Travel With Candace

29/07/2024

This past weekend, I spent a few days in one of my favorite domestic destinations…NYC!

25/07/2024

What do you think about Southwest’s decision to assign seating? I’m on the fence…

As the next step in a continuing strategic transformation, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the “Company”) is announcing several new initiatives designed to elevate the Customer experience, improve financial performance, and drive Shareholder value.

23/07/2024

My clients are in countdown mode for their adventure to Ireland & Scotland! Looks at these cool backpacks that came in the mail 🤩

21/07/2024

This resort was not a part of the plan, but some of the ladies on my trip had day passes, so I figured I’d join in! I’m so glad I did!

Sandals Grande Antigua is a refreshing combination of social, fun and romantic vibes. It offers a stunning beachfront with white sand and turquoise water and comprehensive amenities. The resort is made for couples, but it looked like there were plenty of friend groups socializing in the pool. The grounds are absolutely stunning!

Do you think this resort is a good fit for your next vacation? I’d love to talk and help you find the perfection destination for your next trip!

19/07/2024

https://onemileatatime.com/news/it-outage-airlines/

A major IT outage is causing flight delays globally, as airlines are pausing flights until this issue is resolved. Here's what we know.

15/07/2024

Hammock Cove Antigua is a luxury all-inclusive resort located on the northeast coast of Antigua, near Devil's Bridge National Park.

The resort offers 42 spacious villas, each featuring a large private terrace, an infinity-edge plunge pool, and modern amenities. The villas are designed for privacy and comfort. The kitchen is only closed two hours per day and you can order food to your room anytime it’s open - no obnoxious buffets here! The resort emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and gourmet experiences.

Hammock Cove is known for its personalized service, including butler service for each villa, ensuring a high level of attention and luxury for all guests. This is the place to come if you want to experience ultimate relaxation without lifting a finger…other than to call your butler! 😉

14/07/2024

It’s time to talk about some of my favorite resorts in Antigua. I toured a total of 11! It was exhausting, but I learned so much! For the most part, the island caters to adults looking for secluded beachfront escapes, but there are also some family-friendly options as well.

I’d like to begin with one of my favorites: Keyonna Beach Resort. This one is a 21 and over couples-only resort focused on farm to table food and privacy. When you walk in, it feels like you are walking into a rustic hotel in the middle of a rainforest, but right through the open air lobby lies a gorgeous beach. Traveling with several other advisors, you can expect a lot of comments and opinions, and we were all in agreement on this one! We would all like to return and spend a few nights here!

12/07/2024

I’m going to take a quick break from Antigua and share some pics my clients sent from their cruise around the Hawaiian Islands!

They wanted to explore several islands, but like many of us, only had a short amount of time to do so, so they chose to sail the islands on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America. The Pride of America offers a distinctive cruising experience that combines the allure of the Hawaiian Islands with the comfort and amenities of a modern cruise ship. It doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that the newer, larger ships offer. However, the inclusions are similar and you will be spending much less time on the ship as you are in port daily, with overnight stays on a few of the islands. This particular sailing gives you a taste of the islands and offers a better idea of which island(s) you want to visit again in the future! I’m definitely considering this as an option for my own family in the near future!

07/07/2024

What a week! I have clients in Europe, Costa Rica, and my honeymoon couple made it to Cancun after jumping through some major hoops to avoid Beryl! Now I’m headed to Antigua where will be touring multiple resorts and exploring the island! Stay tuned for pictures 📸

With that being said, I will be closed for all non-urgent matters this week. If you’re re ready to book your next trip with me, please fill out my inquiry form and I will follow up with you upon my return!

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Thank you for your support!

04/07/2024

Stay safe everyone and have a great day (and night)! 🎆 🇺🇸

02/07/2024

My friend came to me in need of help planning a European itinerary around a wedding they were attending in Berlin. Let’s just say, I had a lot of fun with this one! The best part, they are having a lot of fun too! The smiles are the best! This makes me so happy (and a bit jealous I am not on this trip)! 😀

10/06/2024

Have you ever flown in a helicopter?
When traveling to St. Lucia, you have the option to take a helicopter transfer instead of a car if your resort is on the other side of the island. The trip lasts just 10-15 minutes versus a car ride that takes 1 1/2 hours on roads with lots of twists, turns and hills! Check out the views (plus a few from their resort)!!!

07/06/2024

Included in our stay at Hotel Xcaret was access to the Xcaret parks. We only had time for one on this trip, so we chose Xplor. Our group ranged in age from 9-70+ and we all had an amazing time!

Xplor is the ultimate adventure park for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, offering a myriad of exhilarating activities that promise an unforgettable experience! Imagine soaring through the sky on one of the park's many zip-lining courses, each providing breathtaking views of the lush jungle canopy below. Dive into the mysterious beauty of underground rivers, where you can swim or raft through stunning stalactite-filled caves. For those who crave a bit more adrenaline, hop into amphibious vehicles and navigate through rugged terrain and water paths, or embark on a cave exploration to uncover the hidden wonders beneath the earth's surface. There is also a new 5 in 1 water slide that looked amazing, but the line was over an hour long and we ran out of time. I guess we have a reason to go back!

Whether you're an adrenaline ju**ie or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature's splendor, Xplor has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination on your next trip!

04/06/2024

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend a few nights at Hotel Xcaret with my family. I stayed at their adult only resort in January which made me really excited to come back and stay on the family side with my kids. Not only is the property gorgeous, the service is amazing and the food is really good too! One of the biggest perks of staying at this resort is included access to the Xcaret parks. We only got to visit one park on this trip (post to come) but we made the most of our short time here. In addition to visiting the parks, you can:

- swim in one of the several pools or rivers on site
- Eat Brazilian bbq in a cave on the beach
- Kayak or paddle board in the lagoon
- Relax in a super comfortable hammock on your balcony
- Drop the kids off at the kids club or teen lounge for some adult time
- Visit the buffet on Friday night for an amazing seafood experience

22/05/2024

Last but not least, I took a quick tour of the Hyatt Ziva resort, which sits right next to the Zilara (see previous post). This resort is a popular choice for families due to several key features and amenities that cater specifically to both adults and children. Here are some reasons why it stands out:

1. **Family-Friendly Accommodations**: The resort offers spacious suites, including family suites with separate areas for parents and children, ensuring comfort and privacy for everyone.

2. **Water Park**: One of the highlights for families is the on-site water park, which includes water slides, a lazy river, and splash zones that are perfect for kids of all ages.

3. **Kids and Teens Clubs**: The resort provides supervised clubs for children and teenagers, offering a variety of activities and entertainment options that allow parents to enjoy some downtime.

4. **All-Inclusive Dining**: With multiple restaurants and dining options, including kid-friendly menus, families can enjoy a variety of cuisines without worrying about additional costs.

5. **Entertainment and Activities**: Daily entertainment programs, live shows, and a variety of activities such as beach volleyball, dance classes, and arts and crafts ensure that there is always something fun to do for every family member.

6. **Beautiful Beach and Pools**: The resort is located on a stunning beach with calm waters, making it safe for children to swim. Additionally, there are several pools, including a dedicated kids' pool.

7. **Convenient Location**: Situated in Cap Cana, the resort is close to Punta Cana International Airport, making travel easy and convenient for families.

8. **Safety and Security**: The resort places a strong emphasis on safety and security, providing parents with peace of mind during their stay.

Overall, Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana combines luxury, convenience, and a wide range of family-oriented amenities, making it an excellent choice for a memorable family vacation.

19/05/2024

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located in the beautiful Cap Cana area of the Dominican Republic and this resort served as our home for the last few days of our trip. This adults-only resort offers a range of amenities and activities designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable vacation experience. Staying here gives you access to Hyatt Ziva, right next door, so you’ll have plenty of options for food, beverage, and entertainment. Here are some key features of Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana:

1. **Accommodations**: The resort features spacious and elegantly designed suites, many with stunning ocean views. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibars, and private balconies or terraces. I loved the huge, private bathroom.

2. **Dining**: Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options with multiple on-site restaurants offering international cuisine. We enjoyed the French-Polynesian restaurant, where we sat in untested birdcage-like structures, and the Indian restaurant, where we were seated in a train car! The buffet was one of the best I’ve been to and it felt more like a market! There are also several bars and lounges where you can enjoy cocktails and other beverages, including a coffee shop featuring an array of specialty coffee drinks!

3. **Pools and Beach**: The resort boasts several swimming pools, including an infinity pool with ocean views. This was fun with a DJ and some activities.The pristine white-sand beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The water was calm, clear, and inviting, but later in the day, seaweed became prevalent. This can always change, but it wasn’t a problem for us!

4. **Activities and Entertainment**: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana offers a range of activities such as yoga, fitness classes, water sports, and live entertainment. There is also a full-service spa where guests can indulge in relaxing treatments and therapies. The spa resembles a cave and is super cool. Unfortunately I couldn’t get any pictures inside as a guest was using the facilities and they keep it very private.

5. **Events and Weddings**: The resort is an ideal location for weddings, honeymoons, and other special events, offering beautiful venues and professional event planning services.

6. **Location**: Cap Cana is a gated community known for its upscale ambiance, beautiful beaches, and proximity to Punta Cana International Airport, making it a convenient and attractive destination for travelers. You can tell the area is newer and there are a lot of new structures in the works.

I’d love to come back and stay a few more days. This is a great place!

16/05/2024

For April I was one of the top 150 travel agents for reported sales in my agency of nearly 10k agents! That’s the top 2% and I ranked at #65!!! 🤩 This is a BIG deal for me! Thank you to everyone who has booked with me, referred me, liked and/or shared my posts or tagged my business! I appreciate the support ❤️

16/05/2024

Looking for a unique winter escape? Fares to New Zealand are on sale for under $900 Roundtrip from some Ohio airports! 🔥

While we are suffering in the cold, New Zealand will be enjoying their summer at this time, so it’s the perfect time to visit! New Zealand is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and adventure activities. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Here are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country:

1. **Milford Sound**: Located in Fiordland National Park, this breathtaking fjord is known for its dramatic scenery, including towering peaks, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls.

2. **Queenstown**: Often referred to as the "Adventure Capital of the World," Queenstown offers a wide range of activities such as bungee jumping, skiing, jet boating, and hiking. It's also a gateway to the nearby wine regions.

3. **Rotorua**: Famous for its geothermal activity, Rotorua features geysers, hot springs, and mud pools. It's also a center for Maori culture, offering various cultural experiences and performances.

4. **Auckland**: New Zealand's largest city, Auckland is known for its vibrant urban life, beautiful harbors, and nearby islands like Waiheke Island, which is famous for its wineries and beaches.

5. **Wellington**: The capital city is known for its arts and culture scene, including the renowned Te Papa Tongarewa museum. Wellington also boasts a picturesque waterfront and vibrant nightlife.

6. **Tongariro National Park**: Home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this national park features volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and diverse ecosystems. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

7. **Bay of Islands**: A stunning region with over 140 subtropical islands, it's perfect for sailing, fishing, and exploring historic sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

8. **Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers**: Located on the West Coast of the South Island, these glaciers offer unique opportunities for guided walks and heli-hikes.

9. **Abel Tasman National Park**: Known for its golden beaches, clear waters, and lush forests, this park is ideal for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

10. **Mount Cook National Park**: Home to New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, this park offers stunning alpine scenery and various outdoor activities like hiking and stargazing.

These destinations showcase the diverse beauty and unique experiences that New Zealand has to offer. I’m not sure how long these prices will last, so contact me and let’s plan your winter vacation!

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15/05/2024

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana was quite impressive! I loved the beach and the family-friendly amenities, like a small new water park and splash area for the kids. The property boasts a prime beachfront location, offering visitors access to a stunning beach with clear, turquoise waters and swaying palms for a true tropical escape. I think my clients that will be staying here over Christmas will absolutely love it!

The resort itself features a host of amenities including various dining options ranging from international buffet to gourmet à la carte restaurants, a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities such as non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, and nightly live entertainment. It also houses beautiful swimming pools, a fitness center, a relaxing spa, and clubs for kids and teens, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana is known for its spacious and luxurious rooms and suites that offer views of lush gardens, pools, or the ocean. The amenities combined with friendly staff dedicated to superior service make for a memorable vacation experience.

The resort is part of AMResorts, a collection of luxury resort destinations, each with its own unique personality. Given its location, the resort also offers opportunities for off-resort excursions such as visiting the Punta Cana's famous Bavaro area.

13/05/2024

Secrets Royal Beach is a luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resort located on the stunning Bávaro Peninsula in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This beachfront property offers a picturesque escape with several high-end amenities for guests. The beach here was gorgeous when I visited!

The resort, as part of AMResort’s Unlimited-Luxury® package, offers unlimited access to gourmet à la carte dining options, unlimited international and domestic top-shelf spirits, 24-hour room and concierge services, pool and beach wait service, daily refreshed minibar, and daily entertainment. Guests staying at Secrets Royal Beach also have access to Dreams Royal Beach next door.

Guests can enjoy a large free-form pool, a variety of bars and restaurants, a fully-equipped fitness center, a world-class spa, and non-motorized watersports. The rooms at Secrets Royal Beach are sophisticated and modern, each with a balcony or terrace and luxury bathroom amenities.

The resort also offers unique experiences, such as theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues. As part of the privileges of staying at this resort, guests have the opportunity to enjoy reciprocal privileges at select neighboring resorts, broadening the range of available amenities and dining options.

Several reviews highlight the excellent service, high quality of food and beverages, beautiful grounds, and the overall relaxing and romantic atmosphere of the resort.

09/05/2024

Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa is a luxurious all-inclusive, adult-only resort located just north of Punta Cana. This resort destination is known for its lively/party atmosphere, chic style, and excellent service.

The resort features 750 ultra-contemporary suites with private balconies and stunning ocean or lush tropical garden views. Each suite comes with a mini-bar, digital safe, 24-hour room service, and other modern amenities.

Breathless Punta Cana offers eleven dining venues with gourmet dining options, ranging from casual to sophisticated, along with eight chic bars and lounges for unlimited top-shelf spirits.

The entertainment at Breathless Punta Cana is vibrant and energetic with nightly parties, live music, entertainment shows, and themed events. The resort's amenities also include two large pools (one for parties and the other for a more relaxed vibe), a full-service spa, a fitness center, and non-motorized water sports.

The Breathless Punta Cana Resort is also neighbor to a casino, a golf course, and it's a short distance to Punta Cana’s top excursions and attractions. With the Unlimited-Luxury® experience, nearly everything is included, from top-shelf liquor to meals, activities, and entertainment.

08/05/2024

The Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa is a beautiful vacation destination located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This upscale all-inclusive resort offers luxurious accommodations, a wide variety of dining options, a world-class spa and lots of recreation opportunities.

Accommodations include rooms and suites with private terraces, swim-up access, and preferred club suites with enhanced amenities. The resort features several swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and non-stop daytime activities and nighttime entertainment.

In terms of dining, guests can choose from six gourmet a la carte restaurants, a buffet, a grill and a café – all without reservations. Plus, there are unlimited top-shelf spirits served at ten bars and lounges.

The Dreams Spa by Pevonia offers a sublime atmosphere of pure indulgence combining hydrotherapy and indigenous treatments creating a refreshing, invigorating and peaceful experience.

Guests can also enjoy water aerobics, beach volleyball, tennis, dance classes, big screen movies on the beach, non-motorized water sports, a golf range, and even snorkelling and scuba diving.

For families, there are dedicated amenities for kids and teens, including Explorer’s Club for Kids with Red Cross certified staff and Core Zone Teens Club. There is also a water park that is sure to be a big hit with the kiddos!

Additionally, adults have access to the Breathless Resort next door (more to come on that in my next post) if they want more of a party atmosphere and even more dining and bar options.

Overall, Dreams Resorts in Punta Cana provide guests with an unforgettable vacation experience, combining luxury, relaxation, and family-friendly fun in the Caribbean paradise of the Dominican Republic.

06/05/2024

Looking for a beautiful, brand new luxury resort in the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴? Look no further than Secrets Tides Resort & Spa offers an adults-only, all-inclusive experience which opened in January of this year. It’s a fresh, beautiful and exclusive luxurious retreat. Some of its standout features include:

1. Beachfront Location: Situated along the pristine shores of Punta Cana, guests can enjoy direct access to stunning golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear water 🌊

2. Gourmet Dining: The resort boasts a variety of dining options, including à la carte restaurants offering international cuisine, as well as casual eateries and chic lounges 🍸

3. Luxury Accommodations: Guests can choose from a range of elegant suites, many of which feature ocean views, private pools, and personalized concierge service 🏝️

4. Premium Amenities: Secrets Tides offers an array of amenities such as multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, fitness center, water sports, and nightly entertainment. 🏊

5. Adults-Only Atmosphere: With a focus on providing a romantic and tranquil atmosphere, the resort caters exclusively to adults, making it an ideal destination for couples and honeymooners. 💕

Overall, Secrets Tides combines luxury, relaxation, and personalized service to create a memorable and indulgent vacation experience in Punta Cana.

04/05/2024

To round out the Majestic series, here we have the Majestic Colonial. This is the most budget-friendly option of the three resorts, but the amenities are similar. There is also an adults-only/club section, though most of the rooms here are geared towards families. It offers a beautiful beachfront setting, elegant accommodations, a variety of dining options, and numerous amenities such as pools and water sports. The Colonial has its own spa, which is smaller than the spa shared by Elegance and Mirage, but still offers a full range of services, including hydrotherapy. The resort shares the nightclub, kids club, and casino with the other two resorts.

02/05/2024

The next resort is Majestic Mirage which is the sister property of Majestic Elegance (see previous post), located right next door. This resort is the most upscale option of the three, featuring guest suites all with butler service. It offers a range of amenities such as luxe accommodations, multiple pools, restaurants, bars, spa services, and to a beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise water. The spa is shared with Elegance, but Mirage has its own sports bar that is open 24/7 and a specialty coffee shop, which is always a treat!

01/05/2024

This week I traveled to Punta Cana to check out some potential resorts to present to my clients. These are all places I haven’t personally been and I feel like seeing them first-hand lets me know if it’s a place I want to offer or not. I was pleasantly surprised by all eight (yes, eight - I’m exhausted and still have two more to tour 😵‍💫) properties that I had an opportunity to visit.

I’ll start with the resort I called my home base for the first three days, Majestic Elegance Punta Cana. I have visited the Elegance in Mexico twice and really wanted to compare the resorts. Overall, it’s a great place for the price. There are plenty of pools and the beach is absolutely gorgeous. The resort offers adults-only areas as well as a family section. There is a kids club (ages 4-12) and a small water park for the kids to enjoy as well. The food was pretty good and the drinks as well, but I thought the drinks were slightly better at the Elegance in Mexico. The entertainment here has been great and there are more late night activities available, like a casino and night club. We also had a chance to enjoy the spa and appreciated that the hydrotherapy was a guided experience and we weren’t just running around not knowing what we were doing.

25/04/2024

Croatia in spring! My client’s sent me a few photos from their recent trip. This trip was customized to meet their demanding schedules and designed to pack in as many beautiful sites as possible in a very short amount of time.

This is a great time to visit Croatia, as it experiences mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. It's a great time to visit as the weather is usually pleasant for outdoor activities and the crowds are minimal. The coastal areas, including Dubrovnik and Split, are popular destinations in spring with fewer tourists compared to the summer months. Spring is also a good time to explore Croatia's national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes and Krka, when nature is vibrant and green. Overall, spring in Croatia offers a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and pleasant weather.

17/04/2024

Would you consider doing a European cruise that would put you in the path of totality for the next solar eclipse on August 12, 2026?

If you'd even be slightly interested, please comment "Me" below 👇

The few Eclipse cruises to Mexico last month were so popular that several cruise lines have already announced plans to sail into the path of totality in 2026, and we expect more announcements from additional lines in the coming months.

These cruises itineraries will take place around Spain/Portugal and Iceland/Northern Europe to ensure being in the path of totality.

My friend and fellow agent Dawn Sizemore Traynor and I would co-host the sailing and would oversee all of the details of both travel and the cruise itself, so we’re trying to gauge interest to determine if this is something worth digging into. So please comment if this piques your interest!

16/04/2024

Better late than never! Another 2024 spring break in the books! This wonderful family had a fantastic time enjoying the turquoise water and lively entertainment in Mexico, soaking up the sun and creating unforgettable memories!

17/07/2023

Deal alert!
If you have a passport in hand and are looking for a last minute, adults only summer getaway, I have a deal for you! See below for more details! This is a crazy good deal!!!

This includes departure from Columbus, but I can also look into other airports as well!

Travel With Candace