Showing posts with label #traveldesigner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #traveldesigner. Show all posts

Sunday, 7 July 2019

New York City Bucket List Challenge

So today's bucket list challenge is NY city. I am hoping to personally be able to check off some of these items on my group trip to NY City November 8th to November 10th 2019. The bus leaves at 7:00 am from Morrisburg, Ontario. If you want to join us there are still 20 spots left on the bus. Price depends on how many people you share your room with. For more details check out my facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/805646906455883/


So first up on this amazing list is the Statue of Liberty. I think everyone has pretty much seen pictures pictures of her and heard her story. The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World; French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York, in the United States. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Number two on the list is the empire state building. The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and completed in 1931. The building has a roof height of 1,250 feet and stands a total of 1,454 feet tall, including its antenna. Number three is eat a rainbow bagel. Apparently this is a big thing The bagel store in Brooklyn is the original store. Rainbow bagels are bagels that have been swirled with vibrant colors that don't bleed or fade and taste a lot like Fruit Loops and are usually stuffed with Funfetti cream cheese. If you want one, you have to call the day before to reserve one. Number four is the American Museum of Natural History. The American Museum of Natural History occupies more than 186,000 square meters (2,000,000 square feet). It is one of the largest museums in the world. The museum complex comprises 28 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library. I am thinking this may be meant for a longer visit than a weekend.



Number five is the Guggenheim Museum. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, often referred to as The Guggenheim, is an art museum New York City. The museum located at 1071 Fifth Avenue on the corner of East 89th Street in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. It adopted its current name after the death of its founder, Solomon R. Guggenheim, in 1952. Number six is the Rockefeller center. This is where you will find the Rock Observatory, Radio City Hall, Hosts the annual Christmas Tree.  Immortalized in countless films and television shows, ice skating at Rockefeller Center is the quintessential New York City holiday activity. The rink is open from mid-October to mid-March, but there’s nothing like skating beneath the historic Rockfeller Center Christmas tree in December. More than half a million visitors flock to the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink each year, both to skate and to be spectators. Which means we will have a chance to skate if we want.Number seven is the Metropolitan Museum of Art.With 17 curatorial departments2.2 million square feet, and more than 2 million works in its permanent collections, the Metropolitan Museum of Art—colloquially known as the Met—contains more treasures than most visitors will ever be able to see in a lifetime.



Number eight is the famous Maidson Square Garden. It’s almost a certainty that if you ask anyone around the world with even slightest knowledge of pop culture, they will have at least heard of Madison Square Garden. The venue is not only one of New York City’s most famous attractions, but widely regarded as one of the most memorable arenas in the world.Number nine is the Central Park zoo. Located in NYC's most famous park, the Central Park Zoo is a small, inexpensive zoo featuring exotic animals and an indoor rainforest exhibit. Open 365 days a year, the New York Zoo Central Park is a family-friendly NYC attraction that your kids will love. Number ten is the 9/11 Memorial. Encompassing 110,000 square feet of space, the 9/11 Memorial Museum—which honors the victims of terrorist attacks on both September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993— cost $700 million to build. The funds were through private and public donations. I will definitely be fitting this in as well, I remember so vividly the details from September 11th.



Number eleven StPatrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue in New York is the largest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedralin the United States.I can remember throughout school trips being dragged to churches in the end I live exploring different religions and religious monuments and I am so thankful for it today. Not sure if I will get in put sure I am likely to drive past this trip. Number twelve is Washington Square Park. Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is a wonderful respite from the city with is magnificent arch and public spaces. But all around it, secrets abound in the history of how it came to be. I will leave you to discover those on your own. Number 13 is Central Park. Central Park was the first public landscaped park in all of the United States. The Park takes up roughly 843 acres of land, which is roughly 16 billion New York apartments. Not sure how much I will see but the zoo is the most important for me this trip.



Number fourteen is the Apollo Theater. The Apollo Theater is one of Manhattan's most iconic theaters, and its contributions to African-American culture are significant. I am realizing now that I may have to do NY City group trips every two years so we can all get a chance to check off so many of these places off this bucket list because 2 nights and a full day are just not going to cut it. Number fifteen is Times Square. Originally called Longacre SquareTimes Square takes its name from the New York Times headquarters, which moved to One Times Square in 1904. 2. One Times Square is now mostly empty, but it holds the New Year's Eve ball and a wall of billboards that generate over $23 million per year. Number is sixteen is the high line. The High Line is a 2.33 km (1.45 miles) -long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. The High Line is one of New York City's most popular and distinctive parks. Number seventeen is Coney Island. Definitely not enough time for a trip and not in November but we will be back. Coney Island started out as a seaside resort it now sees a million visitors a day.


Number eighteen is the new york public library. The New York Public Library's flagship building, now known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, was built on the site of the City's Croton Reservoir at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. I am taking a few book dragon's (worms) with me and we may have to fit this in with a few bookstores also. Number nineteen is the Chelsea Market. Chelsea Market is a food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility located in the Chelsea neighborhood of the borough of Manhattan. Number nineteen is see a show on Broadway. We will definitely be seeing one of those on this trip.


Number twenty one is the Brooklyn Bridge was the first steel wire suspension bridge. Number twenty two is Grand Central Station. Whether you are going on a train trip or not it is something to see. Grand Central Terminal still stands as one of New York City’s most beloved landmarks, but its history is also a glorious story of creation, decline, and rebirth — much like the story of New York City itself. Originally built by Cornelius Vanderbilt, Grand Central Terminal opened on February 2nd, 1913 atop a previous version, Grand Central Station (also built by Vanderbilt for his New York Central Railroad). The station replaced an even earlier building, Grand Central Depot, which opened in 1871. Number 23 is MoMA. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an art museum located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It will be re-opening October 21st just in time for our visit. Last but not least is eat lots of Pizza. Pizza is very important in New York and there are many lists of great places to check out too many to list here. Probably deserves it own blog post.
Once again if this intrigues you join us in New York City November 8th to November 10th!!!

Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Wednesday, 3 July 2019

Travel to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west. It's known for its beaches, resorts and golfing. Its terrain comprises rainforest, savannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain. Capital city Santo Domingo has Spanish landmarks like the Gothic Catedral Primada de America dating back 5 centuries in its Zona Colonial district.
Until things exploded the last month Dominican Republic travel was very popular among North Americans. I stayed there myself April 2018 for our Annual Conference. I have confidentially sent clients there the last several years since I branched out in what I sell travel wise.With everything in the news today you will have no doubt seen the articles relating to incidents in the Dominican and the travel advisories put out by both Canada and the United States. Travel bookings numbers have gone down and travel cancellations have gone up.

Punta Cana

The first incident many people heard about was the report on Facebook from a couple who traveled to the Majestic Colonial resort and the wife was found beaten in a stairwell. She believes it was a staff member who did and was walking by herself. A police investigation was made. The couple claimed that nothing was being done and took it upon themselves to inform the world. The resorts statement claims that they refused to co-operate with police and their is some indication it may actually have been a domestic dispute and they could not comment further while it was under investigation. So of course it is the classic he says she says situation.


I stayed at this resort myself and I felt very safe there. I did find a few hallways a bit dark but for the most part I was travelling around with other people only once or twice on my own in the evening. I leave in the country not a city and I do not really walk alone at night out here either even though are crime rates are very low. I just do not do it as a women and I do not encourage my daughters to do it either. For me this is common sense no matter where you may be.
After this made waves there were reports of 3 deaths said to both have come from the same resort. The first a woman who had collapsed and dies in her room shortly after arrival and apparently after having something to drink from her mini bar. The second a couple is found dead in their room after they miss their checkout and it is confirmed they had, had drinks from the minibar. First they actually occurred at two different Bahia Principe Resorts of which there are a dozen spread across the Dominican. Second there official cause of death have yet to be released by the police so at the moment everything is still speculation on everyone's side. In the case of the lady her family assumes her death is related to a know heart condition. The couples death is being blamed on tainted alcohol by their family.  The US government has now reported their are more deaths of Americans that need to be investigated.
While I do not know the full facts I am also not going to jump to any conclusions. Again these things can happen anywhere you travel and right at home. I am not saying not to travel or to travel I am simply suggesting you make an informed decision and do your own research when it comes to these things.
At the moment this is what is says about travel to the Dominican Republic on the Canadian Government website. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to a high crime rate.
They are not telling you not to travel they are simply telling you to take precautions and to be safe.
If you are price cautious this may actually be a good time to travel as with the drop in travel prices my actual work in your favour. If you have any questions or concerns about travel to the Dominican Republic please contact me and I will be happy to help.


Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Saturday, 1 June 2019

Winter Getaway's

I know here it is June 1st and I am writing about Winter Getaway's. You are probably shaking your head and saying summer has not even started and you want us to think of winter. Yes, yes I want you to think about Winter 2020. This winter has been a rough one. It started off slow but when it hit, it just would not let go. We have had snow, freezing rain and many really cold days. The weather still has not really warmed up the best or consistently.


Most of the suppliers have now released their rates and availability for the winter 2020 season which starts November 1st 2019 and goes until April 30th 2020. Many have great sales on that can save you as much as $500 per couple. They have also have options that confirm that your price is the lowest if it goes down you can get the better price if you have their protection plan.
This is really the best time of year to book a vacation for winter for many reasons.
Reason 1: Availability you have the best options available you are pretty much guaranteed to get the dates you want to go away
Reason 2: You can usually make a smaller deposit and make payments until full payment is required which will be Fall, Paying for a vacation this way takes a lot of stress off everyone. It is one of the reason's I book my cruises so far in advance giving me more time to pay for them.
Reason 3: Category you are guaranteed the category you want. Yes there are often last minute deals and they are good but they are often for the top categories as that is usually that what is left over. Most entry level categories are swooped up early.
I have some examples of Getaways for this winter. Keep in mind rates are subject to change these are quotes only and they are never guaranteed until a deposit is made.

Example # 1
January 18th - 7 nights
2 Adults 2 kids 5 & 9
4 Star Resort
Grand Bahia Principe La Romona
Junior Suite Superior Play
$4796 CAD
(I sent a few families here the last couple of years and they have been happy)


Example # 2
February 2nd - 7 nights
2 Adults 2 kids 10 & 13
4 Star Resort
Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica
Junior Suite Superior Play
$8026 CAD
(I sent a few families here the last couple of years and they have been happy)


Example # 3
February 2nd - 7 nights
2 Adults 2 kids 10 & 13
5 star Resort
Moon Palace Jamaica
Deluxe Oceanview Balcony
 $11176 CAD
(I will actually be staying at this resort myself next April 2020)



Example 4
March 8 - 7 nights
2 Adults 2 kids 13& 15
4 star Resort
Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta
Deluxe Tropical View
$6956 CAD
(I visited this resort in May 2019)



Example #5
March 8 - 7nights
2 Adults 2 kids 13 & 15
5 star resort
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
Deluxe Gold
$8596
(visited DR in 2018 it was awesome)



All of these examples are flights from Ottawa. Some direct and some with connectors through Toronto.

If you book by the deadline of June 30th for travel between November 2019 and April 2020,  I will put you in a draw for a Travel Agent Next Door Beach bag with 2 towels and a bottle of wine from Stone Crop Acres and Winery
https://www.facebook.com/stonecropacres/





Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Friday, 24 May 2019

Ibersotar Playa Mita 2

Ibersotar Playa Mita has a children's pool a splash pad and it is right beside the Star Camp children's activity program. Now I thought I had pictures of this area but apparently I did a facebook live post but did not take pictures afterwards. That is what happens when you get all worked up over a video.
Beside the adult pool they have a bar and a snack shack and lots of area with shade. I will admit that on Saturday I may have sat beside the pool for a bit and read a book and had a few drinks. I do like reading a good book while I am travelling. I did not get into the pool or the beach. I just did not have the energy for it. The week was just so exhausting with learning and socializing.

 Got a bit of a burn even with sunscreen applied twice

 Great Book

Awesome drink a mango tango

Small secret about myself I do not drink a lot and am not good with picking drinks. So I tend to ask people for help and go by colours. I had some nice green drinks at our pool party the Friday afternoon and then that night at our gala I was drinking blue. Other than the white wine this is how I ordered my drinks. At home I often have Cesear's but they just do not happen in the states or mexico. Bloody Mary's are not the same just saying.
The Green drinks

Hanging out at the pool party!! (may have been some wind)

Our food at gala night was also a delight and I tried some new things and had a great time while some of my fellow agents were awarded for their success including my "boss" / "agency owner" Steph Switzer. It is great being able to work on such a great team and with so many great people. This conference themed More U and it was about taking time for ourselves so that we can better serve/meet our customers needs and finding a family/work/you life balance.

 Appetizer Seared Ahi Tuna

 Soup: Poblano Chile Cream Soup With sweet corn and smut chips

 Main Course: Braided Beef over dauphanoise potato, vegetable bouquet

Mocha cake

I was very impressed with the food I ate at the resort and the resort over all. There is lots to keep a family entertained and nearby towns Sayulita & Puerto Vallarta can be visited. There are lots of great winter specials on right now and a few Fall deals so definitely a good resort to take a look at if you are looking to go somewhere new and all inclusive.


Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 500212282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Wednesday, 22 May 2019

Iberostar Playa Mita

This year's conference for the Travel Agent Next Door was held just outside of Puerto Vallarta at the Iberostar Playa Mita Resort. Being on the other side of Mexico it was closer for our West Coast Agent's for a change. Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos are actually becoming more popular for the East Coast as well as Ontario and Quebec visitors.
Amid the beauty of the tropical coast and excitement of All-Inclusive features, guests will discover a paradise at Iberostar Selection Playa Mita that is designed to make all those vacation dreams a reality. The combination of the exquisite waterfront location on the Pacific Coast with Iberostar’s 5-star resort facilities makes this resort nothing short of spectacular. Allow yourself to be introduced to a better way to vacation with your family and friends and experience a variety of activities, entertainment, and dining on the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
I was impressed with the property. Most of us had garden view suites or pool view. A few agents did upgrade to the ocean front rooms. I enjoyed where I was as I was closer to the lobby, restaurants and where most of the training was. I did not mind walking the short distance to the pool area, reception terrace or beach.
I shared a room with a fellow agent with two double beds, a nice walk in shower and a decent sized bathroom. The balcony was also a great size. The mini fridge was well stocked and there was a coffee machine in the room.
 The couch in our room (easily used as a bed for a child)

 Two double beds

 Shower and sink

Lots of room for the toilet this year (not a closet)

Welcome fruit plate and bottle of red wine

 Later in the week we had this plate delivered to our room also

The Resort has a theater with shows I did not make it to one with all the coktail parties etc.. They also have a disco. They do themes as they did set up the lobby area for a Casino night and a Mexico theme on Cinco do Mayo when we were leaving.

Roulette table

I did take 90% of my meals at the buffet and I was quite happy with the choices offered. Fresh guacamole, how I miss the already. It is just not the same at home. I also ate at the Pacific Express which is the French Restaurant and the Teppanyaki restaurant. I did miss out on the steak house and Mexican restaurant. There is a coffee shop open 24 hours and I was able to enjoy my caramel maachiato. We did have a dinner one night on the reception terrace which was a great buffet and I noticed a wedding reception there later in the week. Our gala evening was held in the ballroom where our sessions during the week were held.
Following Pictures are from the French Restaurant:

 Three flavours of butter: regular, herb and coffee

 Amuse Bouche (Ratatouille in a pastry cup)

Appetizer Lobster Timble 

 Main beef tenderloin with potato dauphaine


Dessert yummy brownie

The following are a few photos from Teppenyaki. This chef was amazing with his knife skills.

 Sushi appetizer (my partner did not like sushi so I scored it all)


 Knife skills

 Dinner companions

 more Dinner companions

 Appetizer I can not remember which soup I picked but it was good

 Fried Rice

Shrimp and veggies (I actually used the chopsticks)

I follow up with more of this great resort in my next blog post. Any questions about this amazing resort please ask away.

Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 500212282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Saturday, 18 May 2019

Reflect Krystal Grand Neuvo

From April 28th to May 5th I was away in Mexico for The Travel Agent Next Door's Annual Conference. This is my third conference and they just keep getting better. I get to meet suppliers and learn more about their products and what they offer. I learn more about running my business. I visit properties.
West Jet Vacations and AM Resort sponsored one of our cocktail parties and dinners and it was held at the new Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta. The Reflects are the newest category of properties offered in the AMResort brands. They currently have three properties all based in Mexico. The other two are Los Cabos and Cancun.
Reflect Resorts & Spas are designed for all-spirited travelers offering experiences and features that adapt to every traveler's style. Experience great beachfront vacations and entertainment all created for memory making moments. With Unlimited-Luxury all this is included and more - all you need to do is enjoy and reflect.
Here are the Unlimited-Luxury Inclusions:
- Limitless access to gourmet a la carte dining options without reservations required
- Unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits
- Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks
- Pool and beach wait service
- Daily refreshed mini-bar with soft drinks, juice, bottled water and beer
- Twice daily maid service
- Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment
- Theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues
- No wristband required
I have to tell you the last one on the list is the one that makes me most excited. I hate having to wear a wristband all week. What's worse us when it is finally cut off you go around for a few days feeling like it was still there. I went through this coming home from this trip.
 Early evening view of the hotel and pool

An a la carte restaurant with really cool seating

Perfectly situated on a pristine, gold-sand beach with spectacular views of Banderas Bay, Reflect Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta is a beachfront hideaway where unforgettable memories are made. Cool off in any of the three pools including one adults-only pool; plus, kids can enjoy a wading pool with water-slide.
On Arrival we got to have a picture taken on this colourful backdrop

The setup of the tables right in the beach

I will admits dining on the beach can be a bit challenging. Walking is hard. Your chair sinks in the sand. They did put down mats for the buffet making it easier to walk while getting your food.

Vendors do come and sell their wares this one sells horseback rides

buffet set up in the background you can just make out the edge of the infinity pool

 picture of myself with the gorgeous sunset

the sunsets are very awe inspiring

 outside vendors set up in the pool area


Night time shot of the resort

I feel confident recommending this resort for families, couples or group getaways. I did a quick quote for a family of four. 2 Adults and 2 kids 5 & 7. January 18th to 25th 2020 departing from Ottawa not direct flights so you end up with 7 nights price would be $7824 CAD for a deluxe oceanview room.
If you have any questions about this resort or any others please let me know. Do not forget to go to my website listed below and subscribe to my newsletter!!




Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 500212282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area