PARADISE TRAVEL

09/17/2024

Changes coming to OMA

Coming 2027/2028!

All new concessions.

Dining. Retail. Local. National. Something for everyone.

Let us know in the comments what you’re most looking forward to enjoying when the future Terminal opens!

Learn more about the newly approved Concessions Program at bit.ly/4erCAx7

05/11/2024

DIFFERENCES IN ROOM CATEGORIES

Are you planning a vacation to an all-inclusive resort but feeling overwhelmed by the various room categories? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this week's tip, we will explain the different types of rooms offered by all-inclusive resorts. Despite the laundry list of room categories that you may come across, there are only four basic ones: Garden View, Ocean View, Ocean Front, and Suites. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of these room categories and make the most out of your vacation experience.

If you're planning a vacation and trying to choose between different room types, it's important to understand the terminology used by hotels and resorts.

Garden View rooms typically offer a view of the property's gardens or surrounding greenery.

Ocean View rooms can be a bit more confusing. Essentially, an Ocean View room means that you'll be able to see some part of the ocean from your room or balcony, even if it requires leaning over your balcony and looking down the side of the building.

On the other hand, Ocean Front rooms offer a direct and unobstructed view of the ocean from your window or balcony. Understanding these distinctions can help you make an informed decision when booking your accommodations and ensure that you get the view you're hoping for during your stay. Some resorts may advertise a Beachfront room. These may have an obstructed view of the Ocean but are the closest rooms to the Beach.

Suites typically are Ocean Front with larger spaces and separate bedrooms.

The Resort pricing strategy takes into account the proximity to the ocean and the size of the room, with larger rooms and better views commanding a higher price. Resorts offer three types of accommodations: Rooms, Jr. Suites, and Suites, each with increasing size and amenities.

We understand that your decision may depend on how much time you plan to spend in your room and the value you place on a stunning ocean view. Our team understands the accommodations at most of the resorts and are here to assist you in making the best choice for your needs, so please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. 402-380-4452

05/03/2024

⚠️If you’re flying this Sunday, May 5, we’re expecting a high volume of passengers departing OMA. We recommend passengers arrive the airport at least two hours prior to your flight’s departure.✈️

04/21/2024

This just sounds like the best cure for everything! TRAVEL!!

04/14/2024

Just a few more weeks until Sun Country Airlines resumes seasonal service to Minneapolis/St.Paul! With one way fares starting at only $59, plan your summer vacation today at suncountry.com!

04/10/2024

🗺️✈️“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” - Anonymous

03/31/2024

03/25/2024

RIU Republica in Punta Cana
Great resort! It’s 24 hour all-inclusive. They have 8 pools. 3 have swim up bars. 2 of the pools are just for water volleyball. There is a waterpark. You have 9 restaurants and 10 bars to use. Several activities to choose from including live music and shows, catamarans, windsurfing, snorkeling, volleyball, spa, disco, etc. There are a couple big themed pool parties every week. Send me a message if interested in pricing!

03/20/2024

Who wouldn’t want to be on the beach at Secrets Maroma today? How beautiful and peaceful! ✈️🏝️

03/20/2024

🏝️ IBEROSTAR SELECTION ROSE HALL SUITES

Relax and enjoy warm Jamaican hospitality, sumptuous dining and the finest resort amenities at the AAA Four Diamond Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites - All Inclusive. Nearly every part of the hotel offers stunning views of crystal blue waters and the area's most exclusive beach, located just minutes from the exciting shopping and nightlife of Montego Bay. In this all-suites destination, Iberostar is here to cater to your every whim. Float along a lazy river or jump the kids' Splash Park. Get soaked in the splash park. Snorkel over colorful exotic fish. Or simply relax in your own well-appointed suite, intricately detailed in classic Caribbean style.
‼️We also have a host of activities to keep you as busy as you want to be including: ‼️tennis, kayaking, snorkeling, fitness, table tennis, volleyball, catamaran, windsurfing and so much more.

03/19/2024

✈️Get ready! Two months from today Alaska Airlines starts a second daily flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport! Hop on the new 7am departure and be in Seattle by 8:30am! Book your ticket today at Alaskaair.com!

03/06/2024

⚠️ The next few days are expected to be very busy as Spring Break kicks off. If you’re departing OMA soon, here are some tips and information to ensure a successful trip:

⏰Arrive 2 hours before your flight's departure – Concourse A TSA Checkpoint opens at 4am. Concourse B TSA Checkpoint opens at 3:30am.

🚗Consider South Economy parking for only $4.50 per day if you reserve at least 12 hours in advance - bit.ly/parkoma

⏰We can’t stress this enough: Arrive 2 hours before your flight's departure.

📱View more tips at bit.ly/OMASpringBreak

02/27/2024

This saves so much time at airport. No need to remove shoes, coats, hats. Do not have to take liquids out, remove laptops etc. Only $78 a person

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

02/16/2024

I’ve had several questions about this recently so wanted to clarify…….Electronic Ci******es (Va**ng Devices): It is illegal for travelers to bring electronic ci******es (va**ng devices) and all va**ng solutions to Mexico. Customs will confiscate va**ng devices and solutions and travelers could be fined or arrested. Avoid delays and possible sanctions by not taking these items to Mexico.

**An entire family was recently removed from a plane due to a 13 year old va**ng!!

02/10/2024

THIS MONTH WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS LANGUAGE AND LINGO AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO YOU

Let's look at what resorts are saying and what they mean with their terminology.

First let's look at the different types of resorts that are out there. First is the designation of EP or European Plan. This plan means what you are getting is just an accommodation or room with no extras included in the price. Next is the Inclusive Plan. This means that some things are included in the price but there are charges for others. Usually, it means that meals or some meals are included but not alcoholic drinks and not all resort activities. Cruises are considered Inclusive as they provide accommodations, and 3 meals at the main dining room and the buffets but charge extra for their specialty dining options. They do not included alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, drinks like coke and other sodas, and charge for some activities. River and small ship cruises do include beer and wine during lunch and dinner. Finally there is All-Inclusive or AI which means that everything is included in the price, all meals and snacks including room service, all beverages including alcoholic and non-alcoholic, higher rated resorts include top shelf alcohol while lower rated resorts included well quality alcohol, all resort activities and non-motorized water sports. The only thing that is an extra charge at an All Inclusive resort is Spa services.

There are 3 types of All-Inclusive resorts. They are Adult only, Couples only, and Family resorts. Adult only means that guests must be 18 yrs old or older. They do not have to be couples and they provide accommodations with 1 king bed or 2 double beds. Couples only must also be 18 yrs old or older and must be a couple. They control this by having only King beds in each accommodation. Family resorts allow adults and kids of all ages and come with King beds, 2 double beds and family suites, they also come with kid's clubs that provide supervised activities. Most family resorts require that kids be 4 years old and go to 12 yrs. old. A number of resorts are now providing a teen club from 13 yrs. old to 16 years old where teens can gather and play games, listen to music and have some supervised planned activities.

Room categories at an all-inclusive resort can be confusing as, I think, resorts have contests to see how many room categories they can come up with. A basic way to look at it is there are really only 3 main types of accommodations, Garden or Resort View, Ocean View, and Ocean Front. These are pretty self explanatory. They then add some other room definitions like Superior., Be careful with Ocean View. To a resort, Ocean View means that if you can see any part of the ocean from any part of the room it is ocean view. That means even if you have to go out to your balcony look to one side or the other and look down the side of a building to see a sliver of the ocean, it is considered ocean view. On a cruise this would be considered an obstructed view. Also pricing is based on how close to the ocean you are and your view of the ocean. Garden or Resort view is the least expensive category and Ocean Front is the most expensive category.

Dining at an All-Inclusive resort is made up of a Buffet and a number of A La Carte, usually between 4 and 6, specialty restaurants. Some of the specialty restaurants at some of the resorts require reservations. Some of the higher end All-Inclusive resorts do not require reservations. There is a dress code for the specialty restaurants. men must wear long pant, collared shirt like a golf shirt, and closed toe shoes. For women the code is sundress or pants and top. Beach wear is not allowed in the specialty restaurants.

Activities at the resorts are included in the price. These activities include things like dance classes, cooking classes, pool games, entertainment, including nightly shows, non-motorized water sports such as kayaks, sailing, wind surfing, paddle boards. Spa services at All-Inclusive resorts are offered but at an extra cost. Most All-Inclusive resorts also offer wedding services. They offer a number of different wedding packages at an extra cost.

Remember if you have any questions or need more info concerning the language and lingo resorts use, please contact your travel agent who can help you decipher it.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have concerning air or any travel related questions.

Stay tuned next month for more travel tips and ideas.

Please remember, when traveling, to bring your patience and your sense of humor. Be kind, It can be stressful traveling in today's world and your frame of mind can either lower the stress or increase the stress. Remember vacations are supposed to be fun.

I could not list every tip but if you contact me, I can provide more tips and help you make your vacation less stressful, and it does not cost you any extra.

Please ask me you have any questions.

Judy
402-380-4452

02/05/2024

Nonstop to Dallas from Omaha starting at $19 with Frontier but be sure to purchase luggage with tickets!!

Eppley Airfield will be offering a new direct flight this spring.

02/04/2024

CATALONIA PLAYA MAROMA
-Review from a fellow travel agent, I am home from The Catalonia Playa Maroma. Here are my thoughts!!!

I loved the it!!! It is a solid 4* property. And yes, I will be returning as this is my type of resort. (I do not like huge sprawling properties)

Property: gorgeous. Lots of jungle and plants. Great paths to walk and run on. Lots of wildlife including monkeys. There is a long peaceful walking path from the main lobby to the pool and beach - just beautiful.

Pool: good. I thought there would be issues getting chairs, absolutely not the case. Loved the different sections in the one pool. Easy entrance for those with mobility issues. Pool bar made great drinks.

Beach: phenomenal. Amazing sunrises. It had lots of chairs and also had mobility access for wheelchairs.

Food: solid. Buffet was good quality but not a HUGE selection. Lots of Mexican (which I love). The al la cartes were decent. Loved the Mexican. The Tapas, good but not exceptional, and The Grill was good. Loved the taco bar and the food trucks. The Pizzeria was good but they need to cook the dough longer.

They serve Pepsi products here, which is a huge bonus for me and there is a self serve machine near the Palapa Bar and that made a huge difference. We brought our own cups with us.

Rooms: we upgraded to Privilege and were in the COBA section. The room was HUGE and the ground level was lovely. It was very quiet. Room came with a scale so you can weigh yourself at the beginning and end of your vacation. Bed was comfy. TV mostly got Spanish channels but we streamed movies at night.

Privilege: upgrade your clients to the Privilege. The BeLoved restaurant was really good quality and service. Seperate section on the beach with beach service.

Things that would attract your client
- quiet and respectful
- solid food
- upgrade to Privilege
- great service
- old world charm. Dark wood. Very traditional.
- fantastic beach with gorgeous white sand
- you can walk for miles on the beach
- very lush with a jungle atmosphere and lots of palm trees
- lots of places to sit and relax
- has good support for mobility challenged
- decent entertainment at night: lobby, theatre shows, and around the resort (beach party, foam party)
- amazing shops and services
-it is just a beautiful well kept property.
-there are lots of "hidden" surprises
-Coffee Shop -Aroma- was cute
-they do have a gym
-they do have a wedding coordinator.

Questionable things
- not alot for kids to do. Small playground that looked like a prison.
- The Coati are relentless
- we had sargassum a few days while we were there.
- lots of walking.
- there is no quiet pool for those who like peace and quiet during the day.

EDIT
Clientele when I was there
-older clients. 40ish and above but a fair amount of over 70yrs
-not alot of kids.
-mostly couples
-no issues. Everyone kept to their own space and were respectful.

01/28/2024

A fellow Travel Agent was at BARCELO MAYA PALACE with her husband and their 6 year old son in November. Here is a great review she did of the resort!!

If you have kids her son seemed to have plenty to do…..Thomas her 6 year old absolutely loved it there. He played on both of the smaller water parks, swam with wild sea turtles, snorkeled in the ocean, drank countless strawberry smoothies, played giant chess and ate more French fries than a regular at McDonald's.

FOOD-The breakfast buffet was pretty standard with the usual suspects of eggs, omelette stations, fruit, yogurt, waffles etc. Thomas loved the little kids buffets. I certainly didn't starve, but as a vegetarian, I relied on a lot of dairy for my protein. We ate at one of the Italian restaurants and the Japanese. Both were okay. Kyoto was a fun show and I really appreciated that he cooked all of mine before any meat or eggs touched the griddle. My rice and veg had good flavor. One thing I wish they had, snacks and/or lunch by the pool.

ROOM- we stayed in an Oceanfront Premium Junior Suite. The Oaxaca building was the best in my opinion. Our view was very very good. It was quiet for the most part and we couldn't hear anything through the walls. The bathroom is more open concept. The toilet at least has a door. There was a tub with shower head and then a rain shower next to it. Plenty of snacks and drinks in the minibar which was refreshed daily. We had a king bed and Thomas slept on one of the day beds. One big bonus was the smart TV. It was so great to have Netflix to wind down at night.

SERVICE - overall, service was great. There's no beach service and the pool service can be slow due to the size. Check-in was quick thankfully in the premium lounge.

ACTIVITIES - They had all sorts of things going on throughout the day...yoga on the water, dancing (sometimes for kids by the kids water park), exercise, trivia...lots happening. They also have pool, ping pong, giant chess, that bubble hockey game, basketball and a couple others I can't remember the name of. They also have their own pier and tons of water sports for an additional charge. I believe 12 was the minimum age for most of it

Sea Turtles - this is a big selling point for many. We went out Wednesday morning before breakfast and got to swim with them...and they made an appearance in the afternoon as well. It was amazing.

OTHER ANIMALS - We saw about a dozen coatis right outside our room. It was so cute how they just kept coming. We had lots of squirrels visit us as well. Tons of birds and lizards were around as well. Skip the delphinium. It's a bathtub and so so sad. We didn't even walk by it this time.

My overall opinion is that this is a great family resort. The smaller water parks at Palace and over by Colonial were a huge hit. I would say these would entertain kiddos up to 12ish. If you have anyone claiming to be foodies, I'd probably look elsewhere. This complex is huge and can be confusing, especially when you first arrive. The mall area is a ways from Palace, but the bus was constantly going around to save some steps. We didn't make it to any of the night time entertainment. Thomas was too busy to go to the Barcy club.

POOLS-Oh one of the pools said was open until 10. Kids pools closed around 6/630. Other pools at 8

***This is a great review she did. I’ve had clients here and they did like it. It is nice for those that like pools open later than 5-6p. Most resort pools do close by 6 so if you are looking for ones that stay open longer this is a great option!!