 We’re all tired of being cooped up and with widespread distribution of vaccines, everyone is looking forward to a summer getaway. It looks like many people this year are saying “Beach please!” and with good reasons: You spend more time outdoors where it is easier social distance.We’ve all been indoors for too long and the Vitamin D that sunshine brings is even better when mixed with Vitamin Sea.Beach vacations offer a wide variety of activities and interesting food options. Here are some tips from our friends at SceptreVacations to make sure you pack like a pro for a seaside (or lakeside) escape:  First, Get OrganizedWith a variety of activities, you need to think about how to organize your bags to make the most of your space. Packing cubes and compressions bags can help you save both space and time. They make unpacking easy as you can just slip them straight into the drawers of your hotel dresser.If you are having a more mobile vacations where you are driving from one spot to another, compression also means fewer bags to load and unload at each stop. Plastic storage bags that can be sealed are your friends as well. Especially for things like extra masks and liquid containers of your favorite sunscreen or apres-soleil balm.  Your Basic Beach Packing LIstIf your goal is to settle on the beach and just chill. Here is the minimum list of things to bring along:
If you are planning on doing some exploring, sight-seeing or enjoying some evening dining away from you hotel you will want to also take:• Comfortable walking shoes • Socks • An umbrella • An underwater digital camera (if you find yourself snorkeling or diving) • Self-filtering water bottle • An insulated cooler bag Pandemic Era BasicsEven with vaccines becoming widespread, masks are not going away any time soon. While the ability to social distance may allow you to uncover your face for some of the time (nobody really wants the “raccoon face tan” that wearing a mask full time could bring), you will be required to wear a mask in any settings where people gather. Here are what you need to bring with you:  Washable Reusable MasksMany travelers may think they will pick up some masks when on vacation. After all, they are pretty much available everywhere. But vacation destinations could be swamped by lots of people thinking the same thing and supplies could become limited. DISPOSABLE MASKS IN SEALED PLASTIC BAGSA few extra masks will come in handy if you don’t have time to wash and dry all of your reusable masks after a day at the beach and before an evening out.  SANITIZERS AND WIPESIt’s always a good idea to have some sanitizing gel on hand to quickly make sure your hands are easily cleaned. Wipes are rapidly becoming must have travel accessories as wiping down any area you will be touching over time such as airline seat backs, hotel faucets and doorknobs, and that TV remote).  COPIES OF YOUR DOCUMENTATION.It is always wise to have a photocopy of your passport when traveling overseas.It is also a good idea to take clear photos of your documents and keep them on your phone. Having a copy has helped many people if they lose their original when it comes to getting a temporary replacement at a local consulate.In this day and age where proof of vaccination, negative Covid test, or existence of anti-bodies could make the difference between entry and denial for various venues, having an extra copy could save the day. If you are traveling as a couple, make a copy and keep one in each other’s carry-ons. Ready to say 'beach, please!'?
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 Navigating the new challenges of COVID travel may seem like a daunting task. But with a little careful planning (and the help of your wonderful travel agent) you will be rewarded with your long-awaited paradise! Our friends at Centrav pieced together some of the top things to be mindful of when traveling in the age of COVID. 1. Missed connections Missed connections are difficult during any trip, but they can be even trickier during the COVID era. If you miss your connecting flight and get stuck in a country that was not your final destination you might not be able to leave the airport. Build in a little extra time than you normally would in order to make all your flights. Know the COVID regulations for every country and city on your itinerary, not just your final destination 2. Schedule changesSchedule changes are right up there with missed connections. However, in this case, airline schedule changes are totally out of your (and your travel agent’s) control. What causes airline schedule changes? In a normal travel climate, schedule changes happen due to weather, staffing issues, mechanical failures and so much more. It’s complicated coordinating thousands of flight times, codeshares, and routes. Add COVID to the mix and things just get more complicated. As the demand for travel increases, new flights are added regularly. This causes everything to shift a bit. You can avoid frustrations by checking your flight status frequently and arriving at the airport early. Check out Centrav's full guide to airline schedule changes here 3. Different/changing COVID travel regulationsCOVID travel regulations don’t just change by country. They change by province and even by city. We should know this well from observing the state mask mandates here in the US. But it is important to remember that other countries are also working through the details just like we are. One city at your destination may not have mask requirements while another not only requires masks but requires a specific kind of mask. Write down every place you will visit and double-check requirements as you approach your departure date. Things can change at any time. 4. Added paperworkLots of paperwork! Every destination is requiring different information to make sure they can host travelers as safely as possible. Whether it’s COVID test results, health screening forms, vaccination records, or an account of where you plan to go during your stay, every trip will require more paperwork than in the past. No one loves to do paperwork, but it’s important to keep in mind that your host country is only doing this to make sure they can continue to welcome tourists all year long. No one wants travel to shut down again! The best way to handle the added paperwork? Research and read the fine print to know what you need. Keep printed copies AND digital files as a backup. 5. Advanced reservationWhile most tourist sites and restaurants have been open in the United States for a while, many countries around the world have been slower to ease back on restrictions. Because of this, you may find things like restaurants, entertainment, and excursions operating at a very limited capacity and or allowing tourists by reservation only. This might prove to be very helpful if you love to plan your trip out anyway. But if you are more of a spontaneous traveler, it might take a little extra planning. Have questions about booking your next travel adventure??
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 GREECE: OFF THE BEATEN PATH Enjoy a wine tasting on a beach on Mykonos. Race your friends during a private sport event at an ancient stadium. Find peace and serenity at the Oracle of Delphi. There’s a lot more to Greece than the Acropolis and tantalizing cuisine. |  INSIDER’S GUIDE TO ITALY Do you feel like traveling to Italy but want to stay clear of the crowds? Italian travel specialist Dino T. explains how you can do just that during this Q&A session, giving you travel tips and insights to have an authentic Italian journey. |
Are you ready to plan your european adventure?
Every trip to the South Seas should include a treasure hunt for the perfect pearl. The beautiful flexibility of the Tahitian black pearl is that it can be worn, strung on a rope of leather cord, or á la Cleopatra, with one baroque globe the size of a gumball, dangling from each ear. No matter how you wear them, the magic of pearls sets the skin aglow. It’s no wonder women have treasured them throughout the millennia. Our friends at Paul Gauguin Cruises have put together a helpful guide to choosing that perfect pearl.
Purchasing pearls like a pro is easy if you remember the five measurements of shine, surface, shape, size, and shade.
HOW TO BUY PEARLS
Start with the luminous outer coating of the pearl. It’s called nacre and is what gives the gem its shine. The thicker the coating, the more lustrous the pearl. Next, it’s important to have a smooth surface. The fewer the surface flaws, the more valuable the pearl. Tahitian black pearls come in a variety of shapes: round, circle, button, oval, and baroque. Choose what suits you. Large pearls are not very common so the larger the size of the pearl, the more valuable it is. The last measure is color. Tahitian pearls are most commonly found in the hues of charcoal, silver, and dark green. For a more exotic and valuable gem, choose one in peacock, rose, or rainbow.
 Golden |  emerald |  Rainbow |  aubergine |  blue |
 | Make sure to visit a pearl farm, where nature’s ocean gems originate. Prolific in the turquoise lagoons of the Society and Tuamotus islands, they are home to one very special mollusk, the black-lipped oyster. This rock star is what gives Polynesian gems their world-renowned color. Farmers cultivate pearls by introducing an irritant into the body of the oyster. Slowly over time, the irritated mollusk secretes nacre and a pearl is formed. Each gem takes on the luster and shade unique to the interior shell of its host. You can tour pearl farms in Rangiroa or Huahine to watch, as step-by-step, gems form right before your eyes. |
| Keshi is a pearl that forms without a center nucleus (or bead). Sometimes the oyster takes the upper hand in the creative process, and a beautiful, natural amorphous pearl is born. Each completely unique, these gems have high luster with beautiful, wavy shapes. Fine jewelers say they sometimes wait for years to find two keshis close enough alike to make a pair of earrings. |  |
Whatever style you are drawn to, we hope that you enjoy the treasure hunt that is finding that perfect pearl. May the adventure to find it be a treasured memory.
Are you a website designer? Trying to launch your own business in the midst of quarantine life?
We wanted to take a few moments and share a new program that we've been enjoying!
Take a look at Baamboo Studio!
Baamboo Studio is full of great Weebly apps and themes to make building your business website a breeze. There are free and paid for options that will set your business apart while being so easy to use, every level of designer will be able to make the appropriate modifications with ease.
We know you don't want to be spending hours upon hours creating that perfect aesthetic. So, if you haven't found a platform that works for you, give Weebly a try and add Baamboo Studio elements for that extra design upgrade.
Happy website building!
We wanted to take a few moments and share a new program that we've been enjoying!
Take a look at Baamboo Studio!
Baamboo Studio is full of great Weebly apps and themes to make building your business website a breeze. There are free and paid for options that will set your business apart while being so easy to use, every level of designer will be able to make the appropriate modifications with ease.
We know you don't want to be spending hours upon hours creating that perfect aesthetic. So, if you haven't found a platform that works for you, give Weebly a try and add Baamboo Studio elements for that extra design upgrade.
Happy website building!
Yes, it’s a bit of a silly word, a close-to-clever portmanteau invented by some inspired blogger. But still, at the heart of “vaxication” — vacation experiences that vaccinated travelers can enjoy right now — is more than just a popular internet idea.
Inside that word is hope, excitement, relief and relaxation. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel, a tunnel that you step out from to find yourself basking in the sun on a palm-fringed beach. It’s the much-needed respite you need after the long, challenging year we’ve had. It’s the dream you’ve been having to be free and to explore and to dive into new cultures — finally realized.
If you’re fully vaccinated, this might be your opportunity to travel with confidence again. Currently, more than 117 million Americans are fully vaccinated, with numbers rising higher every day. As a result of this dedication to safety, countries around the world have opened their borders to vaccinated travelers, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Croatia, Iceland and Tahiti with more adding to that list each week. Read about these vaccinated friendly destinations in our Visit Now article below.
The European Commission announced plans to end a year-long travel ban and open its doors to vaccinated American travelers as soon as this summer. Also beginning this summer, cruise lines are launching engaging itineraries to bucket-list destinations, but only for vaccinated guests. If getting your vaccination scheduled is still on your to do list, maybe the idea of traveling again is the incentive you need.
Whenever you do decide to travel again, please contact our agency for assistance. We can provide up-to-date information so you can make informed choices, and also help you understand all COVID-19 travel requirements, cancellation policies, and refund options. Plus, we know a thousand ways to make your vacation simply amazing.
For now, read on and dream on! Then let’s go … on a Vaxication!
Inside that word is hope, excitement, relief and relaxation. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel, a tunnel that you step out from to find yourself basking in the sun on a palm-fringed beach. It’s the much-needed respite you need after the long, challenging year we’ve had. It’s the dream you’ve been having to be free and to explore and to dive into new cultures — finally realized.
If you’re fully vaccinated, this might be your opportunity to travel with confidence again. Currently, more than 117 million Americans are fully vaccinated, with numbers rising higher every day. As a result of this dedication to safety, countries around the world have opened their borders to vaccinated travelers, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Croatia, Iceland and Tahiti with more adding to that list each week. Read about these vaccinated friendly destinations in our Visit Now article below.
The European Commission announced plans to end a year-long travel ban and open its doors to vaccinated American travelers as soon as this summer. Also beginning this summer, cruise lines are launching engaging itineraries to bucket-list destinations, but only for vaccinated guests. If getting your vaccination scheduled is still on your to do list, maybe the idea of traveling again is the incentive you need.
Whenever you do decide to travel again, please contact our agency for assistance. We can provide up-to-date information so you can make informed choices, and also help you understand all COVID-19 travel requirements, cancellation policies, and refund options. Plus, we know a thousand ways to make your vacation simply amazing.
For now, read on and dream on! Then let’s go … on a Vaxication!
DESTINATIONS VACCINATED TRAVELERS CAN VISIT
Have you been fully vaccinated and are ready to conquer the world? Great news: more than a dozen international destinations are now allowing vaccinated U.S. travelers to visit, including close to home tropical locales, fan-favorite countries across the sea and exotic island paradises. Of those, these five destinations are definitely our faves.
READY FOR YOUR VAXICATION??
We know so many of our favorite destinations and adventures we were looking forward to last year needed to be put on pause. Many countries--especially our smaller, and more vulnerable ones needed to close their doors to many travelers over the past year to keep their inhabitants safe during the pandemic. It was a costly decision, but a healthy one.
BUT TODAY WE HAVE GOOD NEWS!
As the pandemic is winding down in many parts of the world, some of our harder to reach locations are opening back up! One that we are particularly excited about is Tahiti and French Polynesia--and they are so excited to be welcoming you back to their beautiful islands. We wanted to share some of their fantastic travel specials as well as a few key tips on booking a trip to Tahiti and her islands.
BUT TODAY WE HAVE GOOD NEWS!
As the pandemic is winding down in many parts of the world, some of our harder to reach locations are opening back up! One that we are particularly excited about is Tahiti and French Polynesia--and they are so excited to be welcoming you back to their beautiful islands. We wanted to share some of their fantastic travel specials as well as a few key tips on booking a trip to Tahiti and her islands.
AIR TAHITI NUI
Return to Paradise – Departing LAX From $775*!
Departing SFO From $789*!
Departing SFO From $789*!
Only 8 hours non-stop from Los Angeles, The Islands of Tahiti are welcoming international travelers starting May 1st, 2021!*
To make travel as simple as possible during these new “normal” times, along with this very special, limited time offer airfare, go with confidence knowing that you have:
Don't miss this opportunity—limited availability!
Hurry, sale EXTENDED until May 18th, 2021!
To make travel as simple as possible during these new “normal” times, along with this very special, limited time offer airfare, go with confidence knowing that you have:
- Complimentary travel date changes
- An extremely flexible travel period: May 1st, 2021 - March 31st, 2022, off peak fares from Los Angeles starting at $775 r/t, SFO $789
- Peak season airfare reductions from July 1st - August 14th, 2021 from Los Angeles starting at $901 r/t, SFO $917
Don't miss this opportunity—limited availability!
Hurry, sale EXTENDED until May 18th, 2021!
LOOKING TO BUNDLE?? Check out these vacation packages!*
Bora Bora Escape - Daily Breakfast! STarting at $1808
Bora Bora is a fairy-tale creation of jagged volcanic peaks and aqua lagoons. Welcome to the incomparable hospitality and beauty Bora Bora is famed for, and where romantic possibilities are endless.
This vacation package includes:
- Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
- 7 Nights Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora, Air-conditioned Garden View Room
- Roundtrip inter-island air on Air Tahiti
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Daily breakfast
9 Days, 7 Nights Limited Sale - STARTING AT $3000
Take a non stop 8 hour flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti on the award winning Air Tahiti Nui. Spend one night in Tahiti (it can be at the begining or end of the trip depending on flight schedule and availability) at the Intercontinental Tahiti. Visit the heart shaped island of Moorea and breathtaking Bora Bora staying at small intimate hotels.
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MAGNIFICENT ISLANDS - STARTING AT $3399
Discover these intimate resorts in romantic islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Taha'a . First spend one night in Tahiti to unwind and get used to time difference. Take an island tour or go downtown to the market or taste the local fresh fish by the pier in the evening.
Next take a ferry to magical Moorea and spend three nights at the charming and intimate Sofitel, a true jewel of the South Pacific, with long beaches and great snorkeling.
Lastly spend three nights overwater at the luxurious Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa. This is a 5 star Relais and Chateaux property located on its own motu. The restaurants herer offer French-Polynesian fusion food, from beachside snacks to gourmet dining. The Tāvai Spa will introduce you to Polynesian well-being rituals and restore your mind-body balance.
Next take a ferry to magical Moorea and spend three nights at the charming and intimate Sofitel, a true jewel of the South Pacific, with long beaches and great snorkeling.
Lastly spend three nights overwater at the luxurious Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa. This is a 5 star Relais and Chateaux property located on its own motu. The restaurants herer offer French-Polynesian fusion food, from beachside snacks to gourmet dining. The Tāvai Spa will introduce you to Polynesian well-being rituals and restore your mind-body balance.
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*All packages are limited availability and prices are subject to change until booked.
WHAT EXACTLY IS "OFF PEAK SEASON" TRAVEL?
In the travel industry, we will often speak of the year being divided into three seasons: peak season (~mid June through August), shoulder season (April through mid-June and September through October), and off-season (November through March). Of course, depending on your specific destination, these seasons may shift a bit due to when the wet and dry seasons are, or when a country's winter is.
One of the ways that you can save money on travel is by choosing to visit that idyllic location in the off peak season. There are a lot of perks to doing this: there are often shorter lines at those famous landmarks, museums are less crowded and you feel like you can take a slower pace discovering a new location. One of our travel partners, Globus, develops entire tours with this in mind that includes all hotel stays, tours, and airfare specials! We wanted to share a few of those with you today!
One of the ways that you can save money on travel is by choosing to visit that idyllic location in the off peak season. There are a lot of perks to doing this: there are often shorter lines at those famous landmarks, museums are less crowded and you feel like you can take a slower pace discovering a new location. One of our travel partners, Globus, develops entire tours with this in mind that includes all hotel stays, tours, and airfare specials! We wanted to share a few of those with you today!
ITALY
 | Experience the passion of Italy with a Globus Escape…without the crowds or high-season prices. You’ve heard about Italy—its mouth-watering cuisine, excellent wine, fabulous art, splendid beauty, ancient ruins, and remarkable architecture—now it’s your turn to experience it all! On this Italy escorted tour, get a taste of what the country has to offer and explore its most famous cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Departures: 2022 - Jan 23, 30 or Feb 6: $1,599/person* 2021 - Oct 31, Nov 14, Dec 5, or 2022-Feb 13,20,27: $1,709/person* *Package includes round-trip trans-Atlantic air from BOS, CHI (MDW, ORD), or NYC (EWR, JFK, LGA). More gateways available for additional costs. Must be under deposit by May 7, 2021. |
SCOTLAND
| Take an exciting Caledonian adventure through the highlands from Edinburgh to Glasgow on this guided vacation in Scotland! Enjoy the moors even more by visiting during the off season, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Begin in Edinburgh to visit the Castle and admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Departures: 2021 - Dec 5 2022 - Jan 2, 23 : $1,199/person* 2021 - Oct 31, Nov 28 2022 - Feb 13, 20 : $1,309/person* *Package price includes round-trip trans-Atlantic air from BOS or NYC (EWR, JFK, LGA). More gateways available for additional costs. Must be under deposit by April 30. |  |
PORTUGAL
 | Experience the best of Portugal and take in the important cities of Lisbon and Porto, typical towns and villages, and the stunning north-west coastline. Throughout this tour, you’ll visit the must-see attractions, including the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery. Often regarded as Lisbon’s most important landmark, it was traditional for Portuguese seafarers to pray in the chapel before their departure to the unknown. Departures: 2022 - Jan 15, 22, 29 or Feb 3, 5, 10 : $1,399/person* 2021 - Nov 25 2022 - Feb 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 : $1,459/person* *Package price includes round-trip trans-Atlantic air from BOS, CHI (MDW, ORD), NYC (EWR, JFK, LGA). More gateways available for additional costs. Must be under deposit by April 30. |
