Fun times in Cancun!

It is always great to hear from my one of my great clients, college kids! I have helped Dustin's mom plan many vacations and it was just as much fun to help plan him plan spring break! I have to say for college kids what a great group and so organized to work with! Knowing they wanted to party it up and enjoy some sun, I knew Cancun was the Destination for them!

Here is what Dustin had to say and he also shared some pictures!

Nichole made the entire planning process very easy, even for our large group of 14. Then, she was able to add another couple after the fact and allowed even more people to join our group and enjoy a great vacation! The resort was great. It was all that we hoped for and more. Nichole did a very good job of matching a resort to our budget and it turned out to be a great value. The food was good, the staff was great (with a tip here and there), and the view and beach were spectacular. The rooms were comfortable. They had everything we needed, and not much more, but that was fine; we didn’t plan on spending that much time there anyway. There was a great group of employees who served as entertainment staff out by the pool in the afternoon, and they really made the party fun with games, music, and other activities. At night they took us out and got us the VIP treatment at clubs, which is the only way to go! Overall we would go back to this resort in a heartbeat!

Thank you, I am glad you all had such a great time!

Back to where it all started . . . .

Sandals Negril is located on the Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica

The main pool offers views of the beach and a swim-up bar Consider the Millionaire Honeymoon One Bedroom Suite with Private Plunge Pool Off the bedroom in the Millionaire Suite is a living room and large bathroom The resort is set on the 7 mile beach, which not only offers a white sandy beach but amazing sunsets. Or Consider staying in the Swim-up Crystal Lagoon suite, it offers zero entry access into the lagoon pool.

We all remember that one vacation that we will never forget. It maybe the one you experienced something new, fell in love with an amazing beach, or will never forget that one special dinner.

For me that was my Honeymoon 10 1/2 years ago we stayed at Sandals Negril based on a recommendation from friends. There are a few reasons it was an unforgettable vacation, one just being our honeymoon, the resort was amazing, and I would say the people of Jamaica they just made us smile.

A few weeks ago I was able to re-visit Sandals Negril. Let me just say is was everything I remembered! From the moment I arrived it just felt like home. I can tell you this we will be returning to Sandals Negril and I hope sooner rather than later!

Sandals Negril offers you 24 hours dining food service at 6 restaurants, 5 bars, 3 pools, and endless avtivities such as scuba diving, water skiing, racquetball, and tennis courts. You can always find an entertaining area to enjoy or a quiet relaxing area to just enjoy each other. Do not for get the many accommodations for you and and your loved one to select from!

What was your unforgettable vacation?

Nichole Winter

In 2010 I became Sandals Certified Specialist, and am excited to help you plan your next Sandals or Beaches vacation! Call today-320-241-0355

Big Savings for your honeymoon . . . .

Just returned from Jamaica, this photo is in Negril

Your date, time and place have been set. Now is the time to start planning your honeymoon!

Destination Vacation is celebrating our
"Planning your Honeymoon to remember event"
This event will offer huge savings and prizes.

Now thru March 25 when you book your honeymoon with Destination Vacation,
You will save up to $250 (air and hotel package)

This savings is TO ANY DESTINATION!

In addition to your savings your name will be put in a Drawing for a Honeymoon Package (over a $100 value)
Includes:
$50 gift certificate for Shore trip towards a Excursion,
2 beach towels, sunscreen, aloe, beach bag, a leather document older, and luggage tags.

Also, from now thru March 25th there will be surprise discounts. You will find these discounts in email, our facebook page and our blog!

What we have to offer you:
We are a locally owned travel agency with personalized service
A Honeymoon Specialist for your planning
NO Service Fees on your air and hotel package
Low Down Payments

We look forward to working with you, Give us a call today to start your planning!

Ask for Nichole ~ 320-241-0355

Since I am packing . . .

With so many airlines now charging for checked luggage many of us are trying to get it all in a carry on.

Here is my example for my 4 night trip to Jamaica.

Technically you can have 2 carry-on pieces, one that can be in the overhead compartment(please check your airlines website for actual dimensions) and the second has to fit under the seat in front of you.

I typically have medium size bag or back pack for my carry on that will fit under the seat. I fill this with many items, starting with my 1 quart baggie, in this bag will have all my liquids in 3oz. containers.

Here is the list:

Shampoo and Conditioner, hairspray

lotion, sunscreen, tanning oil,

toothpaste, 2 lip glosses, and perfume.



Then I have my magazines, a book, wallet, travel document holder, make-up bag, a baggie full of jewelry, hair things, Advil, gum, camera, flip video and phone along with all the chargers. When I mention wallet, I really only bring the items I know I will need meaning 1 credit card and my licence. Remember the more you bring the more that can get lost or stolen.

The carry on bag or backpack can be used once you are on vacation as your beach bag!

I always wear my tennies with pants that can become carpi's, a tee and a light zip up (as pictured on the left). Your shoes are big and heavy so wear those while traveling.

Suitcase

One of my favorite tips on packing light are stick with a like color, so this week my color is Black, (meaning I have nothing brown) by doing this it really saves room on having extra shoes.

The above picture is the end packing result.

Utilize those front pockets. I have 2 on this suitcase and I have 3 swimsuits, 2 cover-ups, flip-flops, a headband, deodorant and facial wipes. Wipes? that is another great tip, I use travel ponds wipes to clean my face it cuts back on the liquids (I need all the room I can get in my 1qt bag).



Here is my packing list that fits in this main part of my suitcase:



3 dresses

1 skirt

4 Bermuda shorts

2 Capri's

6 tank tops

2 small sweaters

1 tee shirt

1 high heels

hat

flat iron and brush

black clutch purse

silver over the shoulder purse

4 sets of undergarments


1 jammie



Now remember all this is interchangeable and matches black items, I put my tanks in a baggie pushed out all the air,stuffed my socks in my heals, and rolled up my jean bermuda's and jean carpi's to tuck in the side.

. . . and with all those tips this will be my 3rd trip NOT checking luggage.




Keep in mind I have never tried this for a 7 night vacation. It might be hard!

Good Luck packing!

A Great Start to 2011 . . .

Here I am picture with Gina & Stephanie

from the Crown Room in Rogers

these 2 lady's coordinate amazing wedding receptions!
http://www.thecrownroomrogers.com/

2011 had begun with so much fun!

For the last 2 years Destination Vacation
has been apart of the Central Minnesota Wedding association, this association offers some of Minnesota's finest wedding professionals.

http://www.idoido.org/

For those of you who do not know this I have been in the Wedding Industry
for almost 12 years, I have planned every part of a wedding during this time.
However in the past 4 years my true passion has become Destination Weddings and Honeymoons. I am Honeymoon and Destination Wedding certified
and also Sandals Resorts Certified.

In January, Destination Vacation had the honor
to receive the Central Minnesota Wedding Association

2011 Vendor of Distinction Award

for Providing Exceptional Wedding Services

Last weekend we Attended the Style of Celebration Wedding show it was held at Halenback Hall in St. Cloud.

I am looking forward to helping many couples plan that Vacation of a life time, and Thanks for FunJet Vacations for being our sponsors


CURRENT TRAVEL SPECIALS
March still offers many great warm getaways and if there is no room in your schedule for a March Vacation try April we may find you an excellent value!

Save up to $250 on your Mexican Vacation package, book by March 31st.

Save up to $200 on Couples Resorts in Jamaica with a purchase of hotel and air.

Save up to $125 on Hilton Hotels

Call today to start your planning, We look forward to hearing from you!

ask for Nichole 320-241-0355

In need of some family time?

Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos

An all inclusive property great for anyone.

This video is from my tour of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Please keep in mind I am new at Videoing and most of the time I was walking during a tour, I promise I will get better with time.

In December I was able to visit the beautiful island of Turks and Caicos and spent 2 nights at Beaches Resort. What an amazing property!

You may have noticed Big Bird in the video, once a week they have a Sesame Street parade with characters, dancers and music, I watched this parade it was amazing to not only see how excited the kids were but the adults!

This resort also offers Character breakfast and Elmo tuck in (you saw Grover in the video tucking in our of the Travel Agents on the tour)

Features of this Resort:

It is set up in 3 sections, the Caribbean, Italian and French Villages.

16 specialty dining options from Caribbean to Japanese,

7000 sq-ft retail shopping village

The Caribbeans largest water park, it is a Pirate theme it features 9 water slides, lazy river, surf simulator, water cannons and much more.

Teen area with the addition of Scratch DJ Academy gives kids the chance to learn how to mix, blend and scratch music (I had the honor of trying this) ohh forgot to mention the X Box gaming room, at the time of my tour I could not help but noticing the amount of Dads having fun in here !

Link to Beaches: http://www.beaches.com/main/tc/tc-home.cfm

Besides this amazing resort, Diving is an excellent reason to vacation in Turks and Caicos.

Call today to start planning your next vacation to the Island of Turks and Caicos, 320-241-0355 and ask for Nichole

Wind chill -23 . . . .

Zip Lining in Puerto Vallarta has been one of my favorite Excursions
My donkey ride up a mountain.


This is my husband on the Spinnaker, a ride behind our Catamaran.

Snorkeling in Cancun!


As old man weather arrived here in Minnesota for some of us only getting thru the winter is planning a vacation. This winter I am not noticing a trend location just that travelers want to get out of this cold weather.

With that I mind I know many of you are starting that packing list, heading off to the tanning bed and preparing for that week of fun in the sun!

This winter season here at Destination Vacation you may be noticing more details that we are helping you with. Not only are we just booking your airfare and hotel, but we are also offering to protecting you with a great insurance plan and memorable excursions. We take pride in all those little details and know they go a long way!


When I think of Excursions those are some of my favorite days spent on my vacations, When I think about Playa Del Carmen I remember heading over to Cozumel and scootering around the island, or Puerto Vallatra will always be my favorite, yep I went Zip lining and did you know I am afraid of heights. Getting to the top of the mountain was and excursion in itself, taking a boat then a open air taxi, from there I rode a donkey up the mountain and finished with a hike!

Also the last time I was in Cancun I fell in love with Isla Mujeres, a group of 6 went on a almost private Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, but on the way we did some snorkeling, held a shark, and enjoyed lunch on the Beach. You never know who you are going to meet or what you are going ot experience but while on this ride with 5 of my friend there were 2 outher couples come to
find out they lived 15 minutes from me, WOW small world!

With all this said let me know what your interest are I would love to help you create some memories, enjoy some adventure or just relax!

I hope you enjoyed my pictures~
Thank you for continuing to visit our Blog
Nichole Winter
Destination Vacation