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3/29/2022 • Blog, Cruises •
If your vision of a cruise shore excursion is following a guide and a flag, you haven’t experienced a Virgin Voyage excursion. Virgin Voyages has taken the typical shore excursions and kicked it up a notch. The group sizes are small, and they offer experiences that are immersive by taking you off the beaten path. Virgin refers to their excursion as “shore things”. They can be booked through your travel agent or directly through the Virgin app. They are an excellent way to experience the culture and the area of each port. They give you memories to take home with you. For example, In Puerta Plata, in the Dominican Republic, I explored the jungle and mountains via a dune buggy. We had a small group of 28 people. This was a great way to explore the non-tourist area of the city. We got dirty – ok, VERY muddy riding through […]
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3/11/2022 • Blog, Cruises •
Did you know that a few agents on our team specialize in Carnival Cruises? Carnival Cruise Lines have 24 Ships operating 2- to 17-day voyages, departing from every coast in the U.S. While they are best known for Caribbean cruises, they sail to other exotic and amazing destinations like Mexico, Alaska, The Bahamas, Europe, and Hawaii. I just got off the Carnival Sunshine, whose home is in Charleston, South Carolina. Many of my family members were able to join me in celebrating my mother’s 80th birthday because of how many options there were to choose from. Carnival Cruise Line offers a wide range of embarkation ports, allowing guests to start their cruise vacations in California, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, New York, Washington, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, or Hawaii, as well as many international ports including Barcelona, Venice, London, Brisbane, and San Juan. This means guests will travel less to reach […]
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3/4/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Since the temporary closure of Disney Parks due to Covid in 2020, guests have been waiting in the regular standby lines for attractions throughout Disney World. “But how do we get on rides?” was the number one question received from clients. There has been no “Fastpass” option for guests and only a standby line, which is an incredibly difficult concept for Walt Disney World visitors in the present. Finally, in October 2021 Genie + became available to guests as a paid option for quicker lines. The Basics of Genie+: Genie+ can be added to any type of Walt Disney World ticket package. Whether it’s a ticket only or a resort stay ticket, the cost is $15 per ticket per day plus tax. Genie+ is also a very flexible product to add to certain days or certain people in your party. Unlike many Disney vacation products, you can choose to add […]
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6/16/2023 • Reviews, Sandals & Beaches •
Barbados might be one of our favorite islands for so many reasons. The turquoise water is breathtaking, the cliffs on the north side of the island are magnificent, and the people are amazing! What’s not to love? We had visited Barbados pre-Sandals so when we found out Sandals was coming to Barbados, we were beyond excited and were finally able to take a trip there recently. The easy decision was going; the tough decision was figuring out which Sandals resort in Barbados we wanted to visit! There are two Sandals resorts on the island, so we had to make the choice. Now, I get to help you explore the differences between them to decide which one is right for you. The great part is the resorts back up to one another and is only separated by a sidewalk along the perimeter of the resorts. In addition to that, Sandals resorts […]
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2/11/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World •
Whether you are planning a Disney, Universal, Cruise, or an International vacation; and you are keeping it a secret, revealing the surprise is half the fun. While I don't keep all of our trips a secret, there are times when it just adds to the excitement. One of my favorite Disney World reveals for my kids was a scavenger hunt. After all the gifts had been opened on Christmas morning, I gave them a white envelope and inside was their first clue. The clues led them all over our house and yard and ended in the attic. Sitting just inside the door was a Minnie suitcase. Inside the suitcase was a note saying "Pack your bags, we are leaving for Disney World!" The girls had so much fun trying to decipher each clue and finding the next one. If you are planning a trip aboard the new Galactic Starcruiser, a […]
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2/8/2022 • Blog, Walt Disney World •
Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park opened its doors on April 22, 1998. This zoological theme park not only is home to some thrilling rides & attractions, it’s also home to several wild animals and exotic jungle trails. Its mission is to lead Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to care for animals and the environment as well as to connect people to nature and conserve our natural resources. As you enter the park, you’ll notice the lush greenery that lines the way to visit and view some wild animals, such as migratory birds, butterflies, and Komodo Dragons to name a few. You’re able to read and learn about these animals. Want to learn more about these wild animals, their habitat, and how to care for them? No problem! Hop on the Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It’s home to the Affection Station petting zoo, Habitat Habit!, an outdoor discovery […]
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2/1/2022 • Blog, Cruises •
Virgin Voyages launched their first cruise ship in the US in October 2021 and they have set the bar high for adult only cruising experiences. Virgin is different than other cruise lines for a variety of reasons. For me, it is a very laid-back environment that gives you the feel of sailing on a yacht vs a cruise ship. Again, it is adult only for anyone 18+, which provides a wonderful opportunity to reconnect. What’s included in the cruise fare? • All dining locations are included • No surprise costs at the end of your cruise and gratuities are included • Free internet onboard • Fitness classes • Soft drinks (Tea, filter coffee, non-pressed juices, water, and sparkling water, and Sodas) Dining and Lounges • The dining experience is beyond the typical cruise line with 10 different eateries all included. Menus have been created by Michelin star-rated chefs for experiences […]
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1/14/2022 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando •
Universal has a reputation as the perfect destination for thrill-seekers, foodies, Muggles, and Wizards, but what about toddlers? Will my family with varying ages be able to find entertainment for everyone- even the littles? Happily, I can answer- yes! My three children span ages 12 to 2 years old. With varying interests and thrill levels, we found that there was plenty to enjoy for each age. Here are some specific areas of interest and some tips to help you with your next trip to Universal with little ones! Tip #1: Ride the Hogwarts Express! Sure, the Hogwarts Express is like a train, but in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, it’s so much more! The train will take you between Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. This 10-minute trip is not only a mode of transportation, but also an attraction in itself! […]
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1/1/2022 • Reviews, Universal Studios Orlando •
When you think of theme-park food, it doesn’t usually conjure up images of delectable cuisine, but Mythos at Islands of Adventure (IOA) changed that perception for us and all by happenstance. Jason and I just recently took a trip to Universal Orlando Resort and wanted to hit up IOA to ride Hagrid’s after a very relaxing day at Volcano Bay. (Side note: Hagrid’s might be the best ride I’ve ever ridden. I highly recommend it). Anyway, we were making our way through IOA when we encountered the “towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and ancient figures carved” into the rock that is the restaurant which was intriguing in and of itself. We took one look at the menu and knew right away we had to eat there! We were extremely fortunate as they were able to seat us in the indoor dining room within 10 minutes without reservations, although they do […]
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12/26/2021 • Blog, Universal Studios Orlando •
For every Harry Potter fan, a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is a bucket list item but for true Potterheads. It's the extra Easter Eggs that are hidden that can make the experience truly magical. While magic appears around every corner in both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, let’s explore the hidden items in Hogwart’s Castle that you’ll want to take note of on your next vacation. Here are my top 5 hidden items for you to find! 1. Mandrakes- The first hidden item is located outdoors, in the greenhouse. If your visit to Hogsmeade has low crowds, you may miss the Mandrakes, but pause just before you enter the castle and check out these restorative plants located behind a fence so that they cannot be accidentally pulled out of their pots, subjecting you to their screams. 2. Four Founders of Hogwarts: The Hall of […]
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