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**

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

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