Hurricane Dean was a week of confusion, frustration, fear and anxiety for those traveling to or from St. Lucia, Jamaica, Cancun and other Caribbean Islands. Fortunately most resort areas were spared significant damage and needed only clean-up and a bit of landscape repair.

Totem Travel had quite a few people in Jamaica and our owner was on the island before during and after the hurricane. Given her experience, and feedback from several clients, we’d like to give a big plug to all the Sandals and Beaches Resorts. 

In Negril we had a couple scheduled to be married on the Sunday Hurricane Dean hit. They reported that the staff spent a lot of time boarding up windows, putting away all water sports toys and chaise lounges and making sure anything not attached to the ground was secured. Guests were briefed on a regular basis, given a worst case scenario and warned to fill their bath tubs in case water was turned off after the storm. Ultimately Negril weathered the storm so well there was no structural damage to any buildings and the resorts were up and running the day after the storm. Yeah!

In Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, full power was restored the day after the storm and our clients reported that all on site staff remained helpful and gracious despite worries about their own families and homes.

Since St. Lucia and Jamaica did experience hurricane force winds, Sandals and Beaches enacted their Blue Chip Hurricane Guarantee and every guest staying at 13 Sandals and Beaches Resorts received a free replacement vacation (excluding airfare) to return. The free replacement stay is for the same duration and room category as the originally booked trip and is valid for one year after the original vacation.

This means that our clients that booked a 6 or 7 day stay including last Sunday, can return for another week in the future free of charge! Pretty good policy huh?

If you’d like to hear more about the amazing Sandals and Beaches resorts please call or email one of Totem Travel’s 3 Sandals Specialists. We’ve been to all 17 resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas, St Lucia, Antigua and Turks and Caicos and would love to help you plan your Sandals or Beaches vacation.

It’s about 1p Sunday at the Iberostar Rose Hall near Montego Bay Jamaica. The winds are high, we’ve had some heavy rain and the hotel has prepared for a full force hurricane. Despite the bleak TV news reports we had a lovely steak dinner outside last night under the stars and breakfast this morning was served as usual. 

Overnight the hard working staff had all windows boarded up and the chandelliers lashed down. The cigar bar is closed as is the kids club.  Guests have been advised to stay indoors and are being provided boxed lunches to take to the room in anticipation of the worst.  According to AccuWeather.com, the storm may have already peaked.  According to Weather.com the winds will increase until 7p then taper off.  The Jamaican staff, as always, are cheerful, helpful, relaxed… No problem mon! 

On a more serious note, commercial power was shut off to the island a few hours ago and the airport is closed. As we understand it most people who wished to leave were able to get off the island yesterday. Many like us chose to ride it out. The Iberostar, one of the newest and safest resorts on the island, has back up power but has shut down elevators, ice machines, internet cafes and rum. Hurricanes do come with certain inconveniences…

At the moment we are sitting in the lobby with bar service (Albeit no alcohol), free wireless internet and time to post a blog rather than work on our tans. Check back for an update in the next few days. 

Linda

Every year Modern Bride magazine surveys its readers to determine the “World’s Best Honeymoons” and the list always includes destinations our travel agents visit regularly.  This year is no exception!

2007’s top honeymoon vacation spots are -

1. Italy

2. Hawaii

3. Tahiti

4. Costa Rica

5. Mexico

6. France

7. Maldives

8. Anguilla

9. Fiji

10. Greece

The top picks for adventure were -

1. Costa Rica

2. South Africa

3. NZ

If you’re thinking Italy, France or any other European country, Jennefer is the gal for you.  She has completed numerous specialist courses and travels to Europe at least once a year to keep her knowledge current.  She can help with independent travel, an escorted tours and anything in between, so unless you’re backpacking through Europe, give her a call.  She’ll help you get the most from your travel budget and enjoy all the unique experiences, culture and history Europe has to offer!

If Hawaii is your dream call Sandi.  She lived in Hawaii for several years and has returned many times as a visitor.  She knows what the weather is really like, which beaches are best for swimming and snorkeling and how to avoid honeymooning with hundreds of children.  She works with hundreds of honeymoon couples every year and can put together the perfect vacation package for your honeymoon in Hawaii.

Tahiti, Fiji, Costa Rica and New Zealand (plus Belize & Australia) are some of my favorite places.  I’ve completed specialist courses with the various tourist bureaus and have traveled to all these destinations in recent years.  So if you are dreaming of an overwater bungalow or jungle lodge call Linda!  I know all the best spots for an exotic, tropical honeymoon.

All of us have been to Mexico and the Caribbean islands many times and we are the #1 travel agency in Washington for Sandals all inclusive resorts. Our slogan says it all…. “Get personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!.”  So call the travel experts at Totem Travel to plan your perfect vacation or honeymoon!

As a travel agent, I am blessed with the opportunity to travel frequently and you can’t travel as much as I have without learning a few tips to pass along -. 

Traveling by air can be tedious these days with heightened security rules and restrictions.  Above all, the most important rule to remember is GET TO THE AIRPORT AT LEAST 2 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR FLIGHT!  Yes, you might be early. But wouldn’t you rather be at your gate, reading a book, instead of fretting in the security line?   You may have all your travel documents and carry on items in order, but the unprepared person in front of you can bring the security check to a complete halt.  Two hours, folks, two hours and a minimum of three hours for International flights!

One of the best travel investments I made in the past couple of years is my rolling carry-on bag.  It’s small enough to fit under the seat (I rest my feet on it) but large enough to carry what I need.  I always pack a change of clothes suitable to my destination, a night shirt, toiletries and medications in my carryon.  Then, if the airline loses my luggage or there is an unexpected delay, I am prepared. 

Two more tips – First, no liquids or gels may be in your carryon items unless packed in 3 ounce containers enclosed in a ziplock bag. (For more detailed regulations) Second, buy a rolling carryon with a strap that fits over your big bag so it piggy backs. 

Now on to the flight! Most airlines no longer serve meals onboard although they occasionally have sandwiches or snack boxes available for purchase.  You may bring your own meal on the flight, whether from home or an airport restaurant, and beverages may be brought on board as long as they are purchased after clearing security.   At the moment, U.S. airlines are still serving complimentary soft drinks on board but the coffee is not up to Starbucks standards!

Pillows are also harder to find, so be sure to include one in your carry on. The sundry shops in the airport carry a variety of styles.   Airplanes are notorious for icy air conditioning alternating with stifling heat so dress in layers and try to grab a blanket as you board.  

I will not fly without earplugs.  Again, if you do not have any, the sundry shop will be happy to sell them to you.  Earplugs dull the engine noise and there have been studies that indicate less noise equals less jet lag!   You can still hear the necessary announcements but as an added benefit, your talkative neighbor will be deterred from talking to you! 

If you are on a flight longer than 2 hours, make sure that you get up and move about every hour or so.  This will keep your blood from pooling and creating a blood clot.  If you are unable to get out of your seat due to turbulence, be sure to move your legs. Stretching, and changing position often will help. 

Some folks like to bring slippers to wear on board.  I don’t, because my feet swell and I cannot get my shoes back on, so think twice before you take your off!

Traveling is so much fun, and though flying is a bit more trying that prior to 911, it can still be a pleasant part of the trip.  If you have other tips that you would like to pass along, please feel free to send me an email at sandi@totemtravel.com or give me a call.