Caribbean Destinations, Cruises, Destination Weddings, Group Travel, Honeymoon, Romance Travel
Whether you’re looking to relax, for an adventure, or a little bit of both, a cruise is never a bad vacation! You can choose to head to the spa to relax, indulge in delicious food, explore amazing new destinations, and more! If you’re looking to take a cruise this year but aren’t sure where to head, look no further! Let’s break down the top 10 cruise destinations for 2022.
- The Bahamas
If you love crystal clear waters and lots of sun, the Bahamas is the right Caribbean Destination Weddings place for you. Check out a Perfect Day at CocoCay by Royal Caribbean and Half Moon Cay by Carnival. These gorgeous private islands are home to beautiful beaches, waterslides, wave pools, and some of the best vacation vibes in the Caribbean! If you’d rather explore more of the Bahamas, head into Nassau or Freeport to learn about the island off the beach.
- Curacao
Curacao is one of the most overlooked Caribbean islands, but this destination is not one to be forgotten! Curacao is the biggest of the six islands that make up the Netherlands Antilles. This island has so much rich and fascinating history and stunning architecture. And the best part? You will never be bored while docked in this stunning location! Head down into the deep waters on a scuba diving tour or stay closer to the surface while swimming with turtles. Explore the island’s history in their Christoffel National Park or relax on one of their stunning blue beaches!
- St. Maarten
Did you know that St. Maarten is split into two territories–one governed by France and the other by the Netherlands? This blend of different cultures makes this small Caribbean Island amazingly unique! Go zip-lining, relax on the beach, or head to the famous Maho Beach to see planes flying right above you!
- Barbados
Barbados is another popular cruise destination known for its must-see wildlife and delicious cuisine. In Bridgetown, you can even take a solar-powered tram down into the ground to explore Harrison’s Cave’s limestone cave system. You can also head into the island’s wildlife reserve to spot monkeys, tropical birds, and reptiles. Barbados is also known for its food scene as its cuisine is a blend of Indian, African, and British influences. If you’re a seafood lover, this destination is not to be missed!
- Honduras
Ready for an adventure? Look no further than Roatán in Honduras. Roatán is an island in Honduras about 40 miles off the country’s northern coast. While it’s small in size (only about 48 miles long and 5 miles across), it’s packed with natural beauty and plenty of adventure! The island sits on an exposed coral reef, allowing many close-up wildlife experiences. If you want an experience where you can spot sea life during your vacation, Roatán will be your best bet.
- Greece
Greece and the Greek Isles are great destinations to cruise to because you can explore all the charms of the different Greek islands in just one trip! Greece is a fantastic destination for equal parts relaxation and exploration. The country is bursting with stunning views, exciting history, one-of-a-kind culture, and food that cannot be beaten. Depending on your preferences, you’ll even be able to cruise from Greece to Italy to see more of the Mediterranean!
- Bermuda
If you’re ready for blue waters and pink sand beaches, look no further than Bermuda. Because the water is so clear, you can even explore underwater ship wreckage sites and coral reefs bursting with wildlife! Like Tulum, Bermuda also has underground caves lined with crystals and calcite formations. And if you’d rather relax, head to the gorgeous pink sand beaches to sunbathe all day!
- St. Thomas
Many Caribbean cruise ships opt to stop in Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, as it’s known for one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. There are a ton of beaches on the island to visit, and don’t forget about the mountain range for breathtaking views! If you opt for a beach day, check out one of the many beachside bars and restaurants for delicious local food and cocktails or beers!
- Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is ideal for anyone interested in history and natural landmarks. You can see Spanish forts lining the coastline and colorful colonial buildings throughout the streets. If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss out on the local cuisine. With its Spanish and African influences, the seafood and meat dishes are not to be skipped over.
- Mexico
Of course, this list of cruise destinations wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Mexico! Cozumel is a popular cruise destination, and for good reason! Cozumel is home to beautiful beaches and ancient Mayan ruins that are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before! Cozumel also boasts gorgeous waters that are perfect for snorkeling with tropical wildlife! Tulum is adjacent to Cozumel and provides endless adventures such as swimming in cenotes (giant caves/sinkholes), fun day parties on the beach, and shopping galore!
When you’re ready to take your next cruise, let’s talk about it. I’ll help you plan the perfect getaway at sea.
Destination Weddings
If you are planning a destination wedding and have been toying with the idea of having a symbolic wedding or legal wedding, then you have come to the right place for all your answers. You see, all destination wedding couples will eventually come across this issue. If you want to know: what is a legal wedding, what is a symbolic wedding ceremony and which one should you choose, then this article below will help give you your answers. We will go into detail on how each style works, and why choosing one over the other could be right for you.
Destination Weddings Are More Popular Than Ever
In the past couple of years, destination weddings have experienced a surge in popularity. So much so that the trend is making its way across to those who would otherwise not have considered it.
If you’re planning to get married in a different country, you will probably be faced with the decision between a legal and symbolic wedding and may be wondering, “what the heck is a symbolic wedding?” or, “is a symbolic wedding legal”, or “what’s the difference between a symbolic ceremony and a civil ceremony?”
This article is going to give you the deets on both a legal (civil) destination wedding ceremony and a symbolic destination wedding ceremony so that you can decide which is best for you.
What is Required For a Legal Ceremony Away?
Documents You May Need
Just like you would experience in your State, there will be documents and proof of identity required, along with any licensing fees. Some countries require notarized copies of your passport, divorce decree, or legal name change. Others will require translation of the documents into their language.
Ceremony Officiated in Language of That Country
Additionally, when doing a legal ceremony in a country where English is not their native language, there is no guarantee that your wedding will be officiated in English. In this case, a translator (usually the onsite wedding planner) will translate what the officiant says.
Government Fees:
Then there will be government fees involved, and possibly a blood test done on-site.
Witnesses:
Some countries will require witnesses (who are not related to you) to arrive with you on the same day.
Residency Requirement:
Beyond that, most countries will also require a residency. For example, a requirement may be a 4-day residency and only business days (Monday-Friday) count toward your residency. Others may have a requirement of 48 hours and you can arrive any day of the week.
A Legal Ceremony is Nothing to Worry About:
Don’t let this scare you! Some countries are super easy to get legally married in. It all varies, so I generally advise my clients to do what is best for them based on the country they decide to get married in.
Be Flexible:
I also suggest being flexible. You may be going into planning a legal destination wedding abroad assuming that you’ll be able to make it legally binding in the destination. Don’t let this pigeonhole you into only a handful of options.
Benefits of a legal/civil marriage:
- The moment you say “I Do” in front of your friends and family is the real deal.
- You won’t have to decide which day to celebrate your anniversary.
- In my book, it’s kind of cool to say you were legally married in “Mexico”
A Symbolic Ceremony:
Second, let’s discuss the mystery of the symbolic wedding and what you need to know. Essentially, a symbolic wedding looks and sounds just like a civil wedding, it just isn’t legally binding. It is like a commitment ceremony or a renewal of vows.
Avoiding Extra Hoops to Jump Through:
The purpose of choosing a symbolic destination wedding would be to avoid the legal requirements to get married in another country. Maybe due to the hassle, or possibly due to the cost.
Can Ensure Everyone Can Celebrate:
Sometimes, couples will have certain family members who won’t be able to travel with them, so they choose to get married in the States before heading to their destination so that those family members can be a part of the union.
You Will Need Proof You Are Married:
No matter your reason, with a symbolic destination wedding you will want to get married before heading to the destination because the country you are heading to will want a copy of your marriage records. To them, your ceremony is like a vow renewal, and they want to ensure you are legally married before officiating your ceremony. Make sense
Benefits of a symbolic wedding ceremony:
- Less expensive
- Not as much paperwork
- No residency requirements
- No translation of documents
- Ceremony can be officiated by a family member or friend
Ultimately, both a legal and a symbolic wedding ceremony can be valuable in different ways. At the same time, it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences. If you like the idea of getting married without a lot of extra legal and financial hoops to jump through, then a symbolic ceremony might work for you. On the other hand, if you want or need to make your union official the actual day you get married in your destination, then a legal wedding is going to be better for you!
If you are in the midst of planning your destination wedding and feel like you’re stuck and not getting very far, I encourage you to schedule a free 30-minute strategy session with us! Please email us to get started planning today at hello@paradiseviptravel.com or call us to get started planning today at 813-848-0030. We would be honored to help your figure out everything you need for an amazing destination wedding! (Legal or Symbolic)
Destination Weddings, General, Group Travel, Hawaii, Honeymoon, Romance Travel, Solo
The Road to Hana:
The Top 5 Reasons It’s the Best Experience in Maui
The Road to Hana, also known as the Hana Highway, is one of Maui’s most beautiful and scenic experiences. Yup, that’s right, an experience, not an attraction. When it comes to visiting the Hana Highway, it’s all about the journey and much less about the destination. While only 52 miles long, this highway is a journey for both your emotional and physical senses. With an average speed limit of 25 mph or less throughout the road, you’ll experience twisty turns, deep curves, and many one-lane bridges. Because of this, you have no choice but to slow down and completely soak up the most colorful views of the beautiful island of Maui.
Here are the top five reasons why you should explore the Road to Hana on your next vacation to Maui:
- Visit Small Local Towns
Part of the beauty of traveling is experiencing different cultures. Hana Town is one of the best small towns in Hawaii and offers scenic views and friendly faces. Along the Road to Hana, you’ll pass little towns and villages on your drive. Stop in and meet locals, purchase fresh fruit from roadside stands, and share a smile.
- Support Local Artisans
The Nahiku Marketplace, located around mile marker 29 of the Road to Hana, is a local artisan market with many beautiful things to see. Purchase authentic Hawaiian food from roadside food vendors, visit the pop-up shops that display local artisans’ work, and take home a piece of art to commemorate your unforgettable journey on the Road to Hana.
- Escape to Quieter Beaches
Who doesn’t love to feel like you’re on a remote beach all to yourself? While driving on the Road to Hana, you’ll pass some of the most beautiful, pure, and quiet beaches. You’ll see white, pink, and even black sand beaches. Ho’okipa Beach and Wai’anapanapa State Park will make the perfect pit stop to dip your feet in luscious blue water.
- Go Chasing Waterfalls
When in Hawaii, chase waterfalls. Hawaii is full of beautiful waterfalls, but the Road to Hana has so many it’s hard to keep track. Some of the falls on the Road are easy to access for a dip in the water while others require a bit more hiking. Hanawai Falls, Pua’a Ka’a Falls, and Twin Falls are a few popular spots for people to snap an epic photo and appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature.
- Unwind and Slow Down
Don’t look at the Road to Hana as a checklist item to do while visiting Maui; look at the Road as an opportunity to open your eyes and truly soak in the culture, beauty, and peace that the island has to offer. The 52-mile highway may not be the fastest route you’ve ever taken in life, but it is guaranteed to be the most memorable journey you’ve ever driven. The Road to Hana is one of those experiences you’ll never forget, a truly unforgettable moment in your journey.
Don’t hesitate to send me a message if you need help planning for your next trip to Maui.
Africa, Caribbean Destinations, Cruises, Destination Weddings, Dubai Travel, Europe, General, Group Travel, Hawaii, Honeymoon, Jamaica, Maldives, Mexico, Romance Travel, Solo, Spain
Photo Storage
Message: There is no enough available storage to take a photo
You pull out your phone, and you get ready to take the most epic photo of all time. And then you get that dreaded message. There is no available storage to take a photo. Now, what in the world do you do? You have to decide between deleting your pictures or skipping this photo you were about to take.
In the future, you can avoid this by backing up your photos into a photo storage program. With photo storage, you open an app from your phone and select the images and videos you want to save. Once your media is uploaded, you can delete them from your photo and free up all that space. There are lots of free and paid options. Because most of us are “thrifty,” let’s go over some of the free options.
Shutterfly
You may have heard about Shutterfly for their wide variety of photo gifts, but they also have a storage element to make it easier to make your photo gift. There are no catches. You can store an unlimited number of photos with Shutterfly. They do not require a purchase, and they do not purge your files. You only pay if you print photos or create a photo gift. The only catch is photos only here. Don’t expect to save your videos to Shutterfly.
Dropbox
With DropBox, you can save any file. Photo, video, documents, it all goes here. Dropbox does have limits, though. Here you get 2GB of free storage per email account. After that, you will have to pay a monthly rate of at least $9.99 per month. But if you upgrade to a paid version, you’ll get a terabyte of storage. If you don’t know, that’s an incredible amount of storage.
Google Photos
Who doesn’t have Gmail? Well, if you have Gmail, then you have a google account. With that Google account, you get access to google photos. And yes, google photos will allow you to save your photos and videos. There are some limitations. Google Photos gives users free, unlimited storage for photos up to 16 megapixels and videos up to 1080p resolution. I don’t really know what those numbers mean (honest moment), but I can tell you I have never had an issue. Now there is a rumor that they will institute some paid options at some point, but who knows how accurate those rumors are.
Amazon Photos
Do you pay for Amazon Prime every year? Well, it’s not just for free 2-day shipping, you know! One of the many benefits to a prime user is Amazon photos. Store an unlimited amount of pictures and up to 5GB of video and other media. Not interested in all the Amazon Prime Hooplah? Well, then you just need to pay only 20.00 per year for 100 GB of photo storage. Not a bad deal at all.
See. There are lots of options that will keep your precious memories stored. And as a bonus, know if you lose or change your cell phone, you will still have all of your photos!
So the next time you get ready for that epic shot, you can just snap away! Want more travel tips? Feel free to send me a message.
Destination Weddings, General, Group Travel, Honeymoon, Maldives, Romance Travel
Six Reasons to Visit the Maldives
The Republic of Maldives is one of the most sought-after tropical destinations in the world. The Maldives is known for its crystal blue water, lush flora, and white sandy beaches under an endless blue sky. The Maldives is the perfect combination of luxury and tranquility, and with fantastic weather all year round, it’s the ideal place to visit any time of year.
- The Sea of Stars on Vaadhoo Island
This beautiful phenomenon occurs during the late summer, caused by bioluminescent phytoplankton. The water here is filled with this plankton, and the movement of the waves causes it to glow, creating an incredible shimmering effect that looks like the sea is full of stars. People worldwide travel to Vaadhoo Beach to witness this magical, otherworldly occurrence that lights up the sea’s shorelines.
- Island Hopping
There are 1200 islands in the Maldives, 200 of them inhabited. Most resorts and hotels in the Maldives have their own islands. Visitors usually visit just one during their stay, but you can visit other islands to experience nature in the Maldives. If you do plan to island-hop, you’ll need to plan carefully and remember there is no public network of transport between islands. Ferries run infrequently, and renting a speedboat can be expensive.
- Visit Whale Sharks
No visit to the Maldives is complete without a swim with the local sea life. Considered one of the best scuba diving locations in the world, there are various reefs and caverns to explore. For those who prefer staying closer to the surface, you’ll be able to visit marine life while snorkeling. The Maldives’ South Ari Atoll is a year-round home to whale sharks and manta rays. There are several places where you can even enjoy a swim with them. These are rare, bucket list opportunities that you should take advantage of.
- The Most Romantic Place on Earth
The seclusive nature of the Maldives contributes to its beauty. Pair that with private dinners, gorgeous sunsets, and plenty of romantic activities making this location the perfect place for couples looking to make memories. You can stay in the Maldives for seven nights and have a different mind-blowing dining experience each night!
- The Maldives as a COVID-Safe Haven
Each resort in the Maldives is nestled on its own private island and is featured by all the most exclusive hotel brands globally, competing with each other to offer its guests an even higher level of unprecedented luxury and safety. The islands are beautifully socially distanced from the city and the crowd, making for a perfect holiday destination post the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Swim in Crystal Blue Water
With crystal blue waters hugging the white sand beaches, this destination charms you with a laid-back style that’s unique to the island nation. The water is so surreal that it looks like it’s been digitally altered. From the time you set foot into the Maldives, you will be blown away by everything you see around you. It is home to the best beaches in the world, and it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with them.
It doesn’t matter if you travel to The Maldives for romance, nature, or the beautiful blue waters; you’re sure to have an unforgettable time. Send me a message if you need help planning your trip to Maldives.
Cruises, Destination Weddings, General, Group Travel, Honeymoon, Romance Travel
Should I Purchase a Drink Package?
Whether you’re sipping Mai Tais poolside or hanging out by the bar for an evening nightcap, for many vacationers’ alcoholic drinks are synonymous with a cruise vacation. But those costs quickly add up.
On the typical 7-day cruise, it’s estimated that each passenger drinks an average of 4.7 alcoholic drinks per day. With the average cocktail costing around $10, you could be spending upwards of $50 a day on drinks.
In order to save money, consider getting a drink package. You’ll know upfront how much you’ll spend on drinks, and if you like soda, specialty coffee drinks, or fancy bottled water options, it’s also convenient.
Do I Have to Buy One?
No, you don’t have to buy one. The best way to figure out if it’ll work best for you is to look into the costs of drinks and tally how much you may end up spending without the package. Remember, once you purchase the drinks deal, you won’t be able to change your mind and get a refund.
How Much Does It Cost?
On average, the standard drink packages cost 55 to 65 dollars per person, per day. Cruise lines offer packages with different drink options. The cheapest package may have limited options with maximum per-drink prices, while the more expensive packages include more options, including more premium liquors. Drink packages are often more affordable before arriving on the ship.
What if I Don’t Drink Alcohol?
On most cruise lines, you’ll be charged for almost all drinks besides tea, coffee, lemonade, and tap water. If you enjoy drinking soda, freshly squeezed juices, or want to kick back with a mocktail, you’ll still be able to get your money’s worth from a drink package. There are indeed nonalcoholic drink packages available for you too. These packages are generally less expensive.
What are the General Rules of a Drink Package?
- Drink packages are per person, not per family or stateroom.
- The package only applies to beverages purchased on board the ship (and the cruise line’s private destinations)
- The package may exclude room service and in-room minibars.
Can You Share Drink Packages on a Cruise?
No, guests who are caught sharing a drink with someone who doesn’t have a drink package can risk having their drink package benefits revoked with no refund. In many cases, all adults in the stateroom have to purchase the same package. More and more cruise lines are moving towards this policy.
What’s Included
Each drink package varies by cruise line. Royal Caribbean has one package offer that’s between $63 and $89 per person, per day. It includes Cocktails, Wine by the glass, sparkling water, soda, and discounts for wine bottles. Some cruise lines even offer “unlimited drinks,” but read the fine print. Carnival and Princess limit you to 15 alcoholic drinks per day with unlimited nonalcoholic beverages.
So, Is it Worth it?
That depends on your needs. If you’re only interested in getting one or two drinks per day or you’re sailing a port heavy itinerary, you might be better off just paying per drink.
But if you drink a lot of juice and intend to drink various alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks on vacation, you’ll see that you’re going to save money in the long run. To make ensure you’re getting your money’s worth check out drink prices online, figure out how much you’re likely to order, and keep in mind that days you’re in port cities, you won’t be ordering as much. And if you need help planning your next cruise trip, don’t hesitate to message us.
