Your Rx for Better Health: Vitamin Sea

Have you ever felt that being at the beach improves your overall health? Well, you were right!  In addition to
being just plain enjoyable, there are many health benefits to spending a few days at the ocean.

Better Mood:
Sea air is full of negative hydrogen ions which improve our ability to absorb oxygen. These negatively charged particles also help balance seratonin, a neurotransmitter that is popularly considered to contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Exposure to light also helps boost endorphins which causes you to feel better and improves your mood.

Stronger Immune System:
Sunshine is a good source of Vitamin D. Although precautions should be taken to avoid overexposure to the sun, Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption, thereby aiding in bone health, and it also boosts the immune system.

Healthier Skin:
Salt water helps heal wounds and reduces infection. Ocean water swimming can improve conditions such as arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis. In addition, sand acts as a natural exfoliant, removing old skin and helping skin regenerate.

While you're away, why not try a Thalasso treatment at the spa? Thalasso is a seaweed treatment that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It nourishes skin, stimulates cell function, and encourages blood circulation. Mud treatments and hydrotherapy can also improve your skin's tone and circulation.

So you see, it wasn't just your imagination. You DO feel better after a few days at the beach. Now if your doctor would just write you a prescription for a beach getaway, you'd be all set!

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, or honeymoon at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com

Tired of "Traveler versus Tourist" Debate? Me too!

I've just finished reading yet another article about the purportedly  vast differences between a "Tourist" (bad!) and a true "Traveler" (good!). Most of these articles seem to be written by young(ish) people who are convinced that the way they travel is much better and more authentic than the way you travel. They are doing it right. You, on the other hand, are doing it ALL wrong.

The majority of these journalists/bloggers seem to be self-centered and arrogant. They have embarked on a mission to prove that they are better at this whole travel thing than you are. For example, backpacking and staying in hostels was the method of travel that this article was espousing as the only real way to travel. Choose any other way, and your wanderlust is "inauthentic".

I beg to differ. As a travel consultant, I speak to people of all ages and means. One of the first things I do is identify what type of experience the client is looking for. Some people want to be "away from it all" and others want to be "in the middle of it all". Some clients want to rent a car, stay at a locally owned inn, and spend their days exploring. Others want to stay in a central location and explore more locally. I also have clients who want to maximize how much they can see in a week, and they choose to take a guided tour. Travel is not "one size fits all", and I endeavor to provide each client with the experience they are seeking. Successful travel is the trip you come back from that delivered exactly what you wanted. One person's dream trip is not any better or more authentic than someone else's.

Every traveler should respect the culture and language of the place they are visiting. Kindness and compassion will reap more rewards than rudeness and demands, and we should all endeavor to leave a positive impression on the local people no matter where we go. Beyond that, if you come back from your trip feeling thrilled with your adventure, then it was right for you. One person may find fulfillment diving with sharks, another may wonder at the architecture in Barcelona. One person may want to participate in a music or food festival, another may desire to travel on a church mission. It's all good, and it's all authentic.

My advice for those who are so caught up with how they are a true "traveler" (and are looking down on all the other people with different desires and experiences as "tourists") is this: stop comparing yourself to others and worrying about coming out on top. Travel is not a competition, and you don't need to "win". Give it a rest, and simply enjoy your own adventure.

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com

10 Tips For Planning Family Vacations

The task of planning a family vacation can seem overwhelming at times, especially if you have young children or a large family.  We've compiled a list of some of our favorite family travel tips to help with the process and make sure you don't leave important things to chance.

1)  Book Early for the Best Pricing.
The large online travel agencies have done a spectacular job of confusing consumers and leading them to believe that "last minute deals" offer the best possible pricing. That's simply not the case. Most often, resorts offer their best pricing as an "early booking" rate, and then proceed to raise rates as the resort fills up and demand is still high. The only resorts that offer "last minute deals" are the ones for which demand is weak. The most popular resorts are sold out well in advance. For international travel, book your trip at least 6 to 9 months in advance.

2) Look for Non-Stop Flights
Non-stop published airfare and charters are the quickest, easiest way to arrive at your destination with the least amount of fussing. Connecting flights add at least a couple of hours to your travel time, not to mention the hassles of keeping everyone fed and together at a busy international airport. Don't underestimate the value of those quick flights - they're worth paying extra for.

3) Don't leave Too Early or Too Late
Sure, that 6:00 am departure looks good and gets you to your destination early in the day, but keep in mind that you'll need to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance of your departure (and you'll need to have everyone organized and out of the house well beforehand). And if you wake everyone at 3:00 am, they'll be starting off the trip with a significant sleep deficit. Leaving late in the day presents another set of challenges. It's no fun to arrive after dark and settle into your room just in time to put the kids to bed. Pick a mid-morning departure time if at all possible.

4) Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
Traveling mid-week may shave a significant amount off the bottom line. Also, consider shortening your trip to  5 or 6 nights if the best resort for you is coming in slightly over budget for a 7-night stay.

5) Bring a Bag of Tricks as Your Carry-on
When you're travelling with kids, it's challenging to keep them entertained. Pack a bag filled with toys, games, snacks, medication, quick change of clothes, etc.so that you're prepared to keep everyone busy and happy.

6) Schedule in Some Down Time
Traveling can be exhausting, especially for young people. Be sure to schedule in enough down time for relaxing (or napping).

7) Pack Light and Request Gear from Hotel
Many resorts that cater to families have kids' gear and toys available. Some resorts have cribs, chairs, toys, etc. Request it in advance to make sure it will be available when you arrive.

8) Know the Rules (TSA)
When you're packing your carry-on bags, make sure you are complying with the TSA's rules. https://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons
Check your kids' bags to make sure their bags comply. One of my sons once brought
his "Magic 8 Ball" in a carry-on bag. That raised a few eyebrows at the scanning point, and we were stopped for his bag to be searched.

9) Check Everyone's Passports
Make sure they are good for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled date of return. Renew or apply for your passports well in advance of your trip.

10) Trust Your Instincts
You know your family best, so please do not listen to advice or suggestions from well-meaning friends. For example, if your family likes to stay busy and keep moving but your friend's family is very low-key, chances are small that you will like the same type of trip that your friend took. Trust your instincts and the advice from your professional travel consultant. Look for the best fit for YOU.

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com

Creating a Unique Destination Wedding

Every couple is unique. You have a special style and flair, and your destination wedding should reflect that.  You deserve a "one of a kind" wedding that you and your guests will remember for many years to come. Creating a memorable wedding takes some planning and effort, but the results can be spectacular!  Here are a few ideas for how to customize your destination wedding:

1) Pick a location that reflects your vision. Close your eyes and imagine your perfect moment, and remember that there are no limits on just how different you can be. Pick a cliff, an authentic old chapel, the middle of a jungle, a cave, a wine cellar, or an ancient spiritual site.

2) Give some thought to arriving in style.  Brides and grooms can enter by horse-drawn carriage, by boat, or by zip-line. Your mode of arrival can reflect your passion, your energy, your style. Think outside the box to create a setting and a moment that mirrors your personality.

3) Provide entertainment at your reception that you wouldn't find elsewhere. Your guests might not remember your DJ (no matter how great he/she is), but they will remember a steel drum reggae band or a fire dancer. These unique performers will enhance your reception and help create the mood for your magical evening.



4) Sponsor a shared experience. Your guests have traveled from far away to be present for your wedding day. Let them know you appreciate their efforts and expense by treating them to an experience they won't forget. How about a sunset catamaran cruise just for your wedding guests? Or a cliff jumping excursion? Or white water rafting? The possibilities are endless. Think about what your guests would enjoy and make them feel special too. Sharing that time and experience together will be a memory that you and your guests will cherish.

If you can imagine it, we can probably arrange it. Don't be afraid to ask for ideas. We've got plenty of suggestions and are happy to brainstorm with you to create that unique and special wedding  that reflects your style and your vision. It's easier than you might think!

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.

FunNSunTravel & Cruise

The Myth of the "Last Minute Travel Deal"

Every year prior to the Holidays and then again in the spring, clients call  looking for that elusive wonder - the "Last Minute Travel Deal". All of the hype about these "deals" can leave travelers feeling disappointed with what's actually available and confused about when to book their vacation in order to get the best possible pricing. Here are a few facts that advertisers won't tell you about their "last minute deals":

1) These "deals" are rarely available for popular destinations during peak travel times. If you are planning on going to the Caribbean in the winter or spring or thinking about Europe for your summer trip, you most likely will not find a "last minute" deal that applies.These deals are more likely to be applicable to off-peak travel (think winter in Europe or the Caribbean in the summer).

2) The "deal" may be only for a particular resort or cruise and does not take airfare into account. Yes, you may find a great deal on a Caribbean Cruise leaving from Miami or Fort Lauderdale in the middle of spring break, but if the last minute airfare from your gateway is over $1000 per person, the bottom line doesn't end up being much of a deal.

3) The airfare that is included may be very undesirable in order to get the best possible rate. The air itinerary may include multiple stops or travel in the wrong direction. You may even be forced to overnight at one of the layovers. For example the least expensive air itinerary included in a "last minute deal" from Hartford, CT to Punta Cana contained a flight north and west to Toronto, an onward flight to Montreal, and then a flight the following morning to Punta Cana. Total trip duration: 21+ hours.(A non-stop flight is less than 4 hours.). Do you really want to spend your valuable vacation time crisscrossing international borders and waiting in airports?

4) You may need to be very flexible about your dates, destination, and where you stay.  The available destinations may not be your ideal location, and the resort or cruise-line may be at a different level than what you are used to. If you have your heart set on travelling to St. Lucia and staying in a 5 star luxury resort, the special for the 3 star property in Cancun may not be good experience for you. The fact is is that the properties and cruse-line openings that are available as "last minute" bookings are the ones that still have space. The desirable and popular ones book up well in advance. Is the experience you end up with in these "deals" going to be worth your hard-earned vacation dollars?

5) You really should book your travel at least four to six months in advance to get the best pricing. Resort pricing tends to go up as the resort fills up. The same rules generally apply to cruises. "Early booking" rates are often the most attractive rates, and if the pricing does go down, a travel agent can often get you the lower rate. Airfare rates for international travel are often the best for travel that is at least 4 months away - longer for peak travel dates. For example, if you would like to travel to the Caribbean in the spring, flights will fill up and airfare will likely be higher if you aren't purchasing at least 4 months in advance. And if you want to travel for specific dates over the winter Holidays (Christmas and New Year), consider purchasing nine months (or more) in advance.

We care deeply about your travel experience and can almost always find some of the best available pricing for your trip, but for last minute travel, keep in mind that your desired resort or destination may not be available. If you are flexible about your dates, flights, and budget and ready to consider some "creative" destinations or itineraries, we can almost certainly help with your plans.

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.