Many couples these days are foregoing the traditional wedding for a ceremony on a far away island or a hilltop castle to say their “I do’s”. Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, as the cost for the average wedding today is $30,000. Often times weddings away from home are less than half that amount. Many brides choose a dreamy beach ceremony over the usual church wedding. This option has increased more than 400% over the last ten years.
Destination weddings are usually more intimate with a smaller guest list. Cost is a big factor in how many guests will actually make the trip for this special occasion. Time is also something to consider, as most guest will need to use up some of their vacation time to attend. Destination weddings offer beautiful locations, extended celebrations with family and close friends, and wonderful memories.
Often called “weddingmoons,” these holidays combine the wedding with the honeymoon. When arranging a destination wedding, keep in mind that your guests will also be “attending” your honeymoon. Some couples choose a hotel that has an adults only or VIP section so that they will be somewhat separated from their guests after the big day.
Many will plan a special group tour or excursion as a thank you for their guests–maybe a snorkeling excursion in the Riviera Maya, or Tequila tour in Puerto Vallarta. Whatever you choose, it is a nice way to show your appreciation to those who have traveled for your big day.
All-inclusive hotels help to keep costs down, as all of the meals and drinks are included with the price of the room. Most all-inclusive resorts will assign a wedding planner to you so that they can help you work out all of the little details that go along with planning your destination wedding, such as ceremony location, flowers, photographer and music.
Traveling outside of the U.S. requires that the passengers have passports. This is an added expense, as an adult passport costs $135.00 and the cost of a child passport is $120.00. Each country has its own requirements for marriage. It is best to check with your travel agent, hotel, or the country’s consulate to verify things like how many days you will need to be in the destination before the wedding can be performed, and if a blood test is required.
There is a lot of coordinating to be done when planning a destination wedding. It is best to consult a professional with experience in arranging these events as well as helping each of your guests tailor their trips to fit their needs.
For more information on Complete Travel and Cruises, visit our website http://www.completetvl.com/ .
Friday, May 27, 2011
Top 5 World's Most Unusual Hotels
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a giant shoe, an airplane, or maybe a sewer? That’s right, a sewer! There are hotels all over the world that aren’t your run of the mill Holiday Inn. I thought it would be fun to compile a list of the top five most unusual hotels, though it was tough to pick just five!
The first on the list is the Jules Undersea Lodge off the coast of Key Largo Florida. This strange accommodation is located 21 feet below sea level at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon in the Key Largo Undersea Park. Jules opened in 1986 and has hosted many guests since then. It was even highlighted in the television show “The Amazing Race.” The lodge can hold up to 6 people in two bedrooms and also offers a common room with a dining area, kitchen, and entertainment area. Each of the two bedrooms has a 42 inch window that offers fabulous views of the sea life. Don’t forget your wetsuit for this one!
Next up is Das Park Hotel in Linz, Austria. This hotel takes recycling to a whole new level. Here you will find renovated sewage pipes that are clean and functional. Located on the banks of the Danube, this inexpensive alternative to a hostel offers a double bed, light, power, and storage with shared bath facilities just a short stroll away. All this can be yours for about $100 per night.
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden is an experience to remember. Each year artists create the largest hotel in the world, made entirely of steel and ice. The first phase of the hotel begins around December 10th each year and is usually completed by December 30th. Ice blocks are taken from the Torne River and formed into guest rooms. Each room has a unique theme with creative carvings. If you are an artist, you too can help create this wonder. Just be sure your application is in by July 1st.
A dockside crane converted into a luxury hideaway for two? That is what you will find in Harlingen, Netherlands. The old machine room in the body of the crane has been converted into a luxurious bedroom with all of the latest modern conveniences, such as a flat screen TV. Breakfast is delivered by way of the internal lift to your bedside. So if beautiful views, and taking the crane for a spin in your PJ’s at 3 AM is for you, this is the place!
Last but not least is the Capsule Hotel in Asakusa, Japan. It is hard to call this a hotel since all you are offered is a coffin sized capsule that includes a TV, radio, and alarm clock. On the top floor you will find shared bath facilities that offer the best views in the house. If you are on a tight budget, you will like the low rate of around $35.00 for a one night stay.
Next time you are looking for adventure, why not try one of the world’s most unusual hotels? I am not sure sleeping in a capsule or sewer is for me, but under the sea? It would surely be a night to remember.
The first on the list is the Jules Undersea Lodge off the coast of Key Largo Florida. This strange accommodation is located 21 feet below sea level at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon in the Key Largo Undersea Park. Jules opened in 1986 and has hosted many guests since then. It was even highlighted in the television show “The Amazing Race.” The lodge can hold up to 6 people in two bedrooms and also offers a common room with a dining area, kitchen, and entertainment area. Each of the two bedrooms has a 42 inch window that offers fabulous views of the sea life. Don’t forget your wetsuit for this one!
Next up is Das Park Hotel in Linz, Austria. This hotel takes recycling to a whole new level. Here you will find renovated sewage pipes that are clean and functional. Located on the banks of the Danube, this inexpensive alternative to a hostel offers a double bed, light, power, and storage with shared bath facilities just a short stroll away. All this can be yours for about $100 per night.
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden is an experience to remember. Each year artists create the largest hotel in the world, made entirely of steel and ice. The first phase of the hotel begins around December 10th each year and is usually completed by December 30th. Ice blocks are taken from the Torne River and formed into guest rooms. Each room has a unique theme with creative carvings. If you are an artist, you too can help create this wonder. Just be sure your application is in by July 1st.
A dockside crane converted into a luxury hideaway for two? That is what you will find in Harlingen, Netherlands. The old machine room in the body of the crane has been converted into a luxurious bedroom with all of the latest modern conveniences, such as a flat screen TV. Breakfast is delivered by way of the internal lift to your bedside. So if beautiful views, and taking the crane for a spin in your PJ’s at 3 AM is for you, this is the place!
Last but not least is the Capsule Hotel in Asakusa, Japan. It is hard to call this a hotel since all you are offered is a coffin sized capsule that includes a TV, radio, and alarm clock. On the top floor you will find shared bath facilities that offer the best views in the house. If you are on a tight budget, you will like the low rate of around $35.00 for a one night stay.
Next time you are looking for adventure, why not try one of the world’s most unusual hotels? I am not sure sleeping in a capsule or sewer is for me, but under the sea? It would surely be a night to remember.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Travel Bug: Land or Sea?
Many times when clients come into my office they ask, “which is better--a cruise or an all-inclusive vacation?” This is a really good question that does not have a quick and easy answer.
Cruises are a wonderful way to see many destinations in a short period of time. On a Caribbean cruise, you may be able to visit four or more islands in just one week. If you choose a European cruise, you may even find yourself in a different country every day! Alaskan cruises offer many unique activities, like glacier walks and dog-sledding with beautiful scenery to view along the way. This year Canada and New England cruises are very popular because they offer port calls at places such as Boston to visit the Freedom Trail and the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia to view its high tides and the interesting geological wonderland they have created. Another option is to combine cruises, so that you may see the Eastern Caribbean one week and the Western Caribbean the next. Cruises offer endless possibilities.
All-inclusive vacations, typically in Mexico or the Caribbean, offer the type of trip where everything is taken care of. The only thing you need to worry about on an all-inclusive trip is what time to hit the beach. These packages usually include your airfare, hotel stay, meals, both alcoholic and soft drinks, non-motorized water sports, organized activities, nightly entertainment and more. Since everything is paid for upfront, there is nothing to pay for once you are there, except maybe the occasional souvenir. All-inclusive trips are for the traveler looking for relaxation rather than days of sight-seeing.
On the other hand, a typical cruise, amasses several additional expenses, including gratuities, drinks (including soft drinks), shore excursions, and specialty dining. Oftentimes I recommend that my clients fly into the departure port city a day early to prevent any delays that would cause them to miss the ship. This of course means the added expense of a one-night hotel stay, but gives the peace of mind that you won’t miss your cruise.
Why not consider combining a land and sea trip? In Alaska it is common to add a few nights on to the cruise so that it is possible to explore Denali National Park. Most of the cruise lines offer land packages to accomplish this. A short cruise from Port Canaveral allows time in just one week to also visit Disney World for a few days. This is a great way to please Mom and Dad as well as the kids. Still can’t decide where to take your next vacation? Ask an experienced travel counselor to help you decide whether land or sea is best for you.
Cruises are a wonderful way to see many destinations in a short period of time. On a Caribbean cruise, you may be able to visit four or more islands in just one week. If you choose a European cruise, you may even find yourself in a different country every day! Alaskan cruises offer many unique activities, like glacier walks and dog-sledding with beautiful scenery to view along the way. This year Canada and New England cruises are very popular because they offer port calls at places such as Boston to visit the Freedom Trail and the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia to view its high tides and the interesting geological wonderland they have created. Another option is to combine cruises, so that you may see the Eastern Caribbean one week and the Western Caribbean the next. Cruises offer endless possibilities.
All-inclusive vacations, typically in Mexico or the Caribbean, offer the type of trip where everything is taken care of. The only thing you need to worry about on an all-inclusive trip is what time to hit the beach. These packages usually include your airfare, hotel stay, meals, both alcoholic and soft drinks, non-motorized water sports, organized activities, nightly entertainment and more. Since everything is paid for upfront, there is nothing to pay for once you are there, except maybe the occasional souvenir. All-inclusive trips are for the traveler looking for relaxation rather than days of sight-seeing.
On the other hand, a typical cruise, amasses several additional expenses, including gratuities, drinks (including soft drinks), shore excursions, and specialty dining. Oftentimes I recommend that my clients fly into the departure port city a day early to prevent any delays that would cause them to miss the ship. This of course means the added expense of a one-night hotel stay, but gives the peace of mind that you won’t miss your cruise.
Why not consider combining a land and sea trip? In Alaska it is common to add a few nights on to the cruise so that it is possible to explore Denali National Park. Most of the cruise lines offer land packages to accomplish this. A short cruise from Port Canaveral allows time in just one week to also visit Disney World for a few days. This is a great way to please Mom and Dad as well as the kids. Still can’t decide where to take your next vacation? Ask an experienced travel counselor to help you decide whether land or sea is best for you.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Insurance - To Buy or Not To Buy
Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Most people save all year for that one special week of relaxation. Unfortunately, sometimes unexpected things happen. It is hard to think about the unthinkable when you are planning your vacation, but you never know just when an unexpected mishap might turn a relaxing vacation into a taxing experience. That is why it is very important to protect your investment. Travel insurance doesn’t only provide you a refund in case the unexpected happens; most policies will also cover you medically while you are on the trip, as well as provide you with emergency medical transportation should the need arise. Other things that may be covered are trip interruption, trip delay, and baggage loss or damage. Some policies even provide rental car protection.
Travel insurance policies may sound confusing but a travel professional can help you decide which policy is best for you. Did you know that when purchasing an insurance policy directly from the cruise line or tour company, you will not be covered for financial default of that company? Are you sure your health insurance covers you outside of the United States? Travel agents are familiar with supplier insurance policies as well as independent insurance company policies. It is important to discuss your individual needs with your travel professional so that they can lead you to the right plan.
As a travel consultant I often hear clients say, “I don’t need insurance. I am going no matter what.” I always cringe when I hear that, because unfortunately those are the same people that usually encounter travel disasters or mishaps. For example I recently booked a weeklong California vacation for a young couple. The day before they were to leave, the husband came down with the stomach flu. There was no way he could possibly get onto a plane so they had to cancel their trip. They lost a total of three hundred dollars in airline penalties. Had they paid a small premium for insurance, their tickets would have been refunded in full. With the snowstorm that hit Chicagoland this week, many weary travelers were at O’Hare, waiting for the storm to pass. Those with travel insurance were able to settle into a nice, warm hotel knowing they would be able to file a claim for their travel delays. Those that opted against insurance, weren’t so lucky. Regardless of age, travel insurance is an important element to your vacation package.
When traveling, you never know what sort of emergency or unforeseen event might occur. With the right travel professional’s help, you can choose the travel insurance policy that’s right for you – so that you won’t have to worry.
Travel insurance policies may sound confusing but a travel professional can help you decide which policy is best for you. Did you know that when purchasing an insurance policy directly from the cruise line or tour company, you will not be covered for financial default of that company? Are you sure your health insurance covers you outside of the United States? Travel agents are familiar with supplier insurance policies as well as independent insurance company policies. It is important to discuss your individual needs with your travel professional so that they can lead you to the right plan.
As a travel consultant I often hear clients say, “I don’t need insurance. I am going no matter what.” I always cringe when I hear that, because unfortunately those are the same people that usually encounter travel disasters or mishaps. For example I recently booked a weeklong California vacation for a young couple. The day before they were to leave, the husband came down with the stomach flu. There was no way he could possibly get onto a plane so they had to cancel their trip. They lost a total of three hundred dollars in airline penalties. Had they paid a small premium for insurance, their tickets would have been refunded in full. With the snowstorm that hit Chicagoland this week, many weary travelers were at O’Hare, waiting for the storm to pass. Those with travel insurance were able to settle into a nice, warm hotel knowing they would be able to file a claim for their travel delays. Those that opted against insurance, weren’t so lucky. Regardless of age, travel insurance is an important element to your vacation package.
When traveling, you never know what sort of emergency or unforeseen event might occur. With the right travel professional’s help, you can choose the travel insurance policy that’s right for you – so that you won’t have to worry.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Leave Vacation Planning to the Professionals
Consumers are more inundated than ever with seemingly too-good-to-be-true vacation prices, especially on-line. How can even the most seasoned travelers be expected to cut through the clutter and make the right decision? Part personal shopper and part matchmaker, a professional travel agent can match up options from hundreds of travel deals with your personal preferences, and take the stress out of the vacation planning process. Consider the following:
o First-Hand Experience- Chances are good that your travel agent has experienced the resort first-hand or has received personal feedback from clients who have. With so many websites containing outdated or misleading information, the expert advice and personal recommendation of a travel professional can be far more reliable and less biased than a travel brochure or web posting.
o Interpreting the Fine Print- Professional travel agents are familiar with the disclaimers and hidden fees that could cost you far more than you bargained for. They’ll provide expert advice on everything from optional resort excursions to the real value of travel insurance.
o Convenience, Cost and Value Recognition- By sifting through the web or making countless phone calls to hotels and airlines, you may be able to find a lower price on your own. But more likely, a travel agent will find you the best value in far less time, and you can avoid making a decision that may cost you dearly. Knowledgeable travel agents can discern the difference between a low price and a good value. When you book a vacation, you’re investing not only hard-earned dollars but also valuable vacation time. It pays to get it right.
o Clout- With a travel agent, you have someone who will go to bat for you should the unexpected happen. Experienced travel agents have long-standing relationships with travel suppliers. They have the right contacts and know how to get things done in the most efficient and timely manner.
Many of the nation’s leading wholesale vacation companies, recommend booking through a professional, retail travel agent for the right advice and best price. So why use an agent when you can go online and book yourself? Perhaps the question should be, why not?
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