Tips for Traveling With a Significant Other

This week agency owner, Beth Duppstadt and Honeymoon Specialist Nancy Jackson talked with Sheila Gray at Good Morning Cincinnati and provided some tips for traveling with a significant other.

Watch the video here:

Channel 12 Interview

1. Start Small - If you are in a new relationship or traveling together for the first time, I recommend starting with an easy trip first, such as a long weekend.  Traveling with someone and being together 24/7 is a lot different than going on dates a few nights a week.

2. Discuss Priorities & Be Willing to Compromise  - Everyone has their own idea of what their perfect trip will be like. Discuss what you really want to experience during your trip and what you really don't like as well. Then, be willing to compromise in order to make sure both people are getting some of their top priorities met.

3. Be Clear About Budget and Spending Expectations - This is an important conversation to have. First, determining how much you'll spend on accommodations and transportation, but then also what you are comfortable spending once you are on the trip. Will you be splurging on gourmet meals every night, or eating at budget-friendly restaurants? 

This is why I like All-Inclusive Resorts for my honeymoon clients. Once they arrive they don't have to worry about spending or staying within a budget. It's all taken care of upfront which is a lot less stressful. 

4. Consider Privacy Needs - I recommend planning for some alone time during your trip. Maybe one of you will go to the spa for a few hours while the other plays golf. Having a little time to yourself can help you stay focused on the relationship for the rest of the trip. Also, make sure your accommodations are set up with enough privacy. Maybe you don't want a room with an open bathroom concept if you are in a new relationship.

5. After Trip Discussion - After you return home take a few minutes to talk about what you really enjoyed about your trip and anything that could have been better. It may help you in planning your next vacation.

Cruising the Mediterranean

This week's blog post is from Katie Normand, our Europe, New Zealand and Australia Specialist!

Mediterranean Cruise on the Oceania Sirena

I’ve always been a type-A/plan-my-own-itinerary/book-everything-myself kind of person. The idea of a trip or a cruise where every stop is planned out for me each day sounded quite restricting—definitely not my style. But a few years ago the opportunity arose for me to join my Aunt Judy on a cruise around the Mediterranean, and as it turns out, it ended up being one of the most amazing trips of my life!

Our itinerary was on the Eastern Mediterranean, round-trip from Athens, Greece. As I reviewed the itinerary before we left, I appreciated that we were going to hit some of the more popular destinations like Santorini and Venice, but I was seriously questioning some stops, like Corfu (Greece), Kotor (Montenegro), or Ancona (Italy).

As we explored the ship our first night, I was shocked by how much there was to do on the ship alone! There was a pool and hot tub of course, but also a full spa, a library, a putting green, shuffleboard, and more. I could probably just spend a whole week on the ship.

Another thing I loved about the ship was the food—or more specifically, the endless choices! I’m not really what you would consider a “foodie.” I’m a pretty picky eater, and I always hate to pay for food if I don’t know I’ll like because if not, it’ll be a waste of food and money!

But the beauty of cruising this way was that the food is already included in the fare. I really appreciated that Oceania made a point to have local food from our port available for dinner each night, so it was great to be able to try local delicacies with the peace of mind of knowing if I didn’t like it, I could just go grab some pizza or a burger! (Although I ended up loving everything new that I tried—hello, baklava!)

Our first stop was Santorini, and the beautiful island certainly lived up to the hype. Sailing into the bay at sunrise was quite a beautiful sight, and it wasn’t hard at all to find those classic blue domes for a photo!

After a stop in Katakolon, Greece, where we visited the original Olympic grounds, we ventured on to Corfu, another Greek Island and somewhere I probably never would have thought to visit on my own due to the popularity of some many other Greek islands, but wow—was I blown away by Corfu! This island had it all. A charming old town with beautiful ancient architecture and quaint shops, and some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen.

Judy and I also tried the local drink, Ouzo, which is a clear alcohol so strong you have to dilute it with water to drink, and when you do, it turns milky white. It tasted just like black licorice!

The next stop was Kotor, Montenegro, another place that never would’ve been on my radar otherwise. Kotor sits in what’s called Europe’s southernmost fjord, and sailing into the fjord in the morning when it’s silent and still was so peaceful and beautiful.

The Old City is well-preserved, and an UNESCO heritage site. Surrounded by mountains, we climbed a long set of steps up to the old fortress that overlooks the city and bay for stunning views. We also took a boat trip out to Our Lady of the Rocks church which sits on an island of its own in the fjord.

From there we stopped in stunning Split, Croatia which boasted amazing architecture (the city center is literally built into an old palace), classic orange rooftops, and outdoor markets, then onto a rainy day Venice where I completed all of my Christmas present shopping for the year and enjoyed pizza and gelato (of course)!

From Venice, we sailed to Ancona, Italy, where I was really confused as to what there is to do here. But instead of staying in the city, we opted for the shore excursion to San Marino, which is a little-known country (yes, country!) that sits in the middle of Italy (kind of like the Vatican).

Walking the cobblestone streets, I felt like I had gone back in time. After watching the changing of the guard at the President’s house, I actually went to the tourism office to get a stamp for my passport—this was my 20^th country visited! What a fun little surprise San Marino was, and an extra country checked off the bucket list!

After Ancona, we stopped in Bari, Italy which is the gateway to the Puglia region known for its seaside cliffs, and then we had a day at sea while returning back to Athens, where we added an extra day post-cruise to explore this enormous city before returning back to the US.

Overall, I ended up absolutely loving my cruising experience! I thought the set itinerary would be rigid and dull, but there were still so many surprises along the way. We still had plenty of flexibility to choose what we wanted to do in each port, and when we opted to do the Oceania shore excursions, they were top-notch experiences. And probably the best part of it all was that after a long day of exploring a city, I could sit back, relax and have a drink without worrying about how I was getting from place to place, finding accommodations, or hauling luggage. That alone was worth it, because my vacation could really be a vacation!

For booking details visit lovelandandsea.com

Sun, Rum and Drums

It's back! After way too long, the LoveLand & Sea Travel Blog returns with a special guest blogger, Sara Gentry.

Sun, Rum and Drums

“We’re doing this!” My sister Beth and travel agent extraordinaire exclaimed. We had toyed with the idea of taking a trip together and we decided this Summer was the perfect opportunity to get away and reconnect.

Arriving at Sangster International Airport for the first time could have been overwhelming as it seemed like everyone who would be visiting the small island that week arrived at the same time. Tourists walked through the winding airport in unified patterns like schools of fish eagerly looking for customs only to be met with a 2-hour line. Lucky for me, I was with my travel guru sister who knew to book the Club Mobay VIP arrival. We were greeted by a personal guide who whisked us past the schools of fish to a private VIP line; to our elation, there were only five or six people in line ahead of us. Once through the gates we were ushered to the Mobay VIP Club where tea sandwiches, rum punches and a private bathroom awaited us.

Our luggage was collected and we followed it outside to the line of buses waiting to take us to our respective resorts. I was warned ahead of time that the bus ride would be a little nerve racking and looking back, I think that is why you are greeted with complimentary alcohol before boarding the shuttle. Long story short, the bus ride was a bonding experience between all aboard. Goats on the side of the road became mere blurs as we flew down the highway. I found myself strategically sipping my Red Stripe in-between swerves and break checks to try and calm my nerves.

We arrived to Couples Tower Isle to the sound of drums greeting us from the open and breezy lobby. The rum punch was flowing as couples checked in and Beth explained to the inquisitive staff our relationship.  As its name might suggest, Couples Tower Isle or CTI as it is known, is a couples only resort and we were bending the rules in the name of research so Beth could share her personal experiences with her clients.

It took me a couple of days to understand what all-Inclusive really meant. And since our trip I’ve learned it means different things to different people. To my sister it meant a fully stocked mini bar and room service every morning. Beth went through the list of alcohol we would be requesting for our stay. “Do we really need an entire bottle of Appleton Rum?” I asked her with worried eyes as she continued to check off more boxes. Red wine-check. White wine-check. Champagne-check. My more experienced travel buddy looked up from the form and said. “The point of an all-inclusive is to indulge.” And with that, I decided to try it her way for the week.

Beth introduced me to her morning routine which consisted of a first and second breakfast. Each morning room service brought fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and mimosas. Around 9am we donned our swimsuits and cover ups and headed to second breakfast held at the buffet next to the hotel lobby.  I’ve never been a big breakfast person, lunch is more my speed, so in addition to two breakfasts we were also going to need to fit in two lunches for my sake. One of the best features of CTI is that food is always available, if not at the buffet, at the resort grille which is open all night (second dinner.) A healthy alternative to the grille is a vegetarian café tucked away near one of the two pools. I can still taste the lightly salted seaweed chips and dip. Some of my favorite first lunch snacks came from that café and It was there I was able to achieve my life-long dream of drinking coconut milk straight from the coconut.  I was a true tourist after that and would have no more qualms about over indulging.

 Every day we had a few hours until second lunch so we filled it with drinking at the swim up pool bar, complimentary snorkeling, paddle boarding and my favorite excursion, a catamaran trip around the island. The boat ride itself was memorable but once they dropped the anchor, life vests were distributed and we were able to jump into the ocean and swim while inflatable trays of rum punches made their way around the group. My sisters made me watch Jaws with them at a very young age and because of that I still have a strong inclination to stay out of the ocean, however, this was one of those moments where I would have to indulge, and this time, in adventure. To my surprise and great relief, I was not eaten by a shark after all and would be able to enjoy the dance party on deck all the way back to the hotel.

I was also a fan of laying out on the private beach under the white canopy shade and reading while nearby couples held hands in the sun. Local tents overflowing with souvenirs lined the beach.  “No pressure, no pressure,” they would say, as I looked at tiny wooden cat trinkets and beaded jewelry.  I had my eye on a red coral necklace and would visit it every day after laying out. After heated negotiations the vendor and I decided on a price we were both unhappy with, which is a sign of successful negotiations I’m told. It broke in my luggage on the way home, but I did get to wear it one evening to dinner.

Most evenings began with a quick selfie photoshoot in our ocean view room followed by cocktail hour and dinner. Up until this point in the day, the fact that my sister and I were not a couple was not at all awkward. However, once the sun set and the candles were lit, the intentions of the Island shift and the romance is palpable. Never the less, we always had the amazing cuisine to look forward to.  Walking into Eight Rivers I felt like we were celebrating a special occasion. I couldn’t believe this dinner was included in our vacation package. We each wore the most formal dress we packed and sat down for our romantic dinner; the object of our affection, our entrees. For a seafood lover in Jamaica, the world is your oyster (pun completely intended) and in a true all-inclusive fashion I ate the equivalent of shrimp Forrest Gump and Lieutenant Dan catch after the storm.

I left Jamaica with a tan and a new appreciation for Island life. Although the tan will eventually fade, the memories I made act as a reminder to indulge in life once and while.

Sara Gentry

For Jamaica booking info visit www.lovelandandsea.com

Resort Review - Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios Jamaica

Resort Review - Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios Jamaica

Last month I had the opportunity to visit one of my top honeymoon resorts in Jamaica. I have always loved the Couples Resorts chain and this visit reminded me why.

From the moment I stepped into the lobby I felt life's stresses melt away. The bellman, Byron, was welcoming and friendly with a smile that never stopped. The front desk staff checked me in quickly and efficiently and was soon escorted to a beautiful room with an incredible ocean view.

The room was bright and simple with a large balcony and typical amenities. What was not typical was the mini bar. This was no "mini" set up. Couples resorts offers full sized bottles of liquors and wine with options to customize based on each guest's preference. Best of all, this is included in the all-inclusive price!

The Food
Couples Tower Isle offers six unique restaurants with delicious food! There will be more about that in the next blog post (written by a special guest blogger). I will mention now that vegetarians need not worry. The buffet always had vegetarian choices in addition to a wonderful salad bar and soup options. The pool grill that is open late night and offers a very tasty veggie burger and the Veggie Bar offers healthy vegetarian food (and food for omnivores) plus smoothies and juices.

The Inclusions
Perhaps the best thing about Couples Resorts is that everything is included. More so than most other all-inclusive resorts. Everything from non-motorized water sports, entertainment, food, drinks, gratuities and even off-property excursions. You can go on a Catamaran Cruise (so much fun!), visit Dunn's River Falls, take a shopping shuttle, shuttle to Margaritaville, glassbottom boat ride and go snorkeling or SCUBA. This is all part of the all-inclusive package!

The Beach
The beach here is much smaller than Couples Negril or Couples Swept Away but it was clean, and has swimmable water. The resort itself is small, so having a small beach was never a problem. There were always some available chairs.

The Pools
The main pool has a quiet atmosphere and waterfall. Perfect for lounging and relaxing. The swim up bar pool has a much more lively atmosphere. If you want to listen to upbeat music, play games and socialize this is the place!

Entertainment
Every night there is something going on at Couples Tower Isle. I loved the martini night on the roof, sing-a-long at the piano bar and live music at the pool and beach.

This is a fantastic resort for romance where you can do everything or do nothing. For booking information visit www.lovelandandsea.com

Top Honeymoon Destinations of 2016

I'm often asked by clients what the "hottest" destinations are for honeymoons each year. The truth is, I can't recommend the perfect destination to anyone without first learning about their interests, budget and travel style. It's important to work with you travel agent on finding what works best for YOU. I can however, provide you with some great ideas to get started based on current trends, pricing, flight options and available activities. 

Here is my list of the top five honeymoon destinations of 2016.

1. Cuba
We have all been hearing about travel to Cuba lately. There have been some great advances in American's ability to travel there, including several new flight options. While there are still restrictions it is certainly a hot destination this year. In fact, you should book as soon as possible since hotels are filling up fast! 

Cuba is a great option for couples looking for something new and exciting. Your honeymoon will be full of cultural activities and friendly locals. Keep in mind that with the current travel restrictions you won't be "at your leisure." To visit Cuba you will still need to follow guidelines which require a structured itinerary. 

2. Italy
With cities like Venice, Rome, Florence and Tuscany it's easy to see why so many couples want to make Italy their honeymoon destination. Food and wine tours are big this year, as well as visits to historical sites and private tours of museums and vineyards. For the couple that wants to see it all, there are fantastic 10-14 day tours which take you through multiple cities and to all of the top attractions. Pair that with an English speaking guide and most meals included and you have a worry-free and inclusive experience. 

3. Australia 
The strength of the Australian dollar continues to fall, which is good for US travelers. Your money will go further there this year which could allow you to experience more of what this great continent offers. From romantic nature experiences, lively cities with art and fine dining to some of the best beaches and snorkeling in the world, Australia has something for everyone. 

4. Iceland
Iceland offers some incredible scenery, natural wonders and Reykjavik is a city full of culture, street art, museums and music. Can you think of anything more romantic than viewing the northern lights with your new spouse? Iceland is a great place to view them. Stay at a place such as the Ion Hotel and you will be in honeymoon bliss! Iceland Air has some amazing rates if your dates are flexible. 

5. The Caribbean & Mexico

These destinations are always a honeymoon favorite for several reasons. They offer all-inclusive resorts, which offer a great value and convenience. They also offer a close proximity to the US (many with non-stop flights), beautiful beaches, tropical weather, soft adventure and plenty of water activities. Many resorts are adults-only or offer an adults-only section, which can be ideal for romance. There are many options to choose from including budget-friendly resorts, 5-star luxury properties and everything in between. 

Talk to your travel agent about what's important to you.  Your honeymoon should be a memorable and magical experience!

Don't have a travel agent? visit www.lovelandandsea.com . We specialize in honeymoons and destination weddings.

Resort Review - Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience

Sandos Cancun

From the moment I stepped into Sandos Cancun I knew there was something special about it. It had the perfect combination of luxury, style and service all in a boutique hotel. The small size allowed for the staff to fully engage with their guests and provide a level of service that went above and beyond. The hotel was charming and had a great spot on the beach.

Although the property is small the outdoor area had plenty going on. There are three pools, all kept at different temperatures with one serving as the activities pool. I saw several guests enjoying the water aerobics while several others were happy to relax in the pool side cabanas.

The beach is soft and sandy and the water is several shades of blue. The waves roll in gently and the beach is very swim-able. The seaweed has been a problem in the entire Cancun area this year and is somewhat unavoidable. Some resorts seem to do better at clearing it than others, and Sandos was great. Workers were out from very early in the morning all through the day cleaning up the beach and keeping it looking great for us.

Dining
The food was some of the best I've had in Cancun. The resort offers a Teppanyaki restaurant with talented cooks and amazing flavors. It's small, intimate and perfect for group of friends or romantic date. My favorite place, however, was Seasons. This Molecular Cuisine was incredible. I'm still dreaming of the Corn Cappuccino soup. Zango, the main dining room had a fantastic buffet for breakfast,  lunch and dinner. The desserts alone were worth multiple visits! St. Trop was a cute outdoor restaurant with a pizza oven and view of the pools and beach.  The margarita pizza was amazing!

Bars & Nightlife
The main bar, Bar One was a modern, upscale piano bar by day and more of a night club by night. I stopped in during Karaoke night which drew in a small crowd but had much left to be desired. I would have liked to have had a bigger selection of songs to choose from and some more enthusiasm from the host. They also offered live music here different nights of the week. It's not a "party hotel" for sure though, so be prepared for more of a mellow evening. The good news is that this is Cancun. Nightlife is all around this area so  party animals can take a quick cab ride into town and find dance clubs nearby.

Accommodations
The rooms here are upscale and spacious. I had a room facing the pools and beach which was nice. The other side of the hotel offers rooms with a Lagoon view. This is great if you want to see some beautiful sunsets. The rooms all offered room service, and I found that they were prompt and the food was fresh and tasty! The bed was comfortable, water pressure and temperature was fine and overall the hotel was quiet at night. My TV wasn't working the first night I tried to use it and a maintenance person came within 5 minutes of my call and fixed it right away.

Spa
I was able to sample some spa treatments when I was there and I was very impressed. The massage I got was great, as was the sauna, steam room and water therapy rooms. It's a little pricey but worth it if you want to truly relax and be pampered.

Weddings
I didn't see a wedding while I was there but I did see the beautiful space they offer for weddings and receptions. They really cater to brides and grooms and I will be recommending this location to my destination wedding clients.

This is a great resort if you want upscale accommodations, fantastic service and incredible food. I do think that if I had been here for a full seven  nights I would have gotten a bit bored and would find the need to venture off the property. The great thing is that you have exchange privileges with the sister properties Sandos Caracol and Sandos Playacar, so check those out if you have a longer stay!

If you want a luxury experience with top-notch service, gourmet food and a boutique style hotel then Sandos Cancun Luxury experience is for you!

For booking details visit www.LoveLandandSea.com