Why should Sandals St. Lucia be your next stop?

April 11, 2019 By Susan Robson

Why should Sandals Grande St. Lucia be your next vacation stop? First, consider that guests enjoy the All-Inclusive Luxury Vacation in the most gorgeous tropical & beach settings! Does that get your attention? Add to that: Best Beaches, Unique Gourmet Dining, Premium Spirits, Premium wines, Padi-certified scuba diving included, entertainment, championship golf, unmatched service, and finally, stay at 1 and play at 3 (or more) resorts!

Sandals Grande St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a magical island offering panoramic bay views and the best beaches in the Caribbean. This gives one the feeling of complete island seclusion – you are in a world by yourself. Towering Piton mountains and fern-frilled jungles bring about a complete sense of relaxation. Sandals Grande St. Lucia builds upon that feeling and gives you the ultimate vacation experience. For this reason, it is probably my favorite Sandals Resort on St. Lucia. The beach here is long, the drinks steady, entertainment entertaining, and the soft breeze amazing! The swim-out rooms and romantic Rondoval Suites make it an ideal honeymoon hot spot. The main pool area is very lively and winds around through the room buildings, like a ribbon of water.

Why should Sandals Grande St Lucia be your next vacation spot? The resort offers an endless supply of restaurants with delicious food options, recreation and amenities along with some of the BEST diving available, anywhere in the Caribbean. The best hiking is a trek up to Fort Rodney, on the peak just beyond the resort (club concierge will act as your guide on the hike). And, with the free inter-Sandals shuttle service, there are up to 27 restaurants and numerous beach options available between the three Sandals resorts in St. Lucia. Dinner reservations are required at some restaurants, so be sure to plan ahead and contact the concierge or a butler for dining options soon after arrival.

One note… because of location, getting to this resort can be a bit bumpy and the transfer time is approximately ninety minutes+. If this a concern I recommend a helicopter tour to/from the George F.L Charles Airport. This flight to the north is one that you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Sandals Halcyon up next!

Susan

Go Travel Stl named winner by The Knot Best of Weddings 2018!

September 29, 2018 By Susan Robson

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2018

Twelfth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Chesterfield, MO, September, 2018—GO TRAVEL STL is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2018 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the #1 wedding resource. This is the 4th year GO TRAVEL STL has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

Winning The Knot Best of Weddings is a BIG deal! To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews from real couples across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. The Knot Best of Weddings 2018 list showcases the highest- and most-rated vendors across all regions and planning categories. Check out this year’s Best of Weddings winners to start your wedding /honeymoon planning and see all the top vendors in your area, including florists, wedding planners and everything (yes, everything) in between.

“This is an honor to be recognized by our clients, for 4 years in a row, as the winner of this prestigious award – Go Travel Stl.”

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit www.TheKnot.com/BestofWeddings

GO TRAVEL STL

Meet The Owner – Susan Robson…Most of my life career was spent teaching children. After I retired, I combined my love of teaching, with another love…TRAVEL! Working with couples who are soon going to be married, is so exciting and invigorating. It is wonderful to be able to share their enthusiasm and the joy of a new life together. My role is to make their first Dream together come true!

If you would like to get started now, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete the much talked about

“Perfect Honeymoon Finder”, a Go Travel Stl exclusive! Thank you!

Susan

Love Mexico is all about it!

April 3, 2016 By Susan Robson

Love Mexico is all about it! It is a unique educational and networking event, held yearly, developed through a partnership with the Mexico Tourism Board. Love Mexico’s purpose is to showcase Mexico as a premier destination for weddings, honeymoons and romance. The event was packed with seminars, meetings with resorts, appointments with special suppliers, photographers, resort site visits and real experiences of Mexico. I’m proud of my new “Love Mexico Specialist” recognition and designation, that I earned by attending the events and seminars.

Several resorts were part of the Love Mexico experience for me: Royalton Riviera Maya, Royal Hideaway, Playacar Palace, Grand Velas, and Secrets Akumal. We spent a day doing site visits and learning about each property’s wedding offerings.

Playacar Palace, a family friendly property, is a part of the Palace family of resorts…and what an aawesome destination resort experience it offers! Location, location, location is an understatement here. Situated on a great stretch of beach with plenty of walking and swimming possibilities, makes it one of the best choices in Playa del Carmen. And, speaking of Play del Carmen, Playacar Palace is just steps away from the vibrant shopping experience travelers seek in Playa del Carmen – the renowned Playa del Carmen 5th Avenue and the Cozumel Ferry Dock. So, consider Playacar Palace a little”Palace” unto it’s own. “It is a trendy beachfront resort situated in the heart of Playa del Carmen, and it’s easy to see why we “Love Mexico”.

With 201 fabulous rooms, 3 restaurants, and 4 bars, this resort is considered the perfect spot to relax during the day and enjoy the nightlife and charms of “Playa” at night. It is perfect for families, couples, weddings, Honeymoons, and group Getaways. Add to all of this, guest can get up to $1500 in resort credits for excursions, spa, romantic dinners, and even the jewelry store. There is a max. that can be spent at any one time, like $300 in the jewelry store. Guests using resort credits must also pay a tax of 15% for any resort credits used, at check-out. Example: if $1000 is spent in resort credits, there would be a tax due of $150 – still a really good deal! Playacar Palace is due for a mega-renovation, to begin very soon. Once this is complete, the resort will be showing it’s best!

“Akumal”, or home of the tortugas (turtles) is located on Akumal Bay, an area between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is yet another reason to Love Mexico. Secrets Akumal, the latest AMResorts resort opening, is located in an area of white sand beaches and in the calm, clear waters of Akumal. This stunning new resort offers Adults (only) a charming, picturesque and exceptional Unlimited-Luxury experience. The resort offers 434 luxurious guest suites, each featuring a king, or two double beds, private balcony or terrace, in suite jacuzzi for two, complimentary mini-bar & WiFi, unlimited connectivity, 24 hour room service (fabulous, by the way), and concierge services. Guests can choose from six gourmet, ala carte restaurants, a grill, 1 buffet, and a cafe – all of which do not require reservations. The resort offers so many fun activities, you’ll never have time for them all: 1. soak in the sun at one of the 3 amazing pools or beach 2. workout in a state of the art fitness center 3. kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing 4. live shows nightly 5. outdoor jacuzzi’s 6. ping pong 7. basketball & volleyball 8. beach & pool volleyball 9. Euro bungee 10. dance lessons 11. water aerobics 12. Hobie cats 13. paddle boards 14. water polo 15. water bicycles 16. golf, deep sea fishing, scuba and sportfishing *extra fee. This resort’s personality is social, active, fun-loving, and vibrant. There is a constant presence of snorkelers, kayakers and paddle boarders in the ocean (because it is just so good). Even tho there are also quiet pool areas, the main pool is busy with volleyball, basketball and drink matting (social drinking around a swim mat). The employees and staff at Secrets Akumal are very welcoming, helpful and friendly. They go out of their way to do their best and provide outstanding service to their guests!

If you would like more information or pricing about any of the resorts that I saw on this trip, or others, please contact me – Susan@GoTravelStl.com. Or, if you would like me to complete an analysis for your Dream Honeymoon, just go to my website, www.GoTravelStl.com to complete my well-known “Perfect Honeymoon finder”. It’s easy and fun!

Susan

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2016

March 12, 2016 By Susan Robson

GO TRAVEL STL NAMED WINNER IN THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDINGS 2016

Tenth Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America

Chesterfield, MO, March, 2016—GO TRAVEL STL is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2016 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, the #1 wedding resource. This is the 2nd year GO TRAVEL STL has been selected for The Knot Best of Weddings.

In 2016, only 2% of the 250,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade. In its tenth annual year, The Knot continues its longstanding tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2016, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews from real couples across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding planning professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider order to inspire, plan and pull off their own unique wedding.

“This is an honor to be recognized by our clients, as the winner of this prestigious award – Go Travel Stl.”

The Knot has helped inspire and plan more than 25 million weddings. With a rich history of providing quality content and inspiration to couples, The Knot is making it easier for couples to connect with just the right wedding professional to create a wedding that is unique to them. Eight out of 10 couples come to The Knot where they can be connected to any of 250,000 local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot marries great technology with trusted content–and a little love–to make planning for the most important day of a person’s life easier and more enjoyable.

For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit www.TheKnot.com/BestofWeddings

GO TRAVEL STL

About The Knot: The Knot is the nation’s leading wedding resource with a marketplace that seamlessly engages, matches and connects couples with the right local vendors, products and services they need to plan and pull off their wedding. The trusted brand reaches nearly every bride in the US through the #1 wedding website TheKnot.com, its mobile apps. The Knot national and local wedding magazines and The Knot book series. The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that is uniquely them. Please visit The Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media: Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

If you would like to get started now, go to www.GoTravelStl.com, to complete the much talked about “Perfect Honeymoon Finder”, a Go Travel Stl exclusive.

Susan

Cancun Resorts You should consider for your next vacation

May 11, 2015 By Susan Robson

Cancun Resorts you should consider for your next vacation!

Paradisus Cancun

The Paradisus Cancun is located so perfectly on the soft white sand beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast in Cancun. It is a top choice destination for those searching for an ideal location with beautiful blue azul water. Cancun is an international destination that prides itself in providing luxurious resorts offering the comfort expected of prestigious resorts with the highest standards of excellence. This commitment to high quality is the reason Paradisus Cancun has received Four Diamond honors since 2006 by AAA. This breathtaking, luxurious beach resort, Paradisus Cancun, with it’s distinct Mayan inspiration, provides the perfect accommodations for your vacation getaway, just 15 minutes from the Cancun Airport.

The elegant, spacious, and luxuriously decorated rooms are offered with many options. The entry level room, Paradius junior suite, is offered as lagoon or oceanview. Family concierge junior suite and suite, are both offered as lagoon or oceanview, and have the services of a special concierge. These family concierge rooms receive children’s beach kit, walkie talkies, and children’s amenities and activities. The Royal Paradisus suite, junior suite, 1 bedroom suite, and the Royal Luxury junior suite, are then offered as lagoon or oceanview to Adults-only. All of the Royal service room options include Butler service, Royal Service lounge, complimentary internet, private Royal Service pool, bar, beach area with concierge service, all designed to make the guests feel like Royalty. 24 hour room service is offered, as well.

There are 14 Restaurants at Paradisus Cancun Resort: 1. Mole-Mexican contemporary cuisine. 2. Market Grill-Italo-Argentina grill for lunch & dinner. Specializing in prime cuts and fresh salads. 3. Passion-Touch of retro with elegant signature cuisine by 6 star Michelin Chef Martin Berasategui. This restaurant is with an extra charge that isn’t included. 4,5,6,7. Vento, Fuego, Bana, & Naos-all Italo-Argentina grill for lunch and dinner. Specializing in prime cuts and fresh salads. 8. Gaby Club-Ultimate chill out bar & restaurant starring fish & chips and seafood specialties. Pan Asian, Mediterranean, and South American are additional restaurant options. 24 hour room service is offered to all guests.

Tennis, a nine-hole par 3 golf course, Kids Club, YHI Spa and a Family Concierge give guests additional options and plenty to do and ways to explore. Guests at the beach, in one of the four lagoon-inspired pools, or dining in any of the nine on-site restaurants, find that total satisfaction is the goal of the Paradisus Cancun. Bali beds are offered as a 1st come & 1st option daily, at no additional charge. The butlers and concierge services indulge guests in pampering through the Royal Service. The special services and facilities offered make the Paradisus Cancun among the best hotels in Cancun.

After viewing this resort in a site inspection with Israel Ortiz, I can easily see why this is a top choice destination for couples and families searching for the ideal beach resort in Cancun! It has so much to offer, with outstanding food and dinner options. If you have questions about the Paradisus Cancun, or other resorts in the nearby Riviera Maya and Cancun, contact Susan at Go Travel Stl! I’ll be glad to share my experiences at these resorts! Or, if you would like a Perfect Honeymoon or Vacation Analysis, go to www.GoTravelStl.com.

Susan

New Resort, Secrets Playa Mujeres, is a Glittering Gem in the Caribbean

April 4, 2015 By Susan Robson

Secrets Playa Mujeres

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

The brand new resort, Secrets Playa Mujeres, is a glittering gem in the Caribbean! I was fortunate to stay at Secrets Playa Mujeres for a week in February and found it to be amazing! The resort is set along the famous white sand beaches of Playa Mujeres, across from Isla Las Mujeres, and just about 30 minutes from the Cancun Airport. It’s location is prime, being adjacent to an 18 hole signature Greg Norman golf course, and in close proximity to downtown Cancun and shopping centers. This Adults-only, Unlimited-Luxury Resort, exceeded my expectations, and included every single amenity that I would want to find in such a world-class destination. Stunning ocean views are visible from every room category in this amazing resort, as it graces the front of the privileged gated community of Playa Mujeres. Unlimited-Luxury Inclusions are so many: Free WiFi and International calling with Unlimited Connectivity, Nine gourmet restaurants – five a la carte, a buffet, a cafe and 2 grills, seven chic bars & lounges – including one swim-up bar, 24 hour room and concierge services, turn-down service, complimentary mini-bar refreshed daily, unlimited premium drinks, pool and beach wait service, state of the art fitness center, tennis courts, sparkling pools, outdoor lounge area, outdoor jacuzzi, Secrets Spa by Pevonia (fee), complimentary green fees, non-motorized water sports, Preferred club privileges, and all taxes and gratuities.

The employees at Secrets Playa Mujeres were exceptional – everyone that one might encounter – front desk, drivers, bartenders, waiters, room service, bell desk, maid service, and the maintenance crew were always friendly and on top of their jobs. Especially enjoyable was to talk to the personnel and get to know a little about their lives. The smiles on their faces and excellent service showed how much they appreciated someone taking an interest. We never had to wait long for service at the bars, restaurants or at the pool. Employees appreciated tips, and they remembered our names, our favorite chair, drink, etc. The golf cart rides between the restaurants, lobby and rooms was always an enjoyable ride because of the conversation with the drivers. When we would be lucky to “get” one of our newfound friends a second time, it was always fun catching up on what we had been enjoying at the resort, or other information about the area.

The pool and beach had picturesque breathtaking views of the water surrounding the resort. We were able to find an excellent location at the pool each day and found that our most enjoyable time was in the morning, before most of the activity got going for the day. The pool concierge were very helpful in finding chair locations if it was a busier, full time. Pool and beach service was frequent for whatever our needs were. They did not want anyone to get dehydrated! Towels were always in abundance, and the beach was amazing! There was always a perfect breeze, but the ocean in February, was colder than what I had anticipated. The seaweed didn’t seem to be that bad, once you got past the bit at the water’s edge, it became clear. The beach did need to be cleared constantly, in order to keep up with the constantly growing piles.

Seaside Grill Restaurant

Oceana Restaurant

The restaurants were outstanding in both their service and quality of food. The French Restaurant, Bordeaux, was phenomenal for the lobster and escargot. The waiters always did so much above and beyond to try to please you…impeccable service! We also had dinner in the Japanese Restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed the Teppanyaki performance and taste of the meal. Oceana, Italian, Seaside Grill, and Portofino were all excellent, as well. I was fully impressed with how attentive the staff was upon a guest’s arrival at a restaurant. They always asked if you had any food allergies, and if you needed any special accommodations for allergy free. What a change for Mexico! Guests with gluten-free or lactose intolerant digestive systems could certainly be comfortable here! Always in the past, on other trips to Mexico, we enjoyed the breakfast buffet every single day, especially the wide variety of food options. At Secrets Playa Mujeres, we tried room service for breakfast one day, and then never went back to the breakfast buffet. Room service was amazing! The service was prompt, timely, temperature perfect, always everything we needed…including ketchup, salt, butter, cream, etc. I highly recommend it!

We were extremely pleased with our stay at Secrets Playa Mujeres and found it to be a glittering gem in the Caribbean. Will it be one for you?

Susan

What Catholic Wedding Chapels are in All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya or Cancun?

March 22, 2015 By Susan Robson

Recently, a new couple came to me wanting to have a Destination Wedding in a Catholic Chapel, at an All-Inclusive Resort, in Riviera Maya or Cancun. I spent quite a bit of time searching for all of the Catholic Wedding Chapels in the area that would qualify. It wasn’t an easy task, so I decided to write about the possibilities in the region, to share with others, who also might be searching. These are the current dedicated Catholic Wedding Chapels located within All-Inclusive Resorts:

Barcelo Maya Beach Resort – Riviera Maya
Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa – Tulum
El Dorado Maroma – Playa del Carmen
Gran Caribe Real – Cancun
Grand Palladium Colonial, Kantenah, White Sand – Akumal
Iberostar Grand, Paraiso Maya, Paraiaso Lindo, Paraiso del Mar – Puerto Morelos
Moon Palace – Puerto Morelos
Valentin Imperial Maya – Puerto Morelos
Hard Rock Riviera Maya – Puerto Aventuras *picture above right

Additional information for Catholic preparation: Catholics from other countries can be married in a Mexican chapel. The couple’s own local parish priest must give permission too marry outside and be approved by their parish’s diocese. The parish priest is responsible for the couple’s marriage instruction and prep, and will assist them with obtaining the necessary documents and permissions. Then, the parish priest needs to forward the following to the chancellor of the diocese for review:

A letter of recommendation (stating that the couple has been prepared in accordance with the marriage guidelines of the diocese;
Permission has been given for the marriage to be celebrated in Mexico;
An original copy of the baptism certificate of the Catholic party – dated.
An original copy of the Confirmation certificate of the Catholic party – dated.
A “Freedom to Marry” affidavit for each party, witnessed and signed by a parent, relative or close friend (signature witnessed by a pastor/priest). A completed Pre-nuptial Investigation form used in your diocese.
Color photos of the Bride and Groom
Copy of the Birth certificate for each

When you are looking for a Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist to assist with your Dream Destination Wedding, go to my website: www.GoTravelStl.com and complete the Perfect Destination Wedding & Honeymoon finder. You may also email or call… Susan@GoTravelStl.com

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

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