my top 3 places to visit in the mexican caribbean

my top 3 places to visit in the mexican caribbean

by | May 17, 2022 | Blog, Destinations, Travel

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE MEXICAN CARIBBEAN IS ONE OF THE HOTTEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN MEXICO. THE COAST OF RIVIERA MAYA AND BEYOND HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER. FROM LAGOONS, CENOTES, BEACHES, EXCURSIONS AND OFF THE BEATEN PATH ADVENTURES, IT IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST ON YOUR LIST!

1. Bacalar

Although not technically in Riviera Maya nor on the Caribbean ocean, this lagoon of 7 colors is situated approximatly 4 hours south of Cancun. It is an absolute paradise for a relaxing getaway or to enjoy calm, seaweed free water.

Known for its mesmerazing hues of blue, it is the perfect getaway to enjoy some water activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing. It also boasts a charming small town with amazing day clubs offering delicious food options, cockails and views. Accomodations range from low to high, basic to luxurious. It caters to all budgets and styles. The town is also a “pueblo magico” with a lot of history.

With such a relaxing vibe, you might never want to leave.

 

2. Isla Mujeres

This quaint little island off the coast of Cancun is a perfect day trip or week long stay. Easily accessible by the Public Ferry (Ultramar) or by a private boat tour company. With one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Norte Beach offers many accomodations, beach clubs, restaurants and bars.

For a more laid-back feel, the South end of the Island is where you’ll want to go. You will find a few All Inclusvie resorts, however, many condos, homes and boutique style hotels are available for every budget. 

The best way to explore the island is by golf cart, many rentals are available or tours shall you wish to lay back and enjoy the sights. And let’s not forget all the amazing food options on the island. You won’t go hungry!

3. Akumal

Shhh! Don’t tell anyone I told you about this little quaint town. Away from the bustling tourist centres of Tulum or Playa del Carmen, here you’ll find a little fishing village known for snorkelling with turtles. Hence the name Akumal (Turtle).

A few All Inclusive resorts (and one of my all time favourite, Secrets Akumal) sits on the shore of this amazing town. You can find many house and condo rentals at an affordable rate. You’ll meet many expats when sipping your cocktail or enjoying fresh fish and seafood in the surrounding bars and restaurants. This might even make you consider a move to Mexico!
Secrets the vine cancun

Secrets the vine cancun

Cancun Mexico is a vibe on its own. If you like high rises and high energy in a tropical setting with some of the most beautiful beaches, this one should be on your list! Secrets The Vine Cancun is a 5* adults only...

all inclusive stay in jamaica

all inclusive stay in jamaica

Jamaica has been a long time favorite of mine! This time did not disapoint. A fun filled property, with a hint of romance and relaxation, this is the perfect adult's only getaway for girlfriends, couples and friends...

View All Trips

Should You Pack Travel Insurance?

Should You Pack Travel Insurance?

by | Jun 4, 2018 | Travel, Travel Tips

Should You Pack Travel Insurance?

Packing for a trip abroad is one of my favorite things to do – it adds to the anticipation of that departure date. But some things are less fun to pack and plan – yeah, you guessed it: travel insurance. It can be a daunting task to prepare when travelling, but one of the most important one. Apart from my passport, my #1 packing essential is always my travel insurance policy.

HERE’S WHY:

When you leave Canada or even your province of residence, your health coverage seizes and doesn’t cover you in case of a medical emergency abroad. Every traveller, tourist and adventurer should be aware and informed about being covered for emergencies abroad. As a Canadian, I am used to having most of my medical emergencies taken care of by our provincial health care coverage, however when I leave my province, that’s where my coverage ends. When you leave your home country, you shouldn’t expect it to be the same everywhere. So, do you really need to spend those extra few $ to buy that travel insurance policy?

UNDERSTANDING TRAVEL INSURANCE OPTIONS

The most important part is to understand what travel insurance really is and see if it’s a right fit for you as a traveller. As with any insurance policy, travel insurance does not cover everything. This is where travel insurance gets a bad reputation. But knowing what you are covered for by reading and understanding your policy can prevent many issues and misconceptions. And if you do decide on travelling without proper coverage, you should have the basic knowledge that you are at risk of incurring very expensive treatments and expenses shall something happen to you or to your travel plans. Many of us have travel coverage through credit cards or work benefits. But do they really cover adequately? Again, it’s all about understanding that policy and knowing what it covers. Here’s some of the most popular coverage:

CANCELLATION & INTERRUPTION

This coverage is meant to reimburse you in the event of non-refundable expenses in case of a trip delay, cancellation or interruption. However, it’s not a “coverage for everything” policy. There are multiple reasons that are covered, yet even more reasons that are NOT covered. The important part is to understand the terms & conditions and the exclusions of this travel insurance option. For example, if your pet dies suddenly before your trip, you most likely won’t be covered, unless it is specified on your policy that it is. It is also important to understand the Terms & Conditions of the tour operator, airline or accommodations that you have reserved with, as most have cancelation policies and you shouldn’t assume that you can cancel without any penalties. Even major airline delay expenses are often not covered by airlines, so what if that big snow storm prevents you from catching your next connection? Never assume that the airline is liable, they also have fine prints in their terms & conditions. Having the proper interruption package can save you from incurring extra expenses to get you on the next flight.

BAGGAGE

Oh the horror stories of lost baggage; we hear them all the time. Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and belongings can be a pain to deal with. With the proper coverage, this can be one less headache to deal with while travelling.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Nobody wants to get sick or hurt on holidays. Mishaps do happen and so do emergencies. This policy is meant to protect you shall a medical emergency happen during your trip. Don’t assume because we have pretty good emergency coverage in Canada that a simple hospital visit won’t cost you much. In some countries, you can get pretty good health care for cheap, however would you chance it? Unless you have major savings in your bank account and aren’t afraid of spending it on a medical emergency, the right policy can cost you a fraction of the price of that hospital bill. As with any insurance policy, don’t assume everything is covered. Especially if you have an existing medical condition – that most likely won’t be covered, but again it’s all about understanding your policy’s inclusions and exclusions. So what’s the chance of a medical emergency being covered? Well I’ve experienced first hand the need to use it in Mexico. I’ve always bought a travel insurance policy for every trip I took out of my country. After many years of not having to use it, it still would not cross my mind to forgoe this important part of my travel budget and plans.

HOW DID MY TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY HELP ME IN MEXICO?

During my stay in Akumal, Mexico last December, I had a medical emergency. As I was riding my bicycle in a residential condo development, the tire guard got caught in the back tire causing the bike to halt to an abrupt stop – causing me to fall off the bike and hit my head on the cobblestone road. I hit hard, didn’t loose consciousness, but it did cause an open gash. Luckily, there were security staff driving by who took me to the medical clinic on site. The Dr. examined me and recommended I go to the Hospiten in Playa del Carmen for stitches (as they are affiliated). What???? Noooo! I was just starting out my holidays….. 24hrs medical clinic The first thing I did was call Allianz Global Assistance, my travel insurance provider. P.S. I always carry my travel insurance wallet card with me – and it came in handy as I had my policy # and their 24hrs emergency contact information. They asked a few questions, I answered and they directed me to go to the recommended hospital. Again, there was a bit of paper work to be filled out by the attendant at the medical office on site, but they spoke very good English and were very accommodating of my medical needs. Just a side note, the visit alone to the medical office was $125USD. An EMS vehicle then took me to Playa del Carmen – pre-arranged by the medical clinic and the transfer cost was covered and pre-arranged to be paid by my insurance provider.  

THE HOSPITAL VISIT

Once I got to the hospital, that’s where it got a bit complicated and overwhelming. Fortunately, I was aware of my surroundings and could communicate clearly. There was some paper work to fill out before even being admitted and unfortunately, I had to pay a pretty hefty deposit for them to even admit and look at my wound. Are you ready for this? $2,500USD had to be held on my credit card for my admission. Why so expensive? The attendee on site told me that head stitches in Mexico are expensive because they had to call a specialty surgeon to perform the sutures and to make sure I didn’t have a concussion. Hum? Ok, I am not too familiar with the system, so I won’t argue, but I did call my travel insurance provider again and asked them if this was normal and if there was a way for them to pay the hospital directly. They informed me to proceed and as it ended, it was a Sunday afternoon and they explained to me that it could take up to 24hrs before the funds were directly sent to the Hospital, therefore I would have to stay for that duration until the bill was paid. Well that wasn’t happening, so I decided to go ahead and pre-pay the deposit. After being admitted, it took a little over an hour or so for the whole process at the hospital; from the examination to finishing the medical procedure. Once all was done, my final invoice came out to approx. $1,800USD. I was a bit shocked at the sticker price but I can honestly say that the facility was very clean and I received excellent medical service from the nurse and Dr. who performed my stitches. I returned 9 days later (as I was staying for 3 weeks) and the same Dr. took them out without any issues and provided me with a clearance to fly letter. I made sure to keep all my receipts, the medical statements and the accident report taken from the security staff to send in with my claim. Once I got back home, it took just over 3 weeks after sending it in the mail to get my full refund. Another tip is to keep your flight tickets. With my claim, they asked for proof of travelling to that area, so I needed to validate proof of travel (e.i. flight tickets).

WAS I GIPPED BY THE HOSPITEN IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN?

Maybe, maybe not (my Insurance provider covered the costs). I know for a fact that I could have gotten cheaper services at a Red Cross medical facility in the area, but this was my first time needing medical attention, so I didn’t take time to really think about my options, as I was in a bit of shock and in an unfamiliar territory. I followed my travel insurance provider’s advice and I can say that I received excellent service from all who I encountered on my medical emergency situation and was really glad that I had purchased that medical emergency policy that cost a fraction of the medical expenses – even if I had to pay up front. And this is where there seems to be a lot of confusion. Most people (as I did) think that all is covered and will be paid for on the spot. Not so, while some have experienced all expenses prepaid under a covered reason, I on the other hand, did not. Was it because it was a Sunday? Maybe, but what I do know is that there is a chance that your medical emergency can cost you up front and to be aware of that when you travel. Tip: bring an emergency credit card with you in the event that you do need to pre-pay for some services.

MEDICAL SERVICES CAN COST YOU ANYWHERE

And this is not just in Mexico; did you know that visitors to Canada experience the same medical expenses while they visit here? I was shocked when one of our clients from the UK had to visit our local hospital for a minor medical emergency. He was actually charged a similar amount to mine for minor medical services. While lots of stories are going around about medical fraud in Mexico, this kinda put it into perspective. Medical emergencies and services are expensive everywhere! So it doesn’t really matter which country you travel to, there’s a price to pay for medical services and it ain’t free! For me, medical emergency insurance is always an important part of my travel budget and should be planned accordingly. It’s a small price to pay for keeping your medical emergencies covered abroad. So will you pack your travel insurance on your next trip? You’re only one click away from getting your personalized quote HERE.    
Affiliate disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using my link. You will not be charged extra. It’s okay – I love all these companies anyways and you will too! It’s a win-win for everyone!
Ocean Riviera Paradise Resort Review

Ocean Riviera Paradise Resort Review

by | Apr 12, 2018 | Resort Reviews, Travel

Ocean Riviera Paradise Resort Review

Situated in the Riviera Maya area, approximately 45 minutes south of Cancun airport, and only 15 minutes away from the famous 5th Ave in Playa del Carmen, the Ocean Riviera Paradise is situated beachfront in a residential resort area. The Ocean Riviera Paradise is a family friendly, All-Inclusive resort that just opened a little more than a year ago. It is in an ideal location if you are someone who loves long beach walks with some picture-perfect scenery in a modern Caribbean style resort.

 

THE RESORT 

 

The resort is build narrowly, boosts 974 junior suites and suites, but is still quaint enough to find yourself and all the amenities it offers. With 4 different room building sections; Daisy (family-friendly rooms, large kid’s waterpark and pool), El Beso (adults’ only rooms and pool), Eden (family-friendly rooms and pool located near the beach) and Privilege (also family-friendly near the beach area with their own pool area and restaurant with upgraded amenities), you are bound to find an area that meets your vacation needs.

 As I was attending a destination wedding during our Canadian March Break, we were travelling with a larger group, from couples to families to young adults. Most of our group had rooms in the El Beso building, which was only accessible to adults over 18yrs. With its own pool and swim up bar, it was the perfect place to spend a kid-free afternoon with some fun entertainment, as there were lots of families on holidays enjoying the Mexican tropical weather and escaping the cold winter during the school break.

 

RESTAURANTS & FOOD

 

 

I’ve always loved the food in Mexico! And it was no different at this resort. Featuring reservation-free A la Carte restaurants for dinner, which was an added bonus, as I do not like to plan out my dinners for the week. Room service was another option for those lazy afternoons or evenings spent in the spacious and well decorated room. Snack bars and an impressive buffet throughout the resort, food was easily accessible and consistently delicious. Although some dinner restaurants were more popular than others, like the Steak House, a longer wait time was needed to enjoy your meal. The only restaurant that needed reservation was at the Sakura which featured the Teppanyaki grills. Unfortunately, I did not get to try it, but others in the group really enjoyed the food and the cooking show. My favorite was Blue Moon, the romantic adult’s only restaurant. No wait time, excellent service and the food was delicious. Another contender was the Pez Vela seafood restaurant, situated right on the beach with delicious and fresh seafood. 

SERVICE

 I can say that the service level we received was amazing, however with the resort being so big, it did feel at times like it was understaffed. The staff work long hours in the heat and I am always fascinated by their determination to please the guests. The only area that we really did not like was the timeshare sharks in the lobby area. Mexico is known for timeshares! That is no secret and anyone who has been should have an idea on their sales tactics. Wanting to give you something free…that’s the way they lure you to sit with them and listen to their sales pitch. No thanks! I can say with all the places and resorts I have visited, they seem to favor this resort. Oh la la, I tried avoiding the lobby area during the day because of them. While some people do like the timeshare or vacation clubs, or whatever you like calling it, it is not for me and I have no interest in wasting my time listening to a sales pitch while I’m in paradise!

 THE BEACH

 And then there was the beach. Riviera Maya is known to have some pretty amazing beaches and some less desirable. You really need to do your research and find what bests suits your needs for a beach holiday. Although I had visited the area before, I knew that the beach was good, but not great. It had some rocky point of entries, so water shoes are recommended, but once you knew where to get in, the ocean water was amazing. The pros were the beautiful turquoise color it projected, so mesmerizing. The beach area is public and can be walked for miles. As all beaches in Riviera Maya are public, there were some vendors on the beach, selling all sort of things like tours and trinkets. A simple no thanks did the trick and they were all respectful.

 

Unfortunately, a few weeks prior to departure, the area had an influx of Sargassum. Sargassum is seaweed that comes from the Sargasso Sea and is unpredictable as to when it can “hit” the area. The last time it “hit” Riviera Maya this hard was in 2015. It all depends on weather, wind, tide, and other natural factors. It is good and necessary for sea life, but can be a nuisance to people who love to swim in the ocean. It can emit a foul-smelling odor and is a bit of an eyesore, as it did take over quite an area of the beach in front of the resort on a few days. In no way did this take away from the beauty of being on a beach holiday, for me it is part of the natural beauty of this tropical paradise, but it can be a shock if you are expecting crystal clear water like Negril or Cuba.

 AMENITIES

 

As for the amenities, there were many activity options to keep everyone busy during the day and night. Beautiful jogging paths, a well-equipped gym and spa area. Large waterpark for the younger children to have some fun in the water. Nightly entertainment for kids and adults. Casino for the gamblers to spend (or I should say loose…ha!ha!) some $ in the evening. The piano bar featured live music with dancing in the evening, which I really enjoyed on a few occasions.

I can’t finish this post without mentioning the amazing beach massages that are available on that area of beach. There are many different massage huts a short 5-10-minute walk down the beach. At only $30USD/hour or $50USD/couple/hour, it was a no brainer. Listening to the waves crashing on the beach while being massaged with amazing smelling essential oils, it was pure bliss and became a daily routine amongst many in our group.

 

 

Last, but not least is the reason behind this resort stay: my client’s (I should say a good friend’s) destination wedding. The wedding couple had the perfect beach wedding. A beautiful wedding ceremony on the beach surrounded by family and friends, with champagne in hand overlooking the beautiful ocean. Congratulating the couple on their new adventure listening to a Mariachi band with feet in the sand was the perfect backdrop to a beach wedding. Private dinner area with an amazing DJ and lighted dance floor, dancing the night away in a tropical heaven. Muchos felicidades to the amazing couple and thank you again for trusting me as your travel consultant! 

With this, I can say that the Ocean Riviera Paradise is a 5* resort based on my traveling experience in the area and can recommend it with confidence. Are you ready to experience the Ocean Riviera Paradise for yourself? Reach out to me HERE, and I’ll get you there!

 

 

 

 

 

Oh Mexico! Te Extranos!

Oh Mexico! Te Extranos!

by | May 5, 2017 | Destinations, Travel

Oh Mexico! Te Extranos!

“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine it is lethal” – Paulo Coelho

I just love that quote! Being a Taurus, it goes against all odds, right? Wrong! About 8 years ago, my real love of travelling to Caribbean destinations was found and that’s when the Mexican monogamy started, especially to the Riviera Maya area. My first trip to the area was back in 2009 at the Royal Playa del Carmen, a fabulous 5* adult’s only resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen, which I highly recommend! I stayed for a short 5 days. What was I thinking? 5 days! Say what? Ask me today if I would stay for 5 days, NOPE! I literally cry when I “must” come back after a week or two. Since then, I have travelled yearly to Mexico – I even managed to throw in a semi-annual visit last year 😉 and more specifically to the Riviera Maya area, always staying at a different resort. Well ok, maybe there is a bit of a routine here, but it lets me escape the routine back home. Recently, I did self-catering at a condo, which of courses I fell in love with on the spot. I’ll leave this for another post, when I can give you a glimpse of condo life in Mexico – stay tuned!

 

So why all the bad rap about Mexico? Humm, well like any other destination, there are areas that one must be vigilant when visiting. Crimes, murders, drugs, cartels, of course they exist in Mexico and yes even in the Riviera Maya area. However, the news makes a pretty good job at exaggerating the events. I’m not saying to only look through your rose-colored lenses here, I’m just stating the fact that as soon as one crime is committed in a tourist area of Mexico, it’s all over the news. Crimes happen EVERY HOUR in our own province, but do we hear about them all the time. Nope! Does this keep me away from big cities in Canada like Toronto? Hell, no! I love visiting Toronto once and a while to get that taste of city life. Don’t get me wrong, I love my tranquil little retreat in the good ol’North (during summer time that is), but if I would stop travelling based on fear, I would never leave my bedroom! It’s all about perception. And that gets me to the Mexican perception. Yep, we’ve all heard it before. The unexperienced traveller that fears Mexico. Or the experienced traveller that had a bad experience in Mexico. Again, it’s all about perception and I’m here to share mine.

 

So why do I keep coming back?

THE PEOPLE

 

The Mexican people have got to be the hardest workers I’ve come across with AND they always seem so happy. We’ve always received more than stellar service from the places we visited, from resorts to golf courses to convenience stores. Everywhere we’ve gone they have treated us like family and friends. Although they love to sell you anything and everything, they are amazing people pleasers. Nothing is too much for them. I’m not saying to trust anyone you encounter in Mexico, or anywhere else for that matter, but in all my years of travelling to Mexico, I have never encountered a “villain”. Of course, there are some scammers out there that try every trick of the trade to get you to buy something in their store or rip off a few dollars. For example, when walking 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, a very popular scam is that store owners will tell you that they were your waiter at your resort last night. They see the resort bracelet on your wrist and try to lure you in to sell you their goods with this simple statement. Another one you should watch for is gas station scams if you’re doing car rentals. Make sure the pump is at 0 before starting to pump gas, pay with pesos and if there is more than one gas attendant, one of them is probably trying to distract you so you pay more for your gas purchase. Does this keep me away from Mexico? Of course not! I could get scammed at my local ATM or gas station but I choose to live out of adventure, not fear!

THE FOOD

 

I’m a sucker for Mexican cuisine. Even though I don’t think I’ve actually tasted the real traditional Mexican cuisine, I love the food in Mexico! I haven’t had a bad meal yet and the guacamole and pico de gallo are to die for, I could live from this food group; don’t judge, for me, it’s a food group. Although the water in Mexico is not safe to drink, I’ve never been sick (other than a few too many tequila shots) from eating or drinking the filtered water at resorts and off resorts. I love the ability to get fresh fruits and veggies from beach or side walk vendors and we can’t forget the delicious Margaritas made from premium Mexican tequila. Oh, and did I mention tequila? That too is a food group in Mexico.

THE DIVERSITY OF ACTIVITES

 

There are so many activities to do and places to visit in Riviera Maya that it would take you a few years and then some to experience them all. Like I mentioned, I’ve travelled more than 8 times to the area, and I still haven’t visited a cenote.  Don’t worry, I’ll get there soon. Yep, I’ve finally visited one, more on that soon! Every time I go, I try to visit something different and there is still so much to do and see on my Riviera Maya bucket list. From visiting different parks to driving to nearby cities and exploring the different beaches to sample a cold cerveza at the bar, there is no way that someone could get bored in Mexico! The options are endless and are sure to keep every type of traveller entertained.

ACCESSIBILITY

 

I have travelled to many parts of the Caribbean, from small islands to bigger popular islands, and I can say without a doubt, that the Cancun airport (while very busy), has some very inexpensive flight options and a variety of daily schedules that depart from major Canadian cities. This is an important aspect, as I do not need to worry about getting back to Canada shall an emergency happen; I can book a flight the day before and get back to my home country the next day if not the same day. Another advantage is the condition of the major highway in the Riviera Maya area. It is very well kept, with ample signage for you to find your way, should you choose to explore with your own car rental – and the extremely cheap car rental rates are also a bonus.

LANGUAGE

When you travel to Spanish speaking countries like Mexico, you shouldn’t expect that everyone you encounter will speak English. Although a lot of the staff working around the more popular tourist areas will be able to converse with you in English, it shouldn’t be an expectation. It’s always a good idea to learn a few key words and phrases, starting your conversation in the local language shows respect, and it earns respect. I love the language and learning Spanish remains on my bucket list. A few years ago, I had put myself in Spanish learning mode. I read and studied “Spanish Phrases for Dummies” and did some self-learning activities on Rosetta Stone. I could have a very basis conversation in Spanish. As I didn’t practice regularly, I lost most of it. I still know basic numbers, words and key phrases, but I’m nowhere near being able to hold a conversation. Es un proceso de aprendizaje! But I still refer to my small Spanish book every now and then and it always follows me to Mexico.

 THE BEACHES!

The Riviera Maya area stretches from south of Cancun all the way up to North of Tulum. With more than 70 miles of coast, you are bound to find your perfect beach in this area. From postcard perfect Maroma beach to snorkeling in Puerto Morelos, you will no doubt find your beach paradise. The trick is to know the area you are staying at, as not all beaches in the Riviera Maya are made of powder-soft sand. However, no matter what kind of vacation you are seeking or what slice of shoreline suits your needs, by knowing the area or consulting with a professional, you will be able to find your beach paradise vacay here.

As you can conclude from my perception, Riviera Maya, Mexico is the perfect destination. It is so diverse, that you can find any vibe you want. If you want that busy, more modern lifestyle yet still get that Caribbean feel, than Playa del Carmen offers it. If you want more of that laid back bohemian vibe, then a short drive to Tulum can take all your stresses away. And then there’s all that can be explored in between – it can be found in one small area of Mexico. The Pacific side of the country offers just as must diversity as you want. The possibilities and adventures are endless!

 

I could go on and on with my perception of Mexico, but I’ll leave it to you to go out, explore the area and form your own perception. And when you are ready to do so, reach out to me HERE, I’ll get you there!

 

 

10 Tips to Prepare For Your First International Trip

10 Tips to Prepare For Your First International Trip

by | Apr 8, 2017 | Travel, Travel Tips

10 Tips to Prepare For Your First International Trip

“It’s better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times.” – Asian Proverb

If you’re anything like me, travelling internationally for the first time was a bit overwhelming, confusing and quite honestly frightening. Coming from a very small town, we all knew each other; everyone was either family or friends and the community was a safe one. I remember once during my childhood going to visit family in Southern Ontario and driving by Toronto was sought as being “dangerous”. I still chuckle at the thought today. Of course, danger exists around every corner, but that fearfulness instilled in your mind is the real deal breaker, the one that increases the risk of that unnecessary feeling: anxiety. I still remember my first time out of Canada, which was for my honeymoon in Dominican Republic back in 2000. I was a bit naïve and anxious as I was out of my comfort zone –  I was travelling to an unfamiliar place for the first time! I wish I had the information I do today, it would have made my experience a little less frightful and stressful. It’s true what they say: “You learn by experience” and it’s an ongoing process. After having travelled to many countries, I now know much more about preparing myself, and the positive benefits that travelling can bring to oneself, however it is normal to experience that anxious feeling and it can be quite intimidating if it’s your first time.

Here’s my top 10 tips to help ease your travelling anxiety

Don’t take everyone’s opinions personally or literally!

People have different opinions based on their experiences and personalities. Some even have opinions on areas or places they’ve never visited or experienced yet! Don’t forget, we’re all different in term of what we look for when we travel, so opinions can vary greatly! Food, accommodations, culture, language, activities – those areas can be very subjective in terms of personal preferences. That’s one of many reasons consulting and booking with a Certified Travel Consultant (Rachel’s Travel…wink, wink) can help ease your fear of travelling, giving you professional facts instead of personal opinions!

Research before you leave!

As much as your neighbour’s negative or positive opinions might instill more fear or hope, research can go a long way. Look for factual websites that can be useful. Learn about the culture, about the language and the food. Having a sense of the other countries’ culture can help you avoid some disappointments or misconceptions about their living lifestyle. Try looking at videos on YouTube or reading some reviews about the place. BUT! Be careful when reading reviews, some can bring more anxiety as so many people feel like it’s a place to rant over and get freebies from the resorts or hotels. I’m not saying to look only for positive reviews – after reading a few, you will start to see and feel a recurrence of certain aspects about the place – that’s where you form your judgement. AND, if you tap in and listen to your gut instinct, you’ll know if it’s the right or wrong place for you. Again, consulting with a professional is always recommended!

Protect your home while you’re away!

With social media being a huge part of our lives these days, we love to share our experiences and photos on social media platforms with our family and friends while we’re on vacation. However this can trigger some people to become unwelcomed guests into your home. Don’t spend your precious holidays worrying about thieves or nasty weather. With technology at our fingertips, there are a panoply of apps available to monitor your house. Or if you’re anything like me, I prefer having a house sitter while I’m away!

Organize your papers!

It can happen to the best of us! Losing a passport, a driver’s licence or a credit card. Take some time before you leave to scan or take pictures of your passport and important identification. Send them to your e-mail and leave a copy with someone you trust, you’ll have access to them if ever the need arises. Also make a list of your financial institution and credit card’s contact information. And don’t forget to advise your local financial institution that you’ll be using your bank or credit card abroad! Have a backup credit card in case of emergencies. With today’s technology, you can access your e-mail pretty much anywhere there’s Wi-Fi. In the event you lose your passport or credit card, you can easily get in contact with the correct institution to get your things back in order. Get acquainted with the Embassies & Consulate. Look up the Canadian consular services information in the country where you’ll be visiting in case of an emergency. You’ll have an idea of who and where to reach out to in the event of an emergency.

Stay Connected!

In today’s modern society, our cell phone is our new BFF (or enemy – depending on how you perceive it). Whether you have a business or family that you need to be connected to back home, using your cell phone abroad can be VERY costly if you didn’t prepare prior to your departure. Check with your wireless carrier to see what roaming plan it offers. If buying a roaming package is not feasible for you, turn on your airplane mode to avoid using data and incurring unwanted charges. Use the Wi-Fi provided at your destination. Here are a few of my favorite App’s for staying connected while using only Wi-Fi: FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype.

Travel Insurance!

I can’t stress enough on the insurance thing. Yes, it’s expensive! Yes, there are some restrictions! BUT! If the correct policy and coverage are in place and you understand them, you won’t have to stress about it while you’re travelling. The best thing is to consult with your Certified Travel Consultant or your insurance provider to make sure you have the best coverage for your needs. Don’t assume you’re covered for everything, READ your policy. The last thing you want on vacation is finding out you’ll have to pay $5,000 to get a cast on your broken arm when you slipped on that wet tile! That $300 travel insurance policy could’ve saved you $4,700! Again, researching and reading your travel insurance policy is key to knowing exactly what you are or aren’t covered for!

Talk to your professional health care provider!

Take time to see your health care professional a few months prior to your travel date. Getting professional medical advice (not your neighbour’s – unless he or she’s an M.D…) can save you from getting an unknown virus or disease. Better to take advice from a professional, as they can recommend how to be protected with the proper vaccinations, supplements or medications.

Money talks!

Look up the currency conversion rates. You might be baffled when you get to Jamaica to have to pay $300J for a cold Red Stripe if you have no idea what $300J is worth in your countries’ currency! Have some local currency, not all places accept $US or $CAN or even credit cards.

Put your smart hat on!

Don’t do anything that would put yourself or your travel companion in danger. Be street-smart and alert. Don’t flash expensive jewellery (actually, leave them at home), pickpocketing and stealing can and do happen. Bring only a minimal amount of cash (leave the bulk in your hotel safe). Don’t leave your wallet in your back pocket, use a cross body bag, and don’t leave your bags unattended with a stranger! I’ve seen this happen too many times, yikes! If it feels like you’re in the wrong place or if something is off, it probably is, trust your instinct. Those little tips can help reduce the risks. Respect the culture and the people and the same will be shown to you.

Lastly, HAVE FUN!

Let loose, get out of your comfort zone and savor every second of your well-deserved vacation or travelling adventure! This is YOUR time to experience another destination’s culture. Take it in, have a positive attitude and be grateful for this great adventure! Travelling can be a life changing experience!

 

Experience the Irie vibe of the new Moon Palace Jamaica Grande!

Experience the Irie vibe of the new Moon Palace Jamaica Grande!

by | Mar 16, 2017 | Resort Reviews

Experience the Irie vibe of the new Moon Palace Jamaica Grande!

Ahhh! Jamaica! If you’ve been following my travels, you might have noticed that Jamaica holds a very special place in my heart. I have travelled multiple times to this gorgeous island and still can’t get enough of it’s Irie culture and vibe. Having the opportunity to experience resort life at the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios as an exclusive group of travel agents through our Palace Resort representative, this gave me the perfect opportunity to share my experience with you. Palace Resorts has put extensive work and refurbishment into the property to make it a luxury 5* resort. The Palace Resort chain is very popular in Mexico, specifically the Riviera Maya and Cancun area. They have multiple All-Inclusive 5* Luxury properties, both adult’s only and family resorts, with one of them being one of THE top resort in Cancun – Le Blanc Spa (this one has been on my bucket list for a while!). The Moon Palace Jamaica Grande property has been totally re-furbished to bring it to the Palace Resorts standards and it did not disappoint!

Located in downtown Ocho Rios, approximately 1.5 hours from the Montego Bay airport, this resort is in a perfect location for the curious soul. A hop and a skip from markets, water and land excursions to restaurants and bars, all can be done without spending two to three hours a day commuting to popular attractions.

As you enter the property, big gates open to let you in this gorgeous property. Welcomed with a fresh cold towel and a glass of champagne, it’s the perfect way to start your holiday. The staff welcomes you with a smile and a professional, yet personal attitude and this follows you throughout the duration of your stay. As you enter the lobby area, it is Grande! The décor has been thoroughly thought of, from lights to furniture and décor, it gives a sense of a modern inviting place to feel at home for your vacation.

And then, there’s the smell…yes, I said smell! Palace Resorts have their own unique touch when it comes to inviting you home…they have come up with a way to make the lobby, the elevators and even the hallways smell like you’re in a beauty salon. I personally fell in love with the smell. While it might be overwhelming to some who are majorly allergic or sensitive to such smells, I found it took the “moldy” or humid smell that you usually get from the tropics out of the equation. It made it that much more inviting to explore inside the buildings.

As I entered my room, everything was clean, fresh and simple. I had two double beds which took most of the space in the room. The rooms are small, but functional. Extra amenities are included, such as CHI hair and bath products, a garment steamer, room service, free Wi-Fi, and more.My room had a small balcony which faced mostly the mountains/town area. I had a glimpse of the ocean, but really had to stretch to get that view. As my room was facing more the town area, the weekend nights were a bit noisy due to the music that was played in town. So when you are sitting out on your balcony, it can be noisy. As some of my colleagues had rooms facing the ocean, they said theirs was more quiet. One thing to consider when booking this resort is that not all rooms have balconies. One of the building is equipped with French balconies, so if this is important for you, always specify and book your preferred room location so to avoid disappointments. A large Smart TV is included which can be used for ordering room service and is available 24hrs a day! You’ll never go hungry here!Speaking of food…Jerk Chicken anyone? From the famous Jamaican cuisine to Sushi, crepes and pizza, food options aren’t lacking here. It boosts a wonderful No reservation policy with four different A la Carte Restaurants to choose from for dinner, so you can eat when and where you want without being on a schedule. This is a major positive attribute when I personally choose my vacation week at an All-Inclusive resort. As for daytime options, there are snack bars and restaurants at every corner.

Another Grand amenity of this resort is the spa, the Awe SPA! You will be totally immersed in a sublime relaxing environment with a varied choice of blissful treatments or thermal baths and water circuit. Let’s just say that I took advantage of using the water circuit treatment a few times. Nothing better than to melt the stress away from our bustling lifestyle. It is also a great way to spend a few hours with your partner in a totally romantic atmosphere. Aawwwe!!!Travelling with children? No problem! I’ve never seen a Teen’s club AND a Kid’s club as cool as this one. Does your child love to sign? Let them take stage at the Kid’s club signing karaoke! From a major play area to a small kitchen for the young cooks at heart, your child will not experience boredom here! And on top of it all, there’s the water sports area and a Flow Rider for the more adventurous kid or big kid out there. And if you’re into swimming with the dolphins, that option is also available on site.As for nighttime fun, there is always something going on at the Moon Palace. From the Piano Bar to the Loud bar and the hip Club Noir, there is music to cater to every taste. Looking for a bit more fun? You can find it here! The Moon Palace Jamaica Grande hosts regular big star concerts, such as Sean Paul, Survivor and many more! If you’re a concert fan, there is no better way than to experience it in beautiful Jamaica!One last mention about this AWE some resort chain is their resort credits. If you book 5 nights or more, you are eligible to receive $1,500 resort credits per room. The more nights you book, the more credits you earn. While there is a small “tax” fee (20%) to pay when using the credits, the value far exceeds the fee. Those credits can be used towards spa services, golf, photo session packages, upgrades and many more.I hope I was able to give you a glimpse of what you should expect shall you wish to book your holidays with me at this amazing resort. To finish off my review, I’d also like to point out that the staff at Moon Palace Jamaica Grande were all welcoming, smiling and very Irie! They went out of there way to make sure we all had an AWEsome stay. They are truly shining stars ready to welcome you home.

Ready to book? Connect with me HERE.