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... ​

If you are anything like me, the winter gets you thinking about getting the heck out of here and finding a nice beach to thaw out on!!  

​I was recently accepted as 1 of 15 travel agents nationwide to go to Fiji next month and it can't get here fast enough! I will tour multiple islands and a vast array of resorts on a whirlwind visit in Fiji, but I'm excited for paradise and look forward to sharing my experiences with you!

​As you start planning your upcoming beach getaway, I have some insight regarding how to select your room category that you may find beneficial...

UNICO 20°87° isn’t just a destination, it’s a journey! From locally-inspired gourmet dishes to exhilarating tours of ancient ruins, you will find more than your typical all-inclusive resort, you will enjoy the rich, warm culture of Modern Mexico!

This adults-only resort was everything I dreamed it would be and more! If you prefer unstructured schedules, natural elegant decor, quality food, premium drinks, fun, yet laid-back energy and romance - this resort might be for you!​

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 are 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 will enjoy 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 ladies, 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 20% service fee for each service used (plus gratuity).​

For example, if want to do the Xtreme Mayan Jungle Tour - which combines ziplining, rappelling into a freshwater underground river, and swimming through a series of underground caverns - you would normally pay $99 per person for this tour, but at UNICO 20°87° you only pay $19.80 for this incredible experience! 

During my stay, I was fortunate to enjoy two spa treatments. The first one was their signature massage with FOUR hands, where I had two massage therapists working at the same time, melting my stresses away! OMG! This was incredible!! It felt like a synchronized dance with hands from head to toe. Each moment I continued to fade deeper into a blissful state with a permanent smile on my face. An experience I will dream about until I return and enjoy my next one :)

My other spa treatment was a relaxing Shaman Body Wrap with a gentle exfoliation treatment and cocoa wrap. This was my first body wrap experience and it was like three mini massages as each layer was applied. My skin was so hydrated and smooth after PLUS I smelled like chocolate :) There are a variety of spa treatment options that are included under the unlimited inclusion program, but they also have many others for an additional cost. 

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE...

Other included experiences worth mentioning are their redefined cultural tours. They created a few one-of-a-kind excursions (only available through this resort), which include unique and memorable adventures that will make your vacation truly one to flaunt! Their included tours range from a Wine Sunset Sailing, Snorkeling, Zip-Lining, Mayan Ruins, and so much more! You just pay the 20% service fee of the cost as I mentioned earlier. I had the pleasure to join their Sunset Sail with Vino tour... We had a lovely catamaran with around 30 guests from the resort and sailed down the coast enjoying wine, drinks and music before docking at a shallow lagoon for a perfect sunset photo opportunity, where we listened to music, and snacked on cheese and fruits before returning to the resort. 

This resort is also located on the 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 watch them return to the sea. It was a remarkable experience to be a part of! 

Also worth mentioning is their stunning wedding creations at this resort. If you are looking to elevate your destination wedding or vow renewal and offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience filled with personalized touches, locally-sourced dishes and artisanal cocktails PLUS a dreamy backdrop of the turquoise sea - look no further! They have gorgeous wedding options to make the ultimate event. This upscale resort will impress your guests and your wedding will be one that no one will ever forget!

Carcassonne, France
Most people think of Paris when they think of France. But, there are so many other French destinations that offer all the romance without all the tourist hoopla. Carcassonne is a stunning hilltop town in the south of France. It’s famous for its medieval feel, and one of the most romantic spaces in the city is the Hotel de la Cite. This hotel is a well-preserved medieval castle featuring spiral staircases, stained-glass windows, stone walls and formal gardens. You’ll truly feel like royalty here.

Oxford, United Kingdom
Imagine a lovers escape to the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxford. This luxury hotel boasts itself as the perfect destination for a gastronomic weekend or a romantic retreat. This gorgeous manor is one of the United Kingdom’s first, and most intimate hotels. It has just 32 uniquely designed rooms, but it’s a breathtaking place you won’t want to leave for days on end. And, considering the fact they have some of the best food on site that makes even the world’s top chefs blush, you might not need to go off property for anything but sightseeing.

Chania Balos Beach in Crete
Move over Santorini, this might just be the new Greek hot spot for lovers on holiday. Chania Balos Beach in Crete is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. From the hills above the beach it looks like a lagoon, and its white sand, soft seabed and crystal waters provide some of the most picturesque views imaginable.  

Prague, Czech Republic
Though it may surprise you, many folks consider the capital of the Czech Republic to be one of the most romantic places on the planet. By day wander around amazing attractions such as Prague Castle and the St. Nicolas Cathedral. During the evening, you can enjoy a peaceful walk around winding cobblestone avenues lit by subtle road lights, cuddle in a horse-drawn carriage, or take a boat ride at sunset down the Vltava River while soaking in the rich environment.

St. Moritz, Switzerland
As we round out this list of romantic destinations to bring back some spark, we couldn’t leave out the winter wonderland of St. Moritz in Switzerland. Located in the Swiss Alps sits this amazing ski town featuring adrenaline inducing slopes, panoramic views, bobsledding, casinos, nightclubs and more. You’ll quickly see why St. Moritz is called the number one winter playground of international jet setters. Spend the days on powdered mountains, and then spend the nights enjoying delicious cuisine and snuggles by the fire.

To find your perfect destination for romance (or just a winter getaway with friends or family), just give us a call at: (913) 244-9195. ​

Experiences Await...

The holiday season is just around the corner, which means it's also it's the proposal season. While you may already be married, you might know someone that is engaged or about to be and may be thinking about a destination wedding. If you do, we have vast experience with helping brides figure out how to start planning and organizing their destination wedding to tropical destinations.

As a past beach bride in Puerto Vallarta, I have some insight to pass along for those that might be asking if a Destination Wedding is right for them.

Traditions are becoming the “old way” of doing things, and these days people are looking for better and more exciting experiences. The same is true for weddings. You’ve likely heard about underwater weddings, or even ones where people sky dive as they say “I do.”  Your story as a couple is a unique one, and you deserve a wedding that is just as unique as you. Let’s explore just a few reasons that destination weddings are better than traditional ones...

They’re exciting - What separates a destination wedding from a traditional wedding is the feeling you extract from it. You will enjoy more quality time with loved ones, instead of just one day that is over 6 hours later when everyone goes their separate ways. Plus, every destination wedding can be very different. It’s a breath of fresh air. You can wed atop a mountain, or underneath the sea. You can carry a bouquet made of seashells, or forego one altogether. The possibilities are endless when you don’t have to conform to traditional expectations.

They’re more intimate - Don't expect a wedding crasher at a destination wedding, let alone your Uncle Joe that you can’t even stand seeing at Thanksgiving. You get to be selective with the group that will be there on your day. In fact, you can choose to avoid everyone altogether and make it a completely private event with just you and your spouse to be.

They’re budget-friendly - I mentioned this in a previous newsletter, but it bears repeating. Destination Weddings are typically much less expensive than traditional ones. Because you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a hall, a reception location and all the usual wedding vendors, allowing you to save a lot of dough. Plus, since it will be a significantly smaller group, so you won’t have to fork out as much for the reception dinner either!

They’re convenient - When choosing a resort destination wedding, they usually come complete with a wedding coordinator taking care of the organization. Plus, Destinations HD can help you with many of the details of coordinating the travel plans for your guests, including all requests, allergies, travel questions, transfers, payments, etc...  so all you have to do is communicate your dream wedding vision and show up to get hitched. The best part? You can honeymoon in the same spot you get married in. All the traveling is already over, so once you complete the ceremony you can slip 100% into vacation mode (maybe change hotels to an adults-only or more luxury resort for an intimate honeymoon experience). No hassles, and you’re in paradise... Sounds like a win-win to me!

Want to learn more about planning the destination wedding of your dreams? We specialize in beach weddings internationally and would be honored to help you plan your special day. Call Destinations HD today to find out more: (913) 244-9195

Experiences Await...

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!

As summer living is in full swing, I am getting a lot of vacation requests - not sure if this is due to kids driving parents crazy now OR it's just the season :)  I'm receiving many inquiries for upcoming milestone anniversary and celebrations and the most common destination inquiry for these events is the dreamy islands of Tahiti.  I thought I would take this time to discuss other options for Tahiti for those that want to see many islands, but don't necessarily have the time or budget to island hop.
 
Tahiti is one of those utopia destinations that is incredibly popular, not only because year-round warm weather, but also the gorgeous surroundings, spectacular beaches, and the friendliest people you will ever meet!  The average year-round temperature is just 79 degrees. Couple that with the water temperature average of 79 in the winter and 84 in the summer, and you've got practically perfect vacation conditions. You will be embraced by Mana, the life force that connects all things in Tahiti, as soon as you arrive.  With 118 islands and atolls spread over five archipelagos, there is something new to experience at every turn. Each island offers a verity of activities and accommodation experiences, so if you're looking to explore the islands, and want to do it in a unique way, you might want to consider a Tahiti cruise!

On a Tahitian cruise, you'll get to see multiple destinations, and you'll travel aboard what is essentially a moving hotel – unpack once and explore the beauty around you!  Doesn't that sound just amazing?

Let's take a quick peek at some of the options for cruising Tahiti:
 
High-End Cruising Aboard a Luxury Liner
There's cruising, and then there is luxury cruising. When you're on a luxury liner you're treated like the VIP that you are. Once you step aboard, all of your meals and lodging are included, and some cruise lines offer extra perks like alcoholic beverages, a personal butler and/or private excursions. Just imagine visiting French Polynesia by day, and being waited on like the rich and fabulous by night!
 
One thing to note though, on some luxury liners, you will find these are more extended vacations that combine stops at several of the Tahitian islands, but starts or ends in destinations like New Zealand or Australia. If you have the time to spare, these are great cruises to see so much more than just a beach paradise. However, if you don’t have that much time to explore, there are dedicated cruise lines that only focus on the French Polynesia and some offer all-inclusive pricing with meals, drinks and entertainment all included!
 
Yachting from Island to Island
The difference between a large high-end cruise line and a yacht? The level of intimacy and the number of your fellow boating mates. Some of the larger lines can host as many as 3,000 guests, where as smaller yachts could be limited to 350 people, or even as little as two guests (some with a personal cook).
Smaller cruise boat options like yachts can also get into areas the larger boats can't, and this will give you the opportunity to do things like snorkeling in secluded spots, paddle boarding or kayaking in picturesque settings, or relaxing with little to no noise and slipping completely into vacation mode.
 
Low Key or Extreme Adventure
Regardless of whether you choose to go with a large liner or a small, intimate cruise, your Tahitian cruise can be what you want it to be. The options are truly limitless. You can choose casual, calm excursions intent on helping you relax. However, if you prefer a more extreme cruise experience, there are excursions such as swimming with sharks and sting rays, or intense rides on a 4X4 amidst sheer cliffs that get you up close to a volcano!
 
Your Cruise is What You Make It
Believe it or not, we've barely scratched the surface of the options available to you for cruising Tahiti. If you would like to learn more about the perfect cruise that fits your needs, call Destinations HD at (913) 244-9195. However you choose to island hop, we'll make sure your trip fulfills as many of your vacation dreams as possible.  Experiences Await...