The Hawaiian Islands are OPEN!

 Have you had the good fortune to travel to HAWAII?

If you have not yet visited the Hawaiian Islands and it is on your bucket list, I wanted you to know that Hawaii is once again open to travelers. A trip to Hawaii is definitely PARADISE! Planning a destination wedding or a honeymoon? I can tell you that Hawaii has it all - it is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. A destination wedding is actually a cost-effective option for couples who love to travel!

Hawaii reopened to visitors from with the United States and a small number of other countries in October. To ensure safety, visitors must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test. Travelers from the US, Canada, Japan and South Korea are allowed to bypass Hawaii's mandatory 10-day quarantine on most islands by following strict pre-travel testing rules. Starting February 18, travelers on select Delta and United Airlines flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) can enroll and use CLEAR's Health Pass to securely link their test results to their verified identity before traveling.

I am originally from the west coast of Canada and have been fortunate to have visited Hawaii a few times. The temperature in Hawaii is perfect with warm ocean breezes and low humidity year round. The average temperature ranges between 75 and 85F - pure bliss! You will be amazed at both the spectacular scenery and the gorgeous flowers.

Hawaii is a group of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean. There are six major islands, each of which has their own distinct personality. The most popular Hawaiian Islands to visit are Oahu, the Island of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai. There is so much to see and do in Hawaii! Relax on sandy beaches with all kinds of water sports, including jet boating, paddleboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing. 

Do you enjoy adventure? Hawaii offers breathtaking scenery for walking, hiking, horseback riding and biking. I highly recommend helicopter and balloon tours to view the stunning beauty of each island. You can even schedule a submarine tour! Are you a golfer? The golf courses are absolutely gorgeous!

Many trips to Hawaii start in Honolulu, which is the capital of the Aloha State. It is situated on the island of Oahu that is known as "the heart of Hawaii". There are lots of things to see and do at nearby Waikiki Beach, where most of the hotels and resorts on Oahu are located. There are a wide variety of tours available. Travel back in time with a tour of Pearl Harbor. If you enjoy concerts and shows, there is a wide selection of entertainment,

 From Honolulu, you can take a short flight to visit the other Hawaiian Islands.The Island of Hawaii is known as the "Big Island", and it is home to beautiful waterfalls with lots of adventure! Maui is very popular with quaint towns to visit and lovely beaches, including the well know Kaanapali Beach. The scenery is spectacular - especially if you rent a car and drive the renowned "Road to Hana". Kauai is the 4th largest island and is called "the Garden Island". The scenery here is spectacular with tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Some parts of Kauai are only accessible by sea or air.

Contact us if you'd like to learn more about PARADISE!

Destination weddings & honeymoons without the stress!

The holidays and Valentine's Day are peak times for couples to get engaged. In fact, around 40 percent of engagements occur during this proposal season.CONGRATULATIONS if you or a family member are newly engaged!

After a period of europhia, many people start to feel overwhelmed with planning. So where do you start? A travel agent can take away a lot of the stress by helping you plan the ceremony, honeymoon or both events.

We can help if you want to be married somewhere locally or have always dreamed of a destination wedding. Would you like a ceremony in romantic Paris or Rome? Maybe you've always pictured yourself getting married on a small cruise ship in the Mediterranean. A travel agent can plan all the details, such as blocking hotel rooms for your guests, booking flights and having your dress delivered. We assist with all the details in planning a destination wedding.

Can you see yourself getting married on a beach or in a lush garden? There is a wonderful selection of all-inclusive Caribbean resorts that will make your big day magical. You choose where you'd like to go, and we can will customize the trip to meet your individual needs and budget. Once you arrive at the resort, your on-site personal wedding planner will take care of everything. This gives the happy couple time to relax and spend time with their loved ones.

Cost is an important part of wedding planning. A combined destination wedding and honeymoon is actually quite cost efficient. As an added bonus, your family and friends will have a relaxing vacation to look forward to!

Need help with your honeymoon plans? Tell us what you have in mind, and we can make that dream a reality. Make memories traveling in Europe, relaxing in Hawaii or a romantic all-inclusive resort with butler service. Couples love our FREE honeymoon registry that lets them create their own wedding website.

Contact us to learn more about the benefits of a destination wedding.

That was Easy!

The name 'Cruise Planners' confuses many people. While I am a Cruise Planner franchise owner, I plan a WHOLE lot more than just cruises!

In these uncertain times, I have talked to many people who really want to travel again when it is safer. But, it is hard to plan a trip during this chaos. A travel specialist can really help with a 'trip planning service'. Let me tell you more!

You decide where you'd like to go, and we will take care of the rest! Hollie and I are here to help! We will provide you with up-to-date information on travel safety protocols due to COVID-19. You just have to worry about finding your passport and a bathing suit (that fits!)

Are you dreaming of a trip to Europe? Have you have always wanted to visit Ireland or France? You might be overwhelmed by planning a trip because you have no idea how to get from place to place or where to stay. Let us know which countries you would like to visit, and we will plan a complete package. Tell us your travel dates, so we can provide a detailed destination guide with helpful suggestions of things to do in each place.

Maybe you have always wanted to go on an African safari. How does a trip to Australia or New Zealand sound? I highly recommend a river cruise that stops in unique destinations. One call does it all because I have the inside the scoop on these destinations! I love river cruising, and I lived in New Zealand for years. I had an amazing time on our safari. As you can see below, the locals are furry! 

Are you thinking you'd like to go to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean? Tell us your interests, and we will help you put together a trip of a lifetime! There are stunning resorts for those who love lounging on the beach to water sports and everything in between. 

We can also help if you want to stay closer to home. How does a road trip right here in the US sound? We will help you select a route that includes all the places you have in mind. Plus, we provide suggestions about great places to stay, amazing food joints and the popular things to see along the way.

As an added bonus, we can also organize additional services like travel insurance and information on passports/visas. We will even provide you with some helpful packing tips!

Check out this article on the MANY advantages of working with a travel advisor. If you are ready to make memories in 2021, contact us to help you plan your next adventure.

Pairing rivers with trains in Switzerland!

According to Travel Weekly magazine, "Planes, Trains and Riverboats is a combination that is shaping up as a hot trend!" This lets travelers rebook their cancelled trips with train trips through Europe before or after their river cruise in 2021.

Pre- or-post train trips can be booked throughout Europe in France, the British Isles, Italy or Scandinavia for both river and ocean cruises. What really caught my eye is a train trip through beautiful Switzerland with its gorgeous lakes and mountain views that are absolutely stunning! Switzerland borders France, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy, which makes this trip a great way to experience many different cultures.

There are several itineraries offered that can be customized to your needs. You get to select where you stop. One of the most popular river cruise itineraries starts or finishes in Basel, Switzerland. Adding a train trip from this destination provides easy access to Europe. If you are planning an ocean cruise that departs from Venice, you can easily add on a train trip between Switzerland and Venice!

These train trips are booked as packages with your choice of hand-picked hotels and/or overnight rail. You can also add optional excursions with fun activities such as a cruise on Lake Lucerne. These packages can be customized to fit your budget.

Travellers who are hesitant with COVID-19 can feel confident that every precaution has been taken with increased cleaning and sanitation. Train capacity is at 50% or less. Facial coverings are mandatory, and there is now contactless ticket control!

For those people who prefer the idea of a train trip closer to home, we can also help you plan a train trip in the USA or Canada. We are getting a lot of requests for  trips to the National Parks and Alaska! Contact me for more information.

Book a PRIVATE FAMILY tour for next summer!

Are you ready to explore new places? 

So many people want to travel again, but they are understandably concerned about interacting with large groups of people during COVID-19. We've got good news for you! You can book a small group tour just for you and your favorite people. The hardest part is deciding where your extended family or close friends want to go! 

Insight Vacations offer small group tours allowing you to travel as a private group with as few as 12 people! They are one of our preferred suppliers for escorted tours, and their travel directors expertly plan the perfect trip for your crew. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your air conditioned coach with WiFi to stay connected. The driving and planning is all done for your group. Now, that is a REAL vacation!!

There are several trip itineraries that can be booked for small groups. This provides a safe way to visit beautiful destination in the United States and Europe. We want to tell you about three popular places to visit.

1. Enchanting Canyonlands. 
This popular seven-day tour starts in Phoenix, Arizona and finishes in Las Vegas, Nevada. Your journey begins with a stay in beautiful Scottsdale. From there, your group travels to spectacular Sedona and the Grand Canyon. You can opt for a once-in-a-lifetime, flightseeing tour by helicopter or plane. Next up is the barren beauty of the desert and the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Guests rave about relaxing at Lake Powell's beautiful resort. The tour continues through the diverse landscapes of the sandstone cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah and the lush cliff-and-canyon landscape of Zion National Park. This natural beauty is contrasted with the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas.

 

2. Golden California

Have you always wanted to go to California? I would highly recommend the nine-day tour called the "Best of California". Explore the modern and bohemian influences in San Francisco. Wander around the rugged beauty of Yosemite National Park. Relax in the beach towns of Monterey and Santa Barbara. After this restful time, you get to explore the lights and sounds of Los Angeles. Of course the bus will visit Pacific Coast vineyards so you can experience the area's award-winning wines. 

3. France

Is Paris calling? Enjoy time in this cosmopolitan city, which is known for wonderful food, shopping and cultural outings. Enjoy delicious food and wine in the Loire Valley. Travel to the South of France for relaxation on the beach. Enjoy the breathtaking views from your own personal bus. Did we mention that the busses have air conditioning?

The staff at Insight Vacations hand pick quality hotels and exciting excursions. Even better, some meals are included in the package. Each tour provides down time so you can relax by the pool or explore on your own. Contact us for more information about these private tours.

Galapagos is a HOT Destination Now!

 I want to tell you why the Galapagos Islands is the top tourist destination right now. It's HOT!

Cruise Planners recently hosted a webinar in conjunction with Celebrity Cruises. We were amazed at the incredible interest and subsequent bookings for both 2021 and 2022 cruises to this fascinating place. Ecuador and the Galapagos are one of the few destinations that are currently open to American tourists. This is good news because these destinations are on many peoples' bucket lists!

The Galapagos is an archipelago of 13 major islands and several smaller ones. As you are no doubt aware, this magical place was the inspiration for Charles Darwin's "Theory of Evolution" with its abundant flora and wildlife. Many of these creatures are found no where else in the world! 

These islands are located 600 miles off mainland Ecuador. Each island has unique landscapes with volcanic rocks. Due to the lack of predators, these creatures allow visitors to get "up close and personal". This is also a diver's paradise with an amazing array of plant and animal species.

These beautiful islands are protected, and visitors are shown the beauty of the islands by a licensed guide with the Galapagos National Park. The best way to visit this incredible place is by taking a small expedition cruise.

We work with several different suppliers who offer expedition cruises. While Viking is known for their culturally enriching river cruises and small ship ocean cruises, they are now offering small expedition cruises with just 90 guests on board to the Galapagos. They will also be offering land excursions in Peru with access to the renowned Machu Picchu area.

Contact me to learn more!!

Are you Suffering from Tripaphobia?

According to a recent report from American Express, the majority of U.S. consumers surveyed say they are missing travel right now. I couldn't agree more! Almost half surveyed said it was taking an emotional toll and causing increased stress, which leads to anxiety.

It sounds like we are suffering from "Tripaphobia" - the fear of not having any trips currently booked and nothing to look forward to. With the current COVID-19 situation, I completely understand why consumers are nervous to travel again.

I want to share six things I learned that will help you plan your next adventure.

1. The 14-day COVID-19 self-quarantine is no longer recommended!

Travelers returning from a trip outside the country - or their state - no longer face recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return. For more information, click here to read the article from USA TODAY.

2. Dubai is the first airport to employ Coronoavirus sniffing dogs!

Travel & Leisure magazine reported that "the Dubai airport is the first real-world example where dogs are being used to sniff out COVID-19. The dogs do their work from afar, never coming into direct contact with potentially infected or fearful humans. Samples are taken from travelers’ armpits and placed in steel containers designed to allow a dog’s snout to fit inside without disturbing the sample. Test results, which are said to have a 92 percent accuracy rate, are returned in less than a minute." Now that is a good dog! I am sure that other major airports will soon be using these amazing animals. 

3. Delta Airlines have vowed to keep their middle seats empty into January 2021!

Forbes announced that Delta Airlines have extended their "no middle seat policy" to January 2021. Health experts agree that having that additional space between passengers does make a difference. The article stated that "in extending its seat blocking policy, Delta becomes the first major air carrier to extend the practice into 2021. Other major carriers including Alaska, Southwest and JetBlue also have middle-seat blocks in place, though none of the other carriers have yet extended the practice into 2021 as yet."

4. Jamaica Requires All U.S. Visitors to be Tested for COVID-19

Travel Weekly announced that effective August 20th, residents of all U.S. states are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from an accredited lab within 10 days of their intended travel date. This precaution is reassuring for travelers who want to enjoy the beaches and culinary delights of Jamaica!

5. St. Kitts and Nevis reopening borders, but you’ll need to quarantine!

Another Caribbean nation is opening up to international tourism. St. Kitts and Nevis will reopen its borders in October, just in time for fall and winter escapes for Americans. A 14-day quarantine will be required, but then you will be able to enjoy this enchanting island.
Click here to read more. 

Feel safe traveling to St. Kitts and Nevis because they only have 17 reported cases of COVID-19 and zero deaths.

6. Even During a Pandemic, San Diego remains a hot destination!

Local tourism officials in San Diego county have reported an increase in hotel rooms being booked. With new safety protocols in place to ensure that travelers feel comfortable, San Diego is one of the top five destinations in hotel capacity in the country right now.

If you have travel questions or travel concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us for information. We would be delighted to provide you with travel options and pricing.