LoveLand and Sea Travel Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000

What To Expect When Traveling in 2021

Know The Requirements

Expect to wear mask at the airport and on the plane. Some airports may require a more specific (non-cloth) mask. Practice mask wearing with young kids beforehand. If your child isn't used to wearing a mask, the airport is not the place to try it out. Help your child get used to wearing it before your trip.

Check destination requirements. Many policies have changed recently and require uploaded documents prior to travel. Some destinations require specific insurance, vaccination records and/or a negative Covid test. Your travel advisor can point you in the right direction for the destination website to upload documents and see the latest safety protocols.

Expect passport processing delays. Even expedited passports can take 12 weeks. Check your passports and make sure they are valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates. Processing times are delayed for new applications as well as renewals.

Expect Long Airport Lines

Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights. Wait times vary based on the airport, but it's always better to be early just in case.

Avoid checking bags if possible. If you are traveling domestically and don't check bags you can skip the bag drop line and check in online. When traveling internationally, you will collect your bags at your first US stop. This means layovers need to be long enough to go through immigration, wait for your bag, go through customs, re-check your bag and get to your next flight.

Use airline apps to upload necessary paperwork, vaccination records or Covid test results. These can be pre-approved to save you time and will alert you if you are missing something needed for travel.

Rental Car Shortage

Expect less options and higher pricing. There is a national car rental shortage due to cut back and automotive parts shortages.

Book early, consider non-airport locations. Airport locations (especially in top tourist destinations) may not have a rental car available. Consider booking at a neighborhood location and take an Uber or cab there from the airport.

Consider car share companies like Turo, GetAround or ZipCar.

Be Flexible and Patient

Flight Cancellations and delays are more frequent. Don't cut it too close with layovers or choose the last flight of the day to your destination. Layovers returning from an international destination should be at least 2.5-3 hours if you are checking bags to account for potential delays and lines at immigration and customs. Factoring in a lunch break at an airport when you have some extra time is a lot better than factoring in an overnight if you miss your flight.

Be patient with hotel staff and restaurant servers. Many are new and still learning. This is true in everywhere, but especially in popular resort destinations like Mexico. Many of the hotel staff come from other parts of the country. When Covid hit and hotels shut down a lot tourism workers went back home to their families. Many got other jobs and haven't returned to the hotels. The resorts are filling positions as they can, but training takes time. Also, keep in mind that hotels are working at reduced capacity, which means less staff and some dining options may not be open.

Book early. Capacity limits and high demand have eliminated last-minute deals. Yes, there are still a few deals out there for last-minute vacations, but not like we used to see. Availability is very limited and planning ahead is a must if you want to get the best value and most selection. As always, travel insurance is highly recommended and it's important to know what your policy covers. I suggest choosing a plan with Cancel for Any Reason coverage. This gives you the flexibility to change your mind without needing to meet requirements.

Coronavirus Update

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:58:00 +0000

Dear Travel Clients,

We are here for you! We understand you may be worried and even stressed about the next steps for any upcoming travel.

One of the reasons people trust travel agents to book their trips is because in times like these, we are on your side and can handle these types of unpredictable situations. We are handling all of the long wait times with the airlines and travel suppliers and are advocating on your behalf for new change and cancellation policies.

Please know that we are here for you and doing everything we can to help you and all of our clients navigate this uncertain time for travel.

As travel agents, we receive direct communications from travel suppliers and organizations on their latest policies and procedures. Being part of this supportive network helps us guide our clients to the best possible solution for their particular situation.

So, please reach out to us if you need to make changes to your trip or are concerned about your travel plans. We are doing our best to respond and address our clients’ needs as quickly and efficiently as we can. We are currently working on trips which are departing in the next 60 days. But, we are more than happy to address any concerns for travel beyond as well.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we move forward together and for your support of our travel business now and in the future.

Sincerely,
Beth Duppstadt, Agency Owner
LoveLand & Sea Travel

Tips for Traveling With a Significant Other

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 20:44:00 +0000

This week agency owner, Beth Duppstadt and Honeymoon Specialist Nancy Jackson talked with Sheila Gray at Good Morning Cincinnati and provided some tips for traveling with a significant other.

Watch the video here:

Channel 12 Interview

1. Start Small - If you are in a new relationship or traveling together for the first time, I recommend starting with an easy trip first, such as a long weekend. Traveling with someone and being together 24/7 is a lot different than going on dates a few nights a week.

2. Discuss Priorities & Be Willing to Compromise - Everyone has their own idea of what their perfect trip will be like. Discuss what you really want to experience during your trip and what you really don't like as well. Then, be willing to compromise in order to make sure both people are getting some of their top priorities met.

3. Be Clear About Budget and Spending Expectations - This is an important conversation to have. First, determining how much you'll spend on accommodations and transportation, but then also what you are comfortable spending once you are on the trip. Will you be splurging on gourmet meals every night, or eating at budget-friendly restaurants?

This is why I like All-Inclusive Resorts for my honeymoon clients. Once they arrive they don't have to worry about spending or staying within a budget. It's all taken care of upfront which is a lot less stressful.

4. Consider Privacy Needs - I recommend planning for some alone time during your trip. Maybe one of you will go to the spa for a few hours while the other plays golf. Having a little time to yourself can help you stay focused on the relationship for the rest of the trip. Also, make sure your accommodations are set up with enough privacy. Maybe you don't want a room with an open bathroom concept if you are in a new relationship.

5. After Trip Discussion - After you return home take a few minutes to talk about what you really enjoyed about your trip and anything that could have been better. It may help you in planning your next vacation.

Winter Getaways 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 23:33:00 +0000

Winter Getaways 2019

This morning I had the privilege of talking with Sheila Gray at Local 12 News about winter travel ideas. This is the perfect time to plan a getaway and escape the cold! We talked about four categories: Bargain, Family, Off-The-Beaten-Path and Go Big. No matter what your style or budget there is a great getaway for you!

Click the link to view the segment. For booking info check out www.lovelandandsea.com.

Good Morning Cincinnati News Segment

Bargain Travel

The Bahamas - There are great specials available to get people back to the islands after the hurricane. Most islands in The Bahamas (14) are completely open for business. The islands that were affected can use our support. By traveling to the Bahamas we are supporting the economy and keeping people employed in the tourism industry.

Family Travel

Take a Caribbean Cruise on the Brand New Norwegian Encore. The ship is perfect for families! They offer go carts, laser tag with augmented reality, virtual reality games, an aqua park and kids club.

For adults they offer a spa with a snow room and salt room, casino and Broadway-Style entertainment. October is a great time to book with many special offers including free drinks packages and free airfare.

https://www.ncl.com/cruise/norwegian-encore/activities

Off The Beaten Path

Merida, Mexico. Conde Nast Magazine just named Merida the "Best Small City in the World, 2019." They offer charming walk-able streets, rich culture and friendly people. I visited over the summer and fell in love! You can also check out Mayan ruins nearby.

Photos from my recent trip are here:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/LoveLandandSea/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2462555150435462

Go Big

The Galapagos. Winter is the wet/warm season so it's perfect for those who want to snorkel and see animals such as marine iguanas, green sea turtles, and penguins. Land and Cruise options available. This destination is part of my Animal Adventures Collection.

Cruising the Mediterranean

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 16:26:00 +0000

This week's blog post is from Katie Normand, our Europe, New Zealand and Australia Specialist!

Mediterranean Cruise on the Oceania Sirena

I’ve always been a type-A/plan-my-own-itinerary/book-everything-myself kind of person. The idea of a trip or a cruise where every stop is planned out for me each day sounded quite restricting—definitely not my style. But a few years ago the opportunity arose for me to join my Aunt Judy on a cruise around the Mediterranean, and as it turns out, it ended up being one of the most amazing trips of my life!

Our itinerary was on the Eastern Mediterranean, round-trip from Athens, Greece. As I reviewed the itinerary before we left, I appreciated that we were going to hit some of the more popular destinations like Santorini and Venice, but I was seriously questioning some stops, like Corfu (Greece), Kotor (Montenegro), or Ancona (Italy).

As we explored the ship our first night, I was shocked by how much there was to do on the ship alone! There was a pool and hot tub of course, but also a full spa, a library, a putting green, shuffleboard, and more. I could probably just spend a whole week on the ship.

Another thing I loved about the ship was the food—or more specifically, the endless choices! I’m not really what you would consider a “foodie.” I’m a pretty picky eater, and I always hate to pay for food if I don’t know I’ll like because if not, it’ll be a waste of food and money!

But the beauty of cruising this way was that the food is already included in the fare. I really appreciated that Oceania made a point to have local food from our port available for dinner each night, so it was great to be able to try local delicacies with the peace of mind of knowing if I didn’t like it, I could just go grab some pizza or a burger! (Although I ended up loving everything new that I tried—hello, baklava!)

Our first stop was Santorini, and the beautiful island certainly lived up to the hype. Sailing into the bay at sunrise was quite a beautiful sight, and it wasn’t hard at all to find those classic blue domes for a photo!

After a stop in Katakolon, Greece, where we visited the original Olympic grounds, we ventured on to Corfu, another Greek Island and somewhere I probably never would have thought to visit on my own due to the popularity of some many other Greek islands, but wow—was I blown away by Corfu! This island had it all. A charming old town with beautiful ancient architecture and quaint shops, and some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen.

Judy and I also tried the local drink, Ouzo, which is a clear alcohol so strong you have to dilute it with water to drink, and when you do, it turns milky white. It tasted just like black licorice!

The next stop was Kotor, Montenegro, another place that never would’ve been on my radar otherwise. Kotor sits in what’s called Europe’s southernmost fjord, and sailing into the fjord in the morning when it’s silent and still was so peaceful and beautiful.

The Old City is well-preserved, and an UNESCO heritage site. Surrounded by mountains, we climbed a long set of steps up to the old fortress that overlooks the city and bay for stunning views. We also took a boat trip out to Our Lady of the Rocks church which sits on an island of its own in the fjord.

From there we stopped in stunning Split, Croatia which boasted amazing architecture (the city center is literally built into an old palace), classic orange rooftops, and outdoor markets, then onto a rainy day Venice where I completed all of my Christmas present shopping for the year and enjoyed pizza and gelato (of course)!

From Venice, we sailed to Ancona, Italy, where I was really confused as to what there is to do here. But instead of staying in the city, we opted for the shore excursion to San Marino, which is a little-known country (yes, country!) that sits in the middle of Italy (kind of like the Vatican).

Walking the cobblestone streets, I felt like I had gone back in time. After watching the changing of the guard at the President’s house, I actually went to the tourism office to get a stamp for my passport—this was my 20^th country visited! What a fun little surprise San Marino was, and an extra country checked off the bucket list!

After Ancona, we stopped in Bari, Italy which is the gateway to the Puglia region known for its seaside cliffs, and then we had a day at sea while returning back to Athens, where we added an extra day post-cruise to explore this enormous city before returning back to the US.

Overall, I ended up absolutely loving my cruising experience! I thought the set itinerary would be rigid and dull, but there were still so many surprises along the way. We still had plenty of flexibility to choose what we wanted to do in each port, and when we opted to do the Oceania shore excursions, they were top-notch experiences. And probably the best part of it all was that after a long day of exploring a city, I could sit back, relax and have a drink without worrying about how I was getting from place to place, finding accommodations, or hauling luggage. That alone was worth it, because my vacation could really be a vacation!

For booking details visit lovelandandsea.com

Warm Weather Getaways

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Sat, 05 Jan 2019 02:18:00 +0000

This morning I visited Fox 19 News to talk about some great warm weather destinations to beat the cold winter! I highlighted the destinations with some great new hotels. These new properties offer great promotions, services and unique amenities.

Riviera Maya Mexico

Why: Non-stop flights, great hotel deals, nature and culture.

New Luxury Resort - Hotel Xcaret

https://www.hotelxcaret.com/en/

Costa Rica

Why: Soft Adventure, Black Sand Beaches, Cloud Forest.

New Resort - Planet Hollywood

https://www.planethollywoodhotels.com/property/costa-rica

Los Cabos

Why: New Non-Stop Flights, The Arch, Whale Watching, Nightlife

New Resort - Nobu

https://www.nobuhotels.com/loscabos.html

See the video of the news segment here: http://www.fox19.com/video/2019/01/04/beth-duppstadt-with-love-land-sea-travel/

One Love Bus - Negril

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 23:16:00 +0000

I have traveled to Jamaica several times. I enjoy Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios and try to visit each destination on a regular basis. I have always had a great time exploring and going on excursions and seeing beautiful waterfalls, mountains and beaches. However, this last trip to Negril was the best, and a huge part of that was because of the One Love Bus Tour.

Lenbert runs this tour and you won't find it on tour websites or in any traditional booking engine. To book this tour you contact Lenbert by email. He offers this tour for free in order to help tourists experience a more authentic Jamaica and to help the local bars benefit more from tourism.

*UPDATE 2020: The One Love Bus Tour is now sold through Viator for a nominal fee. Tips are still appreciated. https://www.viator.com/tours/Negril/One-Love-Bus-Bar-Crawl/d433-160097P1?accountid=TGQ1ZGT&mcid=58086

Once my travel buddy and friend, Megan, and I were confirmed for our tour I got prepared. After reading online reviews I learned that Lenbert often stops at a village where kids will be out in the streets. Riders on the bus are able to donate items to the kids and village. Some bring flip flops, candy, school supplies, books or just donate cash.

Lenbert picked us at our hotel and the fun began. We were the first ones on the bus, which was covered inside with articles about Negril and many that featured the driver himself.

We drove to another resort to pick up the rest of the riders. They were a group of friends all staying together and celebrating a birthday. Megan and I lucked out to join such a fun group of people!

Lenbert rotates the bars he visits to spread the business around. The places we visited were fantastic. It started with a small roadside place that couldn't even fit us all. We spread out to the surrounding outdoor space and noticed a man walking around selling "ganja" and brownies. Jamaicans are allowed to grow a limited amount of marijuana per person in each house. Tourists are still not legally allowed to buy any drugs, including marijuana, but since the fine is equal to about $5 US dollars and it's rarely enforced, it's pretty common for visitors buy and smoke it.

We stopped a several other places, including a bar that is set within the cliffs on the west end. There are steps leading down to a cave, complete with bats hanging and water crashing into the rocks at it's entrance. I loved that experience!

There were many surprises along the way, but my favorite was visiting Lenbert's home and meeting his wife and one of his kids. There were fresh pastries offered and we were able to see his wife's beautiful artwork and taste her famous rum punch!

I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see more of Negril and meet some incredible people along the way. Remember to bring cash for bar purchases and to tip the driver. Don't forget to bring donation items for the kids and wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you plan to do any cliff jumping at Rick's Cafe.

Akumal Turtle Snorkeling

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 17:59:00 +0000

If you have ever read my blog before you know that I love animals. Every time I travel I seek out the local wildlife and look for excursions that will feed my soul.

On my last visit to Mexico I decided to check out a snorkeling excursion. I only book tours where animals are in their natural habitat and not in captivity. I'ts very important to me that the animals I am seeing are not exploited, but protected and truly admired. I also only book with reputable companies whom I can trust for my personal travel as well as for my clients' travel.

Jose, from Surfing on the Road Tours suggested the Akumal Turtle Excursion. It was the perfect suggestion for my mother and I who were traveling together.

Juan picked us up right on time from our hotel. It was so nice not to have to worry about getting to and from the tour location. The ride was comfortable and air conditioned and Juan was just amazing! He was very friendly and spoke English very well (and even spoke some French!) Despite my efforts my Spanish is still very much lacking so it was nice to have someone who was so fluent.

We arrived to Akumal and met with the local turtle guide, Ruben from Wild Ak Tours. He explained how the area is now protected and only a certain number of people can visit per day. He also talked about the rules and how a minimum impact on the ocean life and environment was important.

When we got in the water I noticed that there was another tour company with a large group of people. I was so happy that this private tour only had myself, my mom, Juan and Ruben. It made the whole experience so much better. The large group seemed to all be fighting for their turns to see the turtles and I think they probably scared some away. Having just the 4 of us in the water made this tour magical and special.

I was a little concerned that my mother (65 years old) who had never snorkeled before might have a hard time, but Ruben gave her a float and offered to pull her along when needed. It was so nice!

I was expecting to maybe see a turtle or two. I was shocked and delighted when we saw three turtles within the first 5 minutes of swimming! Not only that but we saw stingrays, and fish right in front of us and below us. The turtles were literally right below us as we swam and I could watch as they munched on sea grass and swam to the surface for a breath of air.

This was by far one of the best experiences I have ever had. I honestly think that I wouldn't have felt the same way if I was with a large group. If you are considering this tour book the private option with Surfing on the Road. It's worth every penny and you will remember this forever.

**Photos and videos are courtesy of Surfing on the Road Tours

For booking details, visit my website at www.lovelandandsea.com

Kantun-Chi Eco Park - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 18:32:00 +0000

I have been to Mexico several times. I have visited the Riviera Maya numerous times and have enjoyed eco parks, cenotes and wildlife. I've done a ton of excursions and felt like I had "done it all."

This last trip was different though. I was taking my son with me for the first time. Things were different. Excursions that I enjoyed on my own or with my friends were not as family-friendly. I love going to cenotes (sinkholes filled with water which are either open, partially underground or fully underground and cave-like).

The cenote tour I did 2 years ago was fun. I got to zipline into a cenote, kayak, jump, rappel down and more into 5 different cenotes. The problem was, this was an all-day tour that required getting into a bus early in the morning and driving (on very rough roads) to reach each of the cenotes. I knew my 11 year old son would have a hard time on an excursion this long and would likely get bored on the bus in between the action. I also wasn't sure how he would do on the more adventurous options.

I was introduced to Kantun-Chi by Alex Martinez, who told me about the beautiful property he worked at and how it was great for families. I decided to visit with my son last month and I'm so glad I did. My friend and her 11 year old son joined us.

The first thing I noticed about this place was the unspoiled beauty. I truly felt surrounded by nature and it was clear that this was not anything like the crowded commercial eco parks in the riviera maya. It felt private, secluded and peaceful.

We made our way to gear up (everything is provided) and went to our first cenote. The boys were amazed at the rock formations and the bats flying around. We all jumped in and it was refreshing to say the least!

The next cenote was just a walk down a path. This was one of my favorite things about Kantun-Chi. They have all of the cenotes and an underground river on the same property. There is no bus ride to take you to each one. It's all there and easy to access.

The kids were thrilled to see another cenote that looked so different from the first one. They were eager to get in and snorkel.

The favorite was the cenote where they got to jump in. This was a chance for the boys to show how brave they were! It's about 4 meters high and into a beautiful cenote surrounded by trees with roots coming up all around. Luis, our guide was encouraging the fun the whole time. He was also very passionate and knowledgeable which made the whole experience incredible.

The underground river was just amazing. The experience was a combination of swimming, crawling and walking through this underground world with formations that were a million years old. It was truly unique and memorable.

Lunch was really unexpected. I was thinking that it would be a very causal meal, like a picnic. I was wrong! The food was amazing and had plating that mimicked an 5 star resort instead of an eco park. It was such a unique experience to be one with nature and then dine outside surrounded by beauty with food that was top-notch.

We had limited time so we only spent about 3 hours there. However, they give the option to stay longer and explore the cenotes on your own after the tour, or relax in the hammocks. Next time I will plan to spend more time there.

This place is not only great for families but the environment is so romantic it could be perfect for proposals or even weddings.

For booking information contact me or visit http://www.kantunchi.com/

Summer Travel Deals 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 18:03:00 +0000

Summer Travel Destinations

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to go on Fox 19 News and talk about Summer travel deals. There are still a lot of options out there. I have broken it down for Families, Couples and Singles. You can check out the link below for the segment and keep reading for more information.

http://www.fox19.com/Clip/14458530/summer-travel-deals

Summer Destination for Families: Riviera Maya, Mexico

- Non-Stop Flights (CVG)

- Great Summer Deals

- All-Inclusive Resorts

- Soft Adventure that's family friendly

My favorite eco park in the Riviera Maya is Kantun Chi. They offer a beautiful property with nature, cenotoes, an underground river, hammocks and great food. It's perfect for the whole family. I highly recommend a visit http://www.kantunchi.com/ You can read more about Kantun Chi on my next blog post.

When you are in the Riviera Maya you will want to check out https://www.facebook.com/surfingontheroad/ They did a great job with photos!

Summer Destination for Couples: Hawaiian Islands

-Great Summer Deals

-Several Islands with no impact from volcano

-Romantic Setting

-Amazing Beaches, Water Falls and Scenery and Culture

Summer Destination for Singles: Jamaica

-Non-stop flights

-Adults Only Resorts with Lively Atmosphere

-Reggae Festival, Southcoast Rum Festival, and Dream Weekend Music Festival

-Nightlife, Adventure and Culture

-Meet the People Program (more on this in a future blog post)

Summer Travel Destinations - Channel 12 News Segment

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:34:00 +0000

This morning I stopped by Local 12 News and talked with Sheila Gray about some Summer Travel Destinations. Information and video are at the link below.

http://local12.com/news/good-morning-cincinnati/alternative-travel-destinations-from-loveland-sea-travel

Is Iceland on Your Radar?

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Thu, 17 May 2018 00:35:00 +0000

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with Rob Williams at Fox 19 News about the new Wow Airlines service out of Cincinnati. There are some amazing deals if you know what to look for and what to be ready for once you arrive to Iceland or one of the many connecting cities in Europe you can travel to with WOW.

Here is our segment:

https://www.facebook.com/FOX19Cincinnati/videos/10156426280391031/

For more details or to book your next vacation contact your travel agent or visit www.lovelandandsea.com and request information.

Spring Break 2018 Travel Tips & Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:45:00 +0000

This post is a follow up to my news segment this morning on WKRC Local 12 in Cincinnati.

Today I talked about why you should book your trip now, some great deals out there and provided tips on maximizing your trip. Below you will find some additional details and a link to the video.

It's a great time to think about traveling somewhere warm, especially for #springbreak. @LoveLandandSea shares tips to help plan and save money. https://t.co/MhgYSETfq5 pic.twitter.com/uuyLtEPI30
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) January 16, 2018

Spring Break Travel Tips

1. Book Now!

January is a great time to book your Spring travel. Waiting too much longer means you will lose availability options for both flights and hotels and that means you could end up paying a lot more.

It's also currently "Wave Season." This means it's the time of year that all of the cruise lines offer their best deals and unique sales.

2. Consider Mexico & Punta Cana.

Cincinnati has some fantastic non-stop flight options that come with great discounts. This year are there even more non-stop discounted flights to Mexico so savings are amazing!

Not only can you save money with these flights, but you will get to your destination sooner, spend less time traveling and not have to worry about a layover or missing a connection.

3. Book a Mystery Deal

There are a couple options available for this. The company I work with the most for these deals is Apple Vacations. They offer a deal where you don't know the resort until the day of travel. They guarantee that it's at least a certain "Apple Rating" (similar to star ratings) so you know what to expect in terms of level of luxury. If you are okay with being surprised you can save hundreds of dollars this way.

4. Consider Voluntourism

Many tourism destinations in the Caribbean were affected by the recent hurricanes. In addition to continuing traveling to those destinations (which helps in itself) there are several opportunities to volunteer your time in these destinations. Organizations such as Worldhope.org have options for multiple destinations and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company has created "Rebuild Days" where they will have volunteers focus on specific projects to rebuild the island.

5. Book Tours and Excursions in Advance

Spring Break is a very popular time to travel. While during the off-season it's usually fine to wait to book your excursions, during peak travel times the best ones can actually sell out. Ask your travel agent to arrange your tours in advance so you don't miss out!

For the latest deals visit www.lovelandandsea.com

Warm Weather Escapes - Fox19 News Segment Follow-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 19:37:00 +0000

Warm Weather Escapes

This morning I spoke with Dan Wells at Fox 19 about some warm weather escapes to beat the cold! Below is a recap of the places we discussed, along with pricing based on double occupancy.

Prices below are for dates this month and are subject to change and based on availability. For more information or a quote visit www.lovelandandsea.com

Watch Video Here: http://www.fox19.com/clip/14045273/travel-to-avoid-the-cold

1. 3 Nights in Fort Lauderdale

Allegiant package - 3 nights, non-stop flights and beachfront Westin for $420 Per Person

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3328&language=en_US

2. Miami

Flight Deals - $150 per person round trip, non-stop on Frontier

flyfrontier.com

3. 3-Night All-Inclusive Cancun Package

Non-stop flights, all-inclusive resort, airport transfers $548 Per Person

Paradisus Resort

https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/mexico/cancun/paradisus-cancun/index.html

4. 4-Night Luxury All-Inclusive Riviera Maya

Non-stop flights, all-inclusive resort, airport transfers, unlimited access to 8 eco parks $1,000 per person

Hotel Xcaret

https://www.hotelxcaret.com/en/

Eco Parks: Xcaret, Xel-ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xenotes Oasis, Xitchen, Xoximilco

Gift Ideas for Travelers

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 01:32:00 +0000

The holidays are almost here and I have a few ideas for gifts for the travelers in your life. These are affordable options that all travelers could use! Have anything to add to the list? Leave a comment!

1. RFID Blocking Travel Wallet
Identity theft is a real concern these days for travelers. RFID blocking wallets are available for both men and women's styles. Prices range from under $10-$50+. This one, found at Amazon.com is $29.99.

2. Digital Luggage Scale.
Airlines are charging stiff fees for overweight luggage. Save money and hassle for someone this holiday season with this affordable and useful gift.

You can get a Portable Travel Luggage Digital Scale for under $10 on sale Here

3. Portable Battery Charger
It's not always easy to find a place to charge your phone or other device while traveling. These are perfect for both business and leisure travelers who need to stay connected. Check out the Power Station Plus at Mophie.com

Stocking-Stuffer Ideas

Chapstick, hand sanitizer or wipes, gum and mints, travel mug, travel sewing kit, first-aid kit, ear buds, destination books and travel novels.

I hope your holidays are full of family, fun and travel! For travel ideas and the latest deals check out lovelandandsea.com!

Beth

New Year's Travel Destinations 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 04:29:00 +0000

Yesterday I appeared on the Fox 19 Morning News to talk about New Year's Travel Destinations. Check out the video below and my list with links for the special events taking place.

Click for Video: New Years News Segment

1. Unico Riviera Maya "Boozy Yoga, Anti-resolution pool parties and more!

2. Stratosphere Las Vegas Amazing fireworks, open bar and unlimited food

3. The Drake Hotel Chicago 5 Ballrooms of entertainment, black tie event

4. Up Rooftop Bar Nashville SPEAKEASY party with prohibition style attire, live jazz and great views!

5. Times Square, New York Celebrate the new year with about a million other people! Consider a Balldrop package with included drinks and food options.

Is Travel Insurance Really THAT Important?

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 22:20:00 +0000

After the terrible natural disasters we have seen lately and a lot of personal experience with my own clients being affected, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about travel insurance with the Fox 19 morning news.

Not all policies are alike and yes, you really DO need insurance. It can't be looked at as an "up-sell" or extra expense. It must be factored into your overall trip budget. It's THAT important. You may go your whole life never needing to file a claim on any trips you take. But its that one trip where the insurance can mean a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars. It can be the difference of getting emergency medical treatment in a foreign country or being denied. It can actually mean life or death.

There are many options and most polices are very affordable. So, watch the clips below and learn more about why you need it.

I spoke on the morning segment for a few minutes but Kara Sewell wanted to talk more and answer some questions from viewers so we continued the interview with a Facebook Live , which is also below.

Fox 19 Segment:

Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV

Facebook Live with Kara Sewell:

Sun, Rum and Drums

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 21:14:00 +0000

It's back! After way too long, the LoveLand & Sea Travel Blog returns with a special guest blogger, Sara Gentry.

Sun, Rum and Drums

“We’re doing this!” My sister Beth and travel agent extraordinaire exclaimed. We had toyed with the idea of taking a trip together and we decided this Summer was the perfect opportunity to get away and reconnect.

Arriving at Sangster International Airport for the first time could have been overwhelming as it seemed like everyone who would be visiting the small island that week arrived at the same time. Tourists walked through the winding airport in unified patterns like schools of fish eagerly looking for customs only to be met with a 2-hour line. Lucky for me, I was with my travel guru sister who knew to book the Club Mobay VIP arrival. We were greeted by a personal guide who whisked us past the schools of fish to a private VIP line; to our elation, there were only five or six people in line ahead of us. Once through the gates we were ushered to the Mobay VIP Club where tea sandwiches, rum punches and a private bathroom awaited us.

Our luggage was collected and we followed it outside to the line of buses waiting to take us to our respective resorts. I was warned ahead of time that the bus ride would be a little nerve racking and looking back, I think that is why you are greeted with complimentary alcohol before boarding the shuttle. Long story short, the bus ride was a bonding experience between all aboard. Goats on the side of the road became mere blurs as we flew down the highway. I found myself strategically sipping my Red Stripe in-between swerves and break checks to try and calm my nerves.

We arrived to Couples Tower Isle to the sound of drums greeting us from the open and breezy lobby. The rum punch was flowing as couples checked in and Beth explained to the inquisitive staff our relationship. As its name might suggest, Couples Tower Isle or CTI as it is known, is a couples only resort and we were bending the rules in the name of research so Beth could share her personal experiences with her clients.

It took me a couple of days to understand what all-Inclusive really meant. And since our trip I’ve learned it means different things to different people. To my sister it meant a fully stocked mini bar and room service every morning. Beth went through the list of alcohol we would be requesting for our stay. “Do we really need an entire bottle of Appleton Rum?” I asked her with worried eyes as she continued to check off more boxes. Red wine-check. White wine-check. Champagne-check. My more experienced travel buddy looked up from the form and said. “The point of an all-inclusive is to indulge.” And with that, I decided to try it her way for the week.

Beth introduced me to her morning routine which consisted of a first and second breakfast. Each morning room service brought fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and mimosas. Around 9am we donned our swimsuits and cover ups and headed to second breakfast held at the buffet next to the hotel lobby. I’ve never been a big breakfast person, lunch is more my speed, so in addition to two breakfasts we were also going to need to fit in two lunches for my sake. One of the best features of CTI is that food is always available, if not at the buffet, at the resort grille which is open all night (second dinner.) A healthy alternative to the grille is a vegetarian café tucked away near one of the two pools. I can still taste the lightly salted seaweed chips and dip. Some of my favorite first lunch snacks came from that café and It was there I was able to achieve my life-long dream of drinking coconut milk straight from the coconut. I was a true tourist after that and would have no more qualms about over indulging.

Every day we had a few hours until second lunch so we filled it with drinking at the swim up pool bar, complimentary snorkeling, paddle boarding and my favorite excursion, a catamaran trip around the island. The boat ride itself was memorable but once they dropped the anchor, life vests were distributed and we were able to jump into the ocean and swim while inflatable trays of rum punches made their way around the group. My sisters made me watch Jaws with them at a very young age and because of that I still have a strong inclination to stay out of the ocean, however, this was one of those moments where I would have to indulge, and this time, in adventure. To my surprise and great relief, I was not eaten by a shark after all and would be able to enjoy the dance party on deck all the way back to the hotel.

I was also a fan of laying out on the private beach under the white canopy shade and reading while nearby couples held hands in the sun. Local tents overflowing with souvenirs lined the beach. “No pressure, no pressure,” they would say, as I looked at tiny wooden cat trinkets and beaded jewelry. I had my eye on a red coral necklace and would visit it every day after laying out. After heated negotiations the vendor and I decided on a price we were both unhappy with, which is a sign of successful negotiations I’m told. It broke in my luggage on the way home, but I did get to wear it one evening to dinner.

Most evenings began with a quick selfie photoshoot in our ocean view room followed by cocktail hour and dinner. Up until this point in the day, the fact that my sister and I were not a couple was not at all awkward. However, once the sun set and the candles were lit, the intentions of the Island shift and the romance is palpable. Never the less, we always had the amazing cuisine to look forward to. Walking into Eight Rivers I felt like we were celebrating a special occasion. I couldn’t believe this dinner was included in our vacation package. We each wore the most formal dress we packed and sat down for our romantic dinner; the object of our affection, our entrees. For a seafood lover in Jamaica, the world is your oyster (pun completely intended) and in a true all-inclusive fashion I ate the equivalent of shrimp Forrest Gump and Lieutenant Dan catch after the storm.

I left Jamaica with a tan and a new appreciation for Island life. Although the tan will eventually fade, the memories I made act as a reminder to indulge in life once and while.

Sara Gentry

For Jamaica booking info visit www.lovelandandsea.com

Resort Review - Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios Jamaica

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 03:58:00 +0000

Resort Review - Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios Jamaica

Last month I had the opportunity to visit one of my top honeymoon resorts in Jamaica. I have always loved the Couples Resorts chain and this visit reminded me why.

From the moment I stepped into the lobby I felt life's stresses melt away. The bellman, Byron, was welcoming and friendly with a smile that never stopped. The front desk staff checked me in quickly and efficiently and was soon escorted to a beautiful room with an incredible ocean view.

The room was bright and simple with a large balcony and typical amenities. What was not typical was the mini bar. This was no "mini" set up. Couples resorts offers full sized bottles of liquors and wine with options to customize based on each guest's preference. Best of all, this is included in the all-inclusive price!

The Food
Couples Tower Isle offers six unique restaurants with delicious food! There will be more about that in the next blog post (written by a special guest blogger). I will mention now that vegetarians need not worry. The buffet always had vegetarian choices in addition to a wonderful salad bar and soup options. The pool grill that is open late night and offers a very tasty veggie burger and the Veggie Bar offers healthy vegetarian food (and food for omnivores) plus smoothies and juices.

The Inclusions
Perhaps the best thing about Couples Resorts is that everything is included. More so than most other all-inclusive resorts. Everything from non-motorized water sports, entertainment, food, drinks, gratuities and even off-property excursions. You can go on a Catamaran Cruise (so much fun!), visit Dunn's River Falls, take a shopping shuttle, shuttle to Margaritaville, glassbottom boat ride and go snorkeling or SCUBA. This is all part of the all-inclusive package!

The Beach
The beach here is much smaller than Couples Negril or Couples Swept Away but it was clean, and has swimmable water. The resort itself is small, so having a small beach was never a problem. There were always some available chairs.

The Pools
The main pool has a quiet atmosphere and waterfall. Perfect for lounging and relaxing. The swim up bar pool has a much more lively atmosphere. If you want to listen to upbeat music, play games and socialize this is the place!

Entertainment
Every night there is something going on at Couples Tower Isle. I loved the martini night on the roof, sing-a-long at the piano bar and live music at the pool and beach.

This is a fantastic resort for romance where you can do everything or do nothing. For booking information visit www.lovelandandsea.com

10 Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Thu, 12 May 2016 17:33:00 +0000

My last few trips I came back with my clothes fitting quite tight, so I decided that before my next vacation I should have a game plan to help me stay on track.

For a lot of people a vacation is a once-a-year escape and they can choose to indulge completely. I think that is great! However, for people like me who travel several times throughout the year, complete indulgence is not always possible.

I asked a friend of mine and personal trainer, Amy Lillie, for some tips on staying in shape while traveling and here is what she said:

1. Opt for Stairs

What a great calorie-burner! At the airport, hotel, mall or museum take the stairs whenever possible.

2. Sight-See in Walking Shoes Instead of Taxis

There’s often no better way to take in the joys, scents, and surprises of the cultures you’re visiting than on foot.

3. Play with the Kids

Go ahead, relax and sunbathe a little, but make sure you have some calorie-burning fun with the kids, too. Play “Marco Polo” in the pool, pick up sea shells on the sea shore or go bike riding. Chances are, you’ll have as much fun (maybe even more!) as the little ones.

4. Plan Movement Opportunities Into Every Day

After lunch, take off for aerobic adventures. Go for a nice long walk along the park or shore. Ask your hotel’s concierge for walking maps of the area. If you’re in unfamiliar territory, your concierge should also be able to point out safe, crime-free pedestrian routes.

5. Turn Airline Terminals Into Walking Tracks

Instead of just sitting, take the opportunity to burn some calories! Listen to you favorite music and take walk up and down the terminal. Every step counts! With just 15 minutes of brisk walking, you can burn 100 or more calories. Walking will also keep you from getting bored and mindlessly munching.

6. Book for Fitness

When booking hotels, choose only those with fitness centers and/or guest passes to nearby gyms. If you can roll out of bed and roll into a gym minutes later, you’ll have given yourself the best insurance that you’ll fit fitness into each day. Plus, working out every morning will increase your motivation to eat more healthfully throughout the day.

7. Don't Overindulge at Every Meal

Don't deprive yourself, use moderation when you indulge in your favorite splurge foods. For example, have a bite or two of your favorite dessert, but don't eat the whole slice. If you know that you'll be having dinner at a restaurant you've been dying to try, then eat lighter throughout the day so you have some calories to spare. Apply the 80/20 rule: Make 20 percent of your daily calories the treat food of your choice, then try to stick to your healthy diet as best you can for the other 80 percent. Think of your calories as an allowance: Save on calories where you can, and spend them on things that are really worth it.

8. Don't Drink Up Your Calories

Ordering a poolside frozen margarita can blow a good portion of your calorie count for the day — just one contains a whooping 700 calories! Sure, you're on vacation and want to unwind with a couple of drinks, just make a healthier choice when it comes to alcohol too. Instead of sugar-laden cocktails, choose lower-calorie drinks like a white-wine spritzer, light beer, red or white wine, flavored vodka with club soda, or tequila on the rocks with lime.

9. Aim for Fitness-Maintenance

While vacationing, you may not have as much time as you do at home for your regular workout, but that’s okay. Always remember that doing something is a whole lot better than doing nothing at all! Shoot for at least 50% of your normal routine.

10. Savor the Rewards

Each day as you wake, anticipating the wonderful things you’ll be doing, the sights you’ll be seeing, remind yourself how great it feels to be fit and healthy!

For more travel tips visit www.lovelandandsea.com or www.facebook.com/LoveLandandSea

Top Honeymoon Destinations of 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 03:36:00 +0000

I'm often asked by clients what the "hottest" destinations are for honeymoons each year. The truth is, I can't recommend the perfect destination to anyone without first learning about their interests, budget and travel style. It's important to work with you travel agent on finding what works best for YOU. I can however, provide you with some great ideas to get started based on current trends, pricing, flight options and available activities.

Here is my list of the top five honeymoon destinations of 2016.

1. Cuba
We have all been hearing about travel to Cuba lately. There have been some great advances in American's ability to travel there, including several new flight options. While there are still restrictions it is certainly a hot destination this year. In fact, you should book as soon as possible since hotels are filling up fast!

Cuba is a great option for couples looking for something new and exciting. Your honeymoon will be full of cultural activities and friendly locals. Keep in mind that with the current travel restrictions you won't be "at your leisure." To visit Cuba you will still need to follow guidelines which require a structured itinerary.

2. Italy
With cities like Venice, Rome, Florence and Tuscany it's easy to see why so many couples want to make Italy their honeymoon destination. Food and wine tours are big this year, as well as visits to historical sites and private tours of museums and vineyards. For the couple that wants to see it all, there are fantastic 10-14 day tours which take you through multiple cities and to all of the top attractions. Pair that with an English speaking guide and most meals included and you have a worry-free and inclusive experience.

3. Australia
The strength of the Australian dollar continues to fall, which is good for US travelers. Your money will go further there this year which could allow you to experience more of what this great continent offers. From romantic nature experiences, lively cities with art and fine dining to some of the best beaches and snorkeling in the world, Australia has something for everyone.

4. Iceland
Iceland offers some incredible scenery, natural wonders and Reykjavik is a city full of culture, street art, museums and music. Can you think of anything more romantic than viewing the northern lights with your new spouse? Iceland is a great place to view them. Stay at a place such as the Ion Hotel and you will be in honeymoon bliss! Iceland Air has some amazing rates if your dates are flexible.

5. The Caribbean & Mexico

These destinations are always a honeymoon favorite for several reasons. They offer all-inclusive resorts, which offer a great value and convenience. They also offer a close proximity to the US (many with non-stop flights), beautiful beaches, tropical weather, soft adventure and plenty of water activities. Many resorts are adults-only or offer an adults-only section, which can be ideal for romance. There are many options to choose from including budget-friendly resorts, 5-star luxury properties and everything in between.

Talk to your travel agent about what's important to you. Your honeymoon should be a memorable and magical experience!

Don't have a travel agent? visit www.lovelandandsea.com . We specialize in honeymoons and destination weddings.

Tour Review - Xenotes Tour Cancun Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 00:41:00 +0000

I first experienced a cenote last June when I stayed at Sandos Caracol in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The resort conveniently has one of these natural sink holes on site and allows guests to swim and explore it. I found it intriguing and refreshing and when I returned to Mexico in September I decided to check out some more of the Yucatan cenotes.

A cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. There are several different types of cenotes. I was able to experience an open cenote, cave cenote and semi open cenote on this tour.

The Xenotes Tour bus arrived at my hotel right on time at 9:00 am. The driver, and our tour guide, Ismael, came out to greet me and my traveling companion. He was friendly and enthusiastic and I could tell that this would be a fun experience.

There were already a few people in the bus and we headed out to pick up a few more. In total we had about 15 people in our group. Ismael named us "The Iguanas" and gave us a quick overview of the day ahead in both English and Spanish.

The bus was air-conditioned and comfortable, until the "Mayan Massage" began. It sounds delightful, but is actually what our guide called the constant and intense bumps we experienced on the back roads that led to the cenotes. Anyone with back problems or issues with a very rough and bumpy ride would find this quite unpleasant.

As we approached the first cenote, K'áak´, I saw a zip line that ran across. I immediately got excited and wanted to get in. Ismael, and our photographer, Jamie, took us to a shelter area with restrooms, showers and some picnic tables. Its important not to disturb the natural waters so we were all instructed to shower in order to remove any bug sprays, sunscreens, soaps and shampoo residue before getting in.

Next we grabbed our life jackets and formed a circle. It was time to ask the Alux for permission to enter the sacred waters. Once our chant was finished we lined up and took turns zip lining and dropping into the green water of this open cenote. The water was cool and refreshing and after the initial jump I allowed myself to just float quietly and take in my surroundings.

When we got out of the water we were treated to coffee, teas, fruit and snacks before heading to our next stop, the cave cenote guarded by Lu'um. This was bar far the most enchanting. When we arrived we were fitted with our rappelling gear, which included a harness and helmet before climbing up a steep set of stairs to a wooden platform built around the trees.

We were attached to our ropes and led down into the cave. The water here was the coldest. It was also the most beautiful. The water was a deep blue and there was a small amount of sunlight that shone in through the top. To my delight there were bats all over the walls, and there were tree roots that extended from the opening of the cenote all the way down into the water. It was incredible to be immersed in something so natural.

The next cenote was open and river-like. We all got into kayaks and floated down the water, surrounded by high rock formations. It was calm and peaceful. We followed that with snorkeling in another section of the cenote. There's not much to see in the water, but it was still a fun experience.

Lunch was great. As a vegetarian I was a little limited, but there was salad, a vegetable mix, bread and cheese. There was also lunch meat, soup and pasta salad. Wine and beer was provided, along with bottled water.

The final cenote was Lik, the wind cenote. This had two different options for zip lining. You could hang from a bar or use the sling. There was also a fantastic cliff that we were able to jump from into the water (That was my favorite).

This was an incredible introduction to several different types of cenotes in Mexico. I highly recommend the company, Xenotes Oasis Maya. The tour guides were professional and entertaining and I felt completely safe the entire time.

Interested in booking this tour? Visit LoveLandandSea.com for more information.

Cruising with Autism

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 18:10:00 +0000

Taking vacations with children or adults who have special needs can be very difficult to plan and execute. Between crowds, long wait times, over stimulation and an unfamiliar environment vacations can be a scary and stressful situation for some.

Many companies have started to better accommodate families with special needs. Today I wanted to focus on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and their Autism Certification. Below you will find some FAQ.

What is Autism Friendly Certification?
Autism Friendly Certification is awarded by Autism on the Seas TM to cruise lines for their efforts to ensure their products and services are accessible for inclusion and participation by the autism and developmental disability. Royal Caribbean’s fleet has achieved Silver Level Autism Friendly Certification.
What does Autism Friendly Certification include?
Autism Friendly Certification includes achievement in up to seven areas, such as cruise line staff training, youth program services, pre-vacation planning and services, dining and dietary needs, disability accommodations, guest satisfaction and feedback, and support for “autism group cruises with staff.” There are four levels of certification, each progressing with increased levels of staff training.
What does Bronze Level Certification include?
Bronze Level Certification confirms the ship’s readiness to accommodate guests with autism and other development disabilities to provide equal access to onboard services and amenities. Features vary by ship.
What does Silver, Gold and Diamond Level certification include?
Silver, Gold and Diamond Levels focus on increased staff training. Silver Level ensures that all Youth Staff have received basic awareness training in autism and other developmental disabilities. Gold Level ensures that all Youth Staff have received advanced training, and we provide other shipboard staff with basic awareness training. Diamond Level ensures that we provide “hands-on” training for our Youth Staff.
How does Autism Friendly Certification impact families with autism?
Families living with autism sailing on Royal Caribbean’s Autism Friendly Certified ships can be confident that Royal Caribbean has autism friendly products and services that will help accommodate family members with autism.

AUTISM FRIENDLY FEATURES

What do you offer for families living with autism?
We currently provide a range of autism friendly products and services, and they include: • Priority check-in, boarding and departure • Special dietary accommodations including gluten-free • Adventure Ocean flexible grouping by ability for children 3 to 11 years old • Adventure Ocean toilet-trained policy exception • Pagers/Phones for parents of children in Adventure Ocean program while signed into our care (subject to availability)
What’s changing in terms of what you offer families living with autism?
We have added new Autism Friendly features such as: • Autism Friendly Films • Autism Friendly Toy Lending • Autism Friendly Activities • Cruising Social Story
What are Autism Friendly Films?
Autism Friendly Films are presented in a low-lit and low volume environment. Guests are encouraged to freely talk and walk around during the film. These films will be offered on all autism group cruises and cruises when there are at least five children with autism onboard. Dates and times will be highlighted in the Cruise Compass.
What is Autism Friendly Toy Lending?
Autism Friendly Toy Lending is available in our Adventure Ocean Youth Program on all ships. Upon request we will provide a tote bag of autism friendly toys that may be used in Adventure Ocean or in their stateroom. Parents may select other autism friendly toys that are more appropriate for their child. Examples of Autism Friendly Toys include: non-toxic crayons, markers, water colors, building blocks, dominoes, and picture books.
What are Autism Friendly Activities?
We offer activities in for children of all abilities. Families are encouraged to consult with Adventure Ocean staff regarding any special needs that their children may have in order to identify which activities are appropriate for their child and any possible modifications.
What is a Social Story?
A Social Story is a written or visual guide describing various social interactions, situations, behaviors, skills or concepts. These Social Stories help individuals with autism to better cope with social situations. Royal Caribbean offers a Cruising Social Story about cruising to help families with autism prepare for their cruise vacation. To get our Cruising Social Story, please go to our website at RoyalCaribbean.com/AutismFriendly
What do you offer for teens with autism?
• Expedited check-in, boarding and departure • Special dietary accommodations including gluten-free • Autism Friendly Toy Lending • Autism Friendly Films • Social Story • Our Teen Program with teen-only hangouts and activities. Please note while some activities are hosted, they do not provide supervision or one on one attention. (Adults are not permitted in Teen spaces.)
What do you offer for adults with autism?
• Expedited check-in, boarding and departure • Special dietary accommodations including gluten-free • Autism Friendly Toy Lending • Autism Friendly Films • Social Story • Our Cruise Activities Program. Please note while some activities are hosted, they do not provide supervision or one on one attention (Adults are not permitted in Teen or Adventure Ocean spaces.)

AUTISM FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS

What if my family member has difficulty waiting in line?
Please notify one of our pier or shipboard staff members for assistance. Please let us know you have a family member with autism and he or she is unable to wait in line. We’ll do our best to assist you. What if my family member has a special dietary need?
We offer gluten free and casein (dairy) free options as well as accommodate other special dietary needs. Gluten free options are listed on our main dining room menus. Check with your Head Waiter for assistance with selecting appropriate menu items. We can accommodate most food allergies in the main dining room. Once you are on the ship, speak with our Head Waiter to discuss your allergies and review your menu selections for the next day. For complex food allergies contact our Access Department for assistance. Please note we may not be able to accommodate all food allergies.
What if my family member requires one on one attention?
We are unable to provide continuous one on one attention. We will discuss different options with you on how to best accommodate your family member.

For current pricing and offers visit www.LoveLandandSea.com

Table for One - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 02:01:00 +0000

Table for One - Part 2

I guess it's really not fair to say that I would be alone in Mexico for the next seven days, I was meeting up with other travel agents during the middle of my trip. They were however, still strangers and this type of travel was still very new to me.

Since I was staying in the preferred club room at Now Sapphire, I was able to check in at the preferred club lounge. As I sat down to check in the bartender came over and offered to make me a drink. Even though it wasn't quite noon in Mexico, it was in Cincinnati, so I decided to go ahead and have a piña colada.

Check in was easy. I left my bags with the bellhop and decided to explore the resort. I walked around and took pictures for a little while, and I looked at all of the couples, friends, and families enjoying the beach and pools. Still, I didn't feel alone or lonely I was feeling a rush of excitement just being at the resort.

I decided it was time to have some lunch and found a casual beach side grille called Blue Water. I walked up to the hostess and said "table for one."

I was seated outside at a table overlooking the ocean. There was a gentle breeze and clear sky that day. The waiter took my order and brought out chips and guacamole. I was never a fan of guacamole before traveling to Mexico and now I will admit I'm a bit obsessed.

As I was sitting at the table waiting for my food I stared out into the ocean. All I could hear was the sound of the waves, and the seagulls flying around. Two blackbirds landed on the table next to me looking for leftover scraps. For a few minutes I watched them fighting over spilled tortilla chips and chasing each other around. I could feel the smile forming on my face. This was awesome.

It's amazing the things that you notice and the things that you appreciate when you are left with only your thoughts for a while. A few minutes before my food came some of the other tables filled with families and couples. I observed them talking and laughing and sharing stories, but no one was staring out into the ocean, listening to the waves, or watching the birds.

After lunch I met with the sales manager for a tour of the property and checked into my room. I was delighted to find a special Champagne gift in my room, and giggled a little when I saw two champagne glasses for "Mr. and Mrs."

After changing into my swimsuit and cover-up, I walked down to the beach bar. On my way I ran into Steve and Mary from my flight. We chatted for a bit and it felt good to see familiar faces.

I really liked the beach bar. Instead of bar stools there were swings made from rope and wood. Being as short as I am I'm sure it looked somewhat comical to see me trying to get on to the swing. Once I was situated, however, it was so comfortable and relaxing I could've stayed there all night.

There were four guests sitting at the bar who I started a conversation with. There was a husband and wife, their adult daughter and friend. They insisted I do a shot with them, and even though I'm not a shot drinker I obliged. I sat there for a while chatting with them, and tried a couple more drinks they suggested.

They told me they would be at the nightclub that evening and that I should stop by and party with them. I declined since I was getting up so early the next morning, but it was nice knowing how easily I was connecting with people.

Such a fun group!

They were right, this was delicious!

That night I dressed up for dinner, and chose the Mediterranean restaurant, Cibu. I did get a strange look when I told the hostess it was just me, but I didn't let it bother me. As I sat down at my table by the window I looked around the room and saw several couples having romantic dinners and a few groups as well. For a split second I felt lonely, but I brushed it off and decided that I was going to enjoy my dinner. I ordered wine, a bruschetta appetizer and a vegetarian lasagna. All of the food was incredible. I was so glad that I decided to go dine at this restaurant instead of choosing the casual beach grill or room service.

After dinner I was walking through the lobby bar and ran into the group from the beach bar. They introduced me to some of their other friends that they were traveling with. It was nice to have this sense of friendship when I was traveling alone.

As much as I wanted to continue to socialize I knew I needed to get to sleep. The next morning I would be crossing an item off of my bucket list that I had been looking forward to for years. I would swim with whale sharks.

The whale shark tour was incredible. That alone was worth the trip to Mexico. When I returned to the resort I met with my driver who would take me to my next destination.

Sandos Playacar is a large resort with an amazing beach, but I didn't get to explore it quite yet. I was already running late to meet with the other travel agents for dinner. We were to meet in the lobby area at 6:15 PM. I had no idea who I was looking for or if I was even in the right place. Finally, around 6:25 PM I saw a woman wearing a name badge that identified her as part of the group. We eventually found the others and headed to the Mexican restaurant at the resort.

The best part about this group was that no one knew each other. I have been to several meetings and dinners before with other agents who all worked together or knew each other already and it was always a little awkward to be the one in the group that no one knows. That night, we were all in the same boat.

After our group had dinner and attended the Madonna show we went our separate ways. I settled into my room and fell asleep quickly.

The next morning I woke up early and decided to walk the beach. There's nothing like being one of the first people on the beach in the morning. It's the most peaceful and magical feelings. I took a few pictures of the sun rising and stared into the ocean for a few moments. This was another one of those moments when I was really glad to be alone.

One thing I really like about Sandos Playacar is the long stretch of beach. I started walking away from the resort with nothing but beach and ocean in sight. I was fortunate enough to pass a morning jogger, who gladly took this photo for me.

On my way to breakfast I passed Jorge, (a resident iguana that I named the night before), and a couple who I had met briefly while leaving the Madonna show. I had only been at the resort for 12 hours and already felt at home.

Jorge

Breakfast was easy to do solo, and I noticed there were quite a few people eating alone that morning. I got a seat by the window and felt a nice breeze while I enjoyed my coffee.

Amazing latte at Sandos Playacar

Table For One

noreply@blogger.com (Beth Duppstadt) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 20:05:00 +0000

Solo Travel - Part 1

I’ve never been the type of person who was comfortable going out solo. Sure, I liked my alone time and had no issues running errands alone, shopping or just spending a quiet evening at home. But eating at a restaurant by myself, seeing a movie and certainly traveling alone was out of my comfort zone.
I often felt envious of the people who had the confidence to travel alone and I couldn’t have imagined becoming one of those people. In late June this year everything changed.

I received an email about a travel agent opportunity in Mexico. It involved touring three resorts and meeting several contacts at a popular resort chain that I have sent many clients to. It was the perfect opportunity to increase my knowledge, meet face-to-face with the hotel staff and see the new accommodations that one of the resorts recently built.

This was an agent-only trip, which meant no guests allowed. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity so I pushed past my comfort zone and confirmed my participation.

I had some concerns about traveling alone which I think anyone would have. I knew that I needed to be aware of my surroundings at all times. I made sure not to flash money and I didn’t wear expensive jewelry. I learned as much Spanish as I could in the month that I had to prepare and made sure that my transportation and accommodations were pre-arranged and confirmed.

My stomach filled with butterflies as I wheeled my luggage through the automatic doors of the CVG Airport and down the hall to the Frontier counter. I waited a short time for my turn, then answered matter-of-factly when the agent asked, “Is it just you?”

After checking my luggage it was time for the security line. There’s nothing pleasant about airport security but the process was fast and I didn’t have to wait around for a traveling companion.

I always arrive to the airport early. I would much rather spend extra time relaxing and reading than panicking and running to the gate. So, just as any other trip, I had a lot of time to spare. I went to Starbucks and ordered a latte, and leisurely walked down to my gate.

When I got there I plugged in my phone to charge and started reading one of the travel magazines I brought with me. There was a group of young travelers nearby and I couldn’t help but overhear their conversations. They were likely in their early twenties and they were all wearing matching T-shirts announcing their “Cancun Summer Vacation 2015.”

Right before boarding I witnessed this group attempting to use a selfie-stick to take a group photo. Even with the stick fully extended they still couldn’t quite fit the whole bunch into the frame so I offered to snap a few photos. As we all boarded the plane together I felt like a temporary member of the “Cancun Summer Vacation 2015 group.”

I love direct flights. Three hours later we were in Cancun. It was sunny and 80 degrees. The airport is was easy to navigate and since we arrived so early in the day it was not yet crowded. I waited a short time in the customs line after grabbing my checked luggage. I was one of the lucky ones and they pulled my bag aside to go through it by hand. Having it organized and having my smaller items all in clear plastic bags was extremely helpful.

Once I got my bag back I headed to the restroom. Typically I would ask my traveling partner to watch my bags while I went in, but this time I was on my own. I fumbled around a bit trying to navigate the small entry way and even smaller amount of space I had to fit my checked bag, carry-on bag and large purse… but I made it work and as strange as it may sound, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I also decided that I should learn to travel lighter. I heeded the sign in at the sink that read, “Water not suitable for drinking,” and opted to use some hand sanitizer after washing my hands just in case.

It was time to meet up with my transfer. I booked with AmStar, www.amstardmc.com who I highly recommend. I quickly walked past the “Time Share” area of the airport (as I always tell my clients to do) and went straight outside where I found a nice gentleman holding a sign with my name. He called his co-worker over to assist me.

Rafael was a cute twenty-something charmer with a huge smile. He told me not to wait in the transfer line, that he would assist me personally. We talked back and forth and he helped me practice my Spanish for about ten minutes while we waited for my van to come. When the driver came out, Rafael introduced me and sent me on my way, ending our conversation with, “Enjoy Cancun, bonita pelirroja.”

The driver said we had a couple joining us before we headed out to the resort. They arrived a few minutes later and we left the airport. I struck up a friendly conversation with them, learning that they had been on my flight too, were from Cincinnati and their names were Steve and Mary. We had a nice talk and they took my business card to keep in touch after the trip. As we pulled up to my resort, Now Sapphire, it started to sink in. I was in Mexico… alone for the next seven days...

Now Sapphire - Riviera Maya Mexico