Gretchen McCormack, travel agent with Enchanting Excursions

23/09/2024

If you're headed to Mexico, here's some restrictions you need to be aware of!

Cancun Airport has strict customs laws, allowing only one portable computer per passenger. There's an uptick in these fines. Here's why.

18/09/2024

Exciting news! Renewing your passport just got a whole lot easier! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce our Online Passport Renewal (OPR) system is available to U.S. citizens 24/7. Now, millions of Americans can renew their U.S. passport online at their convenience and from the comfort of their own homes!

🖥️ Secure and paperless process
⏱️ Saves time and effort
💯 No more printing forms, writing checks, or mailing in applications

This is just one way we're modernizing services to better serve you.

Want to see if you qualify? Check out travel.state.gov/renewonline and take the first step towards hassle-free passport renewal today!

15/09/2024

Made famous by Margaret Henry’s book Misty of Chincoteague, Chincoteague (Virginia) is known for its annual pony swim in July. It’s great to go after Labor Day for cooler weather and much less crowds. Here’s your best hotel in the area.

08/09/2024

Set in a Victorian castle on Lake Mohonk, this all-inclusive resort is 8.5 miles from I-87 and 18 miles from the Poughkeepsie train station.

Rooms, suites and cottages feature quaint, period decor and free Wi-Fi; some have fireplaces and/or balconies with views. Upgraded suites have living rooms with pull-out sofas, and cottages add kitchens.

Amenities include an 18-hole golf course (fee on weekends), a spa with treatments (fee) and an outdoor pool, as well as an indoor pool, 6 tennis courts, a kids' club, an ice rink and trails. Most meals are served buffet-style, and afternoon tea and cookies are available in a fireside lounge.

07/09/2024

I’ve got a lovely couple headed on this cruise in November, and I’m so jealous! The Panama Canal cruises 🚢 come highly recommended.

07/09/2024

So cool 😎

29/08/2024

Opening February 2025 in St Lucia! ALL INCLUSIVE. ADULTS ONLY.

❤️24-hour room service
❤️9 a la carte restaurants
❤️6 lounges and bars
❤️spa
⛳️golf nearby

17/08/2024

I’ve got two families taking Caribbean cruises over the holidays. Escape the cold 🥶 and go cruise the Caribbean with sunshine ☀️ and palm trees! 🌴

13/08/2024

31/07/2024

The Sandals resort in Exuma (Bahamas) is closing to convert to a Beaches resort (for families)! I think this will be a great future option for families looking for an all-inclusive option outside of Mexico, DR, and Jamaica.

https://www.thenassauguardian.com/business/sandals-emerald-bay-to-undergo-100-mil-transformation-into-beaches-brand/article_510ff8ce-4df8-11ef-9247-efe141cdb7a3.html?sfnsn=mo&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR10bbiYfSddS8O9yNXkdDuddm4Z24G_FWFrt_sLzVo_zkbQB_uOJaz1Vts_aem_1vp5SK8szqbSY6JK1UBPRQ

The kid-friendly version of the Caribbean’s best-known, all-inclusive resort brand, Sandals, will be developed in The Bahamas when Sandals Emerald Bay undergoes a $100 million transformation into the Beaches brand,

31/07/2024

This week we’ve stayed at this Phoenix area resort. A lot of pros, but some serious cons. It offers 7 pools, 7 dining options, 2 golf courses, a spa, and a fitness center. It’s a large property with beautiful landscaping and a nice staff. BUT…the rooms…they are large with nice bathrooms, but the air conditioning is not adequate! …and the aged carpets are making us all sick (even on allergy and cold meds!). I would only recommend this place if you stay in a cottage (upgrade), your respiratory system can handle old carpets, and you’re ok with warmer rooms lol.

26/07/2024

Here’s a fun reason to go to Maine!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/KkeVBWxREGtpp2wz/?mibextid=NoJtEM

22/07/2024

We're headed towards August, and I've got pals headed to Playa Mujeres (Mexico), Marco Island (FL), and the San Juan Islands (WA). Where do you want to go?

12/07/2024

This week we’ve been on our first Azamara cruise (vs our usual Celebrity). It used to be owned by Celebrity/RC, and is now independent. We decided to give it a try due to its itinerary.

Here are some differences:
1. Smaller ship: 694 max passengers vs 2500 passengers
2. Food is better quality. Same set up with buffet, main dining rooms, and 2 specialty restaurants too.
3. Higher staff to passenger ratio and it feels like it.
4. Decor is nice, but Celebrity renovated its older ships in 2019 and those look even nicer.
5. There is a full day of activities offered on both cruise lines, but Celebrity has better entertainment at night.
6. Azamara has a “white night” on their cruises, which is a huge buffet and a band playing on the pool deck where everyone wears white.
7. Azamara does not yet have an app like Celebrity, but with the daily newsletter we didn’t need it really.

Overall, they are both cruise lines I’d used again for sure!

10/07/2024

So here’s the deal with Athens… It’s hot in July and the locals don’t seem to mind. Many store fronts are open with little or no AC. Our hotel had an amazing location, but it was hot! The common areas had no AC, and the room default temp was 26C (nearly 80F!). When your room key was in place, you can drop the room temperature, but it can take 2 hours to get it more comfortable. If I book you here, I will certainly do my research! 🥵

07/07/2024

The view of Santorini from our ship. The island’s height is 200-300m above sea level with peaks of more than 500m! Let me help you on your trip here, and I can help you take the easiest trip to the top.

01/07/2024

Good article!

Sometimes, life happens. 🫣

Usually travel mistakes are minor and can be solved pretty easily. Others — like an expired passport — can ruin your vacation before it even starts.

Remember: Most countries will not allow you to travel with a soon-to-expire passport, so you could be out of luck if yours is close to the expiration date.

Here's what you need to know to get a same-day passport — and save your vacation.

🛂 How do I get a same-day passport?
Same-day passport processing can only be done in person at one of the State Department's 26 passport agencies and centers.

If you haven't completed your passport application (required for new applicants and renewals), you can visit the Online Passport Appointment System to determine if you qualify for a same-day passport appointment. If you qualify, you'll be directed to verify your identity. From there, you can search a list of passport agencies and available appointments.

If you have already applied, you can call 1-877-487-2778 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET on Mondays through Fridays or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET to request an appointment.

Either way, same-day appointments (or even appointments a few days out) are extremely limited, and you may have to travel a significant distance to secure one.

🙅 What if no appointments are available?
You can explain your circumstances to a State Department customer service agent, and they should be able to arrange a walk-in window at a passport agency. The agency could be an hourslong drive or more from your home, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

You'll need to bring the following:
-Your completed passport application or renewal form
-Your current passport (for renewals)
-Proof of U.S. citizenship
-Proof of identity
-Proof of booked travel
-A valid passport photo
-Your payment, including the $60 passport expedite fee

Have you ever gotten a same-day passport?
Visit the link below to read more.
https://bit.ly/4eHhv2E

01/07/2024

I’m going MIA in Greece 7/3-7/13!

30/06/2024

Hurricane season typically runs 6/1-11/30. This is why it’s important to buy travel insurance if you’re traveling here during this time! It may feel like a waste of money most trips, but it’s times like this that you’d feel grateful to have it!

29/06/2024

Another reason I advise clients to book Delta whenever possible. They are the best!

29/06/2024

I have friends just home from Laguna Beach and Maui/Kauai, and more friends headed to Dominican Republic, Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming. I'm so happy to see so many people going on such amazing vacations! Life is short, take the trip!

29/06/2024

I have a couple planning a trip all over Italy. I love these trips, because they are truly unforgettable!

29/06/2024

Great location, but certainly not the best Chicago hotel. 😂 Valet parking is $82. Self parking is $69. Breakfast buffet $32. Needs a reno and super crowded on the first floor - all the time.

26/06/2024

I’m finally going to check this place off my bucket list next year. What places are on your list?

26/06/2024

I have a wonderful family of three headed on a 2-week trip to Ireland in September!