7 Beach Vacation Ideas

When it comes to going on a beach vacation, it can be challenging to pick a destination. There are many places you can go, whether you want to explore the
beaches of Hawaii or just play golf in Georgia. Below, you'll find 7 ideas to help you decide where to go for beach vacation.

1. Hawaii

Put your frequent flier miles to good use and visit Hawaii. Relax on the beach, enjoy snorkeling in clear blue waters, play golf, and even indulge in one of the many innovative spa treatments. Hawaii enjoy some of the best weather in the world - making it a great choice for your beach vacation.

2. Georgia

Popular among the East Coast, the luxurious Cloister at Sea Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for
you to do.

3. Oahu

At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental, you can expect to be pampered like never before. You can visit the spa, take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up
with the dolphins. The resort is conveniently located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

4. Virgin Islands

At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue waters and sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton, and St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury hotels during your beach vacation in the Virgin Islands.

5. California

Located just 30 minutes by car away from San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a quick beach vacation away from the normal busy life of the city.

6. Bermuda

Two hours away by flight from New York City, Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the East Coast. Ariel Sands offers gourmet food and breathtaking views.

7. Jamaica

With unique rooms and splendid views of the Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches, The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach vacation mood like never before.

 

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10 Most Dog-Friendly Vacation Spots in the U.S.

As more dog lovers are bringing their beloved pooches along on vacation, finding accommodations can be challenging.  A great blog written by Inteletravel lists the top 10 dog friendly places to travel in the U.S. Below are the 10 cities and must visit destinations ranked by Vacations.com.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Definitely Visit: The Lighthouse Ice Cream Shop, a sweet family owned ice cream parlor that stocks doggie ice cream line, Frosty Paws.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

Definitely Visit: One (or two… or three) of the wineries that allow dogs to tour their grounds! A few of the dog-friendly ones include Bluestone, First Colony Wineries and Blenhelm.

THE FINGER LAKES, NEW YORK

Definitely Visit: The Watkins Glen State Park, which is home to nineteen breathtaking waterfalls, and will allow your leashed pet to enjoy the scenery

WISCONSIN, THE WHOLE PLACE

Definitely Visit: Have a dog that really loves getting wet and wild? The Kettle Moraine State Forest has a designated area where you can train your dog in water skills!

ARIZONA, THE WHOLE PLACE

Definitely Visit: The Grand Canyon National Park, where you and your pup can enjoy one of the most famous and breathtaking views in the country.

PORTLAND, OREGON

Definitely Visit: The annual Canines Uncorked Wine Tour. With this event, pet parents and their pups are able to participate in a benefit for shelter animals. Tour 16 wineries with free wine tasting and doggie activities including decorating dog treats, meeting adoptable dogs or letting your pooch enjoy a doggie massage!

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Definitely Visit: The Mercury Canine Cruise, where you and your pet can enjoy a 90-minute boat ride on the Chicago River.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Definitely Visit: The Bow Wow Bone, a mobile dog-food truck that cooks up some snacks for pups of any size.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Definitely Visit: The Mutt Lynch Winery in Sonoma County has brought together the wonderful worlds of wine and dogs. Grab a bottle of Merlot Over & Play Dead or Unleashed Chardonnay and help support local dog shelters and animal rescues!

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Definitely Visit: The K9 Fun Zone, an indoor doggie playground. You can rent the space for a single dog or a group of dogs to play and exercise.

Have fun vacationing with your four-legged child!

 

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Why Not Taking A Vacation Can Cost You

How many times have you thought about taking a vacation, but resigned not too? Whether it’s because of financial reasons or time constrains, more than half of Americans (55%) leave vacation days unused. (I'm guilty as charged)!
Did you know not taking a trip is costing you money?!!
Yes, it may sound counterintuitive, but not getting away can do more harm than good, and here’s why.

People who use 11 or more vacation days are more likely to get a praise.

In the article, Data Driven Case for Vacation, it’s noted that people who took 11 or more days of vacation were 65.4% likely to receive a raise in a three year period. While those who took less time off only had a 34.6% chance.

WHAT!!

Wait a minute, those who rarely take vacation days (like my boyfriend), are less likely to get a raise?
I know you may be hesitant to believe this and some of you may completely object. I felt the same way initially.

In truth, by not taking vacation days, you’re leaving money on the table.

Shawn Achor and Michelle Gielan said it best,
“If you are not taking all your time off, you’re not working more — you’re volunteering your time.”
In other words you are working for free!
In fact, Americans are forfeiting $61.4 billion in benefits.
You’re also less productive when you don’t take time off. Being able to relax and go somewhere far from home can increase your well-being.

Our daily routines can consume all of our time and life is about more than accomplishment.  When you take the time to create experiences life becomes more fulfilling and that's the key to happiness.
We never know what tomorrow will bring, so do what you can while you can to enjoy life and plan that well deserved vacation!

 

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Save Up To 65% Off Last Minute Travel

As we near the end of summer is fast approaching, there are some amazing savings for last minute travel. Whether you can take advantage of last minute deals or booking travel for winter, have a look at the 4 specials below.

Norwegian's Free At Sea

Book a cruise of 3 days or longer until 31 August* and you can enhance your cruise with:
FREE Ultimate Beverage Package
FREE Speciality Dining Package
FREE 250 Minutes Internet Package
FREE US $ 200 on-board Spending Money per stateroom (For Suite or The Haven guests: US $ 100 on Spending Money per stateroom)
Book a Studio or Inside Stateroom and choose 1 of above; an Oceanview or Balcony Stateroom or Mini Suite, choose 2. Book a Suite or The Haven and you get all 4*!
From Europe to the Caribbean, South America to the Orient and beyond, Norwegian Cruise Line’s global connections promise the premium, contemporary cruise of a lifetime with unparalleled culinary experiences, extraordinary, award-winning entertainment and endless activities from Aqua Parks to luxe spas.
Thinking this summer? We’ve got five amazing ships in Europe for you to choose from and oceans of cruises, including sailings round-trip from Southampton to the Norwegian fjords and northern European capitals.

 

Sandals Resort

Destinations: Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados
Travel Dates: Now - 12/31/17
Booking Dates: Now - 07/30/17Sandals® Resorts: Up to 65% Off and more!

With unlimited land and water sports including scuba* and golf**, plus tips, taxes and transfers included, it's no wonder why Sandals® Resorts has an amazing reputation. And now, you can experience these well-known and widely loved properties with savings up to 65%! Plus, enjoy instant credits up to $1,000!
More Reasons to Book:
Voted Travel Weekly's Best Caribbean Tour Operator!
Groups Your Way: With just 5 rooms, you qualify for Groups Your Way. Flexible booking at your fingertips!
Price Match Plus
Up to 65% off and up to $1,000 instant credits
Barbados
Sandals Barbados
Grenada
Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa
Antigua
Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa
Nassau, Bahamas
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sandals Montego Bay

 

40% Off Fall Rates at La Colección

Destinations: Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Cozumel
Travel Dates: 08/13/17 - 12/21/17
Book By: 08/12/17

When it comes to Mexico beach resorts, La Colección is known as the best of the best, and we work tirelessly to keep it that way. Our staff of well-trained, incredibly warm and service-minded individuals do everything that they can in order to ensure that each guest sees his or her dream of Mexico brought to life. Book by August 12 to take advantage of 40% off rates.

 

Etihad Vacations

Destinations: Abu Dhabi
Travel Dates: Now - 01/10/18
Book By: 01/01/18
30% Off 7+ Nights: Stay More and Save

[caption id="attachment_3276" align="alignright" width="150"] Eihad Vacations[/caption]

One of the most thriving cities in the world, Abu Dhabi lays claim to an amazing array of architecture, attractions and natural splendor. Situated at the gateway to the capital city is Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, a beachfront five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi with unrivalled views of a design masterpiece, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
With a striking exterior made of sheer blue glass, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr features 369 contemporary and spacious guestrooms and suites. A range of rich textures adorn each one, including marble, walnut wood paneling and bamboo flower inspired soft furnishings. Guests can also benefit from a "bath with a view" as many bathrooms have been designed to take advantage of spectacular creekside views.
An outdoor, Olympic-length swimming pool with dedicated family and children areas, a Jacuzzi and a pristine beach line offer a slower refreshing pace. World-class dining, including Macro Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, the first restaurant from the former three Michelin star British chef, and exquisite wine and cocktails from the Chameleon restaurant complete the luxury experience.
Boasting a prime location at the mainland gateway to the cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offers easy access to the Abu Dhabi International Airport and the city's many attractions like the first Ferrari theme park with the fastest roller coaster in the world, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race Circuit and Yas Waterworld, the region's largest waterpark.
Stay 4 nights or more and receive 25% off rates. Stay 7 nights or more and receive 30% off contracted rates.

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How To Plan Stress Free Travel Recap

[caption id="attachment_3153" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Stress Free Travel[/caption]

 

Stress free travel is essential to a great vacation and now you have the information needed to plan an epic getaway. The How to Plan Stress Free Travel articles include many insider's tips that you may not have heard before or considered.

If you’ve had mediocre travel experiences or you’re looking for a sure fire way to make all of your travels amazing, these articles are for you!

Before we dive into our recap of Planning Stress Free Travel, you might want to click here for an introduction of the series. The Planning Stress Free Travel series includes budget planning, itinerary and activities, lodging and transportation, all-inclusive vacations, and travel agent vs online booking.

Planning a travel budget: How To Prioritize Your Budget

Question- What travel components are most important to you?

All too often, travelers spend most of their travel budget on transportation and lodging and little funds left for activities and entertainment. Having and amazing vacation is about what you do while traveling more so than where you stay.

Creating a travel budget that reflects your priorities will help ensure there’s enough funds in your budget for what’s important to you.

Itinerary & Activities: Set The Tone For Your Trip

Create a rough schedule of your daily activities and include free time. The right combination of excitement, spontaneity and relaxation will create an amazing travel experience. Researching activities and purchasing them ahead of time will save you money.

Lodging & Transportation: Insider’s Knowledge

Calling hotels directly can get you great deals, better than third party booking sites.
Understanding hotel brands and booking hotels near the attractions you’ll visit can also amount to great savings.

All-inclusive Vacations: Are They A Good Value

The term all-inclusive can vary by resorts and package deal. It’s integral that you ask questions and understand what’s included before you book. All-inclusive deals aren’t necessarily less expensive than booking meals and activities separately.

Travel Agent or Booking Online: Which Is Better

Booking through a travel agent has many advantages from saving time, to having an advocate should anything go wrong. This recap is only one tenth of the juicy information provided in each article so go check them out before you book your next getaway!

 

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Plan Stress Free Travel: Travel Agent or Online Booking 5 of 5

 

[caption id="attachment_3168" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Travel Agent or Online Booking[/caption]

Although using a travel agent may feel like going the way of the dinosaur, we are more useful than simply selling trips to Disney World and cruises. We provide services and have knowledge that you just can’t get online. Especially in times of crisis, working with a real live person is superior. When planning complex or abroad travel, using a travel agent is your best option. Read more to learn four reasons why you benefit when working with a travel agent.

Save Money

Did you know the cost to have a travel agent is comparable to using online booking websites?

We are paid by commission from the hotels, cruise lines, resorts, and air lines (DIY sites are paid the same way). This means the cost is the same whether you book it yourself or have the travel agent do the work. We are able to match pricing should there is a difference in pricing too. Some travel agents even have websites that feature the same inventory, bookable in real time, as DIY websites (click here to view our site). You get the best of the high tech world, in a high touch environment.

Installment Payments

Unlike the online booking sites, you don’t have to pay for your trip all at once. When you work with a travel agent, you can pay off your vacation in installments. Once you pay the deposit, you can pay on your vacation as often as you want before the final amount is due.
How awesome is that?

Save Time

Finding the ideal destination to match your vacation style can be stressful. It requires money, time, and expertise.
Instead of searching online for hours, days, or even weeks, (depending on the complexity of the travel plans) you can have a travel agent do the research for you. We have a wealth of knowledge, access to tools and resources that are only available to travel agents.

We have your back

If there’s a mix up with lodging, transportation, etc. your travel agent will handle it for you. We are your advocate when things go wrong while you're traveling. Ensuring you have a great experience is our top priority so we know the questions to ask that most people don’t consider when booking travel. We are here to serve you and ensure you have the best vacation possible.

Call us!  Let us help you! Give us the opportunity to surprise you when booking your next trip.

 

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Plan Stress Free Travel: All-Inclusive Vacations 4 of 5 Series

[caption id="attachment_3123" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Stay calm and float your worries away[/caption]

Many people ask me about all-inclusive vacation packages. They’re great for many reasons however, here are some questions you should ask when deciding if an all-inclusive vacation is right for you.

What’s included in all-inclusive deals?

Sometimes all-inclusive is truly just that, and other times the term is more flexible. For example, some all-inclusive resorts charge surcharges for things you may not think of, such as a safe in your room, internet use, or top shelf liquor or wine.

Others offer unlimited meals at the buffet while limiting, or charging for, meals at their a la carte restaurants.  Beverage plans also vary in options.  Some beverage plans include unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, some have limits. Since the rules can vary drastically from resort to resort, it’s important to do some research and understand them ahead of time.

What activities are included?

Often times, motorized sports and other activities are excluded from all-inclusive deals.

Is entertainment available for children and adults?

Many offer “kids club” as entertainment for children and depending on the brand and package, might be included.

All-inclusive vacations can offer great value. They’re not necessarily a less expensive option but a convenient and less stressful way to vacation.

I cannot emphasize enough about doing research before purchasing an all-inclusive trip.

I have heard many stories of mediocre travel experiences because the vacationer failed to research all-inclusive deals and assumed EVERTHING was included when it wasn’t.

Not a fun surprise!
It’s better to know all the terms of your all-inclusive vacation before you book it then learn about them after you arrive.

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How to Plan Stress FreeTravel: Lodging and Transportation 3 of 5

[caption id="attachment_3115" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Lodging and Transportation[/caption]

When planning a vacation, it’s typical to spend a third of your travel budget on lodging. While some travelers spend more, it’s safe to say we all want lodging that's clean (no bed bugs please), safe, has good customer service, and has amenities.

Searching for ideal lodging using DIY websites can will provide cheap deals, pictures and reviews, but there’s still no guarantee you’ll secure great lodging for a great price (I often wondered if I got the best price for my stay and 9 times out of 10, I didn't! Darn you DIY sites).

Did you know you can get amazing deals on room rates if you called the hotel directly?

Hotels Deals

If you didn’t know this, don’t be alarmed because most travelers don’t. Hotels can offer the same deals if not better than the DIY sites. This is due to the commission hotels must pay vendors when travelers book through third parties (online, travel agent, etc.). Once you identify the hotel deals you’re interested in, call the hotels direct and ask about their discounts and special offers.

Now let's talk about hotel chains and brands.

To cater to the wide spectrum of travelers, hotel chains have a variety of brands (the Marriott has Courtyard, Marriott Vacation Club, Spring Hills etc.).

The hotel industry understands travelers vary in preference, style and purpose so they create different brands to cater most traveler’s needs. Marriott's Spring Hills Suites hotel caters to business travelers. They offer apartment style rooms with amenities like free hot breakfast, fridge and microwave, etc.

How does this information help you?

By understanding hotel brands, you can pick the hotel that best fit your needs. Also, having this knowledge could mean big savings.  Reserving a room during off peak times (hint: booking a room during the weekend at a hotel brand that caters to business travel) could mean big discounts.

Now, I’m going to share with you something that most people don’t think about until they come home from their trip and review their spending. This will save you a good amount of money, you’ll have more fun, and it’s almost a no brainer once you hear it.

Choose lodging near the attractions you’re seeking.

I have friends who booked lodging at a hotel 8 plus miles away from the departure port of their cruise ship. They chose the hotel to save money.
They didn’t take into consideration transportation costs and time. They also missed out on all the fun festivities the night before departure.
Once the cost of transportation was added, it actually cost more to book at their hotel versus staying at one a few blocks away.

Transportation

Transportation is another big ticket expense. Not only will you need a way to get to your destination, you’ll need a way to get around once you arrive. Some hotels offer transportation for a minimal fee and it's convenient.

I’m a huge fan of using ride share services. It’s inexpensive, the drivers are often times personable, and they are likely to recommend great places to visit.

Air fare fluctuates in price, more so than hotels (of course, you know that).

Knowing when to book your flight for the best price is tricky and sometimes unpredictable. It mostly boils down to demand so paying attention to peak tourist seasons and watching prices will help you save on your flight. The more flexible your are with dates, times, number of stops, airport, and class service, the less expensive the airfare.   Reward programs and membership discounts are great ways to save on air fare.

Tip if you’re visiting a metro area.

Consider purchasing rail passes and other transportation passes a head of time as well. While planning a trip to New York, I purchased a weekend rail pass. It was the best purchase I made. I was free to roam and explore the city as I chose to.

 

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Plan Stress Free Travel: Itinerary & Activities 2 of 5 Series

[caption id="attachment_3162" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Itinerary & Activities[/caption]

You decided on your vacation destination and began to create a budget. Now what?

Activities and entertainment are the most important elements to a great travel experience and usually the last item in the budget. Making this mistake can be fatal to a well-deserved vacation!

I’ve witnessed many travelers (including myself) make the mistake of assuming adventure will just fall in their laps without any advance planning. Sure it’s cool to be spontaneous while vacationing, but not having any activities planned can spell disaster or boring trip… Who wants that?

I’ve also witnessed vacations when every minute was planned out and that can be just as horrific. I recall a vacation where we had an activity scheduled every morning, at the crack of dawn, and that was torture... NEVER AGAIN!

Can you relate?

Activities

I have found that a happy blend of excitement, spontaneity and relaxation will create an amazing travel experience.

Now the right combination of these three components really depends on the individual or family. One concept that remains true for most people is this….

The first outing sets the tone for your whole trip.

Ok, I know you may be quick to disagree with me and cite the need to recuperate from jet lag.

Rest may be needed for some people. And I agree, traveling to your destination can be exhausting (for this reason, I typically wait until the next day to schedule an activity unless the destination is only a couple of hours away). No matter when you schedule your first activity, the anticipation of it and how you feel afterwards will most often determine your attitude for the rest of your trip.
And remember attitude is everything!

Itinerary

When creating your vacation itinerary, create a rough schedule of your daily activities and research them ahead of time. Let the first activity be a “hello world” experience that invites the inner child to come out and play.

The activity can be anything that excites you from site seeing to shopping, recreational activities, lounging by the pool, you name it. The goal is to end the activity feeling excited and exhilarated.

The next tip is a no brainer and I’m sure you already do this, but just incase you need a reminder… add some free time to your itinerary.

Free time serves a variety of purposes. Of course, you want time to relax and to explore.

While touring Munich Germany with a group of students, we were given some free time in the middle of the day. We spent our time wandering around the city and I met a young family that was from Appleton Wisconsin. It was so hilarious and fun connecting with random people!

Do you remember a trip where you went off the beaten path and just explored? Wasn’t it fun?

Last but not least, try to purchase tickets for activities and event before you leave.

Often times you can find pre-packaged sight-seeing deals that can be purchased before you leave for vacation.
I always encourage my clients to purchase tickets ahead of time because it saves time, money, and it’s one less thing to buy while you’re on your trip. Using apps like Travel Advisor, Yelp, and even Groupon, are great resources to find discounts and ideas for activities.

Remember to schedule an awesome activity for your first outing if you want to plan the ultimate vacation. And don't forget to add ample free time in your schedule. Now it's your time to let the fun begin!!!

 

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