Off the Beaten Path

Many years ago- before I got into the business of being a Travel Planner, I used to plan my own outings and would relish in being able to do something so tedious down to the penny and enjoy it! And then- it happened- a horrid trip gone bad by using a Travel Agent, and yet it was not all that horrible after the fact when I stumbled upon this off the beaten path locale. Now- because I am an adventurer, on this date while sitting in a Denny's drinking coffee and slurping away on a waffle, i pulled out a map from the gas station, closed my eyes and threw my finger on a destination. When I looked down, I noticed I had landed on an area called "Mexico Beach". Now- of course I found that odd. I even thought to myself in a quirky kind of way- a piece of "Mexico in Florida?"

I figured looking at the distance to where I was if I did not like it, I would not be far from Panama City Florida, I could always drive there. I asked a waitress and she told me I was basically 45 minutes away and gave me easy directions there. I must say- that since that error of the Travel Agent, I have been a loyal visitor of Mexico Beach every year since then. Words cannot describe the scenic beauty of the drive through what seems to be a back road to the ocean. Warm waters, no under tow, no wild parties, tattoo parlors- it is serenity. complete bliss. Take a look at their website, and plan a trip there. You won't be sorry!

Click on the words: Mexico Beach Florida

Travel Tips or a Busted Suitcase

Ever get to a point that you end up in a frazzled panic state of what to pack and what not to pack? I have seen on numerous boards where people are stressed so much by trying to figure out what to pack that by the time they leave for a much deserved vacation, they no longer have that anticipating feel because they are constantly looking over their shoulder trying to figure out what was left behind or not.

Relax! That is my motto. If you mistakenly forget something, there is always a venue according to your destination that can assist with your left over needs. However, one should never forget those essentials of the must haves.

Before your trip scour the internet and do a little Trip Education according to your destination. See what the weather is like in that area for the time you are traveling. This will help in eliminating tons of extra clothing being piled into your suit case. Look for clothes that are light and perhaps wrinkle free in the event you cannot bring an iron- or will have a hard time finding one.

2 pairs of shoes should be all you need. A casual pair for dinner outtings, and a pair for those rough terrain areas of hiking. Flip flops are also great to add in- as they are light weight and can be easily tucked under something. Swimsuits are a must for perfectly every vacation taken, in this case take 2. Why? because when one is drying you wont miss a swim day- you can put on a clean one while the other is drying and switch out.

Pack your bathroom essentials in zip lock bags! Ever opened a suitcase after being shoved on an aircraft only to find your Listerine has now fumugated your clothing? Exactly! Zip lock bags come in handy when it comes to keeping things like that in tact- and enclosed in a certain area should something explode at high altitudes. Lest we not forget a trashbag. Use this to pack dirty laundry.

Medications. All medications according to US customs and other International entries need to be enclosed in their own container with the information on the bottles. This is a must and will prevent any mishaps while at the airport being screened.

And the list I am sure can go on and on! Pack Smart and Light not Heavy and Bulky!

~callie

Spring Break Hoopla

What to do- where to go for the Spring Hoopla ?! It seems that numerous places within the US have decided to do more "family" catering than the full swing teenage parties that Spring Break is normally known for.

No longer are the parties wilder on the beaches- but now you will find more Hotels and Facilities that are wanting family business. How about taking the family for a much needed car drive through a state or two. Log cabin rentals await for those wanting to engage in the Mountain escapes where you can fish and perhaps do a little river rafting. Theme parks abound with thrilling rides and magical escapes such as Walt Disney, Knotts Berry Farms, Sea World, and for that extra special escape maybe a trip to Africa by visiting Bush Gardens.

Looking for that sea side escape? Look no further with many beaches awaiting and beckoning you with the sounds of the sea and the taste of salt air.

Whatever you choose to do- get out there and enjoy the new bloom of spring! After all, the hoopla is whatever you want it to be.

Custom Travel? Of Course You Can!

Did you know that more and more people are beginning to branch out in their travel experiences and go Custom? Travelers want more and in order to want more value for the buck why not opt to do the things that you want or like to do.

You would rather go scale a mountain and shout "RICOLA!" while others wait in line to hop a tour bus? Go for it! You would rather take a secret cave dive in an off the beaten path kind of way? Go for it! Today's Travel Agents are able to customize what ever clients can think of. It's your dream!

The easiest way to bring that dream into reality is to first make a list of things you want to do and where you would like to go. Example-Are you wanting to visit the island of Hawaii and not stay in a Hotel-but something a little more low key? Shark Diving? Cliff Diving? or just lounge away on a beach area with a good book and the sound of waves?

Let your Travel Agent help you customize an itinerary according to what is within your budget and a list of things that you would like to do!

Travel- it's not about just sitting on a tour bus and letting someone else tell you what your looking at, it's about you getting out there and telling others what you have seen!

Hotel Destination Voila!

Consider a moment where you just did not have alot of monetary funds to pack a suitcase- hop on a plane to a remote island and just sun bathe yourself senseless. I know. It just does not seem like a vacation or a get away unless your "somewhere" other than your living room. How about a weekend retreat Hotel style?

Many Hotels offer that weekend get away and can include some really great weekend package deals.

Marriott Hotels offer such packages at great costs and often include amenities:

Escape! Romance package Elegantly simple. Simply elegant.
• Champagne for a private toast
• Breakfast for two

Escape! Honeymoon packagePampering and dreams for two.
• Breakfast for two
• Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries
• Extras – free parking, late checkout

Escape! His 'n Hers packageGolf and spa! A stroke of genius.
• A round of golf for one
• A luxury spa treatment for the other
• Breakfast for both

Interested in something more upscale and dazzling? Why not try The Ritz or one of my favorites- Fairmont Hotels which offer packages in exotic destinations- or even from your own city! That get away doesn't really have to be far from home- but a destination in your mind!

Bed and Breakfasts

What is the difference between a Bed and Breakfast and Hotel? In my opinion which I do have many of- it would be the level of Personal Service as well as amenities in more of a home comfort type atmosphere.

In my personal experiences as a Travel Consultant- Destination Specialist I have found that visiting a Bed and Breakfast is a must at least once. Most of these types of accomodations are family owned and very intimate in detail and services. Some offer breakfast, some may offer tea times, and perhaps a little cocktail get together with you and other guests. Most offer quaint facilities in areas that are easy to get around town for shopping and dining pleasures, or perhaps just for the intake of beautiful scenery.

So if your looking for more than the average Hotel stay- and long for more one on one attention to detail- give a Bed and Breakfast a try! Turn Down Service will never be the same!

Viva Las Vegas!

What happens in Vegas - Stays in Vegas is the motto- yet it never fails because anyone and everyone that goes to Vegas always comes back with a story of what they did or where they went. Vegas is one of the top ten in destinations because of it's abundancy in nightlife as well as low key adventures.

Vegas offers many things to do which range from Casinos, to top notch shows which may include but not limited too- Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, Prince and many more starlit shows for your entertainment. When your not wanting to see a live show- take in the sights of the Las Vegas strip, or visit one of the many hotels to check out the architectural designs and or dazzling light shows like that of the famed Bellagio Hotel. Thinking about popping the question to that someone special? How about doing it Italian Style by proposing on one of the gondola rides at the famed Venetian Hotel?

Vegas caters to adventure whether it be race car driving, hot air ballooning, or even roller coaster riding inside the New York- New York hotel over a replica of New York Harbor. Food abounds in Las Vegas to cater to every budget and palate- ranging from foot long hot dogs, to multiple food buffets and gourmet dining. Think Big when contemplating Vegas!

Who says that what happens in Vegas has to remain there? For more information contact me or your nearest Travel Agent!