Happy New year to all our friends and valued customers

Happy New Year my friends.

I just got back from a week in Aruba. I know I went during the holidays which is the worst time to travel (crowded and expensive), but that is how I knew it was so bad.
Actually we went to Aruba, to the Occidental Grand. It was much better than I expected, and quite enjoyable. Yes, you had to get up at 6am to get a good shady spot by the beach, and yes you had to fight to get into the best restaurants and the best times, but overall, it was a great place.
Aruba is not cheap. My Mom describes Aruba as “civilized”. Everyone who works at the resort speaks a minimum of 4 languages and even when it rained, it cleared up quickly. The beaches are fantastic and if money is no object, go to Aruba with confidence. I guarantee a good time!
While we are on the subject of upscale destinations, there are a few other really nice Islands for you to check out. Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Jamaica (in that order) are still going to give you the most for your money, but maybe you already went to those places. Maybe you know you are going to get a huge tax refund this year, or a distant relative you never even knew left you a boatload of money. Have I got some places for you!
Aruba is great. There are some real five star hotels, like the Hyatt and the Radisson. If you get the Royal Service at the Occidental, it is also a 5 star resort.

My pick of the day is Turks and Caicos. What an unspoiled paradise. There are no big resorts except Beaches (the best family all-inclusive in the Caribbean if you ask me) and an adults only Club Med (just average if you ask me). Turks and Caicos has great condo/hotels and are perfect for honeymooners, couples, and families. It is not a Spring Break destination which also makes it great. It is easy to get to and really low key.
The Royal West Indies resort, the Sands at Grace Bay, The Tuscany, the Regent Palms, are all fantastic and not overpriced. If you want a new place, not all-inclusive, give us a call for a quote. I have a feeling in the next year or two, Americans are going to discover these Islands in a big way which will cause the prices to rise and it may lose some of its charm.

My other hot tip for the New Year is to check the internet, do all your comparison shopping, and then call us before you book. The internet is a great tool, but there are some things the computer just cannot do. Sometimes we have unadvertised specials that are limited in inventory so not put online. The other benefit is that we know the destinations and the resorts. For example, certain resorts have renovated wings or vaulted ceilings on higher floors. We also know which resorts are offering real deals and discounts. Travel Companies have deals and “partnerships” with certain resorts and they may promote those resorts more than others. If you call, we will give you the real deal, and then some.

Last tip for the week: Start planning your Summer vacation now. At least get an idea of what it will cost inclusive of those nasty taxes.


This is not a tip, but a strong suggestion. Enjoy life everyone. Life is so short and unpredictable. My New Years Resolution (one of many) is to work hard and play hard. Life can be really good if you just take time to appreciate it.

Fondly, Beth