August 2022

8/28/2022

Greetings Friends,

As we begin August, I hope this letter finds you doing well.

July flew by for us. At the beginning of the month, we enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July with some trips to the pool and cookouts. Sandy and I went to Summerfest in Milwaukee for the first time since 2014. It was a fun night!

In the middle of July, our family flew to New York. I had my 21st high school reunion. It's crazy to think I graduated so long ago! We also took a trip to Western New York while there. I returned to my alma mater, SUNY Geneseo for the first time in thirteen years. I showed the kids the swimming pool where I spent many hours swimming back and forth, day in, day out. A highlight of our trip was going to Niagra Falls. We took the Maid of the Mist tour, and got soaking wet! Luckily we had on ponchos. We saw friends that we rarely get to visit with - that was the icing on the cake for me.

We finished up on Long Island, where I was able to see more family. And perhaps last, but not least, I saw my favorite band, Phish, play two nights at Jones Beach. Sandy came one night - she's such a good sport. What a whirlwind two weeks.

This month's feature resort is Hard Rock Puerto Vallarta. I visited this all-ages resort in 2021 and thought it was fantastic. And just this past June, I had a multi-generational family of eleven guests stay here. They all came back raving.

The resort sits on a beautiful beach featuring fabulous sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. There are palapas to sit under. Two pools are available if you happen to be more of a pool person.

Hard Rock resorts are known for having a great vibe - to the point where this is a dedicated "vibe manager". There is always music, with DJs and bands playing throughout the day.

Hard Rock Vallarta is a comfortable size, with about 360 rooms. It's not too big where you'll get lost, but big enough with plenty of variety. I know for me, I'm such a music fan, I love to see all the memorabilia around any Hard Rock when I visit. My recent guests said the service was top-notch.

Many of you have been traveling, and I know you have been patient with flights, services, resorts, etc. Thank you very much for the flexibility that you've shown. I'm hopeful that as the travel industry continues to move forward, things will improve.

If you are thinking about about getting away this upcoming winter, into next spring, now is the perfect time to think about booking.

As always, if you have any questions or travel needs in the future, don't hesitate to let me know.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

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July 2022

8/28/2022

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Greetings Friends,

Summer is in full swing, and I hope you are doing well.

The beginning of June took us to Michigan to visit family. Every year, Grand Rapids has an Arts Festival on the first weekend in June. We've never been able to go. This year, with school ending early, we decided to visit. It was a great event, with lots of activities and crafts. We also make a trip to the zoo there. And while in Michigan, Sandy and I celebrated ten years of marriage. Time flies!

The weather has been pretty erratic, but we're finding time to get outside as much as possible. For Father's Day, we went to Devil's Lake. This is one of our favorite places to go hiking and swimming. What made this year special was that it was the first time that we didn't need to bring the child carrier to put one of the kids in. It was much easier for me than I was used to!

For this month's resort, I wanted to feature a favorite from the island of Jamaica, Couples Tower Isle. This has been a fan-favorite of my clients time and time again. Located in Ocho Rios, Couples Tower Isle is an adults-only resort with plenty to offer. It's a good size - not too big, but also not small. There is a beautiful beach, lots of activities, and great options for food. Even though we were only there for a morning when we visited on my travel agent trip in 2020, I could tell that the service was top-notch.

A feature that I find incredible is that all guests staying at Couples Tower Isle get complimentary admission to Dunn's River Falls. For those unfamiliar, this is a waterfall that you can climb up. It's my favorite excursion in Jamaica.

There is a private island right off the shore with a boat that can bring you back and forth. The island has a pool and food/drinks. However, it is au natural during the day. If that isn't your deal, no worries - the regular beach is beautiful!

Many of you have been traveling this summer, and I couldn't be happier seeing all your pictures and hearing your stories. I will be away from July 14-28. Please be patient as I will try and respond as quickly as possible, but it might take longer than you are used to.

As always, if you have any questions or travel needs in the future, don't hesitate to let me know.

Have a great Independence Day weekend,

Brian

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June 2022

8/28/2022

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Greetings Friends,

June is here, and I hope you are doing well. School ended extra early this year, so Sandy and the kids ended up finishing up the Friday before Labor Day. Last summer was short for them, and this summer will be long!

May was a great month for our family. Sarah finished 4K and had a small moving-up ceremony. Sandy is on the local public library board, and we went to a Great Gatsby Gala that was originally scheduled for March of 2020. It was a fun night out!

The rest of the month was rounded out with hikes, playgrounds, and visits to the zoo. And Sandy ran a 5K for the first time since having Peter. Nice job!

For Memorial Day Weekend, we went to the Medival Times outside Chicago. Our friend was celebrating a big birthday, and we thought this would be a family-friendly activity for all to enjoy. I don't think any of us knew how much we would love it.

Everyone enjoyed the food, scenery, horses, and knights performing. Sarah was lucky to be named the Queen of our section (Red Knight!). We all left with smiles on our faces and it was the perfect birthday for our friend.

I'm taking this month off from featuring a resort. I'll pick it up next month.

In May, I also celebrated nine years as a travel agent and owning Blue Sea Vacations. Whether you booked a vacation with me in 2013, or recently in the last few months, I can't express how appreciative I am.

If you have any questions or travel needs in the future, don't hesitate to let me know. I'm always here to help.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

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May 2022

8/28/2022

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Greetings Friends,

Happy May! Spring is finally here (we hope). I'm always surprised each year with how stir-crazy I get towards the end of the winter. We are always grateful to get outside.

April was a busy month for our family. In addition to swim lessons, gymnastics, and soccer, Sandy joined the choir at church. We've all loved seeing her sing each Sunday morning. Unfortunately, the kids were extra squirmy on Easter and I chased them all over the education building and I missed the songs. What can you do?

Last weekend, we became more indoctrinated into Wisconsin life with a visit to the Wisconsin Dells. For those that aren't familiar, this area is known for indoor water parks.

The kids loved the waterpark, storytime, dance parties, and sleeping in the hotel room. Mom and dad enjoyed seeing the kids so happy. Even though we didn't get much sleep, it was worth it.

For the resort of the month, I want to head back to the beautiful island of Jamaica. A resort that I've visited twice, and have had many clients enjoy is Moon Palace Jamaica. Located in Ocho Rios, this all-ages resort has something for everyone.

Both the pool and beach are great. The resort is situated in a cove, so the waves never seem to get too rough. Even though I never tried it, I'm always tempted to attempt the Flo-Rider. Maybe next time.

As with all Palace resorts, the food and service are top-notch. There are plenty of options for different dining experiences here. And even though I don't use the spa too much, the spa at this resort is on the nicest I've seen. I would highly recommend stopping in if you ever visit!

More and more of you plan to travel in 2022 and into 2023. This is great to hear, but similar to what is happening in many housing markets - the travel industry is experiencing unprecedented demands. Prices are going up, and supply is going down. I've seen pricing on flights rise in an afternoon, and resorts sell out for desired dates much sooner than expected.

As always, I'm here to help you navigate. Don't hesitate to reach out anytime.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

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April 2022

4/1/2022

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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

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March 2022

3/26/2022

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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

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February 2022

3/26/2022

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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

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January 2022

2/2/2022

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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

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December 2021

12/3/2021

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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

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November 2021

11/5/2021

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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

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