Say What!!! Las Vegas Is Showing Off With Incredible Deals This Fall

Photo Credit: expedia.com

Say What!!!  Las Vegas is showing off for sure.  Stay three (3) nights, Save 33%, and the third night FREE!!! Participating resorts include Bally's, Planet Hollywood, The Quad, Rio, Caesars, Flamingo, Harrah's, and Paris. Don't let this pass you by. This is a Travel Agent exclusive. Inbox 
for details/reservations. Book by 11/29; Travel now - 12/26.

Italian Villas - Upgrade Your Lodging Possibilities!

Photo Credit: villas-tuscany.de

Thinking about planning a girlfriends getaway, a honeymoon, or simply an exotic vacation to Italy?  How about a private villa in Puglia, including wine and attraction tours. Reserve your villa today with rates as low as $200.00 per person, per day. Inbox to start planning your Italian adventure today! 

The Gulf Awaits You! - New Orleans, Biloxi, and Florida

 

Visit the Gulf - Biloxi, New Orleans, and Clearwater (Tampa) - for some last minute beach fun, live blues sets, and some good ole' cajun food, bruh! Packages start at $500/pp (air, hotel, and car) from BWI. Inbox today to reserve your stay...availability going fast!

Photo Credits: sirata.com; appszoom.com; mightysweet.com

Travel Diva: Tara Lance (Tokyo and Yokohoma, Japan)

Featured Travel Diva: Tara Lance

Featured Travel Diva Destination(s): Japan (Tokyo and Yokohoma)

Not only did a friend’s desire to travel to Japan inspire Tara Lance, a medical coordinator, to tag along to learn more about spreading Jehovah’s word and love, she also discovered new found beauty in the exotic Asian country and developed great friendships along the way!  Read this Q&A about how this Travel Diva took great heights to enhance her spirituality and create unforgettable memories.

1. Destination: Tokyo and Yokohoma, Japan

2. Reason for Travel: An International Jehovah’s Witness convention

3. Number of Travel Days: 18 

4. Estimated Flight Time: 10 ½ hours (from Los Angeles)

5. First Impression: Japan is extremely clean!  It (Tokyo) is similar to New York City, but it is less expensive.

6. Featured Hotel: Shinagawa Prince Hotel.  The hotel was absolutely beautiful! It has many accommodations such as an on-site bowling alley, a mall, and a large eatery.  And the staff was very friendly!

7. Cultural Experience: Japanese people are very shy.  The public transportation system (trains) is very quiet and everyone stays to themselves.  But despite their quiet demeanor, Japanese are very fashionable!

8. Favored Attractions: I love Tokyo’s SKYTREE! (observation deck and restaurant).  The new, beautiful building offers great views of the entire city.  The Japanese gardens were stunning and the Edo Tokyo Museum has become a favorite.  The museum holds a great amount of history and beauty! 

9. Best Dining Experience: The fish markets have the best sushi!

10. What/who encouraged you to travel to Japan? A friend encouraged me to come along with her.  I am so glad I made the decision to go.  Now, I have new friends that I look forward to visiting again.  I miss it (Japan) so much!

Tara, thank you for sharing your Japanese experience and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

 Photos Courtesy of: Tara Lance

Japanese Garden Tour

Jehovah's Witness convention friends

Excellent sushi! 

Tokyo's SKYTREE

Inside the Japanese gardens

Shopping in Ginza

Disney Family Vacations 2014...Where Dreams Come True!

Photo Credit: familyvacationcritic.com

Enjoy 2014 by creating magical memories where dreams come true!  Take advantage of early savings on Disney vacation packages. Packages start at just $75.00 per person, including dining options and theme park tickets.  Let me customize your unforgettable getaway by presenting the many accommodations Disney has to offer - for all ages!  Contact me today.

Thompson LES Calls Veteran's Day Travelers for a Real Hip Time!

Queen Room Category; Photo Credit: thompsonhotels.com

   

Living Room; Photo Credit: jetsetter.com

Destinations Reached offers another exclusive deal at the trendy and hipster Thompson LES (Thompson Hotels) for $299.00/per night - a $70.00 savings from the online price! In addition to this incredible rate, guests will receive a $25 credit to one of the local restaurants: Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya (on-site - incredible sushi and BBQ short ribs!), Epstein's Bar (awesome bar food, beer and a local favorite), Links (awesome polish sausage and more franks!), or the famous NYC deli, Katz (they serve the best Salami breakfast sandwich there is!)

Make NYC and Thompson LES your Veteran's Day getaway destination!  Contact me for details and learn more about this excellent property by reading our Thompson LES blog review.

Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya - Superb sushi and BBQ short ribs!

NYC Veteran's Day Weekend Promotions Customized Just For YOU! 70 Park Hotel (a Kimpton brand hotel)

Photo Credit: 70parkave.com

Okay, so maybe you didn't get Columbus Day off. But, Veteran's Day is definitely a go! Hit the road and head to NYC for a beautiful Fall getaway. Take advantage of this exclusive package offered only to Destinations Reached clients: 70 Park Hotel (a Kimpton boutique hotel) for $309.00/a night (a $65 savings from online) including a $25 bar credit or a $25.00 subway credit.  Email (info@destinationsreached.net) for details and to reserve your stay.

Photo Credit: kimptonhotels.com

We Deserve To Travel, Too! Travel Tips for Today's Single Parents

Photo Courtesy of: www.blackenterprise.com

The term "family vacation" has changed through the years. The good thing is, today's single parents are taking it upon themselves to modify the definition, and create lasting memories despite society's cliche way of thinking.  In preparing for your next vacation with your prized possessions, take note of these travel tips to prepare for a safe and well deserved vacation!

Preparation Is Everything - Create a travel checklist.  Go down the list and confirm each item to prepare for smooth sailing. Confirm all reservations (air, hotel, pre-reserved tours, etc.) at least 48 hrs. prior to departure. Confirm travel agreements with the co-parent to clear legal issues and offer a peace of mind - for both parents.  Be sure to obtain an official child photo I.D. and notarized documentation stating permission to travel with child.  The I.D. and documentation also assist in determining legal guardianship of the child during the duration of travel, as well as in extreme cases such as kidnappings/missing child reports.

Joint and Independent Activities - The intentions of vacationing with your child is to build lasting memories and bonds.  But, every now and then, everyone needs a little space.  Having both options make for wonderful accommodations. Beaches offers some of the best exclusive kid/teen programs within the Caribbean on a budget. And for the child who's destined for stardom, the Buccament Bay Resort (St. Vincent and The Grenadines) offers the world-reknowned, Harlequin Performing Arts Academy.  The program is taught by Broadway and West End professionals and offered to both adolescents and adults. They also offer the Harlequin Sports Academy, the first Caribbean destination offering a Liverpool Football Club Soccer School.  This is an excellent activity for dad and son - or even mom and daughter!

Security - Whether mom or dad, there is always concern for safety on travel. Knowing that on-site security and surveillance is active relieves anxiety.  Ask management to identify surveillance units (cameras, detectors, etc.) on the premises as well as security posts. Fending for the safety of yourself and your child is a challenge.  But, one should not be prevented from traveling as long as proper security measures are executed.  

Local/Environment Awareness - Spending quality time with your child is priceless!  Yet, that same level of enjoyment may not be shared with locals outside resort grounds.  Always conduct local research and ask for referrals, especially when traveling internationally.  Have a good understanding of the local culture, and know what areas do and do not cater to adults traveling with children.  Be sure that accommodations offer an array of activities for both you and child to prevent the cold shoulder, and to ensure a fun and positive time for everyone.   

Travel As A Group - Keeping an eye on your children every waking moment is a task.  But, traveling with other trusted companions (other single parents and/or family members) offers a support system and the opportunity to feel less tension. Join or form a vacation club for other single parents who share similar vacation lifestyles.  Everyone must serve a role!

Photo Courtesy of: www.elev8.com

Travel Diva: Yunika Davis (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Featured Travel Diva: Yunika Davis
Featured Travel Diva Destination: Dubai

Yunika Davis, a Maryland primary school teacher, took travel to new heights when invited to Dubai over the summer.  When asked to join a college friend, she originally ignored the invitation.  But after some “sisterly” encouragement and some new found inspiration, Davis had a change of heart and took flight - by herself - thousands of miles across the desert sands.  Read this Q&A about how this travel diva strapped on her trek pumps and took her dreams into her own hands!  

1. Destination: Dubai

2. Reason for Travel: Leisure Vacation

3. Number of Travel Days: Nine (9) Days

4. Estimated Flight Time: 14 hours (Flight Connections: Baltimore (BWI) to Atlanta (ATL) to Dubai (DXB)

5. Featured Hotel: Grosvenor House Dubai

6. First Impression: Hot!  It was 100 degrees every day, but it was simply beautiful!

7. Cultural Experience: Dubai is very multicultural.  There are people from all over the world!  Everything is either communicated in Arabic or English.  Most natives speak English.

8. Favored Attractions: The Arabian Desert tour was phenomenal!  I also enjoyed the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world!)

9. Best Dining Experience: Indego Restaurant (Indian cuisine) (located inside the Grosvenor House Dubai)

10. Best Nightlife Experience: Buddha Bar (food and drinks) and the Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Hotel/Resort (houses a number of clubs/lounges)

11. Would you encourage tourism in Dubai?  Definitely!  The customer service and hospitality was amazing.  Whatever I needed, someone was always there to help.  There is so much to do.  The shopping and the beaches are amazing!

12. What/who encouraged you to travel to Dubai? My sister (Jasmine).  She reminded me that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  And, when else would I have a chance to do it again.  

Yunika, thank you for sharing your Dubai experience and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

Photos Courtesy of: Yunika Davis

Lovers Rock in Grenada! Sandals La Source Grenada

Do I have the perfect romantic getaway for you!  Introducing Sandals La Source Grenada! (Grand Opening December, 2013). Book by Oct. 15th (or until further notice), and receive savings up to 65% and a $355.00 air credit.  The all-new 225-room resort offers elegance and stunning views.  The resort surrounds itself by three distinct villages: Pink Gin, South Seas and Italian.  The exclusive Millionaire, Rondoval and Skypool suites offer prime butler service. Dine at five star restaurants (nine of site), including Butch's Chophouse, a steakhouse serving prime cuts of beef.  Relax or splash in five well designed pools and enjoy unlimited land and water sports, including snorkeling and scuba diving.  And be sure to experience a state-of-the-art full-service Red Lane® Spa service with the one you love!  Did miss out on a world of natural beauty, relaxation, and adventure!  Contact me directly for details. 

Photo credit: www.assets.sandals.com

Local or Destination Wedding??? That Is The Question!

Destination weddings are all the rave and for good reason.  Here are some Top 5 Reasons to start planning your destination wedding: 

1. Considerable amount of savings!
2. Luxurious resorts and/or private villas catering to all of your wedding needs: on-site wedding coordinators, photography services, officiants, DJs, etc.
3. A fantastic getaway for family and friends (all-inclusive resorts and a la carte hotels to accommodate multi-generational families/friends)
4. Limitless romantic locales from Tulum, Mexico to Florence, Italy!
5. The opportunity to explore a new culture and environment while starting your new lives together!  

Contact me today for assistance in selecting the perfect destination and for expert travel coordination!

Photo Credit: www.allinclusivevacations.com

We Are Here To Represent YOU! Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Work With A Travel Agent

1. Direction - Planning a trip is easily accessible via the Internet. But without proper direction and understanding of where you are going in certain countries, the Internet does not serve much benefit if you have never traveled there before.  Travel Agents (TAs) are well traveled and participate in Familiar (FAM) trips and receive industry certifications to familiarize themselves with hotels/resorts, local regions, and culture so that our clients are comfortable and well assured for a memorable and safe experience.
2. Exclusive Savings - TAs receive exclusive offers daily that are not accessible to the public.  By working with a TA, clients receive priority on some of the best amenities and premiere services.
3. Group Organization - Planning a destination wedding and/or a group vacation is tedious and stressful when working with different personalities and schedules.  Allow your TA to be your group representative in presenting quality accommodations and order tactics to ensure proper planning, scheduling, and communication.  
4. Product/Vendor Knowledge - Have you ever dealt with a vendor/hotel that promised a certain service or amenity and it was a no show come arrival?  TAs have knowledge “know how” when it comes to working with credible vendors who are ethical and deliver what is promised.  
5. Counsel - Sure, Egypt (hypothetically speaking) may be your desired place of travel, but are you aware of possible wars and culture indifferences that may affect your tourist region and/or you personally?  Allow your TA to be your personal advisor when it comes to learning about current events and public policies around the world.
6. Timing - Timing is everything when it comes to travel.  Allow your TA to be efficient when it comes to presenting and reserving accommodations that are in demand and that have potential for rate increases.  TAs represent you in ensuring availability and securing rates. 
7. Property Inspections - This brings me back to Reason #1. FAM trips and property inspections are a sure way for TAs to confirm whether or not certain services, tours/attractions, and hotels/resorts meet quality standards.  Again, the Internet can present anything in a glamorous light, but whether or not Website images and reviews are valid is left for questioning. This TA here - Moi! - executes a full inspection including a checklist highlighting everything from property/vendor location to local airport(s) and public transportation, services/amenities (memberships, gym facility, business/board rooms, salon/spa services, dining, etc.), room categories and conditions, staff professionalism, neighborhood features and reputation, and much more.  TAs work directly with sales teams and vendor directors to build rapport and partnerships.  It is all about networking and maintaining positive relationships in this industry. 
8. Point of Contact - Emergencies occur, and online travel search engine representatives are not available to contact family members back home in moments of despair.  TAs serve well in emergency situations whether it involves a health and/or a financial concern.  
9. Budget Control - Travel can be expensive depending on the time of the year, popularity, location, etc.  Adhering to a budget is vital when it comes to the selection process, while still making sure it meets your requests.  Once again, knowledge "know how," FAM trips, and industry rapports assist TAs in rate negotiations and payment planning.
10. We Represent You To The End! - Travel confidently knowing that from start to finish each part of your trip will exceed your expectations due to working with a professional.