Travel Tips Archives - Go Travel STL

10 reasons why St. Lucia is a perfect Caribbean island destination!

December 17, 2018 By Susan Robson

**St. Lucia, a perfect Caribbean Island!**

Top 10 reasons why St. Lucia is the perfect Caribbean getaway! St. Lucia’s sandy beaches, crystalline waters, and luscious rainforests draw visitors from around the world to experience all that it has to offer. And it offers so many unique and unforgettable inspirations, that it leave visitors with memories that last a lifetime. Being a small Island in the Caribbean, unlike any of its neighbors and unique in its own way, here are several things you need to know before visiting St Lucia.

Food on the island combines Creole with French and West Indian. The restaurants and hotels/resort in the major towns serve many different types of food and international dishes. Fresh seafood is caught and brought in daily, along with locally grown vegetables and fruits. The main agriculture on the island, and exports, is cocoa and banana.

Most Saint Lucians are bilingual, speaking Kwéyo`l, a creole language that is a mixture of French and African languages. English is spoken & instructed in schools, and it’s used in business, government offices, and in most formal settings. The people are happy, friendly, and helpful. Service throughout the island is exceptional – from beachside bars, boutique restaurants, and fine dining. Everyone we met was such a joy to get to know and wanted share their island. St. Lucia is very safe compared to other Caribbean islands, and the locals told us that theft/crime is not very common. Everyone we met never displayed any kind of aggression, in fact the opposite, as they displayed a warm charm and genuine friendliness.

#10 Hike the Pitons

The Pitons are to St Lucia what the Great Wall of China is to China. One of the most photographed landmarks on St. Lucia, they rise straight out of the sea, and offer a majestic scene across the western coast. Gros Piton stands 2,619 feet above sea level, and together with Petit Piton, they present really stunning views of the island once you reach the top, or if they are viewed from below! A hike to Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island is a wonderful way to get a panoramic view of the island without being overly challenging!

#9 Pigeon Island National Park

History & a hike to Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island is a wonderful way to get a panoramic view of the island without being overly challenging, mentally or physically! Don’t let the name fool you, Pigeon Island is a quiet place to stop, swim, and take in the beautiful views. Visitors can also learn about the island’s history and explore the 18th century ruins at Fort Rodney, pictured below.

#8 Scuba or snorkel

St. Lucia offers world class diving locations with amazing experiences to offer. No matter what your level or diver or snorkeler, the island has many wonderful diving sites with spectacular coral formations, fascinating shipwrecks and reefs teeming with tropical sea life.

#7 Drive thru Volcano at Sulfur Springs Park & Botanical Garden

A must see is the world’s only Sulfur Springs drive-through volcano in the Caribbean! The 30-minute guided tour will take you to the top of the volcano, and the sulfur mineral bath afterwards will feel like a spa treatment. This location can get crowed! Plan on going early in the day to enjoy it the most.

#6 Fly through the rainforest canopy

For those who want more than a tan from their holiday, St Lucia couldn’t be better. Approximately 77 % is covered in forest. So this is good reason to escape the beach and start exploring. Visit the Rainforest Adventure, about a 20-minute drive from the capital, Castries. A gondola, series of treetop platforms linked by zip lines, takes guests deep into the jungle. The guides are knowledgeable – and all ages are certain to love it.

#5 Castries Market

**Local people & food at Castries Market**

St. Lucia’s capital boasts an open air market that is full of a variety of food & souvenirs. National Geographic has rated it #3 food market in the world. Don’t miss out on the locally caught fish, spices, fresh fruit and fresh coconuts on the streets of Castries. The market is closed on Sundays.

#4 Hurricanes try to stay away from St. Lucia

Because this is such an enjoyable island, with so much to do, most hurricane wrath is felt further north and the very worst of the stormy weather tends to stay away from this more Southern location. (Hurricanes can reach St. Lucia.)

#3. Chocolate lovers heaven on earth

Hotel Chocolat, since 2011, has been home to a 14 room hotel & restaurant. Britain’s famous chocolatier, obtains cocoa from it’s plantation, the Rabot Estate near Soufriere. Dine on a delectable menu featuring chocolate or plan to go on one of its three-hour “bean to bar” tours to learn all about cocoa production, pick and taste fresh pods, graft your own plant, and then smash dried beans to make a chocolate bar.

#2. Best Resorts & locations imaginable

Nestled between St Lucia’s landmark Pitons and the Caribbean waters, find so many luxurious resorts & hotels, making vacations the most memorable spots anywhere in the Caribbean. With impeccable service, incredible menus, eye dropping views, and gorgeous accommodations these luxurious resorts won’t soon be forgotten.

And the #1 reason why St.Lucia is the perfect Caribbean island…St. Lucia has best view in the Caribbean!

There are more gorgeous beaches on St.Lucia than imaginable! Along the west coast – Anse Castanet, further north – Marigot Bay with it’s picturesque harbor, mile-long Reduit Beach, and the largest, most popular, near the town of Rodney Bay, is the biggest, and most popular. St Lucia’s spectacular coastlines and Grand Pitons are among the most photographed.

If you want to find out more about St. Lucia: https://www.stlucia.org. Don’t miss my next posts about the resorts that I visited while on St. Lucia. Call/ email today to find out how to experience St. Lucia’s Top 10! Susan@GoTravelStl.com

Susan

The Do’s of Packing for a Honeymoon?

August 22, 2016 By Susan Robson

The Do’s of Packing for a Honeymoon?

Don’t make the mistake of leaving packing for your Dream Honeymoon to the last minute. Do – create a packing list that is planned and has some wonderful surprises! There is no reason to believe that a suitcase has to be full of brand new clothing and apparel items. But, after saying that, you will want to bring some new and very special things to make your trip even more memorable.

Do #1 – pack special outfits for your first and last night dinners – make the last evening as exciting and new as the first night!

Do #2 – pack bathing suits and beachwear (if this is a beach Honeymoon), find one hot new bathing suit to surprise him.

Do #3 – pack destination appropriate (Europe or cold climates) clothing and items (snowsuits, walking shorts, jackets, etc.)

Do #4 – pack special lingerie for the 1st and last nights, and everything in between!

Do #5 – pack a special outfit to wear home.

Do #6 – pack a First Aid Kit, medicine & birth control

Do #7 – pack cameras, phone & iPad chargers – all the electronics that will keep you both happy.

Do #8 – pack comfortable and sexy shoes.

Do #9 – pack reading material for him & you, pick up a new book that you think he might enjoy

Do #10 – pack his favorite perfume & maybe even download music on your iPad that you will enjoy together

To get started with your packing list, just email me and ask for a copy of my “pre-travel packing and planning”list. Then, add to it with your special ideas! Be sure to pack plenty of fun!

Susan

Don’t Get Caught without Vacation plans

March 1, 2015 By Susan Robson

Don’t get caught without Vacation plans! Just 2 days ago, I had a new client call me for an All-Inclusive vacation for his family of four – wife & 2 sons, with Charter air. The dates for travel were March 13th – 20th, and today is February 28th. I already knew that there would not be charter flights available, but I still did the search, in hopes of finding something, that maybe had been canceled. No luck. Needless to say, this family was disappointed.

That brings me to Vacation Dates for this year, 2015. It is always difficult to plan far out in advance, but if it means disappointment without finding any vacation plans? Not to mention that better pricing and availability are, most often, when there is availability. Sure, there are those last minute deals, but that works better for a single person or, maybe a couple that can be flexible.

So, here are the dates for the remainder of 2015:
March 17th – St Patrick’s Day: This year SPD falls on Tuesday. You can celebrate “wearing of the green” in many cities…NYC, New Orleans, and Savannah.
March 3 – 11 Passover: Begins the eve of April 3 and continues for 7 or 8 days.
April 5th – Easter Sunday: This religious holiday follows, or precedes Spring Break for many High Schools and Colleges.
May 10th – Mother’s Day: Some ideas would be a Spa Getaway, or Cruise to celebrate all that Moms & Grandmothers do for our families.
May 25th – Memorial Day: Summer vacation plans need to be in place by Memorial Day! Consider a family vacation to a Multi-Generational Resort, or family resort, where everyone can join in the fun and sun.
June 21st – Father’s Day: Plan this trip with around the interests for your Dad and/or Grandfather. How about a cruise to the family’s homeland or places they would like to visit?
July 4th – USA Celebration: July 4th falls on a Saturday, and most businesses turn this into a 3 day weekend holiday. Don’t let it get by you without plans!
Sept. 7th – Monday, Labor Day: This year, since it’s later, you’ll have an extra week of summer. Consider a GetAWay to celebrate the last days of S.
November 26th – Thanksgiving, Thursday: This is an incredibly busy holiday, so obviously, there is extreme need for planning. Clients that want to travel at the end of November, will pay high prices due to the Thanksgiving return travel on November 29 & 30th.
December 6th – Sunday, Hanukkah: This holiday starts 10 days earlier than last year, and continues for 8 days until Dec. 14th.
December 24th – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day: Consider a long weekend, pre-planned for holiday surprise!
December 31st – New Year’s Eve: More holiday surprise by starting the New Year in a fun, unexpected way.

Make your 2016 New Year’s Resolution now…plan to plan ahead! Don’t Get caught without Vacation plans! Go to www.GoTravelStl.com and fill out the “Perfect Vacation finder”. I’ll respond quickly to find you the Perfect Trip that meets your preferences and budget.

Don’t Go Without…Go Travel Stl.

Susan

Why Mexico for your Destination Wedding?

December 22, 2014 By Susan Robson

D Affordable Luxury
E Easy to get to Mexico
S LuxuriouS Accommodations
T All-Inclusive ResorTs
I ProfesstIonal Wedding Staff & Planners
N FuN, Fun, Fun
A SpectAcular beach & ocean setting
T Warm, welcoming HospiTality
I FIrst Class personalized service
ON Your Wedding – Your Style

There are so many reasons why Mexico is the perfect choice for a Destination Wedding and Honeymoon. What is most important to you?

1. Affordability factor – Mexico has more All-Inclusive Luxury Resort options than any other destination. This creates a competition that is good for travelers by creating a price range for weddings and guest stays that fits all budgets. Couples are able to get a lot of luxury for a very affordable price in Mexico. The wedding experience, or package, varies according to the number of guests attending. For 10 or fewer guests, most resorts (Secrets, Dreams, Now, RIU, Palace, Hard Rock, etc) offer a complimentary wedding package. If the number of guests is more than 10, the resorts offer packages ranging in price from around $2000 – $8000. This is a very affordable wedding compared to the price of a “home town” wedding at nearly quadruple that cost ($30,000). How much were you expecting to spend on an upcoming wedding?

2. Easy to get to Mexico – Mexico is not only easy to get to from STL, with flights nearly every day in the summer (flight schedule changes in the fall, winter & spring), but it is also one of the most easily accessible countries from most major cities in the USA. Several airlines have daily flights from the US gateway cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, and more. The top Wedding Destination cities in Mexico, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Hualtuco, all have International Airports.

3 & 4. Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts – When clients complete my “Perfect Honeymoon and Destination Wedding” analysis, I am able to create a profile for them. This enables me, as an agent, to determine the best resorts to fit a couple’s priorities, as well as keep them within their budget. Luxury, at All-Inclusive Resorts, ranges from larger rooms & suites with more desirable view & locations, to private dinners on the beach, butler service, and to romantic spa experiences. The Unlimited Luxury at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico is generally so indulgent that the guests don’t have to/want to leave the premises for any service or desire. The key to finding the perfect match for Couples is knowing the variety of destinations, properties and fun activities that will enhance the intimate experience. It is much easier to match a couple’s personality with a resort when an agent has been there and seen it first hand. Site inspections and resort stays are so critical for agents to be able to share this with their clients. Staying current and visiting the resorts frequently is part of my repritoire, to make sure that I am familiar with the resorts that my clients are requesting.

5. ProfessIonal Wedding Staff & Planners – Each resort has it’s own team of on-site Professional Wedding Planners. The couple, along with their Travel Agent, work closely with them to ensure a smooth, picture & detail perfect Destination Wedding. The Wedding Planners can arrange anything special that a couple requests, including special dinners, flowers, colors, music, and unique weddings. Agents can customize and individualize everything with musicians, photographers, and other unique additions for a truly memorable Wedding Celebration. Recently, a bride client of mine, didn’t want to ship her party favors to Mexico. So instead, the resort wedding planner went shopping for a requested list of items and created a price list for the bride. After the bride chose the items she wanted for the wedding, the planner purchased the items for her on a 2nd shopping trip. I find wedding planners to be very accommodating and helpful – they want to please and help out any way that they can.

6. Fun, Fun, Fun – so much to see and do – Click on the link below for Apple Vacations Top 13 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Mexico! http://www.buzzfeed.com/applevacations/13-reasons-the-only-place-to-go-on-vacation-is-mexico?sub=3018520_2473315 More than ever, the appeal of Mexico, draws Honeymoon couples and Destination Wedding groups to it’s alluring beaches, festive cultural heritage, and enticing archeological ruins. Mexico is a country full of Adventure. The is the perfect match for Romance Travel, and that is one of the reasons why US travel to Mexico has surged by 30%, as reported by the US Department of Commerce forecast (October 22, 2014). My TOP 20 LIST of things to see and do in Mexico (around your beach time, of course).

Chichen Itza
Tulum
Coba ruins
Cenote swim
Tres Rios Ecopark
Xcaret
Xel Ha
Ferry to Cozumel or Isla Las Mujeres
Deep Sea Fishing
Catamaran Sailing
Sailing & boating
Snorkeling
Zip lining
Scuba diving
Horseback riding
Parasailing
Jet skiing
Paddle boats & kayaks
Cancun shopping
Playa del Carmen/5th Avenue shopping

7. Spectacular Beach & Ocean setting –

The Tropical, warm beach settings are the strongest appeal in Mexico. Most couple are interested in “fun in the sun” activities like Scuba diving, Snorkeling, a Catamaran ride, swimming with Dolphins, and exploring caves and jungles. Some couples just want to relax on the beach, while others want a good mixture of activities and relaxation. To translate all of this into an incredible Mexico experience, it is important to know details about what a couple sees as their ideal Honeymoon/vacation. Recently, I was on vacation in Mexico, where I met a Honeymoon couple lounging by the pool. They were very disappointed with the property because there was no nightlife. Their Travel Agent didn’t ask them if nightlife was important – she had only asked about their budget. Sometimes that does drive the decision, but a careful and thorough interview should include information about what a couple would like to do on their Honeymoon. By completing my “Perfect Honeymoon -Destination Wedding analysis”, I can help a couple find their perfect Destination Resort in Mexico, with the activities and options most important to them.

8. Warm, Welcoming Hospitality – The people of Mexico have incredible hearts! They love to see their guests happy and will do almost anything to ensure that your Wedding and Honeymoon stay is truly enjoyable. Most of the employees feel that you are with them in their “Home”, and work to make sure that you feel comfortable, welcome and pampered. If you return to their resort for a 2nd stay, many of them will say to you, “welcome home”. Recently, after the devastation by Hurricane Odile in Cabo San Lucas, the Mexican people of a little town near San Diego, supplied a 30 hr stranded bus load of people with food, water, coffee, tacos and hot dogs! The Townspeople barely had anything of their own, and yet they gave it to the people on the bus. I tell you this story, not to talk about Hurricane Odile, but to demonstrate the kindness and hospitality of the people of Mexico.

9. First Class Service – Have you experienced 1st Class Luxury services at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico? First Class All-Inclusive Resorts, offer world class hospitality, rooms and suites with ultimate views and the best beach locations, pool & beach waiter services, sparkling infinity pools, luxurious room amenities, swim-up bars, state of the art fitness centers with trainers and full class schedules, recreational activities, kid’s and teen’s clubs, high-tech communication centers (even tho the WiFi doesn’t work too well), and numerous specialty restaurants with Chefs from around the world. Some other examples of personalized First Class Services…Couples can bond over an authentic Mexican cooking lesson, followed by a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach…For wine lovers, wine tastings can be arranged for couples or groups…and Room service sets up a beautiful spread of flowers, candles, and wine in a Honeymoon suite, with Butlers available to accommodate and meet all of a couple’s needs.

10. Your Wedding – Your Style – Most importantly, not only are traditional young couples finding romance and the Destination Wedding of their Dreams in Mexico, but more Mature Couples find Mexico perfect for Anniversaries, Non-traditional Couple Marriages, Vow-Renewal Celebrations, and 2nd Weddings. Again, I’m going to say, Couples are looking for a lot of Luxury at an affordable price, and they will get a lot of Bang for their Buck! Wedding packages at each different Resort offer many choices that can create certain feelings or evoke emotions that Brides & Grooms are looking for. In addition to the basic offerings in the packages, each Resort has unlimited ideas, resources and choices to make a Destination Wedding even more “1 of a Kind” and Exclusive!

A Destination Wedding for Family & Friends is often hosted at a “Family” All-Inclusive Resort to accommodate children in attendance. The Newlywed Couple may want to “move” to an Adults only Resort following their Wedding for the Honeymoon, to give them some privacy, and to put some distance between them and the rest of the party. If the Couple decides to stay at the original Resort, they may want to enhance their experience by upgrading the room/suite for their Honeymoon.

Brides and Grooms searching for a Luxurious Exclusivity for their Destination Wedding can find so many options available to them in Mexico. My experience and knowledge with Destination Weddings and Resorts are your advantage. If you are ready to start planning a Destination Wedding or Honeymoon, please take a few minutes to fill out my “Perfect Honeymoon & Destination Wedding” analysis. I’ll get back to you quickly with your analysis and information that will get you started on planning your Dream Honeymoon and Destination Wedding!

Susan Robson

Perfect Honeymoon despite Time Constraints

November 19, 2014 By Susan Robson

Perfect Honeymoon time constraints

Is the Perfect Honeymoon possible, despite time constraints? Like it or not, time constraints can wreak havoc on honeymoon choices.

Time can become a major problem when choosing a honeymoon in several different ways:

Time limitations cutting a trip short

None of us have unlimited time that we can be away. We all have responsibilities to work and family that, while they can be delayed for a period of time, can’t be ignored forever. This constraint can play a role in the honeymoon decision-making process. Inexperienced travelers can in fact find it overwhelming. How much time should be allocated for travel? How many days of leisure will be boring? Is it better to spend less time traveling and more time actually “on vacation?”

As overwhelming as this time factor can appear, there is a simple solution for it – which I outline below.

Seasonal time factors for a honeymoon

We all have the friend who got an amazing discounted rate for their tropical vacation, and who then arrived to discover the beaches were uninhabitable because it was jellyfish season. The time of year can affect whether your honeymoon is filled with blissfully warm days and cool evenings, or whether it feels like you are visiting hell on earth. An experienced travel agent will help you determine whether your vacation will be heaven or hell, based on seasonal factors.

Travel time ruining a honeymoon

Although I touched on this earlier, it is important to decide in advance how much time you and your new spouse are willing to devote to the travel time needed to get to your destination. Flight accommodations are rarely comfortable for a long haul. You have to decide whether a visit to a new location is worth being limited to small spaces and airport inconveniences for a period of 12 to 18 hours.

Time problems can be solved

As overwhelming as the time factor can seem to be when planning your honeymoon, it’s not the most important factor to solve. If, instead, you look at and answer a few other key questions, the time factors become virtually nonexistent.

Answer these questions and gain enough time for the perfect honeymoon

What is the main thing you’d like to achieve on your honeymoon?

What emotions would you like your honeymoon vacation to elicit?

How much interaction do you want to have with other people?

Do you want to party or be by yourselves?

When you think about a honeymoon, do you picture more relaxation, activity, or excitement?

Once these questions are answered, make sure you ask them of your fiance.

The secret to time and money for vacation

Now notice that all of the above desires can be fulfilled independently of the time and money spent on the vacation. As long as you have clearly named what is important to you for your honeymoon, an experienced travel agent can help you find a vacation that matches your desires perfectly. The secret is to realize that location, time and money are arbitrary – that the product of the vacation is what you are going for.

Do a free honeymoon analysis

I offer a free honeymoon analysis to help people just like you discover the perfect honeymoon. It is a free and fun survey that will give me the information I need to isolate and suggest the perfect honeymoon for you. There is no obligation for taking the survey, and I promise I won’t sell your identity or bother you with a bunch of phone calls. This is my opportunity to help you. I’ll call or email my suggestions to you within a day or so. Start the free honeymoon analysis now.

Susan

Hot New Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts!

November 3, 2014 By Susan Robson

Whether you are planning a Destination Wedding, Honeymoon, or family vacation, be sure to check out the new Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts for 2015. How about an All-Inclusive on St. Martin, St. Thomas, or the Bahamas? Do any of these intrigue you? If you love Jamaica and Cancun, there are two new brand choices for you there, too!

Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas

Dreams Sugar Bay, St. Thomas

Brand new to the Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort market on St. Thomas, is a brand with which many travelers are already familiar. Dreams Sugar Bay St. Thomas is just opening this month, November 2014. Dreams, if you aren’t familiar, is an Unlimited-Luxury Inclusive for couples and families. This resort offers 294, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites that offer waterfront views of the bay or ocean and authentic island decor. St. Thomas’s beauty can’t be missed on the secluded beach, or in any of it’s three interconnecting pools with caves and waterfalls. Savor the island flavors at any of Dream’s seven gourmet specialty restaurants, bars, and grill/snack areas.

Dreams Sugar Bay All-Inclusive in St. Thomas

Dreams Sugar Bay, St Thomas

Beach walking/running, mini-golf, tennis, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, and so much more is always pulling at guests to keep them busy. To ensure your vacation is full of fun, games, and laughter both day and night, the Entertainment Team is on the job…and they are relentless! Entertainment doesn’t stop with the “older” kids, either, the supervised Explorer’s Club keeps younger explorers busy. Following your Dreams is easy on St. Thomas…Dreams Sugar Bay, St. Thomas, is located convenient to dining, nightlife, and shopping in Charlotte Amalie, I’ve only heard, is of the best! Be sure to leave enough time to ferry to neighboring islands such as St. John and the British Virgin Islands (passport required). Have you experienced Unlimited Luxury at a Dreams property in another destination?

RIU Palace St. Martin

Guests at the Riu Palace St. Martin, will find that they are enjoying the best accommodations and services that the island has to offer. People find that this resort, like the best of the RIU brand, is known for it’s consistency of service, food, and accommodations. The three restaurants on the property, offer a rich variety of flavors from colorful Caribbean, Asian, and French cuisine’s. Riu Palace St. Martin is the most comprehensive vacation spot on the island, nestled between one of St. Martin’s most beautiful beaches and the National Nature Reserve at Anse Marcel cove. All types of travelers, both the adventurous and relaxed alike, will find that they don’t want to leave this blissful island paradise, during their luxurious stay at Riu Palace St. Martin.

RIU Palace St. Martin

Snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and kayaking are all very popular in the azul blue waters of St. Martin. For guests looking for more relaxation, an infinity pool and over a mile of pure beach space is available to lounge and splash in and out of the soft waves.

Travelers should not miss out on exploring and all that there is to see and do on the island. Sint Maarten offers 14 world-class Vegas-style casinos. Maho Beach is awesome for watching incoming jets flying in for a landing just a few feet over your head. Orient Beach, on the Riviera of French St. Martin is the most popular beach on the island due to it’s natural beauty.

RIU Palace Antillas, Aruba

RIU Palace Antillas is now adults only, All-Inclusive

RIU Palace Antillas, Aruba

Another new Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort, formerly a Westin, is the new Adults-only (18+) RIU Palace Antillas. It is found on the shores of Palm Beach in Aruba and has the calm clear waters and white sand that make every Palm Beach an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. This exciting and elegant resort, balances fun and luxury to make the Riu Palace Antillas an ideal location for making the most of your Caribbean vacation.

Now a 24-hour all-inclusive experience means round-the-clock access to 4 fabulous restaurants, including room service at all hours of the day and night. A range of restaurants are available, including a buffet with live cooking stations and themed buffet nights, as well as three specialty restaurants (reservations required). Krystal offers Fusion cuisines, Rimini features Italian specialties, and Malmok shows off as a steak house.
After dinner, RIU Palace presents evening shows, live music, a casino and disco, to dance the night away. In Mexico, the Michael Jackson shows are among RIU Palace’s best. What shows might be popular in Aruba?

Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas

5 stunning resorts all under the Baha Mar, Bahamas

Baha Mar Resort opening December 2014

This is an opening that I’m really intrigued by–The Baha Mar Resort, opening in December in the Bahamas, with no less than FIVE different hotel brands inside. Talk about BIG!

Melia Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas

The complex, nicknamed the “Bahamian Riviera”, has these credentials: will have a total of 2,900 hotel rooms and residences, a 100,000 square foot casino, a Vegas-style water show, an 18-hole, 72-par Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, an ESPA spa and more than a dozen pools. Plus, a 200,000 square feet convention center. I know, HUGELY!The 5 resorts that are going to debut:

Baha Mar Casino & Hotel: The centerpiece resort of Baha Mar, this casino-hotel is promising a “Vegas-like experience in the Bahamas.

Rosewood Baha Mar: Managed by Rosewood, this will be a 200-room and residences property. The villas will be the main attraction for it’s luxury items, services, and accomodations.

Mondrian Baha Mar: The Mondrian at Baha Mar will have 300 “distinctively styled room.”

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar: The Grand Hyatt will have 700 “incomparable rooms blending authenticity and luxury.”

Melia’ Baha Mar: The Nassau Beach Resort will be taken over and incorporated into the Baha Mar Complex by the Melia’ brand on December 1st. This will be the only Caribbean All-Inclusive Resort in the complex, with 5 restaurants & 3 bars, including a swim-up bar. The guests have access to Baha Mar’s amenities and activities.

This just looks like there is going to be something for everyone. Do you think Atlantis…has met some competition?

More coming in my next blog…Hyatt Ziva & Hyatt Zilara in Jamaica…Azul Sensatori in Jamaica…

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

Finding the Perfect Honeymoon Location

October 16, 2014 By Susan Robson

Perhaps the most difficult decision to make when planning your honeymoon is the choosing a location to honeymoon. All of your difficult planning, expense and time hinge upon your choice of a correct destination. After all, once you’ve committed with airfare, hotel and time, it’s difficult to reverse course and go somewhere else.

Choosing a honeymoon destination can be a stressful decision. What if the location you choose isn’t perfect? Will it not have the amenities you need? What if the weather is bad or the service is rude? Are the locals friendly or will you and your new spouse feel uncomfortably out of place?

Resources for choosing your honeymoon destination are difficult to find. How do you know that the reviews are honest and not bought? Although some people like a destination, others hate it. How does one make the best decision possible?

Choosing a honeymoon destination is secondary

As a travel agent with decades of experience, I have found that my clients are always surprised by my statement that location is secondary. Unlike real estate, which is “location, location location,” vacation destinations are not a primary concern – they are secondary. They come after a vacationer has answered questions of primary importance:

What are your goals for this honeymoon?
Do you want adventure or relaxation?
What emotion do you want your location to invoke?
How much do you want to do yourself, and what would you like taken care of for you?
What do you envision yourself doing while on vacation?

The answers to these questions and a few others can help an experienced travel agent guide you to making the perfect honeymoon destination choices.

My clients work with me as their agent not to get discounted service, but because they can use my decades of travel experience to help them decide what vacation will be the most stress-free and enjoyable for them.

Anyone can log on to a discount airfare site and book a flight. When these made their appearance, most travel agents closed shop. However, a website can’t help you make the hard decisions that will help you get the most out of the resources you have. A discounted plane flight to a horrible destination isn’t a discount – it’s a waste of money and time.

Use my expertise for free

I have been helping honeymooners book their perfect honeymoon for decades. It is my joy and my passion to help couples find a vacation they will truly enjoy – one that helps them celebrate the most significant event of their lives.

Now there’s a way to use my expertise for free. Simply take my free Honeymoon Finder survey. This free and entertaining survey helps you explore the things that are most important to you and your future spouse about your honeymoon. I then take this information and craft a suggestion for you that fits your needs and wants. There’s no obligation to you, and I don’t sell your identity to anyone or annoy you with a bunch of phone calls. However, I can guarantee that within a day or so of filling out my honeymoon finder quiz, I will get you a honeymoon suggestion that will work for you. Take the free and fun Perfect Honeymoon Finder now and start on the road to finding your perfect honeymoon destination.

Don’t keep this a Secret…Secrets Playa Mujeres!

October 12, 2014 By Susan Robson

The brand new All Suite Unlimited Luxury Included, adults only Resort, set along the famous white sands of Playa Mujeres.

Don’t keep this a Secret…Secrets Playa Mujeres!

Sharing my travel with you…

Just two weeks ago, I traveled to Cancun/Riviera Maya to do a “hard hat” site visit of the brand new adults only, Secrets Playa Mujeres. I knew this new resort was going to be incredible, but I didn’t realize just how totally captivating it would be. The natural splendor mingles with the architectural beauty to mesmerize every part of you. What are the priorities & features in a resort that you ask for when you begin to look for your next destination?

First though, I wanted to know more about Playa Mujeres…Where is it? What excursions can vacationers experience? What are the beaches like? What resorts are there besides Secrets Playa Mujeres?

Landscape rich in wildlife & greenery

On one side of Secrets Playa Mujeres is the Mexican Caribbean and on the other is a wetlands wildlife preserve. The area is totally removed from the Cancun commercialism. It’s an untouched landscape, rich with the beauty of wildlife and greenery. There are not many resorts located here, yet, but you will find Secrets Playa Mujeres, Excellence, The Beloved, and Villa del Palmar.
Secrets Playa Mujeres is only about a 30 minute ride North of the Airport.

Across the water is Isla Las Mujeres, Isle of Women, named after the statues that were found on the island by the Spanish. A short ferry ride from Playa Mujeres/Cancun will bring you to this island and small town where you will find excellent shopping, great restaurants and fantastic beaches. The most common mode of transportation is golf carts/mo-peds. It would not be difficult to find activities to fill an entire day here – enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining, turtle farming, swimming with dolphins, and investigating the Mayan ruins.

Scuba diving or Snorkeling

The excursions that will be available from Secrets Playa Mujeres, are all of the excursions that you would be able to access in Cancun.
*Explore sacred Mayan archeological sites – the ruins of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza. On one of your trips to Cancun, plan to see what has been declared one of the “7 Modern Wonders of the World – Chichen Itza”.
*Swim with dolphins, sea lions and manatees.
*Zip line through the Yucatan jungle, or over the Caribbean sea.
*Swim in one of the famous cenotes, which are 5 million year old wells, formed from sinkholes.
*Snorkel or scuba dive at the Great Mayan Reef, the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere.
*Pet a shark, snuba (snorkeling and scuba combo).
*Visit an actual Mayan jungle village, Pac-Chen, to experience ancient traditions.
*Ride a jet ski, parasail, or the newest water gizmo.
*Shop at flea markets, designer boutiques, outlet stores, or handmade artisan shops.
*Enjoy and evening performance by Michael Jackson, or a Mayan fire dance.
*What other excursions can you imagine doing?

The Secrets Playa Mujeres that I viewed was a work in progress. If you can imagine, stone work being cut and laid (and stone dust flying everywhere), walkways being poured, workers sweeping up to try to keep the layers of dirt to a minimum, wood inlays being cut & placed, pipes being installed, tests being run, and a very hot sun on a humid day.
I loved seeing the stone and marble work being done. I was told that the Egyptian Marble was shipped here from Egypt! It added a grandeur, mythical and mysterious feel to work in progress.
We, Claudia, my husband, and I roamed around and investigated the property for about 2 hours.

After we finished that tour, I’ve thought a lot about what was so captivating about this property.

Junior Suite Oceanview

1. First, every room category at this resort will have a view of the ocean…even the entry levels. The Preferred Junior suites sit within a stone’s throw of the beach and water.
2. Next, your first view of a suite, is the elegant and massive suite door. It’s statement to you, “you are welcome to enter!” The room finish is in a rich dark mahogany type wood furniture and appointed with ivory, tan, and brown. All beautiful against the Azul blue waters of the ocean just outside your balcony.
3. The beach (unfinished) looks like it is going to be a fabulous long ribbon where, someday, vacationers will walk it’s long stretches. It is protected somewhat, by the Isla Las Mujeres, just across the bay from it’s shores. The sand is soft beige tones and feels almost like powder between your toes.

4. This resort has 2 beautiful, captivating swimming pools…the alluring infinity pool, and the other is a free form, relaxing natural shape that appeals to and creates a feeling of calm and quiet.

Seaside Grill Restaurant

Oceana Restaurant

5. Secrets Playa Mujeres will boast 8 exceptional dining choices when complete. One for each night of your stay!

6. Rendezvous and Showtime will serve top-shelf spirits and present nightly entertainment and nightclub options.

And finally… 7. The personnel that I met and spoke to, seem to be very warm, interested, and involved individuals. One of them was the General Manager, Ricardo Bravo. Even tho he was extremely busy, he took the time to talk to me about his resort and the upcoming opening. He was interested in the questions that I had and took time to make sure that my tour was complete.

The resort wedding coordinator, Claudia , actually gave me the tour of the resort. She had a bubbly, happy and warm personality. Every time she talked about Secrets Playa Mujeres, she would just beam with pride. Both she and the General Manager worked together previously at a Dreams property, so they seemed to come together perfectly to make this resort have the cohesiveness that it needs from the personnel that will be hired. They assured me that most of the personnel will come from other Secrets and Dreams properties.

This new and upcoming area in Playa Mujeres, seems to be the likely expansion direction of Cancun – North. Being so close to the airport, offering beautiful beaches and a wide range of activities and excursions, should only lead to it being one more great choice in destinations for travelers. I’m going back to Secrets Playa Mujeres to stay for a full week in February, to see how it’s changed, and if it lives up to my expectations. I’ll be back with an update then!

Until then….Susan

Travel insurance…Don’t leave home without it!

September 24, 2014 By Susan Robson

As more and more travelers seek the four corners of the world, it’s important to know what is available in travel insurance and what coverage it provides. Do you know the difference between the various kinds of travel plans available?

Generally, travel insurance includes two important parts: medical coverage and trip cancellation.

Travel medical insurance coverage is not given as much thought today as it deserves. Illnesses or injuries can happen at any given moment and on any fabulous trip. A simple & quick trip to the emergency room for a twisted ankle or wrist, can yield a bill well into the thousands of dollars. Travel insurance allows travelers to be reimbursed for their medical expenses when they return home. Most travelers aren’t aware that many personal insurance policies don’t cover out of the country medical costs that are incurred in foreign countries , i.e….as soon as they leave the soil of the USA or board a cruise ship with a foreign flag (and most are registered in foreign countries).

My own travel experience:
What if Susan had not purchased insurance in this case? Susan was vacationing in Jamaica with her husband and friends. Her husband needed medical attention after he had a motor cycle accident, breaking his arm. He was admitted to the hospital in Montego Bay without a problem, but that was the last time they used the word “easy”. Surgery was needed, so a med-evac was necessary, and the hospital bill in MBJ had to be paid. A medical assistance team, from their insurance company, stepped in and facilitated the transfer to the USA and full payment. Had Susan and her husband not had insurance, the total cost would have exceeded $75,000.

This example is another reason to support the purchase of travel medical insurance. Advance payment is often required by medical facilities in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, which takes an unfortunate illness or injury to another level. If pre-pay isn’t required, then the patient isn’t released until they pay. Often, a medical insurance assistance team assists you by dealing with the foreign hospital and personnel.

The second part of most insurance coverage is cancellation protection. If travelers are a family of four, then it is pretty clear that there is a greater likelihood that one of the four could become ill, or be injured, prior to/or during the period of travel. But if the travelers are a healthy young couple, they often believe that nothing can happen to them. What they overlook is the possibility that someone in their extended family may have an issue that could cause the couple to feel the need to stay home. If insurance is purchased, it gives the travelers peace of mind that they can cancel and get the return of their money (minus the cost of the insurance). Cancel for any reason is an extended, and usually an optional plan choice, that adds additional cost. Would this option give you peace of mind?

The world we live in today can be unpredictable and violence can occur in a region without warning. Certainly, travelers should heed State Dept. warnings and information. But, what if a country’s economical or political stability deteriorates during a visit to a country? Travelers would want their travel insurance to assist them with evacuation plans set up through government assistance and intervention. Without insurance assistance, would you know who to call if trouble showed up?

Consider travel insurance an important part of a total experience…sunscreen and hats for sun protection, comfy shoes for walking, clothing for day and night…you pack your suitcase to be prepared. Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance.

Get your Free Vacation Analysis by going to my website, www.GoTravelStl.com.

What is packed in your suitcase?