​I've been in the Romance Travel industry for over a decade and the one thing that I've found over the years is that couples always hold the memories of traveling together in a special place in their hearts.

There is something so special about whisking yourselves away together, going through the trials of travel and the true voyage of discovery - whether it be a new destination, new way of traveling or the discovery of each other away from everyday life together.

With that in mind, and with Valentine's Day coming up, I wanted to share some of the best Romance Travel Trends for 2020-2021...

​Luckily – it’s actually pretty easy! When the whole world jumps on board with solutions, we can implement small changes to reduce our plastic waste AND end up saving money and the planet in the long run!

1. Bring Your Own Re-Useable Water Bottle & Insulated Drink Cup
   Most of us have re-useable water bottles these days and for some reason, we don’t bring them when we travel! It’s a super simple switch with a lot of reward, both for your pocketbook and the planet. If you want to go a step further, grabbing a water bottle that contains a filter can make life even easier as you can use most water sources to refill and won't have to sacrifice water quality. Insulated drink cups go without saying – why even bother using flimsy little plastic cups on vacation when you can have a sturdy insulated cup with way more room for coffee or cocktails PLUS it keeps your beverage at the perfect temperature!
   
   
2. Skip the Plastic Bags & Zip-Locks
   More and more nations are adopting bans on plastic bags, but if that isn’t enough of a deterrent, consider that other countries may not have the same kind of recycling facilities that we are lucky enough to enjoy here. An easy way to play your part in keeping the world beautiful is to simply swap out plastic bags for dirty clothes/shoes for a cheap set of packing cubes – added benefit, you can keep everything compartmentalized and organized. Zip-locks are quickly becoming a no-no as well, so I recommend investing in a sturdy clear bag with a zipper that can be re-used for travel.  
    
3. Recycle BEFORE You Leave
   Let’s be real – a lot of us buy new items prior our vacation, whether it be for a special occasion we’re celebrating abroad or just something new and fun to use or wear. Remember to open packages and unwrap items of their packaging before you leave to recycle in your own recycle bin. You will keep your waste impact low abroad where they may not have the same means to recycle on your behalf, PLUS you'll have more room to pack strategically.
   
   
4. Pack Re-Usable Straws
   Most places have banned plastic straws at this point and if they haven’t, you can bet they likely will soon. While you may have seen that there are some great plastic straw alternatives available such as bamboo and pasta (yep, really!), odds are that international hotels and resorts won’t be introducing this expense just yet. The best and easiest thing to do is simply pack your own metal or bamboo straw that can be used over and over again – even better if it comes with your fancy new insulated drink tumbler! 😉
   
   
5. Stop Buying Travel Size Toiletries
   Invest in a small travel kit containing clear travel friendly containers which you can simply fill with your own products at home. Not only will you save money, but you can stick with using the products that you know and love instead of having to use a different product which your hair, skin, and body may not be used to.

These are only a few of the ways that you can help minimize your use of plastic when traveling and keep these wonderful destinations beautiful for years to come – as well as, save some money to put towards your next trip!

If you’re interested in finding out about other ways that you can contribute to being an eco-conscious traveler or need help finding the next perfect destination for your next adventure - just Book your consultation or call (913) 244-9195 today!

Experiences Await...
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Travel Is Way Better Than Stuff!

Travel is so memorable and gives pleasure that simply can’t be created from commercial goods. The truth is most people don’t remember gifts that were given to them for any given occasion, regardless of how much money you spent on it. But, ask them about trips they've been on, and they will likely be able to tell you with unbelievable accuracy the details of that trip!

Stuff comes and goes, but memories are there forever. Traveling provides us stories to tell, and inspires new dreams within us. Travel helps us to share experiences in a way objects cannot.

Travel Yields Deeper Bonds!

Consider for a moment what happens when you give the gift of an object. You hand it to the recipient. They may or may not light up with joy in the moment, but then it’s over. You have nothing further to discuss other than a comment if they wear it or use it from time to time.

Now consider what happens when you go on a trip... You can plan it together. You can visit the various sites together. You share the views, the culture, the food, etc... You’re experiencing the trip together. Then, when you get back you have memories to call upon together. It’s not a one-sided experience anymore. It’s something you can truly bond over for a lifetime.

As we travel and interact with new things, we are mentally stimulated. We ask more questions. We feel more engaged. We feel present in the moment, and more excited to be with those we’re experiencing the trip with.

Now, I know what you may be thinking - what if you give the gift of travel to someone, and you’re not going on the trip with them? You’ll still enjoy many benefits that you wouldn’t get to have with gifts of objects. For example:

• When the recipient returns you can share the pictures from their trip
• You can talk all about what they saw while they were away, and almost feel like you were there too
• They’ll have a deeper appreciation for you because you made their exciting experience possible.
  
  

Bottom line - you can’t always take your stuff with you, but no one can ever take your memories. Fill up your mind with all the travel adventures you can. You’ll find you become more cultured and feel healthier mentally and emotionally. How many people can say that about a necklace or board game?

Would you like help creating the perfect travel gift? Book your consultation or call (913) 244-9195 today and see how we can help plan the ultimate, treasured gift of all time! We even offer gift certificates!

Experiences Await...
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I just returned from a personal vacation with my husband in Mexico. During our trip, we overheard some couples discussing what they should be tipping at dinner. This is a common question that many travelers have, so thought it would be a good topic to chat about today. I will cover when, how, and how much to tip for your next resort vacation. ​

Note: the information in this post is based on current trends and practices. For superior service, you might consider increasing the gratuity based on your experience. This is also based on US Dollars, so for those countries that may not prefer US currency, just calculate the exchange rate in relation to the local currency. 

I'm currently planning a reunion getaway with the girls I met in Fiji this year. We became fast friends and traveling without them isn't quite the same now. Do you have those friends that make everything better together? 

With life taking people all over the world for work and family, it's hard to stay in touch as much as you use to with your pals. Meeting up for trips is a great way to reconnect, as well as, experience new things and create unforgettable memories together!   

​As we start to plan our reunion vacation, it got me thinking about how women-only vacations have become increasingly popular. Call it self-care, call it a girl’s getaway - in fact, call it whatever you want because the reason they are trending right now is that they are so much fun. With that in mind, I wanted to share my number one tip for making the most out of a girl’s only vacation (which of course can be modified to fit a guy's interest or any group you want to travel with based on what you all enjoy doing). My best advice is start with a stay at an all-inclusive resort and here's why...

The great thing about staying at an all-inclusive resort is that they often provide nonstop entertainment, access to a spa, usually a golf course nearby, and they always include meals and drinks. ​

It's also a great way for friends on different budgets to be on the same level that week. When you opt for an all-inclusive resort, you don’t have to worry about keeping your costs in check while having all that fun since nearly everything you want is included!

It’s important to note that some of the amenities may not be included in your all-inclusive resort stay, and some resorts may have more restrictions, extra fees or requirements, so it's important to know which resort brand would best fit your group's expectations. Resort vacations usually offer a significant bang for your travel buck.

Here are some ideas to stretch the fun even further without breaking the bank:
​

1. Make it a themed trip. You will get a kick out of seeing what each girl brings to wear for themed getaways. For example, you could do Hollywood Glam, Disney Princesses, or even your favorite Marvel characters. Bring props and make it an extra special trip complete with silly selfies, and Instagram worthy fashion shows.
   
   
2. Do spa treatments and makeovers in your room. Grab recipes for sugar scrubs and face masks on Pinterest, and you can easily put them together in your room before going out for the night.  
   
   
3. Plan ahead to take advantage of all the entertainment offered at the resort. If you can get access to an event calendar upon arrival, plan some of your fun around it. Some resorts have off-Broadway style shows, Cirque du Soleil type acts, and even live music. Others will host dance classes before the room is transformed into a fun party you can dance all night at.
   
   
4. Pace yourself on the drinks. It can be tempting to drink as much as possible when you’re at an all-inclusive resort. The trouble is it can ruin a vacation. Instead, have some fun, but don’t take it too far. You’ll enjoy it more without the hangover. 
   
   
5. Work with a travel agent to help you plan it. No single person should shoulder all the responsibilities of managing the money and booking the trip in your group. Keep it fun and learn about extra amenities that may be available to you by working with a travel agent to plan and book the trip instead.

Want to learn more about hosting a girls-only, or even a guys-only trip? ​Book your consultation or call today (913) 244-9195.

Experiences Await...
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I just returned from Los Cabos, Mexico after attending a luxury travel conference. Afterwards, I also took the time to tour 12 resorts while I was there. If you haven't been to Cabo in the last few years - it's time to return! You won't recognize it with all the growth between the new resorts and infrastructure. Some major resort players in the luxury market that just opened within the last year are the Montage, Nobu and Viceroy just to name a few. 

I was even told that over the last years their climate has been changing a bit too, making it greener than I remembered. Between the stunning mountain scapes with both tropical and desert landscaping as well as, the beautiful ocean views where you can watch whales breach the waters from the shoreline during this magical season - it's a true oasis you must see for yourself! Another unique feature about Cabo is if you stay in the right location, you can see both the sunrise and sunset each day! I was able to also enjoy the moon rise at the same time the sun was setting and it was a spectacular vision that no words can describe. ​

Toward the end of my adventure though, I was feeling a little sluggish and started getting that "sick" feeling in my throat. As soon as the plane took off to return home, my nose started running as fast as the plane was going and it hasn't stopped since. I'm writing this with a full blown cold and head about to pop, so don't judge me on the grammar errors :) I felt this was a good topic to discuss this week and wanted to provide some of my recommendations on staying healthy when traveling. Even though it can sometimes be inevitable, especially for me this time, as I was "too busy" to follow my own rules.  

For many travelers, health is the last thing on your mind when traveling. However, it's important to consider how your actions while traveling can affect you upon returning home. The last thing you, or your boss for that matter wants, is for you to return and request sick days after your vacation. Here are some of my tips for staying healthy when traveling...

Have an Emergen-C plan!
First line of defense. There is a simple, non-expensive solution I like to use while traveling. It's important to start an immune system booster, such as Emergen-C or other like product, before you travel and continue until returning home. This should assist in keeping you healthy and happy for the duration of your trip.

Watch What You Eat.
I know, I know! You are on vacation. I am not saying don't indulge, but I am saying don't over indulge. Sure, have some carbs. And of course, have that second glass of wine. Just be mindful of the fact that if you go too overboard with the indulgence, you could pay the price that day, the next day, or worse – the entire trip. There are few things as depressing as having a hangover while you're away, and missing out on the fun is definitely one.
 
Plus, when you are used to eating and drinking a certain way, your body can react negatively to overdoing it with the heavier and more sugary food and drinks you have. It might not be food poisoning; it could just be your body rejecting the junk it's not used to. SIDE NOTE: Pineapple is a natural diuretic, so enjoy those Piña colada's in moderation.

Move Your Body.
When you're traveling, it's important to get in a little exercise. The good news is, you will probably be walking a lot more than you would at home. However, if you have been too sedentary for a while, like an overseas flight for 8 hours, you need to get the blood flowing as soon as possible. Some experts even suggest taking a walk on the plane if you will be flying for more than a few hours. Better yet, schedule a foot and leg massage the first day to get your circulation moving. 

Get Some Sleep – Seven to Eight Hours Minimum.
Do yourself a favor and don't stay up late and get up early everyday of your trip. Yes, there may be a lot you want to see and do on vacation, but not getting enough sleep wreaks havoc on your immune system. Sleep recharges your batteries, allows healthy cell regeneration, and lets you to be more present during your waking hours.

Drink More Water.
Water is the best thing you can be drinking when traveling (and when you're at home of course). It flushes toxins, re-hydrates your body, aids in digestion, boosts your mood, and keeps you more awake than coffee – trust me, water is awesome! Drink plenty of it. If you will be walking a lot, or will be in warmer climates, you'll need to drink more to stay hydrated as well. De-hydration is the number one cause of jetlag, and water is the best way to flight back on long flights.

Sanitize.
Don't forget to bring hand sanitizer and wipes with you. I like to wipe down my seat area on the plane - you never know what happened there before you (I have seen some very unpleasant things). I also keep my hand sanitizer close after touching all the germy luggage, doors, bathroom stalls, etc... and don't forget to wipe down the hotel room remote and handles as well. 
 
This is far from an exhaustive list of ways to stay healthy while traveling. Hopefully it got you thinking about some ways you can help yourself too. May your vacations be long, your transits hassle free, and your bodies be healthy!

When you are ready to plan your next vacation, just ​Book your consultation. Destinations HD can help you design the perfect trip for your needs!
Experiences Await...
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Between all the summer activities, getting ready for the upcoming school year, and the insane holiday season just around the corner, thinking about planning your next vacation may feel a bit overwhelming right now. However, if you plan to travel this winter or upcoming Spring Break, it's important to get reservations made as soon as possible before prices continue to increase and availability becomes more scarce. 
​
​Below are some simple tips for taking the stress out of travel...