Travel Experts of Ham Lake

11/11/2024

Thank you to our veterans for their service.

10/08/2024

09/19/2024

Important Notice: Enforcement of Mexico Customs Regulations on Electronics

Effective immediately, please be aware of the following guidelines concerning the import of electronic devices for travelers to Mexico. Each traveler is permitted to bring ONE portable computing device (e.g., laptop, notebook, or iPad) without incurring an import fee.

If passengers bring multiple devices, such as a laptop and an iPad, each will be treated as a separate item, which may result in additional fees.

Allowed Items:


•

1 laptop or similar portable computing device (e.g., iPad)

Limited Items:


•

Up to 3 cell phones


•

1 GPS


•

2 cameras


•

1 pair of binoculars


•

4 fishing poles

Exceeding these limits may result in customs duties starting at 19% of the item's estimated value, with some cases reporting fees as high as 200%. To avoid these potential charges, please advise your clients traveling to Mexico to adhere to these guidelines.

06/26/2024

Magical Mischief.

06/20/2024

Photo of the day: Hyatt Vivid Grand Island beach club

06/18/2024

Mexico 🇲🇽 is #6 on the list of the most popular place to visit. The Mexico/caribbean had 33 million visitors out of 42 million who visited Mexico in 2023.

06/06/2024

Things are just starting to heat up.

06/06/2024

St. Martin / St. Maarten
Although the island only comprises about 37 square miles, it is partitioned into two different nationalities — Dutch and French — making it the smallest landmass in the world to be shared by two separate governments. The two nations have been living peacefully (for the most part) for the past 350 years, cooperating and sharing the island's generous natural resources, beauty and tourist traffic, yet still allowing their respective national cultures to shine through. Legally, Sint Maarten is part of the Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and St. Martin is a commune of Guadeloupe (an overseas department of France). Each side has different laws and rules, although the physical border between the two is almost imperceptible. For many vacationers (and locals, for that matter), the island is unparalleled as it affords the opportunity to visit two destinations in one, as both sides offer different culture, language, cuisine and ambiance. A real two-for-one deal in the Caribbean — what could be better?
Diamond Casino
This casino in the heart of Philipsburg welcomes every gambling man with more than a hundred ultramodern slot machines and seven table games, including roulette, blackjack, Caribbean poker and three card poker.

The island is located about 150 miles southeast of Puerto Rico and sits about midway in the chain of islands in the Caribbean. There are four well-known border boundaries on St. Martin/Sint Maarten: French Quarter/Dutch Quarter, Belle Vue/Cole Bay, Oyster Pond and Low Lands/Cupecoy, although visitors and locals cross freely back and forth between the two sides without any hassle. The two capitals of the island are Philipsburg (on the Dutch side) and Marigot (on the French side). Marigot is home to about 5,800 residents and was originally a fishing village, but now offers great shopping and dining. Philipsburg houses about 1,200 residents, is known for its lively scene, and is a main port for cruise ships.

The two sides of the island have some similarities, yet each offers a unique experience for travelers. St. Martin is the place to go for quiet relaxation and seclusion. It offers quaint towns with typical French colonial architecture and nice street-side cafes. Some of the best restaurants can be found on this side of the island, specializing in sophisticated French and Creole cuisine. Head to Sint Maarten for the nightlife and for a more lively scene. Their renowned celebration of Carnival includes parades, music, dancing, and great parties that last all night. Activities abound here, from casinos to malls to dance clubs — something for everyone to guarantee an action-packed, upbeat vacation. Both sides offer unbeatable white-sand beaches, plenty of palm trees and the chance to experience some of the best island time that the Caribbean has to offer.
Quick Facts
U.S. travelers:
Valid passport needed for entry

Official language:
English

Official currency:
The two official currencies are the Euro (on the French side) and the Florin or Netherlands Antillean Guilder (on the Dutch side). American dollars are widely accepted across the island.
Climate:
Year-round temperatures range from 68-90° F
Air & hotel from Minneapolis
Sonesta Maho Beach
Jan 18th 7 nights $4980.00 couple
Feb 1st $5052.00 couple
Feb 15th $5182.00 couple

06/06/2024

The islands of Antigua Escape to paradise.

At the heart of the Caribbean, a secret paradise awaits you in Antigua where world-class hospitality comes with boundless natural beauty. Visitors come back, again and again, to take advantage of the idyllic climate, easy-going way of life, and the famous 365 pink and white sand beaches, plus an extra one for the leap year. Yet as you will soon discover, the islands have a lot more to offer than just sun-kissed sands and crystal-clear waters. Award-winning hotels, world-class sailing, duty-free shopping, and a fascinating history all await you here.
CURRENCY Eastern Caribbean dollar, and U.S. currency, major credit cards and traveler's checks are welcome.
ENTRY U.S. passport only, some countries require a visa
AIRPORT Newly updated state-of-the-art V.C. Bird International Airport is located five miles north of St. John's
LANGUAGE English (Official); Antiguan Dialect
CLIMATE Tropical, mid 70s to mind 80s, low humidity and cooling trade winds
DRIVING Permit required at $20.00 cost, drive on the left side and watch out for pedestrians and animals
SIZE Antigua is 108 square miles. Barbuda is 68 square miles in area

Air/hotel 7 nights from Minneapolis.
Jan and Feb dates available.
Pinneaple Hotel $4963.00 couple

06/06/2024

Aruba is much more than a Caribbean paradise. The world-class beaches, always-perfect weather and warm and welcoming culture are only a part of what makes Aruba unique. The feeling you get when you step on our sunny shores that stays with you long after you depart is what truly sets us apart - we call it the Aruba Effect. And it all starts here, on One happy island.

A trip to Aruba is unlike any other trip you’ve taken. Sure, you’ll spend your time relaxing on world class beaches, floating in crystal blue water, and meeting some of the friendliest people in the world. But when you leave Aruba, that’s when the magic happens. Because all the warmth and happiness you soak up in Aruba goes home with you. Your trip will end, but the feeling sure won’t. We call it the Aruba Effect and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Quick Facts
U.S. travelers:
Valid passport needed for entry
Flight available from most major US airports

Official language:
Dutch and Papiamento (English is widely spoken)

Official currency:
Aruban florin (American dollars are widely accepted)

Special needs:
Open and accessible to all, accommodations to visitors with special needs are offered

Air and hotel Riu Palace Antilles Adults only from Minneapolis Jan 16th for 6 nights $5243.00 couple - 7 nights $5709.00 couple.
Call 763-413-3575

05/31/2024

Are you traveling this summer☀️? Here are 5 travel smart tips as you plan your international vacation :

1. Review our travel advisories to learn about security and safety risks at your destination
2. Check that your passport’s validity meets your destination’s requirements
3. Know what you can and can’t pack in your suitcase
4. Sign up with STEP.state.gov
5. Save contact info for the nearest 🇺🇸 embassy or consulate

More at travel.state.gov/destination

05/20/2024

Join us on our private tour bus to Portugal. Sept 20-28th, 2025.
9 days 8 nights. 3 nights Lisbon 2 nights Fatima 3 nights Porto.
Tour guide and bus driver tips included in the price.
Hosted by Don and Dana Blankenship.
$2295.00 per person. $4590.00 couple land only.
Email or call for details.
[email protected]
763-413-3575.

04/30/2024

POPULAR PICKS: HOTELS:

UNIVERSAL’S CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT

4 stars
MUST SEE: The trifecta of Universal Orlando's nearby theme parks.

DON’T MISS: Lounging in the lazy river or plunging down thrilling water slides at Volcano Bay.

DO TRY: The unique food and drink at Universal CityWalk.

04/30/2024

POPULAR PICKS: HOTELS
MARGARITAVILLE ISLAND RESERVE RESORT RIVIERA MAYA
4 stars
MUST SEE: Glow-in-the-dark pickleball events happening on Friday nights!

DON’T MISS: Dining without leaving the pool, with a table in the shallow end at License to Chill Bar.

DO TRY: A local lager at LandShark Brewery & Grill.

04/30/2024

POPULAR PICKS: HOTELS
Whether you are searching for the perfect slice of sand in the Caribbean or seeking to wander the cobblestone streets in Europe, we have the perfect list of hotels to launch any dream vacation.

Check out some of our favorite sights to see, activities to do and things to try at our curated collection of top-notch stays all over the world.
TRENDING HOTELS IN MEXICO
IBEROSTAR SELECTION CANCUN
4 stars
MUST SEE: Cozumel’s Colorful coral reefs after training at the resort’s Dive Center.

DON’T MISS: Playing a round of golf at the onsite course, or a game of fútbol at the FIFA regulation field.

DO TRY: Drinks and a show with nightly entertainment at Teatro Bar.

04/30/2024

Cozumel is calling
Allegro Resort ALL INCLUSIVE
Nonstop Delta Airlines.
Great deal from Minneapolis
Jan 8,15, 18th, 20th 7 nights $1420.00 per person
Jan 4th, 11th, 29th 7 nights $1455.00 per person
Feb 5th, 19th, 7 nights $1500.00 per person

10/12/2023

It's throwback Thursday! Tell us about your favorite vacation.

10/12/2023

A metropolis with coastal landscapes, Busan, South Korea, features Haeundae Beach, the historic Beomeosa temple, and markets brimming with fresh seafood. Add Busan to your travel plans!