Tuesday’s Travel Tips November 10, 2009
November 10th, 2009Take these items along…. Just in case…
Don't forget to pack the Aloe Vera!
- Plastic grocery bags, just a few, these are great for bringing home your wet swim suit you wore the morning before you left to come home. They are also great for seashells that are full of sand and many, many other uses. In a pinch you’ll be glad you have it for toting stuff home.
- Travel packet of disinfecting wipes. Maids aren’t always as diligent as you would hope they would be. Wipe down door knobs front and back, including the bathroom door handles and any other door handles you may have in your room.
- Tylenol and Advil , these are a must for many obvious reasons.
- Aloe vera gel especially if you are going to the beach, a sun burned grumpy hubby (or bride) is no fun, so don’t forget the Aloe Vera!
- Clorox stain pen, I love this little gismo! Never leave home without one! You can get almost any stain out with this little pen and you won’t have to retire that sexy and cute shirt from your cache of honeymoon clothes. Take 2 or 3; really you don’t want to be without them!
Destination (Wedding) Wednesdays November 4, 2009
November 5th, 2009
Jamaica Mon! No problems Mon!
Tropical palm lined beaches, clear aquamarine waters with white sand beaches, sailing, snorkeling, gourmet ala carte dining, piano bar, beach bonfire, nightly entertainment, gorgeous sunsets, friendly service staff just waiting to accommodate your every whim…amazing rooms, handy swim up bar, top shelf liquor, outstanding beach club services, laughter, all this and great friends to enjoy it with! Does it sound like you missed out on something fun and exciting? Ya Mon…. you did!
You really need to take a look at the wonderful island of Jamaica to experience first hand the gentile hospitality of the Jamaican people and Couples Resorts. They have four properties to choice from all with their unique personality and style but yet consistent first class service.
Here are our top 10 reasons we love Jamaica and Couples resorts:
1. They speak English Mon!
2. You can drink the water without getting Montezuma’s revenge! A big plus if you don’t want to spend your trip on the porcelain thrown!!!!
3. The spirit of the Jamaican people is warm, friendly, full of personality and truly gentile. Their true desire it that you will have the best time of your life so you will return to the island over and over again.
4. The food is outstanding and the unlimited adult beverages…anyone for a Dirty Monkey? Seemed to be the adult beverage of choice for the group.
5. Every beach chair has a floatie to use and relax in the crystal blue Caribbean Sea. You will never fight for a beach chair…. there is an abundance of chairs.
6. Getting to Jamaica from most US destination is easy and won’t eat up your precious beach time.
7. It’s all included…FREE! Couples Resorts includes more activities and amenities than any other resorts on the island. Whoda thought scuba diving lesson and scuba trips would be free? 18 holes of golf…FREE. A beach party throw down that would rival the best luau in Hawaii…FREE. Sunset catamaran cruise, included. And the best of all….. no tipping!
8. Clean, Clean, Clean, the grounds and the beach were always groomed and clean and made ready for the next days beach goers.
9. Au natural beaches for those who want to step out of the box and get a full bronzed body tan. Careful not to get a burned booty…Ouch! I think I need some aloe there. No worries mon…. if stepping out of the box is not your thing, they have regular swim suit beaches. For inquiring minds, no one in our group felt brave enough to step out of the box to achieve that overall sun kissed bronzed body.
10. We have to finish with lazy afternoons and amazing sunsets…if you can’t unwind and relax here mon your top is wound far to tight…..remember that profound Jamaican wisdom…no problems mon, only situations….so therefore no worries mon!
We loved our Jamaican getaway and the warm tropical breezes, sunny smiling faces and the incredible hospitality of Couples Resorts. The only problem to contemplate is which resort to return to!
Tuesday’s Travel Tip November 3, 2009
November 5th, 2009Never ever put your valuable jewelry in your checked luggage or other small valuable items like expensive sun glasses. Valuables have a way of disappearing from checked luggage (even with luggage locks!)
Destination (Wedding) Wednesdays October 28, 2009
October 28th, 2009Planning the Perfect Honeymoon in Hawaii
(TIP: It’s more than just buying the air fare!)
Kauai's stunning Napali Coast
I once had a bride call to book a honeymoon cruise in Hawaii. I asked her if they might like to fly to Oahu a day early to have some time on the island before the cruise. I told her about Honolulu, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Don Ho, and of course, Pearl Harbor. To my utter amazement she said (in all seriousness) “What’s Pearl Harbor?”
Hawaii is an amazing and diverse collection of islands in the South Pacific. Before you even begin planning your honeymoon, DO read up on as much as you can aboout Hawaii! If you want a fabulous honeymoon with an opportunity for Polynesian Culture, white sand beaches, tropical rainforests, adventure and activities, gourmet restaurants and more, then Hawaii is for you! Each island offers a different atmosphere and different opportunities. If you have the time to visit more than one island, you should! We recommend at least 4 nights on each island, which islands you pick is up to you!
Clothing: The islands of Hawaii each have many different climates – including snow! Consider what activities you plan to enjoy, then pack (fleece jacket if going to Haleakaka, sturdy hiking shoes if hiking on the lava fields). There are many useful guidebooks that offer in depth information on various activities and what to wear. Overall dress is “aloha wear”. Be casual. You do not need to bring a suit, dress slacks, or fancy cloths (unless you want to!)
Weather, Water and Sun: October to May the temperature averages mid 80’s during the day and mid 60’s to mid 70’s at night (light jackets or sweaters are recommended for the evening). These months see more rain but unless there is a weather system, the rain doesn’t usually last long. May to October averages mid to high 80’s during the day and mid 70’s at night. The year-round average water temperature is a warm 74 degrees. The sun is very, very strong. Waterproof sunscreen with maximum protection is essential.
Hotels, be sure to ask: Many hotels offer discounts for honeymooners or extended stays. They may also offer room upgrades or amenities for honeymooners. Just because a hotel is on a beach does not mean it’s on a “swimmable” beach. What does “partial” ocean view really mean? Is there a charge for parking? Is there a “daily activity fee”?
Time and Money: Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time. During the Spring and Summer months, when the clock is turned ahead, Hawaii is 6 hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST), 3 hours behind Pacific Standard Time (PST).
The islands have many banks and ATM’s. We do recommend traveling with more than one ATM or credit card in case something happens to your primary card. Check with your bank before you go about fees they may charge for using your ATM out of network.
Common Sense and Need to Know: Do NOT leave valuables in your rental car, on your beach blanket, or loose in your hotel. Use the safe in your hotel room if you must bring valuables that you won’t be carrying on you. If renting a convertible is a MUST (which we think it is!) rent a convertible with a lockable trunk.
Be sure to ask about discounts when booking activities (AAA, military) and do book the most popular activities in advance. Research and read up on vendors and talk with them directly before you arrive. Beware of special deals where you get a free dinner or activity if you go to a time share presentation. Although you may actually get a free dinner, what’s the point.? Your time in the islands is so limited, use it wisely!
Car Rental and Driving: The islands do not have great public transportation – and with the exception of Honolulu, you will need a rental car. There are major roadways that will take you along beautiful coastlines, to waterfalls, through rainforests, and even to a live volcano! If you are under 25, do check with the rental agency about their policies. Auto insurance is a must. Be sure to check with your auto insurance policy and your credit card about what, if any, protection they offer before you leave.
Start your honeymoon planning at the Hawaii Visitor’s Bureau : http://www.gohawaii.com/
Before you go to Hawaii, buy yourself a guide book and do your homework!
Simplicity Life Travel recommends, Wizard Publications: Ultimate Kauai, Big Island Revealed, Maui Revealed, Oahu Revealed
When you arrive at the airport, be sure to look for, and pick up, the updated ACTIVITY and VISITOR GUIDE for that island. They’re often in stands near the baggage claim. Go, relax and have the honeymoon of your dreams!
Oh and be sure to create a honeymoon registry with Simplicity Life Travel! You can fill your registry with fun activities like snorkeling at Molokini Crater, a Napali Coast Boat Cruise, a visit to Pearl Harbor, couples massage on the beach, Zip Line Tours, biking down Haleakala…. the list of fun and romantic activities is endless!
Tuesday’s Travel Tip October 27, 2009
October 27th, 2009
When flying, always keep your prescription medications with you in your carry on luggage. Do not put your prescription medications in your checked luggage. Should you put them in your checked luggage and the luggage is lost or delayed…well…need we say more?
Also, it’s a good idea to take prescription medication with you that you may not use everyday, but might need while on your honeymoon. (Should any of you want to hear MY honeymoon story and my quest in a foreign country for a medication to help with a pesky YI, do let me know!)
Destination (Wedding) Wednesdays…
October 21st, 2009Imagine your perfect wedding…
Destination (Wedding) Wednesdays for all your destination wedding and honeymoon tips.
Has he said “Will you?” and you’ve said “I will” (or visa versa)? Is your dream wedding on a beach? Is it in a stunning tropical paradise? Maybe it’s high on a mountain top? Are your friends and family surrounding you as you exchange your vows?
“Fiji has a way of making dreams come true. Be assured of one thing in this South Pacific Paradise… say “We do” in Fiji and you will experience a dream wedding that will provide fantastic memories that will last a lifetime….”
On Wednesday’s we will post ideas about where to have the perfect Destination Wedding or just the perfect honeymoon with tips and recommendations about making your dream come true!
Simplicity Life Travel can help you book your dream destination wedding. And don’t forget, even if you have a destination wedding, you can still create a fabulous honeymoon registry!
Jamaica all inclusive from $429
October 20th, 2009
Click the image to see the great packages available to Jamaica – 3 nights all inclusive starting at just $429 per person!
Tuesday’s Travel Tip October 20, 2009
October 20th, 2009![iStock_000003568501XSmall[1]](http://www.simplicitylifetravel.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/iStock_000003568501XSmall1.JPG "iStock_000003568501XSmall[1]")
Take your passport...and copies!
However, it is important to be smart when traveling. It doesn’t matter if you are going outside the US or staying stateside creating a paper trail is always a smart safety precaution. Add these items to your honeymoon check off list. Make copies of airline schedules, hotel information, check in and checkout dates, planned excursions, car rental information and your in-laws phone numbers. If you are traveling outside the US it is very important to make 3 copies of your passports: one to leave at home, one to carry while you are out having fun and one to leave in the hotel room in case yours gets lost or stolen. The US will let you back into the country with a copy. Never carry your passport when you are out site seeing.
In case of an emergency you will be very happy you took these measures in advance! Be like the Boy Scouts and be prepared.
By: Renee Madison — National Travel Director, Simplicity Life Travel
Considering a honeymoon at a Sandals Resort? I highly recommend it!
October 16th, 2009I spent last week at Sandal’s Jamaica Dunn’s River (it was a vacation, not a honeymoon). I have to say, I was absolutely blown away by how fabulous both Jamaica and Sandal’s were.
Nancy, the blogger, enjoying the swim up bar at Sandals!
I have also tweeted already how I went from skeptic of the swim up bar, to a true believer!! My one suggestion is that Sandal’s build a swim up bar at/in the beach! I realize most people prefer the pool over the beach (not sure why) but I’m a beach nut. It sure would have been nice to get in the Caribbean, swim on up to bar in the sea and order a cocktail. No worries, I made do with the swim up bar at the pool!
