<![CDATA[  - Blog]]>Mon, 28 May 2012 09:56:13 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[My report from Sandals Emerald Bay, Beaches Turks & Caicos, & Sandals Royal Bahamian!]]>Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:45:21 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/12/just-returned-from-sandals-emerald-bay-beaches-turks-caicos-sandals-royal-bahamian.htmlI'm back from my amazing, whirlwind 3-day, 2-night FAM (familiarization) through Funjet Vacations to 3 islands and 3 Sandals & Beaches Resorts!  Yes, I did pay a fee to participate in this great opportunity, BUT it was at a greatly reduced rate. :)

Coming soon--my photos & highlights from the family-friendly Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, plus the couples-only Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island!

Our first stop-the newest couples-only Sandals Resort, Sandals Emerald Bay Beach Resort & Spa in Great Exuma, Bahamas!

Click here for my many photos from this property!
Picture
This could be your balcony-can you imagine waking up to this view every morning?!
  •  Formerly owned by Four Seasons, it re-opened as the all-butler Sandals Emerald Bay Beach Resort & Spa in January 2010
  • HOWEVER, as of January 2011, this will no longer be an All-Butler resort--they will begin offering Concierge Category rooms as well (no butler, but other amenities like a stocked mini-bar)
  • Yes, the water really is that color and unbelievably CLEAR!  This is an amazing location for scuba diving & snorkeling! Both are included in your price, and certified scuba divers can dive twice a day!
  • The on-site 18-hole Greg Norman designed golf course is not included in the 'luxury included' amenities of this resort, but features 6 signature oceanfront holes!
  • This resort is very isolated (i.e. not a lot of shopping or nightlife nearby), so it's best for couples who are looking for complete relaxation.
  • Receive a cell phone upon arrival to call your butler with any needs--and they're allowed to do anything LEGAL for you, lol!
  • Portions of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie were filmed on the amazing white sand beaches here!
]]>
<![CDATA[Sandals Emerald Bay, Beaches Turks & Caicos, & the Disney Dream]]>Sat, 04 Dec 2010 12:17:21 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/12/sandals-emerald-bay-beaches-turks-caicos-the-disney-dream.htmlHappy Holidays, everyone!

Have you noticed my website changes?  More to come soon, as I am hard at work on both logo and website renovations--a very exciting (and crazy...) time!  Hence the big blank

I have several fun 'FAM' (familiarization) trips coming up in the next month, so stay tuned for my blogs & photos from:
-the new all-butler Sandals Emerald Bay Beach Resort & Spa in Great Exuma, Bahamas
-the family-friendly Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa
-the brand-new Disney Dream ship inspection in early January, even before the inaugural sailing (VERY excited about that one in particular, since this is the Disney Cruise Line's first new ship in over 11 YEARS!)

--Christine]]>
<![CDATA[How the heck do you decide which Sandals or Beaches all-inclusive Caribbean resort is right for YOU?!]]>Sun, 31 Oct 2010 14:04:28 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/10/how-the-heck-do-you-decide-which-sandals-or-beaches-all-inclusive-caribbean-resort-is-right-for-you.htmlHappy Halloween, everyone! 

There's a bit of a chill in the Chicagoland air today--perfect time to talk about a warm, tropical, all-inclusive Sandals or Beaches Resort vacation in the Caribbean! :)

As you may know, if you purchase any Sandals or Beaches Resort vacation of 5 nights or longer by January 31st, 2011, $100 or $250 benefits The Kelly Hutchings Memorial Fund for Cystic Fibrosis!  This is a cause close to my heart, as Kelly was one of my best friends. 

But, there are 13 Sandals Resorts and 4 Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean.  How the heck do you know which is the RIGHT ONE for YOUR vacation?!  And what exactly IS included in 'all-inclusive' vacations at these resorts?! 
Not to worry, I can help!  My wonderful contacts at the Sandals & Beaches Resorts have given us a little 'cheat sheet' for each and every one of their resorts, and I'd love to share some of the helpful hints with you!

ALL Sandals & Beaches Resorts Include: 
-Premium brand alcohol
-Gourmet dining
-Scuba diving (if certified, if not you can take an $80 resort course)
-Snorkeling & non-motorized water sports
-Round-trip airport transfers
-Gratuities
-Golf green fees are included in St. Lucia & Jamaica (Ocho Rios)
-Exchange privileges with all area Sandals & Beaches Resorts, sometimes transfers are even included! 

Now, let's talk about characteristics of the individual resorts and who they might be right for:

JAMAICA 
Sandals Negril:
  located on the best, longest stretch of famed 7-mile beach.  Most rooms are just steps from the beach!  Excellent scuba diving and very 'day oriented', so the nightlife is a little quieter.  Ideal for:  a romantic, laid-back, beach-style vacation.  Walk to Beaches Sandy Bay or transfer to Beaches Negril. 6 restaurants, 5 bars.

Sandals Whitehouse:  3 European villages in the heart of Jamaica, set on the untouched south coast on 2 miles of pristine beach, with the largest pool in Jamaica!  ALL rooms have an ocean view.  Ideal for:  unspoiled, old world Jamaica, a laid-back vacation, with excellent water sports and scuba diving.  7 restaurants, 6 bars.

Sandals Royal Plantation:  All butler service and golf is included!  Nestled on a seaside bluff 25 feet above the Caribbean, and a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World.  Luxurious, but not pretentious, with a 5-star spa and 2 small beaches.  Ideal for:  a romantic and intimate getaway or golfers, with a quiet, relaxing setting. 5 restaurants, 2 bars.

Sandals Royal Caribbean:  Caribbean charm with British traditions, this resort features a private, off-shore island with an exotic Thai restaurant and swim-up pool bar.  Full exchange privileges to 2 nearby Sandals.  Beach is scalloped and not long & wide.  Ideal for:  an easy transfer from airport with an intimate British manor feel.  Off-shore island also has a clothing optional side! 7 restaurants, 5 bars.

Sandals Montego Bay:  Close to the airport in Mobay, this is on Jamaica's largest private white sand beach.  A very upbeat and active resort, with the highest percentage of return guests!  Great for short stays, with exchange privileges at 2 nearby Sandals.  Ideal for:  high-energy, active travelers.  There are 7 restaurants, ALL with views of the ocean, and 5 bars.

Sandals Ochos Rios:  There is a championship golf course nearby and it's included!  Located on the Caribbean Riviera, the beach side of the road.  There is a rock-climbing wall, 2 spas, over 92 pools (?!), and they just spent $21 million in renovations in 2010!  Very intimate, built on a botanical garden, but large in scale.  Ideal for:  a golf vacation & groups (4 couples traveling together can request a villa with a shared pool). 11 restaurants, 10 bars.

Sandals Carlyle (Inn):  This is a true Jamaican bed & breakfast, which is small in size, but big in value!  24-hour room service for all guests and full exchange privileges with 2 nearby Sandals.  There is a public beach across the street.  Ideal for:  a charming, intimate inn-style vacation, which is within walking distance to Montego Bay shops.  Not for those who want quick access to a large, private beach!  3 restaurants, 2 bars.

Beaches Negril:  Set on the widest stretch of Negril's famed 7-mile beach, this resort features Pirate's Island Water Park, with a lazy river and kiddies' splash deck.  There's the ultimate Play X-box 360 Games Garage too!  Great selection of suites and adjoining rooms for families.  Ideal for:  a beach getaway for family and friends with tons to do for kids of all ages, family reunions, and destination weddings. 5 restaurants and 5 bars.

Beaches Boscobel:  Jamaica's ONLY all-inclusive with Golf for Kids!  Picturesque hillside setting with amazing mountain and ocean views.  Ideal for:  family and friend vacations & golfers.  4 restaurants and 6 bars.

Beaches Sandy Bay:  The best value in Negril!  A more intimate resort with ocean views from nearly every room.  Full exchange privileges with Beaches Ngril, giving you 8 dining options, thanks to a complimentary shuttle!  Ideal  for:  intimate beach-style vacation in Negril.  4 restaurants, 2 bars.

ANTIGUA
Sandals Grande Antigua:
  World's Most Romantic Resort 9 years in a row!  Casino gambling within walking distance and many secluded hideaway spots and romantic suites, very popular with honeymooners!  9 restaurants, 8 bars.

ST. LUCIA
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
:  This is set on its own peninsula, surrounded by Caribbean views, has the best beach in St. Lucia!  Most rooms have water views.  Play at 3, stay at 1.  Ideal for:  beach lovers, high-energy, active travelers! They are building a new Greek Village with over-the-water bungalows, so stay tuned for that option! 8 restaurants, 6 bars.

Sandals Regency La Toc:  250 acres of lush, tropical, hilly terrain with dramatic ocean bliss.  One of the largest freshwater swimmig pools in the East Caribbean.  9-hole golf course on-site with complimentary green fees.  Stay at 1, play at all 3 in St. Lucia for a total of 18 restaurants!  Ideal for:  golfers.  A true garden paradise with 9 restaurants & 10 bars.

Sandals Halcyon:  Garden paradise by a tranquil sea-intimate, quaint, and romantic.  The ultimate beach resort!  It has the island's most impressive dining option:  the pier restaurant out over the water.  4 restaurants, 7 bars.

BAHAMAS
Sandals Emerald Bay:
  183 all butler, all oceanfront suites, plus beachfront villas on a 1 mile crescent beach.  3 pools, including one-acre freshwater pool.  Red Lane Spa with 22 indoor treatment areas.  18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course (extra charge).  Ideal for:  those who enjoy a true luxury resort and laid-back beach lovers, golf enthusiasts.

Sandals Royal Bahamian:  Exotic offshore island with a regal mainland resort!  Considered one of the Caribbean's most elegant resorts, with casino gambling nearby. Very tranquil and secluded, with a large beach, plus new beaches on offshore island.  10 restaurants, 9 bars.

TURKS & CAICOS
Beaches Turks & Caicos
:  A 12-mile stretch of powder white sand with 4 distinct villages:  Caribbean, Seaside, French, and Italian Villages (all suites here have bunk beds).  Snorkeling and world-class scuba diving here, with the largest water park of all Beaches Resorts and so much to do for kids and teens.  Family reunion packages available and only 15 minutes from the airport!  16 restaurants,

]]>
<![CDATA[Learn about Some of The World\'s Most Romantic Destinations]]>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 08:32:35 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/10/some-of-the-worlds-most-romantic-destinations.htmlJust in time for Valentine's Day 2011, I will presenting a seminar at the Aurora Public Library-Eola Road Branch on some of the world's most romantic destinations on Wednesday, February 1st, 2011 from 7-8:00 p.m.!  I'll be featuring one local, short drive from the Chicagoland area destination for a quick weekend getaway and 4-5 other destinations worldwide.  There will be land and cruise suggestions for whatever destinations that aren't land-locked! :)

Interested in attending?  There are a limited number of spots available and you must register for this free event here or call the Eola Road Branch at 630-264-3400!  They're even serving chocolates, strawberries, and non-alcoholic fizzy drinks! 
Picture
]]>
<![CDATA[4 days until my World's Largest Cruise Night event at BORDERS in Naperville-join me!]]>Sat, 09 Oct 2010 18:49:36 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/10/4-days-until-my-worlds-largest-cruise-night-event-at-borders-in-naperville-join-me.htmlI can't believe it's almost here!  I'm fresh off my Norwegian Epic and Carnival Liberty ship inspections (photos coming soon!) and am ready help you with your first or next cruise vacation! 

For the World's Largest Cruise Night on Wednesday, October 13th, I have amazing, exclusive deals, tons of brochures, free activity bags for the kids, and great raffle prizes!  Learn something new--for instance, did you know that the cruise lines and I can help you with easy, no-risk fundraising for your organization?  Or that if you put a group cruise together (8 staterooms or more), you can potentially cruise for FREE? 

I'll be raffling off $25, $75, and $100 Onboard Credits that you can use on nearly ANY cruise line and with any promotion, in addition to some fun giveaways from the cruise lines.  No purchase necessary to enter! 

Click here to find out all the details and promotions available (and note that several must be booked on Wednesday, October 13th!) and please contact me with any questions--thanks and hope to see you there!  Bring the whole family!

BORDERS Books & Music
336 S. Route 59 (across from Luigi's House, close to Fox Valley Mall)
Wednesday, October 13th
5-8:00 p.m.

]]>
<![CDATA[Easy Sandals & Beaches Resorts fundraising opportunity for YOUR organization! ]]>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:13:05 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/09/easy-sandals-beaches-resorts-fundraising-opportunity-for-your-organization.htmlPicture
Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Not only can the major cruise lines assist you with your non-profit organization's fundraising efforts, but now the Sandals family of all-inclusive beach resorts can too!  And this offer is happening starting October 1st, 2010, so don't delay on this amazing opportunity!

Here are the basics of the 'Sandals Gives Back' Fundraiser Program (which, as you'll see, I'm contributing too as well! :)  ). 

-This can be done with a school, association, charity, animal rescue, or other non-profit organization!

--For EACH 5-night (or more) booking for a Sandals, Beaches, or Grand Pineapple Resort vacation I receive between October 1st, 2010 and January 31st, 2011, your organization will receive $100.00.  These can be land-only or land & airfare packages for any number of travelers!  You and the travelers would have ONE point of contact for questions and reservations--me! :)

--If you ALSO host a fundraiser event anytime over this 4 month period, such as an Info Night, Caribbean Night, bake sale, etc., Sandals Resorts will add an additional donation of $150 for every vacation package booked within 14 days of this event!  So, this fundraising campaign can potentially raise up to $250 for EACH vacation package sold!

--Travel doesn't have to be completed until January 31st, 2012, which gives everyone lots of time to plan out their vacation plans and not feel pressured.

--I'll provide you with a monthly report of how many bookings have been sold and funds will be issued to you after the bookings have traveled.  That's because the $100 per package comes out of my commission and that's when I get paid!

--Sandals provides brochures, ad slicks, and marketing materials to help you get the word out and I'll help tailor where necessary for your target audience!

These Caribbean all-inclusive resorts offer something for everyone:

Sandals Resorts are adults-only and ideal for destination weddings, vow renewals, honeymoons, second honeymoons, and more!

Beaches Resorts are perfect for families with kids of any age, family reunions, and destination weddings. 

Grand Pineapple Resorts are affordable all-inclusive resorts in Antigua and Negril. 

Ready for YOUR organization to start earning some serious money as people start planning their Summer 2011 travel?  Give me a call and let's do it!

]]>
<![CDATA[KIDS SAIL FREE on select 7-night Disney Caribbean cruises!]]>Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:49:46 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/08/kids-sail-free-on-select-7-night-disney-caribbean-cruises.html
Picture
No, this is not on the new ship (the Disney Dream)-SORRY!  :)

However, this is still an amazing deal!  Keep in mind that the Disney Cruise Line only has 3 ships--2 at the moment!  So, they simply don't have the inventory other cruise lines have, and therefore the deals are fewer and far between AND they go fast...

KIDS SAIL FREE ON SELECT CARIBBEAN CRUISES
Book a verandah (balcony) stateroom and kids ages 17 and under, traveling with two full-fare paying guests in the same stateroom, sail FREE on most 7-night Eastern & Western Caribbean cruises!

Sail Dates:  January 8-March 5, 2011 (excluding February 19 sailing)

Taxes & fees are additional and the number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited (after all, they only have one ship-the Magic-on the Caribbean route!). 

Highlights of a Disney cruise: 
-Visit Castaway Cay, Disney's private island for cruisers, which features a Family Beach, Adults-Only Beach, Scuttle's Cove (ages 3-12), new water park, & more!
-Lots of onboard character experiences (including the princesses!)
-All onboard meals, including soft drinks & room service, are included!
-Amazing live Disney productions, including Toy Story: The Musical

Contact me for a quote and I'll get right back to you! Time is definitely of the essence with this offer.  Any questions about a Disney Cruise Line experience-ask away, as our family went this year and it was an AMAZING CRUISE VACATION!!!
]]>
<![CDATA[Save the Date: join me for the World\'s Largest Cruise Night on 10/13 at Borders in Naperville!]]>Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:47:27 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/08/save-the-date-join-me-for-the-worlds-largest-cruise-night-on-1013-at-borders-in-naperville.htmlPicture
Did you know that less than 20% of Americans have ever cruised?!  Whether you're a first-time cruiser or experiened cruiser looking for your next adventure, come out to Borders in Naperville on Wednesday, October 13th from 5-8:00 p.m. for my World's Largest Cruise Night event!  Put in on your calendar now, so you don't miss out!

What can you expect during my World's Largest Cruise Night event?
-Major promotions from almost every cruise line during the entire month of October, ranging from reduced deposits, onboard credits, and/or free balcony upgrades (and more!)!  Expect even MORE promotions if you book your next cruise on October 13th!  I'll be announcing promotions as they are released on my blog & on Facebook, so stay tuned...

-Giveways and raffle prizes

-The latest in family cruise options (and how they're making your vacation easier!)

-What's so cool about the newest ships?:  the Disney Dream, Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line's Epic, and more!

-Details on how your charity or non-profit organization can benefit when others' cruise!

-Bring the whole family to Borders for this event-I'll have activities to keep the kiddos busy while you browse!

Special thanks to  Michelle Eichenberg & Borders in Naperville for letting me host this event at their wonderful store!  What better opportunity to check out the latest travel guides and select The Perfect Novel to read while lounging and enjoying the Caribbean sunshine on your stateroom's private balcony? 

Looking forward to seeing you there!  :)

]]>
<![CDATA[Cruise ship inspections: what the heck are they & why do I go on them?]]>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:57:58 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/08/cruise-ship-inspections-what-the-heck-are-they-why-do-i-go-on-them.htmlMuch as I'd love to, I'm just not able to take a cruise on every ship, on every cruise line.  Sad, but true...

But, as a travel agent, I am offered opportunities to participate in 'ship inspections' on just about every cruise line!  What the heck IS a ship inspection, anyway?  Basically, we get a scheduled, (usually) guided tour of a particular cruise ship while it is at port, usually combined with lunch onboard.  Every cruise line does things a little differently, some better than others...In general, we get to see a selection of staterooms in various categories, the restaurants, kids' areas, pools, spa, theaters, and  fitness center. 

Because these traditionally take place while the cruise line is preparing to load & depart with a whole ship full of passengers, things can be a bit rushed and we don't always get to see everything we'd like to!  But, it IS a valuable  opportunity to see them in action and that can tell us a lot in itself...

In April, I had the opportunity to participate in ship inspections on the Carnival Freedom and Star Princess, so be sure to check out my photos! 

I will be touring the Carnival Liberty (same class as the Freedom) and BRAND NEW Norwegian EPIC in Miami in September, so stay tuned for more photos and details!
Picture
Yes, I even took a pic of a bidet in a Carnival suite. :)
]]>
<![CDATA[Are cruise deals disappearing? Great Cruise Critic article & my comments!]]>Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:03:48 -0800http://www.nextstopglobal.com/1/post/2010/07/are-cruise-deals-disappearing-great-cruise-critic-article-my-comments.htmlPicture
RCI's Oasis of the Seas Boardwalk Balcony
I want to share a recent Cruise Critic article with you because it has a lot of important points about the realities of booking a cruise these days. 

Here's my take-away from this article:  don't wait for 'The Deal to Eclipse Any and All Other Possible Deals' when you're ready to book a cruise! 

Why?  There are almost always promotions (early booking incentives!) & great deals to be had if you book your cruise 9-12 months in advance.  If you wait, you risk facing:

-Rising cruise fares (Carnival & NCL raised their in Spring 2010-others will follow!)
-Fewer deals/promotions (the cruise lines WANT you to book early, so they can plan better, so their early booking incentives are generally the best!)
-Losing your preferred stateroom category & location

Cruises are still a great deal for your vacation dollar and a wonderful way to eliminate lots of the hassles of vacationing.  Your onboard activities, meals (including room service!), select beverages, entertainment, and accommodations are all included in the price.  Plus, unpack ONCE, and visit multiple destinations in one vacation!  Generally, you pay a deposit of around $100-300 per person, then your final payment isn't due until 90 days prior to sailing.

Want to sail for free (except for taxes)?  Then organize a group cruise, where generally every 16th berth (bed, so basically half a stateroom) is FREE!  A group is a minimum of only 8 staterooms  at double occupancy, which is perfect for family reunions, couples' getaways, multiple families vacationing together, etc. 

A good deal isn't a good deal if it isn't the right cruise line, itinerary, and stateroom category for YOUR needs!  Let me help! :)

]]>