Special needs travel

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

Special needs is a growing problem when traveling. Having a family member with special needs can be incredibly difficult. Not only can your daily routine be affected, but it can also affect relationships, education, employment, and life skills. Many times, the caregiver or family member, can feel overwhelmed. I have spoken to many family members who feel like they can’t take a vacation with their entire family. I’m here to tell you that it’s possible!
Traveling with a family member who has special needs will require a different planning process than the typical family. Will the family member be able to handle an airplane, train, or boat ride? How long of an airplane ride will they be comfortable with? Where is the destination? Is it inside domestic or international and will a passport be required? If a family member with special needs requires additional attention or considerations, will I be able to have a break? How can I prepare my family member for this trip?
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has been trained for special needs through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), meaning they are certified as being autism-friendly. Their kid’s program staff has been trained in autism-awareness, they have additional features for these family’s that include priority boarding and disembarkation, special movie screenings that are sensory-friendly, a toy exchange program, and an accommodating staff onboard. They have cruises that leave from Galveston, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and many other locations.
Beaches Resorts is one of my favorite destinations for families with special needs. They are the set of family friendly resort related to the Sandals Resorts that are adult-only. They have also been certified through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), but their entire staff of the facility has gone through this training. They are an all-inclusive resort, so the room, food, tips, entertainment, kid’s program, and airport transportation are all included in the cost. Their resorts are located in Jamaica – in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. What I like the best about the Beaches Resorts is the fact that they also offer one-to-one buddy services. It’s not only for children, but it’s also for adults! All of these “buddies” have been trained in working with people who have special needs. So, if your family member who has special needs is an adult, you have the chance for respite and time to yourself during this vacation as well. The cost starts at $7 an hour and it’s offered 24 hours a day. If you have more than one family member with special needs or want to travel in a group, they have plenty of buddies available. They are also wheelchair accessible, including the beach.
If you have a family member with limited mobility, there are companies that offer equipment rental. This can range from wheelchair or scooter rentals, to a hospital bed or lift system, to oxygen equipment and dialysis equipment. These rentals are available on almost any cruise, many domestic destinations, and some international destinations. You don’t have to let a limitation stop you from traveling!

For more information about accessible travel or traveling with special needs, contact:
Erica Ryan
SuiteTravels707, an affiliate of CruiseOne.
707-314-0110
e.ryan@cruiseone.com
www.SuiteTravels707.com
www.facebook.com/SuiteTravels707

Romance in Los Cabos

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

Whether you’re going for your honeymoon, anniversary, or to pop the question, if you love the beach and sun, Los Cabos is a great place for lovers.

There are numerous “adult only” resorts in Los Cabos that offer romantic dinners on the beach, tequila tasting, dancing under the stars, seaside swimming pools, beautiful beaches and stunning views of either the sunrise or sunset.

While at your resort, don’t pass on a spa day! Get pampered together with a couple’s massage followed by time in your private jacuzzi tub filled by your butler. Have room service deliver an incredible dinner for two with champagne. Or…dress and meet on the beach for a private, romantic candlelit dinner prepared just for the two of you.

For the more adventurous….

Whale watching is an amazing experience. Humpback whales come each year for feeding and to give birth (December-April). Take a ride out into the ocean on a catamaran and view these amazing creatures in their natural habitat up close and personal.

Explore the county by horseback or even better yet, camel back. You’ll have the opportunity to see gorgeous, untouched beaches, 20-foot cacti and desert flowers in the back drop. Along the way, be sure to look towards the ocean for the humpbacks that swim close to shore for your delight. Riding gives you the freedom and delight to see things you’d never view from a car or bus window.

Hit the town, either Cabo San Lucas or San Jose Del Cabo, for an afternoon of window shopping or looking for those special souvenirs. Stroll hand and hand and view the products of local artists. There are many little restaurants and bistros along the way to stop for a taco and a bottle of local beer, or get adventurous and try a mango margarita, the spicy salt on the rim is what makes it extra tasty.

The best time of year for warm weather to visit Los Cabos is May to mid-July (after the spring breakers) and mid-October-December. August and September can be rainy. January-early March expect cooler weather, especially in the evenings.
These are just a few of the many things you can see and do in Los Cabos, we love sharing this beautiful destination with you as one of many options for a romantic getaway.

For more information on planning your romantic getaway or honeymoon contact: Laura at romanticescapesbylaura.com

Maldives: Escape to Paradise

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Virtual Honeymoon

The Maldives is a small tropical Asian country that is comprised of 26 natural atolls in the Indian Ocean and is located just south of India and Sri Lanka.
These atolls are made up of more than a thousand coral islands.

Are you looking for that escape to paradise for your honeymoon or “just because” romantic getaway? The Maldives has beaches that have been untouched and would be a getaway beach destination unlike any other.
Can you imagine these soft, white-sand beaches and the beautiful crystal-clear blue waters, and being on an island alone with your partner?

The Maldives provides a romantic honeymoon destination for couples on their honeymoon, or on a “just because” romantic getaway to celebrate one another.

Enjoying time together, without the hustle and bustle of distracting tourists, taking in and enjoying the real natural beauty. There are many things to do and explore in the Maldives; from exciting water sports activities to couple’s massages at an exotic spa, to the fascinating explorations of underwater life.

Aside from just laying back and enjoying this paradise full of peace and tranquility, there are many things you can do in the Maldives.

* The Maldives has an abundance of beautiful coral reefs and marine life. Take time to enjoy a diving or snorkeling adventure and snorkel alongside whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays, all while taking in the beauty of the reefs and other marine life.

*Go on a dolphin-watching excursion. The dolphins in the Maldives can be active and playful; a fun show to watch

* The Maldives is excellent for stand-up paddle boarding. The waters are shallow and calm, perfect for paddle boarding!

*Treat yourself to a Balinese massage at your resort’s spa. Enjoy the peace and tranquility in paradise!

*Experience an Underwater Spa or Restaurant.

* The Maldives has more to offer than the sand, sun, and sea. You can also visit their capital city, Male’. Here, you can visit the Sultan’s Palace, the fish market, experience their culture & heritage, and authentic restaurants. You can also go island hopping and experience how Maldivians live.

*Most of all, enjoy the privacy, isolation, and relaxation of your escape to paradise with your partner!

Let’s not forget about choosing that perfect resort for your stay in the Maldives. There are many top luxurious resorts to choose from.

Here are a few you may enjoy:
The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives is situated on the exotic island of Emboodhu Finolhu. This resort offers beautiful ocean-view villas, and overwater suites. Take a 15-minute speedboat ride from the airport to this idyllic resort surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a beautiful escape for a romantic getaway or honeymoon.

If you love diving, Fushifaru Maldives is an ideal resort for your trip, located in Lhaviyani Atoll.
Fushifaru is a relatively new resort which opened in 2017. This resort also offers beautiful
beach-view and water villas. Expect to enjoy excellent facilities and excellent customer service.

Are looking for that most intimate and secluded island? The Outrigger Konotta Maldives
Resort, located within the crystal waters of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, offers you the ultimate in
privacy. This resort offers you the perfect place to unwind and enjoy your partner. Indulge in an
intimate and luxurious holiday in an overwater villa or beach villa, while also enjoying top-notch
spa services and beautiful, high-quality infinity pools.

The Maldives offers you an ultimate escape with your loved one. Plan your romantic getaway or
honeymoon to the ultimate paradise destination, the Maldives.

For more information on planning your honeymoon or romantic getaway in the Maldives,
Contact: Cami Collison at Shore Travel.

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Monthly Archives: March 2019

Special needs travel

Romance in Los Cabos

Maldives: Escape to Paradise