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

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.”

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

Legally Speaking – Marriage requirements in Mexico

April 5, 2018 By Susan Robson

Marriage Requirements – Mexico

Marriage in Mexico is becoming very popular because it has some excellent locations to get married alongside some picture perfect scenarios. From golden beaches with turquoise waters, to old colonial cities with their charm, old buildings, cobbled streets domes and archways.
Mexico is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for American and Canadians to get married, and given the opportunity to get married surrounded by stunning scenery, it’s not hard to see why!
If you want to get married in Mexico, there is nothing legal or technical stopping you from doing so; but you will need to plan ahead and get a few documents together, fill in a few forms and pay a few fees. This simple guide will help you through it all!

Legal Ceremonies

Clients frequently ask me for information about legal and symbolic ceremonies in Mexico. The following requirements are for legal marriages. Same-Sex legal ceremonies are accepted.
*Valid passports & certified copies of your birth certificates
*Blood Tests are required, but they can be done at the resort. Please work with your wedding coordinator to arrange this.
*Cost of blood test $200 USD per couple
*A marriage application form is needed. Your wedding coordinator will send you this form to complete 15 days prior to the wedding.
*Witnesses: 4 witnesses need to be present at the legal ceremony, and they must have valid a passport and to have arrived at the destination at least 3 business days prior to the wedding.
*Witnesses can be provided for a tip of $10 USD

Symbolic Ceremonies

*If you are planning a symbolic ceremony you will simply need valid passports and to have arrive 3 business days in advance of the ceremony. *Valid passports *Arrive 3 business days in advance of the ceremony. *Contact your wedding coordinator for more details. And, if you are ready to start talking about planning a Destination Wedding, be sure to contact me for help with questions about destinations, all-inclusive resorts, special offers and pricing, group benefits, and so much more! I’ll help guide you through this process with the greatest of ease. My resort and industry knowledge, experience, and site visits of resorts will be an asset to you and your companion. I wold love to talk to you about your Dream! Susan Susan@GoTravelStl.com

Jamaica One Love

December 28, 2015 By Susan Robson

Just 6 weeks ago, I traveled to “Jamaica One Love” for a Destination Wedding Symposium at the new Moon Palace Grande Jamaica in Ocho Rios. This by itself was very exciting, but then we would be doing site visits at 15 resorts in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios! How could we ever cover that much ground? It took stamina and an “I can do it” attitude for Jamaica One Love!

Negril lived up to it’s “best beach” reputation, no doubt about it. I was fortunate to choose two of the best…and on the “best” beaches…Sandals Negril, adults only, and Beaches Negril, a family property. Sandals Negril was wonderful to return to again. Ten years ago, I attended my son & daughter-in-law’s wedding on this very same property! It was just as beautiful as I remembered it! Sandals Negril could best be described as “a little bit exotic and a whole lot of chic. It epitomizes the free spirited personality that has long made Negril the exotic playground of choice for fun-loving pleasure seekers. You can get closer to the water than anywhere else in Negril.”* This is a Quick glance video of the features of Sandals Negril – Sandals Negril video

on the longest stretch of Negril’s seven mile beach
unlimited premium brand drinks

every room just steps from the beach * unlimited fine dining at 7 restaurants
beachfront walkout club level rooms * unlimited land and water sports
swim-up suites * free WiFi in all rooms and public areas
24 hour room service * free Non-stop airport transfers
nightly entertainment

Beaches Negril is perfect for families of all sizes and ages. We arrived just in time for lunch and found so many delicious options to please even the pickiest of eaters. Negril embodies the ultimate relaxed lifestyle, “laid back” was invented here. The resort is a spot so in-tune with nature, that it’s tallest building cannot reach higher than the tallest palm tree.* Again, you are located on the widest stretch of the Negril’s 7 mile famous beach. Everything you could possibly want is right next to the water here. Not only the beautiful Caribbean water beckons you, but a waterpark, fabulous pools, restaurants, and bars, all seek your family’s attention. And, here’s a Quick glance of the features of Beaches Negril:

20 acres of lushly landscaped gardens * Pirates Island Waterpark
3 pools with 2 swim-up bars * 9 specialty restaurants
Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street * Trench Town Teens only game room
Liquid at Beaches Nightclub * Scuba program
Supervised kids camp * Xbox play lounge
Scratch DJ Academy * Thrilling family adventure and excitement

Other resorts that I visited and completed site visits (ask me about these): Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril, and Sunset at the Palms.

Next up? Montego Bay! Are you looking for an all-inclusive luxury family, or adults only luxury resort? The Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara are vacation destinations with oceanfront dining and a pristine beach on the Caribbean Sea! Find both the Hyatt Ziva (for families) and the Hyatt Zilara (for adults only), right on the same Hyatt property. The Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall just completed a multi-million -dollar renovation, and it is apparent! The property itself, is fabulous with all the amenities and comforts that a seasoned traveler could want. And if it isn’t here, no worries, the Hyatt will take care of it for you. This is a story that a guest (I’ll call him John, and his little boy will be Jack) at the Hyatt related to me during lunch. John brought his family to vacation at the Hyatt Ziva because he believed that with all of the goats in Jamaica, he would be able to obtain goat’s milk for his son, that required this for his diet. After he arrived, to his horror, he discovered that yes, the island has goats, but the government doesn’t allow the use goat milk on the island. So now what would he do? He contacted management, and they immediately sprung into action. Management contacted a firm in Miami that sold and distributed goat’s milk. It was flown to the Hyatt in Jamaica, so that Jack could have the goat’s milk his diet required. Amazing!

Other properties that I absolutely recommend in Montego Bay are: Royalton White Sands, Secrets St. James, Secrets Wild Orchid, and the Iberostar Grand. In Ochos Rios, the properties included Couples Tower Isle and Jewel Paradise Cove. I’ll be glad to share information about them with you.

Lastly, we traveled to Ocho Rios for the Destination Weddings Symposium and more site visits. Do you think I’m worn out yet? No way! We arrived at the new Jamaica Grande Moon Palace for the remainder of our stay. This resort is only 5 minutes from downtown Ocho Rios, sits in a beautiful bay, and straddles the Caribbean Sea on one side. It’s the best of both worlds to have a quiet bay to play in kayaks, sun-fish, snorkel, etc., and then have access to the ocean right next to the resort. The resort’s luxurious accommodations and breathtaking views can happen from 705 rooms and suites, that feature 24 hour room service, free WiFi access, top-shelf drinks, and unlimited other amenities and features. Your benefits don’t stop there! Up to $1500 in resort credits are part of the benefits for guests. These credits can be used for spa, excursions & tours, private romantic dinners, and more. These credits vary in accordance with the length of a guest’s stay and are subject to a 16% service fee on all products and services. How much of a good thing can you handle?

Jamaica offers so many tours and excursions that make it your “Jamaica one Love”. Dunn’s River Falls, bob sledding, river rafting, zip lining, shopping, swimming, snorkeling, dolphin swims, Mystic Mountain, Rick’s Cafe, and catamaran sunset tours are just a few of the exciting adventures that await you!

After all of this, do you think that Jamaica could become your “Jamaica One Love”?

Susan

*excerpt taken & quoted from Sandals.com and Beaches.com*

Experts talk…Complimentary Destination Weddings

May 1, 2015 By Susan Robson

At the Romance Travel Market conference held in Chicago, Experts spoke about Complimentary Destination Weddings at All-Inclusive Resorts. I spoke to several of the All-Inclusive Resort experts in attendance about the “Complimentary” Destination Weddings at their resorts. Here is what they told me:

Certainly, couples getting married want to save money. Fiesta Americana offers Complimentary Destination Weddings that can definitely be an advantage for a couple getting married, with 10 or fewer guests. If there are a few more guests, then the couple can pay additionally for the added guests, or upgrade the package to include, say 20 guests. Fiesta Americana also gives the couple an upgrade to a suite for their Honeymoon, and other romantic amenities such as decorations, bottles of wine, and special turn down service to make their day more romantic. Comments by Liz Cruz – Fiesta American & Live Aqua, wedding manager.

Now, this is Ricardo Mora, regional sales & marketing manager for Karisma properties. The Complimentary Destination Wedding is a valuable opportunity for Wedding couples at Karisma properties of El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Seaside Suites, El Dorado Maroma, Generations, Azul Sensatori, Azul Fives, and Azul Beach. There are many options that a couple can choose, such as ceremony decorations and reception location. Signature services, such as wedding guest concierge, a groom’s room with the wedding bites on the day of the wedding, and a Personalized Wedding website and Honeymoon gift registry, are other options available.

Yesse Sanchez, Romance Travel Specialist with Paradisus Resorts, agreed totally that the Complimentary Destination Wedding was a wonderful option for couples with a small number of guests and modest budget. The couple receives a basic package with some choices that make a beautiful wedding at the Paradisus Resorts. They can also make choices and add options to make their Dream Wedding even more personalized and unique. The couple probably doesn’t have to add a lot to make it a very customized wedding for themselves. At Paradisus Resorts, our Wedding department can handle small or large weddings, and make each of them very original and special.

Tracy Schwerin, Wedding Business Development Manager for Couples Resorts in the USA and Canada, also spoke to me about this topic. She said the free Wedding is definitely worth it, at Couples Resorts in Jamaica. The Bride and Groom receive everything they need for their Wedding Day…flowers, cake, and champagne at the ceremony location. It is designed to be perfect for the happy couple. Couples Resorts has more than 40 years experience in designing Weddings for our guests , and the Complimentary services we provide would cost thousands of dollars in the United States.

It was a pleasure to speak to these Wedding experts about the Complimentary Destination Wedding packages offered by their resort brand. This Complimentary option for today’s couples, appears to be an excellent choice for a small (under 10 guest) wedding in a Mexico or Caribbean destination. For more information about Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete my Perfect Honeymoon or Destination Wedding analysis.

Susan

Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort

February 6, 2015 By Susan Robson

Are you choosing a Destination Wedding Resort?

Destination wedding

Where does a Bride & Groom start?

The first step would be to find a Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist (like me – hopefully) about 9 months – 12 months ahead of the wedding date. Then, with your DW Specialist/travel agent, look at the resorts in your destination that you will want to consider. It is a good idea to create a list of “can’t do without” options and other features for this process. Then, go through this list, keeping an active list of resorts that meet the criteria.

Resort pricing for the Bride & Groom and for the wedding guests
Adults-Only or Family-Inclusive
All-Inclusive options
Beach location (some are better than others)
Facilities, activities, entertainment – that everyone will enjoy
Special offers at resorts
Wedding package options available

Probably the most important first step. Can wedding guests afford to stay at the resort chosen? For Mexico (and I’ll use that example throughout because of the best pricing options), a 4 night stay, depending on the time of year, can range between $2000 – $3000 for 2 adults. Children under 2 can travel and stay for the tax only – approximately $17.50, as long as the child does not require a separate seat (and sits on a parent’s lap). Children ages 2 – 12 pay airfare and a reduced rate at resorts, and a 13 year old is considered an adult (for cost purposes).

Adults-Only or Family-Inclusive should be the next consideration. If the wedding guests do not include children, this is a no-brainer. Otherwise, a family-inclusive resort would be the only option. Family resorts are actually slightly less expensive, so this works in most Bride & Groom’s favor. The facilities, activities, and entertainment vary by resort, so don’t leave this out. For example, rock climbing walls, BB courts, volleyball, archery, and even a wave rider are unique & offered at some resorts. Who would be interested in these activities? Eight year olds to Teenagers? Paddle boarding, paddle boats, and beach activities are found at most resort locations. Additionally, movies and bonfires on the beach are uniquely offered at some locations.

All-Inclusive options can be very different but seem the same? Destination Weddings at All-Inclusive Resorts give wedding guests so much to choose from. It’s important to look at these options in detail. For example, yes liquor is included, but is premium alcohol offered and served? How many restaurants does the resort have? Are reservations required for dinner? Is there 24 hour room service? Do any guests have special dietary needs, i.e. gluten free, etc., and can the resort accommodate those guests?

How important is the Beach location to your Destination Wedding? Not all Beaches are created equal! If the type & look of the Beach is important, make this a part of the initial search while pricing. With the ease of working with the internet today, there are so many photos available just by doing a simple search “picture of beach at ____”. As a travel agent, I try to visit and complete site inspections of resorts on a regular basis. This enables me to give first hand information, details, and pictures of the resort properties for a better “picture” of your stay.

A really BIG consideration should be given to the special offerings that a resort makes to wedding groups. If a resort/brand offers book 5 rooms, get the 6th room free, wouldn’t that be important in making a decision? If a resort offers credits for guests to use for spa & excursions, wouldn’t that be important? As a travel agent, I can quickly pinpoint the resorts that make these offers and make sure that you get the most value for your’s, and your wedding guest’s dollars.

The Wedding packages that resorts offer vary greatly in what is offered and pricing. RIU Palace (shown) offers 4 options. Generally, there are 3 to 4 different packages, with the first complimentary one as the first (value $500 – $999) with the purchase of a certain room category or number of rooms booked for guests. This package is always limited to 10 attendees, but additional guests can be added for a set cost. It also has only a few inclusions, such as a Bridal bouquet, groom boutonniere, cake, and wedding toast. Other packages, increasing in price and value, offer the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner reception, music, floral, and photo & videography. Each wedding can be uniquely created by adding more color, sound, menu choices, & locations. These wedding packages usually include 20 – 25 guests. The costs vary for adding additional guests, but typically one can expect $75 – $100 per guest.

Choosing a Destination Wedding Resort can be a very lengthy process. But with the guidance of a seasoned professional travel agent, Brides & Grooms can find this to be a fun, easy, and exciting!

Susan

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.

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.

Susan

Jamaica Gets All Right!

October 25, 2014 By Susan Robson

Jamaica Gets All Right

A week ago, I attended the Jamaica Tourism Board’s dinner and seminar at Maggiano’s in Clayton, MO. It was a fun evening, full of “ya mon’s” and great reggae music accompanying the videos of Jamaica. As a group of travel agents, we got the latest updates to what is happening and changing in Jamaica. Have your travel experiences included a trip to Jamaica in recent years?

Jamaica’s Hotel and Tourism sectors are expanding and improving on a wide scale basis. It’s product continues to change & evolve to meet the preferences and the diverse needs of all types of guests: families, couples, singles, nature-lovers, and adventure seekers. Everyone can find something to love in Jamaica with the new attractions, hotel and resort developments and renovations, infrastructure development, new restaurants to satisfy all tastes, and so much more. Some new resorts and entertainment options are now appearing, while the existing resorts and attractions are stepping up to make improvements and renovations to their properties. Some of the new properties include: Karisma’s Azul Sensatori, Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara, RIU Palace Jamaica, and the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande.

Did you know there are 3 International Airports in Jamaica? The 3rd Int’l Airport, Ian Fleming International Airport, located just 5 miles East of Ochos Rios, is named after the author of the James Bond novels (who wrote most of his books in Jamaica). The Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, is currently working on phase 2 of it’s expansion project & opening a new section containing: a Customs area, police station, baggage delivery systems, rental car agencies, tour operators, food & beverage outlets, and hotel arrival lounges. And in the Kingston Airport, the expansion is working in 3 phases, including a new 2 level passenger pier, several jet bridges, 66 additional airline check-in positions, and the most current and updated airport technology.

Making travel easier for residents and visitors, Island-wide road improvements are continuous. An example of this would be the North Coast Highway and Highway 2000 both cut the driving time from Ochos Rios to Kingston to just a little over an hour.

Do you know how many cruise passengers arrive in Falmouth, Jamaica, in the month of April? This is amazing…50,000! And, a ship the size of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas can be accommodated in the pier. Arriving passengers will find more than 40 attractions in and around Falmouth. The Ports Authority of Jamaica and RCL have joined together to create this joint venture.

And, what else is everyone waiting for? If you guessed new resorts, you’re correct! Karisma Hotels, famous on the Mexican Riviera Maya, has just opened the Azul Sensatori Jamaica, formerly Beaches Sandy Bay in Negril. This all-inclusive property has 140 rooms and is gourmet inclusive for couples, singles, and families – a truly multi-generational resort.

Ochos Rios – The Moon Palace Grande (formerly Sunset Jamaica Grande) is re-opening in late spring of 2015, and is the Palace’s first hotel outside of Mexico. When complete, it will feature 730 renovated & modernized guest rooms, restaurant upgrades, and a 17 acre beachfront on the longest private beach in Ochos Rios.

At Jewel Runaway Bay, a $5 million dollar waterpark is being constructed to open early in 2015. The resort has just completed a $20 million dollar renovation & building of new suites, pools, and restaurants. A new low rise block of 30 rooms, with oceanfront appeal, was added on the West beach.

Montego Bay – Sandals Resorts Int’l plans on building 5 over the water villa suites on it’s private island in Montego Bay. Each villa will have glass floors, a private jacuzzi tub with steps leading directly into the ocean, king beds, over the water hammocks, and soaking tubs. Do these sound like Bora Bora, but without the 20 hour flight? Traveling to Jamaica from St. Louis on a charter flight, is a quick 4 – 4 1/2 hours. Projected date of completion is late 2015

Montego Bay – Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, situated in a privileged pristine white sand beach with spectacular views of the Caribbean, welcomes guests of all ages, and will open following a multi-million dollar renovation that has totally recreated this former Rose Hall. Right next door is the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, a gourmet indulgent escape for adults, couples, friends and individuals.

Jamaica, where nothing is a problem “mon”, is an island paradise where reggae, romance and the Caribbean sun come together. It’s vibrant Blue Mountains tower above the shimmering sands and “true blue” turquoise waters. Did you know that Jamaica was the pioneer of the all-inclusive vacation concept? Most travelers find this to be an island that just “does it better”.

Susan