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What’s Up Zika?

November 1, 2018 By Susan Robson

What’s Up Zika? Zika, a mosquito borne virus, first hit Caribbean destinations in 2015, and then exploded in 2017 & 2018. Since GO TRAVEL STL primarily works with Destination Wedding and Honeymoon couples, it was obvious that many couples wanted to avoid Caribbean destinations to avoid issues with family planning. 

What’s Up Zika? Caribbean Sheds Active Zika Transmission Classification

Caribbean Destinations

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently removed Zika—the mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe birth defects during pregnancy—as a high-level threat for the Caribbean, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) announced.

What’s Up Zika? According to data released by CARPHA, Zika virus transmission in the region has been interrupted for more than a year, reaching undetectable levels and thus posing little risk to residents and visitors. 

What’s Up Zika? The evidence was backed up by data from all over the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States, which showed that no Zika had been detected for over 12 months in travelers returning from the Caribbean to their native countries.

What’s Up Zika? “The Caribbean is the most tourism-dependent region in the world. It is also one of the most popular Honeymoon Destinations worldwide and ongoing cancellations due to the classification of most Caribbean countries as Category 1 is hurting the industry unnecessarily,” Executive Director, CARPHA, Dr. C. James Hospedales said in a statement. “Therefore, CARPHA felt compelled to provide the evidence and to advocate for the removal of this WHO Zika classification system.”

Caribbean Beaches safe again.

What’s Up Zika? “Sandals Resorts is deeply rooted in the Caribbean and the removal of the Zika virus as a high-level threat means that residents and guests alike can experience the beauty of the region worry-free,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, in a statement.”Tourism is integral to the Caribbean and we’re excited to continue welcoming brides and grooms, honeymooners and couples simply looking to get away at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in some of the most luxurious and romantic suites.”

What’s Up Zika…what does this mean to travelers? It means Zika is down , so that everyone can begin travel to all of these dream destinations, again! So Fabulous! Contact Susan@GoTravelStl.com to find your perfect Dream Honeymoon or Destination Wedding! I can’t wait to hear from you!                        Susan

Filed Under: All-Inclusive resorts, Antigua, bahamas, Barbados, Beach destinations, Caribbean, Destination Dominican Republic, Destination Jamaica, Destination Wedding Resort, Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, Destinations in Caribbean, Destinations in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Family Travel, Grenada, Honeymoon, Honeymoon priorities, Jamaica, Mexico, Montego Bay, Nassau, Negril, Ochos Rios, Resort in Puerto Morelos, Resorts in Akumal, Resorts in Cancun, Resorts in Playa del Carmen, Resorts in Playa Mujeres, Resorts in Puerto Aventuras, Resorts in Riviera Maya, Resorts in Tulum, Resorts on Costa Rica, Resorts on St. Lucia, Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos

Certified Sandals Specialist …why you need one!

October 14, 2018 By Susan Robson

Certified Sandals Specialists Give You More!

Knowledgeable Sandals Agents hold a Certified Sandals Specialist designation. This special group of agents completes site visits to Sandals properties and attends yearly meetings to keep informed of changes & enhancements to the resorts. Travel professionals in the program receive exclusive educational opportunities and marketing materials, as well as customized services, sales, and educational support.  This knowledge allows me, as your agent, to tailor your travel to your specific needs and desires. My specialist training gives me: 

  • Knowledge of all Sandals & Beaches properties
  • Knowledge of room types, locations, and all pertinent details.
  • Knowledge of the Luxury Included experience at Sandals & Beaches.
  • Knowledge of discounts and specials
  • Knowledge of the flights to your destination/ from your city.
  • The ability to get you more for your $$.

Since Sandals has fixed pricing, you won’t save money doing it yourself by booking online, and it may result in you being disappointed. My travel agent advice/help is no-charge, so why not?

Your Certified Sandals Specialist agent plays an important role in making sure that you find the destination that best fits your budget and preferences. By giving you the best advice and support, you can rest assured that your travel will meet your expectations.

Certified Sandals Specialis Susan Robson
Luxury Included at Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica


Susan 

Filed Under: All-Inclusive resorts, Antigua, bahamas, Barbados, Certified Sandals Specialist, Destination Wedding Resort, Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, Destinations in Caribbean, Free Weddings, Grenada, Honeymoon, Honeymoon priorities, Jamaica, Montego Bay, Nassau, Negril, Ochos Rios, Resorts on St. Lucia, Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia, Symbolic Wedding Ceremony, Turks & Caicos Tagged With: Certified Sandals Specialist

Want to Get Married…in Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, or the Dominican Republic?

December 8, 2014 By Susan Robson

Many couples ask me…How do couples get married in Mexico, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic?  It turns out, Destination Weddings are as easy as P.I.E.S. (popular-inexpensive-easy-stress free).  Because of the romantic, tropical and sea beauty of the Caribbean, it is a popular and favorite choice for destination weddings.  But, brides and grooms do need to know the two kinds of ceremonies, and then make the best choice for themselves.

What type of ceremony?  There are two types offered…legal (civil) or symbolic.DRERC_WeddingGazebo_Night_4A

Symbolic ceremony – I’ll start with the easiest of the two.  Picture this ceremony as a “performance”, and remember that it doesn’t change anyone’s marital status.  Most couples decide to “legally” marry in the USA prior to their destination wedding celebration, primarily because of the foreign requirements to have a legal ceremony (these will follow).  The resort the couple chooses will:  1. tell them how many days they need to be present to assist and direct planning, 2. give the couple wedding package choices, and 3. coordinate & orchestrate the wedding.  Couples can “individualize” their wedding by including wedding traditions, and stylizing every aspect to suit their personalities and likes.  All of this is coordinated via email & phone calls through the travel agent, wedding coordinator, and the couple.

Civil or Legal ceremony – Generally, there are basic requirements in all foreign countries that remain somewhat consistent, but they will vary depending on the country.  For purposes here, generalizations will be given and every couple should contact the Consulate in that country for specifics and to verify all facts and details.

1. Pre-wedding blood tests & possibly chest x-rays done in the wedding location.      Documentation: 1. notarized copy of birth certificates and letters stating single status – these need to be translated in the language of the country.  3. 1 – 3 business days waiting period & 2 – 4 witnesses with valid id’s (varies by country). 4. Copies of any divorce decree or death certificate of a previous spouse.  5. Passports & copies.

The legal ceremony is conducted in Spanish by a Judge and translated into English by the wedding coordinator.   The wedding certificate translation is at a cost of about $150.  In the USA, the State Dept. requires that all wedding certificates from ceremonies in foreign countries, have the Apostille Seal.  This can be completed by the wedding coordinator (boy, this person is busy), and is then sent and delivered to a U.S.A. address approximately 90 business days after the ceremony. Registration of the marriage certificate in a couple’s home country should be done once it is received.  A wedding planner can be hired in the destination to assist with getting all of the required documents and paperwork complete.  Often, a resort’s wedding department can provide information, as well.  There are many details to this legal ceremony, so consider contacting the Consulate in the country of the destination wedding.   Another general listing of the needed documents and waiting/preparation days for legal weddings:

          Documents Needed                                                 Waiting/preparation days

  • Passports and birth certificate                                    Bahamas – 1 day           Dominican – 3 days
  • single status proof                                                              Mexico – 2 days
  • At least 2 witnesses                                                           Jamaica – 1 day
  • registration fee – approximately $300

Do you still have questions?  Your travel agent and wedding coordinator can assist you to find the right answers.   If you are now ready to begin looking at and planning your destination wedding, please go to www.GoTravelStl.com and begin by filling out the Perfect Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Analysis.

Look for my next blog…Planning a Destination wedding.                                                                                        couple_wedding_beach

Susan

 

 

 

Filed Under: An inside view, bahamas, Destination Dominican Republic, Destination Jamaica, Destinations in Caribbean, Destinations in Mexico, documentation for marriage in Dominican Republic, documentation for marriage in Jamaica, documentation for marriage in Mexico, Honeymoon, Legal wedding ceremony, Symbolic Wedding Ceremony, Wedding requirements Tagged With: Bahamas, chesterfield travel agent, Go Travel Stl, legal, marriage, symbolic ceremony, travel agent 63005, weddings

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