Blog from Destination Affairs, Inc. for Nantucket Weddings Unveiled

Thank you Hoffmann Photographer, Inc. for the beautiful picture!

Important travel information for Brides-to-be and your honeymoon!

Today we have guest blogger Kristin O’Reilly from Destination Affairs with us to talk about your travel documents and getting your name changed once you’ve tied the knot!

As you are shipping out on your honeymoon, take note of these important passport tips:

Unless you are traveling six plus months after you tie the knot, make your honeymoon reservations using your maiden name. You won’t have a passport or drivers license in your new name yet, so you’ll need your tickets to match your documentation.

Follow these tips to change your passport with your new name:

1. Get the marriage license! You will most likely receive this in the mail or issued to you in a government office.

2. Get a new social security card
Once you get your marriage license (which usually takes a couple of weeks to arrive in the mail), take that completed form, the license and your identification to your local social security office to get a new card. (if you’ve gotten creative with your last name, you may also need to go through more formal name change procedures.)

3. Get a new drivers license
You’ll also want to change your name on the other main form of identification – your driver’s license. Most DMVs will change it with a copy of a marriage certificate, although others require you to wait until your social security card has been changed. Check with your local DMV for their rules.

4. Once you have the above three pieces of documentation, you can visit this link, download a passport form and apply for a name change for your current passport in your new name! If you have had a passport issued or renewed in the last year, there is not fee. Click here for Form DS-5504.

(Note, this is a different application than if you were applying for the first time or renewal. If your U.S. passport was issued more than one year ago, you will not be eligible for the Form DS-5504)

Click here if you have not renewed or have had issued a passport within the past year.

Check the state website for estimated wait times issuing you a new passport.

http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/processing/processing_1740.html

Thanks for your insight Kristin, great information for our brides-to-be!

Create Lasting Memories this Holiday Season and in 2010!

Give the gift of TRAVEL!
Click here to view what we can offer you!




We have something for every budget!
Happy Travels!
Kristin O'Reilly
Destination Affairs, Inc.
(508)228-6307
kristin@destinationaffairs.com

Protect your travel investment! Ask about Travel Insurance

Traveling this holiday season? Thinking about booking a trip in 2010? Destination Affairs, Inc. is an official travel insurance liscense holder and can consult you on the proper plan for your travel needs. (Don't forget to call Destination Affairs, Inc. for airfare, hotel, and vacation packages! We have preferred relationships with vendors offering our clients the very best deals!)

"Whether it's your trip, your possessions, your luggage, or your health, travel insurance — and most important, the right kind of travel insurance — has become an essential item to pack for smart travelers. And if you don't buy travel insurance — or the right kind — more than your trip could be ruined." -Peter Greenberg,TODAY Travel Editor

What Travel Insurance can cover (Depending upon plan purchased)
*Trip Cancellation (sickness, pre-existing conditions, business purposes, weather, strike, terrorist incident, quarantine, jury duty, military duty, burglary, and much more)

*Trip Delay *Cancel for any Reason
*Transportation (Rental Vehicles) *Baggage Delay
*Emergency Medical Evacuation *Missed Air Connections
*Emergency Medical Expense *Travel Assistance and Concierge
*Much More! *Accidental Death & Dismemberment

Plans start as little as $14.00 per person. The cost of your insurance plan is based upon your total per person trip cost and date of birth. Please contact Kristin at Destination Affairs, Inc. for more information and pricing!
(508)228-6307 or email: kristin@destinationaffairs.com

Hot Deals to Luxurious Mexico!

Mayan Riveria / Riveria Maya HOT DEALS! HURRY, THESE PRICES WILL SELL OUT!CALL KRISTIN TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT! (508) 332-2932 OR kristin@destinationaffairs.com
REMEMBER...SURPRISE SOMEONE SPECIAL WITH A LUXURIOUS STAY IN MEXICO! SPACE IS LIMITED!
Special deals brought to you by Classic Custom Vacations- Call Kristin at Destination Affairs, Inc. to reserve your spot!

Royal Hideaway Playacar
Every second night free
4 Nights from $629 per person


Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa

A reduced room rate, $200 USD resort credit to be applied as follows: coupons of $40 USD and 1 coupon of $20 USD to be applied at the Spa. $60 USD to be used for a romantic dinner, 4 coupons of $10 USD to be used for bottles of wine.
12/18/09 - book by
04/30/10 - travel by
3 Nights from $449 per Person
All Inclusive


Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun
A reduced room rate, $200 USD resort credit to be applied as follows: coupons of $40 USD and 1 coupon of $20 USD to be applied at the Spa. $60 USD to be used for a romantic dinner, 4 coupons of $10 USD to be used for bottles of wine.
12/18/09


Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort
$400 Air Credit, per room, per stay. All Inclusive
01/31/10 -book by
04/10/10 - travel by
7 Nights from $1429 per person
Hot Deals

Riviera Maya
Rosewood Mayakoba
Every 3rd night free
12/12/09 - book by
12/15/09 -travel by
3 Nights from $759 per person


Riviera Maya
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya
Every 3rd night free, 3rd bottle of wine free, when paying for two, 3rd SPA treatment free, when paying for two,
FREE item (spa treatment or bottle of wine) will apply to the one of the less expensive price.
For set up dinners, the second dinner will receive a 33% discount.
Only applies for new reservations and it is not combinable with any existing promo.
Added values and free nights are cumulative, every 2 nights paid get the third night free, every 2 bottles of wine get the third free, etc)


Riviera Maya
El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma Reduced rates and a resort credit
12/02/09 - BOOK BY
03/31/10 - TRAVEL BY
5 Nights From $1229 per person
All Inclusive


Riviera Maya
Azul Sensatori Hotel, by Karisma Reduced rates and a resort credit

CALL KRISTIN TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT! (508) 332-2932 OR kristin@destinationaffairs.com
REMEMBER...SURPRISE SOMEONE SPECIAL WITH A LUXURIOUS STAY IN MEXICO! SPACE IS LIMITED! In order to receive air credit, travel insurance must be purchased starting at $238 total for 2 people.

Exclusive! Romantic Argentina, Private Journey!

Call (508)332-2932 or email: kristin@destinationaffairs.com

Prices from $2385 per person. 9 days/8 nights. Daily departures through December 2010. As always, payment plans available! Call 508-332-2932

* Prices are for land only per person in double occupancy. Some blackout and restrictions may apply. Payment plans available!
Program Includes:
3 nights Buenos Aires at the Park Tower Hotel - a member of the Luxury Collection, in a deluxe room with butler service.
Latour Exclusive: Champagne upon arrival and dinner for two at the hotel.
2 nights Iguassu Falls at the Grand Hotel Resort & Casino – a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World Hotel in a Junior Suite.
Latour Exclusive: Breakfast delivered to your room and a 35% discount on select spa treatments
2 nights El Calafate at the Imago Hotel & Spa.
Latour Exclusive: Dinner for two and a FREE 30 minute massage.
Buffet breakfast daily
Transfers by Private Car
2 Full-Day Tours & 3-Half Day Tours by Private Car with Private Guide: Buenos Aires City Tour; Iguassu Falls (Argentinean & Brazilian sides), Perito Moreno Glacier & Upsala Glacier by Catamaran
Dinner & Tango Show at Esquina Carlos Gardel in Buenos Aires
Late check out on departure day
All hotel taxes & service charges

International & Domestic airfare within Argentina is available from as low as $1209 per person. Please inquire. 508-332-2932

Surprise someone special this holiday season! Great short stays in Europe!

Surprise someone special this holiday season with a Europe short stay! Great for long weekends or make an extended vacation! Call Kristin at (508)332-2932 for details and booking options!email: kristin@destinationaffairs.com

Czech Republic
Prague
Mandarin Oriental Prague ** (Destination Affairs preferred property)
One night free, daily buffet breakfast
12/27/09 - booking deadline
3 Nights from $619 per person

England
London
The Ritz London
One night free, daily English breakfast
03/31/10 - booking deadline
4 Nights from $1409 per person

France
Paris
Hotel Vernet
One night free, daily buffet breakfast
02/28/10-booking deadline
3 Nights from $559 per person


Italy
Florence
Helvetia & Bristol
One night free, daily buffet breakfast
08/28/10 - booking deadline
3 Nights from $509 per person

Italy
Rome
The Westin Excelsior Rome ** (Destination Affairs preferred property)
One night free, daily buffet breakfast
03/31/10
4 Nights from $979 per person


Italy
Siena
Grand Hotel Continental
One night free, daily buffet breakfast
03/28/10 - booking deadline
3 Nights from $439 per person

Netherlands
Amsterdam
Sofitel The Grand Amsterdam
One night free, daily buffet breakfast
03/27/10 - booking deadline
4 Nights from $839 per person

Spain
Marbella
Hotel Villa Padierna **Preferred Destination Affairs Property
One night free, daily buffet breakfast and 2 complimentary Thermal Spa circuits at their Thermae Spa once per stay
12/12/09 -deadline
12/15/09
3 Nights from $349 per person

Switzerland
Zurich
Eden Au Lac
One night free
12/18/09 - deadline
4 Nights from $989 per person

Call Kristin at (508)332-2932 for details and booking options / email: kristin@destinationaffairs.com
A few sample fares—restrictions apply—

US Airways----NYC – LON, 1/15 – 1/22: $667.25

American Airlines ---NYC – LON, 11/10 – 11/17: $629.25

Call Kristin at (508)332-2932 for details and booking options
or email at kristin@destinationaffairs.com

Vacation Ideas: Namale Resort, Fiji & Australia's Great Barrier Reef

"Namale is Fiji’s leading 5 star luxury boutique resort and is located just outside of Savusavu Town in the North of Fiji. Namale Resort is a 1-hour domestic flight away from the Nadi International Airport; Fiji’s main airport and the resort is 10-min drive from the Savusavu Airport. Namale is a property for the more discerning traveller offering a more exclusive, private and luxuriously authentic Fijian experience. Namale is home to the Ultimate #1 Honeymoon Suite in Fiji which went on to be voted #5 in the World and is also home the Most Sexiest Villas in the South Pacific. Namale has many accolades and awards and this is a testament to the experience that Namale has to offer."

Pair a stay at Namale Resort with a stay in Australia's Great Barrier Reef area!
Makes for a great balance of adventure, excitement, rest, and relaxation!
Namale is currently offering the following:
Stay 7 Pay 5

Stay 10 Pay 7

Both inclusive of a 15-minute foot wash followed by a 60-min Couples Massage

For any bookings in either November 2009 or December 2009, you can also expect a free upgrade to the next level based on availability at the point of booking.


Call Kristin for current promotions in Australia's Great Barrier Reef, airfare, and your package pricing to your "Down Under Vacation Experience"

(508)332-2932

Why Use a Travel Company for your Travel Plans?

Customer Advocacy: If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, Destination Affairs, Inc. is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made.

Expert Guidance: We are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It is what we have been trained to do and do it every day!

Personalized Service: Instead of an impersonal voice thousand of miles away, we are there for you; even during "off hours." Think of us as your neighbors! We know what you want and what you value in your travel experience. Travel is personal, and we appreciate that!

Professional Advice: We are here to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest fares. We utilize our nurtured relationships with suppliers, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour companies, and more! We’ve got reps!

Time: Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provides rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? Destination Affairs, Inc., has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of the computer screen! We know you’ve got lots to do- leave the researching to us!
…And while we’re at it, there are no fees for building your handcrafting your vacation from start to finish.

Unbiased Information: We work for our clients, not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer!

Information derived from travelsense.org and ASTA

Need a Change of Scenery this Holiday Season?

Need a change of scenery this holiday season?
Christmas Time on the Danube or Rhine!
Viking River Cruises is offering 2 for 1 Cruise Pricing and $250 pp off airfare to your cruise destination!

Christmas on the Rhine or Danube. Sail through countries where Christmas traditions first began. Shop in the Christmas markets, enjoy authentic cusine, and celebrate with true locals and experience an array of Holiday traditions.
Call (508) 228-6307 for pricing requests or email kristin@destinationaffairs.com

BOOK YOUR 2010 Travel Early!

With this beautiful fall weather to soak in, sports season, start of school, and preparing for the holidays ahead, travelers often delay booking their 2010 winter travel. Understandable, as this far out you may still be “feeling out” what 2010 will bring.
However, with fluctuating airline pricing and hotels and resorts offering many tiers of room categories and rates, the good deals are the first to go; the longer you wait the more likely you’ll end up “settling.” Common misconception is that those last minute deals are worth waiting for; truth is, in this economy, they are not when it comes to your travel plans. Hotels and resorts are scrambling after a soft 2009 season, so they’ve blasted the market with super enticing early booking offers to lock down some business and feel secure…you just need to know how to take advantage and where to find them, which is what we do professionally! Another plus? Booking early and purchasing our travel insurance for a nominal fee will slide you in for any promos that may come along after your initial deposit.
Booking your travel with Destination Affairs as early as possible also allows you to work out a “payment plan.” This means you can pay per month, or a little at a time. Whatever works for you and your budget! You have more time to plan financially.
Another idea? We’ve had clients take advantage of our gift certificates available online and our exclusive honeymoon registry. These make for great Christmas or birthday gifts. Another great reason to book before the holiday season!

Call 508-332-2932 or email kristin@destinationaffairs.com


In short, planning and piecing together your wedding can be overwhelming…waiting to book your honeymoon may fall into the category of “Tasks to Do.” Your honeymoon deserves more than that. Your honeymoon is your vacation of a lifetime. Make the planning process exciting by devoting as much time as you can as early on as possible. Just think, you’ll have something else to be looking forward to for the next year!

Giving the Gift of Travel

As we are arriving into our Fall wedding season, future Mr.and Mrs. are stocking up on shiny new household items they hand picked for their registries through bridal showers. Why not give something different and give the gift of travel?

Check out my guest blog today on Bridal and Honeymoon Travel Registries. If they do not have a honeymoon or travel registry set up...suggest this blog!

http://www.nantucketweddingsunveiled.com

This website Nantucket Wedding Unveiled offers daily advice from some of the best vendors in the industry!

For those of you whom have "been there done that.." and simply need some R&R yourself, or would like to give the gift of travel, keep reading!

Travel registries are strongly gaining popularity for future Mr. and Mrs. In addition, travel gift certificates make excellent gifts for birthdays, Holidays, or "just because." We find ourselves working harder these days, and what a nice gesture than to present someone special with a gift certificate that can be applied to a future vacation, weekend getaway, or a plane ticket to go visit friends and family.

Available in any denomination, contact owner Kristin O'Reilly for a more details on giving the gift of travel.

Call Kristin directly at (508) 332-2932

July's Featured Destination: Bovec, Slovenia

Check out July's Featured Destination~ Slovenia!

Check out our website. In addition to its Northwest wine region and happening southern coastal towns of Portoroz and Piran, Bovec, located somewhat coastal tucked up North in between the Julian Alps, offers non stop adventure for any level.
"Not many regions can offer the variety of sports activities of the Bovec area. Visitors can find active enjoyment everywhere: in the water, on the earth and in the air." ~ Bovec.si

A few examples of what the region can offer travelers:
Soca River Rafting, Hydro-speed through gushing waters of the Soca River Valley, Bungee Jumping, Canyoning, Hang-gliding, Kayaking, Caving, Hiking, Biking, Paragliding, Skiing the Julian Alps (as well as snow shoeing, dog sledding, ice climbing, free ride skiing, and more!), Soaring (Sailplane), Horseback Riding, Fishing, Paintball, and so much more!

Check out the Bovec Web cam!
http://www.bovec.si/en/default.asp?id=423

European Highlights

Europe is bustling with culture, easy access, and an overwhelming array of destinations. My favorites? Almafi Coast, Italy. Fly into Rome, rent a car. Spend a day or two in Rome, head south. If your up for it, stop halfway to an agricultural working farm in the Italian countryside. Stay with a family for one night, preparing your own homemade Italian meal drinking local produced wine. Wake up, and head on to Almafi. Towns such as Positano, Naples, Sorrento, and the Isle of Capri off cliff-side retreats with breath taking views. Hole in the Wallers? Check out Hotel la Minerva (www.laminervacapri.com) on the island of Capri. Over-the-top luxury indulgent? Check out Hotel Bellevue Syrence (Sorrento) or Le Sirenuse (Positano).

I'm also a fan of Slovenia, which offers serious extreme adventure (Bovec and the Soca River Valley) and quaint coastal towns such as Portoroz and Piran. Check out Hotel Kempinksi, Portoroz. Rent a car and head south to Croatia to discover the vast coastline, or head East to discover Slovenia's wine country.

Many cruise lines are now offering cruise tours; combining land and cruising all in one. For example, Princess Cruises offers cruise tour starting in Rome, where you will spend 3 nights, Florence 1 nights and Venice 2 nights. Hope on board from Venice and cruise to romantic destinations such as Greece (Mykonos and Athens), Turkey (Kusadasi and Istanbul), Naples, Capri, and Pisa (Italy), Monte Carlo (Monaco), and Barcelona (Spain) where you end your cruise.

Contact Kristin at Destination Affairs, Inc. for pricing and availability for these destinations or any others you may fancy!

Europe!

It is not to late to book your travel to Europe for their 2009 season!

There have been some nice additions to the cities of Positano, London, Paris, Prague, Budapest, Geneva, Portoroz, and many many many more!
Tour companies also offering great independent tours throughout the countrysides, and river cruises with immense scenery!
Feel free to inquire!

(508)228-6307 or email me at kristin@destinationaffairs.com

Honeymoon 2009'ers!

For those brides getting married this summer/fall~ If you haven't booked your honeymoon, now is the time! Airfare to the your warm sunny climates has dipped. Airfare to your European destinations need to be booked early (as it is their peak season until September.), and now is early!
Call me to chat about your endless, romantic possibilities! Great deals are happening now, as hotels and resorts are trying to fill in those open spots!

Visiting Nantucket in May and June!

Spring is here! For those of you who are looking for a weekend getaway, Nantucket is hopping with events, festivals, and great rates on accommodations! May 13-17 is the Nantucket Wine Festival and June 1-7, 2009 is our semi-annual Restaurant Week.

Nantucket is home to some of the most celebrated restaurants on the East coast and far beyond. This is a perfect opportunity to score a weekend getaway before summer kicks into full gear. Great rates on accommodations and hotels. Nantucket offers an accommodation for every travel preference, from B&B's to hotels.
Shoot me an email and we can chat about the upcoming events, how to get you here, and where to go. (508) 228-6307 ~ Kristin O'Reilly

Nantucket Wine Festival May 13-17
Nantucket Restaurant Week June 1-7

Considering a Destination Wedding?

Hello to all you newly engaged couples! (or those looking out for them!)

The destination wedding trend is the fastest growing market in the travel industry. Literally almost all resorts and large hotels are tapping in. The competition is fierce and each new day brings more additions & features for the bride and groom, booking incentives, and a whole lot more. It's overwhelming trying to sift through what each resort and hotel offers and if it will be that "perfect setting." Should I upgrade to the platinum package or is it a waste? What does the scenery really sum up to be? Should I trust that everything will run smoothly?
All of these questions can be answered by enlisting Destination Affairs, Inc., to assist you in choosing and arranging your travel plans for yourselves and your guests. There is no charge to consult with you and choose a hotel/resort, as long as you book through us. Planning services abroad are available. We are unbiased and call relay first hand what looks amazing because of marketing, or what looks amazing plain and simple!
Check us out and feel free to shoot me an email!
kristin@destinationaffairs.com
www.destinationaffairs.com

Mexico, regardless......

Truth is, some of the Caribbeans best resorts are in Mexico. You certainly get the "biggest bang for your buck" as the competition among resorts backed by foreign developers is rocking. Book through a reliable source (travel agency), register with our governments travel registration system, and be sure to know the in's and outs of your resort. Be smart and know your surroundings, business as usual.
I myself will be visiting Mexico this Fall, checking out two fairly new fabulous, all-you-could-ask-for-in-a-resort, resorts. The Rosewood Mayakoba, a 1,600 acre luxury resort in a gated development 30 miles from Cancun International Airport. Ultra luxury, offering jungle casitas, lagoon suites, and beachfront suites. It plays up it's natural surroundings in a romantic tone. Reviews on their rooms from lagoon suites to beachfront casistas are consistently great.
Neighbors are the new Mandarin Oriental, and Fairmont Mayakoba. Lots going on in this neighborhood..according to the word on the street you can't go wrong with the social scene at any of these resorts.
Next stop and one to note, is The Zoetry Wellness Resort and Spa, a member of Small Leading Hotels and Spas of the World. Claim to fame, this resort has the first and currently only certified "Thalassotherpay Spa" on the continent. They've managed to create a market for their "water cellar," (worldwide brands), and of course an expansive wine cellar. Creating the ultimate wellness experience complete with "spa cuisine" and their own organic farms, their motto is "Life Enrichment." Photography classes, cooking classes, wine and tequila tastings, fitness classes of all types, great hiking, boating, and a spa complete with expert doctors in the anti-aging department.Their marketing is spot on for this niche, and I will report back in October to see if their "experience" is one to in fact be "experienced." They've got enough uniqueness and element to stand apart from your typical Caribbean resort; enough to make me want to hop on a plane and go.
Partaking recently in the Zoetry's webinar, I have to say they've got a great pitch. I've read the reviews on Trip Advisor, Concierge.com, World Travel Guide.com, among others; seemingly coinciding with what they hope their guests will walk away with. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, if your interested in traveling here yourself, Zoetry is offering guests 40% off their rates until April 30, and 30% off if you book in May, along with a few other incentives. Shoot me an email to get the most out of their introductory period. They'll treat my clients well! This resort is not cheap, take advantage of these rates.
I featured Zoetry this month on my "Featured Spa" page. Check it out. Featured Spa