Stacey Raker Travel

All Inclusive Vacations

By Leave a Comment

When people think of all inclusive vacations, many go right to adults only or couples. These aren’t just for adults anymore. There are several family friendly resorts that make vacation simple. For example, accommodations, food and beverages are paid for before you leave. Things like spa treatments and excursions will cost additional, but they can be booked ahead of time at many locations so your trip is completely planned upon arrival.

Destination Options

There are so many options, how do you choose? First, eliminate any destinations you do NOT want to go to for whatever reason. Maybe you have already been to Mexico and want to try something new, that narrows down your options. Once you have a couple destinations in mind, contact your travel agent. I like to recommend what I know. My favorite all inclusive recommendations include Sandals, Beaches and AM Resorts. These are companies I know and trust. There are many others as well, we just need to find the right fit for your vacation.

What’s Important To You?

All inclusive resorts can be very different. If food is important to you, you may want to choose a resort with many restaurant options to try. If activities are your main concern, look at the options they offer for water sports, golf, tennis and other activities. Family fun could be your priority, you will want to look at the offerings for kids and things that you can do as a family. There really is an option for everyone’s taste.

Booking and Questions

A travel agent will be able to guide you and walk you through the process as well as answering your questions. Some resorts offer extra perks for club level guests, some offer a private butler service, these are things your agent can suggest and guide you on as will as the entry requirements for the destination country. Often times, you can bundle air in with your stay  and make it easy.

One note of caution, more popular resorts book up very quickly so planning ahead, sometimes way ahead, can be beneficial. You may get better rates by booking early, better room category selections and the resort you really want. Date flexibility is a factor as well. Consequently, you may be able to give your agent a block of dates and let us work our magic for the best pricing and availability during those dates.

If you are interested in an all inclusive luxury vacation, get planning with me now! I am already booking destinations for the rest of 2021 and 2022. Please fill out a quote request here or find me on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/MagicalTravelStaceyRaker

Vacation, It Is Not Imposible

By Leave a Comment

Vacation, It Is Not Impossible!

With all the restrictions and changes we have been through, it may seem impossible, maybe even inconvenient to vacation these days. I’m here to tell you it is not. The key is “know before you go
“ do your research or better yet, enlist the help of your travel agent. Most agent’s services are free of charge, they get paid from the vendors you book through and you pay the same price as booking on your own.

I have taken two vacations since March, both to Florida. FCC regulations still require masks in airports and on flights. In this particular state, mask mandates have been lifted but many people, including myself, still wear them. I am fully vaccinated but prefer to protect others and myself just in case. At this time, if you are fully vaccinated, it is up to you to decide. **Reminder** some airlines have restrictions on mask types, American Airlines restricts gaitor masks and any mask with a vent in it.

If you are wishing to travel to an island, you can do that. Just be sure to have the most up to date entry information for the country you are going to and returning to. Some will require a negative covid test within 72 hours before arriving. Some may do temperature checks upon arrival, but if you know what to expect, you should start your vacation with ease. **Reminder** did you know your passport must be valid for six months AFTER your travel date in some countries?

Maybe you are on a tight budget from being out of work, you can still vacation if you are flexible. Perhaps instead of a hotel, look at renting a house. Many times this is a better economic option and some are able to hold multiple families so you can split the cost. This allows for eating at home versus a restaurant every night. Look for a home that has a pool or is located near things you like to do.

If you are looking to take that dream vacation, wherever the destination may be, be flexible. If you are date flexible, you can select less expensive flights which can save you money. Booking with an agent allows them to find the best flights and package options. Bundling air, hotels and cars if needed can be a money saver as well.

Wherever you want to go, plan ahead and start a vacation jar. It may not pay for your trip but it may allow for a nice dinner out or a desired souvenir on your trip. Know before you go, be flexible and take that vacation! I am here to help, please contact me at Stacey.magicaltravel@gmail.com

Follow me on Facebook for more travel tips and fun! https://www.facebook.com/MagicalTravelStaceyRaker

Walt Disney World Resort – Value Resort Options

By Leave a Comment

Disney value resorts are a great option for those on a budget. These resorts can accommodate a maximum of four occupants and an infant under 2. The family suites at Art of Animation and All Star Movies can accommodate up to 6 occupants and an infant under 2. These resorts are brightly colorful and themed as their names indicate. Disney really goes the extra mile with their theming.

Pop Century – Bright and colorful nostalgia is all around you in this newly refurbished resort. You will see a larger than life Mickey Mouse telephone, a big wheel and bowling pins just to name a few. The main pool is the Hippy Dippy Pool located close to the main building. This resort has a dedicated bus to the parks.

The main building houses the registration area, a quick service food court as well as the registration area, bell services, arcade and a gift shop. This resort is quite large and you may want to consider a “preferred” room location which will keep you close to the main building. I did recently stay in this resort and it is a great resort. I did stay in a preferred room and the walk to the main building was less than five minutes.

IMG_5811

IMG_5809

Art of Animation – Disney’s newest value resort is an animator’s dream! The lobby is full of sketches and colorful artwork and there is a quick service food court with tables inside and out as well as a gift shop and bell services. The room types are separated into separate buildings. The Little Mermaid rooms are the furthest from the main building and sleep up to four occupants with one child under 2. These rooms are so adorable and you will feel like you are under the sea with Ariel!

10439528_10203957802562777_5710520793209275628_n

10403686_10203788649934067_4357533598879706385_n

10304873_10203788649534057_221922170469189264_n

10257448_10203788643453905_2711182019569784346_n

The family suites are Lion King, Cars or Finding Nemo themed and are so bright and detailed your family will love them. The Lion King section is a little further from the main building, as is the Cars section and Finding Nemo is close to the Big Blue Pool and main building. These suites sleep 6 with a queen bed in the master bedroom and a full bathroom. The living area offers a pull out sofa and a drop down table bed in the kitchen area. There is a sink, microwave and small food cooler. The best part is there is a second full bathroom in these rooms so no fighting over showers and tubs! The whole family will love this resort it really feels like an extension of the theme parks! This resort has a dedicated bus to the parks.

All Star Movies, All Star Sports and All Star Music – these three resorts are situated in a row and share a bus to the parks. Each resort offers oversized musical instruments, foosball players, dalmations and even Woody and Buzz! The All Star Movies has recently undergone a refurbishment of their rooms and the other two will follow suite. Each resort offers a quick service food court, arcade and gift shop in the main building. Again, you may want to consider a preferred room location to keep you close to the front of the resort. We stayed in the dalmation section of All Star Movies and it was about a five minute walk to the main building.

Things to know about value resorts:
 Parking fee of $15.00 per night assessed at check out
 Pools at each resort, there are no slides
 Only quick service food options, no sit down restaurants
 Bus transportation to the parks/Skyliner will be available at Art of Animation when it opens