July Newsletter

Happenings

I was in Jamaica last week and had such a great time exploring some new to me areas. I spent the majority of my time in Negril and Ocho Rios. I was hosted by Couples Resorts and was able to see ALL their properties.

Couples Resorts are my number one booked Honeymoon/Anniversary resorts in Jamaica. The Caribbean vibe and décor is laid back and romantic. Making these resorts a perfect location to celebrate each other.

They offer much more than your average adults only all inclusive resort. Their dining is top notch, premium liquor, customized mini bar, unlimited scuba diving (if not certified- you can get certified on property), golf and tennis, unlimited watersports, and included excursions. The value is outstanding!

While this was a working trip, I was able to experience some of the local attractions. Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios was a once in a lifetime experience. At first glance this waterfall seemed intimidating. But once you figured out to plan each step​​ you take, it was amazing.

I also made a visit to world famous Rick's Cafe in Negril. A few friends and I hired a driver to take us to the cafe for cliff jumping and some needed liquid courage. While I didn't cliff jump, the cafe was a fun place to hang out with some new friends and watch them cliff jump.

I have been working on a number of blogs detailing my experiences. These blogs are up on the website now:

Couples Tower Isle and San Souci
Couples Negril and Swept Away
VIP Airport Arrival/Departure- Club Mobay

Blogs coming next week:

Dunn's River Falls - Climbing a waterfall
Rick's Cafe- Cliff Jumping

Check out the blog to read about these experiences. ​

As I make my way around the Caribbean, where should I head to next? St. Lucia? Aruba? Bahamas?
-Anne

V&V Travel Info

I know we just discussed passports last month but this is so very important if you plan to travel internationally for the holidays, spring break, or next summer. Now is the time to send in your application for your first passport or check your passport's expiration dates.

Processing times at the Passport Offices are the highest we have seen since the pandemic started. Passports used to take 4-6 weeks for processing, but are now taking approximately 18 weeks (unless you pay for expedited processing for 12 weeks).

For those that have an existing passport, now is the time to take it out and ensure it is not damaged or expired. Your passport must be machine readable to board the plane. Ensure there is no water damage, torn pages, or tattered ends.

Trip Requests

Here are some of the 2021 and 2022 trip requests I worked on this past month:

30th Wedding Anniversary - This couple is heading to Mexico in just a few weeks to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary. They will be staying at one of my most favorite adults only all inclusive resorts- Valentin Imperial. This locally owned resort is oceanfront and covered in beautiful tropical foliage and walking paths that makes you forget you are a resort. They will enjoy spending time in the active main pool or relaxing in the quiet lazy river. They are sure to have a great time celebrating in paradise.

2022 Family Spring Break Mexico - A new client contacted me about a family spring break trip for 2022. They wanted to take their four kids on a fun trip to an all inclusive resort. They ended up selecting Royalton Riviera Cancun. She wanted to make sure that they had plenty of activity and food options but not be crowded with people. I recommended a room in the Diamond club section that would give them their own beach and pool area exclusively used by diamond guests. This will be the perfect place for them to relax and not feel over crowded but still have all the amenities of a large resort.

5 Year Anniversary Cruise - A college friend messaged me about planning a trip for their 5 year wedding anniversary. They cruised with Carnival for their honeymoon so it only seemed fitting to plan a similar trip. They will be sailing on the Carnival Magic on an 8- Day Southern Caribbean itinerary. They will be visiting a number of stops they have never been too. They are are sure to have the best time!

Hawaii Excursions - I have a number of Hawaii trips planned for the rest of the year. Because the demand is high for luaus and excursions and supply is limited, I met with most of my Hawaii clients this month to plan out some of their time on the islands. While some of these clients aren't traveling until much later this year, excursions are still selling out months in advance. I was able to get my clients booked on everything they wanted to do- Pearl Harbor, private surfing lessons, whale watching tours, snorkeling in Molokini, pineapple farms, luaus, and Catamaran rides. I even booked a few dining reservations for clients to make their days even easier!

My Groups

I love hosting group trips. Here is where I am heading in the coming year(s). Which one do you want to join me on? 

July 2021 (Rescheduling)- Galápagos Islands. We begin in Quito, Ecuador then spend 5 days island hopping on land and by ship. The ship only holds 16 guests.

February 2022- Antarctica. (NEW DATE) This is my last continent. We will be taking an expedition cruise from South America and through the Drake Passage to the Antarctica peninsula with Ponant Cruise Line. Trip of a lifetime. Can't find anyone to travel with you? This cruise has no single supplement, for a limited time.

August 2022 - Cruise and Land tour in Alaska. We will be sailing on Holland America and spending three days in Denali National Park.

If you are interested in joining me on one or all of these trips, please reply to this email.