Best months: Dubai offers consistently-pleasant weather between November and March, with daily maximum temperatures in the upper 70s. Mid-December to the end of February is their peak season, with great weather and the crowds to go with it. To avoid high prices and crowds, consider traveling mid-November through mid-December or during March. Temperatures will still be warm but the crowds and prices will be lower.

Worst months: June, July and August have unbearably high temperatures, with an average of 106 degrees. It is also humid during the summer. The month of Ramadan usually begins mid-March. Since eating, drinking and smoking in public are banned during this time, many businesses close, making it difficult for tourists who are not observing Ramadan themselves.

Hurricanes

If you’re thinking about a tropical vacation during hurricane season, you’ll want to consider the area you’ll be visiting as well as the month.

Hurricanes in the Atlantic and Caribbean begin around June 1, but it’s rare for a large storm to form. They typically don’t start getting bigger until later in the summer. Statistically, September 10th is the peak in the Atlantic and Caribbean. On a worldwide scale, May is the least active month and September is the most active. 

The ABC Islands that are closer to South America (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are far enough south that they generally aren’t impacted by hurricane season. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada are also located outside of this region.