Category

Caribbean

Cruising on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady – a wonderfully different experience

By | Caribbean, Cruise | No Comments

Cruising on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady is a cruise like no other

There are many aspects that set Virgin Voyages apart from the rest of the brands in the world of ocean going cruises. Most apparent is that the brand is exclusive to adults only. This alone sets Virgin apart from most other cruiselines, but there are many other things that are different cruising on Virgin.

Dining –

Like other cruise brands, there are a variety or dining options to choose from – more than you will be able to experience in a typical 5 night voyage (unless you are eating your way through the entire cruise) – and the food is very good!

Popular evening dining options include-

  • The Wake (Steakhouse)
  • Extra Virgin (Italian)
  • Gunbae (Korean BBQ)
  • Razzle Dazzle (Vegan forward with a naughy list that allows for adding protein)
  • Many other options (with a total of 20+ eateries) including….

My personal favorite was Pink Agave (Mexican)…excellent traditional Mexican cuisine. Check out the 1st course-

Also notable is that many cruise ships these days offer specialty dining options at a premium price (sometime $65 additional per person) but not on Virgin – it’s all included here! There are some occasional premium items on the menu for special celebrations, but you don’t miss much if you just stick to the menu.

Wellness –

It is apparent early on that a tremendous amount of space, time and equipment that has been dedicated to wellness. Several group classes (Yoga, Spin, Core & more) – all offered complimentary (as opposed to most cruises where group classes incur additional costs), or just do your own thing in terrific workout facilities with excellent equipment and facilities – even a boxing ring.

Relax –

You can relax in your own style – whether it’s taking some time to paint a mural

 

or relax at one of the 2 pools on board…

 

or doing some shopping at one of the unique shops on board….

 

It’s not uncommon to relax on a cruise… but it is uncommon to take a nap in a most comfortable hammock on your own private balcony…

Note – this hammock, along with every other hammock in the fleet, was designed specifically for the ship, and crafted by a group of artisans in a remote village in Northern Thailand…just one of the small things in a long list of commitments to sustainability that is the Virgin way.

Unique Destinations and Itineraries –

Virgin will soon have 3 ships cruising various itineraries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Transatlantic on 4, 5, 7 and longer cruises.

Whether it’s in the Caribbean, or the Mediterranean, there are unique itineraries that feature destinations that you may not have previously experienced (like overnighting in Ibiza for example) or a crown jewel in the Caribbean – the Bimini Beach Club

Bimini Beach Club –

The private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini combines beauty, style, fun and luxe comfort. You can make the day what you want it to be – from full on pool party…

to enjoying excellent food & beverage offerings,  to chilling on a pristine beach and an incredible sunset…

 

Bar Tab –

Virgin’s Bar Tab is a good value for those wanting to add some premium coffees from the baristas or premium alcoholic beverages from the mixologists. Alcohol drinks price resonable to start with (they are not included in the cruise fare and beverage packages are not offered) but you can get a better value by pre-purchasing a Bar Tab for $300 and when you do you get an extra $50 for a total of $350 on-board spend (at the time of writing this post). My wife and I like to enjoy a nice glass of wine (or 2) with dinner, and a pre-dinner cocktail (or 3), and we had plenty of room on our bar tab…even enough to “Shake for Champagne” on the app (where you can literally shake your app to have a bottle of Moet & Chandon deliverd to your specific location on board)!

See much more in the video with some cruise highlights below…

Looking for a Couples’ Getaway? A Bachelor or Bachelorette vacation solution? Looking for a unique way to spend a Honeymoon or a welcoming solution for a vacation friendly to the LGBT community? This may be for you!

There are far too many things to say about the commitment to diversity, the uniqueness in entertainment, and the overall different vibe that is offered by Virgin Voyages, but for full details, best deal, and help all along the way, get with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad

Cruise with the 2 Virgin “Ladies” and EZTravelPad in 2021

By | Caribbean, Cruise, Europe | No Comments

EZTravelPad set to cruise Caribbean and Mediterranean in 2021

Scarlet Lady in Caribbean and Valiant Lady in Mediterranean

Bimini Beach Club on Virgin’s private island in Bahamas

 

Join us on either or both – each will be awesome and unique as we cruise-

  • Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Miami to Bimini Beach Club + Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic
  • Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady from Barcelona to Mallorca, Malaga. Gibralter & an overnight in Ibiza

In case you are not aware, Virgin Voyages is a new brand and a new style of cruising as imagined by Sir Richard Branson.  They brought in some of the world’s best designers to completely re-imagine what an open-ocean cruise is all about. Some of the unique differences include-

  • It is exclusive to adults-only (18+)
  • 20+ unique dining options All-included (and NO buffets!)
  • Unlimited Wifi is included!
  • Group workout classes are included!
  • Basic Bevvies (waters, sodas, juices & more) are included!
  • Gratuities are included!

See more about the Virgin Voyages brand at this link

2020 has been a long year already, and it’s only a little more than 1/2 over with at this point, but here are a couple reasons to look forward to 2021  I know I am!

Dominican Daze

On February 28, 2021 we will set sail from Miami on a 5 night trip to the Caribbean on board Scarlet Lady with this itinerary-

Without a doubt, the highlight is the Bimini Beach Club on Virgin’s private island – it’s all day and most of the evening enjoying an unspoiled beautiful Bahamian paradise

But the best part of this entire cruise experience is the price – starting at just $902 per person based on double occupancy ($1804 total) – complete!

That’s 30% off right now, but that price won’t last long…. so reach out now to EZTravelpad for details

OR

Spanish Obsession

Choose to join us on an epic journey from Barcelona through the Baleaeric Islands and even on to one of the most geographically significant places in human history -Gibraltar

The cruise begins on October 3, 2021 and extends for 7 nights aboard the newest ship in the Virgin fleet – Valiant Lady

The itinerary looks like this-

Amazingly, pricing on this 7 night itinerary starts at a total cruise fare of just $1044 per person based on double occupancy. It’s a steal! But again, it won’t last long. You’re not going to want to miss this….

But wait, there’s more!

Pre-pay your bar tab of $300 before departure (cocktails, beer, wine) and get $350 credit – so $50 more bonus beverage!!

There’s much more to relate….and plenty of questions to answer…like, what are we going to do on Palma de Mallorca for Scott’s 60th? Who is going to get a new tattoo at Squid Ink while on board? and what might we do post-cruise in Barcelona?

Join us on either – or BOTH – it’s gonna be fun!

As always – we are “Your friends….in the travel business”

 

 

COVID-19 Pandemic…. Good Excuse for a Destination Wedding?

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance, Uncategorized | No Comments

Availability to Re-Book Wedding in 2020 is Better at The Beach

One of the less reported but most upsetting aspects of this COVID-19 global pandemic is that so many weddings have been cancelled out of necessity. It’s beyond upsetting to consider how much time and effort so many couples poured into their dream wedding, only to see it undone in no time due to the necessities of social distancing. Just a quick outline reminds us of the work and time invested…..

  • Agreeing on an overall vision
  • Selection of the date
  • Working out the details
  • Contracting vendors
  • Inviting friends & relatives and so much more

And as you know, that’s just the outline of the tip of the iceberg!

If you are one of the very unlucky couples who became the victim of these circumstances then you have probably already begun (or are now considering) the rescheduling process – starting over, nearly from scratch, trying to coordinate schedules with booked-out vendors. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s such a puzzle!

In an additional complication of the calendar – SO MANY people were wanting a 2020 wedding date!

Untold numbers of couples put off what may have been a 2019 wedding in favor of a date ending in 2020. It seemed like a wonderful idea, but then it didn’t.

Since so many couples have booked 2020 weddings, the opportunity to reschedule later in 2020 for those who have had to cancel is greatly diminished, and the backlog for the best vendors is likely to extend deep into 2021 and perhaps beyond.

For some couples, there may exist a solution – and that is a Destination Wedding.

Here are a few reasons why Destination Weddings are so popular-

  1. Destination Weddings are super-easy to plan compared to traditional weddings – most good resorts have excellent weddings departments that specialize in and staff for give couples their “dream day” every day (not just once-a-week or less)
  2. You can combine the wedding and the Honeymoon in an amazing experience at a location in paradise with your loved ones (or just yourselves)
  3. Your wedding (the ceremony part) can be FREE – literally! (and if not entirely free, it can certainly save a ton of $$)
  4. The photo ops are outstanding (and the “trash-the’dress” photo possibilities are SO cool!)
  5. Get married mid-week because, who cares – you’re on vacation!

What Might That Look Like?

Here is a real wedding – at an amazing resort – and it could be a blueprint for your most special day….

 

A Destination Wedding certainly does not HAVE to be on the beach, but it is a really popular option with unlimited possibilities – just a few of which are…

Switching Gears

Since date availability for the remainder of 2020 is going to be at such a premium, and the backlog for venues (those that survive) will be ridiculous, and the vendor(s) that you fell in love with might not be available when you need them to be, THIS year, more than in the past, might be the year to consider a Destination Wedding as a solution to a problem that you could have never anticipated.

Here’s a possibility if you don’t want to put off the big day for too long (like a year or more) –

  1. Get married in paradise with those willing and able to attend
  2. Enjoy a much needed escape and create a memory to hold forever
  3. Plan a nice after-wedding party with those people not able to attend – and share in the joy that you experienced

It might not be for everyone, but for some couples this may be a really good solution.

This may just be the excuse your needed to have the beach dream wedding you always wanted!

If it’s a solution for you, (or you know a friend that it might work for) then contact “Your friends….in the travel business” who just happen to specialize in this type of trip.

When it comes to Destinations Weddings and Honeymoons EZTravelPad is one of the most recognized and respected travel agencies around.

Find out why by contacting us now at this link

 

 

Caribbean Update

By | Blog, Caribbean | No Comments

Post-Hurricanes Irma and Maria Recap of the Caribbean Situation

The past few weeks have been horrific in terms of hurricane related devastation. It truly is unparalleled.

There are tons of photos and videos documenting the widespread destruction – here is just 1

With that in mind I wanted to share a recent update from one of our preferred tour operators – Mark Travel brands

This is a pretty good snapshot of where most of the primary vacations destinations are in terms of impact as of now.


The Mark Travel Corporation

To Our Valued Travel Partners:

To those affected by either Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Maria, we want you to know that we are thinking of you and we are here to support you. As an organization that has been family owned and operated for over 43 years, we consider each of you to be a member of our extended family. And when tragedy strikes you, it strikes all of us as well. During these challenging times, we encourage you to keep the conversation going with your Business Development Manager or Specialist and rely on them for support with issues you and your clients may be facing.

For all our valued travel agents, we want to give you a brief update on the status of several Caribbean islands that were affected by the hurricanes:

Please note: Aruba, Bonaire, Bermuda, Barbados, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis were not impacted by either Hurricane. All hotels are open for business and all off-site venues are operating normally.

Antigua

  • V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is open.
  • Hotels on Antigua are open for business.
  • All activities and off-site venues are operating normally.

Turks & Caicos

  • Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is open.
  • All off-site activities have been suspended at this time.
  • Coral Gardens, Ocean Club, Ocean Club West and Seven Star Resort are open for business.
  • Alexandra Resort, Blue Haven, The Palms, The Sands at Grace Bay and Royal West Indies are currently closed. Exact opening dates are still to be determined, but they are expected to re-open by mid-October.
  • Beaches Turks & Caicos is closed through December 13th, 2017.
  • Additional updates on hotels and off-site activities will be provided in the days ahead.

The Bahamas

  • Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau is open.
  • Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO) is open.
  • Hotels in Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island were not impacted and are open for business.

The US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas

  • Severe damage was sustained across the island.
  • Cyril E. King Airport (STT) remains closed.
  • All off-site activities have been suspended at this time.
  • All hotels are reporting some level of destruction; therefore, hotel inventory has been closed for 2017 and 2018 travel.

St. John

  • All hotels are reporting some level of destruction; therefore, hotel inventory has been closed for 2017 and 2018 travel.

St. Croix

  • Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) is closed.
  • Reopening dates vary by hotel, starting in November 2017 and going into early 2018.

St. Martin

  • Severe damage was sustained across the island.
  • Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) remains closed. Until further notice, the airport is serving as a dedicated hub for emergency and evacuation flights only.
  • All off-site activities have been suspended at this time.
  • All hotels are reporting some level of destruction; therefore, hotel inventory has been closed for 2017 and 2018 travel.

Puerto Rico

  • Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) is open, but operating on a limited schedule from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT.
  • The island is without power making communication with the island challenging.
  • Hotels in San Juan are reporting varying levels of damage; most hotels will reopen in November.
  • Hotels in Rio Mar and Farjado have extended closures through the end of 2017.

Jamaica

  • All Jamaica airports are open.
  • Hotels in Jamaica are open for business.
  • All activities and off-site venues are operating normally.

Dominican Republic

  • All Dominican Republic airports are open.
  • After some minor issues, hotels in the Dominican Republic are now open for business.
  • All activities and off-site venues are operating normally.

Warm regards,

The Mark Travel Corporation

Certainly this does not go into deep detail since some of these destinations (Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico & St Martin) are likely to be significantly disrupted for months and months.

This info also did not touch on cruise ports- keeping in mind that the ports of San Juan, St Thomas and St Maarten are among the busiest and most popular in the Caribbean it will be a long time and a tough road back for these destinations.

We encourage you to do what you are able to do for the people of the impacted areas, and in the Caribbean as a whole. One of the more respected charitable foundations serving the Caribbean has a familiar name – The Sandals Foundation does good work so consider it as a starting point.

If you have specific questions please reach out to “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad – and please don’t stop going to the Caribbean – it is a wonderful region with some amazing destinations, many of which were not impacted at all…

Friends Party at Private Villa – Chic Mansion

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Dining, Luxury, Uncategorized | No Comments

Seriously- how cool would it be to share this amazing mansion with 5 other couples?

This is an 11,500 square-foot luxury house with six stunning guestrooms each with dedicated en suites. As a part of one of the hippest adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic.

The villa offers guests six suite-style bedrooms which mean that you and eleven friends can enjoy the house’s private amenities and the resort’s Diamond Club™ privileges together.

Your stay in the Mansion include luxurious round-trip airport transfers, butler service, private pool cabana with attendant and even a complimentary spa treatment for each guest. The villa has its own private pool, hot tub, patio, sound system and games room with a pool table.

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It’s gorgeous, it’s spacious, and it’s perfect for a private party such as a couples retreat or even to celebrate a Bachelor/Bachelorette party

Check out the Private pool complete with hot tub!!

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Game room is complete with bar, pool table and stripper pole (not pictured)

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Amazing living space with huge screen and more…..

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and when the smallest and least amazing bedroom looks like this….

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oh wait….you also get a private dinner with private chef!

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But remember – this is not just a stand-alone mansion, it’s also located on the same property as one of the coolest 5 Star Adults-Only All-Inclusive resorts in the Caribbean

Dine around outside the mansion at restaurants (included!) featuring cuisine such as

  • Italian
  • Ceviche
  • Steak House
  • Middle Eastern
  • International
  • Pub Grill

…and more

With nightly entertainment, a terrific beach, several bars and even a mermaid pool this is something to experience and share with your friends

All this and you can get in for under $1500 per person for 5 nights!!

So what are you waiting for…get your friends together for the ultimate couples retreat!

Contact “Your friends….in the travel business? at EZTravelPad for more info

 

Caribbean Night & Honeymoon Planning

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance | No Comments

Sandals Resorts are Caribbean’s Best for Romance

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Beaches Resorts are Caribbean’s Best for Families

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“Your friends….in the travel business at EZTravelPad are presenting a Virtual Sandals Caribbean Night event- Wednesday May 10 at 8pm EST – Here’s the link to sign up now or read on for more info

If you have previously experienced the Sandals or Beaches brands of all-inclusive resorts then you no doubt want to experience them again.

If you are planning a Honeymoon or thinking of a Destination Wedding in the Caribbean then Sandals is a “must see” option – and this Sandals & Beaches Virtual Caribbean Night event is perfect for conveniently learning what you need to know PLUS getting the Best Deal + $250 Bonus Spa Credit & maybe even more…read on!.

If you are overdue for some reconnecting time alone with your spouse – but without the kids – then Sandals is a prefect choice!

If you are more interested in an excellent option WITH the kids (and maybe the grandparents as well) then Beaches is the kids’ top pick (and parents love it too)!

No matter what you have in mind, if you are thinking luxury all-inclusive beach resort in the English speaking Caribbean then Sandals and Beaches are top choices on islands including-

  • Jamaica
  • St Lucia
  • Turks & Caicos
  • Antigua
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Grenada

Learn what you need to know by attending this webinar style event from the comfort of your own home or office

Ask questions of the pros, listen to other couples’ questions, understand what separates one destination from the next, and how each Sandals or Beaches resort has it’s own look, feel & vibe uniquely different from every other one….and best of all score a bonus spa credit of $250 for attending (and making a qualified reservation) on top of the best Sandals-direct pricing available, and possibly even grabbing a bonus on top of that!

Use this link to register now – do it today while space is available – we won’t be doing another event like this for a few more months and with Sandals Resorts booking early is your best bet!

If you have questions please get in touch with Scott at EZTravelPad (your host for this event)

Cruise to Cuba – FINALLY it’s a great DEAL!

By | Adventure, Caribbean, Cruise | No Comments

Ready to Cruise to Cuba?

– A night in Havana along with a day at Great Stirrup Cay in Bahamas is a great combo!

NCL Breakaway at Great Stirrup Cay

NCL Breakaway at Great Stirrup Cay

 

Be among the first to see Cuba as it is, before tourism changes it forever

Norwegian is cruising to Cuba starting May 2017 – here are some details

Starting in May, 2017, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering 4 Day cruises to Havana, Cuba (with an overnight stay) and their own private island, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas starting at just $529 per person (before taxes, fees and port expenses):
Interior- $529
Oceanview- $629
Balcony- $929
Suites- $1839 (book soon because suites are selling fast!)
Guests are currently receiving an all-inclusive, unlimited beverage package as well as onboard credits!
Entertainment for the whole family including the Guppies Program for infants 6 months to 2 years; Splash Academy (ages 3-12); The Zone (ages 13-17); a children’s pool and family pool; video arcade; nighttime entertainment; Active options such as a basketball/volleyball court, golf driving net, jogging/walking track, fitness center; Relaxing options for adults such as the Mandara Spa and 5 hot tubs; Not to mention onboard shopping, an internet cafe, the Mark Twain Library and of course the Sky Club Casino!
Don’t miss out on unforgettable excursions in Havana including tours to Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (world-class art collection) and many other historic tours; Rum, Cigars and Art Tours; Dining at family-owned restaurants for authentic Cuban fare; Music and Dancing shows; and of course shopping!
Tours in Great Stirrup Cay offering many water activities such as Wave Runners, snorkeling opportunities to see a vast variety of fish, stingrays and more, Dolphin encounters and the beautiful white sand beaches!
Treat yourself to one (or all!) of 3 specialty restaurants including Cagney’s Steakhouse, Italian cuisine at Il Adagio or French cuisine at Le Bistro.

 

Get with “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad TODAY – don’t miss the boat on this great opportunity!!

For Caribbean’s Best Honeymoon Experience

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance, Uncategorized | No Comments

Learn how we can help you plan the perfect Honeymoon or Destination Wedding at Virtual Sandals Caribbean Night

Sandals Royal Caribbean (2)

Tune in to our live webinar at 8pm EST on Wednesday October 19, 2016 to learn what the Sandals experience is all about during Sandals Virtual Caribbean Night event.

For decades Sandals resorts have been synonymous with romance on some of the Caribbean’s best islands, learn why Sandals luxury included resorts are so often couples’ first choice when thinking about Honeymoons, Destination Weddings & romantic vacation experiences in the Caribbean

EZTravelPad is one of a select group of Certified Sandals Specialist agencies and teams with Sandals Resorts to bring you this unique event and opportunity to learn why Sandals may be your best choice for your next trip to the Caribbean

Learn-

  • What the Sandals experience is all about and why it’s different
  • Which islands Sandals resorts call home
  • What differentiates each resort with varying inclusions and unique personalities
  • How you can earn an additional $250 spa credit (and maybe even another surprise perk!) simply by attending

This 45-60 minute presentation is offered to you free of charge and from the comfort of your own home – register now by using this link

Ask all the questions you like and learn from others – gain vast knowledge – score a great deal!

The EZTravelPad team hopes that you are able to join us in sharing one of the best resort experiences anywhere and why Sandals might be your best option for the most important trip of your life…YOUR Honeymoon or Destination Wedding!!

 

The Sandals Vacation Experience – in Video

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Honeymoons and Weddings, Romance | No Comments

Sandals Luxury Included Vacations – Best in Caribbean?

You Decide…(with some help)

If you have been to a Sandals resort in the Caribbean for your Honeymoon – or anniversary – or wedding – or a friend’s wedding – or a friends getaway – then you know what it’s all about. Fun – Romance – Relaxation – Quality – Dining – Drinking – and doing everything you can fit in within a few short days

If you haven’t then this video does a pretty good job of highlighting what it’s all about

As a Sandals Certified Specialist (Gold Level) for several years now I usually run into the the same few questions people have, which are-

Q1 – Is it right for me?

Q2 – Is it worth the money?

Q3 – What about ____? (Q #3 can be about anything you can imagine)

 

Here are the answers…..

Q1 – it depends on what you are looking for…if you want to take 2 swimming suits and 3 or 4 T-shirts and a pair of flip flops and live on the beach drinking beer for a week then probably not……

BUT if you are interested in

  • Great entertainment
  • Myriad dining options
  • Good quality beverage options (and no, the drinks are not “watered down” although ice does have a tendency to melt quickly under the Caribbean sun)
  • Land sports
  • Water sports
  • Dancing
  • Singing
  • Making new friends

and more…..in a nice accommodation in paradise then it sure might be – so consult with your travel pro for their advice

 

Q2 – Is it worth it? That’s a tough one…..

  • is a Lexus worth it? (a used Kia is way less money and usually will get you where you are going)
  • is an iPhone worth it? (you can still buy a burner phone with prepaid minutes at Walmart and make phone calls until your minutes run out)
  • is a high end steakhouse worth it? (you can get the same nutritional value for much less at Texas Roadhouse)

So why go with the premier brand?

It looks better….it tastes better… it smells better….if feels better….and most importantly, it makes you feel better about yourself!

So why should you cheap out on your vacation? It’s your TIME we are talking about here – life’s most precious commodity so don’t waste it on a substandard experience

Are there other options? Of course – that’s why you should consult with your travel adviser to see if Sandals is the best fit for YOU

Q3 – What about ___? – ask your travel adviser!! That’s what they are for….

Helping you all the way along (not just with the purchase, most anybody CAN do that on their own) – it’s the advice and the guidance and the expertise and the piece of mind that a travel pro gives you that you cannot get on your own…even if you spend your entire life on Tripadvisor

*Disclaimer* I am biased – I think everyone should use a travel pro to help guide them on life’s most important vacations. You might not need a travel agent to help you book a flight from Houston to Salt Lake City for your cousin’s 21st birthday party….but if you are spending a few thousand or more on a luxury vacation to just about anywhere then a travel pro who can make sure you get the best deal possible, add value along the way – and charge $0 fees is kind of a no-brainer

For help on your next big trip reach out to EZTravelPad – pick your pro at this link 

Zika Virus and Alaska….an inevitable link?

By | Alaska Cruise, Caribbean, Romance, Travel Tips | No Comments

What?     Zika Virus in Alaska?

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - Alaska

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – Alaska

 

Well…..not yet, and entirely improbable because the variety of mosquito that carries the Zika Virus lives in the tropics, so until Alaska becomes a tropical climate (after we are all long gone and forgotten) then I don’t think that will happen.

So why the provocative headline?

Simple…because if and when Zika is confirmed to have been transmitted in the state of Florida (and when could be very soon) then the map of the world where Zika has been confirmed to have been transmitted will also include Alaska because Alaska and Florida are both in the United States – follow the logic?

So where is safe to go? Where isn’t it safe to go?

As of the latest update from Sandals resorts (the Caribbean’s leader in adults-only all-inclusive resort vacations) there have been a total of only 4 reported cases of confirmed Zika transmission within the 8 islands in which Sandals operates (3 in Barbados and 1 in Jamaica – so that means 0 cases throughout the islands of the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, St Lucia and Grenada)

The Mexico Tourism Board reports 56 of the 65 reported cases to be in the most remote states and 0 reported cases in the very popular tourist areas of either Cancun / Riviera Maya or Los Cabos. Those areas appear to be “guilty by association”. Bear in mind that the resort areas are going above and beyond in controlling mosquito populations as well. See this link for more and see an excerpt below-

“Negrete noted that the Zika maps that have been released by the CDC simply show entire countries where there have been reported Zika cases, rather than pinpointing where Zika has been found within those countries.”

So what is the conclusion? We don’t know…it is too early to know conclusively whether or not there is a definitive link between Zika Virus and Microcephaly (the disease that can cause babies to be born with abnormally small heads and other conditions), and if there is proven to be a link then knowing definitively where it’s safe (and not safe) to live & play can still be a moving target.

So what can you do to be safe? Make your own decisions – read – ask  – think. If you decide that it’s likely safe for you to vacation at an all-inclusive resort that is taking extraordinary precautions to ensure your safety then you’ll most likely be fine….and if you decide that you don’t want to take that risk because you are thinking of becoming pregnant then EZTravelPad can also help you with a cruise in Alaska where you should be perfectly safe (as long as you’re not eaten by a bear)

Here’s a link to MUCH more info from the World Health Organization

For complimentary help with vacation planning and a best price guarantee contact “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad