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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Private Island: Great Stirrup Cay

We are getting so close to sailing again! As all of the cruise lines continue to prepare their ships for returning to the sea, I wanted to share a post I wrote in 2019 when some of the Must Love Travel Planners had the opportunity to sail on Norwegian’s brand new ship, the Norwegian Encore. It was incredible! And one of the highlights of our sailing was stopping at Norwegian’s own private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.

I will be honest. I had fairly low expectations for this private island. I’ve been to a few other private islands of major cruise lines (Disney, Royal Caribbean), and they are both bigger than Norwegian’s island. But WOW, I was completely blown away! Yes, it is small, but the beach is beautiful, the service is top-notch, the food was great, and some really spectacular excursions were available!

Beach

The beach was beautiful!! TONS of chairs, so you don’t have to fight for one. And there will be a towel waiting for you on each chair, so you don’t have to carry them off the ship. Bar service was excellent and fast, and there are plenty of water activities available for rent, such as floats and paddleboarding. If you want to splurge on a Cabana, those are available for an additional cost.

Lunch

There is a Main Grill and also a few additional food stations located throughout the beach area. The food is great, and there is plenty of it! We even found some light breakfast offerings (banana bread, etc.) available before the lunch was ready, which was perfect for those of us who got to the island early for an excursion.

Excursions

There are some really spectacular excursions, but what impressed me the most was how organized they were. In our group of agents, we were able to sample quite a few excursions. I personally went parasailing and rented a wave runner (jetski), while other agents rented kayaks, swam with pigs (that’s right, I said swam with pigs), and swam with the stingrays.

Overall, I was very impressed with this little slice of paradise. I could have easily spent another day there! Almost every Bahamas and Caribbean sailing on Norwegian makes a stop at Great Stirrup Cay, so be sure to ask your Must Love Travel Planner for more info on this island paradise.

A Closer Look at AMResorts, a Luxury Resort Experience

AMResorts is a collection of luxury resort destinations located throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, each with its own unique personality. Every AMResort features sun-soaked beaches, elegant accommodations, a world-class spa, gourmet dining, unlimited premium drinks, and many other pampering amenities.

With so many different Resorts to choose from, it can seem overwhelming. Luckily, each AMResort falls into one of the following categories.

Contact your Must Love Travel Planner today to book your next vacation! 

Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts

Adult-Oriented

Unplug from daily life and envelop yourself in the tranquility of Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts. Unrivaled luxury and holistic wellness combine with the limitless means of Endless Privileges to offer an experience of attentive bliss known as The Art of Life. Delight in the touches of infinite bliss with daily in-suite sparkling wine, 24-hour gourmet dining, complimentary worldwide calling, laundry services, specialty experiences, and so much more, all included with your stay. Check-in or out at any time, and tune into your inner self.

Secrets Resorts & Spa

Adult Only

Dive deep into a romantic retreat at Secrets Resorts & Spas, where adults escape the everyday amid the natural allure of the Mediterranean and Caribbean. World class amenities and unsurpassed personal service are yours as often as you desire. Embark on your secluded getaway in some of the most coveted locations in the world, and discover the unique sophistication found only at a Secrets Resort.

Breathless Resorts & Spas

Adult Only

If you’re ready to escape to an exciting adults-only destination, where seductive beauty and chic style combine with Unlimited-Luxury, you’re ready for Breathless Resorts & Spas. Each Breathless Resort & Spa was designed to offer an authentic experience unique to its destination. While we infuse our resorts with originality (no cookie-cutter hotels here!), you can still expect to find the ideal blend of relaxation and entertainment at all four of our beachfront, all-adult properties throughout the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico.

Dreams Resorts & Spas

Family Friendly

Dreams Resorts & Spas offer families, couples and singles a luxurious tropical escape. Beautiful beachfront locations and exciting array of activities for every age and interest ensure that everyone has their dream vacation. Spacious rooms and suites, graciously appointed and luxuriously equipped provide a picture-perfect vacation experience with welcoming service and romantic inclusions. Beautiful and exciting destinations provide a lovely setting for a wedding, honeymoon, romantic getaway or family vacation.

Now Resorts & Spas

Family Friendly

Now Resorts & Spas offer vibrant beachfront settings for multigenerational travel, families with teens and tweens as well as couples and friends. Enjoy a family-friendly, modern vacation experience, where play and party are just steps away from peace and quiet. Active and lively settings provide entertainment for all ages and are perfect setting for a family reunion, a wedding or a social group getaway.

Reflect Resorts & Spas

Family Friendly

Enjoy these great beachfront vacations offering a variety of locally inspired cuisine, inviting amenities, friendly service and an array of culturally infused experiences all created for memory making moments.

Sunscape Resorts & Spas

Family Friendly

Sunscape Resorts & Spas offer families, friends, singles and couples high-energy, fun-filled vacations and getaways on pristine beaches. Indulge, day and night, in countless activities at our seaside resorts.

Norwegian Encore: Entertainment

Prior to the start of Covid, I enjoyed sailing Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Norwegian Encore. I was completely blown away by the entertainment onboard. This is some of the very best entertainment at sea, including full length broadway productions and music that will have you dancing all night. Cruising is getting ready to return, so let’s get excited!

Check out a few highlights, and contact your Must Love Travel Planner for more info!

Kinky Boots

Kinky BootsKinky BootsKinky Boots

Kinky Boots Logo

With music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots will have you out of your seat and asking for an encore. Based on true events, this irresistible musical tells the story of Charlie Price, who having inherited a shoe factory forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a cabaret performing drag queen. Together they produce a show-stopping line of high-heeled boots to save the business. And along the way, they discover that they aren’t so different after all. Winner of six Tony Awards®, this vivacious, feel-good show is a must-see!

The Choir of Man

alt-img-card1Pull up a chair at The Choir of Man and raise your glass to high energy dancing and hit songs that flow as freely as the beer. You’ll feel right at home in The Jungle, the rockin’ English pub where the talented cast performs everything from classic rock hits and pub tunes to sing-along favorites. Leave your worries behind and toast to a memorable night at our fleet’s top-rated show, live in the Norwegian Encore theater!

The Choir of ManThe Choir of ManThe Choir of Man

Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical

Happy Hour Prohibition
Happy Hour Prohibition

 

Set in world-famous Madam Lulu’s New Orleans speakeasy, tantalizing madams will regale you with tales of bootleggers and some of the era’s most famous tunes that will have you dancing in the aisles. Savor five of your own Prohibition Era specialty cocktails, each with a modern twist, while enjoying an unforgettable night with Miss Lulu and her girls. Please note that this show is not suitable for children under 16.

Social Comedy and Night Club

Social Comedy & Night Club
Social Comedy & Night Club

 

Jump start the evening with two talented stand-up comedians that will loosen you up with lots of laughs. And then let loose on the dance floor as a DJ spins your favorite tracks late into the night.

The Cavern Club

The Cavern Club
The Cavern Club

 

Pull up a chair in the legendary Liverpool club where the Beatles performed. Sip your Scotch Sour during an evening of good company and great music with a Beatles cover band.

Contact your Must Love Travel Planner TODAY to book your next cruise vacation!

Romance Travel at Sandals Resorts

If you are looking for a perfect couples getaway to the Caribbean or Bahamas, you can’t get much better than Sandals Resorts.

Sandals Resorts are upscale, couples only Resorts with some very romantic touches. These luxury beach resorts are set along the most gorgeous tropical settings and exquisite beaches in Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, The Bahamas, Grenada and Barbados, feature unlimited gourmet dining, unique bars serving premium liquors and wines, and every land and water sport, including complimentary green fees at golf resorts and PADI® certified scuba diving at most resorts.

With so many Sandals Resorts to choose from, how do you pick the one that is right for you? That’s what we are here for! Talk to your Must Love Travel Planner, let them know exactly what you are looking for. Do you want lots of nightlife? Or your own private pool? How about an Overwater Bungalow? Maybe you’d like to upgrade to a Butler experience…All of this can happen at Sandals!

Talk to your Must Love Travel Planner TODAY to plan your next romantic vacation.

How to avoid getting seasick on your next cruise

I’m going to immediately remind everyone that I am a travel agent and blogger, NOT a doctor. If you have any real concern, such as an underlying medical condition – you absolutely need to talk to your doctor before you take a cruise.

Poor Michelle…

For anyone and everyone else….

Getting seasick is a very real, valid concern. My own wife got horribly seasick on her first cruise, and it took me 6 years to get her back on another cruise. I can honestly say that I did everything in my power to keep her from getting sick. As I give you my tips below, I’ll also point out how we used these tips personally in planning our own Disney cruise. And guess what….she did NOT get sick at all!! She had a wonderful time, and she just sailed on her third cruise last week, also with no issues at all.

Bigger IS Better

Yes, a bigger ship is going to most likely be a newer ship, have more stabilizers, and you tend to feel the motion less. Smaller ships tend to rock more, and other than some luxury liners, they are going to be older ships with older technology. We chose to sail on the Disney Fantasy for her size.

Location, Location, Location!

Stateroom location is super important! You feel the motion of the ocean a lot less the closer you are to mid ship. Now, high deck or low deck….I’ve heard both are better/worse. Personally, I’ve felt the motion more on the lower decks. Choosing a stateroom that is mid-ship and about 3/4 up is about as perfect as you can get. We chose a stateroom that is completely smack-dab mid-ship, on Deck 9 (out of 13 decks), which is as central as you can possibly be.

Stateroom Balcony (aka Fresh Air)

The reason I suggest a balcony is not just because they tend to be on the higher decks or because they are more spacious (which they are), but because you have access to fresh air 24/7. This is HUGE if you are concerned about getting seasick and you want to be able to take a step out onto your private verandah, to breath in that refreshing sea air. We chose a Verandah stateroom.

Less Sea Days

I specifically chose an itinerary that has no more than 1 sea day in a row because sea days are definitely harder for folks with light stomachs, as there is constant motion. Even though I thought I wanted an Eastern Caribbean itinerary, Disney’s all include 2 sea days in a row. So, we went with a Western Caribbean itinerary that has 2 sea days, but they are sandwiched between 3 full port days. For the most part, this gives some relief after just 1 day.

Our itinerary looked like this:

Day 1 – Port Canaveral
Day 2 – Sea Day
Day 3 – Cozumel, Mexico
Day 4 – Grand Cayman
Day 5 – Falmouth, Jamaica
Day 6 – Sea Day
Day 7 – Castaway Cay
Day 8 – Port Canaveral

Understand WHERE and WHEN you are sailing

Our first cruise that Michelle got so sick on was a Houston sailing, and it had 2 sea days at the end to get back into port. I had no idea that the Gulf of Mexico is notoriously rocky. I know this now, so I would never put Michelle on a sailing out of a Texas port; also, we sailed in January and ummmm January is winter…so yeah, getting in and out of Texas was not going to be smooth. Our recent Disney cruise was mid-May, out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Be Prepared – get the good meds!

You’ll find a ton of blog posts with all natural alternatives and herbal supplements to avoid getting sick….this is not that kind of post. My advice is….call your doctor and get the good meds!! Load up on dramamine, both regular and non-drowsy, and don’t be afraid to take it. I honestly have no idea if I get seasick or not, because I pretty much have a steady stream of dramamine in my system the entire time. Plus I get the ear patch from my doctor. Plus I wear seabands. The whole shebang. Don’t be a hero! If you are at all worried, there are meds out there to help!

Contact your Must Love Travel Planner TODAY to plan your next cruise vacation!

Passports 101: Guidance for International Travel

As Travel Consultants, there are lots of “top questions” we receive on a weekly basis. When is the best time of year to travel? What are the crowds like? Can you work with my budget?

If I had to figure out what the most popular questions are about, I would have to respond with “Passports”. Passport questions can be complicated, so let me break down two of the top questions and concerns about passports.

Question: “Does it matter when my passport  expires?”
Answer: YES! Most countries (including Mexico, the Caribbean and Bahamas) will require you to have a passport that does not expire within 6 months post travel. That means that if you are traveling in June 2018, your passport would need to be valid through January 2019. Otherwise, you may be denied entry.

Always check your expiration date before you book a vacation that requires a passport!

Question: “Do I really need a passport to Cruise? My friend said I only need a birth certificate.”
Answer: This is a tricky answer. Technically yes, you are allowed to sail on a closed-loop cruise, meaning departing and returning from a US cruise port, with a certified copy of your birth certificate. BUT – and this is extremely important – all cruise lines and travel consultants are going to highly encourage you to sail with a passport. The reasons are severe. If for any reason you would need to fly home from a foreign country, you must have a valid passport in order to fly. This includes flying due to a medical emergency. It also includes needing to get home because there is an issue with your ship!

A common myth is that if you need to fly home by fault of the cruise line, “the cruise line would take care of it”. This is false. Even if you are stuck on an island while a ship is being repaired, if you need to fly home, you will need a passport.

I just read a story about a woman who lost an arm to a shark bite while snorkeling in the Bahamas. She needed immediate medial attention, and the doctors wanted to med-flight her back to the US. Because she did not have a passport, she had to stay on the island and receive medical attention at a local foreign hospital.

I’m not telling you this to scare you, but to impress upon you the risk you take by cruising without a passport.

Passports are super easy to get, so do yourself a favor and go ahead and get a passport now; even if you don’t have a trip planned. What if your friend invites you on a last minute cruise? Or your relative decides to plan a last minute wedding in Mexico? You’ll be so glad you already have one!

If you would like more information about how and where to obtain a passport, reach out and ask your Must Love Travel Planner! We are always happy to walk you through the process. 

Norwegian Encore: Onboard Fun

Norwegian’s newest ship, the Norwegian Encore, has officially been christened and has set sail in the Caribbean! I had the pleasure of sailing on this beautiful ship for her inaugural sailing out of Miami, and I was completely blown away with all there is to do onboard! In additional to dozens of restaurants, lounges, bars, and entertainment, you will find the following activities to keep the entire family happy during your unforgettable vacation!

Speedway

Race Track

With over 1100 feet of pedal-to-the-metal action, the largest race track at sea is bigger, better and only on Norwegian. Watch the ocean blur by as you zoom around high-speed curves suspended 13 feet off the side of the ship. And spectators can get in on the action, too! Revolutionary interactivity lets you boost your favorite racer past the finish.

Laser Tag

Discover the secrets of the past in the resurrected lost city of Atlantis, where laser tag meets augmented reality. Hide behind ruins and run past the giant tentacles of the monstrous sea creature to complete your mission. With long lost treasures that virtually come to life with cutting-edge technology, this is an epic battle for the whole family to enjoy.

Laser Tag

Galaxy Pavilion

Galaxy Pavilion
Galaxy Pavilion

Step inside the Galaxy Pavilion and explore a virtual reality world unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Immersive VR experiences and thrilling simulator rides are just the beginning. Use your wits to solve the puzzles of an escape room featuring holograms and enchanted artifacts. Then come back and experience the excitement all over again.

 Aqua Park

Aqua Park
Aqua Park

Slide into the time of your life. With two multistory waterslides on board, Norwegian Encore keeps the thrills coming over and over again. Make it the best of three on Aqua Racer, our tandem waterslide at sea. And then get a thrill as you whoosh over the side of the ship on the double loop, Ocean Loops. Or call it a lazy day and lounge by the pool with a frozen drink in hand. However you like to make a splash, the Aqua Park is overflowing with excitement.

Main Pool

Main Pool

Go for a dip in the pool or a soak in the hot tub. Feel like making it a relaxing day? Lounge back with an expertly made cocktail in hand and catch some rays. Our main pool is the place to be for all the fun in the sun.

 Kid’s Areas

Splash Academy

Your kids will have a blast inside Splash Academy where they can enjoy complimentary creative play, active sports competitions, and engaging activities for kids of all ages.

Guppies

Guppies is perfect for Norwegian’s youngest guests. Parents and babies can enjoy self-guided play, including sensory activities and toy time. Guppies hosted activities are led by an Early Years Coordinator with parent supervision.

Entourage

Movies. Art. Music. Video games. Dance parties. Welcome to Entourage – a retreat for teens looking to have fun and hang out with people their own age. One thing’s for sure: absolutely, positively, no parents allowed.

Kids' Aqua Park
Kids Aqua Park

They’ll splish. They’ll splash. They’ll definitely have a blast. Whether they want to zip down a tube slide or get drenched by tipping buckets or water cannons, kids will have the best of times at our interactive Kids’ Aqua Park.

Spa

Mandara Spa Thermal Suite Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore  Mandara Spa

There are plenty of ways to be pampered. Unwind in the Thermal Suite with a steam or a dip in the Vitality Pool. Check out the Salt Room and chill out in our Snow Room. Or simply indulge in a hot-stone massage. Treat yourself. You deserve it.

Fitness

Norwegian Encore Fitness

Staying fit has never been easier at our state-of-the-art fitness center. Feel the burn in a high-intensity RYDE cycling class. Strenthen and tone during a Pure Form Pilates session. Or seek inner peace with ocean view yoga or guided meditation classes.

Casino

Norwegian Encore Casinos

Our award-winning casino offers plenty of thrilling casino games for every type of player, whether you’re a beginner or regular at the poker table. Find your lucky seat at one of our many slot machines and in our non-smoking area. Or play in the big leagues with any number of table games. No matter what you prefer, there’s always a way for you to get lucky.

 Ready to book your next cruise? Contact your Must Love Travel Planner TODAY!

5 Reasons you will love All Inclusive Resorts

You’ll find All Inclusive Resorts located throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as the Bahamas, and even in more exotic destinations such as the Canary Islands. All Inclusive Resorts are perfect for travelers who like having pretty much everything about their vacation pre-paid. There are always going to be opportunities to pay for additional services, such as excursions and spa treatments. But overall, an All Inclusive Resort is a great value for your vacation.

Beautiful Beaches

All Inclusive Resorts are located on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Mexico, Bahamas, Caribbean, and more! If you are looking for some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, check out Antigua!

Pre-Pay for your Vacation

All meals and drinks are included! So go ahead and order whatever you want, it’s included! If you want to do even more, additional spending money can be spent on spa treatments, excursions and shopping.

Tons of Activities

There are lots of different activities for adults, teens, children, and even babies! Most non-motorized water sports are included in your All Inclusive package. Children’s Clubs and activities are available all day long. Some Resorts even have special hangout’s for the teenagers in your party.

Adult Only

Adults looking to get away will find many Resorts cater to Adults. It’s the perfect place for Romance! You can stay at an All Adult Resort, or if you are traveling with a family and want to escape the kids for a bit, many All Inclusive Resorts offer Adult Only areas, such as pools and bars, where no children are allowed.

Amazing Service

All Inclusive Resorts have some of the best staff, who cater to your every need. I’ve found some of the friendliest staff in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos and Antigua. But pretty much anyone who works at an All Inclusive Resort is there to give you a fabulous vacation.

Contact your Must Love Travel Planner today for more info!

What to pack in your Carry On Luggage

First let me say, that the options for carry-on luggage is continuously growing and improving. All depending on how “fancy” you want your luggage, you can find bags that include hidden pockets for personal documents, water bottle holders, charging cords…you name it, they have it.

It can be confusing trying to follow all of the TSA laws when it comes to packing your carry-on. On top of the liquids rule, there are a few other items that should ALWAYS go in your carry-on bag. You won’t find these on the TSA website, as they are more general rules that will make sure you are never without your most important items.

Liquids 3 – 1 – 1

The law reads like this: 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

So make sure you remember Liquids 3 – 1 – 1 when packing your carry-on bag.

3 – 3.4 ounces per bottle

– 1 large ziploc bag

1 –  1 bag per passenger

Because if you are over the liquid limit, it will be thrown out. And that is never fun.

Medications

Medications should always go in your carry-on bag. Just imagine that your checked luggage is lost. Would you be in a panic? You can avoid this by always packing all of your medications in your carry-on bag. Make sure they are labeled with your name. So don’t put a bunch of pills in a ziplock bag – bring the actual bottle so it is clear they are prescribed to you.

Liquid Medications do NOT count towards the 3 – 1 – 1 liquids rule, but be sure that they are clearly labeled as medications with your name on them. For example, vials of insulin.

Passport or Photo ID

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is easy to tuck your wallet into a larger bag while you are packing if it seems to fit better. You will need your photo ID to check your luggage, and also to get through TSA Security. And if you are traveling with a Passport, be sure to keep that safe and with you at all times.

Cash

Most of us aren’t used to carrying cash anymore. I have found that traveling through airports and checking into hotels are one of the few times I really need it. I like to tip at least $1 per bag, whenever anyone handles or assists. So that would be on the shuttle from parking to the airport, curbside checkin, shuttle drivers and bell services at your hotel. So do the math and keep plenty of $1’s and $5’s handy. You’ll give them out like candy on a travel day.

Snacks

If you have a bottle of water with you before you arrive at the airport, you’ll have to throw it out when you go through TSA security. But snacks are allowed! Just make sure your snacks don’t fall under the liquids category – so no yogurt, applesauce, some fruit…I’ve even seen peanut butter thrown out. Stick with chips, crackers, cookies, protein bars…enough to keep you full in the event of a travel delay.

Perfect Day at CocoCay: Thrill Side

Royal Caribbean has recently re-opened their own Private Island called CocoCay in the Bahamas, and it is amazing! There is quite literally something for everyone. If you want to sit at the beach and relax, if you want to play in a party-pool, if you want to visit a water park…it’s all there!

Your Royal Caribbean ship will dock on the island, and offers complimentary shuttle service from the ship to the island. If you choose to walk down the pier, you’ll have some amazing photo opportunities. Even if you enjoy walking, I recommend taking the shuttle around the island, just so you can see everything there is to offer!

CocoCay is divided into two sections – “Chill Side” and “Thrill Side”. The “Thrill Side” includes the super-popular Thrill Water Park, with lots of slides, water activities and a huge wave pool.

Thrill Water Park 

If you’re after non-stop action and pulse-pounding excitement, nothing beats the record-breaking pools and slides at Thrill Waterpark. Fill your day with plenty of wild hairpin turns, bracing zero-gravity drops, big-time tide riding and more. No matter what your threshold for adrenaline, Thrill Waterpark delivers something for every level of daredevil.

Rest and Relaxation

If you’ve had your fill of thrill, kick back and relax. The best part? You don’t even need to leave Thrill Waterpark. Claim one of the complimentary beach chairs by the wave pool or reserve a cabana close to your favorite slide tower and recharge before your next adventure. The nearby Snack Shack is the perfect pit stop for a quick refuel.

 

Perfect Day at CocoCay: Chill Side

Royal Caribbean has recently re-opened their own Private Island called CocoCay in the Bahamas, and it is amazing! There is quite literally something for everyone. If you want to sit at the beach and relax, if you want to play in a party-pool, if you want to visit a water park…it’s all there!

Your Royal Caribbean ship will dock on the island, and offers complimentary shuttle service from the ship to the island. If you choose to walk down the pier, you’ll have some amazing photo opportunities. Even if you enjoy walking, I recommend taking the shuttle around the island, just so you can see everything there is to offer!

CocoCay is divided into two sections – “Chill Side” and “Thrill Side”. The “Chill Side” is currently divided into two sections – Chill Island and Oasis Lagoon. Coming soon will be the addition of the Coco Beach Club, opening January 2020.

Chill Island 

This is the beach day of your dreams, with crystal clear waters and beautiful white sand beaches. If you feel adventurous but don’t want to leave the Island, you can rent snorkel equipment or book a jet ski. When it’s time for lunch, Chill Grill is just steps away from your beach chair. Even upgrade your experience by booking a private cabana or beach bed.

 Oasis Lagoon

Oasis Lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean! There are multiple coves, each with their own vibe. There are endless pool chairs, most with umbrellas. There are even multiple in-pool lounge chairs for some ultimate relaxation. Check out the swim up bar and enjoy a live DJ and entertainment. Splash away in the kid friendly zero entry. Or upgrade your experience by booking a private cabana.

 

Want more info on Royal Caribbean and CocoCay? Contact your Must Love Travel Planner today!

 

International Travel: How to Stay Safe

I know there are a lot of fears and worry around traveling right now. As I keep telling my clients (and myself!) this will end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we all will begin to travel again very soon!

No matter where in the world you are going, here are some easy, standard tips for keeping safe when traveling internationally. Whether you are traveling to Europe, Costa Rica, Australia or Thailand, these tips will help everyone stay safe in a country that is not your own.

Getting There

  • Make a color copy of your passport or take a picture and email it to yourself. This will be a great backup if your passport is lost or stolen.
  • Arrive at your destination during daylight hours so you can check out the surroundings to make sure it’s safe.

Full Service Hotel

  • Consider staying at a hotel that has staff working 24/7 rather than a home share.
  • Write down the exact address of where you’re staying in case your phone dies or gets lost or stolen.
  • Request a room on a higher floor. There is generally a layer of security before you get to the elevators.
  • If you’re riding the elevator with a stranger, let them press their floor number first. If it’s the same as yours, go up another level just to be safe.

During your Trip

  • Check in with family or friends at home shortly after arriving. Share your itinerary with someone at home so folks know what you are doing.
  • Check in frequently throughout your trip.

Around Town

  • Wear clothes that blend in while out in public. You do not want to advertise that you’re a tourist.
  • Only carry what you need, primarily your phone, ID and some cash.
  • Use a purse or pocket that can be worn in the front so that way you prevent pickpockets from reaching into a back pocket.
  • Carry your cash in more than one spot. This way, if your purse does get stolen, you still have some money on you.
  • When enjoying the nightlife, keep an eye on the person making your drink. Don’t ever let your drink out of your sight. And stay sober if you are by yourself!
  • Don’t tell strangers where you are staying. If someone asks, keep it vague. (“Down near the Boat Dock”)

Excursions

  • Book group tours with certified tour operators. Thoroughly read the reviews before booking.

Ready to book your next Adventure? Contact your Must Love Travel Planner today!

Romance Travel to Mexico

Mexico is a wonderful vacation destination, with beautiful beaches, amazing food and high end Resorts. Here are my Top 5 Resort Recommendations for Romance in Mexico.

1. El Dorado Maroma

Photo Cred: El Dorado Resorts

I’m starting with the absolute best. El Dorado Maroma is home to the incredible Palafitos-Overwater Bungalows, in fact these are the only Overwater Bungalows you will find in Mexico! This is a perfect honeymoon destination, with exclusive Butler service and unbelievable views.

2. Zoetry Paraiso De La Bonita Riviera Maya

This is a more boutique hotel experience for couples looking for the ultimate Spa and Wellness vacation. You will experience a high level of holistic well being and overall luxury experiences. When I think of Zoetry, the words “tranquil” and “zen” come to mind.

3. El Dorado Casitas Royale

El Dorado Casitas is the perfect Resort for couples wanting to spend their days relaxing in a quiet oasis, but still having an active nightlight. Although Casitas tends to stay quiet at night, it is very easy to head next door to El Dorado Royale for nightly entertainment. Check out the over-water swings and salt-water pool.

4. Breathless Riviera Cancun

Breathless is the place to be for couples looking for a a perfect combination or relaxation and FUN! This Resort offers plenty of quiet spaces, but also an active entertainment schedule. This is a great spot for couples who want to par-tay!

5. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

Adult Only with ultra-romantic dining options. You can even have dinner on the beach. Book a swim-up room and definitely splurge on Club Level.

There are dozens of ultra romantic resorts in Mexico. Contact your Must Love Travel Planner TODAY to plan your next vacation!

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