April 2022

4/1/2022

Greetings Friends,

Happy April (Fools)! I hope you are all doing well and perhaps playing some jokes on friends or family today. I still remember when my brother put shaving cream on the toilet seat in my parent's bathroom when we were teenagers. Let's just say my mom was not happy.

March moved quickly for us. We settled into a nice routine after getting back from Florida. The weather did its typical March dance - 60's and sunny to 30's and rainy. Yesterday it snowed all morning. We made the most of it - spending time outside riding bikes, going for runs, and picking up trash on walks. Cold days were for the children's museum and library.

St. Patrick's Day has changed since I was younger. Now, it's normal for "leprechauns" to visit homes on St. Patricks Day. Sandy and I did some last-minute decorating to help make sure the leprechauns didn't skip our house.

Sarah and Peter are doing swim lessons every Saturday morning. What makes this unique is earlier in March, Peter moved up into a new class. For the first time in five years, Sandy and I don't have to get in the water to swim with one of our kids. That first lesson we drank our tea and watched them both from our seats. It's the small things that I never thought would be so significant, but they are!

I've also enjoyed being able to start going to concerts again. Going to see live music has always been one of my favorite things to do. In March I was able to see three concerts (one was a kid's show), and have a lot more planned coming up.

Speaking of music, for April I want to highlight the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun. I took a tour and had dinner there last September when I was visiting resorts in Riviera Maya. This resort has music built into its soul! Similar to what I expected from the Nickelodeon Riviera Maya - I thought that the theme would be over-the-top kitschy and take away from the experience. Again, I was wrong. The theme and vibes made me enjoy it even more.

Yes, there were plenty of homages to Jimmy Buffet and his extensive catalog of music. It fit perfectly. A small touch that I loved was that throughout the resort there were Spotify codes where you could hold up your phone, scan, and a Jimmy Buffet album would get pulled up.

The rooms all felt refreshing, with whites and turquoise colors abound. There were a number of different bars and restaurants. We had a great meal at Frank and Lolas. And the whole resort had elements of fun baked in. I definitely will be going back in the future for a longer stay.

This past month saw a return to people thinking about Europe. I'm always happy to help book vacations to Europe. However, the planning process typically takes longer than trips to Mexico and the Caribbean that so many of us are used to. Please plan ahead, as there is an abundance of options and details to fine-tune. As always, I'm always available to help out and answer any questions you have. Don't hesitate to get in contact anytime.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

March 2022

3/26/2022

View this email in your browser

Greetings Friends,

Welcome to March! Finally, spring feels like it is getting closer.

February was an eventful month for us. We were able to spend more time outside, even though it was chilly. The kids were thrilled to have another "Football Night" while eating chips in front of the TV. And I got to see my first concert in over two years! Sandy's parents visited, and we got to get out for an afternoon around Madison.

The big news for us in February was that we spent a week in Naples, Florida visiting my parents, who have a timeshare down there in the winter. The trip was planned only a few weeks before we went. Everything worked out great. We had direct flights from Madison, and a week on the beach was exactly what we needed after a long and cold winter in Wisconsin!

Each day we were able to swim in the ocean (Sandy's and my favorite), the pool (Sarah's favorite), and the hot tub (Peter's favorite). Sandy and I were able to get away for a few meals and nice walks on the beach thanks to grandparents stepping in to help. We rented stand-up paddleboards one morning, and I fell twice. I don't think Sandy will ever let me live it down!

Two resorts I want to highlight this month are Secrets Vallarta Bay and Dreams Vallarta Bay in Puerto Vallarta. They are right next door to each other and sit on the same property. The Dreams is all-ages, and the Secrets is adults-only. When we were visiting last year, we stayed on the Secrets side but had the opportunity to tour both.

The resorts are located on beautiful grounds, only about 10 minutes from the airport. There was a large pool on each side with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. There was also a nice beach to use.

Each resort felt big with lots to do, but still easy to navigate. It never took long to get where I wanted to go. The buildings are high, which allows for spectacular ocean views from the balconies of rooms. There are also swim-out rooms on the bottom floor.

The food was great, with lots of options for all tastes. They had my favorite breakfast: chilaquiles! I walked around my last night and saw a great band playing in one lobby, and karaoke in full swing in the other. I didn't sing - maybe next time!

And I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating - you can't beat the sunsets over the Pacific.

Looking ahead, the travel industry continues to open up. With that comes more sold-out flights, tours, and resorts. There's a lot of navigation involved and as always, I'm happy to help. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or thoughts on an upcoming vacation.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

February 2022

3/26/2022

View this email in your browser

Greetings Friends,

I hope you are doing well, and that the long days of winter are bearable this year.

January was a busy month for our family. We rented skates for our kids and got out on our pond that finally froze over. For Peter's first time on skates, he did a great job!

It was also our little man's third birthday! Where does the time go?! I feel like we were just bringing him home from the hospital. We had a great celebration for him that included his request: an M&M chocolate cake! I think his favorite present might be his new goggles.

We also had the opportunity to see two plays in January. The first play we saw was Aladdin at a local middle school. The kids loved seeing all the singing as well as their babysitter acting, and Sandy loved seeing her former students. I always considered Aladdin as one of my favorite Disney movies, and I enjoyed seeing it come to life.

Sarah and I saw the play, Stellaluna at the end of the month. It was a children's book that was turned into an amazing production that combined song, dance, and even sign language. We both had a great afternoon out.

For the resort of the month, I'm choosing one that made a big impression on me: El Dorado Royale. This adults-only property is located in the Riviera Maya. I visited back in September and immediately could see why so many of my clients love spending vacations there.

El Dorado Royale has an immersive vibe. It feels authentic and original. The views of the property are beautiful. Walking throughout the resort, it feels lush and tropical with vegetation.

There was a big pool with a nice swim-up bar and a great variety of dining options. We had lunch where both the service and food were top-notch. Lastly, El Dorado Royale is part of a bigger complex with two other resorts that I'll touch on in the future. But suffice to say, this property can easily win over even the biggest critics.

2022 has started with a bang - my January was packed trying to help many of you get away. Some of you are still looking to get away this winter. and I love being able to help! However, please know that many flights and resorts are selling out. The sooner you contact me, the better!

My travel plans for 2022 are still in flux. Hopefully, I'll start to plan some trips for myself soon. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at all.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

January 2022

2/2/2022

View this email in your browser

Greetings Friends,

Happy New Year! I hope that your holiday season was wonderful, and 2022 is off to a nice start.

December was a good month for our family. Similar to last year, we were able to go to multiple holiday light celebrations. Each year they seem to keep getting better.

We had a relaxing and quiet Christmas with just the four of us. The kids enjoyed opening gifts, singing songs, and baking cookies. Sandy and I loved seeing them so happy. It was an unseasonably warm December. Both kids asked time and time again if there would be snow on Christmas. Unfortunately, there was none. A few days later, it was finally cold enough and some snow fell! First up was making a snowman. The pond behind our house is finally frozen, so this weekend we're going to rent ice skates for both kids. We'll see how Peter does!

In the middle of December, Sandy and I traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We joined the rest of my travel agent team for a four-night adults-only retreat. My in-laws watched the kids, and it was the first time in a long time that Sandy and both were able to truly relax. We had an incredible time!

The resort we stayed at was Le Blanc Los Cabos. Many of you know that I love Palace Resorts. This is an adults-only sister resort operated by the same company. The resort had a refined, yet relaxed ultra-luxury feel. We had butler service. This was a first for us. and I must say that we weren't shy - our butler unpacked and ironed for us when we arrived!

It was my first time visiting Cabo San Lucas. It had a different feel than other places I'd been. I would describe it as desert-like, west coast vibes. The resort itself was breathtakingly beautiful. When we had our site inspection, I found out that 98% of rooms faced the ocean. The views did not disappoint. The resort was at 75% occupancy, but it never felt crowded. To me, this is a tell-tale sign of a great resort. Always space around the pool. The food, drinks, and service were all outstanding. Each meal felt better than the last.

On our last night, our group took a sunset catamaran ride to see the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Even though the Arch was incredible - the whales stole the show! Seeing them swim near us and breach while the sun was setting is something I'll never forget.

Lastly, to travel and spend time with the rest of my team was the icing on the cake. Travel agents have been through the wringer over the past two years. To connect, laugh, and celebrate together felt rejuvenating and fulfilling.

In 2022, travel continues to be changing at a breakneck pace. I'm here to help you in any way possible. Please reach out at any time.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

December 2021

12/3/2021

View this email in your browser

Happy Holidays Friends,

I hope the last First Friday message of 2021 finds you well. The holidays are always a favorite time of year for my family, especially having young children. It is wonderful to see the magic through their eyes.

In November we slowly got back to our routines. We had a low-keyed Thanksgiving. I usually like to do a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. This year there was a kid's run that both Sarah and Peter participated in. I was incredibly proud of them. One of my favorite memories growing up was running races with my dad. To share this experience with both my children makes me feel like life is coming full circle. The kids got medals and hot chocolate after. I ran my usual 10k, and then we came home for a relaxing day.

Other highlights from last month included making slime (twice), going to the Madison Children's Museum (twice), putting up our Christmas tree, and seeing the Zoo lights with friends.

A resort I was lucky to visit on my Riviera Maya trip in September was UNICO 20°87°. I've had a number of couples stay at this adults-only property in the past, all coming back raving about it.

Upon arrival, I noticed immediately that the property felt authentic. Although it is newer, with a modern design, there were touches to let you feel immersed in local culture.

Another area that UNICO shines is with the personalization for guests. Each guest is able to customize their mini-bar, pillows, and even soap selection. Every room is given two hats that you are able to get painted by a local artist.

Lastly, the grounds are beautiful. There are three pools to choose from, along with a beach. Even though we didn't have time to eat, the restaurants and bars looked amazing. Many of the chefs and mixologists are local to the area, helping to weave the regional cuisine into the menus. I can't wait to visit here again for longer than a morning.

The requirements for re-entry into the USA after an international trip are still changing, and will likely continue to evolve in the coming months. This is one change of many that as a travel agent I continue to monitor so you can have a wonderful experience. I strive to do my best to inform you of updates as they happen. Your flexibility (which has been amazing!) is always appreciated.

As I reflect on 2021, I want to thank you for your support of Blue Sea Vacations. The past two years have been trying for all of us in different ways. Knowing that I've been able to help you plan your travel experiences is something I'm truly grateful for. I hope you have a great holiday season. I can't wait to connect in 2022.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

November 2021

11/5/2021

View this email in your browser

Greetings Friends,

This week I said, "I think that'll happen after the first of the year" and I immediately realized that 2021 is moving towards its end quickly! The big ash tree in front of our house has dropped all its leaves and the air has a noticeable chill to it.

In October we spent almost all of our free time with family and friends. My parents visited at the beginning of the month and we did lots of fall activities together. We got to visit Chicago one weekend and see my cousin run the Chicago Marathon which we all loved.

There were two trips to Michigan, unfortunately for less than ideal reasons. Our family lost both of Sandy's grandmothers within a month of each other. We were able to celebrate their life, and although sad, we were grateful for our time together with the wonderful women that they were.

Even with sad events, there were still celebrations last month. Sarah turned five! It is true - the days are long, but the years are short.

Halloween remains a favorite holiday in our house. This year Sarah was a princess and Peter was a duck (Sarah's costume from two years ago). We went to more houses than ever before, with both kids going non-stop for two hours. I foresee some long trick-or-treating nights in our future.

For this month's resort, I want to feature one that I visited in September, Nickelodeon Riviera Maya. This luxury family-friendly resort knocked my socks off when I visited. I was extremely skeptical going in. I thought it was going to be over the top with kids kitsch. I was wrong.

Nickelodeon Riviera Maya was the perfect blend of nostalgia with current cultural references. Remember the Snick "Orange Couch", or Legends of the Hidden Temple?! Pair that with Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer, and Sponge Bob Square Pants. There is something for everyone here.

The resort is brand new, just opening in 2021. The suites all felt big and fresh. For those of you that have five people in your family, we all know how hard it is to find resorts that can accommodate five in a room. Not only is that an option here, but there are two bathrooms to help make things easier. All the rooms face the beautiful ocean. And a bonus feature is that all the rooms are swim-up. This means that even if you aren't on the ground floor, there is a pool right outside of your room to swim in.

We toured a number of the restaurants, and they looked very appealing. There was even a selection of craft beer, which doesn't always happen at all-inclusive resorts!

Perhaps one of the biggest attractions was the Aqua Nick waterpark. This waterpark was on par with any major waterpark I've been to. Slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and adventure areas were all there. But, unlike other theme parks where you need to pay for overpriced food or drinks, it is all included here.

There is a major change for travelers happening in the coming weeks. Currently, all travelers coming back into the USA must have a Covid test within three days of departure. For unvaccinated passengers, this is changing to one day on November 8. I will make sure this is all spelled out on travel documents that are sent before your vacation. The resorts have all this information and will be able to plan accordingly. More information can be found here.

Many of you are looking at trips for spring break and Summer 2022. I'm already seeing some flights selling out. It's not too early to begin to explore what options are out there. As always, if you have questions about anything travel-related, I'm here to help.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

October 2021

10/1/2021

View this email in your browser

Greetings Friends,

I hope you had a nice September, and are looking forward to having a wonderful October.

We had another busy month in my house. Over Labor Day weekend we visited family in Michigan. It was a nice, quick visit. The kids are still getting used to the car ride. Last weekend, we visited friends in Chicago. On the way home, we stopped at an apple orchard. We picked a lot of apples and had a lot of fun.

In the middle of September, I was lucky to be able to do a solo trip down to the Riviera Maya region of Mexico for five days. Flying down, I couldn't believe that it had been four years since I had been to my best-selling destination.

The primary purpose of the trip was to tour resorts with other travel agents on my team. We toured fifteen resorts. Family-friendly, adults-only, and even an au natural resort were on the itinerary while in Mexico. It's touring and experiencing these resorts that help me make recommendations for my clients.

Our team did manage to have fun while in Mexico. One afternoon, we took a few hours and visited a cenote in the area. These are sinkholes that are naturally formed in limestone rock. The water is natural and refreshing. Little fish nibble on your feet when standing on the rocks. Who needs to pay a spa for this, when you can get it done at a cenote?!

In addition, we made it a point to give back to the area that we were visiting. For this trip, we went shopping for supplies to donate to Te Amo, a group that gives to families living in rural parts of the country. Our team loaded up over $700 worth of supplies and dropped them off with our partners. Knowing we are having a positive impact helps to make these trips worthwhile.

For October, I wanted to highlight one of the adults-only resorts we stayed at while I was in Mexico, Secrets Akumal. My clients love this resort. After having spent two nights there, I can say that it was a wonderful experience.

Secrets Akumal is located in between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The beach is beautiful. It also feels very lush and tropical on the grounds, almost jungle-like. Akumal means "place of the turtles", and this region is known for its turtle population.

Not only were the grounds and rooms beautiful, but the team of staff went above and beyond at every turn. Both dinners were highlights that I won't soon forget. The first night we did a sip and paint right on the beach. For not having any artistic ability, I was thrilled with how my sunset picture turned out. The second night we had our dinner in a garden area with performers and musicians entertaining us the entire time.

I had chilaquiles for breakfast each day. For those that don't know about this specialty - think breakfast nachos! I definitely can't wait to go back for a longer visit.

With 2021 now in the home stretch, it isn't too early to think about your 2022 travel plans. Spring break is fast approaching, as well as next summer.

As always, if you have questions about anything travel-related, I'm here to help.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

September 2021

10/1/2021

View this email in your browser

Greetings Friends,

Happy first Friday in September. I hope your month has started off well. The end of the summer always moves quickly, and this year was no exception. We've been getting back into the school year routine. The kids are enjoying going to daycare. And Sandy is excited to have students return to her library after having virtual lessons for all the 2020-2021 school year.

The past month we continued to spend time outside enjoying hikes, splash pads, playgrounds, and pools. We also began to harvest a great crop of tomatoes from our garden. Each August I look forward to making my favorite sandwich - toast, mayo, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

For September, I'm featuring a favorite resort of mine, Playacar Palace. I first visited this resort on a travel agent FAM trip in the fall of 2015. I instantly loved it, and two years later was excited to take Sandy and our then ten-month-old daughter, Sarah, for a visit. It is an all ages resort, located in the heart of Playa del Carmen. You might remember a few months ago I featured the Sun Palace. The Playacar Palace is a sister resort.

The property sits right in the middle of Playa del Carmen, next to the famous shopping on 5th Ave. It also is next to the pier that where you can take the ferry over to Cozumel. Included at the resort are the signature luxury features that Palace Resorts are known for. Wonderful service, dining, drinks, and accommodations.

The resort is big enough to have variety, but not too big that it feels overwhelming. With our young daughter, we spent a ton of time in the pool. There was also a small kids area with shallow water to spend time in. In addition, the Playacar Palace had a great kids club.

The staff working was wonderful in accommodating us. For every meal they brought us a high chair without asking. They entertained baby Sarah at every turn.

Switching gears a bit, I have access to an exclusive promotion next March at the Hard Rock Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. This lines up with Spring Break for many, as well as March Madness. If you are a gambler, the casino at this resort is the largest in the Caribbean. For more information, please click here.

Lastly, this is my third month in a row saying it, but I can't emphasize enough how important it is for you to check your passports. Two different clients contacted me to get vacations booked last month, but their passports are expiring soon and they wouldn't get a new one in time. If you're thinking about traveling internationally in the next 12-18 months, I would recommend beginning the passport application or renewal process soon.

I'm always here if you need any help or questions with travel.

Have a great Labor Day weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

P.S. - I've added all the previous First Friday emails onto my website. You can find them here.

August 2021

9/1/2021

View this email in your browser

Greetings and Happy August,

I hope this month has started off well for you. July brought more travel than my family is used to, and we're all excited to get settled into our routine as the summer begins to wind down.

In the beginning of the month, we went to Michigan to visit with Sandy's family. We survived the six hour car ride, and were happy to be reconnected with family that we hadn't seen in two years.

At the end of July, we spent eleven days in New York, visiting my family. We started downstate, and ended upstate. There was a great family reunion, and Sandy and I were able to get away for a few days to the Adirondack Mountains.

Your support of Blue Sea Vacations has been nothing short of incredible over the past few months. I'm helping more people travel than every before.

In recent weeks, there has been attention given to the rising Delta variant and increase in Covid cases. As we've all learned over the past year and a half, things are constantly changing. From my side of things, please remember to be patient and flexible as we continue to move through everything together.

For August, I'm highlighting the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. This is an all-ages resort. I stayed here when I visited Puerto Vallarta this past winter. I was blown away by the beauty of both the resort and staff.

A tip for those that get confused between the Hyatt Ziva, and Hyatt Zilara. Ziva is all-ages, you can remember because Ziva and "kids" both have four letters. Zilara is adults only. Zilara and "adults" both have six letters.

The view from my room.

I spent two nights here, and could have spent another two weeks. The resort was situated in a private cove, surrounded by green cliffs, and beautiful flowers all over the property. There were great pools that I made sure to swim in. The service was top notch. Everyone I encountered was happy to help with anything I needed. My room was large, and felt like it had recently been updated.

The food was excellent. I had the best fried ice cream of my life :)

Lastly, I know I've mentioned this before, but there's something about watching the sun set over the Pacific that is simply incredible.

Similar to last month, please take a minute and check your passport. The processing times are long and if you are even remotely considering traveling internationally in the next year, you should get them renewed now.

As always, if you have questions about anything travel related, I'm here to help.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

July 2021

9/1/2021

View this email in your browser

Greetings and Happy July,

I hope you are doing well. June came and went, and life continues to move forward into July.

June brought lots of activities for my family. We made our first trip back to the Madison Children's Museum since February 2020. Both Sarah and Peter were thrilled. Peter was only just a year old the last time we went, so he was really seeing it with new eyes.

On Father's Day, we went strawberry picking. Last year, Sarah and Peter just ran through the strawberry patches without picking anything, so we weren't sure how this year would go. Luckily, both kids enjoyed picking this year and we came back with quite the haul.

From the travel side of things, the momentum keeps building. I've never been so busy. Other agents I speak with are saying the same thing.

One request I have for you, my fantastic clients, is to please be patient as I work to help you plan your trips. Throughout the entire industry, things are taking longer. I promise you, I am working as fast as I can!

This month, I want to highlight Sunset at the Palms, my favorite resort that I visited in Jamaica when I went in January 2020. This adults only-all inclusive resort is located in Negril, on Bloody Bay Beach; constantly ranked as one of the top beaches in the world. The property is smaller and intimate, with only eighty-five guest rooms, which are "tree-house" style. Don't worry, there are still modern amenities. You aren't "roughing it"! It really is a magnificent site to be seen.

This is what the rooms look like. They have that treehouse/summer camp vibe!

What I immediately noticed while visiting was how relaxed and peaceful Sunset at the Palms was. There was green and lush vegetation, and zen-like calmness all over the property. Some other features were a great pool with a swim up bar and beautiful beach. In addition, when you book a trip to Sunset at the Palms, you get a complimentary Club MoBay access. This is fast track process through immigration and customs at the Montego Bay airport when you arrive and depart.

One last thing to mention this month is to please check your passports. The general rule of thumb is to have six months left on the passport when you travel internationally. If you are within that six month window, it is time to renew. The State Department just extended the processing times for passports. It is now estimated to take eighteen weeks to process for routine service, and twelve for expedited service.

As always, if you have questions about anything travel related, I'm here to help.

Have a great weekend and a wonderful 4th of July,

Brian

Contact Today

<<Previous

April 2022

Greetings Friends,

March 2022

Greetings Friends,

February 2022

Greetings Friends,

January 2022

Greetings Friends,

December 2021

Happy Holidays Friends,

November 2021

Greetings Friends,

October 2021

Greetings Friends,

September 2021

Greetings Friends,

August 2021

Greetings and Happy August,

July 2021

Greetings and Happy July,

From your
travel advisor

Archives

Categories

Connect

Greetings Friends,

Greetings Friends,

Greetings Friends,

Greetings Friends,

Happy Holidays Friends,

Greetings Friends,

Greetings Friends,

Greetings Friends,

Greetings and Happy August,

Greetings and Happy July,

From yourtravel advisor

Archives

Categories

Connect

From your
travel advisor