Every Traveler Has a Story....

As I travel from Duluth to Chicago and eventually to the home of Vanilla Ice's, A-1-A Beachfront Ave, I am thoroughly enjoying people watching.  Everyone has a story that I wish I could hear about, but not everyone takes kindly to "Minnesota Nice". The middle aged woman sporting her STAR WARS T-shirt for example.  ?? Is she going to a Star Wars reunion or simply following common midwest dress code of graphic tees?  Just look at the man wearing the ginormous straw hat in the O'Hare airport; where could he be going or coming from to need that accessory?  Everyone wears earbuds as a bold yet quiet statement that gently reminds me, "I don't want to talk to you". 

My seat mate sported his "Lake Superior Skydivers" sweatshirt but there was no chance of small talk with this guy as he quickly told me, "don't bug me, I'm going to try to get some sleep"... HA! A little birdie must've told him I was a Chatty Cathy!  So I complied but fell asleep....(gasp) on his arm!  Oopsie....

There is a saying that goes something like, "be nice to everyone you meet as you don't know the battle they are going through." What a powerful reminder.  Especially when the guy ahead of you in line at Starbucks drops his briefcase and the contents spill like a box of Legos or the woman who can't get her mobile boarding pass to work and slows the boarding process and don't forget the passenger who insists on saving $25 on checked bag fees and wrestles their bag into the overhead compartment like shoving a marshmallow in a piggy bank!

Are you a people watcher too?  If so, I hope this is a gentle reminder to you that we are all on a journey to somewhere and as you pack your bags, don't forget your compassion and a sense of humor; trust me, you're going to need it!  Wheels up - here we go! 

Store Your Treasures in Your Heart, Not Your Home

Today is Monday.  Garbage Day in my neighborhood.  As I look outside at all the boxes, cans, bags and canister full of garbage, I'm reminded of how many "things" I've purchased and consumed this past year.  How many of these things are still making memories?  Taking up space? Still being paid for on the MasterCard? I'd venture to say many of you can relate.  I see empty cans from staining the deck. Cans of unused sidewalk salt turned into salt licks with all the humidity. I see boxes from the latest snow  boots, ski boots and even hip waders.  Inside the canister is a story all of it's own.  I won't go there.

Now I'm all about recycling, repurposing and reusing, but there comes a time when enough is enough and we realize it's not about things but memories, experiences.  I can remember my kids watching Veggie Tales, Madame Blueberry...going to the StuffMart.  She gathered stuff because she could, she felt better, I don't know.  Imagine if your daily latte was eliminated or you ate out one time less each week or even brown bagged it for lunch (gasp!) This example alone shaved $5500 off my expenses and could easily fund one grand vacation or several smaller ones. Need to run to StuffMart (again?!) My all time favorite is going to the store for XYZ and coming out with the entire alphabet!  How'd that happen????  My point is, if we were more intentional about what we bought we would have more to spend on memories like traveling. 

I met a gal the other day who told me of her family's travels once a quarter.  They'd seen more of the world than National Geographic, I'm sure of it.  She told me how people assume she's so rich, after all, who can afford to travel to all ends of the earth so often?  Then she reminded them it's all about priorities.  They don't spend thousands of dollars on camping equipment, they backpack through Europe.  Nor do they have the latest and greatest skis or snowshoes; they safari in Africa.  No cabin in the woods for this family; they prefer to spend time in Paris.  This may seem drastic to you, for me, it sounds amazing!  

So as you clean out, up or otherwise, consider tightening your budget belt on the little pleasures which add up to much bigger pleasures in the end: memories of time spent with your family.  That my friends, is priceless. 

Jen Maki of Divine Destinations delivers travel dreams on a daily basis to her clients.  She’s available to chat with you about your dreams and help you design your Divine Destination! 218/348-2825 or jennifer@4divinedeals.com

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff to summer and a time to remember those who fought for our freedom. It's almost over.  As we eagerly anticipated it's arrival by planning the camping trip or opening of the cabin to the packing list and obsessing over the weekend forecast (Can it be true?? 80s all weekend without rain?!?!) It's almost over.  This got me thinking....time is fleeting.  What are you doing with your time? Are you spending it with family and friends or has the internet or XBox 1become your BFF?  If you have children, you may have realized you only have 18 summers with them before they are gone.  If you've lost a loved one you know all too well the time you had was precious, however, cut short nonetheless.  

As we fill our summer calendars with soccer practice, baseball games, summer camps and whatever else we can find to busy ourselves and children with, I propose a challenge:  Instead of forking over hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, for all these things to keep the kids busy this summer, why not plan a family vacation?  You could even make it a family affair by getting everyone in on the fun!  Decide as a family the budget, where to go and start planning! It doesn't have to be extravagant but it does need to happen.  We are only here a short time but what we do while we are here is all that matters.  Start making memories with the ones you love NOW!  If you need some inspiration, give us a call or check out our website for some fun or unexpected destinations.  Is this the year you finally take the kids to see Mount Rushmore or maybe swim with dolphins in the Caribbean? That is the question and therefore the challenge.  Are you up for it? 

Jennifer Maki, owner of Divine Destinations, is the chief memory maker and self professed Destination Diva!  Trust her to handle your most precious commodities: time and money!  She will design a fabulous vacation that you will treasure for years to come!  Are you a Veteran or Active Military?  Divine Destinations proudly offers 10% off to you and your family on many venues, be sure to ask us about it! 218/348-2825 Jennifer@4divinedeals.com 

VIP in MBJ

If you must leave Jamaica, THIS is the ONLY way to do it. 

If you've traveled internationally even once, you know what a circus it can be. Imagine crowds of people from different tongues, a sea of suitcases, sunburnt and dreading the return to home, wherever that may be. There are long lines to wait in and confusion of how to print a boarding pass, it's not a place for the timid and mind you, you haven't even began the TSA screen process!

Enter Club MoBay.  This is a little piece of heaven within one of the busiest leisure airports in the world.  Club MoBay is right before you enter the intrusive TSA lines, after you've dropped your luggage and printed your boarding passes.  The representative will ESCORT you through the lines, bypassing the crowds and saving those precious last few hours of your time in Jamaica. From here they will bring you to a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the airport's fast food eateries and shopping kiosks.  It is here you are welcomed with a warm Jamaican smile and a buffet of appetizers, open bar, wifi and of course, comfy seating areas to watch tv on the big screens. 

  

                                             

This is perfect whether traveling solo or with a group.  Want a massage? Need a shower? It's all here! For a minimal cost, you can have this experience and feel like a VIP as well.  Just announced, Diners Club, certain airline partners and more will be able to access Club MoBay as part of their membership benefits.  In Jamaica, they never say goodbye, they say, "soon come back"!  

Jennifer Maki, Destination Diva for Divine Destinations, has traveled the world extensively from Alaska to Antigua and proudly claims the title as Diva because of her expertise. Life is hard; travel shouldn't be. Call on the expert, or Diva, when you need a vacation.  Jennifer will ensure you'll have a Divine Destination! www.4divinedeals.com or Jennifer@4divinedeals.com @4divinedeals on twitter or faceboook.com/4divinedeals 

All all inclusives are NOT created equal!

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!

1. 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.

       

2. 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!

                                      

3. 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.

                                    

4. 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.

                                  

5. Staff

I would say one of the biggest feathers in the Sandals & Beaches hat would be their staff.  Where else can a staff member put a smile on your face from the gardener to the front desk worker to the management staff.  No one esteems themselves higher than the other which is why you will often times see the managers "caught" working other jobs like greeting guests or even refer-erring beach volleyball matches!

                                 

So the next time you consider an all inclusive, remember, they are NOT created equally!  As a Jamaican Specialist and Certified Sandals Specialist 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

                                   

Velas Vallarta

Less than the time it takes to finish a refreshing margarita, you can be whisked from the airport to the upscale resort, Velas Vallarta.  Unlike other resorts in the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit area, this resort is a quick transfer from the airport.  Whether you get here by a shared van or prefer a more custom welcome with a personalized sign, private driver and an ice cold cerveza, a variety of landscapes will entertain you from busy metros to period cobblestone streets lined with quaint adobe style homes. You will see people walking their dogs, jogging, or simply strolling along the bougainvillea adorned yards it's easy to see why Puerto Vallarta has been named by Travel Weekly and Huffington Post as one of the safest cities in all of Mexico. 

The weather in Puerto Vallarta is almost perfect in March.  Temperatures lingered around 85 each day with minimal clouds. At night a light sweater would be recommended as the temps dip into the low 70s. After a day at the beach though, that can feel cool.  Rainy season comes in the summer where temps soar above 100 degrees with 80% humidity. 

I had the privilege of calling the Velas mi casa while I was here.  This oceanfront property was small enough to be an intimate Honeymoon option while large enough to host a group or even family reunion with rooms as large as three bedroom suites accommodating up to 8 people. Complete with a kitchen and a lightly stocked pantry, it also had complimentary room service when reserved under the all inclusive program.  Sipping morning coffee with fresh pastries on the balcony which overlooked the ocean never felt so therapeutic.  I believe the sea has the power to soften your aura and relax those tense muscles from an extended winter season of shoveling and shivering. It was refreshing to walk with a normal stride and not shuffle along in anticipation of the next patch of ice! 

With a nice variety of restuarants to chose from there wasn't much reason to go hungry.  My personal go to whether 10am or 10pm was fresh chips and guacamole!  Avocados just don't taste the same as the ones consumed in Mexico and paired with a lime margarita on the rocks. It definitely filled the void and tempered my stomach who was growling in Spanish for authentic cuisine, if only a simple snack as this.  Fresh seafood, ceviche, tortillas, and yes, guacamole taste so much better when it's coming from the source, not shipped in or processed like we are accustomed to in the Midwest.  We had the opportunity to dine around at other properties and even downtown but I give the Velas Vallarta the highest rating for most authentic food and variety. For those of you know me personally, you know my food cannot touch. Here I was enjoying frijoles y salsa combined with eggs, tortillas and even more salsa along with plenty of spice and kick that made the meal that more palatable despite the mixture I made on my plate. Believe me, I surprised myself! 

There were three pools with plenty of chaise lounge chairs and even included dapper pool boys dressed in bright white outfits. Margaritas anyone? How about fresh strawberries in your champaign? Roberto will fill you up and remember, it's all included here.  If you long for the sound of the sea, grab a chair on the beach or better yet, take a walk and slough off the dead skin from your feet who've been hidden inside of wool socks too long! Here on the beach you can watch surfers, barter with the local vendors or even go parasailing. Need a masssage? It's easy to spot the "tents of tranquility" along the beach; the inviting white massage beds are the perfect reward for being smart enough to book your vacation during the heart of Minnesota winter!  

For those who want an affordable vacation option that gives them the amenities of home combined with the higher level of service such as all inclusive, full spa and nightly entertainment options, consider Velas Vallarta. From the moment you arrive, their warm smiles assure you, "mi casa es su casa"!

Jennifer Maki, Destination Diva for Divine Destinations, has traveled the world extensively from Alaska to Antigua and proudly claims the title as Diva because of her expertise. Life is hard; travel shouldn't be. Call on the expert, or Diva, when you need a vacation.  Jennifer will ensure you'll have a Divine Destination! www.4divinedeals.com or Jennifer@4divinedeals.com @4divinedeals or faceboook.com/4divinedeals 

 

What is a Diva & Why Do I Need One?

A Diva is an expert in what they do.  The Divas at Divine Destinations are EXPERTS in designing your happily ever after handling all of the frustrating details of planning your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon.  We are an Award Winning Agency, Certified Specialists and trusted by many brides.  95% of our business is referrals which should tell you to trust the Divas to design your happily ever after…you’ll be glad you did!

What Does a Diva Do?

• ·         Divas design your dream Destination Wedding or Honeymoon
• ·         Divas save you hours of research & 2^nd guessing by ensuring the perfect match for you & your beloved
• ·         Divas save you money since the Divas have the best value & packages in the industry
• ·         Divas have connections ensuring you are treated like the VIP you are through upgrades, amenities & other values you won’t get on your own.

You wouldn’t go to a dentist to treat a broken arm; why in the world would you consider planning the most important day of your new life together on your own or worse, with Mr. Internet? Trust the EXPERTS.  The Divas at Divine Destinations are only a call or click away.  We’ll look forward to working with you to make your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon more memorable and stress free than you ever imagined possible!