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“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.”
– Robert Louis Stevenson
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I'm just returning from another vacation, and I've had to stop and be thankful for all of the places in this world I've had the blessing to visit. Then I ask, "Where to next?"
Once one has caught the "travel bug," they are constantly thinking about where they want to go next or what they'd like to see. Life is short, and we need to prioritize our next vacation.
There are other benefits to traveling too, not just seeing the next destination.
Travel can make you happier. This isn't completely due to getting away from the daily grind and routines, but also by giving you something to look forward to in the future. A study from Cornell University states that "money spent on doing something (called "experiential purchases") will leave you with a longer lasting sense of happiness than money spent on having something (called "material purchases").
You are able to disconnect and recharge, which in turn relieves stress and anxiety. Researchers have found that even a short three-day getaway has positive and immediate benefits that will last quite a while after returning home.
Another advantage is that you are exposed to new things because you're stepping outside of your comfort zone, even if your getaway is nearby.
Mark Twain said it best, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
Finally, travel can make you physically healthier and boost your creativity. According to a study by the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the US Travel Association, travel decreases the risk of heart attacks and makes your brain healthier.
So, what are you waiting for? Tomorrow is not promised. Choose that favorite vacation on your bucket list and get in touch with me so we can put together your dream vacation. Just planning will energize and make you feel better.
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Eilers, Christian. 2021. “Why Is Travel Important? Here Are 7 Important Benefits of Traveling.” Goodwall Blog. March 16. https://www.goodwall.io/blog/benefits-of-traveling/.
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AIRLINE SEATS HAVE TO BE THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS IN THE WORLD | |
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Another thing I realize as I sit here typing this newsletter, following my recent vacation, is that my "rear" hurts. Airplane seats are simply awful, unless you're fortunate enough to fly in premium seating.
Not only does my back side hurt but so does my back. There is no legroom, even when paying for the "extra legroom" seats, and the seats are so narrow that you'd have to be about a foot wide and four feet tall to comfortably sit in them. The average seat width in an economy seat is 17–18 inches. And the average seat pitch, which determines the legroom, is 30 - 31 inches. Unfortunately, neither of these apply to me.
Who wouldn't pay more for a seat that is more comfortable? Just think if they were all two seats wide on each side and had enough legroom to sit with your legs crossed, if you choose. But that's the problem, because most passengers would rather pay less to travel, which is the main reason the seats are what they are today. So, the consumer provides positive reinforcement for the airlines to find ways to lower costs, and we suffer because of it.
Seats also have to be light enough to avoid higher fuel consumption, which can account for 20–45% of the operating costs. The seats have to be not only lightweight but also strong and fire retardant. And therefore, that means less padding. I'm not sure which is more uncomfortable, an airline seat in economy or a wooden bleacher seat.
According to The Points Guy, these are the best economy seats on domestic flights.
- Jet Blue: the most spacious seats
- Delta: seats may not be larger than competitors, but a more consistent fleet with in-flight entertainment screens and in-seat power options
- Southwest: decent seat dimensions and inexpensive Wi-Fi make up for the lack of seatback entertainment, though there's no power on board
- Alaska Airlines: relatively roomy seat footprints, power at each seat and consistency throughout the fleet, but no seatback entertainment
- American: fairly standard experience boosted by excellent fleetwide Wi-Fi
- United: some of the narrowest seats around and spotty inflight power
- Hawaiian: seats themselves are nice enough, but there are no AC outlets and only paid entertainment on many flights
- Spirit: tiny seats and few amenities
- Frontier: seat pitch is 28 - 29 inches
So, in other words, I guess you get what you pay for.
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Rosen, E. - Rosen, Eric. 2022. “TPG’s Picks for the Best Economy Seats on Domestic Flights.” The Points Guy. February 16. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-domestic-economy-seats/.
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JAMAICA
Whether you’re up for an adventure, ready to tie the knot, or simply want some rest and relaxation in paradise, we’re the island of happy days, vivid nights, and dreams that come true.
Paradise in Jamaica can be whatever you want it to be – lose yourself in the adventure and take it all in. Get back to nature in the magic of our rainforests, which seem to be as alive as any of the tropical animals that live there.
Take your loved ones to hike the Blue Mountains and look at the world through new eyes. Meet our friendly people, try our food, and watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea to the sound of slow reggae rhythms and good times.
Montego Bay, affectionately nicknamed "MoBay", is the second largest city in Jamaica and is considered the epicenter of tourism there. Many travelers coming to the Caribbean island arrive in Montego Bay at the Sangster International Airport, which handles nine million passengers every year. Montego Bay is known for much more than its busy airport. Doctor’s Cave Beach, the city’s most famous beach, is very popular with travelers who love its miles of white sand and crystal clear water. Visitors must pay for admission to the beach through the Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club, but they can then enjoy many amenities, including a food court, a bar and grill, water sports, and the ability to rent equipment to use on the beach, such as snorkeling gear, beach chairs, and towels. So the admission is well worth it.
Gloucester Avenue, also known as the Hip Strip, is parallel to the shoreline and a hub for tourists. It’s packed with shops, bars, restaurants, and clubs – all the nightlife a traveler could be looking for.
Another must-see area in Montego Bay is Church Street, which is considered the most picturesque street in the city. It is home to many interesting buildings, including the St. James Parish Church, an historic church built in the late 1700s and rebuilt in 1957 after being damaged in an earthquake. The church contains beautiful stained glass and marble monuments. Another historical marker worthy of a visit is Sam Sharpe Square, located in the center of Montego Bay. It’s lined with Georgian-style buildings contrasted by modern structures and is a busy area full of vendors and travelers.
On Jamaica's west coast, just an hour's drive from the airport in Montego Bay is Negril, known as a laid-back city with a reputation for being chilled out, travelers to Negril will find many opportunities for fun and relaxation, complete with luscious ocean views.
Negril has the island of Jamaica's longest stretch of powdery white beach, appropriately named Seven Mile Beach. It is consistently rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world. The north end of the beach is where most of the all-inclusive resorts are and the south end has smaller boutique hotels that are commonly family-run. Seven Mile Beach gives travelers many diverse accommodation choices.
Travelers looking for exciting nightlife will be perfectly happy in Negril. The epicenter of nightly entertainment is Norman Manley Boulevard. Nightclubs, live music, dancing, and restaurants abound on the street and surely should not be missed. It’s easy to find live music any night of the week, from live reggae on the beach to jazz and blues on a hotel patio.
Affectionately called “Ochi” by the locals, Ocho Rios is the second most popular tourist town on the north coast of Jamaica. It's normally a laidback city, but can get a bit crowded when a cruise ship docks, as Ocho Rios is home to Jamaica’s most-visited cruise ship port. The city offers many adventures, as it sits on the edge of the rain forest in a sheltered bay with breathtaking mountains in the background.
A visit to Dunn's River Falls, one of Jamaica's most-photographed attractions, gives travelers the opportunity to explore almost 600 feet of terraced water falls. They can climb up the limestone rocks and then slide down smooth parts into the refreshing lagoons below. It is a beautiful spot on the island and should not be missed.
At Mystic Mountain, one of the top attractions in Ocho Rios, visitors can take a single person roller coaster ride through the rain forest, inspired by the Jamaican bobsled Olympic team. Or visitors can zip line through the rain forest canopy and see some of the best views of the forest.
Another adventurous activity is a visit to Dolphin Cove, a 3-acre marine park surrounded by lush tropical rain forest, to swim with dolphins in a natural ocean cove. More daring visitors can swim with Caribbean sharks, having the chance to hold and feed them.
For history lovers, there is no shortage of activities in Ocho Rios. The Seville Greathouse Museum is situated on a 300-acre property and is said to be the place where one of the first encounters among people from the Americas, Africa, and Europe took place. Today, it is newly refurbished and open for tours for visitors to learn about Jamaica's history.
Another popular historical landmark is the small village of Nine Mile – the birthplace and final resting place of reggae legend Bob Marley. Nine Mile has a small museum and the mausoleum where Marley is buried. Tours of the village offer stories of Marley's life as well as insights into the Rastafarian religion.
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FEATURED JAMAICA VACATIONS | |
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Experience the convenience of these new non-stop flights with American Airlines every Wednesday and Saturday, directly from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ).
Our resorts in Ocho Rios, only a brief 15-minute drive from the airport, offer unmatched accessibility saving you valuable time and allowing you to make the most of your resort experience.
AIRFARE STARTING FROM: $352
Subject to change and availability.
| LOVE AND LET FLY AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING RESORTS | |
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SANDALS OCHI
A True Garden of Eden in the Heart of Jamaica
Modern chic and private exclusivity, meet in the heart of Jamaica in a resort that features the best of both worlds. On one side of paradise, discover the beachside Caribbean Riviera with a hot beach club. On the more serene side, true romance spans over a 100-acre Garden of Eden full of private escapes and the elite Butler Village. Designed to bring you closer to the water’s edge than any other all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios, you’ll enjoy a total of 11 unique bars - including the Caribbean’s first speakeasy - 16 trend-worthy eateries, and challenging greens at the nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club. Either way you go, there’s unsurpassed privacy when you want it, and thrilling activity and nightlife when you don’t. All-inclusive, all the time. Ocho Rios’ premier luxury destination has truly arrived.
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SANDALS ROYAL PLANTATION
All Butler. All Suite. All Oceanview Boutique Resort
The award-winning, all-butler beach resort in Jamaica of just 74 ocean-view suites, is perfectly tucked into a magnificent coral bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. A well-known preferred destination for the international jet set and literary elite, the casual island elegance and authentic Jamaican vibe of this boutique resort in Ocho Rios make it forever down to earth, while still shining with the glow of a hidden gem. Days begin to blend as your beachside, butler-served relaxation takes over. A retro-chic sophistication is a flawless backdrop for the roaming peacocks, afternoon tea and manicured lawns while the famed nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club serves as the ideal sporty escape. Feel the historic creative energies of the culture mix with fresh innovations like Jamaica’s only caviar & Champagne bar, and it’s the perfect recipe for what makes Sandals Royal Plantation Ocho Rios’ best luxury all-inclusive resort.
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SANDALS DUNN'S RIVER
Let the Allure of the Magical Place Pull You In
On the north coast of Jamaica, rivers meander through forests and rushing waterfalls wash over the landscape. In this secluded spot, filled with the Earth’s abundance, love flows naturally. Hand-picked by our founder for its pristine beach and its close distance to Jamaica’s spectacular natural wonder… Now, completely reimagined, Sandals Dunn's River resort in Ocho Rios returns to the Sandals Family.
The resort reopened in May 2023 and is being completely reimagined, and will be one of the most impressive resorts in Jamaica.
Guests of Sandals Dunn's River get full access to Sandals Ochi and it's amenities, restaurants and bars.
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Beaches Ocho Rios
Family Beachfront Getaway with Intimate Private Beach
Beaches Ocho Rios has something for everyone in the family. If you're game for "surf & turf," from a huge action-adventure waterpark to championship golf for the whole family, look no further than Beaches Ocho Rios all-inclusive resort, voted among the Top 10 Best Beach Resorts by Parents magazine. Twenty-two acres of lush tropical gardens, a gorgeous private white-sand beach, seven gourmet restaurants, five fantastic swimming pools, a dedicated scuba practice pool and an entire ocean of watersports are just a few of the places & things to explore.
If you're looking for a family beachfront getaway with an intimate private beach, a Pirates Island Waterpark, extra large accommodations, the only all-inclusive golf program for kids and near Jamaica's best attractions, Beaches Ocho Rios is for you.
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Tucked away on its own private beach and in the upscale Rose Hall neighborhood, Zoëtry® Montego Bay Jamaica is an iconic island paradise with a laid-back Caribbean casual atmosphere. With only 49 luxury suites and rooms, it is the five-star boutique resort of choice for delivering personalized service, luxury amenities, and enriching experiences inspired by the colors, sounds, and tastes of Jamaica. The unique architecture of the three main buildings – Wood & Water, Bamboo and Blue Mountain – is our nod to Jamaica’s ecological tapestry, commitment to guests’ well-being, and bringing harmony and beauty of nature to this coastal setting.
Vacation Includes: Roundtrip Nonstop Air, 6 Nights All-Inclusive Accommodations, & Roundtrip Shared Ground Transfers
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Serving connoisseurs for travel since 1977, Journese embodies the promise of exquisite journey, with fine travel made seamless and effortless through experienced Destination Specialists
Our travel experts personally visit and handpick the world's finest properties, establishing supplier relationships to ensure VIP treatment at premier resorts, Private Retreats℠, private resort residences, luxury vacation rentals, trains and cruises. We offer journeys to Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central & South America, Cook Islands, Europe, Fiji, Maldives, Mexico, Middle East, New Zealand, Tahiti, the Hawaiian Islands and the United States. Journese is a member of the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) and participates in the $1 million travelers' assistance program.
From all-inclusive and adults-only resorts to boutique hotels, private villas, chartered yacht voyages, cruises and train journeys, our exclusively four- and five-star portfolio across more than 70 countries is full of exquisite options. First-class air, car rentals, private transfers, immersive excursions including private options ... our brand ensures you the highest quality products every step of the way.
We believe each vacation should be an inspiring journey, full of immersive experiences and world-class pampering. With a range of air options including first and business classes; four-and five-star resorts; hand-selected villas, private resort residences and homes collection; luxury vacation rentals including condominiums; private transfers; immersive excursions including private activities, guided vacations and mini-packages, we have everything you need to make each journey unforgettable.
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Just a Sample of Benefits of Journese | | |
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Real-time Rates & Availability | |
Contracted & Boutique Groups | |
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Don’t put off that dream vacation any longer. With this limited-time offer, you can save big on epic sailings to top destinations. Jump into the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean. Take the whole family on an Alaska adventure. Transit the iconic Panama Canal. Explore Europe with the ones you love. And since 3rd and 4th guests sail free (excluding taxes, fees and port expenses), that means savings for the whole crew. This deal won’t last long, so hurry to seas the day.
Full speed ahead into big savings
Offer valid: March 1 – May 31, 2024
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Valid for stays select nights Sunday – Thursday 4/11/24-11/26/24, 12/1/24-12/18/24, and 1/5/25-3/6/25.
Based on two (2) adults and two (2) children (ages 17 and under) with a 5-night stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel in a standard room with a 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park Promo Ticket.
Rates are higher on Friday and Saturday nights.
Limited availability, restrictions apply.
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One Last Thing . . . Travel Tip | |
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As professional travel advisors, it's our job to stay up-to-date and keep you informed about the ever-changing world of travel. This issue's topic is ...
~ What to Do if Your Flight is Canceled ~
Flights get canceled; it's an inherent part of travel. Sometimes it's just one flight due to a labor shortage, other times it's hundreds of flights after a computer malfunction. When it happens to you, what should you do first?
If Save the Date Vacations booked your flight, your first call should be to me. I will handle not only rebooking your flight, but I can also notify any airport transportation services and hotels we might have booked for you at your final destination. I can also get you into a nearby hotel if you need to stay overnight.
If you booked the flight on your own, it's wise to act fast when your flight is canceled. If you're at the airport, find the airline's service desk and join the queue that's surely gathering there. While in line, quickly find and review the airline's cancellation policy to make sure you know what you're entitled to. The Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide a full refund in many cases.
While you wait, you can also contact an airline representative via phone or social media to rebook your flight quickly. Pro tip: most people will call the airline's US based number, so find an international number for your airline in Canada, Mexico or England to possibly reach an agent sooner. They're all working with the same reservation system, so international agents can assist you just as well as the agents at the desk.
If the line is too long, look for a self-service kiosk to scan your boarding pass. Many kiosks have the functionality to switch your flight then and there. The quicker you handle this problem, the faster you can secure new seats and keep your vacation on track.
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SAVE THE DATE VACATIONS LLC d/b/a Save the Date Vacations | | | | |
