✨Weddings and Groups Specialist ✨
I help you travel to ☀️ 🌴 🏝️ with the people you ❤️ Vacation planning specifically for your needs!
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My specialty is the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas. I also assist with Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Vacations!
08/02/2024
Congratulations to Christy & Jared on their beautiful destination wedding at the all-inclusive Dreams Natura in Riviera Cancun, Mexico!
The arch with the ocean in the background is truly one of my favorite views for a wedding!
Check out our link in the bio to read all about their experience at Dreams working with Vacations By Melissa
07/01/2024
And to think . . . .. they almost didn't get the wedding on the Sandals Private Island they dreamed of!
I first met Kenny & Rose when they were part of a group trip for some of their friends 30th birthdays. After the fun they had with all of their friends at an all-inclusive, they knew a destination wedding was in their future. There were a few minor bumps along the road, but when the resort tried to throw a wrench in their plans, this sweet couple made lemonade out of lemons.
I mean, the whole point of having a destination wedding is to be able to have a blast with your favorite people for longer than 3 hours right? Plus- getting on the dance floor - every generation can be represented, amiright???
Drop your favorites below! 👇
05/21/2024
Why are you leaving money on the table with your Destination Wedding?
***Spoiler alert - its probably because you had no idea!!!***
Let me break it down so simply for you - you need a room block contract if you want to get all the perks for your destination wedding! Can they be intimidating? Heck yes! Am I an expert at managing them? I sure am!
Check out my latest blog post where I decode the mystery behind a room block and show you how much YOU can save on your wedding by utilizing this!
05/04/2024
Heading out of the office!!!
I am honored to be chosen as one of the 2024 delegates for the Romance Travel Forum at the brand new Secrets Resorts & Spas - Secrets Playa Blanca in costa Mujeres, Mexico.
This is a chance for visiting 5 "new to me" properties as well as networking with some of the best wedding vendors around!
I cannot wait to be back in Mexico!
Follow along for the Behind the Scenes in my insta-stories!
04/03/2024
This week makes me wonder how humans survive life in places like Seattle
☔️
02/26/2024
REAL DESTINATION WEDDING STORY!!!!
Christy and Jared came to me to help plan their wedding in Mexico, and I was honored to be a part of their process! They invited guests from multiple states, had some special needs in the group and still had a seamless event!
We sat down to talk about the whole thing afterwards and put it all here for future couples!
Read all about it in my blog 🔗 in my bio!
Photo credit:
Location:
01/27/2024
A rainy day in Mexico did NOT ruin anything!
Phew! What an ACTION-packed first day of Save The Date with Classic Vacations!!!!
A few ✨hi lights ✨
⭐️loving the size of the resort - super easy for groups to know where to go without getting lost!
⭐️ some of the tastiest tacos 🌮 around!
⭐️ learning from some of the best in the industry! Getting to pick the brains of my co-workers who have HUNDREDS of weddings under their belts!
⭐️ being directly in the room having true conversations with the hotels in the area - being able to tell THEM exactly what our REAL couples are asking for! (Love being able to advocate for our clients!!!)
⭐️ getting to “crash” a wedding at one of the most gorgeous places in all of Mexico
⭐️ spending time with my friends (who feel more like family sometimes!!) from the playbook!!!!!
12/29/2023
I’m packing for my final trip of 2023!!! I need a bathing suit but not a plane ticket. Who can guess where I’m heading?!?
12/26/2023
Ditch the guest list drama & say "tequila sunrise" to a stress-free ! Theresa & Jake just proved paradise awaits in Mexico, and I'm spilling all the tea on their dreamy adventure + tips for YOU to steal in my latest blog post! Link in bio! Plus, snag a FREE true cost estimator to see if your fiesta dreams can fit your budget! ✨ Let's make planning a beachside bash a breeze! ️
12/22/2023
This deserves to be said in all caps
Delegating your travel planning is the best thing you’ll ever do!
When my recent client called me for the first time, she was stressed, confused, and completely overwhelmed with the planning of their 10 year wedding anniversary.
And understandably so! Travel is glam and fun, but putting together every single little detail isn’t always.
But in just one call I was able to ease their worries and give them some piece of mind.
How?
✨ By taking away the overwhelm of so many choices.
✨ By taking over the planning so they could focus on other things.
✨ By showing that I understand their travel preferences and it would be a collaborative effort to make their travel plans a reality.
I love nothing more than making travel an easy breezy process for my clients.
Do you have any questions about traveling to Mexico? Fire away
12/21/2023
Thinking of hosting your own destination wedding—but have no idea what to expect when it comes to $$$? Download this FREE guide from a destination wedding specialist to discover:
⭐The “back of the napkin” math you can use to figure out how much it will cost your guests to attend your destination wedding
⭐The unintuitive “rule” for saving more $$$ on your destination wedding—it’s a game changer!
⭐A resort comparison guide so you know what your budget can actually get you
Head to the link in my bio to get your free guide!
12/21/2023
✨ Say "adios" to stressful wedding planning & "hola" to beachside bliss! My latest blog dives into the real-life experience of Theresa & Jake, who turned their "I do's" into a stunning at Dreams Riviera Cancun with 64 of their closest peeps! Want the juicy details & insider tips for YOUR dream Mexican getaway? Click the link in bio to read their story & score a FREE true cost estimator (because let's be real, budgets matter)! Don't miss out on paradise awaits! 🇲🇽☀️
11/28/2023
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Travel Tuesday . . . who can keep up?!?!?!!
By the way - I know we all know - these are gimmick words!
While I generally don't have any interest in finding "deals", I do always find the best value for my guests to keep them as happy as possible!
If you are looking for the best options for traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean - let's talk!
11/03/2023
Im on my way to Puerto Vallarta for a Destination Wedding Conference with Hard Rock Hotel! You can follow along in my private group!
ps . . . . . Im giving away a BUNCH of my favorite things in there this week!!!
09/20/2023
Let’s set the record straight: Working with a destination wedding travel specialist isn’t a costly choice; it’s a smarter one! 💰🤓
Here’s why: I negotiate the best room rates and secure seamless flights, ensuring no one misses your special day due to multiple connections. 🏨✈️
Plus, I’m your direct line to on-site staff and trusted vendors, ensuring a stress-free celebration. 🤝✅
So, how can I make your destination wedding dreams come true? Let’s chat! 🗣️🌴
See the link in my bio to start planning!
09/16/2023
You know, the travel industry never stands still, and I'm always on my toes to keep up with the latest changes.
New resorts are popping up in the Caribbean, and emerging islands are offering exciting activities.
My secret? I stay connected with my network on the ground in the destinations my clients love, and I'm a news ju**ie when it comes to the travel industry.
Being in the know is crucial to providing my clients with top-notch service. So, if you're considering an all-inclusive getaway in the near future, don't hesitate to head over to my website and schedule a complimentary call.
Let's chat about your travel needs and turn your next adventure into reality! ✈️🏝️🌍
09/10/2023
Calling all future brides! 👇🏻
Do you agree that researching Caribbean destination wedding options on Google can quickly become an overwhelming rabbit hole? 🌴
🏰 Choosing the right resort, room category, and tours can be a daunting task when you haven’t been there.
But here’s a pro tip from your friendly neighborhood destination wedding travel expert:
give me a call! 📞
I’ve got the inside scoop on everything from room sizes and dining choices to venue spaces and guest amenities. 🏨🍽️
Let’s chat about your dream wedding and how I can make the planning process stress-free for you. 💍✨
YOU’VE LANDED IN EXACTLY THE RIGHT PLACE IF …You’re super sure you want a destination wedding—but you have no idea where to begin
09/08/2023
🌴✨ Say 'I Do' in paradise and make your destination wedding an unforgettable experience for everyone! 🌺
Your wedding is not just about one special day but a celebration of love surrounded by friends and family in a tropical paradise. 🏝️
💍 As a token of appreciation, consider hosting a group catamaran cruise or another exciting excursion for your loved ones to cherish the destination together. 🛥️
❤️ Need assistance planning these pre or post-wedding events that wow your guests? That's where I come in! 🙌 Let's create magical memories together. 💫
"
08/29/2023
Some resorts are not worth returning to.
Some resorts I leave and say “I CANNOT WAIT to go back!!!”
Impression Moxché by Secrets was definitely within the latter!
For adults who want the ultimate pool resort, with impeccable service and beautiful AND delicious food- this does not dissapoint!
08/27/2023
“Back to school… a phrase that brings back memories and carries diverse meanings for each of us! 🎒🌴
For me, and many of my kindred spirits, it’s about ‘rekindling friendships’ and ‘reconnecting with the adults’ in our lives. 😃✈️
One of my ultimate relaxation secrets is embarking on all-inclusive adults only vacations with my friends. It’s a chance to truly unwind and let go of the day-to-day worries. 💆♀️
Where would you love to escape to with your best friends? 🏖️🥂
Let’s fuel our wanderlust and share the dreams! 🗺️👯♀️
”
08/18/2023
Ill be visiting two new luxurious properties in Isla Mujeres and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico!
Follow along in my Insta-stories tomorrow!
08/03/2023
🔥 Summer sizzles, and so do those winter bookings to Mexico and Punta Cana! ❄️
Time’s ticking, and my clients are already securing their winter adventures. Here’s some inspiration from recent bookings:
🏝️ A couple celebrating their 40th birthday over New Year’s in Cap Cana at an adults-only resort. 🎂
👨👩👦 Other clients embarking on a family trip to Hotel Xcaret Mexico, with access to 7 incredible eco-parks! 🌿
🏝️ Multi-generational family group heading to one of my absolute FAVORITE places in Turks and Caicos! 🌴
Where are you dreaming of exploring this winter? 🌞🌴
07/29/2023
🌴📸 Have you ever arrived at a resort, all set for the trip of a lifetime, only to feel totally disappointed? 😔
The online photos looked amazing, and the website descriptions seemed to be the perfect fit for what you were seeking. But alas, reality didn't quite match up.
🏨 Don't let that happen again! The key to avoiding disappointment is having a travel expert in your corner, someone who can thoroughly vet properties and find hotels and resorts that truly align with what you care about. That's where I come in! 🌟
🗺️ My expertise goes beyond just Google and internet research. I personally visit properties, stay at them, and build connections with the managers and staff. This way, I can perfectly match my clients with resorts and hotels they'll absolutely rave about! 🌟🌟
💬 If you're intrigued and want to learn more about how I can plan unforgettable trips and find accommodations tailored to your needs, send me a DM. Let's make your dream vacation a reality! 🌈✨
07/05/2023
🌟 Why you need a Room Block for your Destination Wedding!🌟
1️⃣ Exclusive Group Accommodations: When you reserve a contracted room block with a resort, those rooms are held out of inventory! That means no one else can book them but your guests. This assures you that your whole group of family and friends will be able to be there - without concern of the resort selling out!
2️⃣ Prearranged Group Rates: With a room block, your guests can enjoy special guaranteed rates, exclusive amenities, and added perks that come with booking as part of your wedding group. Your travel advisor will negotiate the best deals to make sure your loved ones get the most value for their stay.
3️⃣ Best Perks for You as the Wedding Couple! : One of the best things about having a Destination Wedding is - there are SO many perks for the hosting couple. These are called "concessions" and they are generally associated with the amount of rooms you have in your group. The more you stay, the more "freebies and upgrades" you get for your big day!
💍🌴 Let a travel advisor take care of the details so you can relax and savor every moment of your destination wedding. Contact me today and let's make your dream wedding a reality! 💌✈️ Grab my Link in Bio!
06/13/2023
Whoever said “all-inclusives have terrible food” have obviously never been to
This summer, Superbia is back at - where Michelin star chefs and mixologists from all over the world will showcase their talent !
I would love to send you to my favorite resort in my favorite country 🇲🇽
06/04/2023
Hi Friends!
I'm thrilled to share that I will be attending the World Romance Travel Conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from June 5th to 8th, 2023! It's an honor to be part of this #1 event for Travel Agents and Wedding Planners specializing in destination weddings and romance travel, developed by the International Association of Destination Wedding Professionals (IADWP).
If you're looking to elevate your business to the next level, then the World Romance Travel conference is the key event to attend! Connect with like-minded professionals and enjoy the spectacular LIVE AQUA BEACH RESORT PUNTA CANA.
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I was so surprised how much fun the people were at El Dorado Seaside Suites! #experienceeldorado #lomastravel #karisma Mexico FamtripsLOMAS TRAVEL
I’m Melissa. I am a busy Mama. I have been working in the customer service industry, literally all of my life. I started as a waitress, then starting working as a hairstylist where I have been for the past 17 years! (I know, I look too young for that, right?, haha!)
I have an PASSION for Customer Service. I mean Chick-Fil-A. Really, I have an obsession with Chick-Fil-A. It’ become my standard for good service. So, if you are a CFA hater, then you probably want to close this window right about now ;-)
In all of my years as a hairstylist, I have found the very best conversation to have about VACATIONS! I love learning about where people go, and what they do on their trips!
Growing up, I have the very best memories of trips I took with my family. I may have had a slight obsession with hotels, that I realized recently that I must have passed on to my 8 year old who recently told me he wanted to move to Detroit once we stayed in a beautiful Marriott there :-)
Fast forward to 2014 and I went on my very first Disney trip as a mama. It. Was. Magical. Long story short, it became a regular vacation spot for my family and before I knew it I was planning other people’s trips as well!!!
I have since expanded to planning tropical getaways as well, since I serve a clientele that consists of mostly busy parents with young children that need a quick and easy vacation, and the Caribbean has so many beautiful places to offer!
I would love to help you start planning your next trip today! Let me know where you want to go!!