All Inclusive Travel Packages

Ok I lied. Thinking a cruise would make our entire family happy as clams, I blissfully embarked on my journey to locate a cruise that would not only fit into our budget, but also provide us with at least one new port to explore. That was before the youngest one suggested we try something different, perhaps step outside our comfort zone and go someplace none of us had ever been before. That got me to thinking about all-inclusive resorts and how they can be found all over the Caribbean and Mexico, but strangely enough, none in the U.S. except for Club Med.

The first step is to decide where you'd like to go. What must you have on your vacation to make it an enjoyable experience? Gorgeous beaches? Activities plus kid programs? Great food? Top notch alcohol? All can be found although maybe not in one spot and at a price you can afford.

Step two-when do you want to go? We have no choice since we're all still in school and I've always been a firm believer that kids belong in school when it's in session and not on a family vacation. Just my personal opinion. Unfortunately, you'll find higher prices and quite possibly, hurricanes this time of the year.

Now that you've decided where and when, comes the research. This is something I've always enjoyed, even before I decided to become a travel agent. It's extremely important that I know exactly what I'll find when arriving at my chosen vacation location and sometimes, or I should say always, requires hours of research. Have I mentioned Trip Advisor yet? Even if I have, I'll risk repeating myself. This website provides an immense amount of information for those seeking information about particular destinations and resorts. I believe some information might be biased toward a hotel or resort, but read as many reviews as possible and make your own decisions. Or you could hire a travel agent like myself, to do the research for you. You never have to pay a fee and I can usually save clients some of their hard-earned money. There is also a fun game on the Trip Advisor website that tests your travel IQ.

My travel plans are still stuck on step one-where to go. Just when I think I have it all thought out, I stumble upon some exciting location with beautiful beaches and reasonable prices and the search begins all over again. I would be a horrible client for any travel agent. Right now I'm seriously considering Playa del Carmen, located about 20 minutes south of Cancun. Great beaches, although some have suffered erosion in the past few years. Many resorts to choose from although the one that catches my eye is Gran Porto Real and I'll tell you why. I've spent hours reading the reviews on Trip Advisor and a great majority of them are good. In fact, I had to really search to find a not-so-good one. It's on a pretty beach; several restaurants and bars to choose from; it's right next to the small town of Playa del Carmen. This is important to us because we are wanderers. Staying on a resort and never leaving it for six nights sounds like prison, while for many others, this is heaven. To each his own and here you could have both. Stay at the resort and take advantage of the many many activities and eating/drinking opportunities offered; or spend time at the resort but know that there is more to see within walking distance. I've also discovered youtube.com. I know, I'm slow. Type in the name of a resort and hopefully, you'll have a choice of videos giving you a way to "see it before you buy".

I think I just made up my mind. This is where my family will go this summer-the Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. But of course, there's still the Dominican Republic to check out and I don't HAVE to make up my mind right now.

Happy travels,

luv2travelwithme

Cruise Vacations are THE Way to Go!

The best vacation we ever embarked upon was a cruise. While the Florida beach was great, kids do grow up and digging holes in the sand isn't as much fun as a teenager as when you were 6 or 7. More entertainment alternatives are required and a cruise is the perfect choice for many reasons.

PACKING: I absolutely hate packing but even worse is the unpacking. When all five of us come home from a vacation, our suitcases can sit half-unpacked for so long I have to begin dusting them. On a cruise, you’ll get to visit several different destinations but only unpack once. What a deal! According to the Cruise Diva, Linda Coffman, a packing list is very important and I couldn't agree more. Even with a packing list, I once managed to leave several outfits destined for the dining room hanging in my closet at home.

FREE FOOD: I shouldn’t say “free” because it’s included in the cost of your cruise, but it will feel like it’s free when you don’t have to dig through your pockets for another burger or hotdog or slice of pizza. You know what it’s like to be strolling down the beach only to hear “I’m hungry” and only nachos from that one little place down the way will do. Of course, if you were smart and planned ahead, you’d have a cooler of nutritious munchies ready for just this particular moment. Or you can take your kids on a cruise and send them to the food court or whatever you’d like to call it for a meal or snack or whatever they desire. Watch a Princess dining video or look at the many choices available on Carnival.

On a cruise, meal times are no longer a battlefield with my husband insisting they order from the children’s menu even though they’re 13 and 15 because it’s cheaper. If you go away hungry after eating in the dining room on a cruise ship, it’s your own fault. Your waiter will bring you as many entrees that you can possibly put away. If you’re still feeling a little “empty”, head up to the Lido deck where the choices will astound you and if midnight finds you still awake and hungry, more eating opportunities await at the midnight buffet.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT: Once again, paid for in the price of your cruise. For my three, alternating between ping pong and going down the huge several-stories slide kept them satisfied for hours. The majority of cruise lines have kid's programs which are also included in the price of the cruise. They even offer group babysitting in the evenings so parents can get some grown-up time.

We’ve been fortunate to go on several cruises and we now have our favorite islands which I’ll share with you.

St. Thomas

Remember when I said a gorgeous beach was a must? Even though it's extremely "touristy" (is that a word?) Magen's Bay is our favorite. Beautiful clear water, necessary if you intend to keep away from Stingrays. Calm with no waves or current, the water is great for floating along and for swimming. The island of St. Thomas is busy and bustling all day because it is a very popular stop for cruise ships. You'll find many shopping opportunities if that's what you seek. The people are friendly and eager to help and answer questions. The last time we visited St. Thomas, we happened upon a gentleman and his donkey. For a few dollars you could have your picture snapped standing next to a donkey named Oprah!

Grand Cayman

This island is unique because ships don't actually dock there. Instead, passengers must be tendered to the island in smaller boats, kind of like water taxis. Grand Cayman is very upscale and rich looking. Must have something to do with all those banks that call the island home. Should you decide to rent a vehicle, remember you'll be driving on the other side of the road. I don't want to tell you want to do, but I'd definitely recommend purchasing insurance.

Cruise Critic is a wonderful resource for those interesting in learning about the world of cruising. I rely on it myself, especially the forums which come in very handy for up-to-date information on a particular ship. You'll also find information on many destinations, like Grand Cayman.

The most beautiful beach I've ever visited, 7 Mile Beach, was on Grand Cayman. White, powdery sand; crystal clear, blue-green water; great for swimming and floating around on a raft; no stingrays. Now that you mention stingrays, this is funny. You can actually visit a place called Stingray City near Grand Cayman, where you get to swim with stingrays. You can even feed them. Even though these creatures make my top ten list of "things to avoid at all cost", I went on this excursion. All I can say is it was magnificent and when one of these guys swims up next to you, the feeling can be compared to a cat rubbing itself against your legs.

Cruises have always been the best choice for our family. In fact, I'm in the process of planning one right now. The most difficult task is deciding where to go. We'd love to do a southern Caribbean route from San Juan, but the airfare for five is a little pricey. That dream will have to wait. I'd love to hear about some of your travel adventures.

Until next time,

luv2travelwithme

Family Vacations

Travel can be fun and educational, especially when new destinations are viewed through the eyes of your children. But travel can also be extremely expensive, especially for a family of five. For those intent to get out of town, especially land-locked Kansas City, determination plus a sack full of gift wrapped cheap toys and plenty of snacks, a beach vacation is definitely within your reach.

First you must decide where you'd like to go. During a previous trip to Disney World, we made the drive to Clearwater, Florida and instantly fell in love with the laid-back atmosphere and of course it satisfied our number one requirement for any vacation destination-it had to have a beach. One of the best things about the Clearwater beach is the sand! Soft, fine grains and blindingly white. Take a little time and visit Clearwater before committing yourself to a long trip.

Your next task is to determine where you will rest your weary selves after a day spent in the sun. I forgot to mention that these marathon trips were always taken with some extended family with kids the same age as mine which brought our population up to nine. The very best option, at least for us, was a condominimum and this area of Florida is jam packed with this type of accommodations. The Ram Sea located in North Reddington Beach was our favorite. It's located right on a gorgeous beach with lots of fun activities nearby. Kids are guaranteed an awesome experience which means that parents can also relax. The individually-owned units were always updated and exceptionally clean. We always felt safe in the surrounding neighborhood and the employees were pleasant and helpful.

Even if you have to stay someplace other than the Ram Sea, you will still have a super vacation. I guarantee it! Not to be confused with a "money-back" guarantee.

Ram Sea Resort Condominimums

Johns Pass

Mini-golf in the immediate area

Restaurants

Frenchy's (our favorite and right on the beach)

In my opinion, January is the PERFECT month to plan a vacation. The weather stinks and it gives you something to look forward to.

Talk to you soon and be careful out there.

luv2travelwithme