Wednesday, December 14, 2011

How to Save Money on Food When You Travel


 Vacations are expensive as it is. The amount of money most people spend increases dramatically when it comes to meals. Eating out every day could cost you several hundred dollars a day. You can spend less on food and meals when you are traveling. The key is to plan ahead and to be more creative. Vacation food budgets can be used for fun activities instead of costly meals. Check out the local grocery stores, farmers market, bakeries and even drug stores! You'll be surprised what you come up with and enjoy it anywhere: the beach, picnic in a park or in a train!  
By Janel McQueen


Read more: How to Spend Less on Food on Vacation | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4485340_spend-less-food-vacation.html#ixzz1gXhu6mpH
http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/whats-the-deal/how-to-save-money-on-food-when-you-travel

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Check Out Our New Facebook Page & Our Sweepstakes!!

FANS! Refer your friends to win a Kindle Fire!! Enter our Holiday Sweepstakes here and enter to win - refer your friends and when they LIKE us they're entered to win a $100 Walmart Gift Card! Help us spread the word click here to enter https://www.facebook.com/pages/Destinations/117221067119?sk=app_112053162216760

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Belize - A New and Undiscovered Treasure


The Great Blue Hole in Belize
In doing research this week for a travel request, I got excited about visiting a destination new to me, BELIZE.  More and more people are asking us about this little gem, south of the border.  Belize, formerly known as the British Honduras, is in northern Central America.  English is the official language, but Spanish is widely spoken as the major ethnic group of Belize is now Latino.  The weather in Belize has two seasons, a rainy one and a dry one.  Rainy season is generally June to November.  The coldest month of the year is January, while May is the warmest.

Belize is home to the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, and is well known as a supreme diving destination.  Belize also has terrific snorkeling, sport and salt water fishing, hiking and biking, tubing, and Mayan ruins.  The country is home to more than 200 islands - many are secluded and less traveled. 

Placencia, Belize

Placencia is a beautiful emerald peninsula in southern Belize with 16 miles of sandy beaches.  The Caribbean Sea is to the east, and the lagoon lies to the west looking to the mainland of Belize.  Placencia is known for the warm and caring people.   Trips to the Reef, which is 17 miles away, can easily be arranged for snorkeling or diving.  There are several wonderful resorts on the island.  They range from basic accommodations, to luxury resorts with all the amenities a travel connoisseur would require.  Placencia while growing in popularity, still retains the beauty of its natural environment, the friendliness of  its people and its history and culture.     
The Placencia Hotel and Residences

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Kevin + Angie Celebrate their 20th Wedding Anniversary in Style



Kevin and Angie Hydorn recently celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary at the beautiful Secrets Capri  Riviera in the Yucatan of Mexico.  Here is what they had to say about their vacation:


We had an amazing time on our trip! If it weren’t for missing our kids, we’d probably still be there. The best decision of our entire trip was choosing to use Tracee Williams with Destinations. We told her what we wanted at a price we could afford. She did all the work and it could not have gone more smoothly. All we had to do was pack, and I’m pretty sure she would have done that for us too if we would have asked. : )  She was there to answer any questions we had at any time. The information packets were clear and helpful. Tracee took the stress out of planning our vacation and allowed my husband and I to enjoy celebrating 20 years of marriage. 

I have to admit, I’m still looking for Carlos and Sergio to walk around the corner and ask me what I need. Unfortunately, the hospitality has been replaced with the needy, “Mom, get me this!” or “She keeps bothering me!” cries from my children. That's okay.  These are the things that make us appreciate the much needed getaways.

We will definitely go back to Secrets Capri and we would recommend Destinations to anyone who wants to have a stress free, enjoyable vacation.
 -  Kevin and Angie Hydorn


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Jerod + Michelle: Playa del Carmen Honeymoon

Jerod and Michelle honeymooned at The Royal Playa del Carmen and had a wonderful time. The Royal is in the heart of Playa del Carmen - the center of the Riviera Maya. It's adults-only and all-inclusive. Hear what Michelle had to say after they returned:
Sarah,
I just wanted to say thank you for putting our trip together. It was amazing! We had the best time and we didn't have any problems. It was just easy and relaxing and we loved every minute of it! The resort was beautiful and we had so much fun shopping on 5th ave. We are already talking about trying to go back for our one year! Thanks again!
Michelle Hicks

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Up to $375 off Beach Getaways


Incredible savings with up to $375 off a beach getaway to Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Central America, or South America. Give us a call today to book your flight + hotel package. 479-582-1900

Book by: June 15, 2011
Travel by: December 31, 2011

Thursday, May 5, 2011

AZUL Hotels - Kids fly, stay, and eat for free


Take advantage of a great promotion from AZUL Hotels in Mexico's Riviera Maya. These family-friendly all-inclusive resorts will change the way you vacation.

When you reserve a minimum 5-night flight + resort vacation package, up to 2 kids 12 years of age and under will fly free, plus, they'll stay and eat free, too.

Book by June 30th or while supplies last.
Travel by Oct 31, 2011.
Certain room categories apply.

Choose from 3 great all-inclusive resorts:
AZUL Fives Hotel
AZUL Sensatori Hotel
AZUL Beach Hotel

Give us a call today, 479-582-1900. We have experienced all three of these fabulous resorts and can share with you our firsthand knowledge. These resorts are upscale, are Gourmet Inclusive, offer outstanding service, a wonderful Azulitos Kid's Club, and a superb Fisher-Price partnership, plus much more. AZUL Hotels are designed to foster togetherness.





Friday, April 22, 2011

Melvin Family: Playa del Carmen Adventure

The Melvin Family spent Spring Break in the heart of Playa del Carmen (the center of Mexico's Riviera Maya area) at The Gran Porto Real, a family friendly all-inclusive beachfront resort. They had one adventure after another. They spent one entire day at Explor Adventure Park. They also strolled 5th Avenue, took scuba lessons, drank copious amounts of Pina minus the Colada, snorkeled, enjoyed the cuisine and much more.

Here's a glimpse of their Mexican Vacation. Thanks for trusting Destinations with your vacation, Melvin Family!

View from chaise lounge the first day
View from room balcony
He was in search of a coconut to drink out of and had no problem finding one
Exploring the cenotes (underwater caves)
Amphibious vehicle exploration through 6 miles of jungle and caverns

Ziplining kiddos. They did all 14 lines.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Adventure in Costa Rica

We recently had a honeymoon couple return from Costa Rica and they shared some gorgeous pictures with us. They flew into San Jose and rented a car (make sure it's a 4 wheel drive vehicle) to travel to the Arenal and Monteverde regions. The Arenal Volcano is one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. Monteverde is home to cloud forests which are rare and occur within tropical or subtropical mountainous environments where the atmospheric conditions are just right for a consistent cover of clouds.

They kept the road hot and took advantage of several outdoor adventure activities:
  • Sky Trek Canopy Tour (aka zipling)
  • Arenal Volcano
  • The Sloth Sanctuary near the Monteverde cloud forest reserve
  • ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tour
  • Orchid garden tour
  • Hanging bridge walk
  • La Trepiche coffee plantation tour
  • Stopped in Fuentes Frescas to see the waterfalls

Waterfall in Fuentes Frescas

Arenal Volcano

View from the Zipline



Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Free Upgrade to First Class Air? Yes, Of Course.

Photo courtesy of Sandals Negril
Start your honeymoon off right by flying First Class. Ooh lah lah. Luxury and pampering from the start. When you book your 7 night air + resort honeymoon or destination wedding with Sandals Resorts and Delta Vacations you will be eligible for a FREE upgrade to First Class Airfare.

The options are endless. Choose from 7 resorts in Jamaica, 2 in the Bahamas, 1 in Antigua or 3 in St. Lucia. We can help you find the right resort for your personality. We have traveled extensively to these resorts so we can serve you best.

When it comes to your honeymoon or destination wedding trust only the experts at Destinations. Give us a call today, 479.582.1900 or toll free 888.398.9297.

Must book 3rd room category or higher to be eligible for promotion.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Big Island, Big Memories

Turtle Beach in Kona
The Kilgore Family spent their Spring Break on Oahu and The Big Island in Hawaii. They spent time in Honolulu visiting Pearl Harbor. On the Big Island they were very adventurous and took in the sheer beauty and scenery. They made memories that will last a lifetime, and their pictures say a thousand words.

The highlights include:
  • Seeing the Arizona memorial and the USS Missouri. We got to see the actual papers (instruments of surrender) that the Japanese had to sign to surrender. One of the tour guides gave some interesting details about the signing of those documents. When Japan's copy was signed the Canadian Colonel signed in the wrong spot and they had to do pen and ink changes on the spot to fix them. I was able to take pictures of the documents as well.
  • We watched portions of the filming for "Hawaii Five-O" on the beach right outside our hotel as we ate breakfast.
  • The kids got to see and swim with sea turtles at sea turtle beach. They actually swim right up by you without hesitation.
  • 
    Black Sand Beach
    Waipio Valley
    Akaka Falls
    USS Missouri
    View from room at Royal Kona

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A Dying Mema's Wish


Mema with her grandchildren
I recently had the privilege to plan a very special family vacation. When Marla contacted me initially, I had no idea how closely we would work together and how near and dear her family's special vacation would be to my heart. Mema took the whole family to The Reef Atlantis March 5-12 for an unforgettable family vacation as she is drawing near the end of her life. I have great admiration for Mema. Read Marla's touching testimonial below.
Family always came first with my mother-in-law. She set the tradition of a family vacation so all her grandchildren could be together for at least one week out of the year. When this amazing woman was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer, she fought with all her might until her doctors said any further treatment would be of no help. It came as no real surprise when we asked her if there was anything she wanted to do; she said she wanted to take a trip. Not just any trip, she wanted to take her whole family, all 15 of us, plus her caregiver to The Reef Atlantis in the Bahamas.
A friend of mine recommended Destinations. I can never express how grateful I am for all the work Sarah did to help us take this journey. She organized 11 expedited passports, travel for 4 families including 8 children and our severely mobility impaired Mema, lodging, meal plans and very good travel insurance-- all within three weeks of my initial contact to the office. Sarah went above and beyond to help make our Mema's last wish for a great family vacation come true.

I will without hesitation recommend Destinations to anyone who asks and even those who don't! - Marla Sheely
The Dolphin Experience
The view from their rooms
Marla's boys having fun at an Atlantis photo op

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Ski Getaway in Tahoe


Lake Tahoe, the California side
Over the weekend my husband and I flew out west for a ski getaway at Heavenly. We flew into the Reno/Tahoe Airport and rented a car to drive to South Lake Tahoe. The drive took us just under an hour and was picturesque. Gorgeous pines capped with snow and mountains in the backdrop. Upon arrival at the hotel, we valeted the car (and never saw it again until we checked out). We spent 3 nights at the Marriott Grand Residence in South Lake Tahoe. We had a comfortable studio with a full kitchen. It was perfect for our needs, and best of all the resort was convenient to Heavenly Sports (ski rentals) and the gondola (15 minute ride up to the base of Heavenly). The ski shop was literally underneath our room, and the gondola was just steps away from there. We valeted our skis (complimentary) each afternoon when we came down the mountain. The last day when we turned our skis and boots in, we walked in our socks to our room because it was that close (and we may have forgotten our shoes, oops). There are plenty of things to see and do within walking distance of the Marriott Grand Residence in South Lake Tahoe: movie theater, restaurants, ice skating rink, grocery store, The North Face shop, ice cream, Starbucks, casinos, other shopping and much more.

Our studio



[Facts about the mountain]
Heavenly is home to 29 lifts and 95 runs. You can ski in Nevada and California. While California has the prettiest scenery with Lake Tahoe at the bottom, we preferred the blue runs on the Nevada side of the mountain best. Galaxy, Perimeter and The Pines are a few of our favorites.
  • 10,067' highest elevation in Lake Tahoe
  • 3,500' vertical unmatched on the West Coast
  • 4,800 acres spanning two states, most on the West Coast
  • Annual snowfall averages more than 30 feet a year
  • 5 mile descent longest on the West Coast 

Bill on the Nevada side

View from the gondola

Hot chocolate break in the lodge
On the first day I made one mistake. I followed my husband’s lead as he took an “off run” turn and we ended up on a black diamond full of moguls. He was up above me and managed to cut back over to the blue, but I was downhill with no hope of returning to the safe, secure blue so I just had to go with it. I made an embarrassing attempt at getting down the run. I ended up with my skis crossed at one point, and the next thing I knew there was a pack of kids skiing like pros through the moguls. To make matters even worse, the run was underneath a ski lift. At least no one knew me. I made my way to the bottom with little grace and no style, and Bill was waiting for me there. How nice.
No trip out west is complete without a stop at In-N-Out Burger, so we got our fix on the way to the airport. Bill had his burger animal style (are you familiar with the secret menu? Animal style translated means a mustard-cooked beef patty with additional pickles, cheese, spread and grilled onions diced up and mixed together on the grill before getting dumped on your burger.) and I preferred the traditional cheeseburger, no onion please. Their fries are the best.


We would return to South Lake Tahoe and Heavenly in a heartbeat.

Enjoyed sharing with you,
Sarah

Friday, February 18, 2011

Honeymoon Savings


Book your honeymoon with Destinations and save up to $250. Rely on our expertise to recommend a fabulous resort to fit your personality. Let us take the stress out of the planning, call us today! We also offer a Honeymoon Registry, an alternative to the traditional wedding registry.

local 479-582-1900 or toll free 888-398-9297

May we recommend some exotic locales perfect for honeymooners looking to escape and enjoy a luxurious all inclusive resort for adults only?
  • Antigua
  • St. Lucia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Riviera Maya
  • Cabo
  • Jamaica
  • Turks and Caicos
  • Anguilla
  • Barbados
  • Bahamas
  • Maui
  • Kauai
Book by 3/31/11 to be eligible for promotion.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Cruise Closer to Home Than You Think

Voyager of the Seas
7-NIGHT WESTERN CARIBBEAN
Departing from New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana Cozumel, Mexico
Falmouth, Jamaica George Town, Grand Cayman
New Orleans, Louisiana

Mariner of the Seas
7-NIGHT WESTERN CARIBBEAN
Departing from Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas Roatan, Honduras Belize City, Belize
Cozumel, Mexico Galveston, Texas

Galveston, Texas Cozumel, Mexico
George Town, Grand Cayman Falmouth, Jamaica
Galveston, Texas

SAILING FROM NOVEMBER 2011 - APRIL 2012

Give us a call to reserve your Royal Caribbean Cruise
479-582-1900

Monday, February 14, 2011

Book a Cruise, Receive $100 Onboard

Cruise on the latest and greatest ships sailing the waters and get $100 onboard credit. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are like no other ship you have ever sailed on before. Click here to read our personal review of Allure of the Seas.   

Monday, February 7, 2011

Family Cruising to Europe this Summer

Pack your bags once and visit multiple destinations! This Summer take the whole family on a Mediterranean Cruise with Royal Caribbean. With 11 ships in Europe this Summer the choices are endless. Prices listed below are based on a family of 4. 

Friday, February 4, 2011

Dreaming of Flip Flop Weather?

This winter storm across the country has all of us dreaming about warmer temperatures, green grass and sunshine. With the Caribbean Sale going on, now is the time to plan the vacation you've been dreaming about. Soon you'll be dipping your toes in the sand.

The Caribbean is on Sale

Save up to $175 on your flight and hotel vacation to the gorgeous island destinations of the Caribbean. Fall in love with each island's alluring ambiance; the plethora of fine, white-sand beaches; lots of sunshine; fascinating history; and diverse cultures.

Book by Feb 12, 2011
Travel by June 30, 2011

To see the latest Vacation Therapy eNewsletter click here.

Let's end the week with an inspiring quote. Enjoy your weekend!
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Collette Family Vacations

Interested in a unique family vacation this Summer? We are excited to share with you a new option from Collette Vacations, one of our reputable tour vendors.

Collette Family Vacations brings travelers of all ages together to experience the world's greatest destinations. Specifically cultural experiences, family oriented hotels and immersive activities at a fantastic price.

Enjoy Child Rates up to 50% Off Adult Rates, Family-Friendly Hotels, and Hands-on experiences the whole family can enjoy.

Destinations include:
  • Costa Rica
  • Galapagos
  • Kenya
  • Italy
  • Canadian Rockies
  • Canyon Country [Arizona - Utah - Nevada]
  • American Spirit [PA - Virgina - D.C.]
  • The Wild West & Yellowstone
  • London and Paris
Who else would you rather share these rich experiences with than your family? Let us help you plan your unforgettable Family Summer Vacation.
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