Category: Travel Agent

Tipping at an All-Inclusive Resort

1/6/2023

All Your Questions Answered About Tipping at an All Inclusive Resort

You've booked your trip to an all-inclusive resort and more than likely it states "tips" are included in your price, but is it really? The quick answer is yes, but the staff taking care of you all week really only see pennies of what you've pre-paid. The good news, you will have little need for vast amounts of cash (unless you just plan to buy or do a lot of extra things, which could also be awesome).

Still, lots of people have questions about tipping at an all-inclusive, and we want to help you navigate this as smoothly as possible, since it’s different than what we do in the States.
Note that if you staying at a Sandals Resort, the butler and spa staff are the ONLY people you are allowed to tip, so you can scroll on down to #6.
Okay, ready? Here we go:

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8 Benefits of Having a Destination Wedding

11/3/2022

As a destination wedding couple ourselves, we may be a bit biased, but we think having a destination wedding is the best decision. While we do wish we knew what we know now, we wouldn’t have changed a thing and hope to share what we learned from our experience and now being Destination Wedding Experts with couples who are considering or having a destination wedding. Even 6 years later, our wedding is something that not only we still talk about, but our guests do too. We had such an amazing time, created memories that will last forever, and love reminiscing about that day often.

So what are the benefits of having a destination wedding?

1. Less stress
Getting married in another country at first may seem like a lot to take on - the unknown and loads of information on the internet is what makes it stressful. However, when you have the right team of vendors, your stress will wash away. Most couples say picking the destination and resort are the most stressful part of the planning process and the rest is a piece of cake. Just remember, you don’t have to do it alone. When you hire a Destination Wedding Expert, they will narrow down the top destinations and resorts with your dreams, vision, and budget in mind making it much easier for you to pick the perfect place for you. Plus, most of these resorts and your Destination Wedding Expert already have a list of trusted vendors they know will produce the world class experience you desire. All of this means you do not have to be in overdrive for the next 12-18 months and can spend more time enjoying your engagement.

2. Save time
Look…. We are pre-programmed to think it takes 12+ months to plan a wedding and this may hold true for local weddings, but this is not the case when you choose a destination wedding. The only reason destination weddings are typically planned 12+ months in advance, is to give your guests enough time to check their schedules, request time off work, arrange sitters, and have an easy payment plan to be able to attend your wedding. In reality, your actual wedding can be planned in 90 days or less. And… you free up much of your time because you won’t be looking to source vendors, no physical in-person meetings, no final venue checks, etc – everything can be done virtually and you’re planning in your seat and not your feet.

3. You’ll receive more bang for your buck
Local weddings on average in the United States cost around $27,000 and it’s over in a few hours!! Now, you’re probably wondering how much a destination wedding costs? Well, they can absolutely cost the same amount as in the states, but they can also be a fraction of the cost once you consider the perks and travel incentives you can earn from the resort and your Destination Wedding Expert based on your guest count, resort package, etc… PLUS your events are now spread over a few days versus a few hours giving you much more value.

4. It’s a vacation for you and your guests
As travel designers, the one thing we hear the most from people is they wish they took more vacations. And isn’t a wedding the perfect excuse for said vacation? Vacations tend to bring relaxation and excitement, so your guests will probably let loose more, be much happier, way less drama, and have more fun when attending your wedding.

5 Things to Consider When Picking a Destination for Your Vacation

8/30/2022

1. Consider your preferences and style
There are so many options available to you so to help narrow it down, think about the your ultimate goal for this vacation and make a list of your must-haves.
Things to think about:

Are you wanting to party, looking for adventure, or do you just want to relax?
Would you prefer it to be adults only or is family friendly okay.
Boutique hotel vs a larger resort. Boutique hotels can be quaint, intimate, and unique while your resorts typically are larger, more modern, and have lots to offer right on property.
Is the beach or pool more important for you? Are you wanting white sand beaches, turquoise water, a large pool where there's no fighting over lounge chairs?
Do you want all your food, beverage, and entertainment included all for one price?
Are you looking for a foodie experience where you'll get to try new things that make your taste buds dance?

For example: if you're looking for a more relaxed experience, a resort that offers stunning beaches, plenty of pool seating, a fabulous spa, and a variety of dining options may be best for you. However, if you'd prefer more adventure filled with excursions, then a resort with a water park on site, top adventures close by, and swimming with turtles may be a better fit

2. Think about weather & seasonality
Depending on where you want to go weather and climate could impact your travel plans. Keep in mind in the Atlantic, hurricane season runs June - November affecting destinations in the Caribbean. Rainy season is May - November in many Central American regions. The summer months (June-August) in Mexico are known to be extra hot and humid and tend to have an increase in Sargassum on the Caribbean side. While some locations may offer better rates during off-seasons you'll have to weigh out the pros and cons of Mother Nature and her unpredictability. So always make sure to check the annual weather and climate patterns for each location to see how they align with your travel dates. Your best bet to avoid weather issues is to head to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) that lie outside the hurricane belt and are known for year round sunny and enjoyable weather conditions. Of course there are no guarantees when it comes to Mother Nature, but always best to be prepared.

Is a Destination Wedding Right For Me?

8/28/2022

3 things to consider when planning a destination wedding:

Why do I want a destination wedding in the first place?
My guests & the guilt that comes with it
Contracts & guarantees

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and schedule your complimentary planning session to get the rest of your questions answered on how to plan a Destination wedding calm, cool, and collected.

SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PLANNING SESSION TODAY

Earn Up To $1,000 Credit Towards Your Destination Wedding Airfare

8/10/2022

Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, we
can help you create the destination wedding of your dreams. The options are limitless
and our team of wedding experts will assist in making your wedding day as stress-free as possible.

For the Wedding Couple
The Wedding Couple can earn up to $1,000 USD credit*
towards their Destination Wedding Airfare!

To qualify, book your Destination Wedding by December 31, 2022
and have 75 room nights or more materialize.

START PLANNING YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING TODAY!

*Terms & Conditions: Not available with all suppliers or when booking direct. Complimentary room nights earned through concessions will not apply toward total room block count. Travel window now through 12/15/23. *Offer is valid for the wedding couple only when travelling from any U.S. or Canadian gateway, and based on Coach Class airfare, for a maximum value of $1,000 total for the couple. Value of the airline tickets will be refunded within 30 days before departure when the minimum room requirement is met. Customer is responsible for all change and cancellation fees once airline tickets have been issued. Offers are subject to availability at time of signing contract and receipt of deposit, and may be changed or discontinued without notice. Black-out dates, minimum night stays, room category restrictions, seasonal surcharges, taxes, resort fees, and other restrictions may apply. CST#2079429-2. HWN1221

What to Expect When You Hire Us as Your Destination Wedding Travel Experts

8/10/2022

We are committed to you, the couple, to turn your dreams into your destination wedding and make you feel special, important, heard, and that you matter from start to finish during this special moment.

As Destination Wedding Specialists our role includes:

Assisting you (the couple), in choosing the Country/Island, covering up to 3 destinations and 3-5 resorts and their wedding packages inclusions, eliminating the hassle and confusion of the internet and the hidden rules for both you (the couple) and your guests.
Discuss and explain the differences in room block contracts vs flexible group arrangements. Negotiate a group contract with a Tour Operator/wholesaler to offer the best pricing available, secure availability, and other complimentary amenities when available; as well as offer these package pricing with flexible, no interest payment plans for you and your guests’ accommodations.