Kerry Berlinquette - The Travel Agent Next Door Thunder Bay

06/06/2024

Oh,Porter Airlines… you make me laugh!

Great response to Air Canada deciding to offer free beer, wine, and snacks (read: pretzels) to economy fare passengers on domestic and transborder flights.

Hey… I’ll take Free beer… or two!

Air Canada has now joined Porter in offering free beer, wine and snacks to all passengers. Thanks for joining our mission to help everyone actually enjoy economy!

What's next, a raccoon mascot?

06/03/2024

So tell me.. what do you think of this room concept?

This is a brand new Dreams Resorts & Spas offering in Curacao, which is located in the southern Caribbean.

They are stand alone rooms in an adults only section of a family resort, beachfront! Their blurb:

"Escape to IL MARE, a brand-new, exclusive adults-only Preferred Club section located beachfront at Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino. Experience modern, free-standing accommodations that combine an ultra-modern Italian design and tropical charm. Each suite features Preferred Club amenities, a king-size bed, indoor sitting area and an oversized terrace with direct access to the stunning beach and Piscadera Bay. These suites also offer access to the luxury amenities at IL MARE including a chic pool bar, gourmet Mediterranean restaurant and a sparkling infinity pool. Plus, guests have complete access to everything at Dreams Curaçao AND Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa next door. Special grand opening rates are available for a limited time! "- Hyatt Inclusive

Interested to hear your thoughts on the aesthetic?

05/16/2024

Being trusted to plan my clients vacations is a great honor.

We all work hard for our dollars, and we want to get the most value out of every single one of them, no matter what the cost of our vacation is.

I woke up this morning to the following text:

“In Budapest …what a beautiful city centre. The hotel is beautiful 🤩 “

These folks are embarking on a Viking river cruise, with a pre-stay in Budapest and a post stay in Munich. They are enjoying a couple of nights at the Monestary Boutique Hotel before cruising down the Danube.

It is a great start to my day, to awaken to a message confirming that my clients made it to their destination, safe and sound, and are ready to take on the next two weeks!

Thank you so much, to all of my clients, for allowing me to be part of such an important investment in your money and time.
I truly appreciate you all.

05/11/2024

**We interrupt fun beach pics for an important announcement!**

When I entered Mexico two weeks ago, the person in front of me had a laptop work computer, and an iPad to watch his shows. He was being told that he needed to pay a tax, because he had 2 computers. I perked up my ears and eavesdropped as I slowly sashayed past, in an attempt to hear what was going on.

Turns out there is a new customs rule in Mexico, where each traveller may bring one laptop and three phones into the country. They consider an iPad to be a laptop, so this person was going to have to pay a tax of $90 if they wanted to bring their laptop AND iPad in to the country. I was shocked, so I looked it up… And here it is…
(so be sure to follow these rules, so you don’t get charged!

Carrying goods to Mexico Passengers are allowed to bring, free of duty, merchandise in their personal luggage when entering the country. These include, among other things: Items for personal use, such as clothing and footwear 2 cameras 3 mobile phones 1 laptop computer Medical supplies for personal....

05/07/2024

Welcome to our Romance Travel Forum 2024 host resort,Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres!

This beauty opened in February of this year, and I love the new hotels smell! Dark wood and stone accents abound… Beautiful pools in front of each building, birds chirping, palm fronds clapping… This resort is spectacular!

Who wishes they could sleep with their balcony door open when they are in Paradise?
🙋‍♀️🙋🏼🙋🏽‍♂️
Well… now you can!! Secrets, equipped their balcony doors with screens! So you can sleep with tropical breeze blowing through your door, without waking up covered in bug bites or iguanas!
Well played, Secrets, well played!!

Stay tuned for more fabulous images from this spectacular resort!

05/04/2024

I could watch people playing pool volleyball all day long!

I can tell that this resort is geared towards my demographic by the epic songs they are playing at the activity pool!

Shawty got low low low low low…

SunPalace Resort- Cancun!

05/03/2024

I took things to the next level today.

I went for a visit to resort, I have lusted over for years; NIZUC Resort & Spa.

This is the resort you go to when you have experienced all of the upscale all-inclusive resorts, and you’re ready to try a different style of travel.

This type of resort is what we call EP, which stands for European plan. This resorts do not include any food or drink… You pay for everything a la carte.

I was greeted at the gate by Santiago and his golf cart. On the ride to the lobby to meet my guide, I was overcome with emotion at the level of kindness and service that I was shown.

I am a cry baby.

I was close to tears a couple of times during my site visit. The resort was so breathtakingly beautiful that I felt overwhelmed with gratitude to even be present in such a space. The scent of wood in the air, and the peaceful silence that resonated both inside and out, made my soul feel calm.

Andrea, my host, took me to see two incredible rooms… One was an oceanfront suite and one was a private villa with a beautiful private pool in a courtyard.

Let’s just say, this place will never have a Black Friday special!

We visited the slate pool,as well as the adults beach area. There was not one blade of seaweed or seagrass anywhere to be seen.

Nizuk is located alongside the world’s second largest coral reef, so the snorkelling right from the beach is spectacular.

The artisans who decorated the resort with their Mayan flair really knew what they were doing. The owner of the resort made sure that his wife, Ramona, chose all the designs and colours. Smart man!

There were fresh flowers and smiling faces everywhere I looked.

This spectacular oasis is the perfect choice for anyone, particularly couples or solos, who just need a break from the day to day. If you want some peace and quiet, coupled with exceptional customer service and authentic food, and beverage options, this resort is for you.

No foam parties. No slides.

Fabulous would be had within these walls

If you are looking to exceed your expectations, let’s tall about Nizuk as a luxury escape option ❤️

04/30/2024

Finns up at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun!!

Join me for a room tour of this fabulous Jimmy Buffett inspired resort… Adults only, laid-back, chill vibe, perfect for a rest!

Food has been fabulous and the service, a true delight, at this fun and friendly resort! Can’t wait to go spin the wheel to see what happy hour cocktail I should have today!

04/27/2024

UPDATE!!
Air Canada leaving advance seat select “as is” for now!
I guess it didn’t go over well!

We will keep you posted!

Air Canada has paused proposed changes to its seat selection policy for economy class customers who wait to select a seat at check-in. Air Canada had

04/27/2024

HOT DEAL ALERT!!

Our The Travel Agent Next Door Thunder Bay team has access to 6 rooms at the El Dorado Spa Resorts ( Palms side) for departure on:

Monday 03 February 2025
Sunwing Vacations
non stop
7 nights from Thunder Bay.

ADULTS ONLY

Under $2500 per person based on two people sharing a room.

This resort is a favourite of our agency. It is a great value for our clients looking for a fun and friendly winter escape.

Added benefits include a day trip to Maroma beach, as well as access to an off site water park (adults love slides, too!)

These rates are great for Beachfront and Swimout rooms. Availability for this date is limited.

Book with a deposit today, and rest easy knowing that next years vacay is all set to go !

[email protected]
8076317837

04/23/2024

What do you think of when you hear the term “wellness travel?”

Do visions of yoga classes and plant based meals dance in your head?

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness tourism as travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one's personal wellbeing.

That’s it! So wellness travel is individual to each person, and what they need at that time. For example… My idea of wellness travel is Sleeping. Lots and lots of sleeping. Quiet time. No noise. Long walks on the beach, or anywhere I can explore something that is not common for me. Quietly.

Those are the things that enhance my well-being, and they are the reasons that I travel.

How about you? What enhances YOUR well-being?
What would YOUR idea of wellness travel entail?

04/21/2024

Okay folks- here is your SUNDAY FUNDAY list of special rates our team has for travel Winter 2025 ( it is closer than you think !!)!!

Due to the nature of our pricing, we cannot print exact rates... I can only say that they are drastically lower then published rates.

All packages are with Sunwing Vacations and include non stop flight form Thunder Bay to Cancun, round trip airport to hotel shared transfers, and 7 nights all inclusive accommodation.
Prices are per adult, based on two people sharing a room. We have solo rates, on request.

Packages MUST be booked no later than NOON on Tuesday 23 April, and non refundable deposit if $250 per person is due at time of booking.

On your mark... get set... here we GO!

27 Jan - El Dorado Seaside Suites- Palms Side - swim out room -under $2500

03 Feb and 10 Feb - Planet Hollywood Cancun under $2700

03 March- Riu Palace Costa Mujeres- under $2650

10 March- El Dorado Seaside Suites- Palms side under $2780

10 March- Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo- family resort

If YOU have a gang of travel friends- we can get a customized quote... let's get you booked before Tuesday the 23 April to save $200 per person!

Travel gangs are FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

04/20/2024

LAST CALL FOR WINTER GROUP TRAVEL !!!

Well- not really last call- but last call at lower rates!

Our The Travel Agent Next Door Thunder Bay team has access to special rates for winter 2025 travel to the Cancun area with Sunwing Vacations.
I will be posting all of our special rates on Sunday monring, and if you are planning to travel next winter, NOW is the time to buy.

We will need deposits no later than TUESDAY 23 April in order to qualify.
So stay tuned on Sunday morning (becasue we all know Sunday travel dreamin' is a THING!) for a list of our special rates and resorts!

Also- if YOU have a group of 10 adults that want to travel, let me know NOW (before 23 April) and let's get you all set up! The savings are $200 per person or more over regular group rates...

Lets gooooooo!

04/19/2024

Oh, Air Canada- you stinkers.

A "heads up" that Air Canada is no longer allowing free advance seat selection during your online check in process, 24 hours prior to departure.

Heavy Sigh.

If you do not pay for advance seat selection, Air Canada will assign you a seat 24 hours prior to departure. If you wish to change that seat, regular seat selection fees will apply.

I have attached the info from AC.

***

Other than that, HAPPY FriYAY!

04/10/2024

We are now enjoying the opulence of Iberostar Grand Paraíso!

A totally different experience from our previous resort… but equally as beautiful! Built in the early 2000s, this beachfront, adults only resort features baroque architecture with painted ceilings, vast archways and high gloss marble floors.

The service is splendid , and our butlers have been treating us like gold.

So far, so good…. now, off to walk the beach and hopefully not burn!

If you enjoy grandeur, this is the resort for you!

04/07/2024

Well, well, Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen.

Where you been all my life?

We wasted NO time slipping in to our robes to enjoy our private little pool and bottle of bubbly.

We can’t wait to show you around ❤️

04/04/2024

** UPDATE-- SOLD OUT! ** We are working hard to get another deal together for you ! STAND BY !

HOT SALE ALERT!!!!!!!!

I do not post deals here unless I REALLY think they are a great deal.

Well- these are a great deal.

We have limited spots available for this offer...

El Dorado Seaside Palms- Riviera Maya
27 January - 03 February 2025- 7 nights
with non stop flights from Thunder Bay with Sunwing Vacations

Adults only - 5 star resort

UNDER $2500 PER PERSON (based on two people sharing room)

Grab yer spouse, yer friend, or your gang- and let's gooo!
This is a FABULOUS offer, and space is VERY limited-

For more info:

[email protected]

04/03/2024

Guess who's back?
Back again!

Sunwing Vacations's back- tell a friend- guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back...

(a little Eminem throwback... IYKYK!)

That's right, folks-- Sunwing's dates and prices are now in our system for Winter 24/25 !

Cancun on Mondays and Varadero on Tuesdays- times TBA.

So if you are ready to book your friend groups, romantic vacays or destination weddings... let's get the ball ROLLING ! Early bird gets the worm!



[email protected]
(807) 631 7837

04/02/2024

I love LOVE the Xcaret Park experiences in the Mayan Riviera !!!
Like Disney, only in Mexico!

There is a NEW waterslide at the Xplor by Xcaret park...and the video of it made me smile at my desk today!

"Toboganxote is the only 5-in-1 waterslide in the world! It combines four different types of descent and ends in a wave pool. You will start at 135 ft (41 m) tall on a raft for up to four people. You'll enter the sphere and move like a pendulum until you reach the exit towards the wave pool, where you'll get to the highest point before going down to the whirlpool. After spinning around, you'll be shot into the 72-ft vortex, the largest in Latin America, and then slide in a zigzag until landing in the wave pool."

WOW!

Check out the video-- I would be the guy on the right side of the tube hahahahah!

Let's gooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

188 likes, 8 comments. “ ”

04/01/2024

I enjoy WestJet's April Fools jokes!

My fave, over the years, was the clear floor on their new aircrafts, so we could have a fabulous view while flying !

Happy April everyone xoxox

Using the latest in A.I. technologies you can take a vacation you’ll never forget.

03/29/2024

You know what I miss about the olden days of travel? Brochures.
I love me a good brochure.

I like turning the glossy pages.
I like reading the descriptions.
I like the pretty photos.

If you love brochures as much as I do, and if small group tours interest you, comment below or message, and I will mail you a copy ( yes-in the mail!!!) of Collette Tours latest offering.

We are looking to do a group departure to COSTA RICA in 2025 with Collette, as the launch to our YQT TRAVEL CLUB!

Drop a “me” in the comments or dm me, and a brochure will find its way to your mail box.

03/17/2024

Top of the mornin' to ya!

One of the ways you can add value to your vacation is by enjoying a local excursion.

After much searching, I have found my go-to provider in the Cancun area of Mexico.

Introducing Living Dreams Mexico.

This eco-company offers PRIVATE tours in the Riviera May/Tulum/ Cancun/Yucatan area, as well as Mexico City and beyond. From one person to a dozen (or more), they offer you the oppourtunity to have your own special excursion.

They offer:
- private comfortable transportation from your hotel ( yes-they pick you up at your reosrt and you are with your private guide for the duration of the experience)
- no suprise expenses ( they let you know ALL the costs.. if there is an additional expense along the way, you know that before you book- for example, lunch, optional cenote swim, etc)
- fabulous hosts ( knowledgable, professional, fun!) who encourage you to try things you may not otherwise consider
- you get to choose your tour time!
- and my personal favourite-- a full cooler of refreshments INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TOUR!) As part of the booking process, you are given the list of beverages they provide... pop, water, juices, beer, seltzers.. and you can customize your own cooler of beverages for your journey- no extra charge!

I am enamoured with their customer service- it is no wonder they are the top rated private tour company on Tripadvisor.

I will be adding this option to all my clients bookings, and encourage you to browse through their offerings, either on their website www.livingdreamsmexico.com OR my special link:

https://book.peek.com/s/1a217e23-03f7-4f91-b193-d02bb9f79ae9/gygww?channelId=6vthsmb0bkv4fsq9zbfcqps7g

Let me know which tours interest you.. my top three are the cenote tour, the wee speedboats and the Mayan cooking class!

Go grab a shamrock shake, a Guinness, or a nice irish whiskey, and scroll through some of their cool offerings!

03/10/2024

What if you cannot afford the time away to take a week long vacation?

Pre-Cvid, I used to sell what I called !
Four night escapes to reignite the flame, or take a wee rest to recharge.
After " The Pause", it was such a ruckus to travel, that going away for 4 days was way too much work. Then the flight prices skyrocketed, and it did not make financial sense to go away for such a short period of time.

This morning, I was scrolling for some options in the Caribbean for this fall ( November, to be exact) and came across some GREAT flight prices from Thunder Bay to Jamaica, St Lucia and Antigua.

These low air prices make it afforable to have a premium 4 night expeience on these captivating islands, with the ability to select an accommodation price point that suits your budget !

If you can afford to be away from your responsibilities for 4-5 days, look no further. Here are a few of my faves for a quick trip- they are located close to the airport, so you are not wasting time in a transfer when you could be on the beach !!

Antigua-
Sandals Grande Antigua
The Verandah Resort and Spa

St Lucia-
Serenity at Coconut Bay

Jamaica-
Sandals Montego Bay
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
S Hotel Jamaica

These resorts are all ADULTS ONLY.

Drop me a message or email to get some ideas !
[email protected]

03/07/2024

Every once in a while, anamazing travel oppourtunity comes up-- THIS IS ONE OF THEM !

Cole's Notes ( IYKYK) -- 1 month aboard Virgin Voyages in the MEDITERRANEAN this summer for one GREAT price!
$9990 US Dollars for TWO people in the cabin !

Check this out:

***
Live, work, and play on board this summer.

In your month at sea, you and your sailing mate will visit 9 unique ports two times each along the Mediterranean coast in Spain, France, and Italy. Sip un café along the rugged coast of Provence one day and soak up the view of a scenic Tuscan sunset the next. Stay connected to your work with the fastest at-sea internet in the biz when you want and log-off to let the exquisite landscape of the Mediterranean inspire you when you need.
***
Inspired by Richard Branson’s belief and track record that brilliant work is best paired with a hearty dose of fun, we’re welcoming Sailors on board Scarlet Lady for a full month to help them achieve that perfect work-life balance. Take a vacation away from your monotonous work from home set up (sorry, but…not sorry) and start taking calls from your private balcony overlooking the Mediterranean sea. With the fastest at-sea internet on the high seas in the biz, it’ll be a breeze hopping on your morning video meeting as you feel, well, the literal ocean breeze. It’s time to swap your fake paradise video call background for the real thing, starting at $9990 for two Sailors.
***
- Private Balcony Midship cabin
- Premium wi-fi
- Laundry service
- Early access to dining reservations
- Dedicated concierge
- Access to Richard's VIP rooftop
- $10 specialty coffee each day
- a bottle of Bon Voyage bubbly
- ummmm... ADULTS ONLY

No word of a lie-- this is an amazing value-- so if you are looking for an extended MEDITERANEAN stay this summer, look no further.

Call or message me if this would float your boat hahahah!

03/06/2024

I love it when clients request cool resorts that I have NEVER heard of.
If a resort is not partnered with our Canadian Tour Operators, I typically do not know they exist, as they do not show up in my searches! It just means I book it directly!

Check THIS one out...it is drool-worthy!

Keyonna Beach Resort Antigua- an upscale, rustic escape for couples who want reinginte the flame.
No parties, no gadgets, no kids.
Look at the beach! The Privacy ! Sigh.

I loved learning about this resort-
Who wants to go ?

02/28/2024

I love LOVE this, in theory.

I mean, a FLOATING TACO BAR... come on...who wouldn't?
BUT.. I think they need to make you practice ON LAND prior to going in to the pool with food. To make sure you are capable of eating tacos without making a mess.
I KNOW I would fail the pretest.

I know, with 100% certainly, that I would NOT be able to eat a taco and keep it from falling in the pool- even just some taco shell crumbs... grody. Or have a mess on my hands. How does the staff keep that pool clean? Especially if people have a few Coronas, then... "Hey...Bob- lets get one of them floating taco things !!!"

I am not a fan of pool-eating, for this exact reason-- UNLESS it is wee, bite-size morsels, that one can pop into ones mouth, lickety-split.

What do YOU think of this floating taco bar? All I know is, I want to see it in action !

02/25/2024

Will I be safe in Mexico?”

I cannot guarantee anyones safety anywhere, even here at home! My advice is always the same:
Stick to the tourist areas.
Don’t go anywhere you are not supposed to go.
Listen to your gut.
Use common sense.

I am the biggest worrywart on the planet, and consistently overthink all the ways that I could get “got”, yet I have zero concerns travelling to the Cancun area by myself or with others.

This infographic makes me giggle every time!
Happy Sunday!!

02/22/2024

I really, REALLY like Margaritas, so I embrace this National "show love for Margaritas" day wholeheartedly.

There are many great flavoured margaritas-- mango and blackberry are two of my faves... and I love a margarita with a little kick, called a "spicy margarita", but my favourite is a true margarita.. the OG... an AUTHENTIC Mexican margarita.

Cut a lime in half- rub the pulpy side on the rim of a glass, then dip that glass rim in rock salt. Table salt is too fine, and will make it too salty.. you just want a few big chucks of salt on there!
Use whatever glass makes you happy. Never let anyone boss you in to using a "margarita" glass.
Let that set while you squeeze that cut lime in to a jar or cocktail shaker... get ALL that juice out of there. I always have a jar of simple syrup in my fridge-- you make that by boiling a cup of water and stirring in a cup of sugar until it disolves-- then you keep that in the fridge- it lasts forever. Easy peasy.
Put a cup of ice (bigger cubes are better) in your shaker with the lime juice, add two oz of tequila blanco (white tequila-- NOT aged), 1.5 oz of triple sec or cointreau- you want that orange flavour, and 2 tablespoons of your simple syrup.
Put the lid on the shaker or jar, and shake it up. If you shake it above your head, it tastes better- trust me on this.

Shake for about 20 seconds, then pour the whole thing in to your glass.

One sip, and you’ll be whisked away to a Mexican beach with warm breezes and crashing waves.

Kevin is away this week, but I am thinking I might need to do a LIVE tonight, so I have an excuse to make a Margarita-- Woooohoooo!

See you at 7pm !

02/19/2024

I thought my floating braid was a sea snake coming to get me.😱

I screamed, loudly, and legit walked on water as I tried to escape. 😕

What a do**us

😂😂