Our neighbor to the south offers up endless sunshine and relaxation, and is our top pick for 5-star luxury;something we can all use right now. In fact, while I’ve not yet visited since Mexico opened in June, agent friends tell me they felt safer there than they...
From the Desk of Denise Koranek
Alcohol Tainting in Mexico: We Discuss the Facts
Let’s be very clear: safety is our number one priority for our clients. As travel consultants, part of our job is keeping a close eye on regional events to make sure the destinations we recommend will provide the exceptional experiences that you want, and deserve....
Our family’s experience at the only all-inclusive resort in the U.S.
What’s it like at the only all-inclusive resort in the U.S.? My wife and I wanted to find out (along with our 2-year-old son) before trying one internationally, so Denise recommended Club Med in Sandpiper Bay, Florida. This was our first time visiting an...
Welcome to Costa Rica! New entry requirements for a Pura Vida adventure
While small in size, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse nations on the planet with activities and adventures suitable for anyone. Plainly said, if you’re bored in Costa Rica you’re not doing it right! With a temperate climate and an easy flight from many U.S....
Cure your cabin fever with these nature-oriented getaways
Choosing a nature-themed vacation is a great remedy when you’re craving an escape from the daily routine. With many of us spending more time at home, doesn’t some fresh mountain air, an ocean breeze, or the sound of a waterfall seem like the perfect ticket? As much as...
An Ecotourism Paradise: Your Costa Rica Questions Answered
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, drawing over 2 million visitors each year to experience pristine wilderness up close. Even though Costa Rica is relatively small, about the size of West Virginia, it feels much larger with diverse...
You’re probably doing Vegas all wrong. I would know.
Flying into Las Vegas, you quickly realize how improbable the place really is. A major metropolis in the middle of the Mojave Desert shouldn’t really exist, and yet somehow, thanks to human ingenuity, beyond all odds, it does. Started by miners and missionaries, Las...
Jet-setting off to a fabulous new destination? Here’s a list of 26 Must-have Essentials for In-the-Know travelers, from A-Z!
Before packing for your next vacation, start here to see the top 26 items to bring along, listed A-Z! You'll make folks envious of your travel savviness, and your life will be made easier too! Here are our top picks. Adapter. An all-in-one adapter is one of the...
The Ultimate Packing Checklist
Red bow on finger isolated on white background Don't Forget the ____! The summer season is upon us, and that means summer vacations! Looking for great Summer Sales? Look no further than the bottom of this newsletter. Call now for your consultation! No matter...
What Not To Pack In Your Checked Luggage
There are a variety of items that are either not recommended or outright prohibited by the Transport Security Administration from being packed into a checked suitcase. When packing both your carry-on and checked luggage take into consideration how easily each item can...
The rental car shortage is leaving travelers in a bind
There’s a rental car shortage and it’s only getting worse as the summer approaches. With easing travel restrictions, people are ready to hit the road again and it’s showing in a big way. Renting a car used to be an afterthought, but travelers this summer are facing...
Renting a car during your next vacation? How to deflect the upsell
As travel starts to return, renting a car can give you the freedom and flexibility many of us are craving. Unlike public transportation, having your own vehicle allows you to stay on a personal schedule and provides an additional layer of social distancing. That said,...
Renting a car? Cashless tolls may carry a steep cost. Here’s how to avoid expensive surprises.
Rental cars offer freedom and flexibility that public transportation doesn’t always provide when on vacation. When things go right, renting a car can be enjoyable but these companies are also notorious for tacking on fees and giving high-pressure sales pitches...
How to Protect Yourself from Car Rental Companies: At Home and Abroad
Whether traveling to another state or another country, rental cars are often an important means of getting around. Unlike public transportation, they make it easy to stay on a personal schedule and have privacy. How to protect yourself from car rental companies is...
12 Stunning Romantic Destination Ideas
Staying home in 2020 meant delaying honeymoons and milestone anniversaries. So this year we encourage couples to celebrate their relationships, to keep the romance alive! Setting time aside to spend with your spouse is the best way...
About Denise
My goal is to simplify travel-planning through an equal exchange process where I acquire your ideas and expectations for your trip relieving you of the worry, hassle, stress and time that accompanies Do-It-Yourself planning. Recent Posts
Give the best gift of all this Holiday season, the gift of travel
Are you wondering what to give yourself or your loved ones this Christmas? How about a gift that you already own; that’s better than any item you could buy? People are eager to get back out there and demand is surging. This week we describe the benefits and many ways...
Protect your cybersecurity when traveling: Our top tips
Did you know that approximately 1 in 4 international travelers have been victims of hacked devices when using public Wi-Fi? This is a surprising statistic for many, but unfortunately it’s a fact of life in our increasingly connected world. Whether abroad or in the...
Hurricane in the Dominican Republic: Our vacation experience
Like many during the pandemic, we were grounded entirely for longer than we liked. When my husband and I contacted Denise to help us plan a much needed vacation, we said we wanted an All-Inclusive in the Dominican Republic and September worked best for our schedules....
Considering booking a short-term vacation rental from an app? Read this first
In recent years, companies such as Airbnb and Vrbo have grown exponentially across the world. Travelers looking for something other than a hotel room are understandably attracted to these options, which appear to offer a larger space and more authentic experience. But...
New DOT Dashboard Explains Air Passengers’ Rights
On 9/1/2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled a new dashboard that explains the services each airline provides to passengers in the event of a controllable cancellation or delay. This provides one location where travelers can quickly and easily...