All all-inclusives are NOT created equal! With Jen Maki

What is the definition of an all inclusive? Typically, it means that you have your food and beverages, even alcohol included for one package price.  Some resorts go a bit further and include water sports while others include nightly entertainment.  The most inclusive of them all will include everything listed above and then including taxes.  And then there's SANDALS & BEACHES!

Sandals & Beaches are the most inclusive in the all inclusive arena offering MORE inclusions than any resort on the PLANET!  Not only do they offer MORE, but the MORE that they offer are high quality, luxury inclusions.  In what ways?  I'm so glad you asked!

Accommodations: The accommodations are larger offering Serta sleeper beds and the most delicious pillows you ever set your head on.  The luxurious in room toiletries, branded Red Lane Spa, and the soft robes and slippers go hand in hand like chocolate and Blue Mountain coffee, which you will also find in your room and brewed throughout the resort.

Food: With as many as 19 restaurants to chose from per resort, the only question will be, "what's for dinner?".  The Signature Discovery Dining program allows you to dine around the world quite literally.  Sandals employs an Executive Chef who is native for that cuisine. For example, if you are craving true Thai food, rest assured, Apple straight from Thailand, will have trained the cooks how to prepare authentic entrees and all at no additional charge.  My personal favorite is Febrezio, Executive Chef at Marios in La Toc.  Not only is he a handsome young gent from Italy, he's a heck of a chef as well!

Beverages: They say at Sandals, "Jimmy, Johnny, Jack and all their friends are here!"  Wine lover? Beringer flows 24/7. Prefer the nonalcoholic approach? Here you will find the freshest smoothies, juices and even a self serve unlimited ice cream station.  My favorite part about Sandals & Beaches is the simple fact that they all are located in regions where water is at it's purist right from the tap!  Prefer a bottle, no worries, it's all included.

Water sports: Did you know that some resorts offer water sports such as SCUBA diving but actually charge for it?  Others even charge a fee to rescue you!  The highly trained staff not only will show you how to use the equipment properly, they will also keep an eye on you to be sure you are fully enjoying yourself and won't need to be rescued.  As far as SCUBA diving goes, they own their own Newton Dive boats, the best in  the industry, and offer you up to two dives daily.  This isn't only for the big fish either, small fish as young as 8 years old can partake as well.  Water slides or lazy rivers more your style? They have those too.  Snorkel, paddle board, waterskiing, Hobie Cats and more are also all a part of the all inclusive package price.

Global Entry in Action With Jen Maki

After traveling thousands of miles and standing in lines for hours this past year, I have finally had the opportunity to use my Global Entry pass!  While not beneficial for domestic travel, it can virtually eliminate any fears you may have of Customs agents, long lines and ultimately, missed connections!  At only $20 a year it's the best investment I've made when it comes to travel (aside from my ZAGG keyboard which allows me to continue talking even at 10,000 feet!) Today I deplaned in San Juan and when I went through Customs, there was my entire flight in line waiting while I sauntered to the Global Entry line in true diva style! There was no one else there which meant no waiting; I was through customs in under five minutes!  Compare that to Miami last March where I spent almost three hours waiting in line!

Next stop: TSA.  You know what they say , "You can't see London, you can't see France until TSA sees your underpants!!" Well, one of the benefits of being a trusted traveler is to have a bright green check mark on the top of your boarding pass that signifies you are a goody two shoes.  With this stamp of approval, you get a designated TSA security line which again, I had all to myself.  This not only made it more comfortable, but I also didn't have to completely disrobe or go through the "pat down" process.  The only offense was to have my hands swabbed.  Within 30 seconds the machine told the agent I was clean, so off I went into the sunset of Concorse A to board my oversold flight!

Do you have Global Entry? What are you waiting for? If you have it, what do you like most about it?