GOODBYE WORRIES, HELLO VACATION

GOODBYE WORRIES, HELLO VACATION

Are you overwhelmed with the process of booking your next trip?

You’ve landed in the right spot!

 

Stress & Vacation Do NOT Go Together

A pretty common fact we can all agree on? That the point of vacation is to travel somewhere beautiful so that you can shed the stress of work and daily routine. But we see it all too often—vacationers taking on a lot of extra work just to get to that vacation in the first place. This, friends, is a step you can avoid when you have a travel advisor doing all the planning for you! Say goodbye to the worries and say hello to your next vacation!


Tap Into Our Knowledge

Our team of travel experts are pros at alleviating the stress and worries of travel planning. In fact, one of the BEST things about our travel advisors is that you get access to everything they know. Especially in this day and age, when traveling is more complex than ever with varying entry requirements for basically every destination. Imagine being told at the last minute that you can’t board the airplane because you didn’t follow proper COVID protocols. When you tap into the connections from our team, we’ll make sure you get where you need to go hassle-free with both comfort and ease.

You gain peace of mind by working with us—not only with the COVID-related protocols and requirements. From resorts, private beaches, and luxurious pool suites, we’ll make sure your destination is exactly what you’re anticipating, or BETTER. We hope the idea of eliminating the stress, phone calls, and time associated with planning your vacation has you feeling pretty confident about your next move, connecting with us that is!

 

Make Instagram Your Reality 

You’ve seen the Instagram pictures, right? The ones that display some untouched, beautiful paradise—the place you start to daydream about. Well, sometimes travelers get duped by inaccurate representations of private locales and end up in not-so-untouched, beautiful destinations (check out this traveler’s story). 

That stressor is one we aim to avoid by working one-on-one with every client to explore all the real places that offer that real Instagrammable backdrop! It’s fun to discover new places, and we cannot wait to help you get there.

 

Avoid the Overwhelm

We do not want you going through ‘information overload’ only to land a vacation that doesn’t fit exactly what you’re looking for. Oftentimes, if you plan alone, you will be bombarded with spam emails, phone calls, and marketing campaigns designed to get you to ‘buy now’ without knowing too much. With the right connections, our team is able to support you to avoid an information overload so that you can make the best decisions for your vacation budget and preferences for your trip. Planning your trip should never be a nuisance, and we keep it that way.

 

A Real Person, Not An App

We don’t want to discredit technology and how useful it can be when planning a vacation, but a Google search is only going to get you so far. Sometimes, the human touch cannot be replaced, so instead of searching and searching for ways to enhance your vacation—try connecting with our team instead. With our real travel advisors, you get the benefit of a customized travel experience tailored to your wants, needs, and preferences! As you plan, you’ll be especially grateful to avoid long hold times with just about every business in the industry. We are always a quick phone call, text, or email away. Service at your convenience, before, during, and after your trip.

 

Experience Big Savings

Many of our clients have a budget in mind when it comes to vacationing, and more times than not, you feel that the airlines and resorts don’t have the best interest of your finances in mind. When you are working alongside a team with familiarity and connections in the industry, your budget is at the top of the list. You would be surprised at how much money travelers save when they utilize a travel advisor to plan their trip versus doing it on their own.

It’s ALWAYS Worth It!

We mean it. The value of working with our team is one that can reduce that overwhelming feeling of planning a perfect trip! Extra stress is something we are always happy to take off your shoulders, so that your only to-do is to focus on how many days you have left until you depart. Personalized vacation planning is just one “contact us” button away. Don’t do this alone—we have your back!

5 WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR NEXT VACATION

5 WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR NEXT VACATION


Romance Is Not Dead

Routine. It’s a great thing to rely on for your day-to-day stuff, like work and family. But, things can get a little boring after a while and dull out any chances of romance between you and your special someone. To that, we say…don’t let your vacation be just another routine item—indulge in the romantic extravagances you deeply desire. Our experts have put together some ‘out of the routine’ ideas to SPICE up your next vacation. We promise, romance is not dead, you just gotta find it.


Idea #1: Light Your Way

Tried and true, our first idea to get your vacation leaning toward the romantic side is a candlelight dinner. Whether you’re on the beach, hotel balcony, or sitting poolside—this little experience is sure to set the mood and keep the focus on romance. Our travel designers are always happy to set this up for you if you don’t know where to start…and believe us, this is just the start.


Idea #2: Turn Up the Heat

Take your spa experience to the next level by indulging in a private massage session where certified spa therapists share their techniques with you in stunning oceanside locations where the sounds of the sea accompany your romantic experience! By the end of the session, you will have the confidence and skills to give your partner an amazing massage, wherever you are. It’s a unique date night idea that will help you build a deeper connection and learn something new together. Sign me up, right?


Idea #3: Do Not Disturb

Our next idea is a classic but a lot of people never get to experience this magic because they didn’t use a travel agent. We’re talking about setting the mood in the perfect romantic suite. We suggest getting a suite with a large soaking tub or private plunge pool. These suites offer a different level of luxury that we can get you bubbling in, in no time. Let us help you arrange to have your room adorned with rose petals to bring the romance all the way up to the roof. How about strawberries and champagne? Um, yes please!  We think the ‘do not disturb sign’ will really come in handy this time…


Idea #4: Renew And Recharge

Not to be too metaphorical, but vacation is for renewing your attitude and recharging your energy…BUT! We also think it’s a great time to renew your vows. There are a TON of resorts and destinations in our pocket that feature vow renewal ceremonies basically anywhere you want in the world. Nothing beats renewing your love with a surprise renewal in paradise.


Idea #5: Connecting, Again

Our last suggestion lives in the heart of adventure. Beautiful places often mean beautiful experiences and emotions. The thrill of finding a new place together and exploring new sights can be the little bit of spice that routine drained from your relationship. How about rejuvenating your love in the mud baths in St. Lucia? We suggest leaning on our team to plan activities like this to give you the opportunity to find each other again. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone…it might just be exactly what you needed.


Consultation First, Next-Level Vacation Second

WOAH! We see you are ready to start spicing up your next vacation. First things first, connect with one of our travel designers and give them the low down on your ideas for your romantic trip. From there, let us go to work for you to deliver custom proposals that meet your vision.  Once we set you up with the right destination, resort, and room—let’s discuss the exciting extras and experiences that will take this romantic vacation to the next level. Sit back, relax, and watch your getaway unfold into something you thought only happened in the movies. We’re just as excited as you are, start your consultation today. 


Travel Agents Make It Easy: The Perks

Travel Agents Make It Easy: The Perks


Your Time is Valuable! 

You want that dream vacation, right? But there is a ton of planning involved & the research can be completely overwhelming. Your life doesn’t just come to a halt because you need to start planning an amazing vacation!  Do as much or as little as you want by connecting with a travel agent.  Tap into the expertise and first hand knowledge of a true professional the next time you plan to take a trip. 


Kick back, relax, and discover the perks of using a travel agent.


Hold Please…

If you’ve ever had to call around to airlines, resorts, or connect with customer service—you understand the frustration that goes along with the phrase, “hold please.” This is the first perk of utilizing a travel agent—you will no longer have to be the one to make phone calls to plan your vacay, we have you covered. Our agents maintain strong relationships with common airlines, resorts, etc., to get you the best deals and best service when you travel. Think of all the time you will save, seriously. Just shoot us a text, give us a call, or send a quick email and we will go to work for you right away!


Expert Guidance At Your Fingertips

One thing most people do not think about when they get ready for an overseas or exotic trip is that different countries often have different rules and regulations, especially in the age of COVID. When you connect with our agents, we’ll get you prepped with everything you might need to know or follow during your getaway—AND keep you updated along the way. Better safe than sorry, are we right?


Hot Spots

Aside from being experts on the rules and regulations, our agents give you the benefit of their knowledge of where you are traveling. Imagine having a real person to talk to about what to do during your vacation rather than just a Google search…it really is the bees knees!  We travel to top destinations often, and can’t wait to share our first hand experiences with you. Once an agent gets to know you, along with your unique vision of the perfect trip —they will connect you with tons of ideas and adventures for your next destination vacation. AKA, the hottest spots and best entertainment in your back pocket.


Saving MORE With Some Help

Things are just easier when you have some professional help…and we are your vacation professionals. You would be surprised how often we hear, “I can’t afford a travel agent.” The truth is, most travelers end up saving money in the long run with a travel agent by avoiding common tourist pitfalls and traps and unlocking better travel and accommodation options. The answer to the most common myth: ANYONE can use a travel agent and it does not cost more. Book a consultation with our team—and we’ll show you.


It’s Okay To Cancel

So, the final perk we’d like to mention is our ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ Insurance. Life just feels better when it’s insured and the same goes with your vacation. Using a travel agent gives you the unique opportunity to cancel your vacation—even last minute, by using our insurance. That means anything you have spent so far goes right back to your pocket! We’ll take that peace of mind any day. 


Put Your Feet Up

The perks keep going but we’ll let you digest that first. To get started, all it takes is a quick call and conversation—and our agents will take it from there! You can put your feet up and relax as the days get closer and closer to the best, most relaxing vacation you’ve had in years—the planning is on us! We are so excited to get started…where to first?



What should I put in my Destination Wedding welcome bag?

What should I put in my Destination Wedding welcome bag?

As your wedding guests arrive to the hotel, you may not have time to greet and welcome each one of them. However, a nice personal alternative would be to create a welcome bag for each room or guest that would welcome them with a personal message and a few goodies. When thinking about what to include in your welcome bag, make sure to keep it simple and as stress-free as possible. Here are just a few ideas of what to include:

Welcome/ Thank you Letter

A welcome or thank you letter to your guests would make them feel special for making the trip to your destination wedding. Think about creating one general message that you can type up and print out to include in each bag.

Contact Information

To make things easier on yourself and your guests you can provide them with designated key contacts to help if any issues or questions arise. Include a contact for the resort, a wedding planner contact, and a few family member contacts that can help answer general wedding related questions. By providing key contacts for your guests, this will keep your guests from reaching out to you for information.

Wedding Details

It will be very helpful for your guests to have a printed copy of the upcoming wedding events. This will help answer questions about where your guests need to be and at what times. You may also include additional general details such as expected weather and the dress code for each event.

Information on Local Activities

If your guests are unfamiliar with the destination, you may consider including information about local tours and activities that could keep them busy during their free time. You can either create a list for them or request brochures directly from the hotel that you can add to your welcome bags. If you are working with a destination wedding travel agent, they can help you and your guests arrange tours and activities in advance.

Snacks

Transporting snacks to your destination, especially in bulk, may be difficult, so you may consider visiting local stores to purchase snacks. Consider local candies, cookies, or popular packaged foods from that particular destination.

Vacation Essentials

While many of your guests may have already packed everything needed for their vacation, it may be a nice gesture to include a few items you believe they will need during their trip. For example, a travel sized sunscreen, Tylenol, tissues, or mints.

2019 WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award

2019 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®
Modern Romance Travel Receives Distinction in the 11th Annual WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®

January 10, 2019. -- Modern Romance Travel was announced a winner of the renowned WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®.

WeddingWire, Inc., a leading global online wedding marketplace, annually celebrates the top wedding professionals on WeddingWire across more than 20 service categories, from venues and caterers to florists and photographers. These distinguished vendors exhibit superior professionalism, responsiveness, service, and quality when interacting with the five million monthly consumers who turn to WeddingWire to help ease their wedding planning process.

Modern Romance Travel received this esteemed award based on their outstanding experience working with real newlyweds. WeddingWire features more than three million reviews, and these notable vendors all received prompt, reliable, and quality feedback.

"We are celebrating our 11th annual Couples’ Choice Awards, where we honor our vendors who help make millions of couples’ big day one to remember," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. "Not only are these hard- working and distinguished wedding professionals, such as Modern Romance Travel, a fundamental part of the wedding planning process for engaged couples, but they help make WeddingWire a trusted source for wedding planning. We congratulate everyone on this well-deserved achievement."

Modern Romance Travel is honored to be one of the top wedding businesses in San Ramon on WeddingWire.com.

For more information about Modern Romance Travel, please visit us on WeddingWire. To learn more about the WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards®, please visit www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards.

About WeddingWire, Inc.

WeddingWire, Inc. is a leading global online marketplace connecting consumers with local wedding professionals and a suite of comprehensive tools that make wedding planning easier. Operating within a $250 billion industry, WeddingWire helps 16 million users every month find the right team of wedding professionals to personalize and pull off their special day. Consumers around the world are able to read more than 5 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a directory of over 500,000 vendors local to them. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio serves couples and wedding professionals across 15 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. The company has more than 950 employees and is headquartered in Washington, DC, with international headquarters in Barcelona, Spain.

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Top 3 Indian Wedding Resorts in Mexico

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Looking for a tropical destination to host your South Asian Wedding? Visiting hundreds of properties in the past 5 years, we’ve found that these 3 all-inclusive resorts do it best. They have mastered the authenticity of Indian Destination Weddings from specialized Indian cuisines, to traditional wedding customs, these resorts are our top recommendations! 

Moon Palace Cancun

At Moon Palace Cancun, they will be sure to partner you with an experienced Indian Wedding Planner that will help with customized Mandap options, authentic live music and entertainment, choosing your wedding theme, selecting specialized Indian Wedding Cuisines prepared by a South Asian Chef, and will provide various venue locations that accommodate groups of all sizes.

Generations Riviera Maya 

Generations is known as a multi-generational family friendly, all suite, all butler, all Gourmet Inclusive® Resort. You will be sure to not only have an exceptional wedding, but also have access to gourmet inclusive cuisines and some of the most beautiful venues for destination weddings. At Generations, they have truly gone a step above partnering with South Asian vendors to ensure they offer Indian cuisines prepared by a South Asian Chef, traditional decor, and high quality destination wedding planning. They have also created an amazing restaurant, Haab, where you can experience a variety of spices and Indian cuisines throughout your stay.

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Hard Rock Riviera Maya is an amazing resort to host your destination wedding. This resort offers generous wedding group amenities and benefits, quality service, tropical views, a lively atmosphere, and nightly entertainment to keep your guests satisfied. Ishq Rocks, Hard Rock’s Indian Wedding Collection, is the perfect choice for your Indian Destination Wedding offering Indian music, live entertainment, skilled Mehndi artists, and traditional Indian cuisine options. Working with their quality wedding specialists, you will be able to customize and personalize this collection to have your perfect wedding.

 

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Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Riviera Maya's First All-Fun Inclusive Resort

We have been waiting for months to visit this hotel! Hotel Xcaret is a destination nestled amongst the lush jungle and the white sands of Riviera Maya. It revolves around luxury, Mexican culture, and the seven archaeological parks and tours that are a part of the Experiencias Xcaret family (which are all included in your stay). The architects and developers spent nine years researching and developing what this property would come to be. The Architecture surprised me by its mixture of modernism and tradition.  The hotel even has its own underground cenotes. The property captures the true essence of Mexican culture! Hotel Xcaret has something that is truly unique when it comes to destination weddings. The venues are some of the most stunning we have ever seen. We are so excited to help couples plan their weddings here! We fell in love with Hotel Xcaret’s luxurious amenities in a natural paradise. There is something for everyone at Hotel Xcaret. Check out a short video that we captured during our latest stay.

Flora Farms

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During our last visit to Los Cabos, we had the opportunity to visit Flora Farms.  It is located in the new Puerto Los Cabos area about 15 minutes away from San Jose del Cabo. Flora Farms is like a luxury culinary theme park. The magnificent ten-acre farm and field kitchen restaurant is a perfect blend of laid back Baja and Sophisticated California. The architecture, décor, design, and plating of the food makes Flora Farms Instagram worthy. Once you step into the farm, there is something for everyone, especially food lovers. We were lucky enough to do the guided tour prior to dinner and it has become one of our new favorites and Must do’s in all of Mexico! The menu changes with the seasons. The farm is perfect for families, couples and events.  The set-up of the farm and its venue spaces makes hosting a wedding rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch a breeze.  Flora Farms is one of those places that you will want to forever revisit.

10 Reasons Why Destination Weddings Are The Best!

10 Reasons Why Destination Wedding Are The Best!

Can’t decide whether to planning destination wedding or not? Here are 10 reasons why destination weddings are the best. Give this article a read and we are sure that you will fall in love with destination weddings.

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1. They are easy on the pocket

The affordability of a destination wedding has many couples speeding off to the airport faster than you can say I do. Couples can get married at an all-inclusive resort and spend on average $15,000. The national average cost of a wedding in the US is $35,329.

 

2. There is no home field advantage

What should a couple do if her family is from the East Coast and his family is from the West Coast and the couple lives in Seattle? They meet on neutral grounds. Destination weddings are the great geographical equalizer because they take place in a neutral spot. Since the destination is largely new to everybody, your big day will be equally exciting to your guests as it is for you.

 

3. You will stand out from the pack

There are more than two million Americans who get married every year. One in 25% is a destination wedding. If you choose a destination wedding you won’t have to choose the same hometown venues all of your friends and family have booked.

 

4. Start your honeymoon early

Once you arrive at your destination you will already be in a relaxed mood as all of the wedding events begin. Many of the resorts offer honeymoon upgrades and special perks to the couple on their wedding night.

 

5. They are stress-free

Planning your big day considerable miles away from your living place sounds like stressful. But trust us, it's not so.  Leave the details to your destination wedding specialist and on site wedding coordinators. They are familiar with all the wedding packages, and take care of all of the ceremony and reception essentials. All you have to do is bring your dress.

 

6. Everyone who attends is a VIP

Destination Weddings have less obligatory invites and more MUST have loved ones. Friends and family who “make the cut “often know that the list was limited and they love feeling important to the couple.

 

7. You won’t need much décor

If you choose a venue with a stunning backdrop, you won’t need to break the bank trying to cover it up with expensive flowers and décor. Nearly all destination weddings take advantage of their setting’s natural beauty.

 

8. Unique and memorable wedding Experience

A destination wedding allows you to get creative. You can have a traditional wedding, cultural wedding, or even a religious wedding and customize it so it reflects your personal style. Even if you choose to have a traditional wedding, a destination wedding will be unlike any other wedding.

 

9. Photo Ops Galore

Your wedding album also should be unique as your wedding. Because it will be a lifetime memory for you, reminding some of the most special moments of your life. In a local wedding, your photos will be taken in the usual places that you see every day. But, open the options to say, the Riviera Maya, and you’ve got the makings of some epic shots.

 

10. Enjoy quality time with your loved ones

The standard wedding at home lasts for 5 hours and the couple is running from table to table, trying to say hello to everyone. A destination weddings spans to a minimum of three days- which means you actually get to spend quality time with your closet family and friends.

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