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

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

Beach and Pools

The Majestic Resort has many pools. Smaller pools with room access for some with Bali beds and loungers on the other side. Some of the terrace rooms even have soaker tubs on them as well. Lots of adults only pools with the pool bars.
The beach was awesome. Lots of huts with shade. We did not make it out early and still managed to secure a lounger under a hut on both days. This was something I could never do in Mexico. They also had bali beds on the beach however they were mostly empty as they were further back.
I had a day and half to enjoy the beach and yes I sat around and read good book. I tend to burn easily so I do not like to chance it. I did manage to dip my toes in the ocean.

 The huts that gave awesome shade

 the beach goes on forever

 under the hut

 enjoying a good book

 dipping the feet into the ocean

dirty feet to prove it 

I did not manage to get into the pool. They did have a foam party Wednesday afternoon but I was feeling under the weather and went back to my room for a soak in my Jacuzzi tub and a nap. We were up early every morning to have breakfast before we started at 8:40 am. We would end at 5:00 pm for the day with less than an hour to get ready for cocktail parties and supper. I will admit that I hit my bed later than Midnight most nights and the lack of sleep took its tool. I really did miss out on the pool.

They did have drink service at the beach but it was not the best. I have experienced better. They did have vendors walking the beach selling bracelets, hats, pictures with Iguanas, cigars etc.. I did not find them overly aggressive. I ignored them with my nose in my book and none of them interrupted. They did make bird like noises to try and get you to look at them. Again, I figured it out quickly and ignored. I did see a few guests buy.

one of the vendors carrying his stuff

Where you can find me

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 803

Toronto, ON
M5J 1R7

Italian Night

Our last night a group of us who had not yet left had dinner together at the Italian restaurant at the Majestic Mirage. Being the last agents to show up we were going to be the last to leave on Saturday. The group we ate with were leaving first thing in the morning. We decided to share some of the appetizers as there were so many to chose from. I had some sort of fried cheese ball that was so big and yummy and gooey. There were soups and salads and bruschetta that were shared around also.

 cheese ball. The picture does not do it justice

 Bruschetta

Usually the wine offered at dinner are white or red. They had Rose which I tend to enjoy the most. I can not drink red at all it makes me ill, but I was very disappointed in it was very strong. The main course was a bit underwhelming. It was red sauce and what looked like one scampi in the middle. But underneath the red sauce was a huge stuffed noddle similar to a ravioli. It ended up being quite tasty.

My main dish

Not everyone had desert and a few shared. I skipped but my table neighbour has a lovely tiramisu.

After dinner we went to visit a fellow agent who was adding on to her stay and had moved to a room that was at the Majestic Mirage. It was a lovely room and we all decided to take a few pictures especially as so many of our group had flown out that day. On our way back to our resort we stopped and caught the last 20 minutes of the show at the Mirage theater. Once back at the Majestic Colonial a few ladies headed to the casino to try there luck. I stopped at the Colonial theater and caught the end of their show which was a musical tribute. The I headed back to my room so I could pack, so I would have more time ti enjoy my last day before I had to head to the airport.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 500212282

55 York Street, Suite 803

Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Gala Night

The last night that the whole group was together was the gala night. The red carpet was laid out at the cocktail party. Shortly after the cocktail party started so did the rain. Once again we had to move inside.
Everyone was dressed in their finest and were busy getting pictures and having memorable moments.

 living statue (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

 second living statues (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

 Myself (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

 Debbie and I (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

 Head staff from Majestic (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

 The entrance (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

(photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

The room was divided into two and screens were put up so those in the back could see everything that was happening. I was lucky and had a table in the front half of the room. We had cards at our spots that laid out what we were having for supper. Appetizers, salad, main course and dessert. The dinner was long and the room was so hot as the rain really did bring out the humidity. During the different courses they gave out awards for top sales, top commission, top insurance in different categories which included agencies, primary and associate agents.

 Dinner spelled out

 surf and turf

dessert

The Travel Agent Next Door made history by handing out their first profit sharing cheque of $25,000 to be divided among agents. They are the first host agency to do something like this. This is part of what makes them so great to work for. They are innovators. The support they provide is amazing. If you are looking for a host agency let me know and I can put you in contact with the right people. It does not matter if you are home based or a brick and mortar agency, the Travel Agent Next Door can be the right fit

Flemming and Penny

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 500212282

55 York Street, Suite 803

Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Dan Chapelle

Our keynote speaker for conference this year was Dan Chapelle, the Wealthy Travel Agent author of Get your S.H.I.P Together.
We actually got to have smaller sessions with him doing some training at the beginning of the week. On the last day he delivered his keynote address. I enjoyed listening to him about how to find clients and how we can be the best at servicing them. Part of what I need to do is get myself out there which is what I am going to do when I get home.As I signed up for the North Dundas Business Expo. I also need to tell people what I do when we discuss travel and not feel badly about handing out my business card. Really the worse thing a person can do is throw it out an never contact me. They are the one's missing out not me.
I will continue to specialize in family travel which includes multi-generational being as I personally enjoy travelling with my parents and my children. I also specialize in special interest groups. Stay tuned for some interesting groups that will be happening in the next year. I have group space still for my December family cruise Western Caribbean on the Norwegian Getaway and next Summer the Mediterranean on the Norwegian Epic.
I am planning some special Golf groups, Yoga/Wellness, a Cycling tour as well as an Oberammegau 2020 Passion Play with the Church. If any of these sound interesting to you please feel free to reach out to me for details and keep your eyes peeled her on my blog.
I look forward to working and following Dan Chapelle in the future as a coach/mentor. I have already signed up for one training since being back home.
Every year there is a key note speaker and I have to say they are very much worth it. The two that I have been two have left me inspired and the first was Robin from Pencil from Kids so while I missed that address I have been blessed with hearing from her last year and meeting and hearing her speak this year.

Dan Chapelle (photo courtesy of Danchapelle.com)

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 500212282

55 York Street, Suite 803

Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Majestic Colonial Resort

I am going to start this post with some pictures from our room. It was very spacious for two people. 2 beds a couch and coffee table. A great desk and chair. It was very easy to work in.

 two beds and couch

 flat screen tv and desk and chair

soaker/jacuzzi tub

When I go away for business or pleasure it is important that I have a place to work. I need to be able to connect with clients if there are any problems with their travel arrangements. They even made us our own custom signs for our doors.

 This one explains I am busy working

This one asks to clean the room while I am exploring

The resort itself is decorated very well and kept clean. Smoking is not allowed in the rooms but is allowed throughout the resort. I found that a little hard to adept too. Every morning I watched them clean the sand in the ashtrays and stamp them with the "M" symbol for Majestic. The downstairs lobby bar was a nice place to hang out every night and catch up with my fellow agents and suppliers. I did not make it to the casino as I am not fond of providing donations.

 These lovely birds were on display

I enjoyed talking with them

 Sports bar (where the hockey playoffs were watched)

food truck area (snacks all night)

 Me

 Debbie

The small chapel

The man in the front was our butler Freddie

I really did have a great time at the resort!!

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

Tico # 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 803

Toronto, ON

M5J 1R7

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

So just like our Air Canada sponsored evening buses dropped us off at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana for our Rock themed night. We were dropped off at the main lobby.

 Here  I am with the owner of my agency Steph Switzer

 (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

We then got to walk through a long hallway to get to the events rooms. This hallway was filled with all kinds of stores such as Pandora and Nautica etc... As always there were many a la carte restaurants. I also noticed an escape room and a virtual reality game room. There was also lots of rock memorabilia, pictures and quotes from artists. Here are some pictures.

 Santana

 Elton John

 Gene Simmons "Kiss"

 The Allman brothers 

The Escape Room

On this night our theme was can you guess "rock star". Lots of agents took this theme to heart. Here are some pictures of them.

 Chantal

 Debbie

 Matt from Westjet (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

Flemming President of TTAND and Aubrey from Goway 

 (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

 (photo courtesy of Dan Galbraith)

The cocktail party was held in a huge ball room and they served food, once again buffet style. However the difference was that all of the a la carte restaurants were represented. 

 Seafood and Mexican

Sushi and Italian

I realized I actually missed the desserts. I did that a number of times throughout this vacation. Some agents went on a tour to see a room but because they were fully booked it was just a standard room, so I will be honest I did not go.Instead I snuck out went to the Pandora store to get my new Pandora charm. At lasts years conference I purchased my first Pandora bracelet and an Eeyore charm in the Bahamas. When I did my Mediterranean cruise I got my second charm a Frog Prince. This year I got a Palm tree and even held a guessing contest on my Facebook business page for a $ 10 Tim Horton's gift card. The winner was Diana Saunders.

my new charm

When I came back we moved to the ballroom next door where they held the Green Light VIP party. We learned more about West Jet Vacations and the AIC Hotel group, which includes The Hard Rock Hotels, Unico and more.

I strongly encourage you to book at these resorts they have so much fun for families, couples, golfers and those looking for awesome spas.

I have an example of pricing for August 18th to August 25th

Flights from Montreal to Punta Cana

Family of 4 2 Adults, 2 kids 5 and 7

Signature Presidential Suite 2 bedrooms

$11596.00 CAD (obviously this is not a lead in category)

You can follow me at 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exlcusivetoyoutravel.com

Tico 50021282

55 York Street Suite 803

Toronto, On

M5J 1R7