Amazing in so many ways!

Last week I had the honor to stay at Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios Jamaica. I know what you are thinking . . . I have wrote a few times already about this resort. However in the past it was words from my clients that have stayed there and this time it is from my own personal experience.

As many of you know Jamaica is one of my favorite destinations however I have never been to Ocho Rios and after last week I am so glad I vacationed there! This resort open in 1949 by a Mr. Issa and at that time many Hollywood stars vacationed there. I quickly found out that it was the first resort to be open year round in Jamaica and in 1978 is when they introduced the adults only all inclusive experience. This resort was recently renovated in 2009 and Couples truly kept the 1950's style. I had the honor to meet two of Mr. Issa's daughters during my stay, what fun women!

There are a few things that I loved about this resort:

1. Service - The service was amazing upon our arrival the bellman got to know us and always greeted us by name as we would pass thru the lobby area. One evening at dinner our server use our names many times and paid attention to all details. This service was consistent the entire time there.

2. Food - Each meal we had was completely enjoyable, just when I thought I found my favorite meal then next evening would amaze me even more.

3. Size - As a travel agent I have found the size of a resort to be very important to some clients. Couples Tower Isle was perfect not to big and not to small.

Couples Resorts offer 4 different properties to enjoy on the beautiful island of Jamaica, and what makes them different beside my top 3 favorite things is the amenities they offer their guests, yes they have the typical kayaks, sailing and non motorized water sports but they also offer and make easy to enjoy is the diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boat tours, Dunn River Water Fall tour, Shopping Tour, water skiing, and a afternoon catamaran cruise along the coast.

I hope for your next vacation you let Couples Resort spoil you!

Double your Referral Dollars . . . .

Now thru December 1st when you refer a Friend, Family Member or a Co-Worker to Destination Vacation you will save double on your referral dollars. That is great savings for your next vacation.

When redeeming your referral savings do not forget you can double it up with a sale being offered.

Book now thru December 31 2011 and save!

Save up to $275 to the Dominican Republic

Save up to $275 on Couples Resorts in Jamaica

Save up to $300 on St Lucia

and many savings on Resorts in Mexico!

Weather you are looking for a family vacation, just a warm winter break or celebrating a special occasion we are here to help you will your planning. From arranging your travel plans for airfare, hotel, transportation, all the way down to creating a fun day full of memories on an excursion or even a romantic surprise!

Start referring today and call to arrange your own plans! Ask for Nichole Winter 320-241-0355

Become a Fan of Destination Vacation on Facebook you maybe missing out on some fun promotions:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Destination-Vacation/116861438365177?ref=tn_tinyman

Looking for something different. . . .

Sunset at the Palms in Negril Jamaica may be the different you are looking for.

My favorite part of this resort was the tree top style rooms.

Very clean crisp rooms set up perfect for romance and peace!

The patios are amazing over sized with a bed to snuggle in and a chair to sit back

relax and enjoy the gardens around you!

The other difference is the size this resort is smaller and hidden in a tropical paradise. It features 1 pool 2 dining options, and a short walk across the road to a beautiful beach, on Bloody Bay in Negril. Now before I even visited this resort I thought walk across the street to the beach? hmmmm but once I enjoyed that walk and saw the bay it sat on it was well worth it, beside you are there on vacation, no hurries!

So for your next vacation with your loved one if you two are looking for something different consider Sunset at the Palms, you will fall in Love all over again!

Winter is coming Sale!

One Week Only!

Book October 17-21 &

Save up to $1,000 per couple

What is your winter escape plan?

-Save up to $250 on any air and hotel package to

Mexico or the Caribbean

- Save 20% on Carnivals Early Saver Fares

-Disney Destinations: FREE Dining Plan

-Trafalgar Tours, Save up to $1,000 per couple on

2012 Europe Vacations.

-Royal Caribbean: Onboard Value Coupon Booklet

and onboard credit up to $100

Call today do not delay, We will help you take the chill out of your winter!

Let Destination Vacation help you plan your escape!

Nichole Winter 320-241-0355

destinationvacationtravel@gmail.com

Celebration . . . . .

Funjet Vacations took our agency's Top Sales Agents to Jamaica!

In August we celebrated Destination Vacations 1 Year Anniversary!

Here are a few photos looking back on the year.

A few of my Travel Partners in Nassau, Bahamas

I had the honor to meet Elmo at Beaches Turks & Caicos

In December I enjoyed a tour of the new Sandals Grande Emerald Bay in Exuma, Bahamas

Pilar (the wedding coordinator) and I from the Now Jade Resort in Poerto Morelos Mexico.

When I look back on the last year so much has happened. Our new website launched, our Facebook page has grown to over 200 fans! Attended trade shows and classes for updated travel knowledge and Traveled a few times. I graduated from the Disney's College of Knowledge and became Sandals Certified. Also Destination Vacation received the 2011 Vendor of Distinction Award from the Central Minnesota Wedding Association.

Thank you for all your support and referrals, everyone has helped make this a great year!

Couples Tower Isle continues to impress!

When Tom and Erika returned from Couples Tower Isle they had only great things to say about the resort and their entire vacation, they were there celebrating their honeymoon! The two of them stayed busy enjoying the resorts off site excursions and meeting other guests. A few years ago I helped Tom and Erika plan a celebration vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Tom had just returned home from serving our country. It was great to be apart of and help with such two important trips for such a wonderful couple.

Couples Tower Isle has been a big hit this year with our clients. It is located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and is an adults only and all inclusive resort. This resort features 6 dining options, 4 bars, 3 pools, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking and much more. As a bonus Couples Tower Isle includes a few if site excursions a tour of Dunn's River Falls, a Shopping Shuttle and a Catamaran Cruise to Mararitaville. You and your love one are sure to find a spot to relax or a activity to enjoy for the day!

Call Nichole with Destination Vacation to help you plan your next vacation! 320-241-0355

Cinderellas Royal Table

Last week I visited Disney's Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, I would have to say my favorite was Character Lunch at Cinderellas Royal Table. Travel Tip; when booking character dining book early they fill up fast.

As we entered there was Cinderella to meet and take a few pictures from there we headed up the spiral staircase for our 3 course lunch. Throughout our lunch we met Belle, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, they each took the time to visit our table for autographs and pictures.

It was fun to see the little girls all dressed up some were even in their favorite princess dress.

Ariel is both Lauren and my favorite, I felt like a little kid getting to meet her!

Look at Laurens eyes, she was just in heaven.

For dessert Lauren selected the frosted cupcake with sprinkles your way, so much fun for the little ones.

My daughter and I were fortunate enough to experience this trip with Grandma, Auntie and my 2 nieces. The girls are already talking about the next time we go!!

I am excited to help your family plan these amazing memories. Watch for more post about our wonderful trip to Disney.

Barcelo Palace in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

Adults only pool

This Gazebo is picture Perfect for a Wedding! Amazing Beach

All Rooms are Jr Suites

I know it has been awhile since my last post to give you a quick update a lot has been going on here at Destination Vacation, I recently graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Which means I am even more ready to help you plan your Magical Vacation. Also I have been planning a trip to Disney. You really cannot learn all the new information and not go visit. In June I will be heading off with my daughter for some Disney Princess time, we hope to meet them all! I cannot wait to return and tell you all about it. Also as you can see by my photos I took a 4 day trip at the end of April learning more about the Riviera Maya and Destination Weddings, during my stay there I toured 11 resorts and stayed at 3 of them. In the upcoming weeks you will notice many posts here on this blog and on our facebook page sharing all of my travels. I am excited to help you plan your next dream vacation to one of these exciting destinations.


Back to my trip to the Riviera Maya area, my first night I stayed at the Barcelo Palace. The complex is made up of 3 resorts, the Maya Beach, Tropical & Colonial and Palace all sitting on on of the most stunning beaches in the area!


All resorts offers large free form pool areas, many dining options, non motorized activities, on-site entertainment, and an excellent kids programs to keep the little ones busy.


During my quick stay at the Barcelo Palace I really enjoyed many things; the views of the beach, the endless pool areas, amenities in the over sized Jr Suites. This is a newer property which stands out for me you can just feel the freshness to the resort.


Watch for more posts about this complex which will include more photos.

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