March Newsletter
Happenings
It has been a full year since the United States entered into the Covid pandemic. Travel went from non existent, to so stressful, to now doable. You may need to produce a negative covid test before entering a country, but that's a small hoop to jump through to travel.
There may not be as many of your top destinations open just yet, but its coming. March was one of our busiest months since the beginning of the pandemic. We have a number of clients traveling to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. Our clients are ready to get back out there and requiring a covid test is not going to stop them.
I do believe that once the covid vaccine is available to all who want it, we will see travel really open up. I think it will be the norm to present a vaccine passport to bypass a quarantine or negative covid test for entry into a destination.
We are starting to see countries like Iceland and Ecuador allow visitors who are fully vaccinated. I see more countries following their lead in the coming months. There is a little bit of unofficial news that Hawaii may move to a vaccine passport in May, making it even easier to visit. This is a great destination to travel to this year!
In the coming months, I anticipate the US government rescinding the order that requires international air travelers to have a negative covid test less than 72 hours upon arrival to the US. I think the order will be more focused on particular destinations with higher cases. We will have to wait and see on this.
The travel industry is ready. Judging by call wait times at some of the biggest suppliers I work with, they are feeling it too. I am ready and I am here when you are ready.
-Anne
V&V Travel Info
Anne was in Mexico last week and had such a great time exploring a new area. She visited a number of resorts in the Playa Del Carman and Riviera Maya area of Mexico. She stayed at the very first all-inclusive resort she ever stayed at, Valentin Imperial. This resort is a great adults only option and usually prices very well!
Stay tuned to the Facebook page and blog to hear her reviews on the following resorts.
Hotel Xcaret
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita
Fairmont Mayakoba
Grand Velas
Palafitos/El Dorado Maroma
Secrets Akumal
El Dorado Seaside Suites
Hilton Playa del Carman
Margaritaville Island Reserve
Have you been to any of these resorts? Which one are you the most excited to hear my review on?
Trip Requests
Here are some of the 2021 trip requests I worked on this past month:
Honeymoon to St Lucia - I worked with a bride and groom who weren't really set on where they wanted to honeymoon. We talked about Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, and St Lucia. They decided on St Lucia staying at Serenity at Coconut Bay in one of their 36 suites with a private plunge pools. Their room also comes with a butler. Talk about luxury! They are going to love exploring the island of St Lucia and spending time in their private plunge pool.
Disney Family Vacation - We had a new client contact us about a possible Disney trip. We schedule a quick call to talk about some of the magical experiences that Disney has had to put on hold and what the parks and resorts are like during this time. They decided on spending a few days at Art of Animation in a Lion King Family Suite. They will spend a day at Magic Kingdom and a day at Hollywood Studios plus plenty of time for the pools and Disney Springs. The best part is that their children won't know they are going until they are on their way!
Hawaii Adventure - Hawaii had become a big part of our trip planning these last few months. Our clients are heading to the Big Island and Oahu. This family loves adventure and can't wait to hike to waterfalls, hike Diamond Head, see lava spewing, and relax on the different beaches.
Longboat Key, Florida - As most of you know, we specialize in international travel and Hawaii, Alaska, and Disney. But lately we have added a few resorts in Florida. A client contacted us about wanting a week away to a beautiful beach, with amazing views, and a sperate kitchen and living area. It didn't take too long to see that the Resort at Longboat Key Club was perfect. They booked a one bedroom beach view suite that has a full kitchen plus washer and dryer. They are going to have an amazing time.
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- 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.
