When my client first contacted me, her vacation idea was to go to Italy; her husband was to receive an award in Milanand she thought this would be the perfect time to take that long thought about family vacation.  Most of the family had never been to Italy; only a few had been many many years ago.  In planning this vacation, my role as a Family Celebration Specialist is to get as much information about what your dream vacation would look like.  This can be harder—but much more important– when you have eight family members input.  Once I got the basics down of what parts ofItaly they wanted to go to and things they wanted to see and do, the hidden work started. I contacted my suppliers and we created a custom package for their vacation, from cities to see, hotels to stay in, what villa would best suit their needs, forms of transportation from air to car to train, attractions they wanted to visit and tours to take. 

After going over and tweaking the details, their lifelongItalydream vacation was planned.  Within two months they would be off on their family vacation.  Having all of the details of a vacation fall in place is the best part of a great vacation.  Every client is different and listening to what each client wants and giving suggestions and guidance based on what they tell you is what makes my job the best.  Some of the questions I ask to get an idea of what this vacation looks like for my clients are, How much research have you done on your vacation?  What is the most successful vacation you’ve ever had – tell me about it?  What would make it positively memorable? In gathering the answers it can easily form into the vacation of a lifetime. 

As a Family Celebration Specialist, the following testimonial is why I love what I do for a living.  “Patiently, Darby worked hard fielding questions from many family members helping us to find things that everyone enjoyed doing even though she’d never been there herself. We learned how to make pasta in cooking class. We visited world-class vineyards and tasted wine. We watched an artisan blow glass and toured the Sistine Chapel. Then, we rested in a Tuscan villa enjoying amazing dinners five nights in a row. And, when we got home, we even found some of us in the background of a picture of Selma Hayak at the Venice Film Festival! Our once-in-a-lifetime experience inItaly surpassed my wildest dreams. I will cherish those memories always!Italy may not be on your bucket list, I recommend you add it.”

If you have any thought of a dream vacation, let’s talk about how to bring that dream to you now.

Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

darby@darbysdestinations.com

www.darbysdestinations.com

Courtesy of Unique Vacations - Sandals Resorts

Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

Upon arrival, you’ll proceed to the Sandals desk, conveniently located at V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU). Your complimentary transfer to and from the resort will be arranged by Sandals. Climb aboard your air-conditioned bus and enjoy your included roundtrip airport transfer to Sandals Grande Antigua. It’s only a 20-minute ride, so sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery. And once you arrive at the resort, you’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne, a cold towel and a warm smile.

 ISLAND INFORMATION

Blessed with 365 beaches and miles of green pastureland, Antigua has surprising variety for such a small island. History buffs will enjoy Nelson’s Dockyard and underwater explorers will discover rich coral reefs and a shipwreck. Trade winds keep humidity low and temperatures comfortable.

 HOTEL INFORMATION

Voted “World’s Most Romantic Resort” 13 years in a row, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa beckons with two extraordinary vacations in one on Antigua’s best and most famous beach, Dickenson Bay. Cooling trade winds soothe the soul as you immerse yourself in a seaside garden oasis graced by majestic palms at the authentic Caribbean Grove.

This all-inclusive Antigua resort allows you to savor the sophistication of a fine European Hotel in the Six-Star, all-suite Mediterranean Village.  Awaken your most sensual side in an exotic Rondoval with its soaring 20-foot conical roof and spacious circular floor plan; or laze in the luxury of a 1400 square foot Mediterranean villa — both with private plunge pool and your own butler.

 Unwind in the Eastern Caribbean’s largest pool (one of six). Celebrate the high art of food and drink with world-class fare and intimate settings at ten restaurants and eight bars including an English pub. A night out at Sandals Grande Antigua resort and spa is really like a night out on the town. Whether you’re dining on classic Italian, sumptuous sushi, or a sizzling steak, Aphrodite presides over every meal as you share the most romantic vacation of a lifetime. Your all-inclusive Antigua vacation awaits in two perfect worlds, found in one grande resort — all designed for love.

Mediterranean Village

Inspired by the bold opulence of grand piazzas and palatial villas, the spectacular Mediterranean Village brings Europe’s sophistication to the serene tropics. Suites at the Mediterranean Village boast some of the world’s finest materials, including Italian floor tiles, custom-designed mahogany furniture with leather trunks, drapery from Turkey, bedding from Egypt, upholstery from Italy and handmade rugs from India. Suites are finished in Verde Oriental and rare Italian Giallo marble surrounds, and bathrooms come with Kohler Purist bath and shower fixtures, twin wash basins, whirlpools and walk-in ‘rain’ showers

Caribbean Grove

The grove surrounding these rooms spills over with palm trees, pink plumeria and red ixora flowers. Every room features handmade rugs and mahogany furniture from Jamaica, plus travertine floor tiles for the bedroom and patio. Caribbean flair extends to the local black-pineapple design found in fixtures such as table lamps and hand-carved bedposts. Contemporary bathrooms are set in Silver Mist marble and contain large backlit mirrors, contrasting with the ‘gingerbread house’ wooden trim decorating some exteriors.

Why Choose This Resort?                                                                                                                                   

If you want to experience the best of two worlds on the idyllic island of Antigua, then Sandals Grande Antigua is for you.  Discover the authentic charm of the Caribbean Grove with its true island architecture and unique Rondovals, and the Six Star elegance of the all-oceanfront, all-suite Mediterranean Village, with private plunge pool villas and the Eastern Caribbean’s largest pool. It’s all located at a resort voted the World’s Most Romantic Resort on Antigua’s best and most famous beach, Dickenson Bay.

KEY SELLING POINTS

•  Two extraordinary vacations in one. The Caribbean Grove and the Mediterranean Village
• Situated on the most beautiful and longest white-sand beach in Antigua – Dickenson Bay
• 373 Rooms and suites in 25 categories
• The home of the ‘Original’ Rondovals, those in the gardens magnificently enhanced with private plunge pools.
• Unlimited gourmet dining at 10 restaurants
• Six pools and five whirlpools, plus a separate scuba pool
• Conference and Meeting facilities, featuring Admiral Lord Nelson’s Conference Center of 5000 sq. ft.
• A magnificent Red Lane ® Signature Spa is located at this resort (spa services are at an additional cost)
• Legalized Gambling in Antigua with two casinos on the island

All rooms include:

Air conditioning, four poster king size beds, amenity kit, hair dryer, telephone, fan, private bath and shower, marble bathroom, CD/clock radio, cable TV, coffee & tea maker, safe deposit box, iron and iron board. All rooms contain mahogany furnishing and in-room refrigerators stocked with juices, water and sodas.

Suite Concierge Service includes:

The same inclusions as rooms, plus:

• The services of the Suite Concierge Center. Open daily from 8:00 am – 11:00 pm with a dedicated Concierge to assist with requests including island tours, dinner reservations and just about anything you need.
• An extended sitting area
• Use of couples bathrobes during the stay
• 24 hour Room Service in Butler-serviced suites
• Preferred check-in with chilled towel and champagne in our exclusive Concierge Lounge
• Personalized welcome letter upon arrival
• In-Suite bars stocked with alcohol & an assortment of soft drinks
• Weekly reception hosted by the concierge personnel

 Our Exclusive Butler Service:

Your wish is our command. With the uncompromising attention of a personal butler trained to the highest standards by the elite Guild of Professional English Butlers, you will be pampered throughout your stay in extraordinary ways; From unpacking and packing your luggage, attending to your wardrobe, serving a glorious repast on your terrace, just to name a few, a Sandals Suite, complete with your own personal butler, is the ultimate indulgence.

Click this link to see more photos, videos and information about this resort:

http://www.sandals.com/main/antigua/an-media.cfm

 Click this link for more resort information:

http://www.sandals.com/main/antigua/an-home.cfm

 MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORT ON THE PLANET

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS

Visa & Passport Requirements
All travelers will require a valid passport. Please check for any other necessary visa or documentation requirements.

Average Temperatures
Caribbean temperatures are warm year-round. Daytime average: 82°F, 28°C. Nighttime average: 72°F, 22°C.

Dress Code
Resort casual by day, resort elegant by night. So while the sun is up, your shorts, tank tops, swim suits, short-sleeved shirts, sundresses and light slacks are the perfect attire. As the sun sets and you set out to enjoy the evening, proper attire is required (although elegant dress shorts are permitted in some restaurants).

Safe Deposit Boxes
Safe deposit boxes are included in every room. Guests with jewelry and/or cash are advised to store all valuables in safe deposit boxes as Sandals cannot be held responsible

WI-FI Coverage and Internet Access

Most public areas of this hotel, and many of the rooms, have Wi-Fi coverage for your convenience. Instant access to the Internet may be obtained by simply connecting to the network and charging the service to your room.

Scuba Diving
Top-of-the-line equipment for scuba diving is included; however, you’re welcome to bring your own. You must remember your diver certification cards to enjoy full diving privileges. If you have any contra-indications to diving you must have a doctor complete and sign the physician section on the medical questionnaire form before you will be allowed to dive at any of our resorts.

Check-in/Check-out
If you arrive before check-in, we’ll hold your luggage so you can begin your vacation right away. Check-out time is 11:00am. If your flight departs later, you can also leave your luggage with us and spend as much time as possible beside the sea, soaking up the sun

Departure Lounge
If your plane leaves in the afternoon or is delayed, you’re welcome to enjoy the departure lounge at Sandals Grande Antigua. There are comfortable couches, a large-screen TV, and changing facilities with showers, so you can thoroughly enjoy your last day in paradise

Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are strictly prohibited for all staff except personal butlers & spa therapists. In the event you wish to tip your butler or spa therapist, it will be greatly appreciated but under no circumstance will a tip be required or solicited.

Martha Stewart Weddings

As the leader in destination weddings, Sandals ensures your wedding will be as special as your love for each other. Now, in an industry first, Sandals has paired with Martha Stewart Weddings to offer six signature wedding themes with true star power. Brides have the option of customizing their wedding experience.  Stay 5 nights or longer in any category and the Beautiful Beginnings wedding theme is Free!*

*There is an Additional $600 charge for twilight weddings at any resort.

 Additional Information

Click this link: http://www.sandals.com/main/antigua/an-details.cfm

Have you  always dreamed about what it would be like to go on a cruise, but were a little nervous to do it because you have no idea what to expect? A cruise is all about fun and relaxation.   The newest cruise ships are massive resorts at sea. All you need for your vacation is at your fingertips and while you are on your floating resort you can visit several different destinations.

Being able to visit several islands or ports in one vacation is the best part of a cruise. The food you can eat on a cruise is probably the next best thing. No matter what kind of food you like, you have many options on a cruise. All the food and most beverages are included except for alcoholic beverages. You have your choice of many dining options, from the multi-course sit down dinner in the main dining room, to several buffet options. For example on many of Royal Caribbean’s ships you can choose from a café, to sushi, to Asian cuisine to pastries. All of the newer cruise ships have specialty restaurants that allow you to choose from any items on the menu, for a nominal cover charge. Whatever you enjoy for dining, you are sure to find some old favorites or some new ones.

The next best thing about a cruise is the wide variety of activities and entertainment, including Broadway style shows that the crew puts on every night. These can be anything from a play to a musical to a comedy act.

Are you looking to have some fun in the Casino? There are many gambling options, from slot machines to playing the tables. There are so many ways to staying active on a cruise and burn off all of those extra calories, from rock climbing walls, to miniature golf, to ice skating. There are night clubs, intimate bars, and pubs with live music. Children can enjoy kids clubs, teen centers, and family activities or have fun in the many pools and water slides. There are so many options on a cruise you can fill up every minute of your day with fun activities, or simply relax by the pool.

 Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

darby@darbysdestinations.com

www.darbysdestinations.com

I recently took a tour of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class ship Explorer of the Seas. This was a great day to be onboard a beautiful ship. The Explorer of the Seas was docked inBostonHarbor’s Falcon Pier. This was a port of call on the Canadian / New England itinerary and the ship was on its way back toCapeLibertyCruisePortin Bayonne,New Jersey.

We started our tour at top of the ship on deck fifteen. This is where you find the Skylight Chapel. It is an intimate setting for a beautiful wedding or vow renewal onboard. Next we walked down to deck fourteen where you find the Viking Crown Lounge. Here you find card table rooms with all-glass windows to enjoy the view. Also you find the 19th Hole bar and Dizzy’s. In Dizzy’s you will find a life size bronze statue of Dizzy Gillespie. 

Deck thirteen offers all the sports you want, from the rock climbing wall to the inline track to the sports court and miniature golf. Deck twelve has something for every adult and child. On one end of the ship you will findAdventureOcean, geared toward kids ages 3 – 17. You also find a teen disco and one of my favorite eateries, Johnny Rockets. It is so much fun to get a burger and fries here and have the wait staff sing for you. On the other end of this deck are the fitness club and the entrance to the Day Spa. There is also a special spot on this deck that many guests never even know exists. If you get my newsletter you will have an inside tip.

Deck eleven is the pools deck. There is an adult’s only area called the Solarium and the Pool Bar around the main pool. There is always some fun activity happening on this deck. Also on this deck is the Windjammer Café, a buffet restaurant with almost any food you can imagine. Tucked away in the corner too is the ice cream dispenser, so don’t miss it. Decks ten, nine, eight, seven and six house many of the staterooms, including the Suites, Balcony, Oceanview and Interior staterooms. Decks six and seven also have Promenade Staterooms, these staterooms look out over the Royal Promenade.

Deck five is where you can stroll down the Royal Promenade, with shops, bars and places to sit and people watch. On this deck you will also find one of the main dining rooms. On deck four you have the Casino Royale, Royal Caribbean’s signature Schooner Bar, and the Palace Theatre where all of the Broadway style shows are held. Deck three is where you can go ice skating at Studio B. Last but not least is deck two. Here you will find the Screening room, where they show movies throughout the day. Also on this deck is the Board Room, a quiet tucked away spot for meetings or other small gatherings.

I learned that on the Explorer of the Seas there are countless numbers of original art work, from sculptures to paintings to photography. I saw iron wood carvings in the entrance to one of the many lounges. On the stairways you can find many photographs of famous actors and actresses, from Elizabeth Taylor to Rock Hudson. On one stairway there were two of Mick Jagger’s guitars. If you want to take a visual tour of the ship, see my slide show of the Explorer of the Seas. There is so much to see and do on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, are you ready to explore?

Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

darby@darbysdestinations.com

www.darbysdestinations.com

I have a family member who had a medical emergency that came on suddenly and they were scheduled to go on a big trip within two months.  Since they had purchased the travel insurance when they initial put the deposit on the trip, they received 100% of the cost of the trip back.  Some people want to weight the cost of the trip to determine if buying travel insurance is worth the investment.  Thinking of these questions when you are planning a vacation will help you make an informed decision as to whether purchasing travel insurance is best for you. 

 Some points to think about when deciding what policy to buy is what will be covered under the policy.  Many have basic coverage and what you think may be covered may not be.  Preexisting conditions are one of them.  Most basic travel insurance policies that are offered by the airlines, cruise lines or tour operators do not cover preexisting medical conditions.  Before purchasing any insurance policy, you need to look at what is exactly covered and does this meet your needs.  Many times buying the travel insurance policy directly from an insurance company such as AccessAmerica, you get more coverage for less money.  Most travelers never have to use their travel insurance that they purchased but if you do are you covered?  If you have questions about travel insurance, please call or email me and I can help you make an informed decision.

Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

www.darbysdestinations.com

darby@darbysdestinations.com

This requirement was created in 1980 by the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.  This treaty was created to prevent and deter child abductions internationally.  This form helps to prevent the transportation of runaways and children involved in custody situations over international boarders. 

If you have ever traveled alone with your child, you may not have had any issues with the airlines or cruise lines, but if you do you may be denied boarding.  There are many cases where parents are traveling out of the country, with their minor children and cannot go on the trip because they do not have the proper documentation stating they have permission from the other parent to travel alone with the child. 

If you are thinking of traveling alone with your minor children or the grandparents want to take them on a trip, it is best to be prepared and have a signed notarized copy of the minor consent to travel letter.  You can contact me at darby@darbysdestinations.com and I will gladly email you a blank copy for your records.  It is always best to be well prepared when traveling with the family.

Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

www.darbysdestinations.com

Darby, Montana

As the economy continues to change families are adjusting their family vacations.  For some client who may have taken two weeks of family vacations, they are opting to stay home for one and then planning the other week to fit within their budget.

The greatest change I see within the family vacation niche is that clients want to travel within theUnited Statesfor their vacation instead of going to another country.  This summer should be a busy summer forUnited Statestravel since the air fares toEuropeand abroad have increased due to fuel prices and demand.  There are many great family vacations right here in our great country from a city you have never been to before or to a National Park or to one of our great lakes.  There is always something for every family member.

Some advice I give my families traveling is to plan ahead of time so you can get the vacation you have dreamed of.  Many clients wait to long to book and the resort or time they want to travel is not available to them.  When planning ahead you get the best pick of resort and your desired destination.  For clients who can go at that last minute there is always special being offered by my many suppliers to fill those last rooms at some of the best properties.  So go out there and plan your family vacation, you will be creating excitement and memories to last a life time.

 Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

www.darbysdestinations.com

darby@darbysdestinations.com

How do you spend quality time with your family?  What does “your family” consist of, you, your spouse and kids, your parents, in-laws, siblings and your kids?  No matter the family unit configuration the best way to enjoy each others time is getting away together.  There are many options for the small family to the large family when it comes to a family vacation.  Do you want to go on a cruise and have plenty of kid’s activities to enjoy and have some adult time together?  Or could it be an all inclusive beach vacation where there is something to do for everyone.   Another great option is an educational adventure to many of the National Park or a trip to a country from your heritage. 

The reason most families choose a vacation together is to spend quality time with each other.  For many families it is the only time besides holidays that they get to spend with their extended relatives.  The adults can relax and enjoy being together while the kids can reconnect with each other while making new friends.  Getting away from the day to day busy lives that we all lead now helps to keep the family bond together.  For all of the stresses that we each carry in our lives, we need these vacations to recharge and rejuvenate.   Where will your next family vacation take you?

Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

www.darbysdestinations.com

darby@darbysdestinations.com

The Wilderness Lodge, Walt Disney World

The Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World Orlando Florida is like going to the National Parks of the West.  The rustic charm of this resort is very relaxing for adults and children.  As you drive up to the Wilderness Lodge, you see deep green hedges carved into a Mama Bison and a Baby Bison.  When you enter the four story lobby you are greeted by hand carved totem poles, large chandeliers made out of warm colored glass with rustic metal carved animals around the fixture.  Within the lobby are comfy leather couches and chairs for relaxing.  The children can enjoy the wooden bridge that brings them over the wishing pond. 

 The rustic feel is abundant within the guest rooms. The décor is southwest style with carved wooden beds and dark wood furnishings.  On each headboard there is a wilderness scene of dear grazing along a stream bed in the forest with the mountains in the background.  Each headboard has a carved animal on each post; ours had a bunny, a squirrel, a beaver and a bird.  For those of us who love nature it was a very comfortable room.

 The outdoors at the Wilderness Lodge has so much to offer.  The pool has a water slide and a stream that you can swim through.  If you are lucky, like we were in the morning you will see the ducks swimming in the stream in the pool with you.   The ducks also love the Silver Creek Spring.  There are waterfalls, wild flowers and walking paths to explore.   If you love the outdoors and want to feel like you are in one of our great National Parks, but want to see Mickey and Minnie, this is a great property to stay in. 

 The package price for travel in May fromBostonis approximately $4350.00.  This price includes, two adults, two children, air fare from Boston, lodging for 4 nights, 5 day Magic Your Way Park Hopper Passes with dining plan. 

 Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

darby@darbysdestinations.com

www.darbysdestinations.com

InnerSea Discoveries Alaska Cruise Photo courtesy of InnerSea Discoveries

InnerSea Discoveries is a sister brand of American Safari Cruises and they offer small ship cruises to Alaska’s Inside Passage.  These cruises get you up close and personal with the Alaskan Wilderness.  You will discover the small coves on both the Eastern and Western sides of the Inside Passage.  Here you will see bears, eagles, whales, sea lions, maybe all in one day.  They will take you hiking to remote forest where you will not see another soul.  You can go kayaking with whales swimming right by you. 

 These small ships offer everything you need for your vacation.  All your food and drinks will be served on board.  You will have cruise staff there that will be your guides on your excursions.  You can relax in the hot tub or get a massage.  Whatever your level of activity there is something for everyone on this cruise. If this is a cruise that speaks to your heart we can plan your best adventure ever.

 Darby Wojick

Darby’s Destinations

darby@darbysdestinations.com

www.darbysdestinations.com