Savvy and Fabulous Family Spring Break Vacations

Need Ideas for a Fabulous Family Spring Break 2015?  

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1) Warm up in Riviera Maya with Four Nights of All-Inclusive Unlimited-Luxury and Non-stop Air from Atlanta for $4564 (for a family of four)

Dreams Puerto Aventuras

Set back on a secluded bay, looking out over a yacht-filled marina and the Caribbean Sea, Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa features an on-site dolphinarium with dolphins and manatees.  You can play, swim and even kayak with the dolphins for a memorable experience. Another notable feature of this property is the Explorer's Kids Club, which is included in the cost of your stay!

*Note: Price includes non-stop air from Atlanta, 4 nights in a Dolphin View deluxe room with two double beds and balcony.  Shared transfers to and from airport are included as well. Prices are subject to change until booking is made.

2) Explore three different Caribbean Islands on a 7-Night Royal Caribbean Eastern Caribbean Cruise to Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten for $4442 with a $100 on board credit! (for a family of four)

Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

The newly enhanced Freedom of the Seas® is a marvel of maritime engineering, packed with awesome innovations to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of The DreamWorks® Experience. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen. Infuse color into your cruise with the artworks of the BRITTO Gallery or with the frosted confections of the Cupcake Cupboard. And finish the evening with a selection of reds or whites at the renovated, now-more-intimate Vintages wine bar.


Plus, enjoy all the revolutionary features Freedom of the Seas has always been known for – FlowRider® surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade, cantilevered whirlpools, mini golf course, H2O Zone water park, and much more.

*Note: Price includes an ocean view stateroom for four guests, including taxes and fees, but not gratuities.  All meals are included in the cost.  Cruise departs from Port Canaveral which is about a 7 hour drive from Atlanta. Prices are subject to change until booking is made.

3) The Dominican Republic is calling your name with Four Nights of All-Inclusive Unlimited-Luxury and Non-Stop Air from Atlanta for $4735 (for a family of four)

Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana

With lush tropical gardens and palm-studded beaches facing a turquoise Caribbean Sea, Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana is an idyllic haven for couples and families alike.

*Note: Price includes the exclusive Preferred Club at the resort and non-stop air from Atlanta on Delta.  The room type is Preferred Club Tropical View with two double beds.  Preferred Club includes personalized check in and check out, two private lounges and pools, ungraded mini-bar service, etc.  This resort also has a Kids Club. Prices are subject to change until booking is made.

The Savvy World Traveler's Pre-Cruise Checklist

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A lot of my clients book cruises this time of year which has prompted me to think about publishing my Pre-Cruise Checklist.  There are so many things that can be done before your ship even sets sail that will make your vacation run more smoothly.  Below is my Pre-Cruise Checklist...if you click on the icon at the bottom right hand side of the document, you can print it or save it.  Bon Voyage!

Introducing a NEW Secrets Resort...Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort

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Many of you know that I am in love with Secrets Resorts.  I have even taken the time to become a Master Travel Agent with the company that owns these resorts (AMResorts).  The Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf and Spa Resort opens on December 15, 2013!  There are currently AMAZING introductory discounts going on if you book and travel by April 30, 2014.  Please feel free to contact me for details at 770-565-7600 ext 230 or via email at robin.patterson@vwti.com.  There is also a booking link below.

Happy Traveling!














At Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort, these amenities include:

• Elegant accommodations with spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez or lush gardens
• Gourmet dining at our seven restaurants and a café
• Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day
• 24-hour room and concierge services
• Complimentary mini-bar refreshed daily
• Unlimited premium drinks at six bars and lounges
• Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks
• Day and nighttime activities and entertainment
• Pool and beach concierge
• Two sparkling pools
• Fitness center
• All taxes and gratuities

Click here to email Robin and Book your Secrets Vacation Today!

Great Weekend Getaway: Canyon Ranch, Miami Beach, FL

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Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa, Miami, Beach, FL

When you first step into Canyon Ranch Miami, you get a sense of the great customer service at this hotel.  Everyone from the bellman to the reception desk was very attentive and inviting.  Once you are here for a day or so, you realize that this hotel is going to make you feel great both inside and out.  It is truly a place to come if you want to relax and renew your energy and overall well being.

View from our Balcony

At check in,  you are handed a lanyard with your room key on it.  This also serves as your spa locker key and your pass to go up and down the elevator.  You are also handed a massive weekly schedule of all the complimentary classes they have at the spa.  Every day, there are about 50 classes you can attend, from QiGong to Ballet, Dance classes to Water Aerobics.  Classes are designed for different levels.  I participated in a Meditation Class and Yoga Class.  My husband did a Rock Climbing Class (they have a very nice rock wall) and Core Training Class.   Every class we attended was superb. The instructors were very knowledgeable and energetic.  They offer family classes and children only classes as well.  The recommended age for the children’s classes is between 5 and 13.

Canyon ranch is an all-suite hotel, which means you get a nice size kitchen, an ample bedroom, bath and living space.  We were in a one-bedroom suite (number 608) that had two balconies.  There was a sun deck outside our living area with two chaise lounges and another deck off our bedroom with two chairs.  We could see the ocean well although we were not Oceanfront.  The hotel offers a two-bedroom suite as well, which would be ideal for families.

Our Balcony

Canyon Ranch also offers health classes on nutrition and exercise.  I participated in a Dexa Scan with one of the resident Senior Exercise Physiologists and got great information on how I should be exercising as well as how much I should be eating to stay in healthy ranges of body fat, muscle, etc.  I was very excited to get scientific data on this and to start my new exercise routine, so if anything, you can come away from Canyon Ranch feeling renewed and excited about exercising.

The food was great!  The fruits and vegetables were organic, the beef was grass fed.  The portions were good and we always were full, even with healthier eating.  This also gave me some ideas of what I should be eating at home.  We had an all-inclusive meal plan, so we would get whatever we wanted (including their great smoothies offered at the spa) and we didn’t have to worry about the price.  As an example of pricing, the continental breakfast buffet was $22 per adult.  Most entrees at dinner were between $12-$20.  The hotel also offered pool and beach service so you could relax and enjoy your lunch/dinner and drinks on the beach or poolside.  All of this was included in our meal plan.  If you do not opt for the meal plan, there is a Publix grocery store right across the street.

Dessert at Canyon Ranch Restaurant

The hotel also offered complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas.  One of the employees would even set up your beach chair and towels for you.  It was very nice.  The beach was great as well and the ocean was very shallow which would be nice for kids.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Canyon Ranch Miami if you are looking for a relaxing get away.  It would ideal for a Girlfriends’ Getaway.  It is far enough from South Beach that you won’t get caught up in the craziness of that area, but it is just a quick cab ride away from South Beach if you do want a night out on the town.  It is also very conveniently located close to the Miami Airport.

Great Weekend Getaway: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, FL

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My husband and I recently stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island for 3 nights.  It was a wonderful getaway.

We left Atlanta around lunchtime on a Wednesday and drove to Amelia Island.  The drive took longer than I thought it would (about 6 hours), but it was mostly highway, which I liked.  We got to Amelia Island around lunch and I pulled up Trip Advisor on my iPhone to find a place for dinner before we checked into the hotel.  We found a place called Baxter’s close by and were pleasantly surprised by the restaurant.  My shrimp caesar salad was great and Ty had a seafood platter that was awesome.  And the prices were comparable to that of Café 4750 at the Ritz.  We then drove to the Ritz and loved the canopy of trees that lined the street into the resort.  We were greeted quickly and efficiently by the valet and by the Reservations Desk. 

View of Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island from Beach

The Ritz has this wonderful spa-like smell everywhere you go.  We got to our room on the 8^th floor and were pleased with the cleanliness and hospitality of our chambermaid who came to greet us as well as the luggage valet.  We were staying on the Club Floor, which gave us access to the Club Lounge.  This was definitely a money saver.  The Club Lounge offers breakfast, snacks, lunch, appetizers, desserts, and some alcoholic drinks at no additional cost to those on the Club Level.  And the hours were very good.  Breakfast was served until 11:00, then lunch, snacks, appetizers and then desserts went until 10:00.  It was perfect for us because we like to get up late on vacation and stay up late as well.

View from our 8th Floor Balcony of Family Friendly Pool

On Thursday, we rented bikes in the morning from the Fitness Center.  Again, we were welcomed very kindly by the Fitness Center Staff member, who went out of her way to walk us all the way to the garage to secure our bikes.  The charge for the bikes was $25 for four hours per bike.  And the Fitness Center gave us a local map that showed different distances to local attractions.  Amelia Island is very bike and pedestrian friendly and we rode 8 miles to downtown Fernandina Beach.  There we shopped for souvenirs and had lunch at a local Mexican restaurant before heading back to the resort.  That night we had dinner at Café 4750 and desserts in the Club Lounge.

Amelia Island has wonderful bike and walking trails

On Friday, we had reservations for a massage at their ample Spa.  We got to the Spa a little early to get a tour.  Since the Spa is so big, I highly recommend arriving early.  After the tour, we took advantage of some of the Spa amenities, such as the outdoor hot tub and adult only pool.  They also have indoor hot tubs for ladies only and one for men only as well as Steam Rooms and Saunas.  My husband and I opted for the outdoor pool and hot tub so we could be together.  We then went to relax in the co-ed lounge until we were picked up for our massages.  The massages were divine.  I’ve had a few massages in my life and I could tell my masseuse knew what she was doing.  My husband loved his as well.  And if you have a spa appointment, you are free to use any of the Spa facilities all day.  You can also take advantage of the Spa facilities any day if you are a Club Guest, regardless of whether or not you have an appointment. 

During our stay, we didn’t spend much time on the beach. The beach was very large and the Ritz had chairs available.  We would take long walks on the beach, but we didn’t spend much time relaxing on the beach since we were too busy enjoying the resort itself.

View of Fernandina Beach City Center.  It had lots of good shopping and restaurants.

Note about taking kids:  We did not have our children with us on this trip, but there were a lot of kids at the resort.  They had a kid’s pool for them to enjoy as well as a huge pool that families could enjoy together.  The Ritz also had a children’s playground by the pool and they offer a Kids Club as well.  There were several events geared towards kids such as a Treasure Hunt, a Pirate Toast on Friday evening, shark teeth hunt and craft, and more.  I would love to take our kids there some time, however when we travel with kids I like to have access to a kitchenette and washer/dryer and our room did not have either.

In conclusion, our trip was just what we wanted, a short getaway with just the two of us that was relaxing and enjoyable.

Savvy Disney Cruise Tips, February 2013

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Sting Ray Adventure at Castaway Cay with Disney Dream in background

When deciding where I wanted to take my family on vacation this past February,  I made the decision to take a Disney Cruise.  I had heard great things about the Cruise Line from friends and colleagues and decided to take the plunge.  I priced out various dates of the year and settled on February because the prices were lower than other times of the year, and I knew we would want to escape the Winter weather. I also took advantage of a $50 On Board Credit for using my Disney Visa Card. 

I booked the cruise six months ahead of sailing and had no problem getting the stateroom I wanted (Deluxe Family Stateroom with Balcony).  You do need to book as much as nine months ahead for popular sailings such as Spring Break, Summer or Holiday sailings.  Pretty much any time kids are out of school, Disney Cruises fill up quickly and the price is usually higher.  Also, it is important to go to your reservation on the Disney Cruise website about 75 days before your sailing to schedule Dining and Spa Reservations, as well as a time to board the ship on day of embarkation. You can also fill out all of your Check In Documents to save you time when you get to the Cruise Terminal.

After booking the stateroom, I decided not to book our air through Disney, although you can.  I saved a few dollars booking air on my own, but it is definitely worth it to check Disney's fares when buying airfare.  Our cruise was leaving on a Sunday from Port Canaveral.  Orlando Airport (MCO airport code) is the closest international airport to Port Canaveral.  We flew into Orlando on Sunday morning, although I recommend flying in the day before your cruise departs in case there is a problem with weather or equipment.  We rolled the dice and were lucky.  You also need to confirm the times you have to be at the Port to embark the ship and what time you need to book your flight home when you disembark.  For us, we got to Port early to embark on the ship around 12:00, and we scheduled our flight out of Orlando after 11:30 a.m. as per Disney's suggestion.

Dining at Palo Italian Restaurant while kids were enjoying Kids Club

I also didn't choose to book the Disney supplied Ground Transportation because I didn't like the idea of riding in a motor coach from Orlando airport to the Port, which takes about 45 minutes.  I chose a company called Happy Limo for our transportation, and it was less expensive for our family of four than the Disney motor coach.  We also were able to stop at a store for drinks to take on the cruise on the way since we had private transportation.  This also saved us money versus buying all our drinks on board.  We had a refrigerator in our stateroom.  Some staterooms do not.  In this case, you can use your ice bucket to keep your drinks cool.

Once you get to Disney's Cruise Terminal, some cast members will take your luggage and you won't see it again for a few hours.    It is important to pack a separate bag of anything you would want to enjoy the pool deck (bathing suits, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.) because once you check in at Port, most people head up to the upper deck for playing in the pools and on the Aqua Duck (water slide in a tunnel on the very top of ship).  I would recommend changing into your suits in the Cruise Terminal because there is not much space in the public bathrooms to change on board. We got on the ship early and loved enjoying the water slides, the pools and Nemo's Splash Pad. Our daughter loved the Aqua Duck.  She was able to ride is several times with no line this first day on the ship. You can also use your time at the Cruise Terminal to register your kids for Kids Club which also saves you some time.  Once you get on the ship, there is plenty of food so bring your appetite.

Another suggestion I have is to take a lanyard with you to keep your Key to the World card in. This card is your room key and your charge card while you are on the ship.  There are many times you leave your purse in the in-room safe and don't have a place to easily keep the card.

Fish Extender purchased on Ebay

Once you get in your stateroom, you will notice along the hallways that people have what is called a Fish Extender by their stateroom doors.  Fish Extenders are pockets of fabric that hang by the door. If you have one by your stateroom, your children will get little prizes in their pockets throughout the cruise.  Some of the prizes I put in personally.  I purchased some bubbles, puzzles, etc. from the Dollar Store before I left to put in their pockets.  But there were other people filling up our pockets too. I purchased my Fish Extender on Ebay.

Another suggestion is to bring any Disney gear you already have from home (Ears, shirts, etc.)  I found that this kept our kids from asking for items that they were selling on board.  I also loaded up on pirate gear from home since I knew Disney had a Pirates of the Caribbean party one night on each of their Caribbean sailings.  This saved us some money as well.

Atlantis Port Adventure

Ports of Call Information- We traveled to Nassau and Disney's own Castaway Cay.   We spent a day at each of these Ports.  For Nassau, we took the kids to Atlantis' Aquadventure.  The kids loved it but it is one of the most expensive excursions if purchased through Disney.  I was lucky enough to get a good rate as a Travel Agent, so we took a local taxi ($16 from Port to Atlantis for our family of four).  But my suggestion is to ask your Travel Agent to check on room rates for Atlantis and it may be less expensive to book a room at Atlantis for the day and take advantage of the Aquadventure, especially if you have a family of four or more.  Castaway Cay was amazing and a lot bigger than I expected.  Definitely take the tram if you have smaller kids because they will not want to walk.  The weather was beautiful in each Port of Call for us.  The high was around 75 degrees.  It was a little cold in the water for me, but my kids didn't seem to mind.

All in all, we had a wonderful time on the Disney Cruise.  It was truly a Dream.

The Perfect Cruise for Honeymooners, Babymooners, or Empty Nesters

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Regent Seven Seas cruises would be an ideal vacation for Honeymooners, Babymooners, or Empty Nesters.  They cater to adults and are the ultimate All-Inclusive vacation!  If you are in any of the categories above, you should definitely check out the flyer below.  This cruise line is definitely on my  Vacation Wish List for when our kids are older.  Check it out!!