Ethan Tuttle

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June 28 2021

The Top 10 Things That Will Surprise and Delight You On a Cruise

Going on a cruise is something that nearly everyone should try at least once in a lifetime, but preferably once a year. (O.K. More like once a season)

You’ll get hooked once you get onto a cruise ship. Here are some really cool things that will surprise and delight you on a cruise.

The food is amazing. Seriously. Amazing! If you fancy a sit down, adults dinner, you’re covered. 7 course dinner? There are options for that. Burgers and fries? Those too. Sushi? Yep. The hardest decision is WHAT sounds interesting at the moment. Whether you are in the mood for a gourmet meal, or something simpler, there are all kinds of options. It is worth noting that if you have food allergies, many cruise lines can accommodate those as well. Make sure you check with your travel agent prior to travel for dietary restrictions to ensure that you choose the best option for your needs.
The spas are delightful. What could be better than a world-class spa? The spas on every cruise ship are amazing. Many of them have a spa area, salt caves, saunas, and more available to you on the cruise.
If you’ve ever fancied trying out a body scrub, a facial, massage, acupuncture, or all kinds of wonderful things, you will have the opportunity to try them out on board. Pro tip: Book a spa day for a day when the ship is docked, and you may score a nice discount.
Shore Excursions are So Much Fun! Shore excursions are amazing. Each destination has its own array of options, and you get the fun of enjoying each location and a new location each day without having to pack and unpack at each location. It’s a win-win! Options can include snorkeling, boat rides, swimming, water parks, or viewing the glaciers in Alaska. Simply pick a cruise destination, and enjoy your shore excursions.
Room Service. One of the really, really cool features of being on a cruise is room service, whenever you want it. If you’re tired, and feeling lazy, or just want a romantic night in the cabin, order room service!
Towel Animals. One of the really cool things is that your cabin gets serviced not once, but TWICE a day while you’re on-board. It’s almost like those amazing stewards hop in and clean your room while you’re not looking. It’s kinda magic, really. The even cooler part is that they will leave a really cool towel animal every night. Towel monkeys, elephants, you get the whole zoo! It is truly a wonder to see what they’ll come up with next.
Serene Adult Spaces. Every ship has an adults-only area, where you can grab a chaise and stare out over the sea, and watch the waves as you sail on by. You can stare from a sunny spot, or a shady spot. Your choice. They are all wonderful. In fact, you just MIGHT have to try them all.
Fun Activities. One thing that you may be surprised by is the sheer amount of activities available on-board the ship. Not only do they have tons of restaurants, swimming pools, water slides, and more, but they also have lots of shows, and other cool entertainment. Depending on the ship, you may have a Casino, ice skating rinks, a polar ice bar, and all kinds of wild and wacky fun. The real problem is that you probably won’t be on the ship long enough to enjoy ALL of the entertainment options that are available to you!
Shopping and Duty Free. One of the cool things about traveling internationally is the Duty Free stores. You get to shop and purchase all kinds of amazing items, from perfumes, to liquors, to luxury handbags, jewelry, and more, all without paying tax on those items. It can be a substantial savings, if you follow the duty free and customs limits. One tip- don’t try to bring Cuban Cigars back into the USA. You’ll have to smoke those while you are still on the cruise.
People watching. If you are into people watching, every cruise ship is going to be a LOT of fun for you. You get to see people from all walks of life, from many different backgrounds, and it can be quite the entertaining experience watching them.
Rocking to sleep in your bunk. It is really cool to fall asleep at night being gently rocked to sleep in your bunk. In fact, there is almost nothing like the amazing feel of that gentle rocking, with that lovely sea salt air, to help lull you off to sleep.

With so many things to enjoy on a cruise, you will probably want to try them ALL out. You can cruise to so many fun, and different destinations, like Hawaii, Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and MORE. There are even some super long cruises that will take you around the entire globe. How cool is that?

June 11 2021

Raleigh Travel Agents Help Clients Navigate Uncharted Territory

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The pandemic has impacted the travel industry in a way that is unparalleled.

Due to cancellations, refunds, and a halt in travelers, most agencies have shut down as a result of the loss of income- this was 2020’s harsh reality and impact on the tourism industry. It was critical, however, to revive most countries’ tourism industries, since they and their citizens heavily depended on them.

With new travel restrictions being implemented per country, the Raleigh Travel Agents found a way to accommodate and guide travelers with their needs toward their journey.

A Cleaner Way to Travel

Throughout the pandemic, countries, governments, and institutions have implemented measures to create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone. Testing centers for COVID-19 have been built around the cities, tracking apps have been created, and sanitation stations have been installed in every store. There are even safety kits available on the airways that come with masks and sanitizers to help prevent spreading the disease.

Do I Need a Negative COVID-19 Test?

Most certainly. For those who are not fully immunized, all they need is a negative RT-PCR test for the duration of their flight. There will be a difference in duration based on the destination country. Depending on your destination, you may need your test to be valid for up to 72 hours or even less before you fly. When possible, take both electronic and paper copies wherever you travel.

Testing and sharing of vaccination results can vary by destination and may only be available in certain languages. If traveling internationally, make sure there are test centers willing to test on foreigners for free.

Many digital applications – such as vaccination passports and vaccination certificates – are providing an easy way to streamline health information in such a way that it can be shared securely across borders.

A Raleigh Travel Agent can help you process your COVID-19 requirements so you can focus on looking forward to your vacation.

Know the COVID-19 Rate In Your Destination

It’s still important to assess COVID-19 levels in your country of destination even if you are fully vaccinated. The higher the COVID-19 rates, the greater the likelihood of you developing COVID-19, mild or otherwise. A country’s embassy website can provide you with the latest test positivity rate (a key measure of virus circulation levels) or you can just search the website for COVID-19 news updates.

Make Sure You’re Insured

A vacation can be a fun and exciting experience, but there are a number of issues that can crop up. Just days before you are scheduled to fly, you might feel extremely ill or your family member may pass away. In either case, staying at home is probably the best thing to do.

Suppose you get to go on your trip, but your luggage is lost or stolen. Perhaps you get into a minor accident during your travel. The COVID-19 outbreak may also be on your mind, as well as the disruptions and cancellations it caused. It’s possible that the best choice is to cancel or reschedule a trip because of the pandemic.

No matter what, having a quality travel insurance policy can be a wise decision. In general, travel insurance protects the financial investment you made in your trip.

A Raleigh Travel Agent can help you find the best policy tailor-fit to your needs.

Pack Your COVID-19 Essentials

Masks, sanitizers, and alcohol might be all you need, but it’s better to go a bit overboard. There is no such thing as being too safe these days. Consider bringing extra medical masks on your trip. It may also be a good idea to bring air purifying necklaces or extra bottles of 100 mL alcohol/sanitizer. Lastly, be sure to take soap that can be carried around in your purse with you!

Will I Have To Quarantine?

In certain countries, entry is restricted based upon the reasons for entering and the travelers must undergo quarantine.

Anyone entering Canada, including those who have tested negative or recovered from Covid-19 or have been vaccinated, must quarantine or risk severe fines or penalties. Tourists and leisure travelers from abroad are prohibited from entering.

Some European countries, however, do not impose quarantine on fully vaccinated travelers.

It’s best to do a bit of research on your country of destination just to be sure.

Establishments Are Slowly Opening

The world is slowly opening up as more people get vaccinated. In addition, COVID-19 safety measures have enabled establishments to slowly open. Most restaurants do allow dine-ins as long as you have your negative COVID-19 test result with you.

As the tourism industry has not yet opened up yet, your Raleigh Travel Agent can best advise you on the COVID-19 rules of your destination, but we find that getting fully vaccinated will make the process of traveling easier.

Be Smart About Your Activities

On vacation, it’s easy to lose sight of the limitations of your regular life. However, if you are not fully vaccinated, there is no magical protection that keeps the virus at bay just because you are river rafting in North Carolina, gambling in Las Vegas, or even going to malls in LA.

You may not be able to do certain activities you always enjoy on vacation, especially if you are traveling internationally. Bars, karaoke cafes, theme parks with indoor rides, and other crowded indoor activities may pose a COVID-19 risk.

Is It Safe to Travel?

With the pandemic’s constant changes, travelers should be very flexible and adjust their expectations accordingly. You may be going on vacation, but that doesn’t mean the world has fully adapted to what the pandemic has brought about. It’s not business as usual anywhere. Adjust your perception of travel.

Ask a Professional

This is one of the most overlooked safety measures while traveling during COVID-19. In these uncertain times, travel advisors are becoming more important. Talk to an expert to be on the safe side. Let a Raleigh Travel Agent plan the perfect vacation for you.

May 26 2021

The Best Water Parks in the Caribbean

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You might not typically think of water parks and the Caribbean together. Yet, in the last few years, many amazing luxury resorts have been built in the Caribbean that sport extensive and lavish water parks that almost defy imagination.

You have a HUGE number of choices when it comes to water parks in the Caribbean, whether you are looking at resorts, standalone water parks, or others.

In fact, some of the best water park, and island destinations aren’t part of a resort at all, but rather are private islands owned by various cruise lines. We can book those too!

There are tons of great water parks in Mexico as well!

Here is a list of the Best Water Parks in the Caribbean.

Atlantis – Atlantis resort in the Bahamas is recognized as one of the biggest and best water parks in the Caribbean. You can go down a water slide and under a tank of amazing waterlife, or enjoy a wonderful lazy river. The Abyss is a water slide with a 50 foot drop. There are just so many options that you are guaranteed to have an amazing time. Atlantis is recognized as one of the most amazing attractions in the Caribbean, and is worth a visit.
Beaches Negril – Beaches Negril is located in beautiful Jamaica, on a stunning white powder sand beach aptly named 7 mile beach that can’t be compared to almost anywhere else in terms of beauty. Beaches Negril includes all non-motorized water sports, in addition to access to its beautiful swimming pool, water parks, and swim up bars. Since the resort is ultra-all-inclusive, it includes everything that your family needs to have a blast, and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Beaches Turks and Caicos – is another beautiful, family-friendly resort on crystal clear water, with a stunning selection of swimming pools, water slides, and a lazy river. Beaches Turks and Caicos is located on stunning Grace Bay, which is 12 miles of soothing sand beach, with gentle waves, and perfect for all kinds of water based activities, and non-motorized water sports. Snorkeling and scuba diving aficionados will love this resort as they will have options as well right off the coast of the resort. You get the best of all worlds- a fun water park, extensive beaches, and luxury all-inclusive accommodations that truly are all-inclusive.
Beaches Ocho Rios – is located in beautiful Ocho Rios Jamaica. It is the smallest of the three resorts, and is compact, yet, has a cute beach, an extensive waterpark, as well as lovely swimming pools. The water parks are fun, and the water slides are fast. If you like to partake of swim up bars, Beaches Ocho Rios has a great swim up bar with super friendly bartenders. The decor is Caribbean, with a bit of Greek thrown in for fun and pizazz. It is decidedly modern and elegant. Like the other Beaches resorts, the non-motorized water sports, as well as the access to the water park are included in the all-inclusive rates at the resort. Check out the water with a glass-bottomed boat tour to add to the fun, and take yourself into the sea. The resort offers scuba diving lessons, and fishing during the day. At night, the resort converts and the restaurants amp things up, and become dressier, and more sophisticated, with great night shows.

In the introduction to this article, we mentioned that the various cruise lines have their own islands and water parks. Each of the different cruise lines has its own private island, with water slides, scuba diving, water parties, food galore, and more.

Disney offers Castaway Cay which is in the Bahamas. A day at Castaway Cay means spending a day in the sun. It is the largest of the private Islands- or at least it feels that way- as there are multiple beaches, trams, and tons of attractions both on the water and off. There are water slides, a splashground, and miles and miles of beaches. Don’t miss the blob!

Half Moon Cay is Carnival’s private island shared with Holland America, and offers miles of food, and fun. There is a pirate ship, with a bar inside, but also tons of water activities. As I’ve heard from others, you have to pretty much TRY to have a hard time at Half Moon Cay.

If you like water parks, they’ve got you covered, with some awesome water slides, a splash ground and more.

Norwegian’s private island with all the fun and water parks is Great Stirrup Cay. If you fancy a bite to eat, a private cabana, or a lazy river they have it all.

The hardest part with all these amazing options- both in the water and out is deciding exactly where you want to spend your time. Do you prefer to go on your trip and pay for things a la carte? Do you prefer to stay in one place? Or do you prefer to see new sights every day of your trip?

Maybe you’ll decide that you need to see ALL of the water parks, and all of the fun islands in the Caribbean to decide which one is best. Trip and Sip can help you book all those vacations you’re going to need to take.

May 26 2021

Fun Wedding Destinations in the Caribbean

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Wedding planning and traditions are shifting quickly. A lot of couples are now planning their weddings in the Caribbean. In this article, we’re going to cover some really fun wedding destinations in the Caribbean.

No matter what you want, these resorts can do an amazing job taking care of all of the nitty gritty details, all you have to do is show up, and have your amazing wedding.

Packages at these fun wedding destinations in the Caribbean can include beautiful flowers, photographers, gourmet meals, beach-front weddings, a Catamaran sunset cruise for the wedding party, and pretty much anything else you can conceive of.

One thing to note is that some resorts will permit children and minors, whereas some of the resorts are adults only. You may want to decide whether you want children present at your wedding or not before deciding on a particular resort.

All of the resorts in our reviews are all inclusive. They include all of your meals, alcohol, as well as beach access and access to water slides. You can expect to pay for things like spa visits, and photographs.

Here are some amazing options for your Fun Wedding Destinations in the Caribbean:

Beaches Ocho Rios, Jamaica – A lovely all-inclusive property in Ocho Rios, Jamaica with a cute beach, access to scuba diving, and beautiful views of the ocean from the hillside. Most rooms have a view of the ocean due to the configuration of the hotel itself.

This resort has several amazing water slides as well as a big pool with a luscious swim-up bar. Weddings at all Beaches resorts are an amazing experience for the entire family. Beaches resorts offers a kids club with nannies so that the adults can party and have a great time, both with family, and also doing all the adult things in their nightclub environment.

Beaches Negril, Jamaica – Located on a world-renowned 7-mile beach. Beaches Negril is a beautiful, sprawling resort with tons of deluxe amenities. It features a spa, deluxe dining options, and many other luxuries and amenities throughout the entire resort. There is a fantastic kids playground, waterslide, lazy river, and other amenities that are geared towards the entire family and also special places set aside for adults only.

Everyone can have a fantastic time at Beaches Negril, Jamaica.

Beaches Turks and Caicos – This resort is situated on beautiful Grace beach in Turks and Caicos. The water is calm and blue for as far as the eye can see. Gentle, rolling waves make for a great experience on the beach, with lots of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving on the world-renowned reefs.

This resort is the largest Beaches resort and has multiple neighborhoods, each featuring different swimming pools, water slides, and more. The resort offers a massive kids club for children ranging in age from babies and toddlers on up to teenagers.

Weddings at Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos are always an affair to remember, and you can customize the wedding to match your dreams and budget.

Sandals Resorts – Sandals has 15 beautiful resorts. They are all designed for adults only and are spread out throughout the Caribbean for many fun wedding destinations in the Caribbean. With resorts in Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, and St. Lucia, there is a resort for nearly anybody.

All of the Sandals resorts are built for couples and are adults-only. Therefore, there are no little children running around.

Every resort has luxurious suites and rooms and amenities are extensive. There are beautiful pools with swim-up bars, Robert-Mondavi wines, and beautiful, gourmet dining experiences.

Between an on-site wedding planner as well as tons of easy amenities, and being able to plan the wedding of your dreams, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time, creating the wedding of your dreams.

Hyatt Ziva – Located in Jamaica and The Dominican Republic, each resort is distinctively different and unique to the location where it is located.

Each resort is fully all inclusive, including a huge range of amenities. With lovely hotel rooms for two, and suites for up to size that can accommodate the entire family, they offer a range of beautiful options right on the beach. Rooms come with daily replenished snacks and refreshments in addition to lovely, gourmet meals at a variety of restaurants.

There are even some amazing Swim-up suites available!

Hyatt Ziva has some super affordable options for weddings, and offers a range of different wedding and anniversary celebration packages. These hotels also offer South Asian Wedding Specialist planners, so that you can celebrate the rituals and ceremonies for a South Asian Wedding.

Hyatt Zilara – Located in Jamaica and The Dominican Republic, Hyatt Zilara are beautiful, luxurious adults-only resorts.

Each hotel features extensive dining options, including a train car restaurant at Hyatt Zilara in Punta Cana.

With many pools, bars, and tons of great features, it provides a beautiful, and memorable experience, and gorgeous weddings. These resorts offer a range of different wedding options, from small and intimate to large and extravagant. They also offer South Asian Wedding specialists, so that you can celebrate with all of the traditions and ceremonies for a traditional South Asian Wedding.

Secrets Resorts – With a tagline of “Unlimited-Luxury for all-adult romance”, Secrets resorts are all-adults resorts throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Spain. With resorts that are AAA Five Diamond Resorts and world class spas, these resorts are sure to create an ambience unlike any other. Since these resorts are all-inclusive, you can expect to have an amazing experience, without worry.

Between elegant accommodations, in room hydro spas, and many amazing amenities, you are sure to have an amazing time.

Secrets resorts offers professional wedding planners to help you have your fun wedding destinations in the Caribbean, with the perfect wedding.

Dreams Resorts – They describe themselves as “Unlimited-Luxury® for Family Vacations Beyond Your Wildest Dreams”, with locations in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, Curacao, and Spain. With stunning resorts, and beautiful locations, you can create the beautiful wedding of your dreams.

These resorts are incredibly luxurious, and offer family friendly entertainment for the entire family. They offer a kids club option for both younger kids (ages 3-12) as well as a teens club.

Weddings at Dreams resorts are stunning, with a wedding planner onsite.

Hard Rock Punta Cana – is an all inclusive resort with gaming and Casinos on-site.You will enjoy experience for the entire family with some decidedly adult entertainment in a luxurious environment. With their unique WOW specialists, as well as a specialization in South Asian Weddings, this is certainly one of the most fun wedding destinations in the Caribbean.
Hard Rock Riviera Maya is an all inclusive experience in Mexico with sections for both adults only and family friendly sections, for the best of both worlds. Hard Rock Riviera Maya is our last resort on our list of fun wedding destinations in the Caribbean, but it is by no means the least option. You can expect a deluxe experience with many deluxe amenities. As with all of the other resorts mentioned, it is an all-inclusive experience, where all meals are covered, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

With Beaches and Sandals resorts, scuba diving is at no additional cost! They include all motorized and non-motorized water sports. They will take you on a boat for snorkeling and you can scuba dive twice a day at no additional cost! The resorts will even scuba certify you on-site. There is a charge for the certification class but once you are certified, you can dive daily! Another additional benefit is that some of these resorts (St Lucia, Exuma, Ocho Rios) include golf. This is a great pre-wedding activity as the gentlemen play golf while the ladies enjoy their time at the salon.

There are so many beautiful fun wedding destinations in the Caribbean. Our experienced travel agents can help you choose the perfect resort, among the many beautiful resorts, and choose the exact amenities you are looking for, along with helping you match your budget.

Whether you are looking for a beach-side wedding, a wedding in a Gazebo by a pool, on a Catamaran, or anywhere else you can imagine, we can help you fulfill your greatest wedding fantasy, whether you’re eloping, or bringing 1000 of your closest and nearest family and friends.