What took me so long?

This year have brought so many challenges to each one of us on our personal and professional levels. Travel have been hit hard for months, on all aspects, and while we navigate these new waters together, as a community, I would like to share some things I consider you should to take into consideration before planning and/or booking your next vacation.

• Travel Insurance - this have been suggested frequently on many of my posts. But why it's so important. Simply put...Peace of Mind. Advisors might have a preferred travel insurance company, but this doesn't mean you can't go with the one you trust. As of today, October 8, 2020; there are travel insurance partners that will protect you if you get sick due to Covid19, did you know that? Protect your investment, travel is an investment.
• Know the new entry regulations -  while many countries are opening their doors to tourists, there might have different entry requirement in place depending on where you live. For example, Costa Rica began accepting US Citizens to their soil, but this opening have been on slow and organized. They have been accepting citizens from 12 states and adding some states on the following weeks. By November 1st, all US States residents are welcome in Costa Rica. They have rigorous regulations in place, like negative test results, travel protection with at least $50,000 medical expense coverage, and more. To avoid deny entry you can read the detail here: https://www.visitcostarica.com/es/costa-rica/lo-que-debes-saber-sobre-costa-rica-si-deseas-viajar-en-el-contexto-covid-19
• Do I need airfare? - it might not seem important or the total opposite. You'll have to evaluate your personal concerns and how airlines are handling Covid19 situation. I had my own experience with Southwest and American Airlines back in June 2020. I flew both, and the safest in that moment for me was Southwest Airlines, which allowed the middle seats to be empty. Not only we were required to wear masks, but also we were distanced between each other and for me that was very important. With American Airlines I did not had the same experience and for what I've heard AA is still filling their planes to the max, no empty seats people! So be very aware of that. Your travel advisor can help you narrow the options, depending of your gateway. 
• Masks or no masks? -  That previous point brought this one up. Not all of us are comfortable wearing masks, and many places are imposing it. So it's not a choice, it's a requirement. If you are not willing to abide by this, my recommendation to you is that your travels will have to wait a little longer.  
• Are you afraid of travel shaming? - Sadly to say, this is happening. Nowadays everyone have an opinion and even worse they think they have to share it. Puertorricans have a saying that reads: "Quiet I look prettier". We must think before we speak; nothing struck us harder in the gut that an unwanted opinion and mostly from someone we know. Don't let other people's opinion hurt you or your plans. 

Do not get discouraged, make a list of your ideas, your likes and dislikes and while more countries open to visit, we as advisors can help you narrow them. This way you'll be able to fulfill what's most important for you and your family. Give yourself the chance to unwind and rest from what this year have brought to us. Time to re organize and shift, towards a better way to reach your goals. Whenever  YOU are ready, we are ready for you. 

Leila Reyes, CTA, MCC
Travel Advisor

Excitement at your fingertips!

 

This is just a preview of different adventures you can enjoy onboard a Royal Caribbean Cruise. Have you cruised before? If not, check out what you are missing.

Let me help you plan your next cruise vacation, to Europe, to Hawaii, to Alaska or even the Caribbean. There are so many choices.

 

Leila Reyes, ACC, CTA

Travel Consultant

L R Travel

817-554-3346

 

 

Guest Post: South Florida Vacations

By Alexandra Jacobs

If you will be visiting the Florida Keys this spring, you have chosen one of the most beautiful and diverse locations on earth to vacation! From white, warm beaches to historical landmarks, there is plenty to see and do here. Check out these amazing attractions for visitors looking for some fun!

 

Photo by Flickr user heather0714

Places to Visit

• Tropic Cinema. Check out this tropical theater if you’re looking for a place to view the latest new releases. The edifice was founded in 1998 and today hosts independent screenings and film festivals dedicated to the moviemaking industry. They have shown Algerian, Italian, Indian and French films in the theater, as well.

• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. This is perhaps the most unique attraction in Key West, Florida. Guests are treated to a spectacular view of hundreds of butterflies and their subsequent habitats. It’s a great place to take children or simply browse through the displays of gorgeous insects. There are also a few species of birds that guests can view, as well. The entire conservatory can be viewed in about 30 minutes.

Photo by Flickr user Milan.boers

• Seven Mile Bridge. Keep your eyes open for turtles, fish and sharks! This bridge extends over 7 miles of beautiful blue water. You can spot lots of boaters in the evening and it’s a great place to take a drive if you’re looking for a spot to watch the sun set. The road extends from Marathon to Key West.

• Dolphins Plus. Located in Key Largo, this watery attraction is the perfect spot to bring the children for the day. It features an entire host of aquatic creatures, and of course the star of these water animals is the adorable dolphin. Children 7 and up can swim with the dolphins. It is an amazing experience that is not to be missed.

• Captain Hook’s Marina and Dive Center. This is the best place in Marathon, Florida to go diving and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. You can get everything you need for a day on the water: boats, charters for fishing, scuba gear, and so much more. They also offer diving classes with experienced instructors. 

• Harry S. Truman Little White House. The Little White House is the only Presidential museum in Florida, and it exhibits the winter home of America’s 33rd President. You can also find many lovely homes that resemble Hamptons rentals along the beach to overlook!

Photo by tranquilitybay.com Butterfly Cafe

Places to Eat

•  Garbo’s Grill Possibly one of the most popular eateries in Key West, this dining venue is both a tourist and local favorite. Don’t let the fact that the restaurant is encased in a transportable cart dissuade you from eating there. Their fish tacos are one of their most popular dishes. They also serve great Korean barbeque plates and as traditional Mexican fare.

• Cole’s Peace Artisan Bakery and Sandwich Shop. For traditional Cuban food in addition to old-fashioned pastries and coffee, hit up Cole’s. Their sticky buns and blueberry muffins are especially good. It’s a good place to stop on the way to the beach.

• Butterfly Café. From the presentation of the food to the fantastic name, Butterfly Café is easily the best place in Marathon to eat. The scallops and grouper entrees are simply amazing.

• Old Town Bakery. Easily the most enjoyable place to have breakfast in Key West, check out their cheese Danishes and sticky buns with their signature honey and caramel glaze.

• Paseo Restaurant. This Caribbean-inspired cuisine offers pork, steak and fantastic Cuban sandwiches. The prawns, grilled chicken and roasted corn is to die for. Visit this superb restaurant before you leave!

This article was written by Alexandra Jacobs, a passionate writer that shares her experiences, you can read more about them here: http://alexsjourneys.wordpress.com/

Onboard the Carnival Magic in Galveston, TX

I had the honor to be at Carnival's Magic Inaugural Event celebrated in Galveston, TX last November. My husband and I get the chance to enjoyed Maroon's 5 Live Concert, from Carnival's Magic pool area. This beauty (the ship) is a total "Magic" and I can not be more excited to know this vessel homeport is Galveston, Texas.

Needless to say, I got in love with the Kids and Youth Areas (you know mommies looking for children amenities). As a mother of 3, it is extremely important to me that my children enjoy their cruise Vacation as much or even more than me.  This is complimentary service starting at age 2. Carnival's counselors, each with education or childcare experience, are on the clock making sure everyone in the small groups of kids are having fun. When it’s mealtime, kids get their own menus, with faves like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, and more.  They also  offer Camp Carnival Night Owls, so kids get to spend more time having fun, while their parents also enjoy themselves well into the night (Extra fee).

 

 

Some of new venues Carnival Magic has is Red Frog Pub, Cucina del Capitano (Italian Restaurant), Cherry on Top (Candy shop), and the Aqua Park that you and your kids will love it!

If you are planning to cruise from Galveston, Texas to the Western Caribbean I encourage you to stay 1 or 2 days in port. This way you'll get the most of your vacation. Galveston has so much more to offer. If you don't know where to start, give me a call so we can together plan your next Family Cruise Vacation from Galveston, Texas.

Leila Reyes

Travel Specialist
Family Vacations
817-554-3346
lrtravel@live.com

Royal Caribbean - Oasis of the Seas

Oasis of the Seas Deck Plan

What can I say? Humongous, was the word that just came to my mind. Oasis of the Seas is not only one of the biggest ship on the seas, it is also an impressive art of work. It has seven distinctive neighborhoods, twenty five dining options and 2,394 crew members to serve you!





Do you see this tiny person? It could be you...Zip Lining!

Oasis means a fertile or green spot in the dessert or wasteland, made so by the presence of water.  It also means a situation or place preserved from surrounding unpleasantness, a refuge.  This is the best description as I approach to the lovely Central Park that is open to the fresh sea air and home to many lovely specialty restaurants.

But honestly what I loved the most was the Boardwalk with a carousel, kid’s games, Sea Food Shack, Johnny Rockets, Salt Water Taffy and more. I literally pictured my kids having tons fun out there. There staterooms that are positioned in the central park, giving you a different view option than the sea. Same in the Boardwalk giving you a terrific VIP view to the Aqua Theater. And for those that love the risk there are two huge FlowRiders for surfing and boogie boarding, the zip line across the top of the Boardwalk.

Touch Screen Stations



Sure the ship is large and can hold more than 5000 fully occupied with the maximum number of kids, but this ship has tons of activities and places to have fun, spend quality time with your family and friends and grow your memories for life. Don’t let the size scare you away from trying Oasis of the Seas, I truly believe it MEAN its meaning; do you understand what I’m saying?

Families and active adults are to love her. So are adults that are attracted to all the more upscale features and so are most people that are brave enough to try something this innovative. You will enjoy also a great Bahamas/Caribbean itinerary, which not all ships do. So, Why Not?

Whether you are looking to explore a New Ship or The biggest one, to have a family reunion, a honeymoon, friends or business gathering the Oasis of the Seas will meet and exceed your expectations. Let me help you customize your Next Cruise Vacation.

Leila Reyes

Travel Specialist

Family Vacations

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com

Explore Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a popular vacation destination for families because U.S. citizens are not required to have passports for entry. There you'll feel the taste of the Caribbean with the flair of being in the U. S.

Just a 2-hour drive from San Juan,many Porta del Sol towns are ideal for day-trip destinations and all are perfect for longer stays too. The easiest towns to reach from the north are Isabella, Aguadilla, Aguada, Quebradillas, Rincon and Añasco. There you'll find great surfing, golf, horseback riding or even ice skating. 

The mountain towns of San Sebastian, Moca, Maricao and Las Marias merit an extended visit. Mayaguez, the largest city in the region, has a major University of Puerto Rico campus, casino hotels, and 45-acre Zoo. Cabo Rojo is much visited for its nature reserve, salt flats beaches, picturesque lighthouse, and seafood restaurants.

 On the South, you'll find Ponce, also called "Pearl of the South" and it's the region's largest city (about an hour from San Juan). One of its attractions is Hacienda Buena Vista, here you'll learn about the history of the island's 19th-century coffee and corn processing and hike two special trails along Canas River. Ponce's Historic Firehouse located in Plaza las Delicias. This bright red and black wooden structure houses antique fire equipment and exhibits.

For the Nature Lovers is El Yunque located on the eastern region. El Yunque National Forest towers above a string of fascinating beach towns that line the coast from Maunabo through Yabucoa.  El Yunque is a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is one of the oldest nature reserves and the only tropical rainforest in the US Forest System. 

Puerto Rico is a place where you can not just enjoy beautiful beaches, it has so much to offer beyond it's capital, and it's an incredibly easy destination to drive around. And then there's the food. Local eateries can often be very rewarding, and if you're traveling along the coast, the local seafood is simple but tasty. Whether you prefer a vacation to relax, to have fun or even to taste local cuisine, you are going to have a great retreat. 

For more information about Puerto Rico or any of its municipalities, don't hesitate contact me. 

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com 

Cruise for YOU

You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse and children. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to cruise.

Here are 10 Reasons* of Why you should take a Cruise:

1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 200 distinctive ships, 3000 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; your CLIA-affiliated travel agency can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... talk about hassle-free.
7. Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!
8. Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.

9. 

   Mandara Spa Sauna
   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
10. Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

These are just a few reasons you should give yourself a chance to Cruise if you haven't before. You can even plan your cruise more than a year in advance and pay over time, budget is not a trouble anymore. Give me a call and let me explain the endless chances you have customized to your expectations and beyond.

*Courtesy of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)
Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line, all Rights Reserved.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346