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Cruising to Europe’s Christmas Markets with Avalon Waterways

Different regions and families have their own holiday traditions, and one of the most enticing European traditions is the Christmas Market. In fact, each year thousands of travelers visit European Christmas Markets, but what exactly are they, and how can you go?

Tallinn Christmas Market


WHAT ARE EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS?

Throughout Europe, the tradition of Christmas Markets has persisted for hundreds of years. It is said that these markets go back to the late-middle ages, around 1300, and originated in German-speaking areas, like Germany and Austria. Today, the Christmas Markets can be found throughout the European continent, with most running from late November through Christmas or New Year’s Day.

WHAT CAN YOU FIND AT TODAY’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS?

The most prominent aspect of a Christmas market is the vendor stalls. Businesses and individuals sell a variety of wares from these stalls, usually items that are traditionally made in the area or are related to the Christmas season. Market mugs, handmade cards, ornaments and hand-carved wooden artwork, like nutcrackers, toys, and wall art to name a few items

Along with handmade and traditional goods, one of the best parts of a Christmas market is the food! Gingerbread hearts, punch, mulled wine, and other regional specialties are favorites among visitors who are looking to dive into a location’s food scene. Many markets also feature Christmas displays, ice skating rinks, and musical performances to entertain guests while they shop, eat, and explore the market.

Christmas Market


HOW CAN YOU CRUISE TO EUROPE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS?

An Avalon Waterways river cruise is one of the best ways to visit Europe’s Christmas markets. The Danube River and Rhine River have many popular Christmas market cities, such as Vienna, Budapest, Basel, and Strasbourg, along their banks, giving you the chance to visit cities that have been hosting these markets since their founding well over 500 years ago. With tradition on their side, the markets in this region are some of the best you will find anywhere in Europe, particularly those in Germany and Austria.

Avalon Waterways hosts a variety of cruises on both the Danube and Rhine River ranging in length and activities. Some cruises are as short as four days while others, like Christmastime from Budapest to Basel, are 17 days long with the option to add cruise extensions.

Avalon Artistry Ii Exterior Belgium Schelderiver Antwerp 140017 Einhard 052413


WHY AVALON?

Along with their stellar Christmas market cruises, Avalon Waterways’ onboard experience brings a new level of relaxation and convenience to your vacation. River cruising allows travelers to experience the scenery and culture of Europe without the hassle of repacking suitcases and making travel arrangements. Instead, you sail in the evenings or while you sleep. This also means that you get to spend more time in port exploring the cities and markets.

And Avalon’s ships are suite! Their Panorama Suitessm offer the offer floor-to-ceiling windows so that you can take in the view from the comfort of your bed. The Avalon Fresh program brings local flavors for the chefs to prepare regionally-inspired dishes with the freshest ingredients possible.

Along with their onboard experience, Avalon offers three types of excursions for guests to choose from, Classic, Discovery, and Active. This variety means you can customize your experience while being sure to receive the quality of experience guests expect with Avalon.

Are you ready to experience one of these amazing Christmas markets for yourself? Let’s start planning your exceptional vacation with Avalon Waterways today! We will help you manage pre- and post-cruise hotels and travel logistics to ensure every moment of your trip is taken care of.

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Celebrate the Winter Holidays Around the World

When the days get shorter and we see the first snowflake fall, we know one thing: winter is officially here. For some of us, this means dreading slushy streets or the stress-filled hustle and bustle of the season, but it also brings time-honored traditions and beloved holidays.

It is a time for celebration, for being with your loved ones, for making life-long memories, and of course, for travel.

Cities across the globe illuminate their skylines as they celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the winter solstice. Here are some of the most breathtaking destinations to celebrate the holiday nearest and dearest to you.

New York City Skyline


NEW YORK CITY

The city that never sleeps doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to winter festivities. If you celebrate Christmas, you’ll surely love the amazing display at Rockefeller Center and the annual Christmas Spectacular at nearby Radio City. Or take a stroll down Fifth Avenue to see the famous window displays and even do some holiday shopping.

New York is also a premiere destination to celebrate Hanukkah with one of the world’s largest menorahs in the Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan and Brooklyn) lit nightly. The celebration includes music and latkes each night at the Brooklyn location.  

Kwanzaa, a celebration of African-American heritage, is also celebrated in New York City. The American Museum of Natural History hosts a celebration with traditional African performances and crafts. Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater, a bucket-list destination in itself, hosts family-friendly activities with dancing and music.

Stonehenge 1


ENGLAND

The city of Bath during Christmas will transport you to the time of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. From the famous Bath Christmas Market with homemade crafts to lacing up your skates at Bath on Ice, this trip would melt even Scrooge’s heart.

Journey to London for a Hanukkah you’ll never forget. People gather at Trafalgar Square to watch menorah lightings, taste delicious food, and listen to local music performances. Many local Jewish groups also host their own events, so there is no shortage of ways to celebrate.

You have undoubtedly heard of one of England’s most famous landmarks, Stonehenge, but did you know people from all over the world come to this prehistoric monument to celebrate the winter solstice? People gather to watch the sunrise as they play music, dance, do yoga and even kiss the famous stones.

CANADA

The city of Old Quebec transforms into a quaint Christmas village in December. Seasonal décor adorns the stone buildings, and the smell of roasted chestnuts from the German Christmas Market fills the air.

Quebec City, Chateau Frontenac At Dusk, Canada

When the Christmas season comes to end, the Quebec Winter Carnival takes hold. With parades, ice canoe races, snow sculptures, and Bonhomme’s Ice Palace you’ll never want to leave this winter wonderland.

Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest is an entire theme park of winter merriment. The Toronto park is reimagined and enchanted with lights and decorations for the holiday season.  Entertainment, delicious treats, gift shops, ice-skating, and rides are just a few of the many attractions for guests. The Season of Lights is a dazzling light display honoring Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Christmas.

To fill your winter with wonder and experience these destinations and more during the holiday season, contact me today to start planning!

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5 Unforgetable and Unique Luxury Hotels in Europe

Europe is known for its history and culture and is home to many of the world’s most iconic landmarks. These luxury hotels in Europe double as destinations unto themselves, with everything a traveler would need to feel comfortable and pampered.

If you are heading across the pond, one (or more!) of these five-star accommodations will make your European escape even more memorable.

1. The Dolder Grand – Zurich, Switzerland

Consistently ranked one of the world’s greatest hotels, The Dolder Grand also houses an impressive collection of art from the likes of Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and others. The original building dates back to 1899, and two modern wings that were added in 2008 seamlessly blend the old and the new. Not to be overlooked are the sweeping views of the Alps, an expansive world-class spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

2. Hotel Santa Caterina – Amalfi, Italy

Beauty is not just on the outside of Hotel Santa Caterina, which is sculpted into the side of a cliff on Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast. Colorful accents and antiques bring the perfect amount of character to the heavenly white linens and curtains found in each suite. This intimate, picturesque property is a honeymooners paradise, dotted with citrus groves and terraces to enjoy quiet moments.

3. 41 – London, England

Visitors are not far from royalty here, both literally and figuratively. Located opposite Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews, 41 is setting a new standard in service, with 24/7 butler service, and two staff members for each guest. In the past year, this chic boutique hotel earned accolades from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast and TripAdvisor as one of Europe’s finest.

4. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace – Budapest, Hungary

One of the luxury Four Seasons brand’s grandest properties, this Art Nouveau landmark wows guests with stained-glass windows, mosaic tiles, and breathtaking views of the Danube River. Rooms feature high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies to soak up even more of the city’s historic center.

5. Le Meurice – Paris, France

This 19th-century-palace-turned-luxury-hotel is a Parisian masterpiece, and for those that appreciate elegance, this is the place to stay in the City of Light. It is ideally located between the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden, and near Paris’s upscale shopping districts. Ultra-luxury travelers can splurge on Belle Etoile Suite, which features rich marble finishings and 360-degree views of Paris from its private terrace.

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What are Alaska’s big five, and where can you see them?

From seals to arctic hares, Alaska is home to a diverse range of animals that thrive in its vast swaths of untouched land, including seven of the 12 largest National Parks in the US. Many travelers make the trip to the Last Frontier to catch glimpses of Alaska’s remarkable wildlife, the most notable of which are referred to as the Big Five.

WHAT ARE ALASKA’S BIG FIVE?

Pecora Di Dall, Dall Sheep, Thintorn Sheep, Ovis Dalli
Dall Sheep

Originally the term Big Five referred to five large land mammals that were difficult to hunt, but today they are the five animals that visitors are most lucky to spot while spending time in the wilderness.

The Alaskan Big Five are moose, bears (both black bears and grizzly bears), Dall Sheep, Caribou, and Gray Wolves. Visitors Many people can picture moose, bear, and wolves in their minds, but have never seen them in person, especially not in their wild habitats. On the other hand, Caribou and Dall Sheep may be a bit harder to picture.

Dall Sheep are a species of sheep found only in Alaska and western Canada. They have coarse white fur that covers an insulating coat of fine wool. Their large, curved horns most easily recognize them on either side of their heads. Both males and females have these trademark horns, but the males’ horn are usually larger. These sheep are mountain climbers who thrive on the high, windy cliffs of Alaska.

Three Curious Caribou
Caribou in Alaska

Caribou is another name for a reindeer. These animals stand about six feet tall, not including their antlers, and are common in arctic climates. They often travel in herds as they migrate around their annual routes. They are unique among deer species because both the males and females have large antlers that they shed in the winter.

WHERE CAN YOU SEE THEM?

Travelers have the best chance of seeing Alaska’s Big Five by visiting Denali National Park. Since being established in 1917, this park has protected over 6 million acres of Alaska’s wilderness as well as the highest mountain peak in North America, Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley). The name Denali was given to the mountain by the Koyukon people; its name means the high one. To learn more about the park, visit the National Park Service’s website.

Grizzly Bear Big Five Alaska
Grizzly Bear

HOW TO GET TO ALASKA

The travel season in Alaska is usually between late May and mid-September. These months are when most tours operate, and cruise lines sail around the area. For your best chance at seeing the Northern Lights, plan to travel in August or September.

For many travelers, a cruise is one of the best ways to visit Alaska. Cruises combine transportation, accommodation, dining, and entertainment in one convenient package while also allowing guests to see several locations in one trip. Cruises lines also have connections with many local tour operators, providing their guests with reputable options for everything from hiking glaciers and whale-watching to fishing or meeting sled dogs. Travel agents are masters at pairing you with the cruise line that will deliver your dream Alaskan experience.

Wolf, Porträt, In Natürlicher Umgebung
Gray Wolf

For those looking to keep their feet firmly on land, riding the rails through Alaska can be a great way to see the state. Rail cars allow their passengers to travel comfortably while taking in the scenery around them. With so many options, we can add value by helping their clients determine the best Alaskan itinerary for you.

Want to do both cruise and land? Many cruise lines have their own lodges on land and land tour packages that cruisers can add as either a pre-or post-cruise option!

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4 Reasons Why You Should Experience the Beauty of Alaska This Summer

Travelers have long dreamed of witnessing the vast wilderness of the Great North and checking another state off their bucket list. The 49th state is home to the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in our country and this summer is the time for summer vacations to Alaska.

1. ALASKA IS A RECORD-SETTING STATE

Don’t let the map fool you, Alaska is the largest state. With almost twice the square miles of Texas, there’s more to see and do than you can imagine. It’s also the home to the tallest peak in North America, Mt. Denali, which tops out at just over 20,000 feet. Alaska also contains the largest of the United States’ National Parks, the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. According to NationalParks.org, with 13.2 million acres, this park is larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and the country of Switzerland combined. 

2. YOU CAN STILL TOUR ALASKA BY TRAIN

Train travel is one of the best ways to take in the journey as you venture from town to town in Alaska. With large windows, comfortable seating, and the flexibility to move around the car, train travel allows you to sit back, relax and take in the sights. With trusted cruise lines Holland America and Princess offering land packages with rail, seeing Alaska by train is one bucket-list item that can still be achieved this summer!

3. SEE AMAZING AND UNIQUE ANIMALS

Grizzly Bear Big Five Alaska

Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including bears, moose, caribou, wolves, whales, sea otters, and many others. It is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Steller sea lion, the North Pacific right whale, and the short-tailed albatross. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see these animals in their natural habitats and seeing them in the wild is a rare and unforgettable experience.

4. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE

Alaska is a great destination for adventure sports like kayaking, rafting, and dog-sledding! With more than 6,600 miles of coastline, Alaska is a paddler’s paradise. You can explore pristine waters, glacial fjords, and remote islands by kayak or canoe. Looking for something a little more adventurous? Alaska has some of the wildest whitewater rafting in North America, with rivers ranging from mild to extreme. My favorite activity in Alaska is dog sledding! Dog sledding is a quintessential Alaskan experience, and there are many opportunities to try it for yourself. You can take a guided tour or even learn to mush your own team of sled dogs.

Overall, Alaska has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or just getting away from it all. So why not consider making Alaska your destination this summer?

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5 trips to take with friends

With summer right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning a vacation together with friends! Meeting in a special destination offers an escape from the day-to-day while experiencing a new destination and genuine quality time with one another. Sipping on coffee or wine. Chatting until long after the sun sets. Touring a new city together, popping in and out of boutiques. Relaxing side-by-side with an amazing view. Dancing into the wee hours of the morning. The sky’s the limit when planning a getaway for groups of friends!

Here are five ideas for trips to plan with friends:

Iceland


ICELAND FOR ADVENTURE

Catching the sweeping beauty of the Northern Lights, bathing in geothermal waters, hiking rugged landscapes, and road-tripping The Golden Circle make for an awesome adventure in the Arctic Circle when friends plan an adventure in beautiful Iceland.

Montreal


MONTREAL FOR FOOD

For trendy bars and a hot restaurant scene, foodie friends should make the journey to Montreal, Canada’s second most populated city. Second only to New York City for restaurants per capita in North America, options abound for whatever craving strikes.

Napa


NAPA VALLEY FOR WINE

The heart of California’s wine country calls to friends who long to chat over glasses of red or white. Pedaling bicycles to local wineries on a guided tour is a fun way to spend the day. Reservations for indulgent spa services before dining al fresco will feel luxurious.

Nashville


NASHVILLE FOR MUSIC

Quirky and friendly Nashville welcomes tourists to its small town with a big city vibe. Visitors are greeted with strumming guitars and microphone checks of its toe-tapping music scene. Small venues, large venues, and everything in-between host a variety of live music of all genres, and this bustling scene is the draw to Nashville. The trip is complete with tasty southern comfort food, icy beers, and perhaps a celebrity spotting or two.

Sedona


SEDONA FOR THE SOUL

The red rocks of Sedona provide the setting for luxurious boutique hotels, exquisite outdoor dining, and dazzling sunrises that soothe the soul. Known worldwide as an area for spiritualism, energy and soul work, restorative retreats, and metaphysical practitioners, Sedona is the perfect destination for friends to find their Zen.

Planning group travel (especially trips with friends!) can be a fun and a great way to reconnect with friends! To learn more about group travel, and start planning a getaway with your friends, contact us today!

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The best time to go to . . .

So you have decided where you want to go, and your calendar has dictated when you can go. Do the two intersect at a time when you’ll have good weather? If not, you might want to reconsider your plans. After all, you don’t want your dream vacation to become a nightmare. Here are some of the most popular travel destinations along with their best and worst months of travel.

Caribbean

Best months: Although average temperatures are between 78-88 degrees year-round, you’ll find that the area is coolest and has more wind from December to May.

Worst months: Mid-August, September and October due to high heat, humidity and the threat of hurricanes. Although hurricane season is technically June through November, June and November have the fewest tropical storms and hurricanes during the hurricane season.

Mexico

Best months: October to May

Worst months: Mexico is hotter during the summer months. In addition, the humidity is higher. If you have the option to visit the Pacific Coast of Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas), you will find that there is far less humidity than in the Mexican Caribbean (Cancun and surrounding areas). 

Hawaii

Best months: Hawaii’s consistently-warm weather makes it a good destination to visit at any time of the year, with temperatures hovering between 73-86 degrees. With that said, the best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands get the least amount of rain and the warmest temperatures. If you are interested in whale watching, January will be your best bet.

Worst months: Again, there is no bad time to visit Hawaii but you will find that it is wetter and marginally cooler between October and February.

Alaska

Best months: There’s a reason why the cruise ships are in Alaska from late spring to early fall. The best weather is during the summer months. Not only are the temperatures warmer, but daylight is longer, allowing more time for sightseeing. The absolute best time to visit, according to the locals, is June 15-July 15, when it is warm, dry and alive with energy. Daytime temperatures range from 60-80 degrees, and they dip down into the 40s and 50s at night. It’s light outside almost all night long from late May to late July. 

Worst months: The days are shorter, the temperatures are colder, and there is more rain/snow from late September through December. The northern lights are visible from August 20 through April 20, but the best time for an aurora vacation is February and March, when the days are getting longer and the snow conditions are best for winter activities.

Florida
Best months: March, April, October, November. Temperatures are warm/hot and there is less rain.

Worst months: May to September due to high heat, humidity, and the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes. 

Europe 

Best months: May through September or October. You will see higher temperatures and crowds during the summer but it is considered to be their peak season. Expect the hottest temperatures in July and August. During the “shoulder season,” April through mid-June and September through October, you’ll enjoy decent weather, smaller crowds and long enough daylight.

Worst months: December to February. Because much of Europe is at Canadian latitudes, the winter can be cold and the days are shorter. However, Europe is known for its Christmas markets, making it a popular destination during November and December.

Dubai

Best months: Dubai offers consistently-pleasant weather between November and March, with daily maximum temperatures in the upper 70s. Mid-December to the end of February is their peak season, with great weather and the crowds to go with it. To avoid high prices and crowds, consider traveling mid-November through mid-December or during March. Temperatures will still be warm but the crowds and prices will be lower.

Worst months: June, July and August have unbearably high temperatures, with an average of 106 degrees. It is also humid during the summer. The month of Ramadan usually begins mid-March. Since eating, drinking and smoking in public are banned during this time, many businesses close, making it difficult for tourists who are not observing Ramadan themselves.

Hurricanes

If you’re thinking about a tropical vacation during hurricane season, you’ll want to consider the area you’ll be visiting as well as the month.

Hurricanes in the Atlantic and Caribbean begin around June 1, but it’s rare for a large storm to form. They typically don’t start getting bigger until later in the summer. Statistically, September 10th is the peak in the Atlantic and Caribbean. On a worldwide scale, May is the least active month and September is the most active. 

The ABC Islands that are closer to South America (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) are far enough south that they generally aren’t impacted by hurricane season. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada are also located outside of this region.

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What to pack on your Caribbean cruise

Probably the most frequently asked question I receive is, “What do I should I pack?” Here is my list. I know it is a lot, and maybe you won’t need everything on this list, but it includes everything that I’ve found useful on our cruises!

Attire

Everyday attire is extremely casual. Most people wear shorts and T-shirts (and definitely don’t forget your swimsuit!). Breakfast and lunch generally don’t have dress guidelines other than common courtesy and decency. Dinner in the main dining room sometimes has regulations; check your cruise line’s specific policy as some do not allow shorts, sleeveless shirts, etc. in the main dining room.

New cruisers are sometimes concerned about “formal night”. For most cruise lines, this is really not the big event it used to be. Once or twice during a cruise the main dining room will require formal wear. If you dislike dressing up, you still have dining options such as the buffet or room service. Check the daily newsletter in your cabin to see what the dress is for each evening. Most cruises have at least one formal night. 

If you love to dress up, have fun with it! If you DO participate, check your cruise line’s exact policy for formal attire. Some people still dress “formal” (such as a tux, suit and tie, floor length or cocktail dress), but most passengers now dress down considerably. Slacks and a polo shirt are very much the norm, and even some wear jeans. Again, this varies drastically between cruise lines. There will be professional photographers available, so take this opportunity to have a nice photo taken.

Do not forget hats, sunglasses and sunscreen – especially for Caribbean cruises. And use the sunscreen. You are much further south, and you will burn before you know it.

Pack a light jacket. Even during the summer, a breeze off the open ocean can have a slight chill. You may also want to take a sweater for the dining room and the theater in the evenings.

It is also a good idea to bring a pair of tennis shoes. Many ships have activities like rock climbing or laser tag that require them.

If you want to pack light (and do laundry), make sure to check — not all ships offer free (or for-fee) laundromats. Otherwise, laundry is a service provided by cruise lines but it can get expensive. There’s always Febreze!

Packing Tips

Power outlets have traditionally been scarce in staterooms, though cruise lines are slowly modifying them to have more. A 3-way plug or extension cord may help if you have many devices to charge – it must be cruise ship approved and not be a surge protector.

Bathroom counter space is also lacking so you may want to bring a hanging toiletry bag. The counter should be fine for 2 people, but a family of 4 will be crowded for space. We also travel with these magnetic hooks to hang bags, hats, etc. The staterooms walls are magnetic and these come in a few different sizes to hold different weights. 

You may want to bring a low-wattage nightlight particularly if you are in an interior stateroom.

You do not need to pack beach towels – they are provided for free, and you will be allowed to take those off the ship to the island beaches. Free towels are also available at the pools.

You will likely have wet clothes/swimsuits so bring a bag for wet items.

Consider a waterproof case for your ID, cruise card, credit card, etc. while swimming or snorkeling in port. We also bring our own snorkel equipment. We have these snorkel masks and love them or you can go the traditional snorkel and goggle route with these or these made for kids. 

Take a wristwatch. Clocks are few and far between onboard. You also need a watch when you are off the ship. The local island may not be on the same time as “ship time”. Set your watch to “ship time” and leave it there. When they say the ship will leave the island at 3PM, that does not always mean 3PM island time, and you may very well (literally) “miss the boat”. And do not use a cell phone as your watch (it may sync to island time).

In your checked luggage, place photocopies of your passport, medicine prescriptions, return airline tickets, and emergency contacts. You may also want to keep the international toll-free number of your credit card company in case you lose your credit cards.

Most cruise lines will allow you to bring a small amount of wine onboard per person (typically one bottle). Some will allow you to bring water or canned sodas, it varies by cruise line. It must be carried on and not in your checked luggage. You may also be able to order bottled water and soda to be delivered ahead of time to your stateroom. If you bring your own wine, don’t forget a small corkscrew. Your cabin steward can provide ice, an ice bucket and wine glasses.

If you are going ashore, you will need a bag to carry your items if you are going on an excursion, shopping or even the beach. You will need to bring your stateroom key card, photo ID, phone, credit card and some cash. You may also need to bring a change of clothes and a beach towel from the ship. I even take my day bag up to the pool on sea days with everything I may need including my kindle and a deck of cards.

Many guests will bring a nice big Tervis or travel coffee mug with a lid. You can fill it up and enjoy a morning walk around the ship with your coffee or with ice water and tea. Great for sitting out by the pool or on the balcony.

If you have a CPAP machine, take it as carry-on. Cruise staff see these every day, and they know what it is. In your CPAP travel case, pack a long extension cord (with the machine). In most cases, your cabin will NOT have an AC outlet next to the bed. The extension cord must be cruise approved and not be a surge protector.

Are you ready to book your next cruise vacation? Contact us today!

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Tipping at an All-Inclusive Resort

While your resort is all-inclusive and tipping is included in your resort package, I recommend tipping at your discretion. In my experience, generosity and kindness will be rewarded with excellent service. 

US Dollars are fine for all-inclusive resorts. You’ll need singles and fives. You will quickly realize that while everyone is paying in US dollars, change will not be available from those you are tipping. It is always better to have more cash than you need. It is expensive to get cash once you are there. There is a safe in your room and you can keep it there. The front desk can always make change for you. I suggest at least $300 for 5-day trips for 2 people.

You should absolutely tip the bellman and anyone who touches your bags. The customary tip is $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag. Drivers often do not work for the resort and should also be tipped. $3 to $5 per person is ideal but we often tip more if they point things out along the way. Be sure to tip the guides on excursions, generally $2 to $5 per person. The drivers on the excursions should also be tipped – $2 to $3 per person. If you have any spa services, you should leave a tip of 15-20% of the cost of the service. 

Again, tipping at the resort is optional, but common. (The exception to this is Sandals Resort and Couples Resort, they do not accept tips) Tipping your bartenders well during your stay will ensure you are consistently treated to exceptional service. However, you don’t have to tip with every round of drinks if you are returning to the same bartender or sitting at the bar. 

Suggested Tipping Amounts:

  • Simple Beverage – $1
  • Cocktails – $2
  • Waitstaff at buffet meals – $2 per guest
  • Waitstaff at served breakfast/lunch – $3 per guest
  • Waitstaff at served dinner – $5 per guest
  • Daily Housekeeping – $2 to $5 per night – leave on a pillow
  • Room Service – $3 per guest ordering
  • Butler Service – $20 per day that you see that butler is typical, but you can adjust that based on how often you see that butler and the level of service provided.

Restaurants outside of hotels often add a service charge to your check. Most people usually add 5% to 10% more, especially if the service has been good.

There are a few shops at the resorts, and you can use your credit card there. A lot of resorts will have preferred vendors set up in the lobby or by the pool where you can purchase items. Most will only accept cash (but you can negotiate). If you leave the resort and go shopping, most vendors only accept cash. 

If you leave the resort, you will need cash for the cab. If you want to venture away from the resort, I suggest checking with the concierge or front desk for transportation recommendations. They generally have cabs they use and trust they will call for you. The cab driver will then give you their card and most shops and restaurants will call them to pick you up. Personally, I hesitate to get into a random cab and feel a little safer using the one from the resort. Grab the business card for the hotel before you leave in case you forget which resort you are staying at (there are often many resorts of the same brand in every city) it’s also helpful if there is a language barrier.

Are you ready to book your All-Inclusive Resort stay? We specialize in all-inclusive resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. Contact us today!

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Lost Luggage: what you can do to prevent it

I’m sure most of you have seen the luggage nightmare that has been plaguing travelers this summer, especially in Europe. No one wants to lose their bags. The immediate reaction is to carry on instead of checking your bags. That’s all well and good, but that doesn’t guarantee you won’t have to gate-check your bag. Every other traveler has the same idea, and overhead space could be full before you board the plane! 

I’m not a carry-on kind of gal. I can sometimes cram it all in going but coming home I have way too many souvenirs. And let’s be real, I need options and have way too many toiletries. Anything more than a few days and my bag is getting checked! 

So, what can you do? 

Bluetooth tracking devices are an easy and affordable option to keep track of your bags. I like Apple Air Tags because you can use the “Find My” app to see where your bags are even if you are not close to them. Tile is another option. I prefer the Air Tags because they are easy to set up and have a more extensive network than Tile, making them easier to locate. 

Blue Ribbon Bags is a service that tracks and expedites the return of your delayed baggage for 96 hours from the time your flight lands. If four days go by and your bags still aren’t delivered, Blue Ribbon Bags pays $1,000 per bag – no questions asked, no receipts necessary. All you need to do is file a claim with the airline and Blue Ribbon Bags will handle the rest! 

You could opt not to bring your bags and ship them instead! Luggage Free offers door-to-door delivery of your luggage and golf and ski gear too. When you sign up, they email you instructions and labels to attach to your luggage, then they collect your bags from home and ship them to your final destination. Your shipment is fully insured, tracked in real-time, and comes with an on-time guarantee. 

It is important to remember that lost or delayed baggage is generally covered with travel insurance which is another reason why I always recommend purchasing it. 

Happy Packing!

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