Ringing in the New Year

2010. Never in my life, have I heard people this excited about the New Year. I read in the paper this morning a striking headline. "Saying Goodbye to a Decade of Fear"

(Funny, but I actually still subscribe to a paper. I am afraid I might miss the "local" news I guess. And part of me is still a little nostalgic about having a newspaper.)

Back to this new year thing. I also have noticed the feeling of hope that comes with 2010. You see, the last few years, we all have been bombarded with the aftermath of 9/11 and the countless crisis that crop up on national and local news. I am proclaiming the next 10 years as the "Decade of Fun"! Let's move on from the "fear" and forget all the negative news stories the dominate our landscape. Let's realize that the economy is much better than before and we can all drop a little change on something fun. Take a night on the town. Buy a ridiculously expensive meal at an upscale restaurant. Get that plasma television you always wanted. Or better for us, take that long awaited tropical vacation you have been dreaming about. Life should be fun and we intend to make the next decade just that. FUN!

Can you think of a better way to get away from it all? The Caribbean is 80 degrees or so this time of year. You wouldn't need to worry about work. Or phones. Leave the laptop at home or lock it in the hotel safe. Leave the tv unplugged. Roast yourself in tropical sunshine. Dive into the crystal clear waters. Stare aimlessly at the tropical waves. Eat till you can't eat any more. Drink a little more than you should. Have some fun! You would have a hard time finding a hotel in your own hometown for the prices that all inclusive resorts are offering this coming year. AND the food and drinks are included! We keep saying it, but we have to. This is YOUR best opportunity to get a deal on an all inclusive vacation.

Everyone I know is looking forward to the New Year. This new year brings new attitudes and new fun. We can put 2009 away for good and ring in the next decade in a better place :)
The place for me is the Caribbean. I will be there every month for the next year. This is my New Year's resolution. It's time for me to have some more good times.

Til next time,
Tom

Black Friday All Inclusive Resort Deals

This Black Friday thru CyberMonday is the best time to take advantage of our lowest rates of the year! Find all inclusive vacations at rates you won't find elsewhere! Our exclusive $500 resort credit at Couples Resorts in Jamaica, coupled with some great discounts, sets the tone for one amazing "peak season" getaway. Be sure to stop by our site on Friday morning after you are done shopping for $5 toasters and $29 flat screen televisions. Our deals are perfect for a "more special" Christmas present. Give the gift of TRAVEL! A Caribbean getaway or Mexico family vacation is sure to warm up the winter.

Visit our Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale Here

2010 The Year of the All Inclusive Travel Deal

Much has been written about the state of the economy and its effect on travel. One thing I know is that people are still traveling. I am. And a lot of you are. I know, I know. The economy is still in the tank and everyone is holding on to their cash like it's the last time they'll ever see any. Here's the good news! For those of you who have a little money to burn, this is the best time of your life for a deal on luxury resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico.

To give you the real scoop, our supplier has been inundated with so many promotions and "discount" offers that they can't keep up with the loading of the rates in their online systems. You know what that means? Great deals are out there to be had. I just looked up some rates for a potential client yesterday and they could get a full week at an all inclusive resort in the Cancun/Mayan Riviera for $600/person with airfare INCLUDED! This wasn't some cheap charter flight on WHO KNOW'S Airlines. This was on Delta or US Air from Hartford, Connecticut. 7 nights, 8 days of all inclusive meals, drinks, accommodations, daily activities, nightly entertainment and tips!!! They could pay a little more and upgrade to a more luxurious hotel. You know why? Cause they are ALL on sale.

Hoteliers in Jamaica tell me they are selling more rooms this year than last, but the nightly rates are a lot less. That translates into a great deal for YOU. Don't miss out on these great rates for the last part of 2009 and early 2010. When the resorts are consistently full, then the nightly rates will go back up. NOW is the time!

Cash in your chips and get a great deal. Hold them and you will be guaranteed to spend more when the deals disappear. This is my tip for you. 2010 is the Year of the Travel Deal.

Til next time,
Tom

Thank those that go above and beyond

I have been out of the office taking a break and haven't had time to really do the blog thing. I received an email that sparked my interest and thought it would be really appropriate to post it here. The thing that got me is that we rarely take the time to thank those that have done something good for us. Whether it is a server at a restaurant or a customer service person at Dell, it still means so much to the world that we all recognize the efforts of others. It seems that a lot of people just aren't very complimentary anymore. I always have good intentions when someone goes above and beyond but I never seem to take the 5 minutes required to call a supervisor or to write a letter or email. Here is an example of how we should all be:

Dear Mr. Tom:

My name is Madeline S... and I recently purchased an all inclusive vacation package to Jamaica for me and my family. This was the first time I had ever purchased a vacation package online and the first time I ever used your agency. I was very nervous and anxious about doing so, since there are so many horrible stories you hear in the news about fraudulent companies stealing from innocent consumers especially on the internet.

My travel agent for this trip is Ms. Kelly Reid. I was compelled to write you and tell you how pleased I am not only with your company's service but more so with the excellent, expedient and committed work of Ms. Reid. Throughout my transactions online with booking this trip, I had questions and concerns, and emailed Ms. Reid with them. She always responded to all my emails in an expedient manner and always provided me with all the answers I needed to my questions and concerns.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally say what a wonderful employee she is and how proud you, as her Supervisor, and allinclusiveoutlet.com as a company to have Ms. Kelly Reid represent your company.

Thank you for the time you have afforded me in reading my message and I hope to be able to use your services again in the future. Remember, word of mouth is the best advertisement a company could get! I will be spreading the good word about your company.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Ms. Madeline C S...

I am sure this made Kelly feel great and is motivation for her to continue helping others. If you only ever hear from the negative people in this world, it really does begin to bring every one down. I had a really trying dining experience the other night, but we did not complain. I have become much more patient and understanding than before. I really didn't see the point in loading more negativity onto people who were obviously short staffed and overwhelmed. Do you know the result? The owner noticed we had been waiting forever and she bought us a round of drinks on the house. Nice touch. Well, the people next to me were complaining like mad and you guessed it. They did not receive anything but continued waiting. I was very courteous with the owner and told her I understood that they were doing the best they could do with the situation. Miraculously, our food showed up before the others :) And we will definitely go back now.

You know what? I bet that Kelly is willing to go the extra mile for Madeline if anything ever pops up on a future vacation. She will remember the kind email and know that this client is forever VIP. If you treat others well, then others will treat you well. Hmmm? Seems like a phrase I remember. It really is simple, but most of us don't do it. We are too worried about being inconvenienced or not getting our "fair share". Or we have better things to do.

Be kind to others. Thank those that do nice things for you. Hold a door open for the next person. Say "excuse me" when necessary. Apologize when you have inconvenienced others. Do something nice for those that go "above and beyond". Do these things and I guarantee your life will be easier. And BETTER.

Til Next Time,
Tom

Mexico and VIP Treatment - Now Is the Time

Amazing. That is what one of my good friends from college just said about the El Dorado Royale. Yeah. That one. The one in MEXICO. And he is there NOW. With his bride of less than 24 hours.

You see. He is one of those that chose to go to Mexico, in spite of all of the wild stories of death from the "dreaded" flu. Lucky him. He is now in a PRESIDENTIAL suite. One that I have never even had the pleasure of touring, because they are always OCCUPIED. Steve told me that he has a couple of BUTLERS. A COUPLE! That means more than 1!. They drive him and his new bride around the hotel grounds and cater to their every whim. I wish I was there :) Only with my wife and the same lack of crowds. Steve said there aren't many people around anywhere. Not at the airport. Not at the resorts. Hmmm?? Does this make sense?

We haven't heard much about the dreaded flu in recent days, but people still equate Mexico with "death". Duh! I equate it to a Presidential Suite now. My connections at the resort say they have never upgraded someone to a Presidential. I believe them. If you really want to know, Steve paid for an Individual Casita Suite. This is a pretty expensive option, but worth every penny. BUT. And here is the big BUT. He got upgraded because of a unique situation. It seems most of you are afraid to go there. A BIG DUHH! From what Steve says, EVERY person that is there is receiving the best service EVER. Even if they are in a lower level of room or suite. This is the BEST time to ever go to Mexico. Have you ever dreamed of a great vacation with exceptional service, at a GREAT price? Well, this is the time. And you might get something nicer than what you paid for :) I have been giving serious thought to another Mexican vacation.
Even though I am in debt to my Jamaican friend to make a visit there.

A friend of mine who works in Mexico says that Cancun is "deserted". WOW. Time to go there. She and her husband were going to put in some vacation time to go up and hang out on the beach at some nice hotels. Why has the world gone mad? I dunno but I am glad. Because some of us need to get in a much needed vacation without all of the hustle and bustle. You know what I am hearing? The Mexican tourist industry is so happy to see tourists that they are going way beyond what is necessary to make people feel welcome. Sometimes service in the US sucks. It never has in Mexico. I can only imagine how great it is now. Dang! For every person that shuns this place, it just makes it better for those that go there.

Ever wanted to feel VIP? Maybe you are a VIP. Mabye not. BUT. This is your chance. Mexico is world-renowned for its hospitality and unbelievable service. Now you can take it to the next level. Just like jumping from high school to the NBA. Sometimes an opportunity presents itself. This is yours.

Til Next Time,
Tom

Brazil: Exploring South America

In my quest to find more exotic destinations to quench the thirst for ecotourism, I look to Brazil. I recall a conversation that happened with a friend from Variety Magazine and a Latin American film producer over lunch. We were beachside at the ME Cancun and I just listened as they spoke about a variety of subjects. One such subject was South America and the fact that this area was one of the few on earth that had the natural resources for sustainability. According to Wikipedia, sustainability is "the ability to maintain balance of a certain process or state in any system. It is said that for humans to live sustainably, the Earth's resources must be used at a rate at which they can be replenished. This film producer stated that he and others believed that most of the world is consuming at a rate that can never be replenished. This led him to the idea that South America would eventually be one of the few sustainable regions left on earth. I had never pondered this possibility.

With the recent emphasis on the Green Movement and environmentally friendly consumption, it is clear that a number of you are concerned about preserving the world we live in. This might be the reason that a huge increase in ecotourism and "green" hotels is being witnessed.

Brazil is at the heart of sustainability in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area and is slightly smaller than the US. Rio De Janeiro is probably the most famous destination in Brazil. Carnaval in Rio is one of the world's most famous parties. This city is nestled amongst lush, forest-covered mountains and amazing sandy beaches. Brazil is famous for beautiful people and you will definitely find them here.

Moving around Brazil, the world famous Iguazu Falls is a sight to behold. It could be compared to Niagra Falls in the US and is said to be more impressive. This waterfall system is made up of 275 falls. Several big-name movies have filmed here.

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the world's greatest wonders. Brazil is fortunate to be one of the encompassing areas. Several organizations have set up shop here to aid in preventing deforestation of the rainforest. The Amazon is home to hundreds of thousands of plant, insect and animal species.

Brazil has little bit of everything. Ecotourism is big. Nightlife is grand. Sheer natural beauty is abundant.

Now for the resorts. All inclusive ones. It seems that the Salvador/Bahia area is home to most of the all inclusive resorts in Brazil. Breezes Costa Do Sauipe, the Costa Do Sauipe Golf & Spa Resort and the Costa Do Sauipe All Inclusive are all located in the Salvador area. In Bahia, Iberostar Praia Do Forte, Iberostar Bahia and the Starfish Santa Luzia round out the all inclusive offerings in the area. Breezes Buzios is the next resort set to open in the region.

Iberostar Grand Amazon is an "all inclusive" cruises that leaves the Manuas area for a cruise along the Negro and Amazon Rivers. This ship stops in different locations along the Amazon jungle. Perfect for exploring the dense vegetation up close. Aventure awaits with this unique offering.

There you have it. A new destination to consider. And your chance to swing down to South America to see the one place in the world that my film producer friend says is "sustainable".

Til Next Time,
Tom

Panama- A New Destination

Big discovery today! I just figured out our newest addition to our product offering. Panama. No, not the Van Halen mp3 version. Panama, the country. I guess I have always associated Panama with the Canal. Seems like this is all they used to say about the area. Well, I just found three all inclusive hotels that might have to be investigated. Costa Rica gets all kinds of interest from US travelers. It is the "hip" place to go in Central America. Yeah, I wanna go there too. But. Panama is something cool to do that not many others have done.

The combination of mountains, beaches, rainforest, world historic sites and the Canal are all pretty intriguing. The Melia Panama Canal is located on the Caribbean side of this country and near the Atlantic entrance to the Canal. It doesn't seem to be near the beach, but it is situated on Gatun Lake. Here you can do a zip line over treetops over the lake and take in some all inclusive kayaking.

Over on the Pacific side, the Royal Decameron Beach Resort features 1,100 rooms on a nice stretch of beach that is about 2 kilometers long. Nearby, you can go river rafting and rapelling. A visit into Panama City means great shopping or a visit to the Panama Canal. At Anton Valley, they have a canopy tour and much more.

The brand new Breezes Panama is opening in October of this year and promises to be a great all inclusive resort.

Panama just seems to be one of those places that misses the list when picking where to go. From the client phone call we received the other day, it should be on my list and yours.

If I ever make it there, I will be sure to tell you my experiences. If you have been there, drop me a note with travel tips and I will be sure to share.

Til next time,
Tom

It's Safe To Travel. And It Always Was.

Panic. Mass hysteria. "I'm gonna die from the swine flu". Need to get some hand sanitizer. Where is a mask? Gimme a mask quick! Did that person cough? OMG! Quarantine them. Did that person just touch the door knob? Great, if I could only open the door with my foot :) Sound familiar?
Well, I recall listening to a ton of people that were saying the most outrageous things. Joe "Foot in Mouth" Biden took top honors this past week.

If you read my blog, you will remember that I posted, on the Sunday before last, about "What are the odds?". It seems that we never learn from the last big "scare". Now I know that this is not over yet and there could be a resurgence in the future, but when are we going to stop worrying overtime? It really is nuts. Egypt ordered the slaughter of 300,000 pigs. The European Union head said to avoid travel to the US and Mexico. THE USA. Home to 300,000,000 people and location of 1 death because of the "swine" flu. This is a reason to stop world trade? It has been widely reported by medical professionals and the CDC that 36,000 people die in the US every year from the "regular" flu. I can't understand why that doesn't scare you. Most people I know don't even get the annual flu shot that you can have for a mere 20 bucks. It seems to me that the media energizes the latest catastrophe and the public buys into it. EDUCATION. That is the key. As soon as this thing blew up, I decided to educate myself on the emerging virus. I went directly to the CDC and the World Health Organization websites to familiarize myself. I avoided all of the "doomsday" headlines of the mainstream and "fringe" media, while getting real information from the medical field.

Now we find ourselves in this predicament. Mexico, already reeling from a fragile economy, is set to lose billions and may need to tap the International Monetary Fund. We have deprived ourselves of much needed beach vacations along with supporting a global economy. Joe Biden "inadvertently" caused the airline industry to suffer another crushing blow. I think it is only a matter of weeks before another "bailout" of the airline carriers is requested. The end result of a media-generated "global panic"? Less fun for you and me. You see? The endless worrying about the next crisis is taking all of the fun out of our lives. A conspiracy theorist might say that this was a part of the terror campaign against the West. Just like 9/11 took away more of our freedoms, the latest "pandemic" has in a round-about-way, forced you to have less freedom. Scared to get on a plane? Afraid you will get quarantined in Mexico? Don't want your work to force you to take days off when you return from Mexico? (Believe me! Some employers are doing their own quarantine) Man, this is worse than 9/11. Guess what? It's safe to travel. And it always was.

In my opinion, freedom of travel is an inalienable right for all Americans. What better way to exercise your freedom than to move about at your own will. Now that Mexico is easing back into "business as usual" in Mexico City, I feel that the media owes us that side of the story. I have spoken with several clients that have traveled to Cancun/Riviera Maya during this "outbreak". They expressed to me that everything was normal and they had a great time. Even if there were less people. Too often, we associate a country or and island with some negative event. Aruba tourism was basically non-existent for months and months while the Natalee Holloway story was in the news. If you don't remember, this story revolved around the disappearance of Ms Holloway. While tragic, I don't feel that this should have taken such a toll on an otherwise friendly island. I hope you won't react the same way to what is unfortunately not the fault of Mexico. It has been reported that the swine flu may actually have originated in California. Yes, that California. The one in the US of A. Since they have the swine flu here in Kentucky, I guess I should be looking for another place to go. Oh, I forgot. Most of the states in this country have a case or 2 themselves. Oh, what to do. What to do? I guess I will refer back to my older post:
What are the Odds? I feel better now. I think I can sleep well knowing that I have that less than 1% chance of getting it. And so do you. Time to hit the beach. Mexico is cheap. And I can have it all to myself. That is until you think it is safe. And it always was.
Til Next Time,
Tom

Swine Flu and Mexico Travel

I just spoke with a client staying at the Wyndham Cozumel. They rented a jeep today and drove the island. This couples states that they are having a great time and would recommend the resort to anyone. They did say that the occupancy is lower but that they did enjoy having the privacy. The downtown craft vendors were suffering because of the lack of cruise ships. My clients are returning home tomorrow on their scheduled day of departure. This is good news for those that have upcoming trips to Cozumel.
Hopefully, the cruise lines will come to their senses and start visiting when the smoke clears.
Til Next Time,
Tom

What Are The Odds?

Odds. By definition, odds is an alternative way of expressing the likelihood of an event. Swine flu. Drug war. Lottery. For me, all of these things have one thing in common. Odds. You see, I make a number of my decisions based upon the odds. How likely is it that I will get Swine Flu? Or, awhile back I would have said: What are the odds I get bird flu? Do you remember all of the worldwide panic about avian influenza. Guess what? I didn't catch it. Play the lottery? Odds are you won't win. Overwhelmingly against you. This can be said for a lot of things in life. Odds should play a factor in how you live your life. Remember 9/11? How could you not? I remember all of the people that were terrified to get on a plane for months following this tragic event. You guessed it. I took a PLANE trip to Jamaica three weeks after 9/11. The odds were on my side. I knew that there was a 99.99% chance that I would not be involved in a plane crash. My in-laws stayed home and missed out on a free all inclusive vacation. I wonder if they regret not going?

Take for instance, a current trip to Mexico. According to the CIA world fact book, the estimated 2009 population of Mexico is over 111,000,000. This over 100 MILLION!!! As of this morning, approximately 1300 people had contracted swine flu. That is hundreds not MILLIONS. I didn't do the exact math, but that is way less than 1% of the population. Now I know these things can spread, but we are a little smarter than we used to be. We have modern medicine and better communication. I think I probably have a better chance of getting swine flu in Texas, California, Kansas or New York than in Cancun. In case you didn't know, the swine flu has hit those areas of the USA. Would I take a trip to Cancun tomorrow? Heck yes. How many people are going to avoid travel to those four US states I mentioned? Another point to make. Mexico City is where the outbreak took place and it is over 800 miles from Cancun. Worried about the drug cartel violence? The same theories apply. The border towns where the majority of violence has occurred are over 1000 miles from Cancun. If one act of violence occurred in Cancun, then what are the odds that you would be there in the exact place at the exact time? T0 date, I have only seen one publicized event that occurred with a member of the police department. I cannot predict that it wouldn't happen again, but the ODDS say it won't happen to you. Yeah, I could go outside and space debris could land on my head, putting me to an early death, but I'm pretty confident that it won't happen :)

I guess my point is: Don't let fear and media sensationalism run your life. Assess any situation with a little level-headed thinking. What are the ODDS? If you let a less than 1% chance of something bad happening keep you from doing something fun, then I guess you will be like my in-laws :)

Til Next Time,
Tom

PS. I forgot to mention. I don't play the lottery. You see, the odds are against me. Overwhelmingly so.

Top All Inclusive Destinations on a Budget

Don't want to spend the bank on vacation this year, but still want to go somewhere? You're not alone. It seems even the millionaires are looking for deals these days. I want to point you in the right direction for the best resort inclusions for the best deals.

All inclusive vacations range from budget to luxury. However, some of the luxury resorts have the best deals that I have seen in years. Let's first start with destinations that have the best prices.

Dominican Republic- This tropical island is home to three major resort areas. Punta Cana is probably the most talked about. Here you will find a plethora of established all inclusive resorts, as well as, numerous new resorts that have come onto the scene in the last two years. La Romana is another area for all inclusive and Puerto Plata is probably the cheapest of the three resort areas. Why is the Dominican so cheap? First off, staffing the resorts is cheaper than a lot of other destinations. More people looking for jobs means you can pay less. Secondly, the all inclusive destinations that are better deals have access to local produce, meats, and supplies. If you have to import everything, the price is going to be higher. Taxes on liquor. I know this affects all inclusive pricing and can be a major factor. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the liquor taxes can make a case of Bud Light $40. Airfare prices make a huge difference in the total cost of the package and there is a pretty good air lift into the Dominican. With all these factors, the Dominican Republic is a location you should check out if you want to save big.

Cancun/Riviera Maya- Thousands of hotel rooms. Tons of brand new facilities. A huge workforce to pull from. Locally produced goods, food and beverages. Mexico doesn't really have to import anything. Hey, the tequila is made there :) Oh, and so is the BEER! Lots of flights go into Cancun daily. The government has provided great infrastructure to support tourism so millions of people visit this area every year. The result? Great deals on magnificent resorts. This should be on everyone's list.

Puerto Vallarta - Great West Coast destination for people seeking great deals. Cabo San Lucas is a little more pricey, so I opt for Puerto Vallarta when coming from that area. A lot of the same reasons as Cancun factor into why this area is great for all inclusive deals.

Jamaica- Flights into Jamaica are abundant and a number of nonstops exist from the East Coast. Staffing costs are lower here and Jamaica is very fertile land for growing locals foods. They have tons of freshwater on the island. You will find some of the greatest people I know, right here in the "Land of Wood and Water". Competition from the Spanish-owned all inclusives has pushed prices lower than what I have witnessed in the past. This island should be in your shopping cart.

I guess since I am talking about cheaper places to visit, we should also mention the ones that are MORE expensive. Grand Cayman, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, Barbados, and Antigua are examples of higher priced destinations. Some of these islands have very little available flights and they have smaller pools of workers to draw from. When you have to import your resorts supplies, the prices are definitely going to be passed on to the guests. They are all great destinations. But maybe not, if you are looking for a deal of a lifetime. Check out the four areas that I have given you and I bet you won't be dissapointed.

Til Next Time,
Tom

I Wish I Could Start My Own Airline

You know something? I probably shouldn't even talk about the subject since I am in the travel business to make a living, but you already know what I am about to say. Airlines suck. If you work for an airline, please give me the benefit of the doubt before you take it personal. Here's why I say this.

Airlines used to be FUN! I can remember when I couldn't wait to get on the plane. Flying was a privilege and it was thrilling. Being in the air. Going somewhere you hadn't ever seen. Leaving the familiar surroundings of your hometown to see something exotic, mysterious and foreign. And the airlines were glad to have you :) I can remember when you always got a meal, a choice of drinks and a smiling face to take care of you. I am not saying that the employees have changed much. It's the attitude of the airline industry. It must be hard to work for an employer that doesn't reward you for a great effort and has continually taken from its employees. All while the upper management continues to make great money. Now I don't know everything, but I do know how to treat customers.

Think about what has transpired in the last number of years. Planes are older, less clean and more cramped. You already know this since most of you have flown in the last couples of years. This has been going on for awhile and is not a recent phenomenon. Here is what got me fired up. It seems as if every thought coming out of the airline executive brainstorming is how to milk a few more dollars out of the traveler. I used to joke about having to pay to use the lavatory. This is not a joke any more. RyanAir may be the first one to institute pay for use bathrooms. I know they joked about it and then said it could actually happen. Can you imagine an emergency situation and you can't find a dollar? Or a "pound" if you are traveling in England? What are you supposed to do? Ask another flier? "Hey, I really gotta go! Can you spare some change?". This stuff could get really ridiculous.

I just read that Delta is adding a $50 fee for a second checked bag for International travel. Hmmmm? The other airlines say they are "studying" Delta's new fee. Duh! How many times have they repeated this ploy? Since you no longer get a meal in coach and most times in FIRST CLASS, the airlines devised the "food for purchase" program. That is a real winner. Did you like having a blanket or a pillow to make your ride more comfortable? Think again. Maybe like to read a complimentary magazine? Hell no. Flying first class on a short flight and looking for a little VIP treatment? Nope again. Unless you like to drink a cocktail at 6:30am on your flight to Atlanta. You get my drift. All of the fun has been sapped from the flying experience. Want to change your flight? That'll be $150 bucks. Mispelled your name on the reservation? "We can't change that. And the ticket is non-refundable. You will have to purchase another one". Flying last minute? That will cost you. To the tune of $1500! I know, I know. The airlines are gonna put WIFI on the planes. I do like this idea. It will occupy my brain for the cramped ride to paradise. Oh, I guess you knew? You will be paying for it.

Well, I guess I could go on and on about how un customer-friendly the airlines are. We all know that. I will continue to fly because I can't swim that far :) If I had my own airline, things would be different. Here is what I would do.

1. I would start by treating my employees with respect and I would make sure they were happy with their work.

2. I would treat my customers like I would want to be treated. I bet these CEOs of airlines wouldn't want to fly in the middle seat in coach on one of their own planes. Especially, if they are TALL. And I bet they would really hate it if they had to use the lavatory and only had $100 bills. Who would make change for them?

3. I would look at the inside of the planes and give them a makeover. How about a comfortable seat? Maybe you could have seats of different sizes that actually fit your customer? Got a kid traveling? Put them in a kid's seat! Got a traveler who is on the plus size? Give them a bigger seat. Damn! these are novel ideas. Treat your customers like you would want to be treated. Got a basketball team traveling on your flight? Give them a seat with some leg room. You might have happier travelers who would want to come back. Why do airlines think that everyone is the same size?

4. We would put the fun back in airline travel. Play some games. Make some jokes. Have some audience participation. Granted we would have to take into account the time of day since I am allergic to mornings. Give out some prizes for best dressed traveler, loudest snorer, cutest honeymoon couple. Treat people like humans and not a herd of cattle.

5. Give you some entertainment. I know one airline pulled their video equipment out of planes to save on weight and gas. This is brilliant. The one thing that you had to occupy your customers and you remove it to save a few bucks. On my planes, we would have Reggae music to the Caribbean. We would play cool island videos that get everyone in the mood for their arrival. Hey! Another novel idea for the airlines. Let the guests start their VACATIONS on the airline! Isn't this the point? Currently, you book a getaway and then you have to suffer through four hours of hell that is known as a flight before you can finally feel like you are ON vacation. I kinda got this idea of fun from Air Jamaica. They used to give you full meal service and Red Stripe for free. I don't think they still do, but I definitely would :)

6. I would stop nickel and diming everyone. Just tell me what I need to pay up front. If I can't afford it then I won't go. No one on my airline would need to carry change in order to get into the lavatory. Hey, we might even put some perfumes and colognes in there. Maybe some mints. Oh and my bathrooms would be big enough so you could actually fit in them. Want to check a bag? No problem. It's included. Want to carry one on? No charge either.

7. Free magazines and newspapers would be on my planes. At least as long as they continue to make them. I guess WIFI is a necessity so we would have it too. Hey, we could even set up a Twitter hash tag for the flight and everyone could Tweet back and forth. This would eliminate having to talk to the person next to you :) I am not serious about that one. I think talking to people is a forgotten art. We should do it more.

8. We would make it affordable. I would find people with great business sense that know how to make money. We would treat people right and reward our loyal customers. And YES, we would give you a frequent flier program that wouldn't change with the wind. I bet all you Platinum and Elite travelers hear music to your ears.

I guess this is enough. It doesn't take much to see how an airline could be much improved. I really do like most of the employees at the airlines. It's just the industry that sucks :)

Til Next Time,
Tom

Intimate All Inclusive Resorts- Less Than 100 Rooms

I woke up this morning thinking about how to improve the "Vacation Assistant" portion of our all inclusive travel site and thought of former clients who were looking for a more intimate setting. It seems that some of you don't want to stay in a behemoth of a resort that requires a shuttle ride to get to and from the restaurants or common areas. Believe me. A few resorts are real big. I mean REALLY BIG. Take for instance, the Moon Palace in Cancun. This all inclusive hotel has over 2,000 rooms. Yes. TWO-THOUSAND! That is a whole lot of rooms. Granted, they have a ton of facilities and amenities, but some of you want to feel a little more secluded or even feel like you are the only ones there. Ok. I think I know of some resorts you might be looking for.

Let take a look at some resorts that feature less than 100 rooms. El Dorado Maroma in the Mayan Riviera features only 72 suites. This intimate hideaway is located on the world famous Maroma Beach, which has been voted one of the top beaches in the world. This all inclusive has its own swim-up bars, 24-hour room service, two freshwater pools, fitness center and spa and a choice of three a la carte restaurants. Choose from Asian, Italian and New Mexican cuisine in addition to other International favorites. This resort has most of the amenities of a large hotel but in a much more private setting. Don't expect a big party atmosphere but do expect some classy fun.

Sunset at the Palms in Negril, Jamaica is a tropical gem with only 65 treehouse style accommodations. This all inclusive provides a taste of Jamaican culture at an affordable price. At this hotel, you can expect cool Jamaican vibes with a taste of local cuisine. Sway to live reggae in the evenings or hit Negril beach in the morning for a dip in pristine Caribbean waters. One note here: Negril beach is actually across the road from the resort. This doesn't really pose much of a problem since they have a beach bar and grill open from 10am-6pm.

In St Lucia, the Anse Chastenet resort features sweeping views of the Caribbean, the Pitons or the lush hillside of this tropical island. Only 49 gazebo-style accommodations exist here at the Anse Chastenet. An optional all inclusive vacation package is available or you could stay here on the European Plan, where no meals or drinks are included. Award-winning cuisine ranges from French to Mediterranean to East Indian at the Anse Chastenet. The Kai Belte Spa is sure to make for a relaxing getaway. An underwater marine park is located just below the resort grounds and the scenery here is unbelievable.

Gally Bay resort in Antigua is another favorite with under 100 rooms. This all inclusive features a total of 98 rooms and suites, set amidst spectacular tropical flora. An on-property lagoon and bird sanctuary is home to swoomping pelicans, majestic frigate birds, elegant heron and a host of other avian species. Accommodations range from regular guestrooms to cottages and suites. 32 new premium suites feature luxurious furnishings, gleaming granite, and tropical art. Antigua is home to 365 beaches and this one will not dissapoint. Try a beachfront suite with ideal location to the pristine blue waters of this tropical paradise.

These are just a few of the more intimate settings for all inclusive in the Caribbean. I think this would be a great addition to our "Vacation Assistant' feature on the home page. I will have to get the tech people moving on this one :)

Til Next Time,
Tom

Destination Weddings - Quick and Easy

It seems more and more people want to get married on an island or in some exotic international destination. I can think of a couple of reasons. It's cheaper. It's easier. It's something cool to do.

Whether it is your first or second wedding, an all inclusive destination wedding may be the best option for holy matrimony. You could get married on the beach at sunset, take your vows in a tropical gazebo surrounded by lush gardens, or tie the knot in a beachside wedding chapel. Choose an all inclusive resort that includes the wedding and the price is very nice. Hey, inviting friends is also a breeze. You would be surprised how many people combine a vacation getaway with attending a friend's wedding. I have had numerous people tell me that they try to take a vacation to somewhere tropical each year and the destination wedding is the catalyst for making the commitment to travel.

Several all inclusive resort chains provide the weddings for free. At Superclub's Breezes Resorts, wedding are still complimentary (a government fee is required). For stays of 3-nights or longer, the complimentary wedding package includes a wedding planner, preparation of documents, marriage license, the ceremony, recorded music, witnesses if needed, a decorated wedding area, wedding cake, bouqet and boutonnierre, champagne or sparkling cider and a candlelit dinner for bride and groom. Not special enough? A host of upgraded wedding amenities is available for a nominal fee.

At Couples Resorts in Jamaica, the complimentary wedding package is all inclusive with stays of 3 nights or longer. A $200 government fee is required. Couples uses a wedding calculator to estimate the cost of a basic island wedding and all inclusive honeymoon for a total of $3820. This example is for airfare from Miami and a 7 night stay at Couples Tower Isle in June of 2009. Obviously, the price will vary by room category and type of airfare selected. With the average cost of a US-based traditional wedding at over $20,000, you can see how great of a deal the "destination wedding" is in comparison. Think about all the money you would save for furniture, a new car or a nice nest egg for the future.

Jamaica is a very easy destination for weddings. Typically, you can be married 48 hours after arrival on the island. The resort requirements are generally the same but a reservation is needed in advance. Once you have picked a date, the resort wedding coordinator can arrange for any special requirements or additions that you might have. In the Bahamas, couples are required to apply for their marriage license a day after arrival. As soon as the license is approved, the wedding can take place the following day. Other destinations have different waiting periods and requirements. Check with a wedding coordinator or one of our travel consultants for details.

Some other tips from some of my previous clients: One family wanted a traditional reception but the couple really desired to be married in "paradise". The solution? They went to the Caribbean and got married and then went home and had a traditional ceremony and reception. It was sort of like a renewal of vows, but none of the guests knew. This worked the opposite way for another couple. They didn't want to go through the requirement process for a wedding in Mexico, so they got married at the justice of the peace in the USA and then had a renewal of vows ceremony at the beach.

Whatever you desire for your wedding, keep in mind that most people end up at the beach. Either for a ceremony, or at least the honeymoon :)

Til Next Time,
Tom

All Inclusive Water Sports - Where to find them

Water sports lover? Love the beach but also like to hit the high seas for a little action? Well, I want to tell you about some all inclusive vacations that also include motorized and non-motorized water sports. Some all inclusives only offer limited non-motorized water sports on a complimentary basis while others, such as Couples Resorts in Jamaica, offer a multitude of the inclusive motorized type. No, I don't mean Jet Skis. At Couples Swept Away, for example, you have a choice of daily snorkeling trips, glass bottom boats, and scuba diving. Yes, scuba diving is included at Couples. Certified Divers may dive once per day on the all inclusive vacation plan. For non-certified divers, there is a complimentary resort course and one included dive per stay. Additional non-certified dives are $50 each and are subject to availability. The resort course is not a PADI certification. You could opt to get full certification but that is additional. The water in Negril is amazing and you won't be dissapointed with the included watersports here. Hobie Cats (like a personal catamaran), windsurfing, kayaking, Pedal Boats and more are complimentary at Swept Away. Oh, about the Jet Skis. There are plenty of outside vendors on the beach in Negril that will gladly rent you one. Be careful to pay attention to the instructions. You wouldn't want to crash a snorkeling party :) Oh, I just about forgot. Waterskiing is also included with an all inclusive trip to Couples Resorts. Not a bad deal!

Well, I guess you want to know about stuff for the kids. Banana Boats? Yes. This is a favorite of younger all inclusive guests. Almond Resorts in St Lucia and Barbados offer complimentary banana boat rides in addition to the standard non-motorized activities. Dreams Resorts offers ocean trampolines at most of their hotels. I don't know if you call a waterpark, "water sports", but Coconut Bay in St Lucia has a nice one, with lazy river for tubing, two exhilarating water slides and more. Palace Resorts in Mexico owns the Wet N Wild Waterpark that encompasses 18 acres of fun. Palace includes entrance to the park, round trip transfers, food and beverages and all activities with the exception of the Dolphin Swim and Sea Lion attraction. Here you can use the lazy river, wave pool, water slides and an 800 ft white sand beach.

Group all inclusive water activities also exist in the Caribbean. As I mentioned before, Couples Resorts has a ton of water sports in their all inclusive package. It gets better. At Couples Negril and Swept Away, a sunset catamaran cruise is included. You will have a chance to see one of the best sunsets in the world and might even get a chance to cliff dive if you choose :)

Most all inclusive resorts include some type of complimentary watersports. Usually these are limited to the non-motorized types. Rarely, will you see scuba included. In addition to Couples Resorts, Superclubs includes diving at their more pricey resorts. There is a sprinkling of other resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico that include diving. Please be sure to check with an agent or our website for more information. Keep in mind that inclusions are subject to change without notice.

If you have a story about the Caribbean, let me know. I can always learn more :)

Til Next Time,
Tom

Duty Free in the Caribbean and Mexico

In honor of Tax Day, I present to you "Duty Free" shopping in the Caribbean and Mexico! If you have traveled internationally, you probably already know what "duty free" means. Duty-free shops are retail outlets that allow you to avoid import taxes that are usually added to the price of a product. Some duty free items are also "tax free". With this being said, there is a limit to what you can bring back to the USA without paying duty. The US Customs and Border Patrol has duty free exemption information at CBP.gov The Caribbean basin countries typically have a personal exemption of $800. You will need to stay more than 48 hours in most areas to get this exemption. Airport shops will ask to see your boarding pass in order to qualify for the discount. Also, if you purchase any fluids at the airport, such as perfume or alcohol, that exceed the current TSA limitations, they will need to be placed in your checked baggage when arriving into the US. You do this upon claiming your bags at the arrival airport and either re-checking or placing on the local baggage carousel. Please check the latest TSA regulations for the most current information.

Part of the fun of taking a vacation to the Caribbean is the shopping. In St Thomas, the strip in Charlotte Amalie is world-famous for its many duty free shops. Whether you are staying at an all inclusive resort or visiting on a cruise, these shops are a tempting destination. Typically, the best savings at duty free shops is on liquor or tobacco products. These types of shops have added tons of other products to the inventory. Some are good deals and some are not. Jamaica Farewell is one of the most popular stops as visitors head home from Jamaica. This shop is dedicated to duty free liquor and tobacco. There is a limit to the number of bottles that you can bring back, so be sure to do your research. Typically, the duty free limit is one liter of alcohol per person. Any additional bottles will be assessed a duty of 3% at the current regulations. However, my best friend recently brought back more than the limit and customs let him through without paying duty. I guess it depends on how busy or what kind of mood they are in.

I have actually seen some pretty good deals on perfumes and colognes at the airport shops. One of my favorite pickups while returning from Jamaica is the the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee. I always buy the beans and not the ground. I think it is much fresher this way. This makes for a great gift for any occasion. The Jablum brand is the best. Tortuga Rum Cakes are another popular item in the shops. I am not sold on buying jewelry in the Caribbean. I have seen some Tiffany stuff that seemed to be a decent deal but some of the gold might actually not be what they say it is at other shops.

Taking a vacation in the Caribbean is an adventure and bringing back a piece of it for your friends and family is a great way to cap off a vacation. This is also a great way to get rid of those pesos that you still have in your pocket. Happy Travels!

Til Next Time,
Tom

Great Places to Learn How to Drive on the Left

Have you ever wanted to tour an island or country and then found out that they drove on the left hand side of the road? Never been through a roundabout? I always wanted to drive in Jamaica but it seemed a little crazy and driving on the left-hand side of the road looked to be more of a challenged than I wanted to take on. Since there is a ton of goats, cows, people and other obstacles such as major potholes or road work on Jamaica roads, I always passed up the opportunity. It is easy to stay in the resort while on an all inclusive vacation, but I always make sure to go out and see the locals. Here is my suggestion for those wanting to adventure out and drive on the "wrong" side of the road:

Find a smaller island with little or no traffic and do some practice there! My first attempt at the left hand driving and making it through the roundabout was on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos. There were only two main roads the last time I was there and it made for easy learning. I just cruised up and down in my rented 4x4. I even picked up a truckload of school kids one day and drove them to the IGA supermarket. They were hanging off all sides of the Jeep and made for an interesting event. All kids arrived safely and were quite thankful. My next "step up" with left hand driving was in Antigua. Here the traffic is a little more prevalent. The countryside was beautiful and I could even manage the downtown areas.

As you can see, I started small and began working my way up. Jamaica was my next challenge. Driving here is only for the brave. I managed to drive on all of the main roads and when I pulled up to all of my cab driving buddies, they fell on the ground laughing. I guess they figured I was a terrible driver. My wife thought I was going to hit several people walking on the side of the road or a few goats. You see, in Jamaica there are no lines and very few signs.

I have progressed very nicely and have driven a couple of thousand miles in England over the last 3 years. I recommend baby steps when driving on the left. Make certain to rent an automatic. Shifting gears with the opposite hands takes a lot of getting used to. Take a visit to one of the small islands in the Caribbean that I have mentioned and make sure you rent a car with air conditioning :)

You next all inclusive vacation will seem so much better if you get out and see the country!

Til Next Time,
Tom

New All Inclusive Resorts to open

Tomorrow is the unveiling of the new Couples Tower Isle Resort in Jamaica. This Ocho Rios all inclusive is the former Couples Ocho Rios. After a $25 million renovation, you can basically say this is a new resort. Sure, the history of Abe Issa's first all inclusive resort is there, but a shiny new feel is to be expected. It is kind of like renovating historic buildings in the center of your hometown. A fully renovated Spa, 20 new accommodations (including the addition of four suites), a new swimming pool with swim-up bar, flat screen televisions in every room, new dive pool and gym, a veggie and juice bar, games room and floating dock at the resort's own private island are just a few of the additions. This all inclusive paradise in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is sure to be a favorite with honeymooners and I am sure that loyal, repeat guests of Couples Ocho Rios will love the updates.

Great introductory rates are available at Couples Tower Isle :)

Additionally, the RIU Emerald Bay, is set to open in May in Mazatlan. The RIU Emerald Bay all inclusive resort features state of the art facilities and four conference halls for a little business and fun in the sun. RIU Resorts features a fully all inclusive vacation at an affordable price.

In other news, Jamaica Carnival 2009 has been cancelled. With the death of Byron Lee last year in November, his wife has stated that the grief has taken its toll on the family and they promise to return next year.

I will be back in the near future with more news and tips relating to Caribbean and Mexio travel.

Til Next Time,
Tom

Family of 5 All Inclusive Vacations

Having trouble finding a hotel room that will hold you, the husband and your three children? You are not the only ones. This is a dilemma that has plagued larger families for years. Most all inclusive resorts hold a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children in the standard rooms and typically even the suite levels. If you do some diligent research, there is a handful of resorts that are "family of five-friendly". These all inclusive resorts can accommodate 2 adults and three children in one room. At most hotels, a family of five is forced to purchase an additional room. I have done my research and have a few recommendations on where to go.

In Cancun:

Crown Paradise Club - This all inclusive resort is located in the Cancun Hotel zone and features Family Rooms and Family Suites.

Gran Caribe Real - The all inclusive Gran Caribe Real is a nice hotel than Crown Paradise and just recently introduced Family of 5 occupancy in the Family Junior Suites, Gran Master and Presidential Suites.


In Punta Cana:

Melia Caribe Tropicale - This all inclusive features Family Junior Suites for five people, the Flintstones kid's club, lush tropical grounds and a great beach.

Dreams Punta Cana - The Dreams all inclusive resort in Punta Cana is home to the Deluxe Family Suite and the Master Two Bedroom Suite Preferred Club(complete with VIP amenities).
Dreams Resorts feature numerous children's activities and even has the Core Zone program dedicated to teens.

In St Lucia:

Coconut Bay - The all inclusive Coconut Bay features Splash 2 Bedroom Family Connecting room category. Located on the first, second and third floor of the family side of the hotel, some
with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Room category consists of 2 interconnecting bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Basically, you are getting two rooms without having to pay for both. The resort has coverted their connecting rooms into something of a suite.

These are just a few of the Family of Five-Friendly all inclusives that exist throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. I believe there are 20+ resorts that I found that fit these requirements. I hope this make your searching a little easier. They do exist :)

Til Next Time,
Tom

Things you may need to know when traveling to the Caribbean

Today, I want to provide some travel resources that will help you become a well-informed traveler and keep you from experiencing challenges when embarking on your next Caribbean vacation. Maybe you are traveling for the first time or it could be that you are a "seasoned' vacationer. Regardless of your experience, I find it is prudent to keep up with the changing times. Travel to the Caribbean is continually evolving. Whether it is the TSA putting in new requirements for airport security or a particular island adds new entry requirements, there is always the possibility that you may not be aware of new information that arises. I want you to have the best possible all inclusive vacation and hope these links are not too serious :)

1. www.travel.state.gov - This site is provided by the US Department of State and has the most up to date information regarding passports, entry requirements and general warnings for travel throughout the world. You can also find out about Visa requirements here (and I don't mean the credit card one). A passport is the main requirement for Caribbean travel for citizens of the USA. Please check the specific destination for the most recent requirements. Foreign passport holders should consult with their respective embassy and the embassy of the country you are visiting for the most up to date information.

2. http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel- The Centers for Disease Control has all of the information regarding traveler's health. I have traveled to the Caribbean almost 100 times and have never had a problem with serious health issues while on vacation. It does help to be informed and if you have specific medical requirements it is best to speak with your local physician before travel.
My tip- Please do not place your vital medications in checked baggage. Always carry-on your medications in their appropriate containers. Contacts are another item you should never check. I once had a client and friend who was forced to wear a contact in one eye only for a week while in St Lucia. His checked bag was placed on the wrong flight and he ended up tearing one contact while trying to clean it.

3. http://www.usembassy.gov/ - This site list US Embassies per region and the Caribbean is listed among "The Americas". In the event that you lose a passport or have legal issues while on vacation, contacting the local US Embassy is one of the first calls I would make.

4. http://www.tsa.gov/ - Ahh! The dreaded TSA. The ones that make you take your shoes, belt, underwear and anything else off before you can be poked, prodded and made to look like a criminal. All joking aside, they are there to protect us and make security as painless as possible. They have recently instituted a training program for TSA agents that focuses on putting happy faces on each employee. Last time I traveled through Austin, the TSA agents were actually fun to deal with. Amazing! Oh, and by the way, the reason I put this link here is so you have the most recent info. I like their page on "How to Get Through Line Faster", cause that is what everyone wants.

I hope these help prepare you a little better for your next all inclusive vacation to the Caribbean.

Til Next Time,
Tom

Three Family All Inclusive Resorts to Consider

If Spring will ever get here, we could start talking about some summer vacations. The ever-important family getaway is right around the corner and I have three family all inclusive resorts to help you make lifetime memories.

1. Dreams Cancun - This all inclusive resort is home to a crowd-pleasing dolphin swim, right on the resort grounds. In fact, you can even book a Dolphin View room for balcony viewing of the dolphin lagoon. I don't know of many resorts that have dolphins right on the grounds, so this is sure to impress the kids. Dreams is also known for a wide variety of day and nighttime activities. Big-screen movies on the beach, tailgating parties for major sporting events, an extensive kid's program and a host of nightly shows will entertain the entire family.

2. Azul Sensatori - This brand new all inclusive resort opened at the end of 2008 with amazing grounds and facilities. Upscale food will make mom and dad happy while the kids will enjoy the Azulitos kid's program. This children's program is for kids, tweens and teens. A Fisher Price toy lending program, vacation book and arrival pack is included for the young ones while a rocking climbing wall, DJ Mixing clinic, teen disco, beach bonfires and more is available for the older ones. Oh, I forgot to mention. Mom and Dad will love the Parent's Night Out program, where kid's can be dropped off for supervised activities from 6:30-9:30pm. A great way to have a romantic candlelit dinner by the beach or time to hit the bar for some premium cocktails and a little jazz music.

3. FDR Pebbles - Head to Jamaica for some relaxation, family togetherness and a little local culture. At the all inclusive FDR Pebbles, each family is assigned a Vacation Nanny that will entertain and supervise the kid's throughout the day. I hear the nannies are the best. Some people wish the could bring them back home permanently. At FDR Pebbles, don't expect a glitzy resort with grandiose lobbies and expensive marbles. What you will find here is a clean, "rustic', look with welcoming people and a whole lot of fun. Nannies will escort your children to fun-filled destinations like the Yellow Bird Kids Club for a host of daily activities. Activity abounds for teenagers and adolescents at FDR Pebbles. Supervised outdoor camping, beach parties and mountain biking are just the beginning. Teens can take a trip up the Martha Brae River or try their hand at sailing and wind surfing with Pebbles’ instructors.

Each one of these all inclusive resorts provides a different experience for your family. Hey, why not try all three!

Til Next Time,
Tom

Taxes, April Snow and My Birthday

Wow! I woke up this morning to frigid temperatures and SNOW!! From what I have heard, a number of you received the same wonderful, April blanketing of the white stuff. I guess this is the perfect birthday present. I get to finish up my taxes and freeze at the same time. Since I have perfected the art of procrastination, today is the day that I must finish the dreaded paperwork for my CPA. I will try to make the best of it :)

Wait, you know something? It is TIME for a vacation. I have the fortunate pleasure of talking about all inclusive vacations every day so at some point, I need to actually go on one to "keep abreast of the situation", if you know what I mean. This is a very valid part of being in the travel business. You need to keep up with the product you are offering. So here is what I am talking about: Do business with an expert in whatever service or item you are about to purchase. If you are looking at refrigerators, find someone who knows the ins and outs of each brand. They should listen to your needs and wants and then fit the right refrigerator to your household. The same goes for all inclusive vacations. Your agent should ask you a series of questions to determine the direction in which to go. They should provide input and make suggestions to help you have the best vacation experience ever. Once you have all of the vacation information you need, then a decision on which destination and resort can be made with the utmost confidence. This is why I need to go on a vacation ASAP. Don't wanna lose my edge :)

At All Inclusive Outlet, we strive to do one thing well. That one thing is to offer all inclusive vacations at the best price possible and to do it with a smiling face and helpful assistance. If you ever feel that this is not the case, then let me know. I will do whatever I can to make things right. Vacations are about dreams and a dream should be great. We hope to make yours come true. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Til Next Time,
Tom

Caribbean Music Festivals

The Caribbean is home to a multitude of music festivals that are sprinkled throughout the region. If you really wanted, it would be a year round adventure to island hop to each one. I have included some links to a variety of music events in Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts, Barbados and more. Keep in mind, many more events happen each year than those that I have listed. Here is a sampling:

http://stluciajazz.org/ - St Lucia Jazz Festival May 2-10, 2009

http://www.barbadosgospelfest.com/ - Barbados Gospel Fest May 16-24, 2009
Celebrating its 17th year of excellence in bringing Gospel to Barbados and the Caribbean.

http://www.stkittsmusicfestival.com/ -St Kitts Music Festival June 25-27, 2009
Headliners Regina Belle, T-Pain, Movado

http://www.reggaesumfest.com/ -Reggae Sumfest, Montego Bay, Jamaica July 19-25, 2009
Featuring top Reggae and R&B artists.

Dominican Republic Merengue Festivals Held each year to celebrate the Merengue music and dance.

Top 5 Honeymoon Resorts and Why

About to get married? Maybe thinking about it? Well, if you plan to be married in the next year or two it is more than likely that a honeymoon will follow the wedding date. The majority of honeymooners celebrate their union with an all inclusive vacation. All inclusive resorts have become the vacation of choice for couples in love. Since you might need an idea of where to go, I have a list of my top five picks for a honeymoon.

1. El Dorado Royale-This Mayan Riviera all inclusive resort is just a short ride from Cancun's International Airport. This hotel features great service, great food, and romantic settings. From beachfront palapas to poolside daybeds, you won't have trouble finding a secluded getaway for a little romance under the Caribbean sun. I recommend the Casita Suite section of this all inclusive resort. A variety of Casita suite options exist, but every single one features an in-room jacuzzi for two, private outdoor roofless shower, four-poster canopy bed and 24-hour room service. Features such as the beachfront sky-massage for two and private candlelit dinners in a beachfront palapa can be added to make this place even more special. There is plenty of activity at the El Dorado Royale to keep the days and nights moving, or you can just relax together on the perfect honeymoon.

2. Couples Swept Away- A trip to Negril, Jamaica is the next stop. At Couples Swept Away, it is truly a place for honeymoon couples to be "swept away". This adult couples-only all inclusive is located on one of the world's best beaches. Here in Negril, the sunsets are magnificent. Each evening, the locals and guests come out at dusk to see the sun sink into pristine ocean waters. Talk about a romantic setting! Think of sitting on soft white sand next to crystal clear water while watching the sunset :) This all inclusive resort features lush, tropical gardens that make you feel like you are the only guests there. I recommend a beachfront verandah suite at this all inclusive. Jamaica is all about creating a cool vibe. Great people, great seclusion and an amazing beachfront setting is what sets this place apart.

3. Excellence Punta Cana- Ahh! Excellence Punta Cana. The standard in all inclusive honeymoons in the Dominican Republic. This resort has been a favorite of honeymoon couples for the last number of years. An all inclusive vacation at the adults-only Excellence Punta Cana features all suite accomodations, 24 hour room service, top-tier service and a plethora of dining options. I recommend the Excellence Club swim-up suites at this all inclusive. The swim-up suites feature direct access to the pool from your terrace. Each room features in-room jacuzzi, 4-poster bed, turndown service and much, much more. The Exellence Club will lavish you with private concierge service, pillow menus, private lounge area, private check-in and checkout and more.

4. Secrets Maroma- The newest resort in my list is the all inclusive Secrets Maroma. Opened just last year, this all inclusive resort is located on the world-famous Maroma Beach. Widely considered one of the best beaches in the world, Maroma is the place to be on the Mayan Riviera. Secrets is for adults-only and the facilities are marvelous. Every suite at the Secrets Maroma features a jacuzzi for two, 24 hour room service, in room minibar and more. I recommend staying in the Preferred Club section of this all inclusive. With Preferred Club status, you will enjoy VIP treatment and amenities. Secrets is the perfect choice for a honeymoon or destination wedding.

5. Breezes Runaway Bay- This Jamaican all inclusive makes the list for those who are looking for more fun in the sun. After a $20 million makeover, the all inclusive Breezes Runaway Bay looks better than ever. The key at Breezes is the amount of activities and party-like atmosphere that exists here. Don't get me wrong, there is still a sense of romanticism at Breezes. What I am saying is that Breezes has a focus on entertaining its guests. Jamaica is a cool place to visit and if you want a resort that feels younger, this is the hotel for you.

There you have it. Five honeymoon resorts and why you should go there.
Til next time,
Tom

Things I Still Need to See or Do in the Caribbean

I have vacationed in the Caribbean many times but I still have several things that I need to do and see. Staying at an all inclusive resort should not be a reason to avoid checking out the local culture.

1. Reggae Sumfest-This is the ultimate reggae gathering in the Caribbean. While I have attended some smaller Red Stripe "sessions" and have seen some cool artists, this is the gathering that is a must do. I recommend going with a local Jamaican. It is just much easier to get around and KNOW where you can be or shouldn't be and at what time. The reason I say this is that sometimes in the past, Dancehall night became a little "crazy" late into the evening. Regardless, I need to make it there once.

2. I want to check out Carnival in Trinidad. Trinidad is not an all inclusive vacation destination but I can live with that. Tobago is the real resort island in this area and might be where I would stay. Since I don't know much about the area, I am open to suggestions. I just know that this is something that I need to do. I love Soca music so I would hope to catch a good year.

3. I want to go hiking in Dominica and check out the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Dominica is a smaller island located between Martinique and Guadeloupe. This isn't an all inclusive destination either, but hey, I have been to all inclusive resorts almost 100 times. I still recommend an all inclusive vacation as a stress-free way to vacation but now I am talking about some off-the-beaten-path places. Dominica is supposed to be beautiful. Let me know if you have been there!

4. Cliff dive at Rick's Cafe in Negril, Jamaica. I have been there many times but have never had the nerve to dive or jump. If you stay at any all inclusive on the beach in Negril, it is an easy jaunt by taxi to get there. Call it a mid-life crisis or just plain "crazy" but sometimes you just need to do something out of the ordinary. Hopefully, I won't break an ankle.

5. Since I am learning the drums, I need to play with the house band at a future resort stay. A number of all inclusive resorts have "guest talent night" and I never really thought about participating. Now that I know a few "grooves", it is only a matter of time before I get my time in the spotlight :) As long as I don't suck at it, things will be fine. Guess I need to work on my "Reggae Riddims".

This is just a short list of things I want to see or do. I am sure that you have your own list. Let me know if there is something out there that is a MUST.

Later,
Tom

Five Things I Recommend To Make Everyone Happier!

I have figured out a few things in life that seem to make me happier. Maybe this will work for you!

1. Stop watching so much CNN, local news and national evening news. Have you ever stopped to think about how everything on the news is negative? Did it ever occur to you that a lot of the news is about fear and doom? Well, I am here to tell you that I stopped watching the local news years ago. CNN was next. I haven't watched a full version of any national news in several years. Guess what? I am not missing much. I get all the news I need from the Internet or from people telling me about it. I suggest you watch in moderation. If you work for a news organization, please help us out with a little positive stuff once in awhile :) and I might start watching again! A newspaper is easy to scan and filter, so I do still read one. You just skip the section or article that is disturbing. This thought occurred to me once when I was doing an all inclusive vacation in Jamaica. I was thankful that the tv viewing options were limited at the time and I just decided that there were more fun things to do than sit in front of the television, FOR EVEN A MINUTE.

This is what is so refreshing about going to an island. You get the chance to remove yourself from reality. Listen to the ocean lap against the shores below your balcony or watch the palm trees sway over your beachfront palapa. I really do think we are bombarded by the every day media blitz. You know what? The time I went on vacation without television and constant email/computer work was one of the best things I have ever done. Had more fun! Felt better! Figured out that most things we worry about don't really matter. In Jamaica they say "Don't worry bout a ting, cause every lil ting, gonna be alright". It makes sense. My Jamaican friend Jarrett once said "fear of the disease is worse than the disease itself". He was talking about he never worried about a thing, and especially getting sick. Makes you wonder about worrying about getting heart disease. I now know what he meant. You could actually make yourself sick by worrying.

Now I know this is long winded, but I really do encourage you to stop watching so much damn news! Stop worrying about the latest world problems and take some time away from it all. I bet a Caribbean all inclusive vacation is in order for all of us. Come to think of it, I have never seen an unhappy person sitting on the white sand next to the pristine waters of the Caribbean.

2. Get some sunshine!- During the winter, have you ever gotten "cabin fever" or felt depressed cause the weather is dark, gloomy, cold and wet? I sure have. An individual at our company was recently diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency. The doctor told him "You need to get outside and get some sun". Most of you know that sunlight gives us Vitamin D. I know that I feel great and am much happier when the sun is out and I get a chance to soak some up. I don't mean every day, but you do need to "catch some rays" from time to time. Oh? The sun never shines in your area for long periods of time? Well, I have the answer. Did you know that Cabo San Lucas has somewhere around 340 days of sunshine every year? Did you know that the Caribbean averages nearly 80 degrees year round? My favorite thing to do is go to an all inclusive resort somewhere warm while it is freezing cold out at home. Kinda makes you feel special that all of those folks back at home are freezing while you are playing some beach volleyball and sipping on all inclusive cocktails. Go get some sun! I'll bet it makes you happier.

3. Splurge on yourself- Feel like you work all of the time? Just got laid off? All of this negative talk about the economy has you down? Well, now is the time to splurge :) I bet a lot of you spend most of your time either working for or taking care of others. It is easy to forget that we need to "take care of ourselves" from time to time. Splurging can be good. Hey, what better thing to do than take a much-needed vacation? With all of the good deals out there on all inclusive vacations, this idea might not be all that crazy. Some hotels are running specials as high at 65% off all inclusive rates.

4. Give a gift to someone special-My best friend was pretty stressed out lately due to the industry he works in and that his accounts had suspended purchases because of decreased demand for their products. His income is dependent upon sales to these companies so it was making things frustrating. Well, his wife decided that HE needed a vacation that he wouldn't go out and buy for himself. She purchased a surprise all inclusive trip to a resort in the Mayan Riviera. They leave on Sunday. This will definitely make them both happier. He can get away from it all and she will be happier because he will be. It doesn't have to be a vacation, but giving a gift to a special person can be good for everyone involved.

5. Volunteer to help a charity or make a first-hand donation to a needy person. I like to know that my contributions go directly to the source in need. This is just a personal preference but that is how I operate. I always feel happier that I gave to someone who needs it more than me. When you can see that it made a difference, then that is all that matters. Anyway, try it and see how it goes. I bet you and the recipient will be happier for it :)

Bacon and Reggae!

Mmmmmm! Bacon. As I was cooking up a little bacon tonight, I thought "Man, I have never had a bad piece of bacon. It is always GOOOOD!". This led me to think about Reggae music. I have no idea why, but that is what transpired. Come to think of it, I have never heard a bad reggae song. Pretty unreal, but if you think about it, reggae is a universally cool sound. When you visit Jamaica you will pretty much understand what I am talking about.

For years, we used to frequent the same resort in Montego Bay, or Mobay, as the locals say. There was a band that we got to know very well. They went by the moniker "The Elements". It was cool, Irie vibes! I used to walk down to the showroom just to listen to the drummer sing. They would mix in some guest singers or "star talent" on most nights and everyone seemed to enjoy the groove. I would have to say that all inclusive entertainment can still be good in Jamaica. Last I checked, they were playing at the Sunset Beach Resort in Montego Bay.

Having been a mobile DJ for years, I have always enjoyed a good reggae song. A Jamaican group could take even the most mundane song, add a good beat, and mix the lyrics to make it real. When you visit Jamaica on an all inclusive vacation, you will hear all of the classics. You might even hear a Calypsonian sing the "Big Bamboo" :) in a reggae version. Whatever your tastes, reggae becomes infectious. The great Bob Marley once went on stage to bring together the opposition parties in Jamaica. And by all reports, Jamaica was much better for his efforts. Reggae is like bacon, it is always good!

I encourage you to visit Jamaica and take a listen to the rhythms of the island. Reggae is a universally accepted genre and can transcend cultures. Next time you visit my second home, please give a "Big Up" to the band at your respective all inclusive resort.
Walk good,
Tom

40-Plus, Stress-Free Getaways

40-Plus? Yup. There are plenty of vacation getaways for the over 40 crowd. It seems that so many people have asked me about all inclusive vacations that don't cater to the honeymoon crowd, I feel I must take time to put in my thoughts on the subject. There is a tendency to think that a resort might be "too young for me" when you start to distance yourself from the 20-somethings. If you are old enough to have children that are married, or maybe you have grandchildren, the thought might cross your mind that some resorts may be "just for the kids". Well, I am here to tell you that there are plenty of resorts that are more than right for a visit from anyone over the age of 40.

So, you say that you want an adults-only all inclusive vacation? No problem. Numerous adults-only resorts have opened in the last couple of years. Add these to the previously operating adult facilities and we have a ton of options. I will point out a number of popular resorts for the over-40 group but I first want to provide a few tips. Also, some resorts that allow families are perfect for adults over 40 since they are in more remote locations and tend to see a mainly adult-crowd.

1. April-October is wedding season. When people get married, they take off for a honeymoon. Travel from November-March at adults-only should give you the best shot at a more "mature" crowd. January-April 15th has long been considered the traditional "peak season" for return travelers to the Caribbean.

2. Smaller, more intimate resorts will carry less of a party vibe. Honeymooners that are around larger numbers of like-minded individuals are more likely to be the ones doing upside-down shots at the swim-up bar. The more elegant and formal the resort, the less likelihood of a "too young" crowd.

3. Avoid resort chains, like Sandals Resorts, that are mass-marketed to the honeymoon crowd.

4. Definitely avoid hotels that are deemed "Spring Break friendly". The majority of all inclusive resorts have begun to shun the Spring Break crowd, but be sure to do the proper research before committing to a trip during March.

The following is a list of resorts that have a variety of age groups and should be perfectly acceptable for the over-40 crowd. (I can't guarantee that every week will be the same in terms of age ranges. Also, there WILL always be some younger people on-property.)

El Dorado Maroma in the Mayan Riviera
Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Coyaba Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Anse Chastenet in St Lucia
Le Blanc Spa in Cancun
Blue Waters in Antigua
Almond Beach Club in Barbados

These are just a few of the examples of resorts for the over-40 crowd. I will say that a number of others will fit the bill at other times during the year. Also, keep in mind that age may not matter. I tend to want to hang around fun people of ALL ages. Find what fits you and have a great all inclusive experience.

Twitter and All Inclusive Vacations

This whole Twitter thing is really starting to get out of hand. I know, I know. What in the world does Twitter have to do with an all inclusive vacation. Well, I know one thing. Twitter is used to tell others what you are doing, to provide breaking news, or to disseminate information you think is valuable to others. Hmmmm? How could this be used for an all inclusive vacation. I have an idea! For those of us toiling and laboring through the work day, how about you tell us how great your all inclusive vacation is. And do it WHILE you are there. You know! You could tell us what kind of frozen concoction that the bartender just made for you while you are sitting at the swim-up pool bar. Or better yet, you could send out a TWEET while you are para sailing above turquoise waters. Wouldn't that be something to tell the kids. I don't mind living vicariously through others. If I can't be on vacation, I sure am glad that you can. Tell me all about it. You can follow me at http://twitter.com/jamaicatom and I will be sure to follow back.

I see all kinds of use for Twitter and all inclusives. If you find out that a certain room number or room block at the resort has the best view, tweet it to us. Discover some really cool local restaurant or meet a super special employee at the resort, let us know! We will endeavor to provide you with relevant information regarding travel to the Caribbean and Mexico. From time to time, my tweets may not pertain to anything you care about. But hey, that is what Twitter is all about. An all inclusive vacation is an experience. One that you might want to tell the world about! And we are all here to listen.
Happy Tweeting!
Tom