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Travel Blog

How to Reconnect with Socially Distancing Responsible Travel

5/6/2020

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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I know that there are so many of us who won’t be able to celebrate our mother’s, mother figures, and the outstanding father’s who’ve played both Mom and Dad to us, in quite the same way this year.

With travel restrictions slowly lifting however, we can give the Gift of Reconnection in the form of a future travel certificate – and start thinking about the kind of travel that we can safely embark on as we enter our new normal way of life.
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For those of us wanting to get back into the world and see new places or different scenery, but who are still wary of jumping right back into the fray of extensive multi-destination trips or mega-resorts, there are a number of smaller boutique and secluded style options available that are ideal to start. Let's explore a few of those today... ​

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Choosing an All-Inclusive Resort - Things to Consider

8/16/2017

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Can you believe it's already mid-August?!  I've seen holiday decorations in stores already - where does the time go?!! 

Have you been considering staying in an all-inclusive resort this winter? The reality is, not all all-inclusives are the same, and you need to be mindful of this when choosing one. For some people they think that their best bet is to choose the cheapest one, for others luxury is all the rage, and other still fear that they'll choose a place that doesn't give them everything that they're really looking for on vacation. If you’re looking for help in choosing the perfect all-inclusive resort for you, these considerations may assist you in making your choice...

First, look at the cost for staying there. Yes, you will want to consider the price you're paying. However, don't stop there. Take a look at what that price you're paying gets you.  Unfortunately, the world all-inclusive doesn't necessarily mean “all-inclusive.”  Some resorts will charge you a low price, and then sneak in a bunch of fees for everything from steak at dinner to using your in-room safe. It's important to look at the fine print of what your all-inclusive resort really includes.

  1. Are drinks included? If so, what kind of drinks? Sodas and juice? Beer and wine? Top shelf spirits? These items can cause your travel budget to spiral out of control.

  2. Are the prices per person or per couple? Some resorts include phrasing like “price per person based on double occupancy.” Does this mean if you’re a party of three the odd man out in your group will pay more for staying there? Possibly. This is why fine print is important to read and understand.

  3. Does your resort have restrictions for dinner? Some limit your dining choices based on length of stay and/or require dinner reservation to be made each morning OR be stuck at their buffet that night. Others will limit your meals allowing just one visit per day or you may find a surprise bill at the end of your stay for eating more times. Others offer unlimited dining and no reservations needed making your trip even more stress-free. Keep in mind, these resorts do not list all their restrictions on their website, so you have to dig sometimes to find this type of information.

  4. Can you easily go off property to visit the surrounding area? Many all-inclusive resorts have been built in a way that discourages travelers from leaving the property. If you want to explore the area, make sure you are located in an area that won't cost a fortune to taxi into town. 

  5. Are tips included? What about snacks or room service? Do they restrict your pool towel use? Some require you to exchange your key card for a towel and must return it or be charged a fine for lost card. Do they require you to wear wristbands (which may be a disappointment if you're going for a wedding OR romantic celebration and plan to have photos taken - nothing worse than having a beautiful memory show a plastic wrist-band in your framed photo)

Next, read reviews on each of the resorts that you are considering. It's no secret that in today's internet fueled world, tourists are ready, willing, and able, to tell the truth about the experiences that they're having at destinations worldwide. That gorgeous photo that you saw of that spectacular looking resorts on that private island, could in fact be massively photoshopped and look nothing like the photo in real life.  At least real travelers are sharing the photos of what the place was actually like... which could be considered a blessing and a curse :)  Just make sure to take in the information with caution, as not everyone has the same level of expectations or tastes, among many other factors accounting for their positive or negative thoughts.
 
Work with a reputable travel agent that will tell you what you really need to know about the all-inclusive resorts that you're considering. Destinations HD has the 411 on the hottest, most reliable, safest and overall knowledge on quality all-inclusive resorts that provide the best value. We only work with the best in the business, and we pass our personal experience and knowledge of these spectacular destinations onto you.

By not going in with your eyes wide-opened, you could end up with a second-rate vacation. We want to help you avoid that. When you’re ready to book your all-inclusive getaway, call Destinations HD at (913) 244-9195. We’ll help ensure you get the most bang for your travel buck and have a quality experience!
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Tasting your Travels

5/18/2016

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On a recent trip to Punta Cana - I had the most amazing experience at a local restaurant that our tour guide told us about. I still can't stop thinking about it! I was thrilled to have learned about this amazing spot which I enjoyed the best seafood I have ever tasted (and a few options I normally wouldn't have selected, but glad I did) - all while being mesmerized at the beautiful Caribbean Sea just steps away!
For many people, travel is a way to escape temporarily from daily life. Travel is their way to completely immerse themselves into a new culture, new surroundings, a new way of living. So, why when you are spending all of your hard earned money to visit a new location would you keep looking for the same foods you can get at home? There is nothing more memorable than reminiscing the excitement of getting to taste local culinary dishes.

The truth is that while you're traveling you can't say you've experienced it all until you have tried the authentic cuisine of the country you're visiting. There is an incredible, wide variety of dishes all over the world which makes them unique and interesting in their own right. Being fully engaged with the food culture of your travel destination will let you get a taste of what it's really like living in that country. Here are just a few fabulous ways to taste your travels:
Take a Food Tour:
Culinary tours are all the rage in several European countries these days such as Italy and France. You can tour wineries, places where cheese is made, and even patisseries and butcheries. Ask me about all the tours available in your destination!


Take a Cooking Class:
When a tour isn't enough you may want a hands on class to re-create the flavors at home. Learn about the spices of authentic dishes in the country you're visiting. If nothing else it will give you a genuine appreciation for the work and care that goes into the preparation of the dishes that make the food taste the way it does.

Visit Authentic Restaurants:
Sure, there are dozens of restaurants in practically every destination that cater to a plethora of tastes. But, do yourself a favor and find out where the locals eat! Ask the concierge where they eat lunch, inquire with your tour operators where their favorite eateries are. School yourself online about the top dishes that make the country so great. Then, go on a hunt for those meals. Not only will you learn about the food, you'll likely learn the interesting stories behind what made these signature dishes the go to cuisine of the area.


All it takes is a little courage to get out of your comfort zone. Once you've decided that you're willing and ready to give it a try, you surely won't regret it. As the saying goes, "you only live once" so enjoy life to its fullest. I hope this has encouraged you to seek out authentic experiences while you're on vacation! Enjoying the flavors of the country you're visiting is an essential part of your trip. It's an amazing experience which everyone should try out when they travel. 

Experiences Await...

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