Just because a resort offers destination weddings and is all-inclusive does not mean you want to have your destination wedding there.  Not all resorts are created equal, and certainly not all of them have acceptable service levels, public space quality, and decent wedding departments.   The resorts we [...]]]> 1.  NOT ALL RESORTS ARE CREATED EQUAL.

Just because a resort offers destination weddings and is all-inclusive does not mean you want to have your destination wedding there.  Not all resorts are created equal, and certainly not all of them have acceptable service levels, public space quality, and decent wedding departments.   The resorts we use have met our standards.  If you book your own destination wedding, you’ll spend hours researching online to compare results, and you’re never quite sure the validity of the material you read online.  Is it worth the risk?

2.  OUR DESTINATION WEDDING SERVICES ARE FREE, AND WILL SAVE YOU HOURS OF WORK ALONG THE WAY

There’s a deposit to set up your destination wedding, and is applied towards the bride and groom’s initial deposit.  There are no additional fees that you will incur by Expert Family Travel for arranging your travel, your guests’ travel, or in setting up your wedding ceremony.  Of course, the resort and wedding vendors will charge for their packages and services, as applicable.

3.  NO DESTINATION WEDDING IS TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG

We can arrange destination weddings for 2 to 200 (and more).

4.  AVOID BEING FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR MEETING GUEST QUOTAS

While we can arrange your destination wedding to be a group with minimum head count, it is more likely that multiple individual reservations booked into your wedding portfolio is a better way to go.  Your guests are then free to leave from their departure city airport, and there is flexibility in travel dates.  The best news is that the guest (and not the bride/groom) is responsible for their travel costs, and you can avoid the financial risk that comes with negotiating guest room space directly with the hotels.

5.  HAVING THE GUESTS CONTACT US (YOUR TRAVEL AGENT) FOR THEIR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FREES YOU UP

Sure you can coordinate your friends and family’s travel, but why should you?  Simply give your guests the contact information for your travel agent, and let them arrange details directly.

6.  BRIDE AND GROOM RECEIVE A CREDIT BACK FOR EVERY ROOM BOOKED

In addition to competitively priced rates, the bride and groom can receive $25 per room credit back for all guests who attend the wedding (restricted to certain destinations and resorts).

7.  HAVE AN EXPERT ON YOUR SIDE

Working with Expert Family Travel means you have an expert on your side who can advise you on some of the pitfalls of travel, has established working relationships with resorts and wedding coordinators, and can assist you in a crisis.

8.  THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS ONE SIZE-FITS-ALL

On your own, it’s tough to pick just the right resort.  So many factors go into the decision — budget, dates, how many guests, are kids traveling, guests’ budget, wedding ceremony and reception requirements, etc.  We are very familiar with the resorts, and will guide you to the right choices to fit your individual needs.

Contact us at Expert Family Travel/Reconnect Travel to get started on your destination wedding plans.

We offer destination weddings to the following destinations:

• Mexico (Cancun, Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo)
• Caribbean (Jamaica, Punta Cana, St. Lucia, Bahamas, Antigua, Grand Caymans, Barbados, Virgin Islands, and more)
• Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island)
• Tahiti (symbolic or legal)
• Fiji (symbolic or legal)
• Costa Rica
• Walt Disney World/Orlando

~Happy Travels.  Cindy Grant, Travel Consultant at Expert Family Travel.  972-625-6200.  cindy@expertfamilytravel.  In the Dallas metro area (Texas) near Frisco, Denton, Little Elm, Carrollton, The Colony, Irving, Fort Worth, Addison.  Serving clients across the US and Canada.

Limited-Time Offer Savings: • 50% off 2012 and 2013 Paul Gauguin Tahiti Cruises • FREE airfare from Los Angeles

Oceanview Stateroom 2012 Departures.. [...]]]> This is deal is too good to pass up!  Paul Gauguin is a great way to see multiple islands in Tahiti.  I recommend adding one night in Papeete prior to the cruise.

Limited-Time Offer Savings:
• 50% off 2012 and 2013 Paul Gauguin Tahiti Cruises
• FREE airfare from Los Angeles

Oceanview Stateroom
2012 Departures.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FROM $3611
2013 Departures.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FROM $3686

• Spacious, oceanview stateroom accommodations onboard newly renovated vessel
• Private island experience in Taha’a
• Private beach experience in Bora Bora
• All onboard meals
• Complimentary beverages including soft drinks, hot beverages and select wines
• 24-hour room service
• On board watersports marina for complimentary kayaking, windsurfing, and waterskiing
• Onboard entertainment
• All shipboard gratuities

Rate is per person, based on double occupancy and includes savings from both offers. Advertised vacation rate valid for sailings 12/15/12 & 1/5/13 and must be booked by 5/19/12. Rate based on current currency exchange rates as of 5/4/12;
currency exchange rates subject to change without notice. Two-Week Sale Offer: Valid on new bookings made by 5/19/12 for 7-night cruises for the following sail dates: 7/21/12, 7/28/12, 8/4/12, 8/11/12, 10/6/12, 10/13/12, 12/15/12,
12/22/12, 12/29/12 and 1/5/13 . Offer is in addition to Limited-Time Offer. Limited-Time Offer: Save 50% on a Paul Gauguin Cruise. Free airfare is from Los Angeles, CA (LAX), and applies to first and second guest in stateroom. Third- and
fourth-berth guests pay full air add-on. Rates, terms, conditions and itinerary are subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. Rates shown include government-imposed fees and taxes. Additional airline restrictions, including,
but not limited to fees of up to $0 per bag for the first checked bag and up to $75 per bag for a second checked bag, standby policies and fees, non-refundable tickets and change fees with pre-flight notification deadlines may apply.

For your Tahiti cruise quote, contact Cindy Grant CTA at Reconnect Travel/Expert Family Travel cindy@expertfamilytravel.com or call 972-625-6200.  In the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) metro area near Frisco, Plano, Irving, Lewisville, Arlington, Addison serving clients across the US and Canada.

Flights from DFW to Cayman will operate on Sunday, and Cayman to DFW return flights will operate on Saturday.  This offers [...]]]> Just announced last week, Cayman Airways will be offering weekly nonstop service between DFW and Cayman, beginning June 23 and ending Sep 2.  Prices begin at $398.05 per person, round-trip — an incredible price!

Flights from DFW to Cayman will operate on Sunday, and Cayman to DFW return flights will operate on Saturday.  This offers 6 night stay options for the summer vacation season for North Texas residents.

Grand Cayman is located in the Caribbean and has excellent scuba and snorkeling, gorgeous powder white sand beaches, and an array of accommodations from 2 star moderate to 5 star luxury.

Contact me today to price your summer getaway to Grand Caymans.

~Happy Travels!  Cindy Grant, CTA Travel Consultant at Reconnect Travel/Expert Family Travel.  972-625-6200.  Located in the Dallas metro area, near Plano, Little Elm, Frisco, Lewisville, Carrollton, Irving, and Fort Worth.  Clients located across the US.

Tour #1:  Marvels of Costa Rica (8 nights and 18 meals)

Choice of Superior or Deluxe Hotels.  Includes 1 night San Jose, 2 nights Arenal, 2 nights Monteverde, [...]]]> The best way to see Costa Rica is with a guided vacation.  Choose from the following two guaranteed departures. No minimum number of travelers.  Max is 20.

Tour #1:  Marvels of Costa Rica (8 nights and 18 meals)

Choice of Superior or Deluxe Hotels.  Includes 1 night San Jose, 2 nights Arenal, 2 nights Monteverde, 3 nights Guanacaste with local licensed and certified tour guide and driver throughout.  Multiple guided tours included; optional tours and activities are available at additional cost.  Departures every other Saturday.

Day 1 – San Jose – overnight at your hotel

Day 2 – Arenal

• Explore the Arenal Volcano and aritcan town or Sarchi with your guide
• Lunch at La Fortuna
• Evening hot springs visit including dinner
• Meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 – Arenal

• Guided tour through Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge (transfer to Los Chiles village for four-hour floating safari through the rain forest)
• Meals – breakfast, lunch

Day 4 – Monteverde

• Optional activities: Canopy Tour, Sky Trek and Sky Walk, Frog Pond, or Butterfly Farm
• Meal – breakfast

Day 5 – Monteverde

• Guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Optional activities:  Canopy Tour, Sky Trek & Sky Walk, Frog Pond, or Butterfly Farm
• Meals – breakfast and lunch

Day 6 – Guanacaste

• Afternoon at leisure to explore your all-inclusive resort
• Meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 – Guanacaste

• Vida Aventure Nature Park with guide.  Enjoy your choice of included activities: Ziplining, Horseback Riding, Mud Baths, and more.
• Meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8 – Guanacaste

• Enjoy a day at leisure
• Optional activities: Palo Verdo National Park, Liberia City Tour, Nicaragua One-Day Tour or Sky Walk Tenorio
• Meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 – Guanacaste

• Transfer to the Liberia International Airport
• Meal – breakfast

***********************************************

Tour #2:  Jewels of Costa Rica (10 nights and 18 meals)

Choice of Superior or Deluxe Hotels.  Includes 1 night San Jose, 2 nights Tortuguero, 2 nights Arenal, 2 nights Monteverde, 2 nights Manuel Antonio, and 1 night San Jose with local licensed and certified tour guide and driver throughout.  Multiple guided tours included; optional tours and activities are available at additional cost.  Departures every other Saturday.

Day 1 – San Jose – Overnight at your hotel

Day 2 – Tortuguero

• Stopover in Guapiles before your canal journey to Tortuguero
• Guided visit into Tortuguero town
• Meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 – Tortuguero

• Guided tours of Tortuguero National Park
• Afternoon at leisure
• Meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 – Arenal

• Lunch in Guapiles
• Evening at leisure
• Meals – breakfast, lunch

Day 5 – Arenal

• Morning at leisure
• Guided afternoon volcano hike
• Evening hot springs visit including dinner
• Meals – breakfast, dinner

Day 6 – Monteverde

• Enjoy a day at leisure
• Optional activities:  Canopy Tour, Sky Trek and Sky Walk, Frog Pond, Butterfly Farm
• Meal – breakfast

Day 7 – Monteverde

• Guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Optional activities:  Canopy Tour, Sky Trek and Sky Walk, Frog Pond, Butterfly Farm
• Meals – breakfast and lunch

Day 8 – Manuel Antonio

• Afternoon at leisure
• Meal – breakfast

Some people’s bucket lists are more extensive than others.  If your bucket list includes the obscure, out of the way, rarely-visited destination gems, consider adding Tikehau.

Tikehau is a small Tuamotu atoll in French Polynesia, [...]]]> Bucket list (def.) – a popular way to indicate the places to see and things to do before you die.

Some people’s bucket lists are more extensive than others.  If your bucket list includes the obscure, out of the way, rarely-visited destination gems, consider adding Tikehau.

Tikehau is a small Tuamotu atoll in French Polynesia, located just west of the much larger atoll Rangiroa.  An atoll, by the way, is a ring island where the original volanic peak in the center of the lagoon has been eroded back into the sea.  Nothing on the island stands taller than a coconut palm.

Other than obscurity, Tikehau’s appeal is water the clarity of a swimming pool, with an abundance of sea life, sea birds, and starlight evenings.  This is a great spot for seasoned travellers who truly want an off the beaten path sort of experience.  It’s also excellent for divers and snorkelers.

Tikehau Pearl Resort is THE resort on the island (though there are a couple of modest pension-type accommodations in Tikehau, too).  There are four room categories:  beach bungalows (with a/c), overwater bungalows (without a/c and direct water access), premium overwater bungalows (without a/c but with direct water access), and suite overwater bungalows (with a/c and direct water access).

The most impressive quality about the Tikehau Pearl Resort is that a four star resort can actually operate in such a remote location.  All the food is flown in, and guests and employees arrive by boat from the local village and airport.

If you need a comfortably cool room to sleep at night, you’ll want to book one of the categories that offers air conditioning.  Bungalows are large and well accommodated, including a great bed.  The beach bungalows have an outdoor bathroom area that is fun and charming, and is just steps from the lagoon shoreline.

If you are here, you’ll want to sign up for some of the day excursions, including a visit to nearby Bird Island sanctuary, secluded motu picnic, snorkeling the coral gardens, and scuba diving.  The snorkeling is excellent at the resort, and there are also manta rays just off the resort location.

The food here is mostly good, with a few disappointments (grilled fish is overcooked).  The restaurant waitstaff ranges from great to flustered, while the front desk is always cheerful and helpful.  You’ll see employees wearing many hats, and all your favorite staff members will know your name with a smile by Day Two.

The resort has a modest pool and spa, with a few land activities (such as a volleyball net).  However, if you aren’t an underwater fan, this is NOT the place for you.  Also, you’ll need a willingness to function on the slower, island time and you’re comfortable with lazy days and water excursions days to define your itinerary.

Bring along sunscreen and bug spray, and the houseflies can be annoying.  Don’t expect any sort of Internet connectivity while you’re here (there is Internet for a fee, but is at speeds 20 years behind the US).  The natural beauty above and below the water will move you, and will stay with you long after the suntan has faded.

With air schedules, Tikehau is not a destination that stands alone.  You’ll want to pair 3-6 nights of Tikehau with another Tahiti island or two.  I would recommend Tahiti + Tikehau + Bora Bora, or maybe Tahiti + Tikehau + Rangiroa for the dive enthusiasts.

Contact me to put together your upcoming vacation to Tahiti and Her Islands.

Diver’s Dream Sample Itinerary

• 1 night Papeete
• 3 nights Tikehau at Tikehau Pearl Resort
• 3 nights Rangiroa at Kia Ora Resort
• 4 nights Bora Bora at Bora Bora Pearl Resort

Happy travels ~Cindy Grant CTA, Travel Consultant at Reconnect Travel/Expert Family Travel.  Located in The Colony Texas near Frisco, Little Elm, Dallas, Irving, Plano, Ft. Worth, Arlington.  Tahiti Tiare Travel Specialist.

972-625-6200.  cindy@expertfamilytravel.com

Lunch at the Hilton [...]]]> Hi everyone!  Well, I just returned home last night from Tahiti, visiting Papeete (Tahiti), Moorea, Bora Bora and Tikehau.  And while I’m going to be adding some hotel reviews from my recent trip in the next few days I thought I’d share some of the more “casual and fun” shots first.

Lunch at the Hilton Moorea Resort by chef Eric Scuiller was spectacular:

Even if you’re not staying at the Hilton Moorea, a dinner there is definitely a culinary highlight.

I highly recommend the Jeep Safari Tour of Moorea, it’s the easiest way to see the island.  This is me from one of the spectacular views overlooking Moorea’s lagoon.

This is the sunset as seen from my hammock in Tikehau (at Tikehau Pearl Resort, Beach Bungalow room category).  As you can imagine, it’s easy to relax on this island:

And the next day, my beach bungalow as seen from the lagoon.  The water is just amazingly crystal clear!

In Bora Bora, the morning view from my Overwater Bungalow deck (Bora Bora Pearl Resort):

This property is especially good for upscale families wanting a worry-free beach vacation.  There is a children’s waterpark and kid’s club for ages to 4 [...]]]> The Barcelo Maya Palace Resort is the top dog among the Barcelo Maya complex of five resorts situated on an amazing stretch of beach, south of Playa del Carmen.

This property is especially good for upscale families wanting a worry-free beach vacation.  There is a children’s waterpark and kid’s club for ages to 4 to 12.  It is also a good choice for multiple families traveling together, since there’s so much to do (and eat) onsite.

There are 756 junior suites at this property.  Combined with sister properties (2,000+ rooms), this is one large resort complex!  Guests staying at the Barcelo Maya Palace have full exchange privileges within the complex, but sister properties do NOT have access to the Barcelo Maya Palace.

I also like this resort for multiple couples traveling together who are looking for a nice, upscale all-inclusive but yet the luxury adults only resorts are a bit over budget.

Happy Travels ~ Cindy Grant, Travel Consultant.  Reconnect Travel/Expert Family Travel, DFW metro area 972-625-6200.

In The Colony Texas near Frisco, Little Elm, Plano, Carrollton, Dallas, Irving, Lewisville, McKinney, Addison.  Serving clients nationwide.

Yesterday, the little one announces “this will be my first [...]]]> My 12 year old daughter and I are headed to Japan this summer.  While we are there, we’ll be visiting my 20 year old daughter who is studying in Kyoto for a year.  This is, by the way, my older daughter’s fourth trip to Japan.

Yesterday, the little one announces “this will be my first trip to Japan!”  Not my only trip, or my only chance…but first trip.

I was reminded of a client recently who said, “this trip to Tahiti we’ll focus on Bora Bora.  Next time we want to visit Taha’a and Moorea.”

And herein lies the difference between my clients who manage to travel and see the world and my potential clients who shop from time to time and yet never manage to take a trip.  It’s all a matter of mindset!  In order to travel, you need to make it a priority.  Otherwise, a jet plane will not whisk you away as you feign protest.  It’s all up to YOU to make the decision that you want to see the world, to relax on a beach (instead of the living room couch), to cross things off your bucket list.

So, where’s your next vacation taking you?

Happy Travels ~Cindy Grant, Travel Consultant, Reconnect Travel/Expert Family Travel, DFW metro area 972-625-6200.

Opening April 1, these two brand new AM Resorts are located on Banderas Bay, close to downtown Puerto Vallarta and only 15 minutes from the airport.

Now Amber [...]]]> Two hot resorts have hit the scene in Puerto Vallarta — Now Amber Puerto Vallarta (for all ages) and Secrets Vallarta Bay (for adults only).

Opening April 1, these two brand new AM Resorts are located on Banderas Bay, close to downtown Puerto Vallarta and only 15 minutes from the airport.

Now Amber is an upscale resort perfect for families, singles, and couples.

Secrets Vallarta Bay is an upscale-luxury all-suites resort for adults only.  Both resorts offer reservation-free dining, exceptional service, and beautiful rooms.

I am especially excited to see a new adults only all-inclusive in Puerto Vallarta, since the options up to this point have been limited.

I will update the blog with a review at some point when I’ve been able to personally inspect these resorts.  But for now, consider both resorts for your next beach vacation!

Now Amber Vallarta Bay Resort:  327 oceanfront suites – three pools – four a la carte restaurants, one buffet and one cafe – 24 hour room service – kids club – pool and beach wait service – Spa by Pevonia – golf range – fitness center – land and water activities – preferred club available.

Secrets Vallarta Bay:  271 oceanfront suites – three pools – four a la carte restaurants, one buffet and one cafe – 24 hour room service – pool and beach wait service – Secrets Spa by Pevonia – fitness center – pool and beach wait service – preferred club available.

Happy travels ~ Cindy Grant, Travel Consultant.  Reconnect Travel/Expert Family Travel.  Dallas-Fort Worth metro area (serving clients nationwide).  972-625-6200.

Ingredients: 3 Papayas 3 Vanilla Beans 6 Tablespoons sugar 6 Tablespoons Rum 1 Grated Coconut Butter

Cut the papayas in half and remove the seeds Place them in an ovenproof dish.

In each papaya, pour: 1 pat butter 1/2 Vanilla Bean [...]]]> Here’s a delightful recipe from the folks at Tahiti Tourisme – baked papaya…

Ingredients:
3 Papayas
3 Vanilla Beans
6 Tablespoons sugar
6 Tablespoons Rum
1 Grated Coconut
Butter

Cut the papayas in half and remove the seeds
Place them in an ovenproof dish.

In each papaya, pour:
1 pat butter
1/2 Vanilla Bean
1 Tblespoon sugar
1 Tblespoon Rum

Cook in a preheated oven for 15 minutes at 350°F. In the meantime, squeeze milk from the grated coconut through a clean cloth. Before serving, add the coconut milk in each papaya.

~~~~~

Want more?  Plan your trip to Tahiti and enjoy fine Polynesian cuisine at the islands’ top resorts.

Happy travels ~ Cindy Grant, Travel Consultant.  Reconnect Travel/Expert Family Travel.  Dallas metro area, serving  clients nationwide.  972-625-6200.