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The best time to go to . . .

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.

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Take a look at the Reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian

Sandals Resorts have long been known as the pinnacle in luxury Caribbean all-inclusive vacations for couples.  Each offers stunning beachfront settings, luxurious accommodations and the many features that make the Sandals experience a Luxury Included® experience. 

The Sandals Royal Bahamian has recently been reimagined and is now offering all new swim-up suites, renovated rooms and suites, 10 restaurants, 3 new food trucks, all new Coconut Grove and the reimagined Sandals Barefoot Cay, their own private island just minutes away from the resort.

Swim-Up Suites. Step from the comfort of your luxurious room right into a gently flowing river pool from a zero-entry platform in your oversized patio.Butler service and exclusive VIP airport transfers are included with this room category.

Renovated Rooms & Suites. In these newly renovated accommodations, you’ll enjoy stylish new furnishings, lavish spa-style bathrooms and oversized terraces and balconies that overlook the ocean.

10 Restaurants & 3 Food Trucks. With 13 dining options, you’re sure to satisfy all your culinary cravings. Six of the ten restaurants are new, offering French cuisine, a British pub, steaks, Pan Caribbean, sushi and fresh seafood. At the food trucks, you’ll find grab and go sweets, coffee, tacos, seafood and Italian classics.

Coconut Grove. This brand new beach club, where you can lounge, dine and play, is a Sandals first. Relax during the day under the shade of the palm trees and join the party at night with live entertainment. Coconut Grove is where you’ll find the food trucks.

Barefoot Cay. With this private island, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying 2 resorts for the price of 1. Barefoot Cay has two secluded beaches where you can relax, go for a swim or explore the Bahamas’ best snorkeling. Throughout the chic Beach Club, you’ll find a pool, whirlpool, swim-up bar, shaded hammocks, private cabanas, a Zen garden with firepit seating and the region’s best seafood house. A short cruise on the Love Runner will have you there in no time.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is located in Nassau, which is conveniently located just a short flight away with nonstop service from many major U.S. cities. Although it’s a quick trip, you will feel like you’re a million miles away with the resort’s easy-going beach lifestyle and irresistibly soothing charm. 

Want to be on the beach by noon? No problem. With the resort’s new Breakaway service, arriving early just means more time to enjoy your vacation. Upon arrival, the Breakaway hostess will greet you with a delicious cocktail, and with a quick change into comfortable clothes,you’ll head straight to the beach or swim-up pool bar and leave the Sandals team to take care of everything else. 

There’s no better time to get away to the Bahamas, and Sandals Royal Bahamian will bring a redefined luxury experience to your next getaway. Let’s book your stay today!

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Royal Caribbean’s 2023 European Sailings

Royal Caribbean has announced their Europe deployment for 2023! From April to October, you can choose from itineraries that visit Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Scotland, Spain and France, Greece and Croatia, the Greek Isles, Italy and Adriatic, the British Isles, Western Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia, Greece and Turkey.

From colorful Mediterranean coasts to whitewashed seaside Greek villages, the best way to see Europe is with the cruise line voted Best Overall for 19 years running. Immerse yourself in ancient Greek cultures. Sample the delights of wine-country wonders throughout France, Spain and Italy. And experience unique itineraries from fjord-filled getaways in Norway to trekking across the Arctic Circle. 

Has Greece been on your bucket list? With 227 islands, it can be daunting to put together an itinerary. When you cruise the Greek Isles, all the decisions are made for you. Unpack once and see the best of Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Zakynthos, Skiathos, Thessaloniki, or, for the first time ever, Olympia. Royal Caribbean has four ships with various itineraries sailing the Greek Isles in 2023.

Perhaps you’re considering a Mediterranean cruise. With Royal Caribbean, you can take a grand tour of all the classics. Indulge in the delicacies of Italy, marvel at famous monuments in France and soak up the sun on the seaside shores of Spain. 

Why do people love cruising in Europe? You get to sample a number of countries and ports without the hassle of checking in and out of hotels, and without eating up precious vacation time moving from city to city. In addition, your cruise fare includes accommodations, all meals and entertainment onboard and (possibly) your airfare. You don’t need to worry about exchange rates or currency fluctuations. And let’s not overlook the incredible experience of cruising – wonderful and attentive service, all the services and activities, the variety of dining options and the overall relaxed shipboard lifestyle. 

With nine ships sailing throughout Europe, you will undoubtedly be able to find the perfect itinerary for your ideal European vacation. In fact, you will probably struggle to decide which itinerary to choose. Don’t worry! Nobody ever said you can take only one cruise. Contact me to book your European cruise today!

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Hard Rock Riviera Maya launches HyperX Gaming Lounge

Hard Rock Riviera Maya is the perfect all-inclusive resort for families. Kids love the endless activities and parents love the beauty and serenity of the resort. The whole family will enjoy snorkeling or floating on the lazy river between trips down the water slide or zip line.

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

However, there are days when the young ones (or young at heart) need a break from the sun and sand. That’s when it may be time to escape to HyperX Gaming Lounge, the new gamer’s paradise at the resort. Boasting high-performance Gaming PCs, gaming consoles, a VR station, and the latest HyperX peripherals, this new addition offers an enhanced experience for any type of gamer. 

The HyperX Gaming Lounge is designed, built, and fine-tuned with the gamer in mind. Boasting nine gaming PCs, three Xbox Series X, two Nintendo Switches, a VR station, and a variety of HyperX peripherals, there’s something for everyone.

The lounge, inspired by a futuristic environment with simple and geometric elements, offers a selection of gaming for Everyone, Teen 13+ and Mature 17+. Game offerings and titles are subject to change as titles are always evolving with the latest trends, but you can rest assured that you will find titles such as these:

– Call of Duty Vanguard                      – League of Legends

– Overwatch                                        – Dota 2

– Minecraft                                           – Warzone

– Among Us                                         – Fortnite

– Fall Guys                                          – FIFA 22

– Rainbow Six Siege                           – Madden NFL 22

– Rocket League                                 – Mario Kart 8

– Valorent                                            – Pokemon

– Hearthstone                                      – And More!

– Apex Legends

Whether you have a grumpy teenager who needs a little alone time or you want to spend some time together in their world, you will love this new gaming lounge at Hard Rock Riviera Maya! Contact me today to book your next stay!

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Visiting Royalton Mystique Blue in Holbox, Mexico

One of my clients recently returned from the incredible Royalton Mystique Blue on Isla Holbox (pronounced HOLE·bosh). Known for its beautiful sunsets and calm blue water, Isla Holbox is about a 2.5 hour drive from the Cancun airport by car plus a 30-minute ferry, or even faster via a quick chartered flight. There are no cars on this beautiful and low-key island, so you get around by foot, bike, or golf cart taxi. 

Royalton Mystique Blue

Isla Holbox has a moratorium on development, so instead of big all-inclusive hotels, you will find lots of smaller boutique hotels. There are tons of great restaurants, from inexpensive and delicious taco stands to modern Mexican small plates, to fresh smoothies and vegan options. The island specialty is lobster pizza, which is made with pesto sauce. My client even took a Mexican cooking class and learned to make ceviche, shrimp tacos, and more. 

Check out some of my client’s amazing photos! Contact me for more information and to book your trip to Isla Holbox!

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Tickets now available for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights brings together the stories and visions of the world’s most notorious creators of horror. From cinematic greats and crazed current cult favorites to the park’s original abominations—every year, the legend grows and the experience reaches beyond your wildest nightmares.

As the sun sets on days filled with thrills in all of Universal’s theme parks, the night awakens with a frightening chill at Universal Studios Florida™. Surrounded in shadow by screams and mad laughter, you’re never quite sure if your spine is tingling with dread or sheer excitement. Step by step, you enter into terrifying haunted houses, inspired by the biggest names in horror. Face nightmarish creatures on streets twisted into sinister scare zones. Lose yourself in outrageous live shows filled with diabolically entertaining surprises. Then escape to some of Universal Studios’ most exhilarating attractions where heart pounding takes on a different meaning—until the horror calls you back.

Halloween Horror Nights is select nights Sept. 3–Oct. 31. Contact me today to reserve your tickets to the world’s premier Halloween event!

WARNING: EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 13. NO COSTUMES OR MASKS ALLOWED. Separately ticketed event. Event occurs rain or shine. No rain checks, returns or refunds. Dates, times, attractions and entertainment are subject to availability and may change without notice. Free self-parking after 6pm is not valid for Halloween Horror Nights™. Other restrictions may apply. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2018 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

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Dining on the New Disney Wish

The new Disney Wish cruise ship is taking dining to a whole new level. You will find places to grab a bite in the three themed districts with everything to quick casual fare to a smoothie bar to a poolside bar and chic café.

However, the true magic happens at dinner. The Wish will debut three new dining concepts that incorporate dinner into various Disney stories. There’s a reason they are called dining concepts – they go way beyond dining in a restaurant and instead offer an entertainment experience along with world-class
cuisine.

The first is Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. This first-ever Frozen-themed dining experience features all your favorite characters – Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf – in an immersive show while you enjoy a menu influenced by Nordic dishes.

The second venue, Worlds of Marvel, will appeal to Avengers fans as you play an interactive role in this cinematic adventure. The menu will feature worldly items inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The third experience, 1923, is named for the year that The Walt Disney Company was founded. Imagine
a celebration of this golden age of animation while choosing from a menu of fresh California-inspired
cuisine.

Each of these three new concepts promises to deliver its own unique experience with something to offer everyone in the family.

If you want to experience the new Disney Wish and these amazing staterooms, contact me today.

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Travel Trends for 2021

After a year like 2020, it’s hard to predict what the future of travel will look like. While travel this year will probably not look like what we saw pre-Covid, Americans are still traveling. With a pent-up demand for travel and the vaccine rolling out, it appears that the confidence to travel is increasing daily. So far this year I’m seeing a few travel trends worth noting…

Domestic Travel is on the Rise

Booking.com’s Future of Travel report for 2021 says “local travel remains easier, safer and – happily – often more sustainable.” Their ”Familiarists not Tourists” prediction shows 47% of travelers are planning domestic trips over the next 7-12 months. My most requested destinations this year have been – Florida, Arizona, National Parks, and Hawaii.

Disney is a still a top choice! Disney World is has been open since the summer and even though the parks have limited capacity, abbreviated hours and have put a hold on parades and fireworks, It is considered relatively safe to visit. Add to that it is easy to reach by either car or quick, direct flights, you can see why it is a pick for so many families.

Beach Vacations are also a popular choice because it is an easy way to maintain social distancing and find peace of mind when visiting these destinations surrounded by nothing but the sea.

Short term planning

Normally at this time I would be booking Summer and Fall vacations, but the requests currently coming across my desk are for April – June. With so much uncertainty, travelers are feeling more comfortable booking vacations a few weeks out instead of months.

In addition, with so many still working from home, and kids still doing remote learning, there seems to much less concern about working around school breaks. As long as there is a good internet connection, and enough time in the day to get the job done, it doesn’t seem to matter right now when families travel.

Bucket List Trips


For those who are planning a little farther out, there seems to be little holding back on the types of trips they are taking. Having realized that access to travel cannot be taking for granted, many are looking to book bigger trips as soon as possible. 

Travelers are looking for more unique experiences and upgraded amenities in order to stay in a ‘bubble’. I’m seeing more and more requests first class seats on flights, private transfers and suites with more room and bigger balconies to spend more time in their room.

Flexible Cancellation Policies

Before the pandemic, you would need to buy a fully flexible airfare to have the ability to change your dates, which would have been far more expensive than a standard ticket. Furthermore, cancelling your vacation last minute would be out of the question without losing a good chunk of your money.

Now many suppliers have realized that the only way to provide travelers with the confidence to book is by giving them the flexibility to change their hotel or flight booking at no extra cost. Airlines such as United, American Airlines and Delta have scrapped change fees for man flights. Hotels and suppliers are also allowing travelers to change destinations or dates without fees.  

Working with a Travel Advisor is a MUST!

Anyone who didn’t have one in 2020 probably regretted it. If you have had to change a trip on your own, you probably understand why it’s helpful to have a travel agent in your corner.

Travelers today need help navigating the new normal in order for their trips to be a success. With a considerable amount of uncertainty and quarantine, testing and entry requirements changing daily, travel agents have become an invaluable and irreplaceable source of information.

Even those who have booked their own travel for years, are turning to Travel Advisors for their experience and expertise.  

What are you most looking forward to in the world of travel in 2021? Tell us in the comments below.

To book your next vacation, contact us today to start planning!

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Bucket List Travel: Antarctica

A couple of years ago I watched the movie Where’d you go Bernadette? and immediately became obsessed with the idea of going to Antarctica. I later found out that the scenes that are supposed to be in Antarctica were actually filmed in Greenland, but that hasn’t waivered my need to visit Antarctica!

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am the least outdoorsy person you will ever meet, so I know me wanting to go on thiss trip is going to be a surprise to many.

But look at this…

Iceberg, Lindblad Cove, Antarctica aboard National Geographic Explorer. January 2011

I want to go there and see this…

An explosion of gentoo penguins alongside makes this kayaking experience doubly extraordinary.

Antarctica is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. It is said that a voyage to Antarctica is one of the most exhilarating adventures the planet offers, and one of the most life-enhancing travel decisions any traveler can make.

There are a number of cruise lines that venture down to Antarctica. One that I have my eye on is with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions.

Lars-Eric Lindblad, considered by many to be the “father of ecotourism,” founded Lindblad Travel in 1958. In 1966, he brought the first group of “citizen explorers” to Antarctica. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have joined forces to further inspire the world through expedition travel.

Together they are good stewards to the earth and encourage greater awareness and understanding of issues impacting the regions where they travel.

National Geographic Orion, Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

The 148-guest National Geographic Explorer and 126-guest National Geographic Endurance and National Geographic Resolution are purpose-built Antarctic expedition ships designed to safely explore Antarctica—the most remote, wild place on the planet. They are fully stabilized, ice-class vessels with ice-strengthened hulls strong enough to push through the Antarctic ice. Their construction and the caliber of their Icemaster Captains and veteran expedition teams are your assurances of safety.

It’s in the early season (Oct.-Nov.) when the Captain can adroitly “park” National Geographic Explorer, allowing guests to disembark directly on the ice.

Every expedition sails with a veteran expedition leader and a team of eight naturalists, many of them polar veterans, of a variety of specialties: zoology, biology, ornithology, geology, polar history, and more. Other members of the 15-person team include an undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer, plus a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and a wellness specialist. Together, they provide you with a greater understanding and appreciation for this exceptional place.  

Hikers, Neko Harbor, Antarctica

Who’s ready for this amazing adventure?

My Bucket List

Amawaterways Christmas Market River Cruises

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Walt Disney World Ticket Offer

Play, stay and enjoy more magic with this special offer at Walt Disney World Resort—where magical moments are waiting for you.

Receive 2 extra days added to your ticket when you buy a 4-night/3-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for arrivals most nights from now through September 25, 2021.

Want to stay longer? Check about packages for other lengths of stay—and get 2 extra days added to your ticket.

Enjoy added peace of mind when booking! You can modify or cancel your reservation with extra flexibility through April 30, 2021. See Important Details.

The number of rooms are limited. 5-day theme park tickets included in this package are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within 8 days. Visit disneydestinationstickets.com/usage for more details.

Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Let’s chat!

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