In full disclosure, I was UNSURE that this trip to Universal Studios Hollywood was going to be 'worth it' but I wanted to do it for research purposes for clients/ friends and of course for the content on social media.  I am not a big Universal fan ( the Orlando version ) so I was already discouraged to be visiting an even smaller less - accessible version. BUT , there was one big BUT. That was and is Super Nintendo World - a super immersive video gamers paradise. Now, while I am no video gamer, I do have fond memories of playing Super Mario back in my day.

So, to the point: was this  day worth the hassle of LA traffic , the money and time? Let's dive in!

For many travelers, Universal Studios Hollywood is a place of nostalgia. It's a chance to relive moments from their favorite movies and shows. Universal Studios has done an exceptional job at creating immersive lands based on popular movie franchises, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, and Jurassic Park. These areas allow visitors to step into the worlds they love and relive those moments. This was also true for the Super Nintendo World portion of the park. No stone was left unturned when it came to the inventiveness of creating this land. The sounds, the sights and even the games were begging visitors to come down the tube and LEVEL UP with Mario and his crew.

We did buy the early access which was totally worth the extra cost. Once inside, we prioritized purchasing the interactive game bands  ( $45 ) and set off to start collecting the keys around the park ( this is where it is crucial to use the Universal App. ) We began by making our way to each 'game' which are just like the challenges you may face when playing the game on your Nintendo. This was next level awesome for us, we loved the interactive element, but unfortunately, the lines were tedious... you have to wait in line for these interactions/ games, but if you don't succeed, back in line you go! This was a bit frustrating for many guests, but ultimately it was beneficial to have multiple people in your party so you can rely on them for help. Using your band ( which is linked to your account/ stats on the app ) tracks your success throughout the world and then allows you to enter Bowser Jr's Castle (TA DA ) where there is a secret experience waiting for you and your party. You do have to 'tap' your band to enter this attraction; which then verifies you have indeed completed all of the levels required. This was certainly the best part of our time in Nintendo World.

Now you may be asking, wait, there's a whole MARIO KART attraction, what about that ?!?!  We, of course, rode that immediately but both of us were quite overwhelmed by the virtual / actual ride aspects combining. You definitely feel like you're missing elements while 'playing.'  Nonetheless this attraction still had incredible thematics; right down to your headset ( Mario's hat.)  But it doesn't quite measure up to the 'wow-factor' that Bowser Jr has!

We had an early lunch at the Toadstool Cafe, right in Super Nintendo World. Using the restaurants virtual queue system ( third party and sort of tedious ) we secured a 'call back' time right away that morning. This is done using a QR code that is posted in the park ( or if you're resourceful - found online ) we showed up at our alotted time and waited to enter.  This is a counter service dining option. With again, intense creativity poured into every detail. The food was not your typical theme- park food. Lending us to want to order much of the menu. Overall the restaurant experience was mediocre; the service was slow and a bit underwhelming for the price point. But the inventiveness of the entrees was certainly the main event, lending itself to be worth the wait.

After we had done all we wanted to do and see in Super Nintendo World, we headed on to hit the main points of the rest of Universal Studios. This is where my disappointment set in. The park felt quite disjointed, granted it is built into the side of a mountain, but nonetheless did not feel cohesive to me. We made it to the Wizzarding World, which was a much smaller version of itself. Still greatly imagined but missing the mark for me.

We then prioritized trying some of the newer attractions in the park, which took us to Super Silly Fun Land ( Minions ) and The Secret Life of Pets experience.  Both were cute and truly a great solution to the need for more current experiences. Did I feel that they made my trip to the rest of Universal worth the time/ effort ? No, absolutely not, but am I glad I went and saw the things and drank the overpriced Duff beer? Yes, yes I am!

 

So my dear traveler, to answer the question, no I don't think carving out an extra day on a California vacation and heading to Universal Studios Hollywood, is worth the hassle. Do I think Super Nintendo World was worth my time and money ? YES ... But, I also firmly believe if there is a version in Orlando, it will be bigger and better ( so maybe wait for that? )

 

Thinking of planning a California vacation ? Let's chat, it doesn't have to be all theme parks and rides!

A travel advisor can provide valuable assistance and knowledge when it comes to planning and organizing a destination wedding.

Recently I have found myself inquiring more and more about small group cruises. Something more intimate; with the feels of a big cruise line. But with those all so enticingly unique itineraries. Here is where I was lead to expedition cruising.

What are expedition cruises? Well, they are a  type of cruise that focuses on exploration and adventure in remote and often less accessible areas of the world. Unlike traditional cruises that mainly focus on entertainment, relaxation, and visiting popular tourist destinations, expedition cruises are designed to provide travelers with unique and immersive experiences in nature-rich and culturally significant regions.

The main highlight of an expedition cruise is the opportunity to explore and discover pristine natural environments and wildlife habitats. Explorers can engage in activities such as guided shore excursions, wildlife spotting, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and even camping in designated areas. Expert guides, naturalists, and scientists are usually present on board to provide educational lectures, lead excursions, and share their knowledge about the environment, wildlife, and local cultures.

Expedition cruises offer a more intimate and immersive experience, allowing passengers to have closer encounters with nature and wildlife. This type of cruise is ideal for travelers who have a sense of adventure, a curiosity for remote destinations, and an interest in learning about different ecosystems and cultures.

Now that I have peaked your interest into expedition cruising, here are the top 5 destinations you may want to consider when choosing your maiden voyage!

1. Galapagos Islands


2. Antartica


3. Alaska


4. Iceland / Greenland


5. Arctic

Hi Disney Travelers, today I'm here breaking down the most important things to know and plan for when planning your Disney vacation. Keep in mind, using a Disney Destinations travel planner, such as myself, eliminates the need to stress about MUCH of this content ;)

Planning a Disney vacation can be a lot of fun ( for weirdos like me) but it can also be an extremely large and confusing task.  That's why I'm here to help with some of the most important aspects to consider when planning your Disney vacation:

1. Choose the right time to visit: Consider the crowd levels, weather, and resort wide events happening during the time of your visit.


2. Book your resort stay early: Disney has many resort options, but they fill up quickly, as do the nearby properties to the parks.


3. Purchase park tickets in advance to start the process of park pass reservations and planning out your days. ( which is required)


4. Disney has TONS of amazing restaurants
   ( with top rated chefs ) but they fill up quickly, especially those character dining experiences. Be sure to KNOW when your reservation window opens and be ready to snag those reservations!


5.  Use a travel advisor, well versed in the ever changing complexity of Disney Parks and Resorts. This will not cost you any extra time or money and will ensure your Magical vacation is a success!

Recently I have experienced a growing trend in my romance travel planning with couples opting to elope in a dreamy destination ceremony. There's a multitude of reasons why a couple may opt for this; avoiding family drama or their family may be quite spread out geographically.

Cost savings is certainly a popular reason as well, weddings can be expensive, and some couples opt to elope to save money on the matrimonial expenses.

Desire for privacy or a more intimate setting is a common factor as well.  Some couples feel that their wedding is a very private and personal event, and they  prefer to keep it between themselves.  Spontaneity being another reason couples may opt for elopement; occasionally couples simply decide on a whim to get married and choose to elope instead of going through the more traditional wedding planning process. ( I see you, VEGAS ! )

But for some, there is just the preference for simplicity, for many couples, a big wedding with all the bells and whistles may not be their style. Preferring a simple, intimate ceremony, and eloping allows them to have just that!  The most popular destinations for these small destination elopements are often beach backdrops, such as Hawaii , Mexico and the Caribbean. Second to that being the mountainous back drops for nature lovers; such as Banff/ Lake Louise, Colorado and even as far as the Swiss Alps!

 

Are you considering a #destinationwedding, or #destinationelopement  ? I'd love to help plan this special day for you!

 

River Cruising has been around for ages, it's something I , foolishly assumed, only 'older' people did. I had this vision in my mind it was slow, quiet and boring. That the cruisers sat around listening to people talk about historical architecture and drinking tea. .... in short, I was wrong. Well, mostly wrong - there is historical discussions as you're cruising but it's interesting and can be easily tuned out if that's not your thing.

This November I went on my first river cruise with Amadeus. It was a 4 night cruise on the Rhine River during the ' Magic of Advent' , it was a bucket list experience for my Mom and me to experience the Christmas Markets so we did it! I was pleasantly surprised as soon as we boarded this gorgeous vessel. It was small and intimate, ported right in the center of Cologne ( super convenient ) the staff was courteous and welcoming. By the second day they knew you by name! The cabins were modern and spacious - with gorgeous panoramic views. I was not expecting to enjoy a small ship - but it quickly grew on me!

Each morning and sometimes twice in one day we were in a different city! The ease and speed of traveling on the rivers makes these cruises so efficient for crossing off multiple destinations on your list!

We chose to book some guided tours through Amadeus to introduce us to each port city. Each tour left us with a couple of hours for free time to explore. Another unexpected perk to river cruising is that these ports are not bombarded by tons of cruise passengers because occupancies are limited on these vessels it makes your in-destination experience much more authentic feeling. Our tour guides were all locals and were true wealths of knowledge. I could tell Amadeus cared about the experiences their cruisers were having on shore just as much as their experiences on board.

As I mentioned I didn't think I was ready for river cruising, I mean I'm 30 and love the nightlife. BUT I was extremely impressed with my experience and already have another booked for this Spring! If you are like me and think it's not 'your time' for river cruising, think again. River cruises are often fast paced, you're somewhere new everyday, you don't have to un-pack or worry about multiple forms of transportation - you have a luxury hotel on a gorgeous river, showing you many of the world's most beautiful places, what's not to love?

 

If my experience interests you in river cruising, please reach out - I'd love to share more details and offer you a tailored quote for your river cruise experience!

JAMBO!

I just returned from a truly breathtaking 8 day trip to Kenya, my husband and I felt that we were fairly prepared for our journey. I read lots of blogs/ packing lists and watched the weather obsessively. But nothing can truly prepare you for a trip like our Best of Kenya Safari with Liberty Africa Safaris. 

We had a general idea that we would be bouncing around the country and be outdoors most of our days. So we packed accordingly, boots, tennis shoes, neutral colors, light jackets, sunglasses and LOTS OF bug spray were the highlights of what we packed.

What we failed to realize or look into is HOW far we would be traveling throughout Kenya. We were in multiple climate zones within hours somedays. (all without air conditioning) this was a bit of an issue. I neglected to pack hats ( thankfully they were gifted to us by our Safari guides) I also forgot to bring sunscreen - I knew our days had the potential to be overcast and rainy. I did not anticipate seeing the sun much at all. And in fact it was rare BUT our malaria medicine made us VERY susceptible to the sun's rays = sunburn.  I also forgot a rain jacket for myself ( we had one very rainy day ) where we still went on our game drive ( outdoors)

Preparing for a Safari sounds hard; in all honesty it was much easier than I led myself to believe. I wish I would have packed more shorts and less pants, but again the weather report and climate zones misled me.  So in short, here is a recap of things I'd suggest packing for your week long safari in Kenya:

( keep in mind your safari company will probably want you to bring soft sided luggage as it is easier to squish into your 4x4 vehicles )

What to pack: 

• light weight shirts ( button down or half zips ) - I packed a linen shirt and a PFG shirt


• Hiking boots ( with ankle support ) to help on uneven surfaces / feces covered surfaces / ant hills


• taller socks for the above reasons


• sports bras for the ladies ( lots of rough roads and bouncing around )


• Rain Jacket - preferable one of those fold into a pouch types


• one pair of lightweight hiking pants


• one pair of jeans


• light weight pajamas ( no AC - can be hot and sticky at night )


• Wide brimmed hat


• Sunglasses


• layering tops ( tank tops / tshirts / longsleeves )


• Sunscreen / bug repellent / first aid kit / motion sickness meds


• Plug converters


• lots of charging banks ( our safari vehicle did have USB chargers but this may not always be the case)


• refillable water bottle ( of course you cannot drink the water in Kenya ) but you will have a water station in your hotel and safari vehicle for refills!

Inquiring minds want to know... Why are travel advisors always traveling?

Well folks I am here to solve the mystery. While it may seem to be a selfish act at first glance, we really travel to better ourselves and the services we provide our clients.

As a travel advisor we value our experiences outside the office just like a lawyer may value and even require continuing education classes for their profession.  Continuously visiting destinations we sell and hotels/resorts we send clients to, is the equivalent to continuing education for a travel advisor. We partner with these resorts/ hotels and even tourism boards to build trusting relationships that we can rely on when we suggest them to our clients.

Travel advisors are doing the ground work for our clients each time we set foot in destination. We go and experience/ test out the drinks, beds, service and even pool temperatures  so you can trust our suggestions and take pride in knowing you are booking your trip with a professional. We understand that this trip may be a financial investment for you or even a bucket list adventure. We want you to know that we take that seriously and we have the research to back it up.

In conclusion, yes travel advisors do travel often. Why do we do it?

We go so you know; 

• where to stay ( hotel / resort / city centre or suburbs)


• what service level to expect during your stay


• where to eat, what sights to see, what tour companies will match your travel style


• what the best time of year is to visit


• what your transportation needs may be

This October I took my 4 year old son to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. It was a surprise Mom + Son trip that we both THOROUGHLY enjoyed. Below you will find some of my personal takeaways from my first visit to this special ticketed event.

What I loved and fully expected to love about MNSSHP : 

• Unique character costumes/ greetings. Mind you my son is young, so for us Donald Duck dressed as a pumpkin was a HUGE hit. But there are also tons of unique characters poised and ready to strike a pose with you! ( lines are long - be patient )


• All the villains - you get the chance to see so many obscure and rarely sighted villain characters. Many of which available for photos ops and can also be seen during the stage shows and parade!


• Special Snacks - This is something we didn't do much of as I felt so rushed to do and see all the things. But it is a highlight of this ticketed event that I hope to revisit.


• Rides- This may seem like a DUH or rather vague. But I was most excited about having exclusive access to many of the more popular rides. Some of them even featuring special Halloween overlays just for the party! Without rope dropping certain rides, or using Lightening Lane  some of these rides are near impossible to ride. We successfully rode many of them MULTIPLE times. This was by far the biggest perk to this ticketed event. I would do it again for this aspect alone.


• Shows / Parade - Again another element I would rank as a PRIORITY during your visit to this party. The shows that take place in front of the castle multiple times throughout the night were extraordinary. I was blown away with the thematics . My son and I are huge Hocus Pocus fans, so the Sanderson Sisters were a big hit for us. But featuring many of the Disney villains on stage was a huge crowd pleaser. As far as the Boo to You parade, I knew we would love this. My son and I love all things spooky, Disney and Halloween. This parade was all of that and more. I won't spoil it for you, but definitely get a good spot and plan on taking video!

• It was great that there was mood lighting to set the 'spooky' scene - but to be honest my 30 year old eyes could hardly read my map. It was DARK ... I wished we would've packed glow sticks, construction vests or light-up bodysuits.


• I wished there was more characters out and about just interacting / performing. Instead of having to wait in long lines - just viewing would've been fun too!


• The trick or treating, it seemed a bit disorganized. My son enjoyed it ( hello candy ), but I wish it was more laid out and straightforward for us parents.


• I felt rushed to do all the things - there were so many things we wanted to see and do and I felt like we were rushing around. The character lines were long which ate up much of our time. So do your best to prepare expectations.

What I loved about my adults only stay in Punta Cana : gorgeous beaches, turquoise waters,  tasty cocktails, perfect weather, beautiful pools and lively nightlife.

I recently stayed at Secrets Royal Beach in beautiful Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Located just a short ride from the airport with the most beautiful water and soft white sand beaches. Secrets Royal Beach has great evening entertainment and tons of dining options. This property is actually connected to a neighboring property, which is family friendly, the bonus of this set up being, you have access to double the pools and double the restaurant options!

Secrets Royal Beach is perfect for couples, friend groups and solo travelers!  Ready to visit? Email me for a custom quote or more details: alena@vincentvacations.com

Well I will be honest, I love everything about Christmas the decor, the movies , the music. It's all magical and I love the madness that surrounds the season. BUT I don't love the increasing need for presents, shopping and so on.  My husband and I agreed years ago to limit gifts to mostly travel/ trips or things related to upcoming adventures we are planning for. With the idea that we want to collect new memories and experiences in turn, collecting less STUFF!  While yes, this is harder with kids it is still a novel idea that I encourage all to embrace, life is moves by awfully fast and you can't take all that stuff with you.

This brings me to the title of this blog, Christmas in July, its a popular term that I fully WELCOME! But for me, a travel agent, this is a very popular time for families to get a jump start on their holiday travel plans. Because the unfortunate truth is, prices are going to continue to rise as we enter the holiday season, moms + dads are going to get overwhelmed with back to school plans and sports camps. Therefore planning for Holiday Travel almost HAS TO start now, for your budgeting purposes and for your sanity.

Travel is often best booked between 6-10 months out from your ideal travel dates. So here it is folks; your reminder for planning that Christmas cruise or that magical Disney trip needs to begin NOW! Christmas in July isn't just for Hallmark movies ;)