Category

Caribbean

Apr 18
0

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!!

Oct 01
0

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!!

 

Jun 06
0

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 

Mar 22
0

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

Feb 29
0

Sandals Caribbean Night & your Honeymoon

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

Here’s your chance to learn why Sandals Resorts are the Caribbean’s top choice for Honeymoons and Romance Travel

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For decades Sandals Resorts have been the top choice for Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, and other romantic escapes to the Caribbean.

Why? – The answer is simple…they consistently provide a surprisingly affordable luxury resort experience where food, fun and romance are carefully intertwined to create a memorable vacation experience at some the the Caribbean’s top beaches on the best islands.

Every so often EZTravelPad partners with Sandals Resorts to offer a short presentation describing the Sandals Luxury Included experience-

  • What separates Sandals from competitors
  • Descriptions of the myriad inclusions
  • Where Sandals Resorts are located
  • What the Sandals experience is all about
  • and much more…even the potential for a bonus spa credit of up to $250!!

The next presentation is located in the most convenient place that you can imagine….your living room, or kitchen, or office (that’s right – it’s online!).  It’s a fast paced webinar style presentation lasting about 45 minutes that provides a ton of info, and also gives YOU the opportunity to directly ask one of Sandals top representatives any questions you like – it’s a great opportunity to learn and earn!

The presentation will take place on Wednesday March 16 at 8PM Eastern Time

To register for this event simply click this link

You’ll be glad that you did!

We hope to “see” you there then

Feb 08
0

Greg Norman on Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course

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

Golf Enthusiasts Wanted at Greg Norman Designed Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Course

Sick of the cold weather? Ready for a break – and a round of golf on the most gorgeous course in the Caribbean?

Maybe it’s time to hit the links at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf course on Great Exuma in the Bahamas. But don’t hear it from me, let Greg Norman tell you why….

By the way, if you saw The Golf Channel’s Big Break Bahamas series, you know how gorgeous this place is…

Sure, you can book it yourself, but why pay too much and worry about whether you are selecting the room category that best suites your needs? Get a little help from “Your friends….in the travel business” let EZTravelpad help with the little details, and even the tee times! You just pack your bags and get ready to relax in the sunshine!

Jan 30
0

Pick YOUR Honeymoon at “Virtual” Sandals Caribbean Night – Feb 10, 2016 – Join us!

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

plan early 1

Does your Honeymoon vision look like like the photo above?

If so then the Sandals Resort experience may be for you!

Here is a special invitation from EZTravelPad and Sandals Resorts – to experience Indiana’s first ever “Virtual Sandals Caribbean Night” event

Join us from the comfort of your own home (or office) while you learn about the Sandals experience, what differentiates the locations in the Caribbean where the Sandals resorts exist, and a little bit about each resort in order to help determine which might be the best fit for you……and find out how you can qualify for a bonus $250 spa credit on top of all of the other great specials!

It’s simple – just register at this link for the event on Wednesday February 10th at 6:30PM
The presentation will last only about 45 minutes or so and allows for plenty of time for you to ask as many questions as you like.

Join us from the comfort of your home as Indiana’s best Honeymoon specialists team up with the Caribbean’s best resorts for romance – it couldn’t be more convenient – or more rewarding!

Share this link with a friend who might also be interested (the presentation is appropriate for everyone celebrating a Honeymoon, Anniversary, Destination Wedding, or even friends getaway)

Find out how “Your friends….in the travel business” at EZTravelPad can help you have a better experience and SAVE!
If you have questions or any trouble with the link just call or email Scott
317-731-2293 or scott@eztravelpad.com

“See” you then!
Jan 27
0

Beaches Resorts Offers Sesame Street Characters & Tuck-In Service!

By | All-Inclusive Resorts, Caribbean, Family Travel | No Comments

Sesame Street Character at Beaches Resorts Work Overtime for YOU

 

IMG_0194

Beaches Resorts is widely acknowledged as the leader in high quality family friendly Caribbean vacations. Why?

  • Quality
  • Consistency
  • Location
  • Repeat Business

But you probably already knew that. You also probably already knew that Beaches Resorts is the family friendly compliment to the Sandals Resorts chain, which offers luxury all-inclusive vacations for adults only (a Honeymoon and Romantic getaway favorite!).

But did you know that when you take the family to Beaches for a family vacation you can arrange for –

  • Photo opps with Sesame Street characters
  • Character breakfasts
  • and perhaps coolest of all- Character Tuck-in Service

How cool would it be? How memorable for your children? How much fun can you have? Think the parents at the PTA meeting or basketball game will get a little envious when they hear about what you did for your children?

Check it out-

Let a Sesame Street® furry friend help make your child’s bedtime wishes come true, even before their head touches the pillow! In a calm, quiet environment, one of five Sesame Street® characters will join in on some relaxing stretches, a bedtime story, and a sweet lullaby before tucking your child in for the evening.

What’s Included

One-Character Tuck-In 

  • One 15-minute session with one character

  • 5″ x 7″ commemorative color photograph

  • One Sesame Street® plush toy per child

Two-Character Tuck-In

  • One 15-minute session with two character

  • Two 5″ x 7″ commemorative color photographs

  • Two Sesame Street® plush toys per child

Characters Available*

  • Elmo

  • Zoe

  • Abby Cadabby

  • Cookie Monster

  • Grover

 

You spend so much time and effort working your tail off to provide for your family, but what do you really provide? Sure- food and shelter – security – a new bike maybe – a new Wii and Game cube and Play station and …….

This year think about providing your kids with a memory they will never forget – and that they will love you for forever, then let them play on their friend’s Wii…..

At least that’s how I see it-

So when it’s time to arrange something for youself and your family (or just for yourself) – get with  EZTravelpad “Your friends….in the travel business”

Dec 28
0

Honeymoon in St Lucia – Anyone?

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

A Honeymoon or Destination Wedding at Sandals in St Lucia is Top Pick

A St Lucia Honeymoon, particularly at an all inclusive resort such as one of the 3 Sandals resorts located on the north end of St Lucia is one of the most sought after and romantic destinations in the Western Hemisphere.

Honeymoon in st lucia 1
Maybe it’s Oprah’s endorsement or maybe it is just the rare beauty this tropical paradise provides, it could even be that the last episode of The Bachelor was shot there last season, in any case it is real. It is beautiful, it is romantic, and it is in demand. Whether you choose Sandals Grande St Lucian (pictured above), Sandals Regency La Toc, or Sandals Halcyon Beach, you simply can’t go wrong.

If lounging in a tropical paradise – sharing a couples massage on the beach – dining in an over the water seafood restaurant – driving thru a volcano – scuba diving wrecks and reefs – golfing in a tropical paradise – if any of these things sound like what you want your honeymoon experience to include, then perhaps a Sandals luxury included vacation to St Lucia is your ideal Honeymoon spot.

 

But Sandals is not the only option – there is also The Pitons

So what about these Pitons you keep hearing about? What about the 3 walled suites? Just imagine waking to this in your Honeymoon suite….

honeymoon in st lucia 2

Sure, this is Brad and Angelina stuff, right? Well, it’s not inexpensive. This Jade Mountain suite might run $10,000+ per week- if you can get in (better book it very, very far in advance), but there are other options that afford the same sort of view and the same concept of 1 wall being omitted so that you have an unbelievable view of one of the top 5 places in the world to visit.

The Sandals experience is All inclusive – the 3 walled view of The Pitons experience is generally not all inclusive, but you can combine the 2 as many people do, you can have it all. You can split your honeymoon into a few days of all inclusive fun in the sun + a few days of total relaxation in the most romantic place in the world, and you can get it done from between $5000-8000 total for a week including air from Chicago this September.

How do you plan such a once in a lifetime experience? How can you make sure that your Honeymoon in St Lucia is all you dreamed it can be? How can you coordinate a Destination Wedding to St Lucia, a place so far from home? One way is the best way, consult with a travel professional that specializes in Honeymoons and Destination Weddings, a travel pro like EZTravelpad

Dec 04
0

Couples Sans Souci Resort in Jamaica – a Review

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

Couples Sans Souci – A Great Jamaican All Adult Resort

Being a travel agency that specializes in Honeymoons, Destination Weddings and romantic escapes of all kinds, one of the most frequent questions we hear at EZTravelpad is “which resort is best?” – talk about an impossible question to answer…it’s like choosing the best flavor of ice cream- so many wonderful flavors I just want to try them all! But alas, we all know we can’t do that.

But I can tell you quickly that one of my favorites in Couples Sans Souci Resort in`Ocho Rios!

Sans Souci 1

Is Couples Sans Souci right for everyone? Heck no!

So how do you know if it’s right for you? Well, one method is to hit their website and read the reviews- look at the photos – view their amenities…

But the best thing is to talk with a travel pro that can help you sort out the best options for you based on your immediate needs and requirements. Things that will impact the decision are

  • Interests
  • Style
  • Budget
  • Time Frame

All the resorts look good on paper and the photos are always awesome, but which is going to be the best fit? Which offers the right mix of fun and romance? Who has the best beach? Best pool? Which is the most romantic? Who has the best spa? If you’ve narrowed it down to the Caribbean, which island might be the best best?

So often the choice gets narrowed down and the island of Jamaica rises to the top, but with so many resorts in Jamaica (I can easily think of well over a dozen all adult resorts, not to mention the dozens that cater to guests of all ages) which is best? Well, that’s where I can help.

If romance, seclusion, space and serenity are the order of the day, the Sans Souci is definitely a top pick.

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Couples Sans Souci is the most intimate of the 4 Couples resorts in Jamaica with only 150 luxurious rooms and suites, and given that the resort is spread out along 35 lush acres fronting the gorgeous Caribbean you can imagine how many opportunities there are for romantic moments of seclusion.

If you are thinking of tying the knot in one of the most romantic spots in the Caribbean, then it’s hard to beat this location…. a gazebo perched over the Caribbean in the midst of gardens. Awesome.

Sans Souci 3

 

If you are looking for excellent yet basic accommodations with calming sea blue color schemes you may have found your spot

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Whether you opt for a Deluxe Ocean Suite or a Penthouse Suite you are going to find a beautiful accommodation, but if you opt for the Hibiscus Cottage you are going to find a romantic cottage nestled behind a hedge of colorful bougainvillea and situated cliff-side overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Hibiscus Cottage is the ultimate secluded hideaway. This unique accommodation features a private outdoor infinity-edge Jacuzzi, a spacious living room, large master bedroom and bathroom suite with walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi tub for two

If you would like to select a suite with a gorgeous bath of marble featuring a soaker tub with whirlpool jets then maybe this is the pick

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So sure, you are going to find a lovely suite, and the intimate nature of the resort certainly appeals to many couples interested in a romantic getaway, Honeymoon couples, or small groups in for a Destination Wedding – but if you are looking for a party spot this one is not for you-

At EZTravelpad we have the experience and the desire to help you select the best possible resorts to fit your style and make the most of your most important vacation – the NEXT one!

We like to think of ourselves are “Your friends….in the travel business” – get with us and see how we treat our friends – I think you’ll like it.