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Travel Tom, Rockville, MD (2024)

05/17/2024

Old Fashioned for a New Evening....

12/09/2022

The Best & Easiest Way to Plan a Destination Birthday Party

Go Shawty, It’s Your Birthday…
Taking a trip to paradise for birthdays has really started to catch on—and we know why! There’s nothing quite like being able to devote a few days (or a whole week, no judgment) to your birthday in a destination where all you have to worry about is relaxing and unwinding. It’s such a fun thing to do, but where do you start? That’s what we’re here for today. Getting started is truly as easy as picking up the phone and connecting with our team. Although, we want to give you a few helpful tips to keep in mind as well. Let’s get you all prepped for the most unforgettable birthday celebration of your life!

Tip #1: It’s in the Deets
For starters, the best advice our team could offer you as you prepare for a destination birthday is: know what you want. Now, this breaks into different categories, so let us be more specific. As you think through, try to address items like:
What’s your vibe? Do you like more beachy environments? Should it be adults-only?
Do you want a pool party? This can look different at each resort.
Is beach yoga a must? This can make your days even more relaxing and is good to know as we start planning.
How many guests? It’s recommended that you have your full guest list ready so that it’s easier to hash out the definites versus the maybes versus the probable nots.
Which airports will your guests be flying out of? Is there one centralized airport the whole group could utilize?
What destination is convenient for the majority of guests?

With these prep questions, you can begin to narrow down dozens of options to cut back on the overwhelm of the planning process for your birthday trip. We promise, thinking about these details beforehand will be more helpful than you could imagine!

Tip #2: The Best Way to Plan
Get. Started. Early. Just like with anything else in life, things just go better when there is ample time to plan and work out all the nitty-gritty details. The same goes for your destination birthday party. Give yourself a good head start (typically 9-12 months for best results, remember flights aren’t released until 331 days prior to the return date of the trip) to make sure that you can get exactly what you want for your celebration. This head start not only gives you peace of mind but can also save time and budget as deals are better when they are booked farther in advance. Your guests will thank you for being considerate of their finances and is always a friendly move! The longer everyone has to budget, save, and prepare for the trip, the fewer barriers that’ll pop up.

Take it from us, the sooner the better with your destination birthday. With more time, we can offer more options that match your preferences!

Tip #3: The Easiest Way to Plan
Sometimes, to get the best results, you need the right tool or resource to bring everything together. When it comes to your destination birthday party, your best tool is us—and we mean it! The easiest way to plan is by streamlining the whole process through our team of travel experts who have been there, done that. That means sending every one of your guests our way to accommodate their planning process as well. When you let us do the planning, your travel group gets to sit back and relax and pick their options for accommodations. Our team is also happy to help and support your group with unique and personalized ways to capture all the hype before, during, and after your trip!

So, tapping into our team for not only yourself, but also your guest list, is the easiest way to get the planning started and completed in the most efficient way possible. We can’t wait to meet everyone!

All Birthdays Are Eligible
Hey, it doesn’t matter if it’s your 21st birthday or your 65th birthday…all birthdays are worth celebrating in paradise. It doesn’t have to be a big milestone birthday to benefit from our planning support. All that matters is that you want to make this year special—and our team is here to make it happen.

TIME TO PLAN THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

11/15/2022

Let’s Go to St. Martin & Anguilla
Your guide to the best Caribbean island hopping experience.

A two-for-one kind of vacation sounds pretty good, right? These two islands are quite the pair and we’re here to provide you with some insight on these two amazing destinations. Make sure to read all the way through for an extra tip on how to make it a THREE-FOR-ONE vacation in the Caribbean.

St. Martin
St. Martin Island is located in the Caribbean and features two prominent and distinct sides: the French side and the Dutch side—both with their own unique accommodations, dining options, and activities! Check out some highlights from each side:

The French Side
Features all-inclusive stays such as Grand Case along with tons of boutique hotels.
Has a variety of local restaurants with fun nightlife. You can shuttle or walk from most hotels into the vibrant villages.
Contains various beach bars with amazing atmospheres, dining, and of course…drinks!
Home to Orient Beach, one of St. Martin’s famous beaches that has many upscale beach restaurants and a ‘clothing optional’ section.

The Dutch Side
Phillipsburg is the landing zone for cruise ships. Beach bars line the boardwalks where you can also find casinos, shops, and museums.
Enjoy the local sights and watch planes land and take off on the beach at Sunset Bar.
Features the all-inclusive Divi Little Bay Beach Resort where you can find one of the top 10 pools in the Caribbean.

St. Martin would be one heck of a vacation, and it would only be the first part of the trip. It’s time to hop across the channel to Anguilla!

Anguilla
If you pulled up a map already, you’ll see that Anguilla is extremely close to St. Martin—and it really does make for an awesome second half of your vacation. This will make your two-for-one vacation complete! Just remember, it’s technically a different country, so some special accommodations for travel will have to be made. Lucky for you, that’s what we’re here for!

The Highlights
You can make it a day trip or go for a 5-star stay at one of the resorts on the island. Our team highly suggests Belmont Cap Juluca, a luxury resort one could only dream of with a perfect beach, highest level of service, and suites that will impress even the most well-traveled visitor.
Amazing dining options both indoor and outdoor, like 20 Knots, a must-go dining option if you’re on the island.
Treat yourself at Zemi Beach House Resort. The spa was built in an old rice house from Thailand that was sent to the island and reassembled in the 80’s. It’s a popular way to relax in Anguilla, where you’ll find ways to spoil yourself. We’re talking about a cigar room and a 60-ft lap pool, and more.

Anguilla is the best way to make your trip to the Caribbean even better and our team knows these islands well. We’re happy to connect you with all of the must-dos on your next vacation!

Extra Pro-Tip:
We promised. Make your Caribbean trip a three-for-one vacation by adding St. Barts Island to the list. You can easily fly to St. Barts from St. Martin to find high-end shops and Nikki Beach for cocktails and lunch.

We’ll help you plan it all out—your only job is to send us a message!

09/29/2022

Top 5 Things to Do in Costa Rica
Your guide to an unforgettable trip.

Oh, the beauty of Costa Rica. This gorgeous and breathtaking country in Central America has coastlines on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. Additionally, this country has so much to offer—from relaxation to adventure. Our travel team has put together our top 5 suggestions to get the most out of your Costa Rica trip. Get ready to unpack the best ways to fully immerse yourself in nature, adventure, and culture that you can only find in this one-of-a-kind destination.

You know the drill…read through, get inspired, and then connect with us to get the planning started for your next trip (hopefully to Costa Rica). Let’s dive in!

#1: Zipline Tours & Adventures
Ziplining is a must-do. Costa Rica offers many zipline adventure opportunities. Get ready to climb into the ancient forests and get an adrenaline rush like no other in the world. You’ll be able to take in the scenery, get a unique perspective on the rainforest, and maybe even see some exotic critters you’ve never seen in-person before. Don’t forget, just about every second of this adventure is Instagram worthy, so grab a GoPro and show off. Let our travel team know you want to zip through the trees—and we’ll make sure it’s on your itinerary.

#2: Chill with Sloths
If there is one creature in the world we could all take a cue from, it would be the sloth. In Costa Rica, sloths are just about everywhere, and we encourage you to carve out some time to chill with them. The best place to get your sloth on is the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica.

Just like other animal sanctuaries, the mission of this park is to provide a safe and healing place for orphaned or injured sloths, with the goal to eventually connect them back with their natural environment. Lucky for you though, that means you can spend a whole day exploring the sanctuary and meeting the resident sloths! It’s truly a unique activity for the entire family.

#3: Soak in the Hot Springs
Another unforgettable experience awaits at the hot springs. With our help, you could book a stay at Nayara Springs, an adults-only resort where you can enjoy a scenic view of the jungle as you slide into your very own plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs. Take it from us, the relaxing warm water and the rainforest backdrop make for both a romantic and relaxing experience. The hot springs are a great place to turn up the luxury on your next Costa Rica vacation!

#4: Explore Hanging Bridges
Costa Rica is the place where the view is worth conquering your fears! Hanging bridges are pretty self-explanatory—they are suspended above the rainforest to provide you with an eagle eye view from above. It might seem like a risky endeavor, but they are extremely safe…and so worth trying out! There are a few options in Costa Rica where you can access scenic hanging bridges, typically located in nature preserves, but we encourage you to explore Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. At this reserve, you’ll find tons of different options for an adventure in nature—such as a scenic lake, hanging bridges, hiking trails, and unforgettable waterfalls.

#5: White Water Rafting
If you haven’t gotten the point yet, Costa Rica is THE place to get your adrenaline pumping and your adventure started. Our last suggestion tops it off because there really is no thrill quite like white water rafting in this destination. With a variety of options for all skill levels, you can rest assured that there’s a way to get out on the water for any type of vacation group, from families to experienced white water rafters. A lot of the options are situated near resorts or are affiliated with the resorts, so it’s easy to stick this one onto the itinerary…with minimal transfer time, too!

When you're out on your excursion, you’ll get to explore the local waterways and take in the natural scenery. Around every corner, there will be something new to snap a pic of (if you can manage it while you paddle). Let our team connect you with the right option for your travel group and top off your adventurous retreat to Costa Rica.

Adventure Awaits
Don’t be a sloth when it comes to planning your action-packed vacation. Not to worry, we can also schedule some downtime to sip on a cocktail on the beach. 🍹 Your time in Costa Rica is just a few clicks away. Let our team do all of the footwork so that you can focus on all the exploring you’re going to do.

Plan the Ultimate Adventure

08/29/2022

Sunsets at Sea are Spectacular

08/25/2022

Top 5 Water Parks & Splash Pads
Make a splash this vacation!

Good Times (& Slides) Ahead
We believe that the best vacations include lodging that offers more than just a room to sleep in. With that said, we want to tell you about some of the most fun attractions that can really upgrade your next vacation: Water Parks & Splash Pads. Of course, this list is very family-friendly; however, these suggestions are perfect for any type of traveler—from family and group travel, all the way to solo or couple travelers. Go ahead and pick a favorite from our list and let us know where to send you. Our team will have you traversing all the thrilling water slides the world has to offer in no time!

#1: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana & Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
These two all-inclusive resorts land you right in the heart of the Dominican Republic and launch you into full relaxation mode. Now, these two share their water park but believe us, it’s big enough to not feel too crowded! This modern approach to water parks offers a lazy river with grotto cascade, tall sides, and even water cannons. As far as atmosphere goes, there are options for relaxed swimming, water slides as far as the eye can see, and designated areas for younger or smaller children. We recommend this type of park to both families and small group travelers.

#2: Moon Palace The Grand
Oh yes, the all-inclusive Moon Palace Grand. There’s really nothing else like it in Cancun, Mexico—and it truly brings next level fun and excitement to the water park side of things. This resort offers a ton of water slides that will provide some adrenaline into your day, along with a luxe wave pool that is designed to mimic the ocean, and a relaxing lazy river to unwind in after all the excitement. One major highlight of this water park is the very fun “ProFlow Triple.” This is a unique “surfing” activity where you can practice your balance and surfing skills. It really takes this water park to the next level…and we highly recommend getting the family together for this one!

Pro-tip: If you visit The Grand at Moon Palace, be sure to explore the extension this water park offers of non-motorized water sports like paddle boarding or windsurfing. It’s always a good time to try something new!

#3: Dreams Playa Mujeres
When it’s luxury and endless activities you’re seeking, Dreams Playa Mujeres in Mexico is the place for your next vacation. From our experience, the water park brings just as much luxury to your vacation as the all-inclusive accommodations do. The resort is absolutely loaded with two infinity pools, two children’s pools, a full water park with water slides, six, yes SIX, outdoor hot tubs, a lazy river, and most notably, an interactive dolphin habitat! This destination has something for everyone and would be a perfect place to travel to for any type of vacationer.

#4: Hotel Xcaret
This location introduces some of the most thrilling and eye-catching park options on our list. Hotel Xcaret welcomes you to explore their Xcaret group in Riviera Maya, Mexico. When we say a wide array, we mean it. They take a different approach to “water parks” and offer a collection of both natural and cultural attractions that are perfect for the whole family. Enjoy options like snorkeling, ziplining, ATVs, exploring cenotes, and more in the local area! We think this would be a great idea for the more adventurous types. The parks you’ll discover at Hotel Xcaret are truly worth the visit!

#5: Nickelodeon Riviera Maya
It’s time we introduce you to “Aqua Nick,” the premiere Nickelodeon-themed water park located in Riviera Maya’s Nickelodeon Hotel & Resort. This true-to-nature family-friendly park brings in the best of the cartoon favorites from Spongebob to Dora the Explorer. The water slides are a sight to behold and offer enough adventure to keep the kids entertained all day long. For the younger pups, they offer a fun Paw Patrol Adventure Bay with kid-friendly slides and wading pools. This one really is a great way to have a fun time as you explore Bikini Bottom Beach, Adventure & Lazy Rivers, and luxury with towel services, floats, sun loungers and sun umbrellas. You can even get slimed here! We’d love to take you here—we’re sure the kids will be okay with it!

Time to Slide Into Our Contact Form
You’re all geared up to start checking some amazing water parks off your bucket list (we just created it for you) so don’t delay…get in contact with our travel team. Fun is waiting on you on your next vacation.

Message us today to Make a Splash!!

08/09/2022

Things to NEVER Forget When You Travel

A Trip to Remember
There are a lot of reasons to remember a good trip—the quality beach time you get with your loved ones, the wonderful cuisine, the memorable adventures. We want to make sure you remember your vacation for all the good things by giving you some essential items to remember BEFORE your big trip so that you have plenty of room for all the memories you are going to make. You can focus on remembering these things while we focus on the rest of the planning.

Essential #1: Driver’s License & Passport
It almost feels like a movie when we hear this story: Travelers wake up the day of their trip and hit the road for the airport. They arrive and begin to check-in only to discover that someone has forgotten their passport or identification required for the trip. It can be a gut-wrenching moment, but here’s how to avoid it:

Consider an all-in-one identification holder, this can help you consciously think about that item.
Review all your parties’ required identification the night before and assure everyone has what they need, pack into an accessible part of luggage that night, the front zipper, or pocket of the suitcase.
The morning of departure: do another check before leaving the house, this will give you the extra chance to not forget anything.

Do these things and you’ll be saving yourself a rescheduled flight and A LOT of time and money.

Essential #2: Chargers & Tech
This one is straightforward but remembering can actually keep you safer and save you some money while on vacation. Some travelers like to purchase specific on-the-road chargers for their devices to help them never forget to bring one…often these “travel chargers” are left packed in luggage between trips! Chargers are one thing, but what about your kid’s favorite tech? Like their iPad or phone? It’s a great idea to pack these up the night before your trip—you can thank us later.

Remembering your devices and chargers is great for your comfort, but like we said, it’s also great for your wallet! Wherever you’re traveling to, accessories like phone chargers and other items may not be readily available. You might have to travel to a nearby town or city to find what you need to keep your devices running—ultimately, incurring extra cost and time when you should be relaxing! Don’t get stranded with no power on your trip, get a specific travel charger to always have handy.

Essential #3: Sunscreen
We’re not going to sit here and reiterate the dangers of sunburn. But we will just say that a bad burn can turn a glorious vacation into a not-so-fun one. You are going to want to protect yourself from the sun—whether it’s the beach, city, cruise, etc., the sun will be there. A pro-tip from our team is to secure a few different types of sunscreen: shoot for a lotion-based screen with higher SPF, a lighter spray tanning oil with medium SPF, and also a kid-friendly sunscreen for your younger travelers. This gives everyone their own bottle AND less chance of forgetting this essential item…because no one wants to go shopping for sunscreen once you’ve landed at your destination. Not to mention, the cost of sunscreen is typically much higher in-destination. While you’re at it, throw some extra sunglasses into your luggage, too!

Essential #4: Cash & Credit Cards
When it comes to preparing finances for your trip (especially if you are going out of country) follow these steps:

Start by connecting with your credit card company by phone or email to notify them of your intention to travel out of the country. This will stop any blocks from popping up on your card as you travel.
Connect with any other banking institutions—notify them of your travel plans so that your cards are available for use at your destination.
Grab a small amount of cash (that amount is truly up to you but please remember flying with large amounts of physical cash can produce barriers to your travel). We suggest small bills like 5s and 1s.
If you plan on traveling abroad, be mindful as you’re withdrawing cash from the bank, as you’ll most likely run into foreign transaction fees if you go to withdraw money in a different country.

Make sure to think about any scenario that might come up where you may need cash on hand. This can be for things like tolls or to back you up if something happens to your credit cards. It’s also a good idea to have credit cards and cash spread out between the adults of the family or travel group…in case one is lost or stolen you can still access funds.

Essential #5: Carry-On & Medication
Let’s talk about your carry-on really quick. This is your to-go bag (but we also call it your BACK UP bag) for your flight. In your carry-on, you will want to pack things that can make a tough situation easier should one arise (flight delays and lost luggage at airports can be a doozy). Therefore, in your carry-on you should pack:

2-3 days worth of clothes (lost luggage, flight delays, etc.)
One pair of extra shoes or sandals
Any tech (chargers, phones, tablets, etc.)
A book or entertainment for the plane
Medications

That last item there, medications, is one some people overlook. You can bring your essential medication in your carry-on, and it should be packed up the night before. A pill box or organizer is a great idea to save space in your carry-on while you pack away your medication bottles in your luggage. We recommend you give yourself a week’s worth of supplies just in case something happens!

You’re Ready
As it turns out…we’re ready, too! Pack your bags with the essentials and connect with our team today. Our travel advisors will make sure you don’t forget the important things on your trip…so that all you must do is jump in a plane, land in paradise, and make A TON of memories! You can’t start vacation until you start planning—click below to get started!

Travel with the Best

07/11/2022

Vacation Must-Knows: Assured & Insured
Do you really need trip insurance?

A Good Plan ALWAYS Includes a Backup Plan
Have you ever been trying to run an errand and no matter how hard you try to do it, something gets in the way? Well, when it’s something simple like an errand, you can easily adapt and work through things, right? What would you do if something went awry while you were on vacation? What if you were in another country?

Don’t start panicking just yet though—there’s a way to protect yourself, your family, and your vacation if any unexpected obstacles present themselves. If you couldn’t guess from the title, we’re talking about trip insurance and what to consider when you have to make the decision to get it or not.

Expect the Unexpected
We want to highlight the three most important reasons that we usually say ‘yes’ to trip insurance. We’ll break each one down more but, here’s the quick list to start:

Trip Cancellation
Medical Emergencies
Travel Barriers—from Flight to Arrival

As we dive into these reasons deeper, remember it’s always important to consider trip insurance and with the help of our travel team, you can discover the options for your next vacation! Here we go.

Reason #1: Trip Cancellation
Life can throw all sorts of curves into even the best-made plans. So, this is our first reason to consider trip insurance—to be reimbursed for trip costs that have already been paid, which can likely be non-refundable. Oftentimes, trip cancellation coverage extends out to family emergencies and other reasons for cancellation…and can sometimes reimburse up to the full cost of the trip. Be sure to always check covered reasons to see if it aligns with your needs for insurance.

A good example to think about is this: your family is getting all excited about the upcoming trip, counting down the days, planning, and packing. But, two days before the departure, an unexpected emergency pops up that needs your attention and it looks like it’s going to extend into the departure day and could cancel the whole vacation. In this type of moment, trip insurance shines through and can be a saving grace should you have to cancel. Life happens and we can’t predict everything, but this is a great example to think about when you consider trip insurance!

Reason #2: Medical Emergencies on Vacation
There is nothing like finally getting to your destination and kicking back and relaxing with the family or your favorite person. If the kids are with you on the trip, medical emergencies can pop up in all shapes and sizes. From accidents and illness to other unexpected mishaps, the risk is always there and this is where the second reason for trip insurance presents itself.

Take a quick look at your health insurance policy. Does it cover out-of-country hospital visits? Most don’t. Well, trip insurance can take that worry away by covering and reimbursing for unexpected hospital visits, accidents, costs related to unexpected illnesses, and in some cases, medevac expenses. Of course, no one wants this to happen during vacation, but in this case, it’s better safe than sorry! Extra Pro-Tip: Medicare does not extend out-of-country coverage.

Reason #3: Travel Barriers—from Flight to Travel
Everyone wants a smooth trip. In fact, we’re the experts at planning smooth trips. Sometimes though, things are simply out of our control. Such as luggage handling, flight delays, and unexpected barriers in airports or upon arrival. We first suggest always having a travel agent to back you up; however, trip insurance can come in handy here, too!

When you choose to insure your trip, you can get reimbursement for lost or stolen luggage, lodging, meals, and rebooking fees. This means your time is not wasted if these unfortunate events happen. Even flight delay costs to you like meals and lodging are often available for coverage if you choose the right plan. This will give you that sense of security even if things go nice and as smoothly as planned!

So, Trip Insurance: Yes Or No?
The answer is—YES! Trip insurance offers you the assurance that if something does go wrong, you don’t stand to be in the hole for it. Our team always encourages trip insurance, but we also encourage you to do your own research and see if the coverage fits your needs and budget. As always, we’re ready to plan your trip and connect you with more information about covering yourself and your family as you travel to paradise!

CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM

*We are not licensed to interpret policies or advice on claims. Always read through your coverage and contact the insurance company with specific questions.

06/09/2022

The Best Time to Book Your Trip
…is NOW!

You Know How—But When?
It’s no secret that vacations can be quite an undertaking as far as preparation goes. From passports to accommodations, even down to what you are going to eat every day. By now, we’re sure you know we can do all the planning essentials for you, but we thought it’d be helpful if you knew when to start planning. So, kick back, read on, and grab some vacay inspo with our team. There’s no time like the present to start planning your next unforgettable getaway.

The Early Bird Gets the…BEST Vacation!
This should not come as a surprise, but, just like a lot of things in life, when a vacation is planned with adequate time in advance, things just tend to go smoother. So, our first recommendation for when to start planning is…DON’T WAIT! Time is of the essence here, as the earlier you book, the better deals you have access to. Earlier planning with our team also means a wider variety in choice of accommodations such as room choices, VIP packages, and various promotional offers from hotels and other lodging. This gives you wider freedom of choice and flexibility as your vacation date approaches! P.S: With the right insurance- if the price drops, you’ll receive the difference.

Your Time is Valuable
Solo travelers and families or larger group travelers all need to do some sort of preparation outside of the actual vacation planning to get ready for their trip. This is where the next perks of planning ‘sooner rather than later’ come in. A quicker start to the planning process means more time for things like getting your wardrobe together (what a perfect time for some new clothes) and making arrangements for your kids or pets (depending on the type of trip). You can also take this extra time to set up a fun online countdown to vacation day and brag about your upcoming trip to your friends …. OR invite them, we’ll help them plan too!

Myth: Busted
Welcome to 2022: the year where everyone wants to escape. We all know the idea of supply and demand. As demand goes up, supply goes down—and that’s shortly followed by steep price increases. This has completely changed the way of last-minute deals, which leads to our next reason why planning earlier makes a difference: the better deals are now available earlier rather than later. That’s right. All the best deals are now, most of the time, on the front end of planning. So, it doesn’t hurt to plan at least 3-6 months in advance and sooner if you want the best prices available and the most options when choosing your accommodations. Again, don’t wait until the last minute, this myth has been officially busted!

A friendly reminder: If you're looking outside of the United States for your next retreat, get your passport ASAP. Even if you haven’t started planning yet, it’s better safe than sorry when it comes to this essential form of identification. We have some more information on that—check it out!

You’re Ready to Go
Consider yourself officially ‘in-the-know’ when it comes to when to start planning your next vacation. Explore our services, get inspired, and then bring your dream vacation to life with our travel team. We have the perfect place in mind!

Let’s Get to Planning