T Rose Bridal Show (Sunday, Dec. 14th; 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM): We Are In There!!!

Calling All Engaged Couples!!! Destinations Reached Travel Consulting and Services will be premiering at the T Rose Bridal Show on Sunday, December 14, 2014; Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the DoubleTree Hilton in Annapolis, MD.  Come talk to me in person to learn more about my services and our exclusive deals/offers on honeymoons.  Also, come support and listen to guest speaker Aja Dorsey Jackson promote her book, "Making Love in the Microwave: A Busy Couples Guide To A Great Marriage".  A lucky guest will win a honeymoon excursion valued up to $100.00!!!  We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful event!!!

Down In The Bayou! New Orleans, Louisiana

My recent trip to New Orleans, LA was nothing short of a wonderful experience filled with rich culture, great food, and chill people!  In determining where to go for a quick weekend getaway, NOLA was the perfect place to visit within a short period of time without feeling overwhelmed or as if time was not on my side.  Take a look through my photo gallery to explore the beauty and charm of the bustling, yet quaint, city.  Pictures are worth a thousand words!

The French Quarter

St. Louis Cathedral - The French Quarter

Jackson Square - The French Quarter

Jazz Legends Park - The French Quarter

Harrah's Casino

Steamboat Natchez Riverboat - Mississippi River

The Blake Hotel - Business District (Photo Credit: Orbitz.com)

Fried Crab Cakes with Scrambled Eggs and Potatoes - Phenomenal! (Café at the Square inside the Blake Hotel)

Café at the Square (Business District)

Lafayette Park  (Business District)

Lots of quaint and trendy shops along Magazine Street (The Garden District)

Lafayette Cemetery (The Garden District)

Stately Homes along the St. Charles Line (The Garden District)

The Rum House (The Garden District)

Awesome Tacos, Loaded Nachos, and Potent Caipirinhas! - The Rum House (The Garden District)

Street Car stop along the St. Charles Line. 

The streetcar is extremely convenient while touring the city.  Such an unique experience!

Barbeque Shrimp and a Sazerac Cocktail - Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (Treme Neighborhood).  Don't mind the shells on the side.  I simply couldn't resist before snapping a photo...Delicious :  )

A few evening cocktails and chill jazz! - Snug Harbor (Treme)

Everything on this plate was to DIE for!!! The Praline Connection Restaurant (Treme)

A local Blues nook in Treme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We Are Offering Cyber December!!!

Forget Cyber Monday...What About Cyber December!!! Throughout the month of December, Destinations Reached Travel Consulting and Services is waiving service fees and offering savings up to $200.00 on your 2015 vacations!!! Contact us for details: 410-635-4143 or info@destinationsreached.net.

Photo Credit: www.affordabletours.com

Kimpton Hotels Wants To Host Your Next Business Meeting/Corporate Holiday Party

Looking for the perfect place to host your next business meeting or maybe even your company holiday party? Well, Kimpton Hotels is the best location to suit your company needs this year! Inbox me to learn how you can save $250.00 towards your corporate package.  Photo credit: kimptonhotels.com

 

 

BWI and Cancun/Dominican Republic Equal Savings This New Year!

BWI and Southwest have something in common for the New Year….Savings! Book a RIU Caribe or a RIU Bambu three (3) Night Stay for $599.00 per person. Travel dates are 01/10-15/15 or 1/15-18 (Cancun) or 01/12-17/15. But hurry…The sale ends Nov 21st. Grab your crew and get away in the new year!!! Photo Credit: cancunairporttransportation.com

Calling All My Birthday Group Travel Members!!!

It's time to book your 2015 getaways.  Take advantage of early savings on suites/room blocks, free upgrades, discount group excursions, and welcome gifts by yours truly! If you haven't created your birthday travel group account with Destinations Reached, it's time to get rolling! Inbox me today for details.

Photo Courtesy: www.redtag.ca

Costa Rica On The Rise...Expand Your Natural Horizons!

5, 7, 8, and 10 Day Costa Rica Vacation Packages Available. Continue to stay in the 2014 summer swing.  Or, better yet, get a head start in planning your 2015 summer vacations. Inbox for details.

Today's Travel Deals (07/08/2014)!!!

Summer Travel Is In Full Effect!  But Who Says The Fall Can't Bring Warm Weather, Too...Especially In The Caribbean!

Today's Travel Deals (07/08/2014):

 

• Fontainebleau Miami Beach (5 Nights and Hotel Transfers): $629.00 per person; Travel Dates: June 01, 2014 - September 30, 2014 

• NOW Jade Riviera Maya - Mexico (4 Days): $415.00 per person; Travel Dates: Travel Dates: June 01, 2014 - September 30, 2014

• Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort - St. Lucia (4 Nights): $449 per person; Travel Dates: October 01, 2014 - December 20, 2014

Vacation Deals Are Available For St. Croix, Puerto Rico, and Aruba, also!!!


Contact me for details and reservations....Have a GREAT Day!

 

Last Minute Summer Travel 2014

Did Someone Say Last Minute Vacation Planning??? No problem!  Contact us for details and reservations!

• Breezes Resort Bahamas: 5 Days/4 Nights: $515.00 pp
• Majestic Colonial Punta Cana: 5 Days/4 Nights: $559.00 pp
• Excellence Riviera Cancun: 4 Days/3 Nights: $729.00 pp

Travel Thought Of The Day: License Plate Theft and Car Rental Inspections

Travel Thought Of The Day: When renting a car this summer, be sure your rental has a metal license plate and secure bolts. Also, be sure to perform a full inspection, both you and the agency representative. This will prevent plate theft and false liability. Here's to smart and happy travels!

Photo Credit: Clarionledger.com

Photo Credit: cjonline.com

Travel Thought Of The Week: June 19, 2014

I get more and more excited every time I receive a call from a new client, particularly women, who have a desire to travel independently.  Never allow the absence of another deter you from experiencing life and new found joys in the world! 

2014 Cancun Music Festival (Kem, Eric Roberson, and Algebra)

Neo-soul debuts in the Caribbean!  The 2014 Cancun Music Festival will take place in Cancun, Mexico this year.  The festival features Kem, Algebra, and Eric Roberson.  Festival Dates: August 28 - Sept. 01, 2014.  All-Inclusive accommodations and festival activities will take place at the beautiful Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort.  Payment plans are available.  Contact me for details.

Travel Diva: Erika Akwo (Cameroon)

Featured Travel Diva: Erika Awko

Destination: Cameroon, Africa

Her name: Erika.  Her mission: to bring peace and encouragement to those less fortunate.  Her recent trip to Cameroon, Africa with her husband, Rich, certainly aligned both personally and professionally (A Friend to the Homeless, Inc.).  But even more so, it developed a greater sense for new found cultures and exploring new lifestyles.

Read our latest Travel Diva Q&A on how Erika fulfilled yet another dream, while doing it in the name of public service.

1. Destination: Cameroon, West Africa

2. Number of Travel Days: 21 days

3. Reason For Travel: Leisure/business

4. Estimated Flight Time: 18 hours going; 20 hours coming home.

5. Any fears about traveling abroad? I did not have any fears.  I was excited about visiting Cameroon because it was my husband's homeland.  Plus, I was excited to visit the orphanage (Mah D's) that our non-profit organization (A Friend to the Homeless, Inc.) partnered with.

6. Lodging: I stayed with family.  I had the opportunity to see various lifestyles.  Cameroonians are very family oriented, and they made sure my husband and I were fed in abundance and taken care of.

7. Cultural experience: I visited Cameroon in December.  This is their festive time of the year due to the holiday season. I enjoyed several parties filled with cultural dancing and music.  Food is a big part of the culture, and it is in abundance due to the richness of the soil and the abundance of farmland.  I had an opportunity to interact with the natives in their way of living in both their households and nightlife.  The nightlife in Cameroon is very festive and lively.  In most areas, a number of restaurants play live music and serve food.

My favorite City is Limbe and Bouya.  Limbe is a city on the water and has a beautiful beach.  When you visit the beach, you have can eat fresh fish from the water and it is roasted in front of you.  The fish are huge, nicely seasoned, and delicious!  The scenery is beautiful!  Bouya is located in the mountains.  It gives you a scenic view, and it is much cooler than most of the cities in Cameroon because of its location.  I visited five cites, and these two were my favorite mainly because of food and scenery.

8. Favorite Dining Experience: I do not have a favorite dining experience mostly because I had so many people cooking for me.  The best places to eat are Limbe and Bouya, and many street vendors serve delicious appetizers such as meat pies, meat on a stick, fish, beans, plantains.

9. What encouraged you to travel? I love to learn and experience new cultures.  Also, my husband is a Cameroonian native, and he was eager to take me home to meet his family and see where he grew up.  I am also passionate about helping those who are less fortunate.  My non-profit organization partnered with an orphanage in Kumba, Cameroon.  This was my first opportunity to meet the children and be able learn about their needs and how we can serve them.

Erika, your trip and experience in Cameroon is truly inspiring.  Please continue to make the world a better place as well as pave the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

Free Nights In Costa Rica!!!

Stay 3 Nights or more and receive FREE nights in Costa Rica! Booking Window: 05/07/2014 - 07/31/2014; Travel Window: 05/07/2014 - 11/31/2014.  Contact me for details and for participating properties.

International All-Inclusive Resorts

Who says all-inclusive resorts are restricted to the Caribbean and Mexico?  Well, that’s because you haven’t contacted your trusted travel professional…Moi!  Contact me today to gain access to our exclusive list of international all-inclusive resorts.  Your getaway awaits!

Las Vegas Calls Generational Families to the Strip!

Photo Credit: deals.bestkidfriendlytravel.com

So, you say the kids are keeping you from venturing off to Las Vegas.  Well, not anymore.  If Disney can expand its brand by offering entertainment to those beyond their adolescent years, then Vegas can do the same thing in the opposite direction.  And so far, they have been doing a pretty good job!  

To assist in planning your Las Vegas family vacation, I compiled accommodations and attractions for you and your loved ones in the big city! Check out my expert list and contact me to initiate your planning process right away!

• Mandalay Bay – Shark Reef Aquarium.  They offer a Dive With Sharks Program.  The Mandalay Bay Theater is famous for its phenomenal shows, including Michael Jackson’s One.  The outdoor beach-themed pool offers a lazy river.
• Luxor – The Luxor connects to the Mandalay Bay.  The Egyptian pyramid resort is the new home of the incredibly talented, Jabbawockeez.  These talented dancers crazed audiences internationally with their Michael Jackson’s One performance. It also houses the Score Interactive Sports Exhibit and Bodies: The Exhibition.
• The Mirage Resort – They have a live lions and dolphins display as well as the famed, Siefried & Roy’s Secret Garden.
• Excalibur – Jousting anyone?!? They offer an incredible jousting dinner show.
• New York, New York – Your personal amusement park - roller coasters and arcades - outside your hotel room.  
• Paris Las Vegas – An incredible Eiffel Tour view.
• Golden Nugget – A three-story water slide running through a shark tank.  What!!!  
• Treasure Island (Buccaneer Bay) – Tell the kids wouldn't enjoy dinner overlooking a pirate battle!
• Circus, Circus – Adventure Dome (the largest indoor amusement park), the Sling Shot and Disk O thrill rides as well as the world’s largest permanent circus.
• Stratosphere – The much talked about Big Shot ride.
• The Venetian – Romantic, cultural gondola rides.
• Excalibur – Tournament of Kings dinner
• Flamingo Hotel – Nathan Burton Comedy Magic
• Planet Hollywood – V: The Ultimate Variety Show
• Dining: There are buffets galore! The majority of the resorts offer coupons/vouchers.
• Shopping: Incredible outlet shopping.
• Credible Tour Vendors: Pink Jeep Tours.  They half/full day tours of the Grand Canyon, the West Bank, and Hoover Dam.  Tours are available in helicopters and Jeeps. 
• Transportation:Rental cars, the monorail, and taxis are all available.  

And you said you had to put Las Vegas on hold.  Las Vegas will always offer non-stop fun and entertainment for the mature crowd, but they are succeeding in revamping their brand to accommodate generational families who still like to have a good time.  Let the family good times roll!

Photo Credit: tripadvisor.com

Disclaimer: This list was generated and is owned by Loren J. Adams, Destinations Reached Travel Consulting and Services.  

Travel Diva: Jasmine Adams (Italy)

Featured Travel Diva: Jasmine Adams

Featured Travel Diva Destination: Italy


Jasmine Adams, a Georgetown University pre-law graduate, defines optimism when it comes to pursuing her dreams of becoming a lawyer.  The fire within to travel abroad was sparked when she first learned about the study abroad program in Italy sponsored by the university.  When it came time to venture overseas to contribute to the manifestation of her lifelong dreams, she first hesitated.  But knew this girl is on fire lyrics rang deep within and she couldn't let anything get in the way of pursuing her goals!


Read our latest Travel Diva Q&A on how Adams conquered her fear of separation anxiety from family/friends and pursued her passion for international affairs, all while forming lasting friendships as well as getting her hands on some of the world’s best designer threads!


1. Destination: Fiesole, Italy

2. Reason for Travel: College Studies (Government and Sociology [Double Major], with a concentration in Social Justice and Peace Studies

3. Number of Travel Days: Spring Semester (approx. three [3] months)

4. Estimated Flight Time: Approximately nine (9) hours (depending on the flight schedule/connections.)

5. Any fears about traveling abroad for the first time? I was nervous about not knowing anyone in the program, traveling alone, and being away from my close family and friends.  It was ultimately about stepping outside of my comfort zone. I relied on God to get me through, daily talks with my mom, new formed friendships, and letters from family/friends back home.

6. Lodging: Villa le Balize (a villa owned by the university)

7. Cultural Experience: While I didn’t experience any language barriers, it is advised to at least know conversational Italian.  The eating habits differed.  Breakfast is light and dry, lunch is large, and dinner is once again light.  Pasta is its own course.  Local Italians do not like loud conversations.  They already stereotype Americans for being obnoxious.  They appreciate it when you try to speak their language and show interest in wanting to embrace their culture.  I didn’t experience any negativity when it came to being African American as opposed to being American.  Women, make efforts to dress appropriately to prevent negative gestures, especially African American women.  Due to music videos, Black women are sexually exploited.  There are not a lot of political/religious wars.  If any, they are held at the Piazza de Republica (main center for protests). 

8. Favorite Cities? I loved San Pietro (Breathtaking!)  The Spanish Steps in Madrid were amazing as well as the Prado Museum.  But Rome was my favorite by far!  Everything is accessible via bus, metro, and plane in Europe.  All forms of transportation are affordable.

9. Best Dining Experience: Everything is delicious!  You must try the pizza and the bellinis.  The paninis and gelato are excellent, too!  My best dining experience was at a restaurant near the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

10. What encouraged you to travel to Italy? 
When I first came to Georgetown and I learned about the program offered by the Division of Overseas Studies.


Jasmine, thank you for sharing your Italian experience with us and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

Photos Courtesy of: Jasmine Adams