As a destination wedding travel agent, and a certified wedding planner, I have a list of questions that I always make sure my clients ask. If you are looking at having a destination wedding, you need to be asking these questions. You can hand the list to your travel agent and/or you wedding planner. They will be able to help you get all of the answers that you need.

Start asking these questions when you have narrowed down your choices to about 3 or 4. The first set of questions should be able to help you decide your exact venue.

• Do you hold destination weddings at your resort?
• Is there a dedicated wedding planner on site? Can she be reached by email?
• What services does your wedding planner provide? Is there a fee?
• How much time would we need to reserve our wedding in advance?

All about the ceremony and reception.

• What private indoor and outdoor areas of the resort are available for a wedding? Are indoor spaces air-conditioned?
• How many people can each of them accommodate?
• Can you email me a layout and images of these places?
• Can you supply pictures of other destination weddings that have taken place at your property?
• What do you offer in the way of decorations?
• What time of day do most destination weddings occur? Why?
• Will there be other weddings taking place during the same time as ours?
• If we want our wedding on the beach, what is the set-up?

Estimating the cost of a destination wedding:

Questions regarding some services:

Every country has different marriage laws. It’s important to ask about the specifics of legality for your destination wedding.

There will be folks who can’t attend the destination wedding. Help them to be there in more than spirit.

It’s your wedding. Ask away.

Your travel agent or planner will be more than happy to help you ask these questions, and should be able to answer some, if not quite a few, themselves.

Alright, having a destination wedding or vow renewal may not be an actual must do, but it is something to consider seriously. Why? Let’s take a look at a few reasons why a destination wedding or vow renewal should be taken seriously.

1. It’s a 3-in-1!

As mentioned in my previous post, a destination wedding or vow renewal is a 3-in-1. A vacation, wedding, and honeymoon in one beautiful trip. A couple of days of rest and relaxation, maybe even some spa time with your friends ans family. Then your gorgeous wedding ceremony and then it is all about you and your significant other.

2. You can get married anywhere!

Seriously, where do you picture your dream wedding? Mine, either France or Scotland, although a Caribbean wedding would work too! Honestly though, picture your dream wedding, where are you? Chances are, with the right professional your dream wedding could come true. It really may be more in reach than you think.

I will say, there are some restrictions for getting married in certain places around the world. Your destination wedding specialist travel agent or wedding planner will be able to tell you a little more about the restrictions, and help you find out exactly what applies in what country.

3. Save money on decor.

You do not have to worry about decorating three different places (ceremony and reception venues, and where your photos are to be taken). Most venues have packages that include decorating services and decorations. And, well, let’s be honest, decorations may not be needed. Your venue could say it all.

4. It’s cost-effective.

Did you know that the average Caribbean destination wedding can actually cost $19,000 less than your wedding at home.

There are so many factors that can help with the cost of a destination wedding. For example, you could sign up for a honeymoon registry ( we will get into further detail about this in another post). Some service providers offer special group fares. A great example is every 16 passenger travel free (if available, restrictions may apply). This could translate into a completely free all-inclusive package for the Bride and Groom.

Your specialist will know more about options available to you.

5. Casual attire.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am all for the big, fancy dress, but I am not really all for the tuxedo or suit and tie. And, let’s be honest, we all know there aren’t very many people who really like to dress up for weddings.

A nice pair of sandals, a sun dress, a nice pair of shorts and shirt, perfect casual attire for a beach wedding.

6. Intimate guest list.

You don’t have to worry about your Grandmother’s cousin, twice removed. Sorry Grandma! This list will only be your closest family and friends.

7. Hands down the best reunion ever!

How excited and delighted would your families be to be able to get to know or reconnect with each other in such a beautiful setting. And your friends? A little spa time for a relaxing hangout. Seriously, the best reunion ever!

8. Picturesque

You won’t have to worry about finding the perfect setting for any of your photos. Every photo taken will have breath taking back grounds.

Don’t forget about the perfect, picturesque setting for your ceremony. Picture your altar on a white sand beach, with the beautiful blue water right behind. Or, think of a castle courtyard, a fairy garden, one of these could be your setting.

9. Flexibility.

This point will be touched on in a later post. Just remember, you have all week, you could get married on any day.

10. Your wedding will be the wedding of the year!!

I will just leave it at that…

There are certainly many more reasons for a destination wedding or vow renewal, but these reasons certainly are convincing!

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope everyone’s celebrations were wonderful. Any New Year’s resolutions? I did set a couple this year, but we shall see what happens…

With wedding season fast approaching, and most engagements behind us (think Christmas and New Years, with some to come on Valentines), it is time to start wedding planning.

Before becoming a travel agent, I had a very successful wedding and event planning business, with a true focus on weddings, and I still hold the designation of Certified Sandals Wedding Specialist. I have decided that combining my 15+ years of wedding and event planning experience with my experience and skills as a travel agent will give me an advantage like no other. This will allow me to deliver the perfect destination wedding every time.

I am currently working hard on a destination wedding and romance travel course. This will give me a specialty designation, and a membership in an organization dedicated to destination weddings and romance travel.

Over the next couple of months, there is going to be a slight shift in focus across my Social Media platforms. You will see a little more dedication to destination weddings, vow renewals and honeymoons. I am shifting this focus to, hopefully, be able to help those couples, families and friends who are deep in or are about to be deep in wedding planning. There is so much information out there and I hope to be able to help with a little of it. Just think, a destination wedding or vow renewal is the perfect 3-in-1!

One piece of advice for any couple that is planning on a destination wedding, vow renewal, or honeymoon, talk to a specially trained travel agent. You can either find an agent that is trained in destination weddings or you can pair your specially trained wedding planner with your travel agent. Either way, I highly recommend, for so many reasons to have a trained professional help you every step of the way!

Getting ready for the New Year celebrations. I came across the lyrics and thought it would be a great idea to put them here for everyone.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’lltak‘ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup!
and surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin’ auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin’ auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

English translation

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

It is super chilly here in Southwestern Ontario. Although we are post-Christmas, there is still no snow on the ground (thank goodness). I am really hoping that it stays that way. With the cold that we are getting, it is winter after all, I have really been dreaming of a warm, tropical vacation. Emphasize the warm.. I say it all the time, and will keep on saying it, I LOVE being Canadian, I HATE the cold and the snow that being Canadian comes with.

So, we are contemplating a warm vacation and debating on where we want to go. I found a list on the internet, detailing the why’s of a Bahamas vacation and thought one that was for the Caribbean would be perfect! This could really help us decide on where we are going.

1. Short distance to Travel from North America.

With an approximate travel time of 4 hours from Toronto to Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean is quite close.

2. Great Shopping

Rum or seashell trinkets, custom jewelry or resort wear, the Caribbean offers ample retail opportunity for any shopper in paradise.

3. Beautiful Waters and Beaches

Kilometers of white and pink sand beaches, crystal clear waters, a stunning myriad of underwater life. The pink sand beaches are my number one reason for a vacation in the Caribbean.

4. Warm and Pleasant Weather

All year round with temperatures averaging approximately 27 degrees Celsius, a beautiful reason to visit. Just thinking of 27 degrees while it is -2 degrees Celsius outside right now… Mmmmm time for a vacation!

5. Variety of Activities

Examples of activities include: fishing, diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, catamaran sailing, and more… A little bit of something for everyone!

6. Perfect Destination for Families

There really is something to do for all ages. Picture a little family down time on the beach, building white sand castles, or driving across that beautiful sand on 4×4 ATV’s.

7. It’s Romantic

A romantic dinner for two on the beach, a nice fire, some candles, overlooking the water… Purely perfection. True romance at it’s finest.

8. Language

English is spoken widely across the Caribbean. Yes, there is French, Dutch, Spanish, even a Caribbean patois, but English is a largely spoken language.

9. Variety of Cultural Experiences

The islands of the Caribbean are a melting pot of culture. The cultures found in the Caribbean include Dutch, French, British, Spanish, African and more.

10. Nightlife and Gaming

Although this is something that I am not looking for, there are many out there that are. Some of the islands include a vibrant nightlife and even offer types of gaming (think Casino).

A Caribbean vacation seems like the perfect way to quell those winter time blues. I think taking the family down and visiting a couple of the islands will be a wonderful time. A Caribbean cruise may be in order…

The kids are off for two weeks, enjoying a much need (?!?!?!?!?) vacation from school. We have made it through Christmas and today is Boxing Day, a day of deeply discounted shopping. Instead of shopping, and while I have a brief period with no children, I have decided to study, study, study.

The life of a travel agent, as I have discovered, is right up my alley (even more so than I thought). Not only do I get to travel to glamorous places and see the best kept secrets, but I get to continue my education on a daily basis. I absolutely love to learn, and what better education, then becoming a specialist for a destination or supplier. This helps me to help my clients find exactly what they are looking for.

Currently I am working on two separate specialist courses. One is to become a Korean specialist, and the other is to earn my Master’s degree through the Norwegian Cruise Line training.

With the Norwegian training, I have already earned both the Associates and Bachelors degrees. I can honestly say the Norwegian training is incredibly in-depth.

I think the training is very important to any agent. We all want to strive to be the best for our clients. But, it is also very important to our clients. Anyone who is using an agent currently, knows why they go through all of this training. It really is a career with a lifetime of learning. For those who are not using an agent, you may way to contact one. You will find a person with great destination and supplier knowledge. We work incredibly hard to be the best for everyone.

Sure, it is part of my career, but I really do enjoy all of the learning.

We just wanted to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

With Christmas fast approaching, like right around the corner, that also means cold weather and crazy germs. Well, at least here in the, make up your mind Mother Nature, is it warm or freezing, southern part of Ontario, the germs have it.

These germs, particularly the flu, has invaded our school, and even a little bit into our household. One child sick, but so far that is it. Fingers crossed that it stays this way. ** Knock on wood**. But, this has me thinking about germs and everyone’s Holiday plans.

One of the biggest things that I am asked, especially this time of year, is “How do I avoid the flu while on the plan?” I have put together this top 10 list to help with this question.

Ten Tips to Flu-Proof Your Flight

1. Wash Your Hands

The number one rule for staying healthy anywhere and at any time is simple: wash your hands. Everything you come in contact with, from other people to the surfaces around you, is a potential breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Keep that in mind and wash your hands with soap and water whenever you get a chance.

2. Irrigate

Keeping your nasal passages free and clear will help you to avoid getting sick. Irrigating your sinuses, either with a nasal passage clearing spray or a NetiPot, before and especially after your flight, will help flush away germs that you come in contact with.

3. Don’t Touch Your Face

No matter how much you wash your hands, it is important to keep them away from your face. When you touch your face, germs are getting direct contact with your nose, mouth, and eyes.

4. Protect Your Hands

You might have gathered by now that your hands are a major key to avoiding or contracting illness. To avoid germs on a flight, protect your hands by wearing gloves or using shirtsleeves or a napkin to touch surfaces or open doors.

5. Hydrate

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and during your flight. If you can, avoid coffee, sodas, and teas and stick to water and juice. Keeping your body hydrated before and during a flight can not only help you avoid getting sick, but it will also help you conquer jet lag.

6. Get Some Beauty Sleep

Keep your immune system strong by getting plenty of sleep. It can be hard to sleep in the days before your flight, either because of nerves or excitement, but do your best to get eight hours of sleep a night. Also try to nap on the flight to catch a little extra immune-boosting snooze time.

7. Wipe Down

You won’t just catch a cold by breathing the same air that someone three rows ahead just sneezed into. The surfaces on an airplane are rampant with germs and bacteria, simply because so many people have touched them. Bring some antibacterial wipes and wipe down the trays, arm rests, and other surfaces around you.

8. Come Prepared

To avoid sharing germs with the people that flew before you, it doesn’t hurt to bring your own pillow or other such items.

9. Keep Your Distance

Try not to get too cozy with the people around you, especially if you see anyone cough or sneeze. If someone is obviously sick, ask politely to switch seats or choose to sit in an exit row where there are a couple of extra inches between you and the person in front of you.

10. Prep Work

Staying healthy in temporary situations like flights also comes down to staying healthy in your daily life. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and stay hydrated every day of your life to avoid getting sick in almost any situation.

With these simple tips and techniques, we hope you can make it home for the holidays happy and healthy.

We are less than a week away from Christmas eve. For some families this can mean hours in a car, plane, bus, or train. What can be done to keep the kids entertained? Not only are they excited to be visiting relatives, but it is almost Christmas, and we all know, no kids can resist that excitement! This can make for some really hectic travel, and quite a few “Are we there yet?” questions.

I have put together a basic plan for getting through Holiday travel with the kids. I know we will be using this this year, and are really hoping for a quieter ride.

Snacks… These are a must have for kids of all ages. A few granola bars, some water or juice, cut up veggies, and you are good to go. Having these snacks with you will make it harder to decide to stop at the Tim Horton’s along the way. Well, okay,  a coffee or tea, and a bathroom break, but you won’t be tempted to get any sugar filled snacks for the kids. Those of course will just work them up even more.

If you are going to be in the car for a while, and you know you are going to be making stops. Why not try to schedule them? We go away every year to the same place, for a much needed camping trip. We know that we are going to stop once along the way, and always tell the kids that we will be there around this time <insert time>. So, why not try that? If you have been to your destination before, it should be pretty easy to think of Tim Horton’s, gas stations, etc, along the way that you may stop at for a stretch. If you have never been, try researching the places you will be able to stop. Most chain stores have store locators on their websites, and most mapping apps have some sort of a system to show gas stations, restaurants, etc..

Just explain to the kids like we do. We look at the time we are ready to leave, and say ” We will be to our break point at about 3:30.” We also explain it may not be right at 3:30, but it will be close. This way our kids (who are old enough to know the clock) know that we are getting close to our stop and they can stretch their legs. This may or may not work for everyone, but it certainly works great with our family.

So, we have “I’m hungry” covered, what about “I’m bored!”. There are lots of magnetic game boards available for purchase. I believe we actually have a travel Scrabble and Sorry. I don’t think we have actually ever used them, and am not sure where they even came from, but they are there if we need them. We tend to stick to the classics – I Spy, Licence plate games, can you find games, and then if we have to, we will turn the DVD player on. We really try to limit the electronic usage.

Here are a couple of examples of games that you can play on the way to your destination.

Something else to try… Brush up on your local history. Is there anything interesting or cool about the place you are headed to? Or that you will be passing by? Great examples of this can be found all around Southern Ontario. We have castles, interesting town names, some wonderful, and even some wild, local histories.

There are plenty of things that you can do to keep the kids occupied, you just need to figure out what works best for your family.

I have heard these crazy stories, legends really, of people taking these fabulous, glamours trips to Europe, with only their carry-on. WHAT?!?!?!?!? Is this possible?

After some extensive research and some trial and error practice packing, I think I may have found some tricks to help. These will *hopefully* allow us all to pack ONLY in our carry-ons. These could be a real game changer.

Before you pack, make sure you have the right bag. Different airlines have different policies regarding size and weight. Talk to your travel agent, they can help you find out what the specifications are for different carriers.

Let’s talk clothing. This is the most important thing to bring ( I guess other than a camera, haha). Through my research I have come across this rule a few times: shirts are worn for two days, and pants are worn for three. I wouldn’t say in a row, but this allows you to pack less. Also, if you are like me, you layer… I always have two tank tops or t-shirts on. I don’t know why, but I do. This gives me a couple of extra clothing/looks for the time we are gone.

Also, wear your heaviest outfit on the plane. This keeps the weight of the carry-on down.

Another great rule of thumb: take a wardrobe that is mainly black and white with some denim and splashes of colour. This leaves you with a neutral look that can easily be added to, if you happen to find a nice scarf or great piece of jewellery on your journey. Plus, the more dark you have, the better off you are for hiding any dirt, etc.

For your shoes, no more than three pairs. Trust me I know what a lot of you are saying right now. I am a shoe freak! I am seriously a girl who owns enough shoes to wear 2 or three different pairs a day, but you only need three, that is if you want everything to fit in your carry-on. These three will change depending on the weather at your destination, but you want a pair of sandals, a pair of comfy, walking shoes, and a pair of heels/dressy shoes. As with your clothing, wear your heaviest shoes on the plane.

A super awesome trick, something to help you plan your wardrobe. Use the note app on your phone or tablet, and write down your planned outfits for every day. Keeping it on your phone will allow you to have it at your destination. The other reason this is an awesome idea? This will help you to visualize (yes, lay your clothes out) your entire wardrobe and make changes as necessary.

IMPORTANT: make sure that all of your clothing, well at least most of it, does not need to be ironed.

If need be, and you don’t mind spending the extra money, do your research before you leave. Does the hotel/resort offer laundry service? Is there laundromats close by? What are the charges? This gives you the opportunity to wash your clothing, whether you want too or need too.

So, now we come to the part where we all wish we were Tetris Masters growing up. You won’t need to be a Tetris Master, I swear, but you will have to now a little bit to fit it all together and in your carry-on.

Well, here it is again, roll your clothes. Everywhere I look there it is. I did play around with this and it is perfect to fit everything I need into one bag. A little secret, I am using this for Girl Guide camp, and teaching it to all of my girls. I am not sure why I never thought of this, we roll all of our bedding, pj’s and stuffy (if wanted) into what we call a bed roll, specifically for the small use of space that it takes. So, why did I never think of rolling my clothes? I will be using it now!

An alternative, that I found, to rolling clothes, is layering. I am not going to try to explain this one, you will be completely lost. But, here is the video link – click here . Watch it, they do a very good job at packing their carry-on, plus the carry-on is pretty awesome. No, they do not sponsor me, I just like their video.

When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, unless you feel you absolutely need to, please leave it at home. The hotel/resort you are staying at will most likely have shampoo/conditioner available in the room. Or, you can spend a couple of bucks and purchase some while you are in destination.

I was able to find some different advice, this all comes from flight attendants:

* Use two luggage tags. I mentioned this in an earlier blog. This is so smart! If your      outside tag is ripped off and lost, your luggage will still find it’s way home because you      have a second one inside.

* Download any books, music, movies, etc to your phone or tablet the night before      you leave. Airport WiFi is not always reliable and may not be great for downloading          while you wait to board your flight.

* Roll your clothing. See, even the experts are saying this is the way to go!

* Wear at least three layers of clothing on the plane. You want to be ready for any       temperature changes.

Hopefully, this will help everyone find a greater way to travel. A quick note before I leave you today… Some carriers are now charging for carry-ons, and it actually may be cheaper to pay for a checked bag. So, be sure to talk to your travel agent and see what your carrier’s policies are.