EZTravelpad

Cherish the Moments

Sometimes life is filled with great joy, and other times not so much

One of the reasons that I enjoy this business of helping people with vacation planning is that it brings much happiness into my life. Helping people better enjoy their Honeymoon, Destination Wedding, Anniversary or Family vacation is a very rewarding business to be in - sharing in the creation of memories for people that will last a lifetime. Additionally it brings me into contact with a great number of people connecting with them on a deeper level...making new friends....sharing smiles.

Today though, I am filled with great sadness for a man who I consider to be a friend, a couple that I consider to be clients, and a lovely family that has been stuck by the deepest of tragedies - once again sudden and at the end of a firearm.

I do not, nor do I hope to ever know the intimate details of what happened yesterday in an affluent community on a gorgeous summer day, and this is not a politically pointed post - just something I have to relate....cherish every moment with your loved ones for you never know which will be the last.

Unbelievably this is the 2nd time this year that gun violence has struck down an EZTravelPad client- one completely random and the other apparently much less so.

As I sit here this morning perusing the photo entries sent in by clients for our photo contest ending in a couple of days I am taken with them on their dream vacation- sharing their joys, and it is very rewarding, yet it also reminds me of how fleeting those joys can be. A few months ago I awoke to the news of the senseless murder of a Honeymoon client - a husband and expectant father. Today I awaken to the news of another tragic loss of a beautiful young lady who was a daughter, a mother, a sister and a teacher. It's not been so long ago that I was helping this family plan their Disney vacation. In both instances their loved ones are left with only memories.

Tragedies are an inevitable part of the human condition - nothing we, or anyone does is going to alleviate great sorrows... we will all expereince them on vastly different levels, but what we can do is endeavor to make sure that those sorrows are outnumbered by great joys. How?

• Do things together (with your friends, family and acquaintances) - all sorts of things!
• Experience new places
• Connect at deeper levels with your loved ones
• Enjoy each other's company

I can do very little at this point for the family and friends left behind- a note, a card, a gesture, far too little. That said, I hope that at some level I already did something for them.... by helping make their last big vacation together more memorable for the loved ones left behind. I hope their pain is soon replaced by fond memories. I hope that this is the last time I awaken to such news.

Wishing you all Peace, Love & Hope-

Scott

 

 

 

So how do you make MONEY?

It's always funny to watch for the expression on people's faces when I begin to explain how I (or many other travel agencies) do not charge fees or otherwise inflate costs - vs their doing things themselves

The reason is simple really- most resort chains, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators WANT people to use travel agencies because it saves them TONS of money to outsource their marketing and customer service functions

See more at this link

When it's time to plan your next vacation reach out to "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelPad

Considering a Destination Wedding in Paradise?

Destination Weddings in Caribbean + Sandals = Awesome!

 There are litereally hundreds and hundreds of great options for a Destination Wedding on the beach - in the US, in the Caribbean, Mexico and beyond

If the Caribbean is your style, then the clear leader is Sandals resorts - see part of the reason why in this quick video

 

 See much, much more on Sandals wedding program and the various resorts here

When it's time for you to sort out the details of your beachside fairytale look for help with a travel agency specializing in Romance Travel, Honeymoons & Destination Weddings

Look to EZTravelPad "Your friends....in the travel business" for expert help and guidance - all complimentary (no fees)!

Need reassurance? Check out reivews at The Knot and WeddingWire

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A Free Wedding in Paradise is Possible...Find Out How

 

Everyone knows that Sandals Resorts are the top pick for Honeymoons and Destination Weddings throughout the Caribbean - here's another reason why.... FREE WEDDINGS!!

A Destination Wedding is certainly not for everyone, but it is definitely a great choice for a growing number of people, and why not? Think of it like this-

• Toes in the sand
• Gorgeous scenery
• Casual
• Easy
• Affordable

So how is it possible that all this is free? - Good question...and good DEAL!

It really is a bonus... when you book 6 nights in any room category at any Sandals resort you are entitled to not only the free Beautiful Beginnings wedding package but also an additional $500 in credits to enhance the experience

Use credits (some restrictions apply) for things such as

• Room upgrade
• Honeymoon Highlights video
• Beach cabana
• Catamaran cruise
• & more

If you are going to have a Honeymoon in the Caribbean consider combining it into a Destination Wedding with friends and family - see more about all of the possibilities at this link

**Sandals Resorts are reserved exclusively for adultc ouples - but if your wedding will include children or singles then the family-friendly Beaches Resorts are another great option...location possibilities include-

• Jamaica
• Bahamas
• St Lucia
• Turks & Caicos
• Grenada
• Antigua
• Barbados

Whichever option is the best fit for you, rest assured that "your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelPad are here to help make your occasion as excellent as possible and save you some money along the way

 

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St Lucia Hosts Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Swimsuit Edition

St Lucia - Gorgeous Setting for Gorgeous Photos

 

Being a travel specialist focusing on Honeymoons means that I need to know all about, and keep up to date on one of the world's top choices for romantic Honeymoons and Destination Weddings - St Lucia

I have written about St Lucia before, frequently. In fact the photo above is taken during a visit to Sugar Beach resort (featured in this blog post from a few months ago) and one of the locations for the Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary Swimsuit Edition photo shoots featuring Kate Upton and other top models

I am a St Lucia specialist, but alas - I guess not so special as to have been given the opportunity to be there for the shoot..... maybe next time around!

Get a behind the scenes look at the body paiting portion at this link  featuring the likes of Jessica Gomes, Samantha Hoopes and more - and yes, the iconic Cheryl Tiegs fishnet suit is recreated with Hannah Ferguson....

Oh, and when it's time for you to consider your best vacation options, turn to "Your friends....in the travel busines" EZTravelPad

 

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Tips on Finding Your Transfers in Cancun

Finding Your Ride at Cancun Airport

 

One of the big challenges of negotiating the airport in Cancun is successfully avoiding the time-share people.... they are numerous and aggressive

Trust me, you WILL want to avoid any contact or you could find yourself in a presentation for hours!!

I give every EZTravelPad client a suggestion on how best to avoid the time-share people who are located in the airport just past the customs area, but here's a quick video to illustrate the best way to get past the gauntlet.

Remember - just keep walking!!

For expert advice and best deals around it's EZTravelPad and Funjet - see some of the latest Funjet deals at this link

 

 

Shaggy to Perform at Sandals in Bahamas

Shaggy Concert Set For Nov 2, 2103 at Sandals Royal Bahamian

 

Oh man... I sure wish I could pop down to Nassau to catch Shaggy at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort...

Shaggy is THE MAN!!

The resort is gorgeous - the private island is fantastic - and the food & beverage are excellent

If you have a hole in your schedule you should check it out - see more about Sandals Royal Bahamian at this link

 

Multi-Generational Travel is a Hot Trend in travel Today

Multi-generational travel is one of the most popular trends in the travel industry today.

With so many families being spread out all across the country living from coast to coast and even beyond, it is tougher than ever for families to get together to spend time, bond and reacquaint with each other.

That is why vacationing together has become such a popular trend these days.

One of the hottest trends is taking an all-inclusive trip to a family friendly resort in the Caribbean or Mexico.

 

Resort brands such as Beaches, Azul or Club Med focus primarily on quality family experiences and offer excellent activities and entertainment for family members of all ages.

At Beaches resorts the quality and breadth of inclusions is unmatched. Beaches Resorts are located in Jamaica or Turks and Caicos. Resorts feature multiple fine dining options yet still offer casual options for those who are so inclined. Water Parks and plenty of water sport activities such as snorkeling, scuba, windsurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, and more are all included in the price. On land there are even more activities ranging from lawn chess to golf and virtually everything in between – all included!

Sesame Street characters participate in activities throughout the day and into the evening. There is even an opportunity for the little ones to be tucked in and read a bedtime story by Elmo himself.

Club Med resorts are located globally in continents as diverse as North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. Club Med offers the only all-inclusive resort in the United States. The Sandpiper Bay resort in Florida features tennis lessons, golf lessons, baby gym, arts studio, talent shows, hockey, zumba and even circus lessons - all for the very young.

Club Med even offers All-inclusive ski vacations in the Alps -

Azul resorts along the Riviera Maya area of Mexico are yet another all-inclusive option for families to experience excellent gourmet dining choices. Azul Hotels redefine family vacations featuring family-oriented suites, kid’s clubs, infant equipment, child toys, and free family reunion coordination.

Nightly entertainment, mojito tastings, a la carte dining and innovative 12-course meals top off the Gourmet Inclusive® philosophy. Rooftop barbecues, s’mores parties on the beach, and 24-hour room service expand on restaurant dining.

The wonderful aspect of all-inclusive resorts is that they offer something for everyone and everything is included at one set price and often tipping is forbidden.

I cannot think of a better way for a geographically diverse busy family to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company in a beautiful and safe environment where preparing one's own meals and cleaning up the dishes afterward is a distant memory.

At most resorts there are options for multi-room suites where a large family can share a suite with 3 or 4 bedrooms and a common living area.

The easiest and most affordable way to accomplish a multi-generational family vacation is to work with your local travel consultant who is well prepared to help put everything together in a manner that will please everyone from the youngest to the oldest.

 

Hillary Extolls the Virtues of Travel Agents in Contirbuting to World Peace

Hillary Clinton cites travel's role in world peace

Speaking recently to a group of travel professionals....

Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and possible presidential candidate, was without question the star power that held the crowd to the very end of the ASTA convention in Miami this week.


Speaking for more than half an hour without notes, Clinton avoided the subject of politics and instead talked about the importance of travel in opening minds and making the world a more peaceful place.


In Burma, for example, she said the fact that its generals went abroad and saw the rest of the world helped propel the country away from a dictatorship.


"I am convinced that travel helped change minds in the military dictatorship of Burma," Clinton said.


She also recalled the importance of travel in her own life, reminiscing about the first time she traveled with "this long haired guy I was dating" in 1973, Bill Clinton, who proposed to her in England.


Clinton visited 112 countries and logged more than a million air miles during her term as Secretary of State, making her "America's most frequent traveler."


She said she has a "deep appreciation for the magic you work each and every day" and thanked her own "terrific travel agent" for keeping her travels smooth. 


"You help Americans follow their dreams," she said. "You are in the travel business but also in the dream business."

 

I think Hillary nailed it - what do you think?

Sugar Beach Resort in St Lucia - a Review

 

Reviewing Sugar Beach Resort - A Viceroy Resort....in St Lucia

The beach at Viceroy's Sugar Beach resort in St Lucia boasts white sands in an area typically known for a much darker color of sand due to the volcanic nature of the area

The former Jalousie Plantation Resort  located between Gros Piton and Petite Piton in St Lucia has been renamed Sugar Beach Resort and it is surely as sweet as the name implies.

Sugar Beach is luxury at it's finest with everything you need for a luxury escape without all of the hoopla found at many larger resorts.

What you will find at Sugar Beach is excellent accommodations, superior service, attention to detail and a world class spa

What you won't find are energetic entertainment staffs encouraging involvement in the party going on...this is about relaxing, rejuvenating, and experiencing one of the most dramatically beautiful settings for a beach resort anywhere in the world

 

 

Luxury Villas on the hillside offer many amenities, among which are-

• Four-poster bed with silky high-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens and romantic voile draping
• A walk-in closet/dressing room
• iPod docking station
• Complimentary internet access (either WiFi or hard wired)
• Large flat screen TV & DVD player
• Private bar
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• In-room safe
• Signature bathroom amenities
• Large bathroom with Victorian-style claw foot bath and enormous walk-in shower
• Over-sized plunge pool and private patio
• Personalized butler service

If lounging next to a gorgeous and relaxing pool is your idea of the perfect escape then it's tough to find a more gorgeous setting than this...

 

 

The resort is primarily an EP style resort (European Plan - as opposed to all-inclusive) where dining is found at any one of 3 restaurants on site, or venture into nearby Soufriere for something very local. One event that is not to be missed is the Friday Fish Fry at Anse la Raye. This is a great evening activity in a small fishing village just a 45-minute drive from Sugar Beach. The main beachfront road is closed and the fishermen bring their catch right up on to the beach and it’s slapped straight onto the BBQ grill.

An all-inclusive dining option is available as an option

Spa

I'm not sure exactly how a spa is defined as world class, but if a setting immersed in the rainforest where individual treatment bungalows are scattered along the hillside and built from the native surroundings then the Rainforest Spa is surely world class...

A short list of spa services includes-

Relaxing Royal Bamboo Massage

Hot Candle Massage

Hot Stone Massage

Lava Shell Massage

Swedish Massage

Remedial Massage Deep Tissue

Reflexology

Awakening Facial

C+C Vitamin Body Polisher

Bamboo Body Polisher

Honey Body Polisher

Neuro-Aroma Bath      

 

 

For more of a sense of the beauty of the resort check out this brief video...

 

 

I am sure you will agree that it would be tough to find a more gorgeous setting for a luxury resort, and am confident that if your desire is to experience a superior resort in a tropical paradise then Sugar Beach has to be at the top of your list of possibilities

So when it's time for you to plan your next exotic escape look to EZTravelPad where we like to think of ourselves as "Your friends....in the travel business"

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