Global Entry

With a click of the mouse and $100 later, I had applied for Global Entry.  Within two weeks I was notified via email that my application had been accepted and I was invited to set up an appointment to have a face to face interview to finalize the process.  As I looked over the upcoming four months on the calendar, I tried to find the most convenient time that would work for the appointment since I needed to do it at the MSP airport, or any other Global Entry offices around the USA.  Even though my calendar showed I'd be traveling through Charlotte, Ft Lauderdale, Dallas, Miami and Detroit, there were no appointments that were available for me to coordinate with.  So, I made a special visit to MSP when I wasn't traveling and made it a special Mother Daughter weekend instead.  (Read that blog next!)

The airport was eerily quiet for a Friday, however, that was to my advantage; easy in easy out and what I like to call "rock star parking"!!  I was armed with my passport, drivers license and invitation letter.  Unbeknownst to me, they were armed with my background check, rap sheet and soon my full set of fingerprints, which by the way, when he did so, complimented me on my large turtle gemstone ring.  Some call this Big Brother at its finest, I call it simplicity, and heck, when he notices my jewelry to the positive, he's golden in my opinion.   Officer Wille, who was still wet behind the ears, successfully butchered my married name, maiden name and city of residence all while being so dang cute at the same time.  He said it didn't matter, what did matter was why I was there.  Next came the questions.  Simple for me, because I'm 'that girl' who would be labeled as "don't drink, don't smoke, what do you do"; I was going to refer to that song but was positive Officer Wille wouldn't be familiar with such an "oldie".  Within five minutes the interview portion was done and the remainder of the appointment would be going over the features and benefits of Global Entry.  This is  strategically stalling for the computer to tell him whether I was approved or not.  Since I was given the green light, he then proceeded to show me how the kiosk worked and and I was off for my weekend of girl time.  

So what are the features and benefits of Global Entry? Let me count the ways:

1. Fast Pass Through Customs and Immigrations

Where what has taken me up to THREE HOURS standing in lines upon my return to US soil, other Global Entry card carrying members have sprinted through in under THREE MINUTES! 'Nuff said!

2. Eliminate the Need to Carry a Drivers License

Who likes everyone to see how much you weigh or how tall you are? Wait, you don't really tell the truth on those, do you?  My fitness goal is to actually weigh what I told the DMV I do.

3. Qualify for TSA Precheck

Although altogether separate programs, they are like peanut butter and chocolate or Nutella and  a spoon!  Not only do you qualify for the line where you don't have to disrobe down to nakedness aka: no sparkly jewelry, belts or light jackets, you also can keep your espadrilles on,  iPads in the bag and simply toss your iPhone and loose coins into the pastel bowl and walk through the line!  Did I mention that there are usually only pilots, crew members and frequent travelers in this line?  Therefore, it is a swift pace sans strollers or novice travelers.

Ready to take the plunge?  Apply now and let me know how much happier you are upon your return to US soil.  No more hang ups, hassles or missed connections!

Jennifer Maki, Destination Diva at Divine Destinations cuts through the clutter of online vacation planning and obscure traveler ratings by using her industry expertise, first hand knowledge of the products and relationships with the resort management.  If you want the best vacation with the greatest value:

call us at 218/348-2825

follow us on twitter @4divinedeals

like us on faceboook.com/4divinedeals

or simply drop us a line at info@4divinedeals.com 

Grand Pineapple; a Slice of the Caribbean

Grand Pineapple

Known as the cutest little resort in Caribbean, welcome to Grand Pineapple Negril! Although small in size, it's huge in character! They have used over 40 different colors around the property including their beach front cottages to their manor side garden rooms. This property truly showcases the original vibe of the Caribbean with colors that just make you smile and cottages that remind you of doll houses. So many resorts are muting their colors or becoming more modern and if this what you like, trust me, you will not like it here. However, if you like authentic charm, jerk chicken and that amazing Seven Mile Beach, this just might be the best kept secret yet! 

The property only has one restaurant, however, each evening it features a different theme which can make it feel like in fact there are seven restaurants. They have one bar on property as well, but they have the cutest decor inside which subliminally challenges you to try to drink your way around the bar during your stay. The walls are adorned with drink recipes from classics like Tom Collins or Shirley Temple to Dirty Banana or Jamaican Smile. What's your favorite vacation libation?

People who stay here appreciate the fact that local cuisine is steps away via the beach or a short cab ride if they don't want to partake in theme night. If you like the local interaction or have a little bit of an explorer in you, this would be your place!

They also have a spa here which is of the highest level of service, just like its cousin, Red Lane but, are you ready for this??? You can get the same treatments for about 40-60% less than the prices at Sandals or Beaches! Too much sun worshipping? There's a treatment for that. Need a post travel massage? Consider it done. Didn't get a chance to squeeze in your mani or pedi among all the other prevacation duties? Relax....the girls have you covered.

As a Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency, be sure to book your next vacation through Divine Destinations! Not only will you be assured the perfect resort and room category, but you will also be insured extra special amenities not offered or even available to those who book online or elsewhere. So if you want service before, during and after the vacation, remember the internet is for looking and your Destination Diva at Divine Destinations  is for booking! www.4divinedeals.com 

Review of Sandals Negril

Sandals Negril served as our home base for the latter half of our stay.  Immediately upon entering the lobby we were captivated by the lovely turquoise blue ocean! The staff were traditional, hospitable Jamaicans and quickly we were whisked to our rooms to find our luggage awaiting for us. What makes this resort so popular is the fact that it sits on the World Famous Seven Mile Beach. This is the ultimate beach lovers resort! Negril is known as the Capital  of Casual.  It has a very laid back beachey vibe about it, more so than any other part of the island. I also learned that Negril is where all of the hippies hung out in the day to smoke their Mary Jane and chill out while waiting for the most gorgeous sunsets. I ran across a few of those who must've been back for a reunion :)

Keeping with the Sandals tradition, there are a myriad of room categories to choose from here. I was fortunate enough to have a beach front room with a balcony and concierge suite service. One of the perks of this room category is free wifi and a fully stocked liquor cabinet and fridge so I was able to FaceTime with family and show the view and even upload videos and photos to Facebook while sipping a glass of Beringer wine on my balcony. There are many nicer room categories to choose if you'd rather spend more quality time in the room; particularly for Honeymooners.  I saw a two story loft suite complete with a spiral staircase to the Crystal Lagoon Swimup Suites which provide full access to the pool right from your room.  The creme de la creme was undoubtably the Millionaires Suite with private plunge pool, outdoor shower and Butler service! There are only four of these on the property and I can attest that they sell out quickly, so if you want that special room for that special occasion or someone, as always, book early! 

At Sandals, all the non motorized water sports are included.  This includes aqua trikes, wind surfing, hobie cats, snorkeling to the all new and popular, paddle boarding.  PADI certified divers can SCUBA for no additional charge.  Not certified? No worries, 'Mon! Simply go through the resort certification for a nominal fee and you can explore under the sea all week long with a professional guide. Negril has the some of the best dive sites on the island.  I spoke with a couple who dove and saw octopus, dolphins, sea cucumbers and other species I had never heard of before.  Sounds exciting, doesn't it? 

As a Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency, be sure to book your next vacation through Divine Destinations! Not only will you be assured the perfect resort and room category, but you will also be insured extra special amenities not offered or even available to those who book online or elsewhere. So if you want service before, during and after the vacation, remember the internet is for looking and your Destination Diva at Divine Destinations  is for booking! www.4divinedeals.com