Destination E

How to Plan a Girlfriends Getaway

“There is an unspoken bond you create with the friends you travel with.” – Kristen Sarah

A Girls Trip should be on everyone’s bucket list. There’s nothing better than spending a few days with your closest friends, making memories, and getting up to some mischief. But planning a Girls Trip while considering everyone’s schedules, budgets, and preferences can be a lot of work.

Before you start to feel overwhelmed, here’s 6 tips to help make the planning process feel like a group effort! So read on, get your girls together, and get ready to have a blast.

Start Planning Early

Get started planning at least six months to a year in advance. You can begin to get the conversation going and gather some general ideas about who can attend and where your group would like to travel. Your lives will be so much easier when it comes time to make arrangements.

Figure out Your Purpose, Budgets, & Itinerary

Will this trip be about relaxing or are you girls planning on turning up?! Do you want to chill at an all-inclusive resort or go on immersive cultural tours each day? Be sure you are considering everyone’s interests and agree on a budget before planning.

Keep the Options Simple

Now it’s time to narrow down your options. Ask everyone in your group to share two ideas on things like accommodations and activities. Pay attention to the places that more than one person throws out. If the majority likes a particular destination, hotel, or excursion, you’ve likely found a winner.

Make it Collaborative

Everyone should have a say in the planning process, but depending on your party size, it’ll be hard to get everyone on the same page. To take some of the pressure off, hire a Travel Advisor: Click Here. They’ll be able to handle the rest of the research, planning and booking process. This way the rest of the group can fill in the itinerary with other small things you all can enjoy like a Pool Day with matching swimsuits or a fun scavenger hunt at the resort.

Hire a Vacation Photographer

A professional vacation photographer can take stunning and candid photos of your whole travel party that you can reminisce about over the years. Not only can they capture your trip beautifully, but there’s also an added benefit of gaining a local perspective through the lens of a professional.

Be Flexible

Be sure to remind yourself that the goal is having fun. Try to make the best of the process and the trip. Remember, the main reason for your getaway is to reconnect and spend some much-needed quality time with your GIRLS!

Of course, I’m here to help you plan your next Girls Trip. Schedule a complimentary consultation with my travel agency to get started: Click Here

Happy Planning!

“It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you.”

3 Year Business Anniversary

Can you believe it?! Destination E has officially turned 3!!!

I’m glad I decided to take the leap of faith to start my business back in 2019. I am very proud of the milestones I have achieved so far, and I can’t wait to see what the future has instore.

I decided to celebrate in Cartagena, Columbia. Check out my new YouTube video including highlights of my time there. Like, Comment, Subscribe & Enjoy: YouTube

Of course I’m here to help you plan your next vacation. Schedule a call to get started: Click Here

Travel With Destination E

Are You Covered?

Travel Advisors can help you secure a travel insurance quote to protect your travel investment. Travel insurance is not required to travel but is highly recommended. In addition, you want to make sure you’re covered if unforeseen complications occur like severe weather or medical emergencies. Most travel insurance companies offer 24/7 emergency assistance, concierge services, medical coverage, and more. In these times, putting out a few hundred dollars for travel insurance is better than losing out on thousands of dollars if you must cancel your vacation.

I have been in two situations where I was glad I purchased travel insurance. I had to cancel an entire trip for severe weather conditions one time. After filing a claim, I received full reimbursement for the non-refundable trip costs. The second time, my travel companion had a minor medical emergency while we were away. We called the insurance provider, and they gave us a list of nearby medical facilities. The representative reached out to the medical staff to let them know we were on our way and followed up with us to make sure everything went well. If you are ever in a similar situation, make sure to keep the discharge summary/receipts in a safe place so you can file a claim when you return home and possibly get reimbursed for the medical expenses.

I encourage you to research travel insurance companies on your own to make sure it suits your needs and coverage requirements. If you need travel insurance for an upcoming trip, check out Travelex and Travel Guard:

Travelex: Click Here

Travel Guard: Click Here

*Destination E, LLC is not a registered insurance agent and cannot legally provide specific advice or information regarding insurance. You will need to direct all questions and clarifications to the insurance company. This is not a recommendation to use Travel Guard, Travelex, or any specific travel insurer over another. Destination E, LLC may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.*

FAM Trip To Riviera Maya, Mexico

This past December, a fellow travel advisor and I went on a self-organized FAM Trip to the Riviera Maya area in Mexico. FAM is short for Familiarization Trip. FAMs were created for travel advisors to get firsthand experience of a destination, learn more about the resorts, and form great partnerships with resort staff leaders and travel companies. Of course, nothing beats knowing which resort fits our clients best and what will make their vacation experience even better. We visited sixteen resorts altogether. Here is a list of four resorts in Riviera Maya that you should consider for your next vacation or event.

Family Vacation

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts- Riviera Maya

1. Both the design and layout of the resort are excellent. Kids will be excited at every turn, and adults will experience nostalgic feelings. My favorite restaurant was Good Burger. All they were missing were a pop-up appearance from Kenan & Kel.

2. Kids will have so much to choose from, including Aqua Nick-a themed water park with over twenty slides, a lazy river, Paw Patrol Adventure Bay, and Bikini Bottom Beach, to name a few. And yes, you can get SLIMED. In addition, kids can look forward to character experiences, Club Nick, dance parties, an immersive theater experience, and more.

Travel With Destination E: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts-Riviera Maya

Destination Wedding

Dreams Riviera Cancun (Family Friendly)

1. There are six beautiful location options for a wedding and reception. The resort staff were busy; we saw events being set up in different areas around the resort. However, this did not interfere with the guests’ vacation experience, and everyone looked to be having a fun time at the pool.

2. We had to give the chef our compliments for the lunch he prepared for us. Everything was delicious, especially the fried buffalo chicken wings.

Travel With Destination E: Dreams Riviera Cancun

Group Getaway

Hotel Xcaret Arte (Mexican Art Stays in You-All-Fun Inclusive-Adults Only)

1. Xcaret Arte was stunning and luxurious; every turn took my breath away. I loved the design and layout of the rooms, restaurants, spa, the different lobbies, the beach, and pools. They set the bar high.

2. No need to book any outside excursions. You have access to art classes throughout the resort and access to their eight theme parks (Xplor Fuego looks so much fun), and you can book Xcaret Xailing– a ferry to Isla Mujeres. And don’t forget to visit Muluk Spa, where you can pick fragrances and oils for your spa treatment.

Travel With Destination E: Xcaret Arte

Baecation

Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun

1. The hospitality we received at Live Aqua Cancun was outstanding. The food and drinks were tasty, including my surprise Caramel Frappuccino; they have a Starbucks on the premises. Plus, their pools and beach are both fantastic.

2. Live Aqua is in the hotel zone, so you have easy access to other restaurants, nightlife, and shopping in the area.

Travel With Destination E: Live Aqua Cancun

Honorable Mention

Dreams Natura Spa

The Dreams® Spa by Pevonia goes up there as one of the best spas I have visited. It feels like you are inside a beautiful cenote. I booked the Tension Relief Massage, which was terrific. I also enjoyed the hydrotherapy circuit, sauna, steam room, therapeutic showers, and Revive Juice Bar.

If you are looking to visit the Riviera Maya area in Mexico, I am sure there is a resort for you that will meet all your vacation needs and styles. During this trip, I stayed at three resorts and visited sixteen, so I’m sure I can help you select the right one.

Pssst….I can’t give away all my favorites in this article; I’m keeping some just for you. Feel free to schedule a complimentary consult anytime: Click Here

*We hope you like the places we listed. Just so you know, Destination E may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.*

Let Me Upgrade You

I have noticed that my travel clients are ready to splurge on their next vacation. After waiting so long to travel, they desire an amazing and unforgettable experience. So here are some small and affordable upgrades to consider that can improve your all-around vacation experience.

Transportation: Instead of a shared airport transfer, you could upgrade to a private transfer. A driver would greet you, take you and your luggage to a sedan or SUV, and take you straight to your resort/hotel—no stops in between and no sharing of space with other travelers.

Excursions: Consider venturing off the resort. You can have an unforgettable excursion arranged as part of your trip. Your bucket list items are not out of reach. Zip-lining, culinary tours, white water rafting, ATV ride, local tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc., are all within reach.

Hotel Room: Consider upgrading and opting for a room with a view. We suggest rooms with a stunning view of the ocean. Imagine waking up every morning of your vacation and looking directly at the water, or even better, ordering room service and having breakfast on your balcony that faces the ocean.

Hire A Travel Advisor: Take the worry and stress out of planning your next vacation. A Travel Advisor can do all your vacation research, planning, and booking for you. You deserve personalized service and getting all your travel needs met. Schedule a complimentary call today!

It’s true; upgrades will cost you more money. However, upgrades will also increase the quality of the memories of your trip. So, start planning your trip as early as possible. Planning early will ensure that you have the time to pay for some of the upgrades mentioned here. And, of course, if we arrange your vacation, you can start with a small deposit and pay for your trip over time.

Ten Travel Resolutions

A resolution is a choice to start something new or do something different in the new year. I challenge you to choose at least one resolution that will make your travel life even better in 2022.

Learn a Skill Abroad

Learn something new while on your trip and immerse yourself in the culture. Learn the language or a new skill that the area is known for, like making pasta or pizza in Italy.

Relax at a Wellness Spa

On your next trip, visit a wellness spa and be pampered. Many resorts provide travelers with wellness services such as massages, facials, aqua-therapy, and more. There are also many wellness resorts to choose from, or even better, how about a wellness retreat?!

Live Abroad

With most jobs being remote and countries allowing long-term visas, your dreams of living in a new country for a few months can come true. Living abroad is a great way to gain a fresh perspective and outlook on life.

Get Active

Go on an adventure that’ll give you an adrenaline rush. Plan out a hike in Bali, go ski-diving in Dubai, or how about parasailing in Turks & Caicos.

Use That PTO

Time off is necessary for your mental health and productivity. Take a break abroad or get a luxurious hotel room downtown. Whatever you do, getaway and use those vacation days.

Go, Solo

Gone are the days of waiting for your friends and family before you book your next trip. If there is someplace you want to go, GO! Don’t miss out on good sales and great experiences waiting on others. In 2022, go alone and love every minute!

Design a Dream Trip

Planning or anticipating your trip can improve your mood and give you something to look forward to. Tap into that pre-trip bliss by working with a Travel Advisor to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Time for a Digital Detox

Take a break from your computer, phone, iPad, TV, and our #1 guilty pleasure, social media. Instead, focus more on in-person social interactions and activities you enjoy. A digital detox will give you the space to focus your thoughts and reconnect.

Did Someone Say, Road Trip

While traveling the world by plane is ideal, it’s nothing like mapping out your adventure and hopping in a car to explore national landmarks and hidden treasures in your country. Plus, what’s better than blasting your music and singing loudly/off key to your favorite oldies.

Let Me Upgrade You

Just once in 2022, upgrade one portion of your next trip! Upgrade to first or business class. Get a private car to your resort. Book an oceanfront room, a swim-up suite, or butler service. It all sounds so lovely, and you deserve it.

Wanderlust is a strong desire to travel. If this describes you, wander, go someplace, any place. I’m here to help plan your next vacation whenever you’re ready: click here!

Have A Happy & Travel Filled New Year!

Travel Is My Therapy

Can I be honest with you for a second?! I have had to endure some tough moments during this pandemic, and I’m sure you can relate. I was experiencing some challenges in both my personal and professional life. I would describe myself as ambitious, driven, passionate, detail orientated, and a big dreamer. But if you asked me to describe myself a few months ago, the only words I could give you is burnt out. So, I made a hard choice to take a step back and an even wiser choice to put myself at the top of my to-do list. During this time, I embarked on a wellness journey. I needed some peace, quiet, and relaxation. I was also searching for direction, clarity, and inspiration.

First Stop: Self-Care & Healing

In my own research and Facebook ads following me, I stumbled upon Civana Wellness Resort & Spa, located in Carefree, Arizona, close to Phoenix and Scottsdale. Civana was voted one of the Top 10 Wellness Resorts (USA Today), #4 Spa in the U.S (Travel & Leisure), and #5 Spa Resort in the U.S. (Condé Nast). Civana has two restaurants that offer healthy food options: Terras and Seed. Civana also offers 10+ daily wellness classes each day. I loved that you could create a schedule that fits your personal wellness journey. My favorite classes were Sunset Sound Healing, Breathing for Life, Journaling for Transformation, Aqua Aerobics (we were getting down), and a mixology cocktail class. After each class, I left with tools to help me manage my stress, anxiety and every day life.

My favorite experience was the spa; it was so beautiful. I booked the Revive to Thrive treatment which included Ayurvedic techniques (Marma Point Therapy), a dry-glove exfoliation, and a massage with warm herb-infused oil that matched my current mood. According to Healthline, Marma Point Therapy is believed to release stagnant energy and stimulate your internal organs, hormones, and other chemicals to help meet your body’s needs. Towards the end of the treatment, the therapist focused on my Sthapani marma (center of the forehead believed to affect the mind, brain, & nerves), Nabhi marma (center of the navel believed to affect the small intestines), and Kurcha marma (center of the ball of each foot believed to affect the vision). She then stepped out of the room to give me a moment, and I began to pray and thank God for continuing to bless me, for allowing me to follow my passion, and to even be in this space. The experience was AMAZING.

Namaste!

Second Stop: Release & Let Go

During our last night in Arizona, we checked out nightclubs in Old Town located in Scottsdale. It was a fun filled night. We literally danced in the rain like no one was watching and just let it all go.

We decided to take a 5-hour road trip to Vegas and stay for a few days. The drive was so scenic and serene. We saw several rainbows on our drive. Rainbows signify hope, promise, transitions, new beginnings, and peace.

As you can imagine Carefree, and Las Vegas are total opposites. But all my trips need a little bit of turn up. We stayed at the new Virgin Hotel Las Vegas. I loved the decor of the hotel rooms, and the beds were extra comfy. We got a chance to check out After’s Ice Cream, Casa Calavera, The Kitchen at Commons Club, and the adults-only pool party at Elia’s Beach Club.

On our last day, we had dinner at Best Friend’s located in the Park MGM. If you ever searched for a restaurant that has excellent food, plays Hip Hop music, and has a makeshift L.A. bodega when you walk in, this is the place. It was a total vibe. I’m not sure if it was the Korean fried chicken or Stir Fry by The Migos that had us dancing in our seats.

Third Stop: Self-Acceptance & Self-Confidence

Houston has been on my list for quite some time. We took a quick weekend trip to a body-positive swim event. We enjoyed being around men and women of all shapes and sizes who were comfortable in their own skin. It was a complete judge-free zone and a good time. Houston also came through with the southern hospitality. Check out Pappadeaux, Taste Bar & Kitchen, Bar 2200, and Chapman & Kirby if you are ever in Houston.

Fourth Stop: Transformation

After Civana, I began to make my mental health a priority. Remember the tools that I learned. I started a daily routine that included spending alone time with God, praying, meditating, completing breathing exercises, journaling, and changing my way of thinking. One day, I had an aha moment when I realized how peaceful and stress-free my life had been lately. As I was approaching another trip around the sun, I came into my own with a sound mind.

For my birthday, I decided to visit Curacao. I would describe Curacao as a relaxing and pretty chill place with beautiful blue water all around. The Afro-Curaçaoans were so happy to see us; they told us on numerous occasions, which made us feel very welcomed. We decided to stay at the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort, an oceanfront property. We had an oceanfront room with a fantastic view. The food at the resort was good, and the drinks were strong. We tried out Papiamentu Marketplace and Salty Iguana Ocean Grill during our stay.

We chose a non-all-inclusive resort to give us a chance to explore the island more. We checked out Madero Ocean Club for brunch and Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant for dinner. Baoase Luxury Resort came highly recommended by fellow Travel Advisors, and the ambiance, decor, and dining experience did not disappoint. On another day, we got a chance to dine with the locals at De Visserij Piscadera and Noire Cocktail Bar.

While in Curacao, we decided to take a small group tour that included swimming with sea turtles at Playa Piscado, visiting Shete Boka National Park and Kenepa Beach. We also took a tour of Landhuis Chobolobo, the Curacao Liqueur Distillery. We got a chance to taste different liqueurs and cocktails. Our favorite flavors were Tamarind and Rum Raisin; we bought a few bottles of various flavors home.

Final Stop: Gratitude

During my different travel experiences, I found what I was looking for, or it found me. I know life can get crazy and busy, but we always need to make time for ourselves. I’m super excited to put the ideas that came to me during my journey into action. I’m ready to take on the world and see more of it.

I plan to return to one of the places on the list soon and want to bring more people along. If you’d like to be the first to know, make sure to sign up for my email list!

*We hope you like the places we listed. Just so you know, Destination E may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.*

Top 5 Reasons To Use A Travel Advisor

1. We Are Experts:

Travel Advisors provide professional expertise and offer a service and support that cannot be received when you book a trip online. We complete a consultation to better understand the vision you have for your vacation. We spend time planning, researching, and creating an itinerary that exceeds your expectations. We can book each component of your trip including your flights, accommodations, excursions, transfers, and dinner reservations, just to name a few. We provide excellent customer service support before, during, and after your trip. We also send out important trip documents via email or in the mail. Most importantly we answer the phone when you call and respond promptly to your texts and emails. If you need more convincing, click here to find out why booking with a Travel Advisor is better versus an online platform.

2. We Save You Time & Money:

It is often a misconception that you will pay more for your trip if you work with a Travel Advisor. We have relationships and access to countless travel companies, additional perks, deals, and amenities. We do our best to stay within your budget and offer a payment plan if available. If you find the exact vacation a Travel Advisor designed for you for a lower price, we can very often Price Match to get you the best deal. Some Travel Advisors do charge a reasonable professional fee or retainer for their services. In return we provide you peace of mind, so you can enjoy your vacation without having to sweat the details. We will also explain cancellation policies to you before booking a trip. If you must cancel your trip, we will fight hard to get your money back and/or future travel credits when possible. No need to spend hours on hold; we will do it for you.

3. We Keep You Informed:

We are still in a pandemic. Travel Advisors must remain up to date on the latest changes and requirements. We can help you understand and navigate the current travel requirements as well. For example, we will keep you informed about a country’s entry and exit requirements, recommend testing locations near you and in the destination, let you know what documentation needs to be completed in order to travel, and provide you with the necessary information needed before you go on vacation.

4. We Got You Covered:

Travel insurance is not required to travel but is highly recommended. Travel Advisors can secure a travel insurance quote to protect your travel investment. In these times putting out a few hundred dollars for travel insurance is better than losing out on thousands of dollars if you must cancel your vacation. We can assist when emergencies arise while you are on vacation and assist with filing an insurance claim when you return. Most travel insurance companies also offer 24/7 emergency assistance, concierge services, medical coverage, and more.

5. We Have Your Back:

Travel is different now. Travel Advisors must go a step further to see what amenities are currently available at resorts and hotels. We check to see what is currently open in the destination including restaurants, excursions, activities, nightlife, etc. You know that part about being there for you during your trip, we will check in with you and do what we can to get you home safely.

As you can see from the list above Travel Advisors are a vital source to use if you decide to travel during this time. And do not forget about our personal travel experiences, travel education, expertise, and the love for travel that makes us the ideal person to plan your next vacation.

You can also sign up for our email list to stay up to date with the latest from DE: Click Here

The Poconos

My friend called me in need of a getaway. She must have read my mind because I was just thinking about taking a trip to the Poconos. We decided on a quick 2-day trip.

On our way to the Poconos, we made a stop at Raw Urban Winery & Hard Cidery in Stroudsburg, PA for a wine and cider tasting. We were all fans of the Amethyst wine; we loved the purple color. The owners were very friendly and knowledgeable about their products. We made sure to purchase bottles of wine, support a local restaurant and we even ordered some cocktails to go.

We rented a vacation home in Albrightsville, PA. We wanted the option to cook our meals and have separate bedrooms. The place we chose was beautiful, contemporary, clean, and cozy. My older sister decided to join us and cooked the meals during our stay (she is pretty talented!). She even made us brunch and a fancy dinner with lobster and steak; she also figured out how to light the fireplace so we could make s’mores.

The next day my friend and I visited Camelback Resort to snow tube. I am not sure where my daredevil instincts went but I was a little nervous. When I got to the top of the hill, the staff member had to give me a little push and boy was I flying. After snow tubing, we checked out the food truck on the premises and sat by their outdoor fire pit to warm up.

If you are ready for a local getaway, want to explore a town in the U.S., or are ready to get out of the country. I am always here to help. And my friend can vouch for my travel planning skills. She stated, “I need to make a video telling people about you because you handled everything. All I had to do was pack my bags and show up. I needed this and I had so much fun.” That was music to my ears because that’s how I like everyone’s trip to go!

Black-Owned Resorts, Hotels and B&Bs

Like the rest of the travel lovers of the world, I am ready to go somewhere! So, I started to research domestic vacations. More specifically Black-owned resorts, hotels, and bed & breakfasts. Because unless you have been living off the grid these past few weeks, we all can understand the importance of continuing to support Black-owned businesses.

As I am doing my research, I came across Salamander Hotels & Resorts which is owned by the founder & CEO Sheila C. Johnson, who has worn many professional hats in her time and is best known for creating BET (Black Entertainment Television). There are 5 Salamander hotels & resorts in the USA and aboard including The Henderson in Destin, FL, Hotel Bennett in Charleston, SC, Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, FL, Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica and the one I’ll like to visit soon, the Salamander Resort & Spa. The Salamander is a 5-star luxury resort in Middleburg, VA, about an hour away from Washington, DC. Some activities you can find at the resort include archery and ax throwing, indoor & outdoor pools, an equestrian program, zip lining and more. There are also multiple dining options to choose from, a spa, and nearby wineries.

After I visited Wellspring Manor and Spa in PG County, MD last year. Two of my friends told me about Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast Inns owned by husband and wife team Glenn Pogue and Monique Greenwood. Ms. Greenwood serves as the president and CEO of the company. There are currently 5 B&B locations including Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, NY, Akwaaba DC in Washington D.C., Noble Lane in Bethany, PA, Akwaaba Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA and Buttonwood Manor in Cape May, NJ where you can rent the entire vacation home and a cottage. Noble Lane stands out to me the most; you may have seen the Poconos inn featured on OWN’s TV show Checked In. They have a spa on the premises: YOUtopia, two tennis courts, an indoor pool, and activities for their guests including a cooking class and a movie and game night, just to name a few.

To learn about more Black owned hotels in the U.S., check out Forbes’s latest article: 7 Black-Owned Hotels Across The U.S. To Visit On Your Next Road Trip.

And of course, if you need any assistance in planning your next vacation I am always here to help!