I LOVED my trip to Chatham, Cape Cod!

Looking for a summer vacation on the East Coast? 

If you haven't been to Cape Cod, I highly recommend it! My son recently bought a condo in the Harwich Port area. This charming seaside community is situated along Nantucket Sound. Of course I needed to visit him - and check out this gorgeous area! We flew into Boston airport, which is about 100 minutes from the Chatham Bars Inn where we were staying. If you don't enjoy a car ride, there are smaller airport options in the Cape Cod area.

The Chatham Bars Inn did not disappoint! This iconic, historic hotel opened in 1914 and has hosted famous guests over the years such as Henry Ford and William Rockefeller. During World War 11, the Chatham Bars Inn was a summer home to Princess Julianna of the Netherlands and her three daughters. In 2006, new owners completed a $100 million renovation while retaining the wonderful old-world charm and introducing modern amenities. The Chatham Bars Inn is a world-class luxury resort today with the charming main building and several quaint cottages.

The Chatham Bars Inn has a prime spot right on the beach. Guests love their large heated pool, tennis courts and boat rides to nearby Nantucket. It has several restaurant options, and the food was delicious! They even have their own farm, and you can take home yummy produce over the summer period. The location was divine, and it was a short walk from to the main street in Chatham. We enjoyed wandering down the tree lined streets and popping into the quaint gift shops, galleries and ice cream stores.

Cape Cod is surprisingly large as it encompasses 15 towns. It incorporates multiple beaches and harbors that are extremely popular tourist attractions. Harwich Port is a short, 10-minute drive from Chatham and offers a variety of areas to explore.  We enjoyed a drive to Provincetown at the northern tip of Cape Cod for lunch, which was about a 50 minute drive along stunning scenery. You can also take a ferry from Boston to Provincetown. This fascinating historic area is bursting with maritime character.

Contact us to learn more! I would be delighted to help you plan a trip to beautiful Cape Cod!!

Exciting NEW travel destinations!

The travel industry is heating up!

To make sure you are ready to go, check your passport expiration date. You can't travel if your passport expires within six months of your departure date. Surging travel sales mean that passport offices across the country are backlogged. I strongly recommend that you renew early to avoid any travel delays. Click here for more details about passports and visas.

I've got some exciting news to share with you!

Three New Sandals Resorts Coming to Jamaica

Sandals Resorts International announced it will add three new hotels in Jamaica. They will transform two all-inclusive resorts they acquired last year - the former Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios and Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark. The third resort will be built on a prime parcel of beautiful beachfront land adjacent to the Ocho Rios resort. Just picture yourself relaxing on a beautiful beach!

Mystery Trip...

Some luxury travel companies are betting that adventurous travelers will embrace the unknown with the launch of 'mystery' trips. It's like a grab bag for travel!

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announced its first Mystery Cruise. This 10-day sailing will launch from somewhere in Europe on June 12, 2022. Uniworld promises "a brand new itinerary, featuring over-the-top, unique experiences both on and off the ship" that have never been offered by Uniworld before.

The Rocky Mountaineer is Coming to the US! 

With many travelers eager to escape but still leery about wandering too far during the pandemic, the Rocky Mountaineer is launching a close-to-home option this summer. This is a great way to enjoy a luxury scenic train trip without international travel. The new Rockies to the Red Rocks journey is the Canadian company's first U.S. itinerary. It travels between Denver and Moab with an overnight in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Contact me to book your next adventure!

Looking for summer travel ideas?

Warmer weather + vaccinations = time to travel! I want to share some suggestions for great summer trips. These destinations are perfect for couples, families or a guys' trip.

What about a visit to one of the National Parks such as the Grand Canyon? There are lots of options to explore this one-of-a-kind area. You can fly and drive or travel by train. I can also book you on an escorted group tour. Let us know what interests you so we can make this trip a reality! This photo was taken on my own personal trip to the Grand Canyon. I was amazed at the spectacular landscapes. As one of the "Seven Wonders of the World", this trip should be on your list!

Yellowstone National Park is popular trip for families. Did you know that Yellowstone is the oldest and largest of the National Parks in the US?  Known as the home of "Old Faithful", you can see geysers, hot springs and waterfalls. The park is also home to wildlife and exotic plants. Adventurous visitors enjoy all kinds of activities, including hiking, kayaking and fly fishing. This could be a customized land trip with flights, accommodation and car rental. Alternatively, you could book a rail trip or an escorted tour.

Interest in Dude Ranch vacations has grown tremendously - it is the perfect vacation with family and friends. Get off your electronics and get outside! This outdoor paradise is perfect for horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, river rafting, fly fishing, and so much more.  Ask us about Paws Up in Montana for a trip of a lifetime that will be talked about at family gatherings for years to come.

Have you always dreamed of a trip to Hawaii? There are new flight options to this popular destination. Even better, there are some AMAZING travel deals! We make it easy for you to enjoy this tropical paradise with a customized packaged to suit your needs and budget. Which Hawaiian island appeals to you? This photo was taken on beautiful Maui - one of my personal favourites spots.

It's time to relax and recharge. Contact us to help you plan a dream vacation for this summer!! 

Three ideal spots for Wellness Travel

Wellness Travel has been trending annually since 2015.  With the stress and challenges of 2020, it is no surprise that Wellness Tourism is projected to reach $919 billion by 2022!  A recent survey by the Global Wellness Institute found that travelers are increasingly focused on their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. These health-focused vacations offer stress reduction, much-needed rest and spiritual renewal. Take a deep breath and keep reading!

Wellness Travel is designed for every type of person. After a year of COVID-19, we all need a break! You can book a long weekend designed for total rest and rejuvenation. Center your mind with a yoga retreat or mindful relaxation. Recharge your body with healthy eating and spa treatments. Active travelers love outdoor adventures in natural settings.

Here are some Wellness Trips I would recommend.

1. Stay at a resort that specializes in wellness. Close your eyes and imagine relaxing in Napa Valley at a resort that can deliver the ultimate vacation experience with indulgent spa treatments, hiking trails and legendary wineries. If you prefer a sunny climate in the desert, there are resorts in Arizona that offer wellness programs with healthy delicious food that soothes both the body and soul! Looking for a Caribbean resort that offers a unique experience with dedicated fitness classes, soaking tubs and superb amenities? I would recommend the brand new wellness hotel in Punta Cana.

2. Have you always dreamed of a river cruise? There is nothing more relaxing than meandering up the river. These intimate cruises are offered in Europe, Asia and right here in the USA! Several of the river cruise lines in Europe have bicycles on board for their guests and offer guided bike tours. I can recommend a river cruise line that offers fitness facilities, yoga sessions, Tai Chi classes, guided meditation and massage services. After your class, relax in the pool or lounge on the sun deck as you enjoy the breathtaking scenery all around you.

3. If activity helps you unwind, you should head to Alaska for a week-long break. Get lots of fresh air in the rugged outdoors as you view spectacular scenery. I can arrange excursions for light hiking, biking, rafting and kayaking. 

There are so many options for Wellness Travel. Contact me for more details on these trips. I would be happy to help you plan a vacation that will reduce that stress we've all been experiencing!!

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.