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Instagram-Worthy Hawaiian Girls TripLooking for the ultimate girls' getaway? Hawaii is calling! Whet...
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We flew out a day before the cruise and did a little sightseeing in Amsterdam. I highly recommend doing this to get acclimated to the time change. We took a canal cruise which was interesting, but not recommended if you have jet lag! The warm sun made my eyelids heavy and I am sure I missed a thing or two!
Castle De Haar was once the private residence of the Van Zuylen family, whose descendants still stay here yearly. The castle also frequently hosted members of the international jet-set with their lavish lifestyle; from Coco Chanel to Roger Moore, they too left their mark on the plush rooms of the most beautiful spot in Utrecht.
After this, we had free time to explore. We ate waffle fries, bought and tasted some chocolate, visited the smallest bar in Ghent (which used to be a jail) and then off to visit the Gravenstein Castle. The moated castle was built by Count Phillip of Alsace in 1180. I am so impressed with how well these castles have stood the test of time. When I think about how long ago they were built with no modern way of constructing such a large building, it really is amazing!
Our day in Antwerp was spent participating in a walking tour of the city and ending our time with a Belgium beer tour! We saw the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady, Steen’s Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain. This particular city paid homage to the Virgin Mary. Citizens from long ago would place a statue of the Virgin Mary on a light post so they would not have to pay taxes! Some statues were elaborate and some very simple, but all placed for the same reason. We ended our day with a beer tour tasting local beers. Some were good, others not so much! After all that beer, I finally found my Belgium waffle! It was delicious!
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Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm thrilled to introduce myself as your dedicated travel agent, Jennifer Letcher, with an insatiable love for all things travel! Exploring new destinations and creating unforgettable experiences for my clients are my passions, and I cannot wait to share my expertise with you. A Journey of Specializations: Over the years, I've honed my skills and focused on specific areas of expertise to ensure that every journey you embark on is seamless, enchanting, and tailor-made to suit your desires. As a travel specialist, I hold certifications in several incredible destin... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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how to become a travel agent or how to become a Disney travel agent or what's the best travel agent host agency?
Jennifer Letcher set us up for the perfect get away to celebrate my birthday. All we did was say we wanted a beach resort, all inclusive and I wanted to get a stamp on my passport. She threw out some suggestions, we gave her some suggested dates, and away she worked. Put 3 destination packages together from leaving our local airport to our return home. Even hooking us up with a person to help get us through customs and get my passport stamped. She made it so easy! Thanks Jennifer!
-Paula Menefee
Our trip was perfect! Jenny did a wonderful job planning our trip from booking our flight, our private taxi to and from airport, and the resort was beautiful. Thank you Jenny! Look forward to working with you on our future adventures.
-Julie Swinford
So it has been 10+ years since I traveled outside the US. I had so many questions and concerns. Jennifer was right back with me getting my answers and calming my concerns. I must have changed my mind at least 5 times and she was so very patient. I am so glad we chose her for our travel agent. I would say it was a trip of a lifetime but I assure you we will be calling Jennifer many more times in my lifetime. Life is short. Call Jennifer. Plan and take the trip!
-Dena Reneau
10/16Instagram-Worthy Hawaiian Girls TripLooking for the ultimate girls' getaway? Hawaii is calling! Whet...
Instagram-Worthy Hawaiian Girls Trip
Looking for the ultimate girls' getaway? Hawaii is calling! Whether you're dreaming of lounging on sun-kissed beaches, hiking lush trails, or sipping tropical cocktails at a boutique hotel, Hawaii has the perfect island for your squad. From the vibrant vibe of Oahu to the breathtaking beauty of Kauai, here's how to plan an unforgettable girls' trip to the Aloha State!
Oahu – For the Perfect Mix of History, Beaches, and Fun
Maui – The Ultimate Resort Experience
Kauai – For the Adventurous Spirit
Final Thoughts
8/2Sandals Ochi – An Unforgettable Vacation! Man, what a vacation! Did you know that Sandals Ocho...
Sandals Ochi – An Unforgettable Vacation!
Man, what a vacation! Did you know that Sandals Ocho Rios in Jamaica is the largest Sandals resort? With over 100 swimming pools, this is your place to go if you are a pool lover.
The drive from Montego Bay's MBJ airport is around an hour and a half. Just like in my last blog about Beaches Ocho Rios, I suggest grabbing the throw-up bags from the plane just in case. This was our first time not taking the Sandals free transport. We were traveling with eight adults and decided to take a private transfer. I can tell you that the Sandals transports I've been on are long and driven safely as Sandals would want. Our private transfer drove like a local. It took us longer to get our private transfer due to the traffic at the airport. We left a good 30 minutes after the Sandals bus, but we ended up passing it along with a lot of other drivers! The Sandals buses I've taken have never done this. Anyway, we made it to the resort in record time and safe!
Due to the crazy Microsoft outages on July 19, 2024, airports were chaotic, and everything was getting delayed. Our flight was no exception. However, with any travel, you have to be ready for this and go with the flow so you don't ruin your vacation. After a few hours of delay, we were finally able to leave DFW. Because of this, our first day was spent traveling. When we got to the resort, we checked in with our amazing butlers (I could write a whole blog just on them) and then went to dinner at the Sky Terrace. My husband was thrilled to get lobster.
As I mentioned, this is the largest Sandals Resort, and because of that, you must take the Hop to other parts of the resort. This is a small transfer bus. We stayed on the hillside manor, and to get to the beach, you must take the Hop. It’s a short ride that requires you to cross a main road. The first stop from the hillside is the Beach Club. If you are a beach person, I wouldn't recommend this resort because the beach is small, and the sand is not soft to walk on. However, it was still pretty, and the sound of the ocean always puts me in a good mood.
Saturday was a day of fun, sun, and Jamaican rum! We spent the day down at Sandals Beach Club. Maxwell and Dave know how to make a drink. You can find them at the swim-up bar.
Restaurants
While there, we ate at Sky Terrace, The Southern Table, Valentinos, Soy, Tapas, Mariners, Dino’s Pizzeria, Le Gourmand, and the Jerk Shack. We ate and ate this trip! The resort has a variety of food, so everyone should be able to find something they like. I enjoyed the food every time we ate, and my favorite was the sliders from Tapas—they were amazing. Our go-to snack was the Jerk Shack or pizza. One thing we were really sad about was not getting to go to Kimonos. Even though we had reservations, they would only sit parties of 12, and we had plans for the white party, so we ended up leaving without eating. When we let our butler know, she definitely took care of it. We met with the food and beverage manager and the butler manager, and they apologized and said that shouldn't have happened and they will make sure reservations are honored in the future.
Fun Day of Excursions
Tuesday was an amazing outing. We climbed Dunn's River Falls. This was my second time; my husband and I did it back in 2013 on our honeymoon, and it brought back so many great memories. You have to be pretty fit—knee problems or back problems would make it tough. You need water shoes because you are climbing a super slippery rock waterfall. A guide helps you up, and they have a videographer that follows you around. Surprisingly, we found that $40 for the whole video and pictures was a good deal, so we bought it. Then, our tour guide took us to the Blue Hole. I didn't realize we'd be climbing another waterfall to get to the jump sites. It was so much fun. I was nervous at first about jumping, but once I did the first one, the next three were a breeze. After that, we were taken to Linda’s Café for some jerk chicken and rum punch. Lastly, we floated down the White River with two tour guides and an awesome dog named Stranger, who went down the tubing with us. He would ride in our floats, swim, or run down the side. After that, we returned to our resort. It was a great day and a fun way to spend it.
Paint and sip
Sandals offers a variety of exciting group activities, including Beach Olympics, bingo, cornhole, and paint and sip sessions. We opted for the paint and sip experience, which was a first for me. At Sandals, you need to purchase a bottle of wine to participate, and with that, you receive two canvases.
The resort brought in E. Thompson, a talented local painter who also sells his artwork. We had such an amazing time during this activity, and our paintings turned out great! Mr. Thompson guided us step by step through the process, making it easy for beginners and experienced painters alike.
I highly recommend this activity if it's offered during your stay. It's a fantastic way to unwind, get creative, and take home a unique souvenir from your trip.
Overall Experience
We spent most of our time in our private pool. Since we were four couples, we rented out the four-bedroom villa that came with a butler. We had the most amazing butlers, Cameka and Alshane. I recommend everyone ask for them. When we got back on Tuesday, they had a party thrown for us in our backyard. We had so much food, music, drinks, and they hung out with us. When we weren’t at our private pool, we liked to hang out at the main pool on the hillside—lots of interaction with bingo, volleyball, and name-that-tune games. It was a great time to hang out and use the swim-up bar.
Downfalls
Being the largest Sandals resort and like three resorts in one, there are some downfalls. If you stay on the hillside, it’s a long walk up. They have golf carts that come around to pick you up, but it's not on a regular basis, and sometimes you really have to flag them down. If our butler was on duty, we could call them, and they would pick us up. However, some days they got off at 8, and some days at 10, so if we were leaving later than that, we either had to flag someone down or make the long walk back up the hill. Having to wait for the Hop reminded me of the end of a day at Disney World, with everyone in line to get on the bus back to the hotel, hoping there are enough seats. This is what the Hop felt like some days. One of the couples we were with was really upset that there isn't a pastry coffee shop. There’s nowhere to get some ice cream, sweets, and a cup of coffee. But at the returning guest dinner we attended, we learned they are building one, so everyone was excited. Other than that, anything that came up wasn’t going to ruin our vacation. If you have the mindset that you’re going to enjoy your vacation no matter what, you can always have a good time.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few minor inconveniences, our stay at Sandals Ochi was nothing short of spectacular. The resort's vast array of amenities, fantastic dining options, and exceptional service made our vacation unforgettable. The excursions added an extra layer of adventure and excitement, making each day unique and memorable. Sandals Ochi's size and variety ensure there's something for everyone, whether you want to relax by the pool, explore local attractions, or indulge in gourmet cuisine. We can't wait to return to this tropical paradise and create even more wonderful memories. If you're considering a trip to Jamaica, Sandals Ochi should definitely be at the top of your list!
6/15The Journey Begins: Drive to Beaches Ocho RiosThe drive from Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Beac...
The Journey Begins: Drive to Beaches Ocho Rios
The drive from Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) to Beaches Ocho Rios is an adventure in itself. Be prepared for a somewhat bumpy ride and pack some medication if you're prone to car sickness. Grab your bag just in case. Also, don't forget to have tip money ready for the drivers.
Smooth Arrival and Check-In
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted warmly and directed to either the club level or regular check-in areas, which are conveniently located in the same lobby. The check-in process is efficient, and your bags will be taken care of, allowing you to start your vacation stress-free.
First Impressions and Dining Delights
After a long drive, we headed straight to Neptunes at the end of the pier for a delightful meal. The view of the fish swimming below made it a unique dining experience. Dinner that night was equally satisfying, setting the tone for a week of great food.
Poolside Fun and Evening Entertainment
One of the highlights was the pool, which stays open during the evening entertainment. We enjoyed various fun-filled shows, though seating can be limited. Arrive early to snag a good spot, especially for popular events like the circus and fire show. The 6:00 PM Sesame Street show was less crowded, making it easier to find a seat.
Exploring the Resort and Beach
Beaches Ocho Rios is an older resort in need of some updates, but ongoing improvements like the boat dock construction didn't disturb our stay. The beach is small and rocky near the shore, so wearing shoes until you reach the soft sand is advisable.
Thrilling Water Sports and Activities
The water sports team was fantastic! We enjoyed a variety of activities, including banana boat rides, paddleboarding, a glass-bottom boat tour, and hobie sailing. Thanks to favorable weather, we had a green flag all week, allowing us to make the most of the water activities.
Splashing Around at the Water Park
The water park caters to all ages with its range of slides. From big slides for the adventurous to smaller ones for younger kids, it offers endless fun. However, be mindful of the limited lifeguard presence, and keep an eye on your children as they play.
Beach and Pool Lounging
While finding chairs around the main pool can be a challenge due to early reservations, beach chairs were always available when we needed them. Plan accordingly if you want a prime spot by the pool.
Accommodations and Useful Tips
Our Caribbean Grand Luxe Suite with double beds was ideal for our family of five. It featured two double beds and a couch with a trundle bed, though the room was a bit hot, so packing a fan is recommended. The bathroom setup could be improved by separating the toilet area from the shower/tub for better convenience.
Accessibility and Autism Friendliness
Beaches Ocho Rios is built on a cliff/beachside, resulting in numerous stairs, but an elevator is available for those who need it. The resort is also autism-friendly, with trained staff and engaging activities for children with autism, making it a welcoming destination for all families.
Dining Options for Every Taste
No reservations are required for dinner, and casual attire is generally acceptable, except at the French restaurant. Bayside buffet became our favorite spot, offering a variety of choices to satisfy every palate.
The Importance of Club Mobay When Traveling to Jamaica
When traveling to Jamaica, having Club Mobay is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here's why:
Fast Track Through Customs
One of the major benefits of Club Mobay is the fast-track service through customs. This can save you a significant amount of time, allowing you to start your vacation sooner without the stress of long lines and delays.
VIP Lounge Experience
On your departure, Club Mobay provides access to a VIP lounge. This can be a lifesaver, especially if your flight is delayed. For instance, our flight was scheduled to leave at 12:45 PM, but it was delayed twice with a final 3:00 PM departure time. Thanks to Club Mobay we had a comfortable lounge with food, drinks, and TVs to pass the time.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The VIP lounge also features a play area for kids, making it an excellent choice for families. This allows your little ones to stay entertained while you relax and enjoy the amenities.
Overall Comfort and Convenience
Club Mobay enhances your travel experience by providing comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Whether it's speeding through customs or enjoying the lounge's facilities during a delay, Club Mobay ensures your journey is as pleasant as possible.
In summary, always opt for Club Mobay when traveling to Jamaica. It significantly improves both your arrival and departure experiences, making your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Beaches Ocho Rios offers a memorable vacation experience. Embrace the relaxed island time, overlook the minor updates underway, and focus on creating fun and lasting memories. We had a fantastic time, and we're sure you will too!
Enjoy your stay at Beaches Ocho Rios!
Sandals “Sexy” South Coast Should you enjoy a five or seven day vacation at South Coast? That is the question I recently asked myself. My husband and I, along with two other couples, just returned from the wonderful Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. I wish to share our recent enjoyable experience with you. The weather: Overall the weather in Jamaica is near perfect the year around. Typically, the daily temperatures fall between 73 and 89 degrees F. While we were there in March of 2022, we had temperatures between 82 and 90 degrees F. We only received one day of Liquid Sunshine! Jamaica is known to experience quick pop up rain showers during the day that are short in duration. One occurrence we encountered on this trip were abnormally high winds during the last two days of our trip. We had never witnessed such uncommon winds during our previous vacations, so we opted to spend the days at our pool to escape the uncomfortable 30 - 40 mile per hour seaside gales. What to do? Sandal resorts are all-inclusive. This includes all drinks, snacks, and food, in addition to all of the water sports offered at the Aqua Center*. In 2013 my husband and I spent our honeymoon at Sandals Royal Caribbean, but for some reason we never got to enjoy paddle boarding, and since 2013 my husband has never allowed me to forget it! So, this year he had this leisure activity at the top of our “to do” list. It was our first time and we had so much fun! I fell more times than I stood up, but the laughs we shared were worth our feeble attempts to learn. Again, this entertaining activity, and a guided snorkeling adventure we thoroughly enjoyed are part of the all-inclusive Sandals experience. My husband and I are already planning our next return getaway excursion to Sandals. Other included water activities: Scuba diving and all equipment (If Padi-Certified) (If not, for an extra fee you can get certified on property.) Hobie Cats, Paddle boards, kayaks, water skiing, glass bottom boats, tubing, windsurfing The best entertainment: At Sandals South Coast one gets to experience day and night entertainment shows. We attended the Caribbean Carnival Beach Party where one of the members of our traveling group was “volunteered” to come on stage to compete in a fun competition. We were delighted by fire blowers, tropical dancers and an amazing balancing act! For our second night we watched the Reggae Live Show. We began in the amphitheater where we heard and saw very talented singers and dancers. Then our party was escorted outside to enjoy a circus themed show. Throughout the resort, there are monitor screens advising you of upcoming nightly activities, and around the numerous pools there are constant activities to keep you entertained. Places to eat: The food is always outstanding at Sandals. South Coast has nine dining places to enjoy, ranging from very casual to resort evening attire. Our absolute favorite was Schooners! During the day we dined on Jamaican Beef Patties, a must try for all, and at night we were served surf and turf, paired with Prince Edwards Mussels, which were delicious. I highly recommend that upon arrival you make reservations for dinner at Schooners. Even though reservations are not required, due to its popularity all available tables will be taken, so it is better to have a reservation. The beach: South Coast is a protected area, and you want to remember the rule to not remove anything from the ocean. With that being said they have a great stretch of a 2-mile beach that is separated in two different parts. One is close to the front of the resort, while the other is near the Over the Water Bungalows. In my opinion you want your seat to be on the second part of the beach. Is the drive worth it: So, I started out by asking do you wish to enjoy five or seven days at South Coast? Well, it all comes down to the extended drive from the airport. The distance from Montego Bay to South Coast is 90 minutes of navigating small, rough roads, accompanied by exhilarating driving. So, if you are only staying five days, one full day is taken for transfers, thus your last (fifth) day is gone. Furthermore, since you must be at the airport three hours before your flight departs and it takes 90 minutes to get to the airport (without traffic), then that last fifth day is lost. If you arrive in the morning, you can still enjoy at least half a day. So, with a five-day trip you are only getting three full days to enjoy South Coast. So, in my opinion for a South Coast vacation, I recommend the seven day trip. But, please contact me and we can discuss the particulars, then allow you to decide the length of your amazing trip. If you are ready to book your next vacation to Sandals South Coast, the best time to plan is now; rooms are booking up fast. I am a Jamaican Travel Specialist and I would love to help you plan your next holiday excursion.
Sandals “Sexy” South Coast Should you enjoy a five or seven day vacation at South Coast? That is the question I recently asked myself. My husband and I, along with two other couples, just returned from the wonderful Sandals South Coast in Jamaica. I wish to share our recent enjoyable experience with you. The weather: Overall the weather in Jamaica is near perfect the year around. Typically, the daily temperatures fall between 73 and 89 degrees F. While we were there in March of 2022, we had temperatures between 82 and 90 degrees F. We only received one day of Liquid Sunshine! Jamaica is known to experience quick pop up rain showers during the day that are short in duration. One occurrence we encountered on this trip were abnormally high winds during the last two days of our trip. We had never witnessed such uncommon winds during our previous vacations, so we opted to spend the days at our pool to escape the uncomfortable 30 - 40 mile per hour seaside gales. What to do? Sandal resorts are all-inclusive. This includes all drinks, snacks, and food, in addition to all of the water sports offered at the Aqua Center*. In 2013 my husband and I spent our honeymoon at Sandals Royal Caribbean, but for some reason we never got to enjoy paddle boarding, and since 2013 my husband has never allowed me to forget it! So, this year he had this leisure activity at the top of our “to do” list. It was our first time and we had so much fun! I fell more times than I stood up, but the laughs we shared were worth our feeble attempts to learn. Again, this entertaining activity, and a guided snorkeling adventure we thoroughly enjoyed are part of the all-inclusive Sandals experience. My husband and I are already planning our next return getaway excursion to Sandals. Other included water activities: Scuba diving and all equipment (If Padi-Certified) (If not, for an extra fee you can get certified on property.) Hobie Cats, Paddle boards, kayaks, water skiing, glass bottom boats, tubing, windsurfing The best entertainment: At Sandals South Coast one gets to experience day and night entertainment shows. We attended the Caribbean Carnival Beach Party where one of the members of our traveling group was “volunteered” to come on stage to compete in a fun competition. We were delighted by fire blowers, tropical dancers and an amazing balancing act! For our second night we watched the Reggae Live Show. We began in the amphitheater where we heard and saw very talented singers and dancers. Then our party was escorted outside to enjoy a circus themed show. Throughout the resort, there are monitor screens advising you of upcoming nightly activities, and around the numerous pools there are constant activities to keep you entertained. Places to eat: The food is always outstanding at Sandals. South Coast has nine dining places to enjoy, ranging from very casual to resort evening attire. Our absolute favorite was Schooners! During the day we dined on Jamaican Beef Patties, a must try for all, and at night we were served surf and turf, paired with Prince Edwards Mussels, which were delicious. I highly recommend that upon arrival you make reservations for dinner at Schooners. Even though reservations are not required, due to its popularity all available tables will be taken, so it is better to have a reservation. The beach: South Coast is a protected area, and you want to remember the rule to not remove anything from the ocean. With that being said they have a great stretch of a 2-mile beach that is separated in two different parts. One is close to the front of the resort, while the other is near the Over the Water Bungalows. In my opinion you want your seat to be on the second part of the beach. Is the drive worth it: So, I started out by asking do you wish to enjoy five or seven days at South Coast? Well, it all comes down to the extended drive from the airport. The distance from Montego Bay to South Coast is 90 minutes of navigating small, rough roads, accompanied by exhilarating driving. So, if you are only staying five days, one full day is taken for transfers, thus your last (fifth) day is gone. Furthermore, since you must be at the airport three hours before your flight departs and it takes 90 minutes to get to the airport (without traffic), then that last fifth day is lost. If you arrive in the morning, you can still enjoy at least half a day. So, with a five-day trip you are only getting three full days to enjoy South Coast. So, in my opinion for a South Coast vacation, I recommend the seven day trip. But, please contact me and we can discuss the particulars, then allow you to decide the length of your amazing trip. If you are ready to book your next vacation to Sandals South Coast, the best time to plan is now; rooms are booking up fast. I am a Jamaican Travel Specialist and I would love to help you plan your next holiday excursion.
Traveling during Covid-19 can be tricking. Does your location need a negative Covid test? Does it require Covid vaccinations? What happens if I test positive while away? These are all questions I can help answer when booking with me. I was able to travel to Jamaica November 2020 during Covid. We had such an amazing time and were still able to enjoy it all. I would love to help you plan your next vacation.
Traveling during Covid-19 can be tricking. Does your location need a negative Covid test? Does it require Covid vaccinations? What happens if I test positive while away? These are all questions I can help answer when booking with me. I was able to travel to Jamaica November 2020 during Covid. We had such an amazing time and were still able to enjoy it all. I would love to help you plan your next vacation.
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