Sandals Resorts // Over-the-Water Suites

Sandals Resorts are known as one of the most romantic destinations for couples. The resorts are adults only with the slogan "a paradise created for two people on love". And that is so very true. Couples visiting Sandals Resorts will experience an all inclusive luxury vacation with more quality inclusions than any other luxury beach resort. With gorgeous white - and sometimes pink - sand beaches, mouth-watering dining experiences, unlimited beverages, exciting water sports, and SO much more, it is no wonder why so many couples choose Sandals!

Sandals Resorts are constantly growing and enhancing their accommodations. In the second half of 2015, Sandals Resorts is debuting five over-the-water suites on the private island at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island in Montego Bay. Each 1,400-square-foot villa will feature a glass floor, a soaking tub, a king-size bed, 65-inch flat screen TVs in both the living room and the bedroom areas, indoor and outdoor showers, outdoor dining space and a built-in hammock over the water.

Excuse me while I go ahead and book this!!

A little bit of trivia - these will be the only over-the-water bungalows other than in the South Pacific!

Call your local travel agent to get more information!

Travel Planners Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama would be thrilled to help! They are the leading Sandals Resort sellers in Alabama. Call them at 205-870-3031! 

Holiday Travel // 2014

It is that time of year again. The wind is blowing and the chill in the air makes you want to cozy up to a fire and sip hot chocolate. The holidays are fast approaching, but it is not too late to plan an exciting adventure.

 

I have compiled a list of five places to visit this holiday season.

 

Amsterdam

The legend of Santa Claus is strong in Amsterdam and the houses are strung with lights at the very beginning of December. During the colder months, Amsterdam is a great place to go ice skating! Fun activity for the kids! The Dutch really know how to make the most of the holiday season. From parades to good food and from markets to festive parties.

 

 

 

 

 

Finland

What is in Finland you ask? Well visiting during the winter is simply breathtaking. Take a trip out to the Urho Kekkonen National Park. It is an actual winter wonderland. You can cross the fresh snow on a reindeer pulled sleigh! Or go cross-country skiing! You can also stay in an igloo!

 

 

 

 

Munich

If you go for only one reason alone, it would to see the hundred-foot Christmas tree. The markets are also a wonderful part of Christmas in Germany. The squares are full off vendors selling mulled wine, gingerbread, and also live holiday music!

 

 

 

 

 

 Charleston

If traveling across seas is not in your budget, not to worry! South Carolina has a lot to offer! Bourbon spiced eggnog, roasted pecans, and choir singing! The streets are decorated with garlands and wreaths adorn all the houses. A prefect quaint Christmas! Not to mention the wonderful food found in Charleston!

 

 

 

 

 

 Boston

Boston is a natural choice for the holidays. The New-England charm is full of coziness! The cobblestone streets covered in snow are picturesque! Boston has so much to do from great bakeries and breweries to sports and shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course there are hundreds of other places to venture to during he holiday season. Skiing, the mountains, somewhere tropical. So if you are thinking of getting away this winter, do not hesitate to call Travel Planners at 205.870.3031. We can help you celebrate the holidays in style!

 

 Happy Holidays! Stay Safe!

Travel Tips // 2014

As we enter the last few months of 2014, we start making travel plans for 2015. Over the years as I have traveled I have heard "do this" or "avoid that". Working for a travel agency, I have been educated on the many do's and do not's of the travel world. I have compiled a list of some of the most valuable information when it comes to great travel tips. 

1.) Avoid chain hotels: By staying in a small boutique or family-run hotel, you will be saving more money than you think. You will also have a more unique experience in the area you are vising. 

2.) In countries rich in history and culture (Italy, France, Japan), go off the beaten path: You will avoid the usual crowds and higher prices and in return find better food, shopping, and so on! 

3.) Be wise when choosing flight days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the least-popular travel dates for domestic flights. 

4.) Take a layover tour: Many cities will offer a layover tour. So if you have a long layover, take advantage of the layover tours. Have a 5 hour layover in Paris? Go explore! 

5.) Buy insurance: I can't say it enough. BUY INSURANCE! Yes, it costs a little extra, but you will thank yourself in the long run. What if a family member gets sick? Canceling the trip would cause you to lose everything! Not if you had purchased trip insurance. When asked if you want to add it, don't hesitate. Say YES! 

6.) Scan important documents before you leave: In the event of theft or misplacement, you will be glad you scanned your passport, cards, etc. 

7.) Use a travel agent: I know, coming from someone who works at a travel agency, this comes off as biased. But now that I know how much easier traveling is after using an agent, I will never travel internationally without one! Plus using a travel agency is FREE! So, why not?

Tip from Hayden: As a treat to yourself, send yourself a postcard from each day of your travels. It will be a nice treat to come home to and make the transition to reality easier! 

Guest Blog // Kay English Photography - Fall Wedding

Fall is pretty much just around the corner here in Alabama. That means pumpkins, changing leaves, crisp mornings, and cozy nights in front of the fire with a wool blanket. Alright, I am obsessed, if you can't tell. 

Autumn is a beautiful time to get married and the decorating can be so much fun! I was searching Pinterest (go figure) for great fall wedding inspirations and I came across Kay English Photography. She is a wedding photographer based in New Jersey and WOW, they are beautiful! And of course I fell in love with her post about Fall wedding.

Kay English Photography

In her blog she mentions that "Fall weddings are the new Spring weddings." I could not agree more. Maybe it is just my obsession with the season that makes me biased, but I believe that Fall is the new Spring. Yes, Spring bring the new life and the pretty pinks, but Fall is accompanied by the rustic colors and the sense of new beginnings. 

Decorating for a Fall wedding is exciting. The burlap (which seems to always be popular), the sunflowers, gold, lace, and wood are all used frequently in rustic Fall weddings. 

The Fall color pallets are probably my absolute favorite. Have fun with it. Combine the reds with the browns and pinks. The pop of color against a white wedding dress is breathtaking. Sage, gold, and deep purple are also gorgeous. 

     

She talks about the importance of a centerpiece for a Fall wedding. Don't be timid. Go big or go home! The centerpiece is usually the first thing your guests will see when they walk in to the reception. Make it a statement. 

Have fun with the planning and decorating. Fall brings so much organic aspects. Use the pumpkins, the acorns, and even the fallen leaves to draw inspiration! 

This last picture is my favorite! I love the incorporation of the pumpkin candy corn! 

Happy Fall Y'all!

Fall Travel // 5 Great Getaways

The fall season brings shorter days and colder nights, but there is always something to look forward to: fall foliage and amazing scenery! Not to mention pumpkins and candy corn!

This fall, plan a weekend getaway at a cabin or take a road trip through the mountains!

1. Hudson Valley, New York

Hudson Valley has some of the most beautiful land you will ever set your eyes on. There is so much natural beauty. From the breathtaking views, miles of hiking opportunities, fishing, and not to mention the sunsets! Hudson Valley also has a great farmers market and a few fall festivals!

2. Skyline Drive, Virginia

Located in the Shenandoah National Park, the 105-mile long Skyline Drive is unbelievable! The best time to visit is in the fall when the foliage is the perfect shade of oranges and yellows!

3. Tunnel of Trees, Michigan

Looking for the ideal Autumn landscape? The Tunnel of Trees is one of the most beautiful fall foliages you will ever see. This drive along M-119 is surrounded with plenty of canopies ranging from broadleaf and pines! 

4. Sevierville, Tennessee

The little town in Eastern Tennessee provides amazing scenery full of leaves in golden and red! There are plenty of things to do in Sevierville. You can go horseback riding and visit the Forbidden Caverns with the kids! Sevierville's claim to fame is that it is Dolly Parton's birthplace!

5. Salem, Massachusetts

Quite possibly the most gorgeous fall foliage you will see can be found in Salem. This town is the definition of fall and not to mention Halloween. There is so much history in Salem on top of the beauty! A great addition to any fall road trip!

Happy Fall, Y'all!