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| Sandals For Couples In Love 4th of July Sales extended until July 29th, 2016 Free Catamaran Cruise Plus up to $1000 Air Cred plus up to $750 Early Booking Bonus
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We Make Getting There As Easy As Being There! Since 2009 We offer one on one travel expertise in Romance, Family and Escorted Travel. Also serving the blind traveler whether you use a Cane, Guide Dog or Sighted Guide.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Sandals For Couples In Love 4th of July Sales extended until July 29th, 2016 Free Catamaran Cruise Plus up to $1000 Air Cred plus up to $750 Early Booking Bonus
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Where and when you should be planning your romantic getaways for all ages
Where and when you you should be planning your romantic getaways for all ages?
This is a topic we get all the time, especially for people who have no idea of where they want to go, or they think it is way to early to start planning for.
Nelson and I, are always saying, if you are thinking about it, it is the time to start planning for it. We always mention, that we can book with air almost a year in advance. Some destinations, we can plan without the airfare up to 2 years in advance.
But, as you are thinking, suppose I change my mind or something happens between now and then. Yes, we go through this ourselves, especially when planning group trips a year in advance. The easy answer is, as long as you are not past the time for cancellations, which for a cruise is 90 days prior to sailing and/or 45 days prior to a land destination you are good. There is also travel insurance after these dates, but you cannot use travel insurance just because you change your minds. Stuff happens!
Okay, we have covered when to book, also don't wait for the latest and greatest offer to come a long, if you book with us, and the price drops or a better offer comes a long; 9 out of 10 times, we can adjust your vacation. We want to make you happy. But when those things come along we have to compare the offer, you might get a better price, but you might lose a benefit like resort or on board credit, or that catamaran cruise or free spa option.
For those people who are not sure where they want to go here are a few things to consider
- Time of the Year - If you want to go to the Caribbean but you hate the high heat, why not consider going during November/December before the holidays and also out of Hurricane Season; or January - Early May. Stay away from June, February, Spring Break, Christmas Week, anything that would consider a holiday. You will pay way more than you care to. These locations are booked almost a year in advance. Honeymooners and getaway clients, already know these times of the year are packed with others thinking the same thing. Weddings, Engagements, Valentine's Day, etc. etc.
- Think of places you have always read about or dreamed about:
- If you have been a fan of things like myself; Hemingway, Mythology; Foodie; History; Ancestry; why not share these things with your partner. Ask them, what they love to do, it might surprise you. Not everyone wants an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean
- Think you are too old to be traveling for a romantic getaway. What!!! We Say! No way. Romance gets better with age. We keep it clean here, get your minds out of the gutter. LOL.
- Nelson is going to be 66 on July 10th (Happy Birthday, Honey); and I am going to be 50 in April 2017. (Yes, Nelson, robbed the cradle). There goes my bad humor again. We love getting away to our favorite places for romantic getaways. We go to Jamaica, Grenada, Puerto Rico (Nelson was born there) from November - February. We love cruises any time of the year, just depends on the destination. We are now moving on to Spain, Italy and the France over the next few years. Or we just go to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL; and yes, Disney is not just for the kids, they have places there for adults and many romantic places as well.
- We cannot afford to get away, we are planning to buy a house, need someone to watch the kids, many excuses why you cannot make time for yourselves.
- Unfortunately, here in the USA we have some of the highest divorce rates on the planet. People wonder how to keep the romance alive or ask us, how we do it.
- We have both been married before. We don't do the same things that we did when we were married the first time. We say, we love each other every day and mean it, we try to go to bed without being mad at each other, and we getaway just the 2 of us at least once a year. It is important. Today, when Nelson holds my hand I still blush and gush about it.
We are married almost 25 years, and these things are the most important over anything. Your house will always be there, the kids can come with you (Just let them hang in the clubs for their age group, or there used to be something called camp when I was a kid. Maybe go away when the kids are in camp, or ask grandma and grandpa to watch the kids. We practice what we preach.
Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria, 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Sandals Montego Bay What's New for 2016
Okay! Now that you know what you are getting with an All Inclusive Luxury Resort of a Sandals for Couples In Love Property or a Beaches For Everyone by Sandals Property now it is time to start letting you know what is new for 2016. Starting with the Flagship location in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
This property is literately 5 minutes from the airport, yes you see the planes fly over, but you don't hear them at all, we wave to them when we are in the water. Oh yes, if you are looking for a video or photos they are on our previous blog post.
All of the Sandals Properties goes through upgrade ever few years, so if you are saying I have been to Montego Bay before, they never change anything at properties, well they have. Every 3-4 years, time for housekeeping and upgrades.
For example:
This is a 251 rooms & suite property, and when you stay at anyone of the Montego Bay Properties of Sandals you can stay at 1 and play at all three (which includes: Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean and the Carlyle - Boutique property)
Access to over 20 gourmet restaurants.
This is the only property that has a wedding chapel on it. You can actually have your wedding here and stay at another property if you like.
This is a true beach front resort, some of the newer properties in Jamaica are not on the beach or further back, but this is a true beach front property.
What is new here 4 New Beachfront Romeo & Juliet 1-Bedroom Butler Villa Suites with Outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs (TOP CATEGORY). *Over-the-Water-Hammocks & Over-the-Water-Swings have been added to this resort.
These things have been added since we were there in October 2015 that is less than a year ago.
This property is literately 5 minutes from the airport, yes you see the planes fly over, but you don't hear them at all, we wave to them when we are in the water. Oh yes, if you are looking for a video or photos they are on our previous blog post.
All of the Sandals Properties goes through upgrade ever few years, so if you are saying I have been to Montego Bay before, they never change anything at properties, well they have. Every 3-4 years, time for housekeeping and upgrades.
For example:
This is a 251 rooms & suite property, and when you stay at anyone of the Montego Bay Properties of Sandals you can stay at 1 and play at all three (which includes: Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean and the Carlyle - Boutique property)
Access to over 20 gourmet restaurants.
This is the only property that has a wedding chapel on it. You can actually have your wedding here and stay at another property if you like.
This is a true beach front resort, some of the newer properties in Jamaica are not on the beach or further back, but this is a true beach front property.
What is new here 4 New Beachfront Romeo & Juliet 1-Bedroom Butler Villa Suites with Outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs (TOP CATEGORY). *Over-the-Water-Hammocks & Over-the-Water-Swings have been added to this resort.
These things have been added since we were there in October 2015 that is less than a year ago.
Updated Bar and Patio
Over the Water Hammocks
Another photos of the outdoor Bar and Patio
What does Sandals Offer! Updates at the Flagship Property Sandals Montego Bay
Tour of Sandals Montego Bay October 2015
Okay, as we promised what you get with either a Sandals for Couples in Love or with a Beaches for Everyone by Sandals.
We are going to let you know also information today about the Flagship location and any updates at Sandals Montego Bay, which was the original one to open back in 1981 when Gordon "Butch" Stewart opened Montego Bay, the year his son, Adam, who is now the CEO of the Company. Sandals has the most all inclusive resorts out of any company in the Caribbean and still privately owned by the Stewart Family and managed by Unique Vacations International.
They are 24 properties in 7 Caribbean Countries, and they are expanding to Mexico, and Tobago, might be a possibility of Dominican Republic.
Now what is included and different about what you get with a Sandals or Beaches resorts stay than anyone else. And there motto is "More Quality Inclusions Then Any Resorts On the Planet". Also being awarded all the top awards in the travel industry for over 20 years the World Travel Awards; 2016 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards; Brides Best Honeymoon Awards 2016 by Brides Magazine; 2016 Travel & Leisure Magazine World's Best Awards; Fodor's 100 Hotel Awards, and the lists go on and on,
Those interested with Beaches for Everyone by Sandals:
Awards: TripAdvisor Choice Awards for 2016 top Resorts for Families
Parents Magazine
They have been partners with Autism Speaker and also has been partners with the Children's Television Workshop - Sesame Street for over 10+ years.
Okay so what is the difference. Some are saying they are so expensive to go there that they go to others thinking they are getting just as good or settling, which is fine. Not everyone is going to enjoy the Sandals Properties like everyone doesn't like Chocolate. Who doesn't love Chocolate many people.
So let's get to this. If you are looking at going away either with your honey or with your family. You will notice on a lot of the resorts, they are not all created equal. They will say resort credit up to xyz, or you need to pay for your transfers to get from the airport to the property, or it is listed on your invoice once you get it. You can have alcohol but their brands. My husband loves his Jack Daniels, many places will either not have it or it is a top shelve item and you have to pay extra for it. Maybe you want to go parasailing or waterski; diving; boating; but these are motorized items, and 9 out of 10 time only non-motorized activities are included. What you will have to pay extra for at a Sandals Property is a spa treatment, excursions, and if you love to golf (golfing if free) but you need to get a caddy additional and that is it.
Here is what you get:
EVERY SANDALS SITS
DIRECTLY ON A STUNNING BEACH.
On six of the most gorgeous islands in a region famous for its endless white sand expanses, exquisite turquoise waters and romantic sunsets. From Jamaica's warm reggae pulse to the Bahamas' sophisticated beat and from St. Lucia's volcanic majesty to Antigua's exotic allure.
Sandals Includes the Caribbean's Best Beaches...
Powdery soft, white sand
Clear, turquoise waters
On the calm leeward side of the island
Protected cove beaches
Cooling trade winds
Reef snorkeling often within wading distances
...and Improves Upon Them
Complimentary chaise lounges & towels
Shaded umbrellas and Tiki huts
Rent a cabana with a beach valet
Beach Bistros serving snacks & drinks
Best selection of water sports at your disposal
ONLY SANDALS INCLUDES
UP TO 16 RESTAURANTS PER RESORT
At Sandals, dining is one of the most impressive highlights of your Luxury All Inclusive vacation. Famed master-chef Walter Staib, recipient of the world's most prestigious culinary awards including the Silver Plate, has assembled a five-star team of internationally trained chefs with a unique talent for transforming closely guarded recipes into unforgettable evenings.
Dine at Over 50 Themed Restaurants from Around the World!
Asian
Sushi
West Indian
Jamaican
Seafood
International
Brick-Oven pizza
Classic French
British Pub fare
Thai
Japanese Teppanyaki
Contemporary Caribbean
Fusion
Bahamian
Mediterranean
Italian
Gelato & pastries
Light and Healthy
SANDALS SUITES EPITOMIZE AN
UNCOMPROMISING COMMITMENT TO LUXURY.
Discover the most innovative and luxurious rooms and suites at Sandals Resorts. Created in the spirit of opulence with separate sitting areas and a dedicated concierge team, these luxury accommodations are perfect for couples in love. From dramatic cliffside villas with spectacular 180-degree views to lavish Skypool Butler Suites with personal butler service and infinity-edge plunge pools, Sandals' Signature Accommodations are sure to elevate your romance to new heights.
Mahogany furnishings
King-size beds
Premium linens
Pillow menu
Fully stocked in-room bars
Flat screen TVs
Marble baths
Tranquility Soaking Tubs
His & Hers bath robes
Premium towels
Hairdryers
Concierge service
Butler Elite service for select suites
Electronic safe
3 Levels of Luxury Room Category: Luxury, Club Level and Butler.
ONLY SANDALS OFFERS BUTLERS TRAINED BY
THE GUILD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH BUTLERS
Our unprecedented Butler Service, only available in our very highest level of suites, provides our most discerning guests with an unimaginably supreme standard of service and luxury, where your every need is anticipated.
Uncompromising Standards
Your personal butler is trained in accordance to exacting standards by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, which provides butlers and valets to nobility and celebrities worldwide.
Your Butler will help make your special vacation
the most memorable ever.
A Sandals Butler handles every detail of your vacation with unobtrusive grace. From drawing a rose-petaled candlelit bath to pressing your wardrobe, whatever your whims, your butler is there to make sure every moment of your stay is beyond flawless.
THE SANDALS LUXURY INCLUDED® EXPERIENCE
BEGINS AND ENDS AT CLUB SANDALS.
A place overflowing with extraordinary privileges and exceptional service for concierge guests of Sandals
Resorts in Jamaica.
Extravagance is blended with remarkable amenities that completely redefine genuine hospitality and allow guests to enjoy one-on-one service and complete relaxation in the comfort of a stylish lounge. Club Sandals concierge staff members offer unique insider’s opportunities exclusive to concierge guests and the best recommendations for discovering all that Sandals has to offer…and beyond.
Upon Arrival you will:
Be greeted by Concierge
Be checked-in privately at the Concierge lounge
Be escorted to your room by Concierge
Have a private resort orientation by Concierge
Also Enjoy FREE WiFi Internet access during your stay, a private Concierge Lounge, exclusive Staff Services, Weekly Activities, and more.
FROM THE MOMENT YOU STEP INTO OUR LOBBY,
YOU'LL KNOW THAT WE'VE BEEN EXPECTING YOU.
At Sandals, enjoy the pleasure of luxury and comfort that is above and beyond the norm. Our Luxury Included® Resorts made for two people in love include everything you need for a perfect, worry-free vacation. You'll find our commitment to service excellence is expressed in countless ways–from the first welcome of champagne service and cooling towels, to the extra special touches of our butlers trained to the exacting standards of the Guild of Professional Butlers–all telltale indications that we've been expecting you!
Service
Experience the pinnacle of personalized service at Sandals Resorts and enjoy our industry-leading, uncompromising standard of hospitality every waking moment of your stay.
Training
Great opportunities are available for Sandals staff members through Sandals Corporate University, a program where Sandals Resorts employees can experience reputable education and training programs and in turn, provide you with the best Luxury Included® experience possible
ONLY SANDALS INCLUDES
AS MANY AS 12 BARS PER RESORT.
Unlimited Premium Brand Drinks Are Included 24/7 And Served Everywhere Throughout The Resort
FOR EVERY MOOD THERE'S A BAR TO MATCH IT,
Staffed By Friendly Bartenders Who Are Experts
at Pouring & Mixing the Best Cocktails.
Signature swim-up pool bars
Authentic British pubs
Unique Beachfront bars
Vibrant piano bars
Elegant Restaurant Bars
ONLY SANDALS INCLUDES UNLIMITED DIVING
WITH THE BEST IN EQUIPMENT, STAFF AND UNBELIEVABLE DIVE SITES.
Even if you've never dived before, our PADI Resort Certification Program (nominal fee applies) will have you experiencing a whole new underwater world by the very next day – with all the instruction and equipment you need. Only Sandals takes you to such depths of excitement!
PADI-certified resort dive program
Dive up to twice a day included
Guided dives from 20 To 90 feet
PADI® and DAN® representation on site
Caribbean's best dive sites with reefs and wrecks
Resort certification available*
Reef snorkeling often within wading distance
No Other Resorts Include:
State-of-the-art Newton® Dive Boats
Luxter® or Catalina® Tanks
Silicone masks & Snorkel
Weight belt system
Deep Blue® fins
Dive suits (optional)
Underwater camera &
video Services*
Red Lane Spa, transportation is always included to and from your resorts and the airport included with your stay. And so much more!
Compare that to what you are getting with the others.
New updates on this property next posting.
Monday, July 4, 2016
New Updates to the Echevarria Travel Website - Happy Independence Day July 4th, 2016
Happy Independence Day - July 4th, 2016
USA 240 Years Old
Nelson and I want to wish all of you a Happy Independence Day, from our last weeks here in Brentwood, NY.
Soon we will be writing you from our new home in Lake Nona, which is located in Orlando, FL. Don't worry, you will still be receiving the best customer service and knowledge that you can get from a real travel professional, and not knocking your head against the wall trying to find out the best and worst places to travel to. Not everyone will have the same opinions as you do. So, we are here to help find you the real offers, and explain what the online booking engines may not being doing. The real pictures and videos, not photoshop photos and more.
The topic us updates on the Echevarria Travel website. We have had a new website for about 4 months now, we are always changing to give you better information.
Yes you will find promotions, cruises, and so much more. You will also have a tab to the about us page, where we hope to have more and more reviews from you our clients.
We also have on our home page, a live chat option box for you. If you go there and want to chat with us about your travel questions, please use it. If you want to talk face-to-face, well not exactly, we have Skype and live messenger, or other options for you.
We are always posting the latest in travel news and the industry.
As you know, we offer travel destinations that we specialize in, the places we have been. You don't want to use a travel agent that has never been to China, and that is where you want to go. But that being said, you need to ask, like we ask you. Where do you want to go? How many people are going? How do you want to get there? What do you want to do once you are there? Everyone is different. If we don't know the destination you want to go to. We work with many travel professionals who do, and we can recommend that you reach out to them. I mean really not every doctor or lawyer specializes in your particular issue, but they can recommend one that does.
Now, more updates;
On our home page lists various destinations, usually 5 destinations a day, so you can read about them and decide if you want to go there, also great for the kids to learn about that country, etc; like a travel book. Each day that changes. Also at the very bottom of the home page, we have sign up for our e-newsletter. That way we can send you out information about where we are going and what we are doing.
The chat box is here and is live 10 AM - 7 PM Monday - Friday. Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM, Sundays and Holidays like today we are closed.
We have tours that some of our suppliers are offering and cruises as well.
We have at the top of the website our tabs to the different pages. Home which I just spoke of. Walt Disney Destination, which is our dedicated website for all things Disney from Walt Disney World, Disneyland (California), Disney Cruise Lines, Alunai Resort (Hawaii) and Adventures by Disney. So take a look.
Echevarriatravelblog - Brings you here to out blog website.
Destinations tab - Just put the country or city you want and it will bring up the information on that destination.
Promotions Tab - This just list some of the many suppliers we work with and they have promotions to different destinations. Also we have under the promotions tab, if you put your mouse over it, it has a drop down and has our tour excursion page, where you can book your own cruise tours with Shoretrips.com, great company and they also have great tours for those who have disabilities. blind, deaf, wheelchair, etc.
Cruise tab - Same think only the cruise lines also, same as the promotions tab, it has a drop down, and if we have a group we are hosting for you our clients, the information will be there with all information. These are current and we are taking deposits and payments plans for these trips. So come back often and see what we have.
The rest of our trips and other information will be found in our e-newsletters and on here the blog.
Have a great 4th of July
Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria
Friday, July 1, 2016
Effective July 15th, 2016 new rules at Norwegian Cruise Lines - Guests prohibited from bringing any beverages - including liquor
Valued Travel Partner,
Please be aware of a recent policy going into effect July 15th, which
is being communicated today via email to all currently booked guests.
We ask for your support in communicating this messaging to your clients
who may be sailing with Norwegian in the coming weeks and moving forward.
At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our
guests and crew is our top priority. To ensure a safe and enjoyable
onboard environment for all, guests are prohibited from bringing any
beverages -- including liquor, beer and non-alcoholic drinks such as water,
soda and juices -- on board the company's ships either as carry-on or checked
luggage, with the exception of purified or distilled water in factory-sealed
containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for the
reconstitution of infant formula; and fully sealed and/or corked wine bottles
for personal consumption onboard that is subject to screening and a corkage
fee (for guests 21 years of age or older). Open beverages of any kind must be
consumed or discarded at the security check-point, on embarkation day and at
any port of call.
To provide our guests with a smoother and faster embarkation
experience, we will be implementing this updated policy effective July 15.
This revised policy brings the company in line with other best practice
travel security protocols and reduces the need for individual time consuming
screening and package inspection of large volumes of beverages.
We thank our guests for their understanding, cooperation and
compliance with this change. More information on our beverage policy is
available here.
We appreciate your business and Thank You for your assistance
in communication to your Norwegian Clients.
Best Regards,
Business Development Team
Norwegian Cruise Line
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Planning Trip to Utah and National Parks For End of September 2017.
Planning Trip to Utah and National Parks September 2017.
We Need You To Make It Happen
Since this July 4th Weekend 2016. We thought we would start planning a very USA Trip. We are once again, looking to take you and your friends to the National Parks of the United States.
We last did this back in October 2013 and had a fantastic trip. We flew in and out of Las Vegas, unfortunately, the government had shut down all the National Parks, so our portion of the trip to the Grand Canyon was cancelled. We would love to fly into Las Vegas, Nevada go to the Grand Canyon and end in Salt Lake City, Utah during the end of September beginning of October 2017, but we need you to make this a go!
If you are interested in this trip or if you know anyone else who might, please spread the word. This trip will be for those 21 years and older. We will have deposits dates and payment plans should you need them. We will try and make it as all inclusive as possible.
Planning will start at the end of September 2016. Please contact us at reservations@echevarriatravel.com and let us know you are interested. We will also have it as accessible as possible, for those of you who are blind or disabled, we can accommodate. We can also discuss dietary needs, rentals of wheelchairs and scooters, etc.
We will also be having teleconference calls with everyone interested in helping to plan the trip. Stay tuned to this blog and register for our e-newsletter at reservations@echevarriatravel.com
Enjoy the photos of our trip. I am at the end going to post our videos as well.
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| Group trip to Utah and the National Parks October 9-13, 2013 at Cedar Park National Park |
To contact us - Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com Monday - Friday Eastern Time 10 AM - 7 PM; Saturdays by appointment only; Sundays and Holidays we are closed.
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