Virtual Vacation: Hawaii

My favorite itineraries to put together for clients are ones for Hawaii. I have never been personally, but its a place I hope to travel to someday. So this week let’s go to Hawaii! 

There are eight major islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Kahoolawe and Niihau, with six being open to tourists. For this vacation we are going to virtually island hop around. 

Let’s start our day with a virtual sunrise from Malaekahana Beach on Oahu.

Almost everyone of our client’s who goes to Hawaii wants to visit Pearl Harbor located on Oahu. We often recommend going on your first your day there. Most people who travel to Hawaii will be up early on their first morning as your body is adjusting to the time change and it is a very popular tourist destination, so a good one to visit early in the day. The museum is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 so they have launched  “Pearl Harbor at Home”, an online on-demand digital resource offering historical and educational experiences that can be enjoyed from home. 

 

Cancun All Inclusive Resort: Live Aqua Resort Cancun

Live Aqua is an adults only, all inclusive resort located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. The resort has a relaxing vibe with great dining, a great spa, and friendly service. This is a fun choice for a girlfriend getaway or a couple's trip. The Asian and Italian restaurants were my favorite. I loved that you could order lunch right to your pool chair. The rooms are spacious.

A big thank you to Posadas resorts. Through our travel partnership, I earned a free 7 night stay at the end of February 2020.

Take a sneak peek:

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5.22.20 Travel Update

Today's Travel Update

The  State Department still has a Level 4 Global Health Advisory travel warning.

Cruise - All cruise lines cancelled sailings through the end of July. Princess, Holland America, and Virgin Voyages cancelled cruises into the fall.

On a recent call to report earnings, Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley discussed the return to cruising. He predicted they will start with a few ships sailing from ports where most guests drive to the port. Since the large Oasis-class ships only need to be 30% full to break even and have more space, I think Royal Caribbean will follow Carnival’s lead and launch with their largest ships. It’s still question as to when.

All inclusive resorts -  All countries with all inclusive resorts are still closed . Mexican resorts are hoping to reopen in June. Dominican Republic resorts are hoping to reopen in July.   St Lucia has announced a June 4^th reopening if the guest has certified proof of a COVID negative test. For more island updates, click here for a PDF report from the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

Europe – The European Union extended the ban on non-essential travel through June 15^th. The Union is working on a plan to phase in travel. First, European Union countries would ease restrictions so EU citizens could travel between countries within the EU. However, Greece announced they will reopen to tourists June 15^th. Iceland will reopen its borders June 15^th.  

 
^{Universal Studios/ Disney World - Universal Studios submitted plans yesterday requesting permission to reopen on June 5th. Disney World has not submitted their plans yet.}

So that’s the latest. I still think Wait and See is the best course of action for 2020 travel.

• I am making reservations for Hyatt Ziva and Hyat Zilara all inclusive resorts this fall because they only require a credit card guarantee. Full payment isn't due until 14 days before arrival and you can cancel up to 24 hours before arrival. Plus it's a great deal and these are great resorts.
• For cruises and Europe - I think it's important to wait until the borders open and the ships sail before making reservations for 2020. I have made cruise reservations for large ships in the Caribbean for December 2020 because the final payment date is in September.

 
For 2021, I recommend booking cruises now with a refundable deposit. I can always apply better promotions or rates before final payment.

I think it’s important that you have the most information possible about what your vacation will look like before you leave your home. Will you have to wear a mask? Will you be quarantined upon your entry into the country or back into the USA? What amenities will be restricted? What ports will be open?

Virtual Vacation: Rome, Italy

This week’s virtual vacation is a day in Rome! One of the many highlights of my Transatlantic/ European cruise vacation last summer was a day spent in Rome. I am going to take you through our day virtually with a few additional stops. We toured the Vatican, the Roman Colosseum, and the Roman Forum on that day. There were three other places we didn’t have time to visit that we really wanted to see, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. 

(Outside the Vatican)

TRS Cap Cana Resort Tour

TRS Cap Cana is an adults only all inclusive resort about 15 minutes from the Punta Cana airport. This is a great resort if you love excellent service, dining, and relaxing pool time. It's located right on the marina with a small beach area. The resort will also transfer you to a beach club on a larger beach. The Ambassador Suite is incredible.

A big thank you to TRS Cap Cana for the resort tour.

Take a peek: 

Virtual Vaction: Washington DC

This week, Katy is our tour guide through Washington DC. A reminder that links to the products are affiliate links. This means Trips with Angie earns a small commission if you purchase using that link.

  

One summer, when I was a kid, my parents took us to Washington, D.C. to visit the White House, U.S. Mint, and some of the many monuments and museums. It’s a trip I would like to do with my kids someday so I thought this week we could take a trip there, virtually. 

Have you ever flown into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport? It’s one of the coolest airport landings I have done, flying in between the monuments, the White House, the Capitol building and the Pentagon as you make your descent into the airport. What you see can depend on the side of the plane you are sitting on. Check out this video from a plane of approach and landing. 

  

Now that we have arrived, let’s start with the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, the White House.  

Panama Jack Resorts: Panama Jack Playa del Carmen

 

 

 

Looking for a Playa del Carmen all inclusive resort?

 

Panama Jack Playa del Carmen is a family friendly all inclusive resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen. It's right across the street from Hilton Playa del Carmen. This resort is a great choice if you want to explore the city.  Be sure to explore every nook and cranny. Upstairs you'll find a swim up bar and sushi counter and a rooftop jacuzzi.

 

Filmed: February 2020

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