Vacation Express Blog

Big News! No More Hidden Taxes and Fees

Monday, January 30, 2012

If our prices seem higher, it’s because they’re now inclusive of government taxes and fees. In fact, our component prices per se have not increased. The Department of Transportation (DOT) officially unveiled a series of consumer protection rules aimed at increasing transparency and fairness in the airline industry. The rules were proposed last June and took effect last week.

Radisson Aruba Resort - Multi-Million Dollar Renovation Complete

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

One of my all-time favorite Aruba resorts, the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa , located on popular Palm Beach, has completed the final phase of a $30 million property-wide renovation. The comprehensive, two-year renovation program encompassed all guestrooms, suites and public areas. If you've visited this resort in the past and loved it - you're going to want to go back and see what's new - it's quite luxurious and just perfect for couples AND families alike!

My new favorite resort - El Dorado Casitas Royale

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

LOVED LOVED LOVED this resort! My BFF, Diane, and I took our annual girlfriend getaway trip to the Riviera Maya in early December and treated ourselves to the adults only El Dorado Casitas Royale for 4 days of self-indulgent rejuvenation! It was JUST AMAZING - a truly fabulous resort unlike anything I've experienced on the Riviera Maya. As we entered the property (just a short 25 minutes from the airport) – we were immediately wowed by the lushness of the tropical grounds as we entered a seemingly 'other world' - an astoundingly long and winding entrance way held the promise of wonderful surprises at its end. And wonderful surprises there were many!

Enrique Iglesias - see him live in concert for FREE at Moon Palace

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Here’s your chance to catch international sensation Enrique Iglesias in concert at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun. Guests staying at one of five participating resorts will receive two complimentary tickets to his “Euphoria Tour” concert when booking a 7 night or longer stay and traveling between March 4 and March 16, 2012. Free shuttle service will be provided to and from the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, the venue for the March 10, 2012 concert.

Vacation Express Joins Sunwing Travel Group

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Atlanta, December 12, 2011

Vacation Express is delighted to announce that on December 9 it was wholly acquired by Sunwing Travel Group.

The Atlanta-based wholesale Tour Operator becomes the first US-based part of the Sunwing Travel Group, which is headquartered in Toronto, with businesses in Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Karisma Hotels Hosts Fourth Annual Awards Forum

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The weekend of November 16 – 19, Rene Jongmans, President of Vacation Express, LeeAnn Roper, National Sales Manager, and I (Renee Wood, Director of New Business Development) attended Karisma Hotels and Resorts’ Fourth Annual GI Vacation Consultant Awards and Sales and Marketing Forum. The event was held at the El Dorado Royale Resort in the Riviera Maya, and a grand time was had by all. In typical Karisma fashion every single event from check-in to the awards ceremony on Friday evening was spectacular. Invited attendees included top Karisma GI Vacation Consultants from the US and the United Kingdom. Also, Karisma invited its top tour operator partners.

Happy Thanksgiving from Vacation Express!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. No matter what you are giving thanks for this year, it’s a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, share stories and relax. Maybe some of you are traveling to the sunny beaches of Mexico or the Caribbean or maybe you’re discovering the wonders of Costa Rica – if so – we hope you’re traveling with us! You may not be indulging in the traditional Thanksgiving feast while on vacation, but you can be assured of great food and lots of fun (and no dishes to wash)!

Antigua For All Occasions by Casey T. Law

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I just turned forty and wanted to spend my birthday on a quiet beach with no chance of anyone reminding me that I'm "over the hill." I had visited Antigua before, and I knew it would be the perfect place to "forget" about a milestone. It's the perfect destination for anyone else too. While there's a beach on the island for every day of the year and several resorts from which to choose, I recently found myself content with The Verandah Resort & Spa and Sugar Ridge.

Couples Resorts Jamaica is making a difference

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

A little history…Couples Resorts’ founder Abe Issa opened Jamaica’s first year-round resort—Tower Isle Hotel—in 1949 and never looked back. In 1978, he pioneered the all-inclusive concept for couples to the island—blending luxury, romance and value under one roof. Named Couples Ocho Rios (now Couples Tower Isle), it served as the corner stone for building the Couples Resorts brand. Aptly dubbed “The Father of Jamaican Tourism,” Abe understood the importance of creating resorts as luxurious as they are authentic. By intertwining local Caribbean culture, spectacular natural settings and first-rate amenities, he achieved an undeniably successful combination.

Vacation Express' Top 5 All-Inclusive Resorts

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

TripAdvisor recently released its 2011 Travelers’ Choice® Awards lists including its Top 10 Best All Inclusive Hotels IN THE WORLD!! And not surprising to me (but maybe it is to you), FOUR of them are located in Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – and are among our top picks too! We’ve added one we feel should have made the list – and probably will next year as it’s maybe just too new to have been considered for this 2011 award. Check it all out on TripAdvisor.

Fun for all the family! Best tropical resorts for kids and teens

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Vacations = happy families! It's all about sharing fun times together and making memories that will last a lifetime. Kids are never happier than when playing on the beach and splashing about in the pool. And both parents and kids will have a whale of a time at these top family-focused resorts. You'll find spacious accommodations, kids-only facilities, trained counselors, casual kid-friendly dining venues and planned activities for every member of the family. Here's our selection of the top hotels for families with children and teens -

Islands of the Bahamas – Fall/Winter $400 Instant Air Credit Promotion

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Ever-popular Nassau has earned an unparalleled reputation as a "high energy" destination with shopping and casino gaming favorite pastimes. While Nassau is renowned as an exciting island playground, the smaller Out Islands emanate charm and abundant tranquility. The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau and stretching over 100 miles with white sand beaches and amazing crystal-blue waters! People from around the globe are attracted to the Bahamas...isn't it time you checked out what all the fuss is about!

St. Lucia's Smugglers Cove Resort hosts Big Game Weekend Event

Friday, October 21, 2011

Calling all football fanatics! Smugglers Cove Resort and Spa in St. Lucia recently announced their second annual “Big Game Weekend”, February 2-6, 2012. This once in a lifetime experience is an all-inclusive event where guests will be VIP’d for exclusive access to special parties, golf tournaments, football games plus enjoy the ultimate experience of watching the Big Game while on the beach in beautiful St. Lucia.

Part II – Special Interest Vacation Suggestions for Baby Boomers

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

As promised, this blog is devoted to providing some recommendations for the 78 million baby boomers looking for that perfect vacation. Born between 1946 and 1964, this group changed American business at every stage of their development. Diaper services, Barbie dolls, Rolling Stone magazine, relaxed-fit jeans and SUVs - all were created in response to boomers' needs. And clearly many of today’s travel trends have been shaped by the “boomers” as well.

There’s a new star on the Cancun strip

Friday, September 30, 2011

Introducing the all new and exciting all-inclusive Hotel Iberostar Cancún. Those of you who are regular Cancun fans will undoubtedly remember passing by the Hilton Cancun with its impressive Mayan-inspired architecture and onsite golf course, located down at the south end of the hotel zone. Well, effective December 1st, this iconic Cancun hotel reopens flying the Iberostar Hotels and Resorts flag after a $100 million renovation. The acquisition of the Hilton Cancun marks Iberostar’s eighth property in Mexico and first in the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Baby Boomers Just Want to Travel (and Have Fun) - Part I

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Since I just celebrated a momentous birthday milestone this past weekend with a surprise weekend getaway, I got to thinking about what has changed for me over the past couple of decades in regards to travel. And honestly I must say not much has really changed as far as what I like. I still enjoy going to new places – interacting with the local people – enjoying a high level of personalized service - and having FUN! The difference is we can actually afford to splurge a little now (on occasion) and make these realistic priorities.

Caribbean Flavors - Jamaica's Famous Hummingbird Cocktail

Thursday, September 15, 2011

In honor of my cousin who got married in Negril this past weekend … because I know for a fact that the Hummingbird was involved in the celebration! It’s a frozen alcoholic drink served in Jamaica and contains rum cream liqueur, coffee liqueur, strawberry syrup, bananas and milk, and ends up having a smoothie consistency. It’s more like a dessert some might say – because it tastes so good, goes down so easy and it’s pretty too! But don't be fooled - it can sneak up on you. Loved by the ladies and the gents alike.

The Best Vacation Deal Around - Palace Resorts Credit – EXTENDED!

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

This one is definitely worth repeating ... especially since Palace Resorts has enhanced and extended the promotion! So I'm reposting it to remind everyone considering a getaway about this phenomenal deal! Although Vacation Express offers plenty of great deals at some of the best hotels in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica – when asked what I recommend as the BEST deal out there for those looking for a combination of luxury and value...it’s an easy answer for me. Palace Resorts! And their $1500 Resort Credit promotion! Palace Resorts properties are located in some of the most idyllic tropical locations in the world including Cancun, Isla Mujeres, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Riviera Nayarit (Vallarta) in Mexico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic

Mexico: The Place You Thought You Knew

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Just saw some videos of the Mexico Tourism Board's super creative and evocative ad campaign and thought I’d share. I must say it brought back a lot of wonderful memories of trips with our boys when they were younger. I remember one trip in particular with my two sons (husband stayed home that trip – so it was just the three of us). I had planned a quick long weekend getaway to Cancun over some school holiday. And although the boys (16 and 10 at the time) were reluctant to leave their friends and go off to Mexico with their Mom – it ended up being an incredibly special time for all of us. My older son tried parasailing for the first time – and we took a boat tour to Isla Mujeres where we snorkeled off the beach and toured around on a golf cart – we climbed the ruins at amazing Tulum - we went to Xel-ha for more snorkeling fun – and the best thing was they both had a fantastic vacation and couldn’t stop talking about all the fun they had – even if it was just with Mom! To this day, Cancun holds a special place in their memories and they both have been back many times with their own families! Cancun (and the Riviera Maya) is definitely one of those places that grows on you – the more you go the more you discover. There’s always something new to do – something new to see. It’s easy to get to and so comfortable once you get there – yet it’s still worlds away from the everyday. Just a perfect vacation destination in my opinion.

Why use a travel agent...

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

There’s been some chatter about travel agents becoming obsolete … in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. They may have had a slump a couple of years ago with the onslaught of the mega online travel sites – but it’s pretty clear from our perspective that the good ones have regrouped, reassessed and rebounded stronger and more determined than ever to provide a service that’s fast becoming recognized once again as valuable to business as well as leisure travelers. Today’s rededicated travel agents are online-savvy and have learned to use the masses of online tools and information to their advantage, incorporating them into their agency services, rather than caving to the big impersonal, online sites. Today’s travel agents provide real, person-to-person customer service (how novel!) – and their very livelihood depends on their customer’s satisfaction and their subsequent repeat business. Travelers are fast realizing that taking advantage of a travel agent’s expertise can save them a ton of time with clearly happy results – both monetary and emotional. The bottom line is – your travel agent will get to know you personally and will make sure you have “choices” that fit YOU and your specific travel criteria.