Travel Insurance-do I have to??

I'm asked "why do I have to purchase travel insurance-we are going for sure?"

I first explain the benefits of purchasing travel insurance and why I feel it is so important. I then get the responses from clients; "well, we've never purchased it before and were fine, it's a waste of money, nothing will happen."  

If you are purchasing a low cost Southwest flight, then no I don't really recommend; however, when planning a $10,000 vacation, no doubt you should spend the extra $200 or more for the insurance.

#1.  Had a family go to Costa Rica for a bucket list trip (2 adults and 2 children) and definitely recommended travel insurance.  They said most definitely.  3 days into their trip the mother's father was dying and they needed to get home ASAP.  Here comes the insurance.  They were totally covered, new flight home, transfers to the airport AND were reimbursed for the lost 4 days of their trip.  "Yes we are going for sure"

#2.  Clients from the East Coast traveling to Cancun for vacation in March-although East Coast weather "iffy" I suggested travel insurance (again family of 4). Kids were free on the insurance and they said definitely.  Their flight was cancelled for the return due to airport being snowed in and diverted to Texas for a 2 night stay.  Hotel, rental car, food and return air home-all covered.  Hmmm are we glad we purchased insurance.

The stories go on

So, I will leave it up to you, but I will definitely recommend.  You in the long run, hearing the reasons to purchase, will ultimately make the decision

REAL ID CARD

                               

 Most travelers know the routine at the airport.  Before entering the security checkpoint you must show your boarding pass and a picture ID.  That is the law, but it will become more strict in Oct 2020.  At that time all states must comply with the Real ID Act.  If you want to board a commercial flight or enter some federal buildings and military bases you will need a Real ID card or something equivalent such as a passport or US military ID

The difference between Real ID and older forms of ID.  The new cards must have new security features and can only be issued after you provide your identity.  This must be handled at a DMV, unfortunately AAA cannot handle this.  You will need:

1.  Proof of your identity such as a birth certificate or passport.

2.  Evidence of your Social Security number with either a Social Security card or a W-2 form

3.  2 other documents attesting to your home address such as a rental agreement, utility bill or similar.  Everything must all match.

I thought I had all the correct information to give them; however, our utility bill, phone bill etc. was all in my husbands name.  Luckily I had my car registration that was in my name so all went well.

 If you have any concerns you can visit  dbs.gov/real-id 

 

Maui and Turtle Bay on Oahu

So you just can't beat Maui according to a honeymoon client who has been to the Caribbean and Mexico.

Everything went perfect!! Maui is definitely the most beautiful place I've ever been, and not sure anything will ever compare. 

 -Brittany 

SARGASSUM (SEAGRASS)

It's brown, ugly and smells bad and is prevalent this year especially in the Caribbean and Mexico.  It is an important part of our eco system that has been around for hundreds of years.  It normally "blooms" in the Sargasso Sea (North Atlantic) from May-August and the currents, tide and winds push it towards our popular beaches.  We can't ignore it, but we can live with it and look for ways to help clean it up.  
Research shows that it flourishes from Nitrogen and Phosphorus land based runoffs that wash into the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers.  Climate change as well as the Deep Horizon oil spill in 2010 have contributed to it as well.  The chemical used to breakdown the oil spill produced nitrogen which in turn fertilized the "sea grass." We for sure don't like walking or swimming in it-is it harmful?  Yes and no-if large layers are trapped in coves then the air can become toxic-other than that no.  Most resorts try to keep the sea grass at a minimum by raking daily.  Actually, 85% of the Cancun beaches remain free of this and remember, you can still enjoy the area you are visiting.  Check out museums, restaurants, inland activities and enjoy the view of the ocean from your infinity pool at the resort.  Do not let this deter your vacation.

10 Reasons to take an all inclusive adults only vacation

1.  SOAK IN THE ALL-ADULT AMBIANCE-the obvious NO kids.  Relax and no splashing in the pool or high pitched squeals
2. LUXURIATE IN PARADISE-Exceptional accommodations  with extraordinary views and exceptional hospitality. From the moment you arrive you are in for an upscale experience.
3.  HAVE IT ALL, THE ALL-INCLUSIVE WAY- Included in your price of the room are gym facilities, non-motorized water sports (kayaking, snorkeling and much more depending on the resort).  Great spa and possibly a near by golf course.
4.  INDULGE IN THE FINEST FOOD, TOP-SHELF SPIRITS- We are talking
GOURMET cuisine in upscale restaurants-the quality and elegance of each restaurant and remember only adults allowed.  Drinks with your meal, at a bar, by the pool or in your room- always available.
5.  RECEIVE GREAT VALUE, RELIEVE THE STRESS- Booking an all inclusive vacation takes the stress out of planning-leave your wallet behind when dining at the many restaurants, making them more enjoyable and NO tipping.
6.  SAVE ON TIME, SPEND IT ON FUN- Alot of the activities are onsite at the resort so you can relax, have a leisurely breakfast and decide which part of the resort you want to go to first AND if you want to take a tour, the tour desk on site can help with that and many of the tours are nearby.
7.  MAKE NEW FRIENDS-While relaxing on the beach or pool or even in a restaurant, you are likely to find some adults that you hit it off with.
8.  EXPLORE A FASCINATING CULTURE TOGETHER-There are many cultural areas to see; if in Mexico of course the Mayan ruins, in the Dominican the Zona Colonial district and Santo Domingo a UNESCO world heritage site
9.  FIND A ROMANTIC SETTING FOR A WEDDING-Today's luxury all inclusive resorts are romantic and have very elegant backdrops for some destination weddings.  You can choose a beautiful beach, lush gardens, gazebos, etc.  and you have a wedding coordination to help with it all.
10.  CONSIDER THE INCENTIVE FACTOR- The value of an all inclusive makes it a great option for companies to offer for incentives for their employees.

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR-LET'S GET STARTED TODAY

Kids vacations

Where to take the kids for vacations!!  Look no further than Beaches Resorts located in Jamaica (2 in Jamaica) and 1 in the lovely Turks and Caicos. Beaches resorts are on the most beautiful beaches and all water activities are included-kids do you want to go to the Pirates Water Park or maybe do some "wave surfing" in the wave simulator pool.  Parent's you can do it as well!  You can even have  the children take scuba diving lessons. (age dependant).  Beaches  Resorts have more quality inclusions than any other resort, plus adults LOVE these resorts as well.  Great for multi-generations travel.  There are complimentary nannies so if you adults want "alone" time; spa treatments or just a romantic dinner, you can feel safe that the kids are loving their time away as well.  The restaurants (up to 20 of them depending on location) are fabulous; maybe a dinner that is scheduled for the kids-at their choice restaurant-how fun is that.  Good night bedtime stories can be arranged with Cookie Monster or one of their favorite characters reading to them and then tucking them in. 

By the way, certain times of the year there are some great "girls getaway" weekends where you are pampered and even "fire fighter's" weekends with some great activities.

Have fun-

Packing

Which photo would be your packing technique look like?  Well, I start off like the one on the top and end up with the one on the bottom.  I don't know if there is really and ONE way to pack.  I think it depends on where you are traveling.  If you are going on an elegant cruise, you definitely are going to pack differently than going on a  Costa Rica adventure.

When I (we) are going on a vacation, I try to think of what I (we) will be doing that particular day and put in the appropriate clothes.  Hey, the suitcase looks great and room to spare and THEN I think, hmm what if I slip in the mud or spill on my outfit, then I have to add something  more to the suitcase and now it is overflowing. I've tried rolling, packing in tissue paper and so on and upon arrival of our destination, I spend the next 60 minutes ironing for the week.

My advice to you is to research the area you are going and remember you probably won't see these people again, so you can wear the same thing twice (ya right) and as far as shoes and which ones to take-well, ladies we know the answer to that one.

Happy Packing!!