So, as I sit back and enjoy my flight to Cancun, I say, "Adios!" from 35,000 feet!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Check please...
So weve been talking about the debate whether to check your bags or carry on. Surprisingly, this last go around on facebook (www.facebook.com/4divinedeals) showed a unanimous vote to pay the fees and check your bags. As I sit here comfortably checked in, purse stowed and ready for my flight, I'm so glad I'm not "that person"! You know, the one who's dragging on an overstuffed suit case, trying to cram it into the over head bin. And for what? Was it really to save the $20-25 bag fee? Could it be mistrust; fear the airline won't deliver their precious cargo to their final destination? Whatever the reason, I can see the overhead bins are bursting at the seams. The flight attendants have already had their upper body work outs completed by 5:03am! We will be leaving later due to the hassle of stowing bags therefore a missed connection is imminent for some poor soul (hope it's not me; I've got a Mojito with my name on it once I arrive into sunny Cancun!) And honestly, does it really speed much up? Whether we wait for our bags on the carousel or wait for you to stow your bags on the aircraft, it's a horse a piece. So if given the choice , I will opt to lighten up and check my bags! Just remember the rules: under 40#, 3 oz or less on liquids in a clear plastic bag for easy identification and a total of 45 linear inches (14x9x22)
So, as I sit back and enjoy my flight to Cancun, I say, "Adios!" from 35,000 feet!
So, as I sit back and enjoy my flight to Cancun, I say, "Adios!" from 35,000 feet!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Spring Parody
As spring is taking its sweet time arriving, I decided to take advantage of the sunny afternoon which was foreshadowed by an extended forecast of clouds and cool weather and go for a walk. As I set out with mans best friend, I quickly realized today was 'Garbage Day'. As I walked the rural area into town I must've seen five or more different colored garbage bins and two different garbage trucks passed me giving me the "windblown" au natural look. How could so many companies be doing the same thing: collecting garbage?! Mind blowing to put it mildly but then I really began to think about it and it boiled down to one question: Why? Was it because of price? Because of the color of the bin? Could it be because one company was the first to pick up or was it because the company went the extra mile (literally) to drive down their long driveway to do the dumping vs the other company who required the neighbors with equally as long driveways to bring theirs to the curb? And to think some don't use a company at all; the DIYers who recycle and have "dump runs" or "recycle runs"!
Then it hit me: this is no different than booking your travel! For example, I Google searched "vacation"- that yields about 716,000,000 results!! So how do you choose which one to go with? Is it all about price? Or a flashy website teasing you with sales? Do you like to get it done quickly? Or are you like the people with the long driveway who look for value or service and can be confident knowing that a little more time was taken to go over the details therefore getting a unique tried and true itinerary that's not cookie cutter? Do you like to know all of the details are taken care of and you're only concern is getting to the airport and breeze through the TSA lines?
Anyone can DIY, but is it as effective, does it save you time, money and stress or do you wonder if you really got the best value? (Only 47% of Americans do by the way.) My advice would be to choose a professional and I'd encourage you to choose a local company. Your money stays local and it's a win win for the community, the company and ultimately you! Start by asking for a referral from your friends or associates at work. From there look in the yellow pages, google search, yelp or even Facebook. As they say, "The Internet is for looking, your travel agent is for booking!"
Then it hit me: this is no different than booking your travel! For example, I Google searched "vacation"- that yields about 716,000,000 results!! So how do you choose which one to go with? Is it all about price? Or a flashy website teasing you with sales? Do you like to get it done quickly? Or are you like the people with the long driveway who look for value or service and can be confident knowing that a little more time was taken to go over the details therefore getting a unique tried and true itinerary that's not cookie cutter? Do you like to know all of the details are taken care of and you're only concern is getting to the airport and breeze through the TSA lines?
Anyone can DIY, but is it as effective, does it save you time, money and stress or do you wonder if you really got the best value? (Only 47% of Americans do by the way.) My advice would be to choose a professional and I'd encourage you to choose a local company. Your money stays local and it's a win win for the community, the company and ultimately you! Start by asking for a referral from your friends or associates at work. From there look in the yellow pages, google search, yelp or even Facebook. As they say, "The Internet is for looking, your travel agent is for booking!"
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Calling All Savvy Brides!
As I begin to finalize the last minute prepping for the 24th Annual Duluth Bridal Show I'm reeled back in time to when I was a newly engaged bride to be myself! 14 years ago I had stars in my eyes and nothing but pure bliss simply with idea of getting married. I remember pouring over the Internet (dial up of course!) for hours as I searched and clicked on the Top 10s of virtually everything Bridal. With blood shot eyes and a notebook full of ideas I would slip off to sleep and dream of the "Big Day"! I even kept out of town guests in the loop with a newsletter!
Thankfully since then I've adopted a simpler and smarter way of doing things. In fact the motto I hold near and dear to my heart is: 'Do what you do best and hire the rest'. This way of life has saved me from frustrations and expensive mistakes of trying to do everything myself, not to mention the stress I've avoided along the way. Brides take heed: planning for your wedding day is NOT the time to play SuperWoman! There are experts out there in all things Bridal just waiting for you to tap into their super powers! I know you can bake but really, do you want to risk baking cupcakes for every single guest on your list? And we know you're quite the photographer from your 1.2 million mobile uploads on Facebook. And ironically enough, there are just as many brides to be who think they can be the travel agent as well when it comes to blocking hotel space for out of town guests and booking their Honeymoon. Why would you WANT to do it all? Will you really save that much money? Don't you want to relax and ENJOY your first day of the rest of your life? Grab your Mom or BFFs and come down to the 24th Annual Duluth Bridal Show at he DECC this Saturday, January 14. Talk to the experts, sample their cupcakes, look at their photos and then decide for yourself just how much you want to DIY or relax knowing you don't have to come from Royalty to have your own 'happily ever after'. In the end, 14 years later, what I remember is not what I did myself, but what the experts did. The delicious (and gorgeous) carrot spice cake with sinfully good cream cheese frosting, my simple yet elegant wedding gown and the professional photo album; these are just a few of what I will cherish forever.
Thankfully since then I've adopted a simpler and smarter way of doing things. In fact the motto I hold near and dear to my heart is: 'Do what you do best and hire the rest'. This way of life has saved me from frustrations and expensive mistakes of trying to do everything myself, not to mention the stress I've avoided along the way. Brides take heed: planning for your wedding day is NOT the time to play SuperWoman! There are experts out there in all things Bridal just waiting for you to tap into their super powers! I know you can bake but really, do you want to risk baking cupcakes for every single guest on your list? And we know you're quite the photographer from your 1.2 million mobile uploads on Facebook. And ironically enough, there are just as many brides to be who think they can be the travel agent as well when it comes to blocking hotel space for out of town guests and booking their Honeymoon. Why would you WANT to do it all? Will you really save that much money? Don't you want to relax and ENJOY your first day of the rest of your life? Grab your Mom or BFFs and come down to the 24th Annual Duluth Bridal Show at he DECC this Saturday, January 14. Talk to the experts, sample their cupcakes, look at their photos and then decide for yourself just how much you want to DIY or relax knowing you don't have to come from Royalty to have your own 'happily ever after'. In the end, 14 years later, what I remember is not what I did myself, but what the experts did. The delicious (and gorgeous) carrot spice cake with sinfully good cream cheese frosting, my simple yet elegant wedding gown and the professional photo album; these are just a few of what I will cherish forever.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
A la Carte or All Inclusive? That is the question!
For many, the idea of taking a family vacation that requires a passport seems flamboyant or expensive at best. But the truth be told, all inclusive vacations can pack the best value for your hard earned dollar. Let's compare:
Take the classic American Vacation to see the big Mouse in Florida, for example. Your package will consist of air, Magical Express transfers and a room for your stay. Tickets to the theme parks are just the beginning of all the extras you'll incur. Do you want one park a day or an all access pass including water parks? If you skimp here, guaranteed you'll want more Mickey and therefore drop more Benjamins. And of course, you'll need to eat so that brings up the question of how much? Do you go a la carte or prepay a meal plan? Meal plan? Make sure your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach or else you'll have wasted precious moolah you'll be needing for souvenirs. Afterall, ALL the kids are wearing Mouse ear hats and waving wands ensuring all their dreams come true! Although an American tradition for many, lets face it; with all these questions, hypothetical senarios, and preplanning, I'm sure you'll, like many parents, wave your white surrender flag in exasperation! ...And that's when you call on me to give you alternate options!
As my husband and I were planning out all the Jamaican adventures we wanted to take in, he stopped me and asked a great question, "What's included at the Resort? I mean, do we really need to even leave it?" Why yes, excellent point! At Beaches Resorts, like their parent company, Sandals, love is all you need because, everything's included! Upon our arrival, we have complimentary snacks and beverages (including Red Stripe!) in the private Sandals & Beaches lounge at the airport. From there, a private transfer will whisk you off to Paradise. After your transfer you'll be greeted by a friendly host at the door who will offer you a cool towel infused with Lemongrass, their signature Red Lane Spa scent. Chances are you'll be offered a beverage, but no worries 'Mon it's all included! "Mom let's go snorkeling!", "I want to go play Kinetics!", "I'm hungry! Do they serve pizza in Jamaica?", "Dad can we go golfing tomorrow?" Did you know that if you answered yes to all of these questions it wouldn't cost a thing? Thats right! They also boast the island's largest waterpark, XBox Game Garage, Kids Club including Sesame Street characters who will visit at breakfast, Elmo-cize on the beach, bake cookies with Cookie Monster, start a parade at dusk, host an excellent Caribbean party, and even tuck your child in with a bedtime story! In fact, at Beaches they boast of being the resorts with "more inclusions than any other on the PLANET!" And as a parent I can appreciate that because we're in the business of making memories, NOT having a family meeting by day 2 to talk about our budget!
Take the classic American Vacation to see the big Mouse in Florida, for example. Your package will consist of air, Magical Express transfers and a room for your stay. Tickets to the theme parks are just the beginning of all the extras you'll incur. Do you want one park a day or an all access pass including water parks? If you skimp here, guaranteed you'll want more Mickey and therefore drop more Benjamins. And of course, you'll need to eat so that brings up the question of how much? Do you go a la carte or prepay a meal plan? Meal plan? Make sure your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach or else you'll have wasted precious moolah you'll be needing for souvenirs. Afterall, ALL the kids are wearing Mouse ear hats and waving wands ensuring all their dreams come true! Although an American tradition for many, lets face it; with all these questions, hypothetical senarios, and preplanning, I'm sure you'll, like many parents, wave your white surrender flag in exasperation! ...And that's when you call on me to give you alternate options!
As my husband and I were planning out all the Jamaican adventures we wanted to take in, he stopped me and asked a great question, "What's included at the Resort? I mean, do we really need to even leave it?" Why yes, excellent point! At Beaches Resorts, like their parent company, Sandals, love is all you need because, everything's included! Upon our arrival, we have complimentary snacks and beverages (including Red Stripe!) in the private Sandals & Beaches lounge at the airport. From there, a private transfer will whisk you off to Paradise. After your transfer you'll be greeted by a friendly host at the door who will offer you a cool towel infused with Lemongrass, their signature Red Lane Spa scent. Chances are you'll be offered a beverage, but no worries 'Mon it's all included! "Mom let's go snorkeling!", "I want to go play Kinetics!", "I'm hungry! Do they serve pizza in Jamaica?", "Dad can we go golfing tomorrow?" Did you know that if you answered yes to all of these questions it wouldn't cost a thing? Thats right! They also boast the island's largest waterpark, XBox Game Garage, Kids Club including Sesame Street characters who will visit at breakfast, Elmo-cize on the beach, bake cookies with Cookie Monster, start a parade at dusk, host an excellent Caribbean party, and even tuck your child in with a bedtime story! In fact, at Beaches they boast of being the resorts with "more inclusions than any other on the PLANET!" And as a parent I can appreciate that because we're in the business of making memories, NOT having a family meeting by day 2 to talk about our budget!
Dunns River Falls
So in our attempt to "carpe diem" we shuffled our family of 5 off to Dunns River Falls for a few hours of exhilarating family bonding. And did we bond! Our family, plus many more totaling over 30 in all, bonded our hands to form a human chain as we began our asent. Beginning at the beach, we climbed for over 45 minutes including several falls and even a few "slides". Along the way we had some photo opps to remind ourselves how brave we were. I think I may even use it as our Christmas card this year! I'll be honest, there were a few moments that made my heart race and other times where I doubted my ability and certainly my 5 year old! With trust in each person whose hand we're holding and of course the helpful guides, we made it to the top! The large congratulating sign was euphoria!
After the climb, which involved negotiations with our anatomy and even psyche at times, our guard was let down as we walked our way back to the bus. We clearly had two paths to choose from and were even advised to stay clear of the craft market. But like Adam & Eve, we were led astray and soon were haggled, hustled and even had words hurled at us for not buying from the vendors. Every trick in the book was used; from saying they were a worker at the resort we stayed at to offering to give the kids a gift. Once the "gift" was personalized and in the children's hands, they demanded obscene amounts of money. Since when does a 3" wooden turtle cost $30? Furthermore, when do gifts cost money? No 'Mon, I don't think so. The best part of the whole deal is that I tell my clients to beware of the craft market and shop the Duty Free or even when the vendors visit the resort. It's no wonder we felt like we had just been through the ringer with an afternoon filled with one adrenaline rush after the next!
After the climb, which involved negotiations with our anatomy and even psyche at times, our guard was let down as we walked our way back to the bus. We clearly had two paths to choose from and were even advised to stay clear of the craft market. But like Adam & Eve, we were led astray and soon were haggled, hustled and even had words hurled at us for not buying from the vendors. Every trick in the book was used; from saying they were a worker at the resort we stayed at to offering to give the kids a gift. Once the "gift" was personalized and in the children's hands, they demanded obscene amounts of money. Since when does a 3" wooden turtle cost $30? Furthermore, when do gifts cost money? No 'Mon, I don't think so. The best part of the whole deal is that I tell my clients to beware of the craft market and shop the Duty Free or even when the vendors visit the resort. It's no wonder we felt like we had just been through the ringer with an afternoon filled with one adrenaline rush after the next!
Today we realized a valuable lesson; if you fail to make a plan, you plan to fail! What a bummer to see we've been relaxing so much and meeting so many people from around the globe that we have more things we want to see and do than we have days left here! Yesterday was a calm day on the ocean so we made it on the snorkel tour. While the 5 year old stayed back at Kids Camp doing a treasure hunt with Bert & Ernie, the rest of us set out on the high seas. Something was different today for my 9 year old; I think because the ocean was so calm and crystal clear, she got a closer look at the underwater world and was a bit more intimidated than the day before. Unfortunately, all efforts to calm her down were unsuccessful, so Daddy swam with her back to the boat. For me, although PADI Certified, I was a little wary as well! Perhaps because I just saw the movie Soul Surfer, that may explain my rapid heart beat and deep breathing! On the other hand, my 8 year old son was a natural! Being the gentleman he is, he took me by the hand and swam me around showing me lion fish, sea urchins and eels. As I tried to convince myself nothing large enough to eat me could fit amongst the skinny paths and caverns of coral reef, my son was swimming along with "no worries 'mon!" Ugh, I get a queasy stomach just writing about it. Or could it be the fact I'm on a 50mph transfer ride on the opposite side of he road to Dunns River Falls! Speaking of the Falls, were off to "carpe diem"! All for now....
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Sister Sites
Today while the kids were at Kids Camp making cookies with Cookie Monster and dancing with Zoe and my husband was making friends with ALL the Canadians at the resort, I snuck out and took a peek at the sister resorts here in Ocho Rios. My first stop was at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios. My, what a lovely makeover she has just completed! As the largest resort in the chain, boasting almost 600 rooms, 94 pools, 14 restaurants and a plethora of bars, this I'm sure was no easy feat! My tour began as we walked the property and noticed all the people in love! It was like Noahs Ark; everything set up two of this and two of that. Even the beach loungers were two by two! I saw the 7 areas where weddings are held and the corresponding areas for a reception afterwards. Whether a group of 4 or 104, this property could easily handle the most important day of any newlywed's lives. I moved on to see the rooms with their new soft coverings and toned down color pallet. Out with the bold Caribbean colors and in with the muted earth tones accented with treasures from the sea. Mr Stewart didn't hold back when he ensured every room had a gorgeous mahogany four poster king bed! It took all my will power NOT to jump on one (just once!) For the active couple, a state of the art fitness center is sure to please and Jamaicas largest rock climbing wall will have you longing for the Red Lane Spa. Golf? Included. Drinks? Included. Gourmet Restaurants? Included. In fact, the only question will be, "where shall we eat tonight?". It was plain to see there truly was something for everyone at this diverse resort.
Next stop was Royal Plantation next door. This boutique resort has won numerous awards from Conde Nest and it was apparent as soon as I walked in! This all butler resort caters to the person who wants it all! To begin your vacation, a private transfer from the airport is included. All rooms have ocean views, even from the jacuzzi bath tub! Grand balconies grace a few of the rooms where your personal butler can serve your breakfast or even a romantic candle light dinner. I saw many basking in the sun while reading their Kindles and simply enjoying the good life. People here were not interested in tours or the hustle and bustle atmosphere that the neighboring Sandals had. If after martinis or even caviar one was so inclined to kick up their heels, of course they could go next door and enjoy the nightlife. But after a full tour including breathtaking views and incredible wedding locations, I'm not sure anyone would want to leave this memorable place!
Next stop was Royal Plantation next door. This boutique resort has won numerous awards from Conde Nest and it was apparent as soon as I walked in! This all butler resort caters to the person who wants it all! To begin your vacation, a private transfer from the airport is included. All rooms have ocean views, even from the jacuzzi bath tub! Grand balconies grace a few of the rooms where your personal butler can serve your breakfast or even a romantic candle light dinner. I saw many basking in the sun while reading their Kindles and simply enjoying the good life. People here were not interested in tours or the hustle and bustle atmosphere that the neighboring Sandals had. If after martinis or even caviar one was so inclined to kick up their heels, of course they could go next door and enjoy the nightlife. But after a full tour including breathtaking views and incredible wedding locations, I'm not sure anyone would want to leave this memorable place!
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