Saturday, April 19, 2014

Promo Saturday!


1) Cancun, Mexico 
Book by May 23rd '14 to travel from now to December 23rd '14 to save:
Adults Only All Inclusive Grand Oasis Viva up to 40%
Adults Only All Inclusive Oasis Sens up to 54%
Family Friendly All Inclusive Grand Oasis Palm up to 60% (includes extra benefits)
Grand Oasis Viva
2) Nassau and Paradise Island, Bahamas
Air credit is BACK!!!
Stay 4 nights or more at an all inclusive hotel in Nassau or Paradise Island, Bahamas from now until December 23rd '14 (excluding 23-28 November '14) and receive $250 air credit per room!!!
Booking period April 21 - May 20 '14
Riu Paradise Island
3) Florence, Italy
Rivoli Hotel 4* from $479 for 4 nights and private hotel transfers.
FEATURES Pizza & Gelato Making Tour & buffet breakfast daily.
Travel from July 15 to September 7 '14
Rivoli Florence Hotel

Friday, April 18, 2014

Travel Tips

Packing Tips To Go To Italy


Please pack:

Umbrella: It will come handy in case of bad weather. You’ll regret having to buy one from eager street vendors who jack up the price the moment the sky opens.
Tissues: There will inevitably be places that are lacking toilet paper :)
Band Aids and moleskin: In case of foot blisters.
Travel-sized toiletries: This is the stuff that can really add weight, so bring only what you need. Hotels generally supply shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
Lightweight duffle bag: To fill with souvenirs for your return trip.
Bikini for warmer months: That’s right! Even if you feel like you’re past your bikini times, you’ll feel odd at Italian beaches and lakes in a one-piece. You’ll see that women of every shape and size would rather feel the sun than fret about their bodies. So go ahead and join in on the pleasure…
Cover-Ups for anything sleeveless. At Saint Peter’s in Rome, you’ll be turned away if your shoulders aren't covered, and all those many churches in Italy with the beautiful masterpieces inside would prefer that you follow the shoulder-cover modesty when you enter.
Copy of your passport, credit card numbers, and toll-free numbers to call in case of credit card loss. Give another copy and your itinerary to someone who can easily be reached, so they can be sent to you if necessary.
Pages of guidebooks: Don’t take the whole heavy book. Rip out pages that apply to your destination.

There's no need to pack:

Hairdryer: Even budget hotels have them.
Spike heels: They get stuck in the cobblestones.
Shorts: You’ll feel odd unless you’re biking or on a beach.
Sneakers: Meaning your gym shoes or white sneakers. That said, comfortable shoes are important as you’ll be doing lots of walking. Make sure you have good rubber soles, as leather slips on the slopes in the hill towns. These days Italian women sport fashionable flat-heeled boots or fancy colored sneakers for day wear.

Note:

Before you go, call your bank and credit card companies to give them a heads up, as in these days of high security, they may block your card if they aren't forewarned about your foreign spending.













Credits to journeywoman.com

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Thursday Beach Fashion

Ideas for your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon 

Florencia-Inspired Wedding Dresses

Dolce&Gabbana dresses and accessories...ahhh





Trash The Dress!!!



Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Destination Tuesdays: Florence, Italy

The cradle of the Italian Renaissance, politically, economically, and culturally Florence was the most important city in Europe from some time before 1300 until the early 1500s. It is the capital of the region of Tuscany and is considered a cultural, artistic and architectural gem.

For first-time visitors must-see places in Florence include Il Duomo di Firenze, the main church of the city; Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous picture galleries in the world; Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone arch bridge over the Arno River with shops on it; and Galleria dell’ Accademia which houses Michelangelo's David.

Duomo
Galleria dell' Accademia

If you want to get a feel of Florence just take a walk along the Arno River and across any of its bridges, through narrow, medieval back streets in the Santa Croce area, and in the Oltrarno - on the south side of the river.
Oltrarno





Arno & Ponte Vecchio














For those who love to shop there are superb shopping streets, such as the Via Tornabuoni, the Via del Parione, and the Via Maggio.

If you are looking for something different to do take Segway tour of Florence City Center, pizza and gelato making tour, or wine tasting and appetizers at Gustavino’s Wine Bar. Romantics at heart will absolutely enjoy horse & carriage tour of Boboli Gardens!
Segway Tour
Pizza & Gelato Making Tour
Boboli Gardens

Florence is always buzzing 
with tourists, you will find them in large groups surrounding attractions such as the Duomo di Firenze, even in the worst weather. If you are looking to visit and experience warm weather, head to Florence in early April before it becomes too hot and humid in the city. The restaurants and cafes will open up their outdoor seating when the warm weather rolls in. If you're looking to escape the crowds, January and February deter some tourists due to the cold. Try to avoid traveling to Florence in August because of the smoldering heat. Many Italians flee the city to go on holiday and because of this, most popular shops are closed for the month.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Promo Saturday!

These hotels are irresistible!!! And so are their price tags!!!  
Call 718-676-1318 or e-mail travelnoproblem@gmail.com NOW!!!

1) Oahu, Hawaii - Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa 5* 
4 nights from $685* including hotel transfers & lei greeting
BONUS 4th night free & buffet breakfast for 2 daily. 
Airfare Additional.
Book By: August 10, 2014 Travel Period: August 24, 2014 to August 28, 2014




















2) Cancun, Mexico - All Inclusive Paradisus Cancun 4.5*
3 nights from $499* including hotel transfers. 
BONUS save up to 44%. myTime EXCLUSIVE up to $200 resort credit & more. 
Airfare Additional.
Book By: April 30, 2014 Travel Period: July 12, 2014 to August 23, 2014












3) St. Lucia - All-Inclusive Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa 4.5* 
4 nights from $885* including hotel transfers
The Luxury Included® Vacation
BONUS $135 air credit per room & save up to 60%. Airfare Additional.
Travel Period: August 18,2014 to August 22,2014


Friday, April 11, 2014

Travel Tips: Planning Your Honeymoon

Planning Your Honeymoon: Timeline

Planning your perfect honeymoon can be stressful. But no worries! Here's a timeline for you to follow to make the process carefree and enjoyable!
Six Months or More Ahead
  • Set a budget.
  • How do you imagine your dream honeymoon? Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Think about destination possibilities, research the internet, talk to your travel agent, and ask friends for ideas.
  • If you're planning a destination wedding, get the ball rolling on paperwork and/or contact a romance travel specialist who specializes in destination weddings.
  • Find a travel agent who specializes in your destination, activity (an spa honeymoon tour or adventure trip, for example).
  • If the price for your dream trip is too high, brainstorm ways to save money. Investigate what your frequent flyer point balance can buy you and/or research honeymoon registry options with your  travel agent  or the Internet.
  • Book your tickets, get seat assignments, order special in-flight meals, and check luggage allowances (you'll need these for buying -- or registering for -- luggage later), especially if you're carting skis or scuba gear. If you hope to cash in frequent flyer miles for a trip or upgrade, purchase or transfer points (if necessary) and make your ticket request from the airline as soon as possible.
  • Research hotels, check room availability, and reserve a room.
  • Reserve a rental car.
  • If you're traveling abroad -- and feeling ambitious -- sign up for a foreign-language class or buy a language course on tape and start practicing at home or on your way to work.
  • Ask your travel agent or visit the CDC Travelers' Health Site to check whether certain vaccinations are recommended or required before visiting your destination. (Some programs need to start months in advance of your trip.)

Three Months Ahead

  • Obtain your passports and visas, if necessary.
  • Consider signing up for travel insurance if one of the following apply: one of you has health issues; you're concerned about your safety; or the weather threatens to wreak havoc on your honeymoon (hurricane season, for example). Research travel insurance coverage offered by your credit cards, travel agent, or an independent agency; secure additional coverage for your specific concerns if necessary.

Two Months Ahead

  • Buy a camera and luggage -- or register for them before your bridal shower! 
  • Research and book tours, theater tickets, hot restaurant seats, and any other activities that require advance reservations -- earlier if you're traveling during peak season -- through your travel agent.
  • Get certified to scuba dive or begin lessons for any other activity you hope to pursue on your trip.

One Month Ahead

  • Make a packing and shopping list.
  • Reconfirm all reservations.
  • Make kennel reservations or contact your house or cat sitter to make sure they're available.
  • For those brides-to-be on the Pill: If you want to postpone your period because it overlaps with your honeymoon, talk to your gynecologist about skipping the placebo round (and starting the next cycle right away), thus "skipping" your period for that month (perfectly safe). Make sure you have plenty of pills on hand or order more, if needed.

Two Weeks Ahead

  • Pick up airline tickets and all applicable vouchers from your travel agent. Read all material carefully to make sure the information is correct.
  • Exchange about $50 (or at least enough to get you to your hotel from the airport) into small bills in the currency of the country you'll be visiting. There is usually an exchange counter or ATM at the airport, but it can be nice to have cash in hand (it will also help you get used to the exchange rate so it doesn't just feel like "meaningless" Monopoly money).

One Week Ahead

  • Arrange to have mail held at the post office during your trip.
  • Stop newspaper delivery.
  • Make two to three sets of photocopies of your passport, credit cards, insurance, wills -- basically any paperwork people would need if your wallet were stolen or something happened to you. (I know, but you have to be prepared.) Give one set each to a parent and/or a relative or friend, pack one set in your luggage, and leave one set in your safe deposit box.
  • If your guidebook weighs a ton, make copies of relevant pages (who needs the hotel section now?) and have them bound at your local copy shop.
  • Ask stores where you've registered to hold orders so gifts don't pile up on your doorstep, or ask a relative to collect packages.
  • Set out clothes to pack; buy what you need.
  • Make sure you have extras of everything you can't live without: migraine tablets, allergy pills, asthma inhaler, glasses or contacts, etc. Carry all medications in their original prescription bottles to avoid questions at customs.
  • Touch base with your house or cat sitter to reconfirm when they'll be coming over, hand over the keys, give them a copy of the vet's number and your contact info, etc.

Three Days Ahead

  • Reconfirm overseas flights.
  • Order champagne to be awaiting you in your hotel room.
  • Buy books and magazines for the trip.
  • Transfer the addresses of friends to whom you'll want to send postcards plus important phone numbers (house/cat sitter, doctor) into a little travel-sized notebook or journal.
  • Make arrangements for your rides to and from the airport.
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary and a set of house keys with a relative or close friend in case of emergency.
  • Check weather forecasts for your destination.
  • Change your voicemail and e-mail messages at work.
  • Prepare your house or apartment for your departure -- eat or dispose of perishable food, water plants, set timers, etc.

One Day Ahead

  • Reconfirm flights.
  • Make sure your luggage (carry-on and checked) is labeled both on the outside and inside with your name, hotel address, and phone number.


Credits to theknot.com

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Thursday Beach Fashion

Ideas for your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon 

Hawaiian Traditional Wedding Dresses

Traditional Hawaiian wedding dresses denote simplicity and natural aspect. Floral embroidery and other natural motifs encountered in this culture are used. Dresses are often made of cotton and are loose to let your body breathe and move freely.
       
Credits to my-weddingdream.com






Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Destination Tuesdays: Oahu, Hawaii

The island is nicknamed "The Gathering Place" because it's home to over 85% of the state's population. The third largest in size among the Hawaiian islands (after the Big Island and Maui), Oahu is the cultural, financial, and top tourist destination of the Hawaiian Islands. The city of Honolulu, the state capital, with its famous Waikiki district, is located here.

Why should you go to Oahu?

1) Hawaii is part the USA and you won't need a passport to travel.
2) For those looking to get married in Hawaii you don't have to worry about getting documents translated. There is no residency requirement for getting married in Hawaii and blood tests are required. Click here for a complete list of marriage requirements for getting married in Hawaii.
3) Oahu has it all: bustling nightlife, great restaurants, exciting cultural events and establishments, good public transportation, and a variety of shopping and lodging options. Combine this with the city and island's extensive beaches, parks, mountains, recreational areas, and quaint towns and this makes one enjoyable metropolitan area. 
4) Honolulu is not the place for serenity and relaxation. However you can relax on Oahu just by going to the right destinations on the island, you just need to know where to look. A calming oasis can be found as there are many resorts located outside of Waikiki that offer less crowded surroundings. Natural beauty can be found in the two mountain ranges, the Koolau and Waianae ranges. Some great hikes are just a short drive into the mountains from Waikiki. Secluded white sand beaches, funky beach towns, pounding winter surf on the North Shore. All of which can be found in other parts of Oahu.

Waikiki



Mai Tai 



Hiking 

 


During Luau


Poi


North Shore


Friday, April 4, 2014

Travel Tips: Questions To Ask Your Travel Agent When Planning Your Romantic Trip

Questions To Ask Your Travel Agent When Planning Your Romantic Trip

1. What are the best times of year to travel to my location? 

2. Are there cheaper alternatives to the choices you’re making for my trip? 

3. What travel documents do I need to carry with me? 

4. What days of the week are least expensive for travel and touring? 

5. What activities can you recommend while I’m on vacation? 

6. How/when can I reach you when on my trip in case of emergency? 

7. Is it an adult only resort? 

8. Does this destination offer the kind of excursions I’m looking for? 

9. Have you personally visited the resort you're recommending? 

10. What kind of travel insurance do you offer?


Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Destination Tuesdays: Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen is a happening town in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Fun-loving travelers and vacationers from all over the world gather year round to relax on white sandy beaches, party and just enjoy the atmosphere.

Enjoy world-class restaurants serving local and international cuisine, hole-in-the-wall taquerias, and various shops selling everything from handicrafts to designer labels. This combination makes Playa del Carmen desirable to both the budget and high-end travelers.

For water sports lovers kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, fishing, parasailing and more are there to choose from.

Playa del Carmen’s “La Quinta” (5th Avenue), the main pedestrian promenade, is THE place to see and be seen in the tourist zone. Located one block off the beach, this pedestrian walkway runs about 2 miles, beginning at the “Zocalo” (main square) in the center of town and ending (for now) at 44th street.






This March I was lucky to stay in one of the most luxurious oceanfront adults only resorts of Playa Del Carmen - Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla.
Here's a short video report https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA06M8PYe2Q 
This romantic all-inclusive luxury resort is perfect for celebrating weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries or renewal of vows, with state-of-the-art facilities, Royal Service, and international and scrumptiously delicious culinary services.