Working with Destinations HD, ensures you get a tailor-made travel experience with each detail personalized to what YOU need, want and desire from your precious time away.  However, as we have grown, and travel has become more readily available – and affordable – to a wider number of people, we’ve noticed an increase in both spontaneous and research based travelers. 

These are the people who either spend hours poring over reviews and forums to determine just what they want OR the people who don’t know what they want and like to have more flexibility while they are away. Less itinerary and more “seize the day” type vacations. 

This is where our new service comes in – Pick My Brain!  We offer this new service to those who know they want a travel advisor in their corner, but don’t necessarily want all of the bells and whistles of our travel planning concierge expertise. 

To these clients, we offer the following as part of our new service with trusted and expert advice: 

• Destination Selection:
  We receive a lot of clients who have no idea where they want to go – sometimes it’s simply “something tropical, or maybe Greece or Italy or Bali or Mexico?”.  The way we can help is by asking the right questions to figure out exactly what you want to get out of your trip and what you want to experience – the memories you want to bring home.  
  
  Once we ascertain what you want, it gets easier to narrow down your options and once we couple your answers with logistics, such as how long you have to travel, what kind of budget is at your disposal, the time of year you’ll be creating those memories, etc... we can really hone in on the options that will work best for you.
  
  The reason we are able to do this more quickly for you is that our career, day in and day out, is travel. We read articles, travel regularly, attend workshops, webinars, conferences, take courses and programs, all designed to keep us up-to-date and knowledgeable about airport hubs, monsoon seasons, active volcanoes, beaches with high rip tides, school breaks across the world, civil unrest, new dive discoveries, hotel updates, off-the-beaten path hidden gems, and so much more!  We have already put in the hours to become experts that you can trust so that you can concentrate on planning the fun parts of your dream getaway.
  
  
• Assistance with Travel Insurance, Passports & Visas:
  Did you know that if you want to travel to Vietnam you need to know which airport in the country that you’re entering in and that you have to apply for a Visa to enter the country before you depart the USA? Or that to enter India or Thailand you need to have proof of your plan to exit the country – with an onward traveling plane ticket? Not to mention that even if you can get your tourist visa once you arrive in the country, you won’t get it granted unless you have at least two blank pages of your passport available, 6 months validity on the passport AND 2 passport pictures of yourself at hand? We do – and we can help you understand the steps you’ll need to take in order to be prepared to have the adventure of a lifetime! 
  
  
• Accommodation and Transportation Advice:
  With all of the options available, it can get overwhelming to figure out which hotel, resort, cruise or even which DISTRICT or city you’re supposed to stay in. What’s the difference between Cabo San Lucas and Cabo San Jose? What does five stars have that four stars doesn’t? An all-inclusive just means you get everything included right? Is it realistic to plan on walking around London? Is it safe to hire scooters in Thailand? Can you just rely on buses or underground systems in France? Will you need to rent a car in Grand Cayman?
  
  We can answer all of these questions and more – for example, did you know that hotel rooms in Europe adhere to a different standard than we are used to in the USA and that bedding sizes are different? Furthermore, if you have more than 3 people traveling, it can be difficult to find accommodations in one room in Europe. Or that with all-inclusive resorts, what's included, service level and the quality do vary significantly (even when the star rating is the same) which can either make or break your vacation? We can help! You may not need a travel concierge, but it never hurts to have a travel advisor in your corner. 
  
  
• Reservation Booking:
  You know where you want to go, you know where you want to stay and you’re ready to get it all locked in, but don't trust the online website or service if anything goes wrong. We are delighted to assist you with booking the trip for you (as long as it's a provided option through our extensive supplier network*) and will provide you everything you need to embark on your next adventure!
  
  

*We do not book properties outside our supplier network due to legal and ethical reasons, as some are privately owned and have not been vetted or authorized, so there is no guarantee on the type of experiences, cleanliness or service you will receive, and we would be unable to assist you while traveling in the event that there is a problem with the property. 
 
We are excited to be able to offer this new service to our loyal clients, old and new, and can’t wait to get started helping you create memories to last a lifetime! Call us to discuss your travel plans and see how we can assist you! (913) 244-9195   #experiencesawait #destinationshd

Experiences Await...

I hope you have been enjoying the holiday season thus far. I can't believe this year is almost over!! 

​Recently, I have received a lot of questions regarding passports and travel requirements, and with the most recent event of a couple getting kicked off their cruise in South Korea for not having the proper documentation (which you can read the article online here) - I thought it was a good idea to address a few details regarding Passport Laws... 

Here’s why: They leave to these new and exciting destinations and want to cram as much as they can into their getaway. The fear of missing out takes over and before they know it, they have an itinerary so packed that sleep is lost because rest takes a backseat to the “thrill” of seeing something new. With that in mind, here are some things to consider so you can enjoy your vacation fully, and come home refreshed:

1. Be cautious of the tourist traps
Not everything that a destination offers is right for you. In fact, you might find that doing some of them is boring, or even uninteresting to you. For example, if everyone swears you have to visit the museums of a city, but you loathe museums, why put yourself through the torture?

Don’t do every activity available at the traps either. For example, if you want to go the popular beaches, that’s all well and good. But, but do you really need to plan every activity possible while there? Instead of jet skiing, and an evening cruise, and snorkeling, and intro to scuba diving, and all the other things you could schedule, why not pick one or two and leave the rest of your itinerary open?

2. Don’t try to see every city in a 20-mile radius
Just because you are visiting one city in a country, doesn’t mean you need to try and do excursions to all the cities that are surrounding it. Even a visitor to Disney World couldn’t see the whole park and get the “full Disney experience” in a day or two. Therefore, trying to see all of an entire city in one day, and then another the next, and another the next will leave you tired and missing most of the best aspects of each destination.

Give yourself time in one destination to check out the cool coffee shop that all the locals visit. Or delve further away from the tourist spots and tap into the true flavor of the space, rather than the “expected” hot spots.

Besides, it’s important to keep in mind that all the traveling from city to city is going to take up precious vacation time. So stop stressing about trying to cross off more destinations from your bucket list, and give yourself a chance to truly enjoy the surroundings and culture.

3. If you want to destination hop, make it a faster trip, or a better one
For example, if you simply can’t stand the thought of only seeing one country on your trip, in lieu of driving or taking a train, take a flight. Flying to Paris from Rome is 2 hours, but driving will take 14 hours or more. And, a train isn’t that much shorter at 11 hours. Then again, if you insist on a train ride from one destination to the next, at least get one that will be scenic, and relaxing. In other words, instead of taking a train ride at night, take one during the day with a window seat so you can see all the sights along the route.

4. Don’t plan an activity for every hour of the day
Leave several empty spaces in your schedule to avoid stress and overwhelm. Avoid trying to see every landmark too. A better choice is to pick between one and three hot spots you really want to see and leave wiggle room for the rest.

Besides, travel never goes exactly as we plan for it too. Long lines at tourist spots, and transportation between places that takes more time than you thought it would - these are two things alone that can cause many people to begin panicking that they are going over the time they have allotted for the experiences on their itinerary.

Don’t forget the time you lose if you get lost trying to find your way around. I have personally been lost in many major cities trying to find my way - which can end up as one of the best and most fun travel memories! Therefore, give yourself time for those unexpected detours that may lead you to something more enjoyable.


Bottom line - the more free time you give yourself on your trip, the more you will enjoy yourself.

Remember, the whole point of a vacation is to calm down, and take things slow. Recharge your batteries, don’t burn them out.  Don't try to squeeze too much into your trip.  If you’re going to hustle to the point of exhaustion, you could have stayed home and gone to work instead. 

When you are ready to plan your next adventure - call Destinations HD (913) 244-9195! Let us handle the logistics so you can just enjoy yourself and explore the world! 

​Experiences Await...

​We are getting closer to the holiday season, which is a popular time to travel. Unfortunately, not every destination in the world is as safe as others, including the United States. With that in mind, we wanted to discuss safety while traveling, and give you some tips and information to consider when you plan your next getaway.

Know before you go:
One of the best ways to be safe while traveling is to do some research before visiting your destination of choice (or better yet, talk to your travel agent that specializes in that destination). Just a few things you may want to look into include:

• Crime rates of the city you will be visiting (including incidents involving pickpockets, other theft, fraud, assault, crime against tourists, etc…
  
  
• Advisories for the city you will be in. Some areas issue advisories that you need to be aware of. For example, if you are in an area that does not permit juveniles to be out after dark, you need to adhere to that rule to avoid issues with local authorities. Also keep in mind, that some countries are quite large, and advisories can span several hundred or several thousand miles. The more research you can do into a place you will be visiting, the better. This is especially true if you’re going somewhere off the beaten path, exotic, or dangerous.
  
  
• Where your embassy is in the country you’re visiting? You never know what could happen, so being prepared is your best defense.
  
  
• For your health safety, it’s also a good idea to research if there are any shots or tests you should take before you go. Some countries require immunizations to be up to date, and others advise you to take shots for various diseases you could be at risk for.
  
  

Keep important information on your person:

Things to keep on your person include:

• The information for your hotel you will be staying at (address, phone number, and bonus points if you can include cross streets). Note: this information should be kept in a small notebook in case your phone battery dies.
  
  
• A COPY of your passport (depending on the country, you may be required to have your original passport or visa on you, but most do not and I highly recommend keeping your original in your hotel safe to not risk theft or losing it).
  
  
• Travel insurance information, and yes, you NEED travel insurance overseas (in the event you need a hospital or other emergency services).
  
  

A quick note about keeping important information on you - Don’t keep it in your wallet or purse. In the event you are the victim of a pickpocket, it could be stolen. Instead, keep it in a money belt that you wear under your shirt. And, leave copies of important documents in your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to leave copies of these documents with family back home in case you need copies faxed/emailed should everything get lost or stolen in transit.

We’re not invincible on vacation, but we can travel smarter:

Unfortunately, things can happen on vacation that we don’t want to have happen. Here are a few additional things you can do to protect yourself:
​

• Use caution when drinking alcohol while in foreign areas. Sadly, inebriated and even just barely inebriated tourists are a prime target for petty theft (even in your own city - so use caution and be aware of surroundings). Never accept a drink from someone you don't know unless you saw it being made or opened. 
  
  
• Walk in groups, or at a minimum in pairs. The buddy system is your friend as you’re less likely to be targeted than someone who is alone.
  
  
• Avoid walking down dimly lit streets, don’t take shopkeepers up on offers for visiting back rooms for “a great deal,” and basically, avoid anything if you’re uncomfortable with it.
  
  
• Never give money to beggars on the street or sign a petition to help a "local cause". When you pull out money, they can easily grab everything and run; have another person waiting around the corner knowing you have money in your wallet OR even just take anything they can from your bag as you are distracted talking with them or signing their clipboard. 
  ​

The odds are slim you'll have issues with safety while traveling. However, a cautious traveler is less likely to have a negative experience. Keep your wits about you, stay alert, and use good judgement when exploring any new area. Be prepared and don't let fear rule your ability to explore the wonders of the world, otherwise, you'll be stuck inside forever with all the uncertainty these days.

If you have travel questions or concerns, we are happy to discuss them and help plan your ultimate vacation. Call us at (913) 244-9195, and we’ll create the perfect itinerary for you.

Experiences Await...

I can't believe it's August already! This summer flew by, don't you agree?! I've been seeing countdowns popping up online and in stores for the upcoming fall/winter holidays. It's got me daydreaming about a white Christmas... a sandy white one that is! Imagine playing in the sand of an all-inclusive beach resort, instead of shoveling snow this winter. This can be your reality, and I can help you make it so!​

Embrace the dream of a sunny white winter...

It’s no secret that come winter, everyone including the birds, wants to travel south. It’s warmer there, and it beats bundling up every morning to brave the elements!
​
If you too want to head south for the winter, it’s time to plan and book as soon as possible. You might be thinking, “What’s the rush?” - Here’s why you need to book now if you hope to escape the cold:
  

• Rooms are already selling out! Warm climates are hot commodities in those frigid months and hotels can book as early as a year or more ahead of time. You also find lots of early booking savings promotions too, if you plan ahead.
  
  
• The room you want may already be taken. If you are hoping for a standard room, it could still be available if you wait a bit longer. However, if you want a nicer room such as a swim-out category, roof top terrace plunge pool, family-connecting rooms, ocean front views or a honeymoon suite type of accommodation, those are the first to go, so could already be gone if you wait. Or worse, your dream hotel could already be sold out!
  
  
• Resorts want to be completely booked for the winter, so they might offer discounts and deals to people who act fast. Waiting can drive up the prices as the resorts fill up, they know people will pay to get out of dodge when it's cold outside. The law of "supply and demand" factors in with increased prices when availability becomes limited. No snow and a great deal now? Sounds pretty hot to us!
  
  
• Transportation is booking up quickly too. You’ll need to book your flights soon if you hope to get a decent seat without having to take a red eye flight or multiple-stop connections to your preferred destination.
  
  
• Shopping! Now is the BEST time to grab deals on beach/summer wear that will be great for your resort vacation. You won't find much if you wait until Fall/Winter, so plan now, so you can get the best deals for a few new resort outfits.
  
  

​Ditch the snowsuits for swimsuits!

A beach vacation might be just what you need to prevent the winter blues from coming on. Which would you prefer - cold and icy roads, or a cold and icy tropical drink in your hand and toes in the sand? I’m betting you chose the latter ;)

This year skip all those pesky temperature drops and let us whisk you away to a better place. Destinations HD can help you design the perfect vacation for your needs. We’ve also got the inside scoop on the best resorts, as well as, any other information you might need to plan your ultimate snowy escape. Call us at (913) 244-9195, today!

Experiences Await...

How to Travel More
The first thing people think of when it comes to traveling, is money. With that in mind, here are some money saving tips you can use to travel more:

• Start a travel fund
  Go to your bank and see if they offer vacation accounts. By starting a travel fund you can more easily save enough money for your dream destination. Every time you receive your paycheck, put a small portion of it in your travel fund. Do the same with rebates, tax refunds, bonuses, and surprise money. Out of sight, out of mind. And, in most cases you won’t even miss it.
  
  
• Begin with local escapes
  Instead of using a lot of money and time to travel somewhere that’s far away, opt for local vacations. Not only are they cheaper, but they will often hold you over until you can get to the bigger, flashier, popular destinations.
  
  
• Consider house swapping
  If you are travelling to a location where you have friends and relatives, do a house swap with them. This not only means you’ll get free accommodation, but you’ll likely be able to save money on eating at restaurants too by cooking in their kitchen.
  
  
• Travel in the off seasons and book as early as possible 
  It’s generally cheaper to travel in the off seasons, as travel vendors offer lower rates to attract tourists. And, because they want to book every room and opening as quickly as possible, travel vendors will often give discounts if you book in advance.
  
  

How to Travel More With Time Constraints
With our daily careers and work life, some people find it very difficult to set time aside for travelling. However, you can still travel more by:

• Mixing business with pleasure
  If you are going away for a business trip, ask to take a couple of days before or after to explore the destination you’re heading to. Volunteer to go on any and all business trips that are available. Not only do these often come with airfare and hotel included, some companies will even give you an expense account for eating and entertainment in your off hours.
  
  
• Find creative ways of traveling within your job
  If your job doesn’t involve much in the way of travel, you can still find ways to travel for work. For example, if you want a new place to explore and your company has offices in different locations, ask for a transfer. Or, if there are industry-related training and conferences, request to attend them so you can travel to new places. This could show your boss you’re trying to enhance your skills at work. The travel is a bonus!
  
  
• Switch to part-time hours or a four-day work week
  Having less hours, or less days you are expected to be at the office could be just what you need to get more travel time.
  
  
• Make a career of travel
  One of the reasons I become a travel agent. I love to travel and share the world with everyone. You might be good at being an agent too. Additional careers related to travel include travel writing, landscape photography, and influencer marketing.
  
  

Once you start opening your mind to new ways to travel, the possibilities are endless. Isn’t it time you stopped wondering about all the places you want to travel? Let Destinations HD help you start wandering instead! Call us at (913) 244-9195, and we’ll create the perfect itinerary for you.

Experiences Await...

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!