Ready to travel, or learn about which destinations you can visit at this time? Let's chat! Schedule with Destinations HD to learn more about our services before you book your next trip.  We can help you navigate the new travel world and plan a stress-free and memorable vacation! 

Need inspiration on where you want to explore next? Take our travel quiz to find out where you should travel next!

Happy travels! 
Experiences Await...
#experiencesawait #destinationshd​

Resorts want you there, and are so happy to be welcoming you back! All of the properties that I recommend to you, have implemented gold standard sanitation protocols and understand that it is in their best interest to keep you safe and happy, so as long as all of us do our part, we are set to have an amazing time traveling this year!  

During my recent resort experience, I felt it was worth revisiting some resort etiquette tips and understanding of the new protocols in place so we can continue to stay safe and have more countries open their doors to travelers sooner. ​
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• Leave the personal radios and bluetooth speakers for enjoying at a reasonable volume in the comfort of your room. Sound carries far around the open spaces found at the pool and beach areas and there is a good chance that others who are reading, sleeping, or just enjoying the sound of the ocean won’t enjoy their relaxation time being interrupted by your music or sounds from your devices. I recommend wireless head phones that you and your traveling companion can share if you want to listen to the same music – and it creates your own little pocket of intimacy just for the two of you! Larger groups can usually enjoy music found at the pool area provided by the resort.  
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• To the point above; video calls or speaker calls to friends and family are super fun – a lot of us want to show our loved ones where we are now that the background isn’t of the same walls they’ve been seeing for a year! However, those kind of calls can be really disrupting to those around us, so it might be best to wake up early for a sunrise and head on down to an unoccupied area of the beach for those calls or to keep the interaction short and sweet in a more private location – and remind them next time that they should join you in person! WINK *psstt... Don’t forget to put your phone on “vibrate” when you’ll be in public shared spaces too!
    
• Bear in Mind – the hallways and walls of most hotels aren’t soundproof. Try to be aware of the fact that moving furniture, having a dance in your room as you get ready, loud conversations or phone calls as you walk the hallways, may be heard by those in the rooms around you. Be aware and act respectfully of others around you. *If a bit more privacy to do whatever you want is something that you'd prefer, reach out, and I can help you find a property with private villas or separate bungalows if you just want a little more room to be your loud and happy self! 
  
  
• Lines – As many resorts are operating a little differently at the moment for added protection and safety, not only for the guests, but for themselves and their own family/community, so you may find that lines are increased or longer at meal times. This is just how it is for now, and I don’t know about you, but I hate waiting in lines! We’re all in the same boat though, and pressing shoulder to shoulder or loudly complaining about the line, won’t make it move any faster. The best thing to do if you really want to try to avoid the lines is to follow the guidelines I provide regarding peak meal times in your Mobile App; time your arrival at the restaurant for as soon as they open or for a little later in the day/evening. Otherwise, take a breathe, give others some space and wait your turn. The food isn't going anywhere. Alternatively, flexibility is your friend. If you were going to try to the steakhouse but see a long line, yet there is no line at the Italian restaurant – go for Italian that night!  
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• Wear your Mask. Yes I know, it's vacation and you feel invincible because your got your vaccination, but don't forget that having the shot doesn't mean you won't get sick, you just won't get as sick.  There is still an active virus out there, and the CDC requirement that all passengers entering or returning home to the United States must have a negative test result within 3 days of return, is also still in place at the moment. Therefore, you are still at risk of exposure and can end up quarantined in destination if you aren't careful and taking the extra precautions. If the workers serving you all day can wear theirs, we should reciprocate the respect and do our part to protect their community at the very least, even if you aren't concerned about yourself. 

Food is perhaps the biggest element of traveling and one of my favorites! It’s the one component that you can revisit when you are at home that almost instantly brings you right back to the place you were when you tried a dish.

That authentic bruschetta that transports you back to Italy, the Paella that teleports you to Spain, and the banana and Nutella crepe that has you daydreaming of your trip around Paris. There’s nothing quite like indulging in the cuisines of the world. Are you drooling thinking about it, or is that just me?!

If you haven't vacationed in some time, and are a foodie too, you may also be craving the dishes that you'd normally enjoy on vacation. The good news is, you can spice up your home life by attempting to make new recipes until you are ready (or until borders reopen) to visit your dream destination again.

While it may not ever be as authentic at the real thing, and we have to make it ourselves instead of being served, we can at least try our hands at the culinary arts and relive our past travel experiences while we wait.

With that in mind, I've provided several links below that I recommend perusing with some popular dishes you can try. Pick a few recipes and make a menu themed for the destinations you want to visit.

Add to the spirit of authenticity by hitting up your local international grocery stores to get as close to the actual spices, seasonings, and even meats they use in other parts of the world!

​I hope you enjoy our food picks and share which recipes you try!

If you didn’t see the country you want to visit listed above, type “authentic recipes” and the name of the country you want to visit. Odds are, you’ll find several hundred to consider.

Of course, if you prefer visuals, head over to Pinterest and type in your search there. This way you can see what the final product is supposed to look like and you can decide if you want to learn more.

​Either way, I’d like to encourage you to get creative in the kitchen. Who knows what culinary adventures you may uncover under your own roof!

And, when you are ready to travel again, I hope you will think of Destinations HD to book your next trip.

Need inspiration on where you want to explore next? Take our travel quiz to find out where you should travel next!

Experiences Await...
#experiencesawait #destinationshd​

1.  Go to the Caribbean
​Create a Caribbean escape at home by first making tasty meals from the islands. Here are some recipes to get you started:

• 30 Caribbean-Inspired Recipes for a Tropical Escape
• Explore the recipes, tips and techniques of Caribbean cuisine
• 14 Classic Caribbean Recipes You Need to Know

 
Not a cook? Or maybe you just want it to feel even more like vacation where someone else makes your meal... Order some UberEats, Postmates, or DoorDash from your favorite local Caribbean eateries.
 
Next, find some tunes that transport you straight to the islands to play while you eat. Bonus points if you snag some decor that makes your living room feel like you’ve traveled there.
 
Don't forget the fancy cocktails with umbrellas to complete the experience!

Then, head to YouTube and search for dance class videos teaching you how to dance like the locals. Put together a playlist and dance the night away!

Lastly, it's also the perfect night to revisit those past vacation pictures too. Go relive those memories as you daydream about your next adventure. We often forget to look back - and it's so important to remember those fun times when we need a reminder how great things were to keep us moving forward!

​2.  Head to Paris
​Get a puzzle of the Eiffel Tower and put it together with your partner. Afterwards watch a flick that brings you to Paris. We recommend this list from Conde Nast “39 Movies That Will Transport You to Paris.” 

Grab some croissants, macarons, steak frites, and a cheese platter to munch on while you watch the movies. Or just play some Parisian themed tunes with candlelight.
 
Finish the evening with a virtual vacation of Paris such as this Virtual Walk through Paris, or this Ultimate Paris Travel Guide.

​3.  Sneak Away to Santorini
It’s all about the food in Greece. So start there. Here are some amazing recipe websites to check out:

• The Mediterranean Dish
• The Spruce Eats
• Olive Magazine

 
Take in a flick that will inspire traveling to Greece such as one from this list. While you’re at it, set up a wine and cheese pairing to enjoy the flavors and set the mood. Check out this article featuring Greek wines for inspiration. If you’re stumped on which cheese to purchase, besides the well-known feta, read this appetizing article for delectable inspiration: “10 Popular Greek Cheeses You Should Try.”
 
Get outside of your comfort zone by taking some Greek lessons on how to speak the language. There are lots of free ones on YouTube including this video “Learn 100 Common Greek Phrases for Tourists & Beginners.”

Where will you travel to next?
With a little imagination, you can feel like you’ve traveled far and wide without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.

While the real thing is always better when you can experience with your own eyes, appreciate the smells, hear the sounds, and savor the tastes that each destination has to offer - these little scenarios may keep your wanderlust urges in check a little while longer. 

It's so important to still take mental breaks away from work, even if you aren't ready for a true vacation. So, take some time off and indulge in being creative together while you rejuvenate.

When you are ready to travel again, I hope you will think of Destinations HD to book your next trip.

Need inspiration on where you want to explore next? Take our travel quiz to find out where you should travel when the time is right!

Experiences Await...
#experiencesawait #destinationshd

Happy New Year!  I don’t know about you, but I’m personally happy to put 2020 behind me and forge forward into this new year!  

With that being said – I know that a lot of you are looking forward to the next time that you can travel again! Worldwide travel that is. There are some destinations already open for American tourists, but each country has their own entry requirements to consider before you venture out.  

I’m so ready for the vaccine release to continue circulation so we can see more countries open up for travel, in addition to, providing us all a better idea on expectations for any new travel requirements. I will keep you updated on this news as soon as there are definite answers released.  

As we start this new, and hopefully improved year – I wanted to make an official announcement about a new and EXCITING destination that I’ve added to my travel planning services as a new specialty... ​

For those of you who will get this Matrix reference – you can’t just explain Africa, you have to see it for yourself! I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined the feeling of being on safari, seeing lions lounging in the sun just steps from my jeep, feeding giraffes by hand, or seeing the savannah come alive in the early morning by aerial view via a hot air balloon ride as the sun was rising starting a new extraordinary day that would fill my heart yet again.  

If you’ve ever had an inkling of a thought of “maybe one day”, if you’ve been thinking that, after this is all over, you want to do something extra special, something unforgettable, then this, the wonders of Africa, is my vote!  For those of you who will get this Matrix reference – you can’t just explain Africa, you have to see it for yourself! I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined the feeling of being on safari, seeing lions lounging in the sun just steps from my jeep, feeding giraffes by hand, or seeing the savannah come alive in the early morning by aerial view via a hot air balloon ride as the sun was rising starting a new extraordinary day that would fill my heart yet again.  

If you’ve ever had an inkling of a thought of “maybe one day”, if you’ve been thinking that, after this is all over, you want to do something extra special, something unforgettable, then this, the wonders of Africa, is my vote!  

Being such a vast continent containing so many different options for the kind of experience you want, we work together to create a personalized itinerary to fit different budgets, accommodation needs, and landscapes – as well as combining experiences! Want an adventurous start, flying over the savannah, trekking through jungles, but ending on a luxurious beach to relax? No problem!  

Prefer an intimate cruise with luxurious comforts along the Chobe river that will give you a one-of-a-kind insight to local towns, ports and animals, then end with 4 nights overlooking waterfalls rushing through deep canyons? Got you covered!  

And the best part?
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You still get the knowledge, experience, and planning services that I provide with the peace of mind that I’ll be there with you every step of the way – from planning, through traveling and upon return, to address anything and everything so that you can focus on the important things – making memories to last a lifetime!

​It’s no secret that this year has been a weird one for traveling due to COVID-19. As the country and the world has slowly started to open back up, you might be wondering if it’s okay to start adding stamps to your passport again.
 
I’ve had many travelers and wedding groups head to resorts since July, and I have prepared them all for the new expectations they may experience while vacationing during a pandemic. Things feel a little different than before and you may see some amenities or activities not available as they adhere to local laws and safety guidelines. 

​However, I continue to see many forum’s and hateful posts from travelers about their stay, which were obviously not prepared and didn’t understand that just because you are on vacation, doesn’t mean the reality of a world pandemic can be forgotten.
 
For this reason, I thought it would be a good idea to go over some differences you can expect as you venture overseas to rejuvenate at an all-inclusive beach resort! There is nothing more that gets me riled up than unprepared travelers ruining resort reputations and being disappointed by not being fully informed before they decided to book a getaway.
 
Most of you should know that you aren’t invisible on vacation, so the same common-sense rules still apply. If you wouldn’t do something at home due to safety concerns, use that same intelligence and gut feeling when you travel, no matter the circumstance.
 
Also remember that you are protecting the employees too, so they can continue working and welcome travelers. If you aren’t ready to give up your foam pool parties and nightclub outings, or even follow the new requirements during travel with face masks, temperature checks, and possible testing… then it’s not the time for you to travel and you should wait to until COVID is no longer affecting the environments around us.
 
Before you take a vacation – please take a moment to review some of these new changes you can experience as you travel…

​Safety first… and don’t forget your protective gear.
I get it, masks aren’t sexy in travel photos. However, many states, countries, and provinces are requiring things like masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, etc… As your travel agent, I provide you with the specific requirements for your destination to ensure you are well-informed.

Many destinations have implemented expensive fines, and even jail time has been executed in some cases, so definitely don’t take this lightly and feel like this is a choice. If you travel, you must follow the local laws, no matter your feelings on the matter. It’s also always a good idea to wash your hands more frequently, and/or use hand sanitizer in tourist locations. Add wipes and travel sanitizer to your packing list for all future trips to stay as healthy as possible, regardless of the current situation.

You can travel, but where?
There are still many destinations that are not allowing American travelers to enter. As such, the first phase in your travel planning is research. As the CDC recommends, “If traveling internationally or across international borders, check with the destination’s Office of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Health or the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Country Information page for details about entry requirements and restrictions for arriving travelers, such as mandatory testing or quarantine.” You can also check with the World Health Organization to see which countries are still dealing with outbreaks of the coronavirus.
 
And of course, your travel agent is there to assist and make this a bit less stressful to figure out – we receive continuous training and updates from the tourist boards of their changes and help with understanding the new requirements, so we can guide you through the details.
 
You may need to be flexible with your dates.
As outbreaks are still continuing, travel can be a bit more unpredictable then it already was, and changes can occur at a moment’s notice. Such as, if a crew member or passenger is found to be positive for the coronavirus, this can cause a disruption in service. Border restrictions may change, and city/country curfews may be implemented. Now more than ever, it’s critical to have a travel agent, and travel insurance instead of trying to go it alone. You could get stuck with more unrecoverable fees if you try to DIY your travel!
 
Prepare for the possibility of required quarantine/testing.
To enter certain locations a seven to 14 day quarantine in your hotel may be required. Others are requiring a specific negative COVID-19 test results before allowing entry. Most airports, bus terminals, and other transportation hubs are even requiring that you allow them to check your temperature before you can enter the building. As a result, you should arrive early to all transportation check-in locations.

Understand that things will be different than “normal”.
There will be less people, not only because some don’t feel safe traveling during a pandemic, but also because occupancy levels for many hotels and resorts are being capped by local laws that can range from 30-60% in many locations.
 
Minimizing patrons in restaurants, entertainment venues, tourists’ sites, etc… will also be based on local laws and can vary greatly. Just as our own cities have similar restrictions, you can expect to see the same across the world as they are also trying to keep their community as safe as possible. Therefore, you may run into longer wait times to be seated for dining services, and entertainment options may also be limited. Patience and flexibility will be key for travel these days.
 
You typically won’t find pool parities, group volleyball between random guests, towel animals on your bed, and even some resorts have removed liquor bottles from the room, as the hotels are being very cautious and adhering to the social distancing and sanitization recommendations.
 
Safety of guests and staff is most important to keep tourism strong which is very much needed in most of these destinations. Therefore, you will see changes such as virtual dining and bar menus via your phone, paperless check-in, and once per day cleaning & bar restocking to minimize entrance into your room, just to name a few.  
 
Lastly, shopping stores and tourist attractions around the area may still be closed in many parts of the world or have limited operation hours. So, it’s best to research beforehand if there’s something you really want to see.
 
The good news - many things will be cheaper.
As less people are traveling, prices have gone down for lodging. With tourist revenue so critical to the economy for a number of destinations, they are offering great deals in an effort to attract visitors. You can travel well, and you can travel safely, and we can help you do it.
 
To learn more about traveling during a pandemic, contact Destinations HD. We’d be happy to help you create a relaxing getaway that you surely deserve after this year, when you are ready.
 
Additional resources we recommend checking out:

• Risk of COVID-19 exposure on planes 'virtually nonexistent' when masked, study shows
• The CDC Guide to Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Conde Nast Travel on Coronavirus and Travel: Everything You Need to Know
• Is It Safe to Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
• Coronavirus travel advice from the Mayo Clinic 

As many of us head into chilly temperatures and the early darkness blues as the sun is setting too quickly these days, I’m getting more calls for last minute winter vacations. Resort vacations have increased lately as a last ditch effort to enjoy a vacation before the years over… and what better way to end a shitty year, then a beach all-inclusive vacay where you don’t have to worry about reality for a few days!?!

If you are busting at your wits end from not having a vacation this year, and done dealing with all the negativity this year has thrown at us – but you may have questions on safety of travel - let’s chat to discuss all the new protocols and requirements to ease your mind. You'll be surprised at how much more other destinations and resorts are doing than many of our own cities. Of course, if you are in a high-risk group with underlying medical conditions – you should still stay quarantined at home and follow your doctor’s advice.
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If you are daydreaming about a white Christmas... a sandy white one that is – now is the time to get your vacation locked in. Imagine playing in the sand at an all-inclusive beach resort, instead of shoveling snow this winter!

There are a few resorts that extended their “Work & Learn” programs for families that are doing remote school and working from home – so you can feel comfortable departing and still be able to participate in your online environment. Who wouldn’t want an office with a view while working/learning and then heading down to the pool for some play between breaks?! When are you ever going to get a chance like this again?! Hopefully never!
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​Embrace the dream of a warm white winter...

When 2020 began, I’m betting you had no idea things would turn out the way that they have. I sure didn't!! It feels like a lifetime ago, but I started out the year on a mind-blowing safari in Africa and just a few days after my return, the "world blew up", as I like to say.

This pandemic has certainly been an educational experience, to say the least. For many of us, it’s brought with it extreme stress and that is just one of the things that prompted this post today.

If you’re anything like me, you might be in serious need of a massage to relieve some of that stress. After all, massage is more than just rubbing and pressing the skin. It’s actually “considered part of complementary and integrative medicine” due to the benefits the body can enjoy from it. (1) 

I had to learn the hard, and expensive way, when I didn't listen to my body and start treatments before it got too bad, and now I struggle to reverse the damage. I have a routine of massage that combines some physical therapy techniques to keep my pain at bay which could have been avoided.
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I wanted to share 7 reasons you need a massage for your health AND one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts that is a dream for spa treatments, relaxation and rejuvenation!

1. Massage can relieve anxiety and depression. (1)
2. The rubbing and pressure can improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. (2)
3. When a masseuse kneads your muscles and joints, it can provide a boost to your immune system thanks to the increase in the circulation of white blood cells. (3)
4. Regular massages can minimize back pain, reduce joint pain, and relieve headaches. (4)
5. For both athletes and non-athletes, massage can improve flexibility and mobility thanks to the stimulation of blood circulation around the muscles and joints. (5)
6. You’ll sleep better. Baby massage is even one of the first techniques suggested to help infants sleep. The National Sleep Foundation says it’s the same for adults. (6)
7. It boosts your mood by increasing your serotonin and dopamine levels. In other words, massages literally make you happy! (7)
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I don’t know about you, but I’m daydreaming of a nice massage in the afternoon and then relaxing on the beach. Waves crashing in the background, a cool drink in my hand, and watching a glorious sunset. Doesn’t that sound like heaven right about now? If so, I know just the resort you can combine massage and wellness for an overall health getaway...

While there are many amazing resorts that focus on wellness, spa or relaxation, this is just one of my favorites that I wanted to share with you! This adults-only, all-inclusive resort opened with a unique twist to the inclusive resort concept. UNICO 20°87° isn’t just a destination, it’s a journey! From locally-inspired gourmet dishes to exhilarating tours of ancient ruins, you'll find more than your typical all-inclusive resort, and will enjoy the rich, warm culture of modern Mexico!

This upscale resort is set on a natural eco-reserve, along a beautiful white sand beach with dreamy views of the Caribbean Sea. Upon arrival, you are instantly embraced with the most enchanting aroma in the lobby. As you check-in, you're asked to personalize the scent of your own room, then your personal host ("butler") will escort you to your room and provide a personal tour.

Here, you won't find entertainment staff asking you every hour to join them for archery, salsa classes, etc... Instead, you'll discover pop-up activities, music and scheduled classes that you can leisurely join if interested or just relax and not be bothered. 
 
The true luxury of this boutique resort begins with unlimited inclusions, such as unlimited golf, scuba diving experiences, spa treatments, local tours and beauty salon & barber services... that's right, I said UNLIMITED SPA TREATMENTS!! Here you can find a variety of select tours and spa/salon services that are included with your stay! You just pay a 25% service fee for each service used (plus gratuity).

For example, if want to visit the archaeological site Coba and combine your visit to a Cenote - you would normally pay $99 per person for this tour, but at UNICO 20°87° you only pay $24.75pp for this incredible experience! The greatest thing to point out is, the included signature tours are unique to resort guests only, so you'll have access to special hours that other tourists don't receive - providing you a more authentic and secluded experience! These memorable adventures will make your vacation truly one to flaunt! 

Last detail worth mentioning, this resort is located on a beach where many sea turtles come to lay their eggs. I was fortunate to be there during this season and stayed up late to tag along with the Turtle Conservation Team and was lucky enough to witness three different turtles nesting and returning to the sea. Did you know that after her laying eggs the sea turtle drops a tear or two? There is another reason behind this, but it was one of the most remarkable and heartfelt experiences I've ever been a part of! If this is something you have interest in, I can help connect you and set up a private tag-along too!

There is SO much more to discuss about this resort and the one-of-a-kind experiences it offers, but don't want to overload you at once! Let's schedule a time to chat about your next vacation and see if this resort might fit your expectations and desires! ​Schedule your free consultation or click here to learn more about my award-winning boutique travel agency. 

Hundreds of thousands of people were stuck on the phone for hours on end with representatives who quite frankly didn’t care about whether or not customers were happy with their service. For travelers that couldn’t reach someone on the phone, they were added to an endless queue of backlogged support tickets waiting for an email about the status of their trips. Refunds were hard to obtain, cancellations were difficult to confirm, and the possibility of postponing a trip was left up in the air.

For people that were working with travel advisors, instead of trying to manage all of their cancellations and re-bookings on their own, they had a real human being making the phone calls, tracking down the contact information, and speaking directly with transportation and travel vendors.

Travel professionals are usually the first to learn about new advisories and changes that could impact your vacation plans, so you can focus on the more important things and go about your life while your advisor navigates through all the challenges for you.
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With a situation as fluid as the Coronavirus Pandemic, having a travel advisor working for you on your behalf is the smarter and stress-free way to book your travel. When you’re ready to travel again, we hope that you will contact Destinations HD. ​

Before you spiral into a hole of endless information or bad advice, let's chat! We can make sure you know the expectations for your trip and will walk you through any questions regarding your destination(s). We understand every person and trip is unique and requires personalized service and attention.

​​Schedule your free consultation to learn more about our services and how we can assist you with planning an unforgettable and stress-free vacation! We are committed to making your vacation extra special.

Stay positive, safe and hopeful! 
​Experiences Await...
#experiencesawait #destinationshd