Totem Travel (425) 821-4100   (800) 321-7907

Prices are down for winter beach vacations


After months of watching we are seeing attractive airfares and all inclusive vacation packages from Seattle to various warm weather destinations for dead of winter travel. Patty spotted $570 ish on a good schedule to Jamaica and $400 on non stop flights to Puerto Vallarta. I’m seeing non stop flights to Maui in the mid $300’s and good connections to Punta Cana at $500.

Don’t know how long this will last but if you want to get out of the cold and find the sun in early December, January or February give us a call at 425 821-4100 or email. We’d love to help you take advantage and plan a winter beach vacation at lower than normal prices.

P.S. Fare over the holidays are ridiculously high as usual…

Hot off the Press re tourists deaths in Punta Cana


In a Fox43 article published Oct 16 , FBI toxicology reports are said to support local authorities in their determination of natural causes as the cause of death in 3 tourist deaths. And, in a separate follow up, Gonzalo Del Peón President of AMResorts® stated

We know the passing of these individuals is difficult for their family and friends and our hearts go out to them. We also appreciate the State Department’s willingness to share information about the additional toxicology tests, ensuring travelers have accurate information about these sensationalized deaths in the Dominican Republic, despite extensive and misleading media coverage.

AMResorts operates Secrets Resorts, a group of highly rated adult only all inclusive resorts as well as the popular Dreams Resorts oriented toward families and other all inclusive resort properties . Mr. Del Peon when on to say

The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism has taken steps to further enhance the safety of the tourists, including increasing security standards in hotel establishments, improving emergency protocols, increasing training, providing accreditation around food and beverage safety, and implementing a program to assist tourists.

In 2018, 6.6 million tourists visited the Dominican Republic, of which 3.2 million came from the United States and Canada. 99 percent of the tourists from the United States said they would return to the country on vacation and 94 percent evaluated the Dominican Republic’s tourism services as excellent.

My once in a lifetime safari in Samburu Kenya


A safari in Africa had topped my travel wish list for decades and with college tuition behind me I finally took my first African safari to Kenya. It was many hours and time zones from Seattle to Nairobi but the moment I arrived in Samburu and saw my first zebra I was spellbound by a world unlike any I’d ever known. In Kenya’s National Reserves it’s the people that are voluntarily put in “cages”, otherwise known as 4×4 vehicles and luxury tented camps, and the animals have dominion to roam free from human interference and predators.

  

Magnificant reticulated giraffes graze the tops of acacia trees, herds of elephants cross rivers filled with hippos and crocodiles and lions hunt freely. Samburu National Reserve in Kenya was the first of three game parks I visited on my Africa safari and the greenest and prettiest in my opinion.

My luxury tented camp was a fabulous combination of the “real outdoors” with monkeys cavorting in nearby trees (we were warned to zip the tent tightly and put something heavy on the canvas flap to protect against nimble fingers seeking food) and unexpected creature comforts like a walk in shower with solar heated water, writing desk, coffee and tea delivered before dawn and lovely restaurant and bar.

The animals are most active early morning and after sundown and we went out on safari twice a day for several hours. In between we did a guided walk and visited a local village where the colorful Samburu women greeted us with huge smiles and beaded necklaces they put about our necks before asking us to join in their dance. The memory will stay with me forever!

Please enjoy my visual safari and I’ll try to post more from the Masai Mara with its big cats!

 

 

Beach vacations are relaxing but you also want adventure!


Beach vacations and honeymoons are lovely and many couples dream of relaxing on a tropical beach in an exotic locale. But variety is the spice of life, and after a few days working on a sun kissed glow you may find yourself craving activities. So here are some tropical vacation and honeymoon ideas that offer relaxation, romance and active adventures you’ll talk about for years to come!

Picture yourself on the lush tropical island of St Lucia in a stunning open air sanctuary with private pool or a luxurious overwater bungalow with butler service. Both settings provide everything you need for a pampered, relaxed and romantic vacation and the beautiful island of St Lucia offers a wealth of exciting excursions and adventures. You can:

  • Hike the beautiful and rugged Pitons
  • Zip line through the dense green rainforest canopy
  • Island hop to Antigua, Barbados or Grenada
  • Take a mud bath near a dormant volcano
  • Sail to nearby Martinique
  • Snorkel, scuba or snuba on colorful coral reefs

Sound outstanding?  You can have it all:  luxurious accommodations, butler service, beach time and some really awesome escapades. Here’s another exotic beach adventure combo –

Few places on earth match the incomparable beauty of the South Pacific and Fiji offers a private island vacation within a reasonable budget. The main island of Viti Levu has mountains, rivers, a lush fertile interior and long stretches of coral rimmed coast so you can enjoy:

  • shark diving
  • white water rafting
  • horseback riding
  • zip lining
  • a jet ski safari
  • cave tours

But Fiji’s real gems are the tiny outer islands where your accommodation will be a beachfront bungalow steps from the sea, tree house amidst a lush tropical jungle or overwater bungalow suspended above a coral reef. Activities on the outer islands center on the beach and water but you can also

  • hike or swim at the Bouma waterfall
  • visit a pearl farm to see exotic colored pearls cultivated by hand
  • explore a local village and meet the chief
  • drop a fishing line in the water and bring home dinner
  • snorkel amid an amazing soft coral garden
  • kayak from one island to another

Then kick back and relax with a good book, climb into a hammock for a snooze, share a cup of kava with the locals and enjoy a vacation where time no longer matters.  You won’t be the first to shed a tear when it’s time to say goodbye.

Now, picture yourself in Belize, where you can mix your beach vacation with:

  • climbing ancient Mayan ruins
  • caving with hard hat and headlight in eerie darkness
  • river rafting beneath iguana-filled trees
  • hiking through jungles that ring with the hoots and hollers of howler monkeys

San Ignacio in Belize is a fantastic base for jungle activities with easy access to Tikal plus unique adventures like the challenging Actun Tunichil Muknal tour.  Then, after a few days in the interior, head for the beach! You can choose a lovely spot on Ambergris Caye or a more unique, adventurous setting.

Reached on a road that is more pot hole than dirt, Hamanasi offers beachfront and treehouse accommodations luxurious enough for an awesome honeymoon or vacation and you’ll have a choice of unique adventures like bird watching, hiking in a jaguar preserve, exploring mayan ruins and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. On a single dive I saw spotted eagle rays, free swimming green morays, hawksbill sea turtles, nurse shark, 300 pound grouper, lobsters large enough to feed the resort, thriving coral and hundreds of colorful exotic fish.

Relaxation in a warm climate, beautiful water, and luxurious pampering in a romantic atmosphere are some of the reasons the beach vacation is so popular but remember…  You will gather your favorite travel stories from trips that also include adventure, planned or unplanned.

My personal travels have taken me to hundreds of beaches all over the world plus adventures in Patagonia, Kenya, Machu Picchu and the Amazon, Australia, Greece, Italy and more. I hope you’ll call or email and allow me to help you find the perfect combination of experiences for your vacation or honeymoon. We can have a grand adventure planning it together!

5 Reasons to book your Sandals vacation with a travel agent


Sandals has an amazing web site with tons of information, awesome photos plus specials and deals for every resort. So why call a Sandals travel agent or book your Sandals honeymoon, vacation or destination wedding with a Sandals Specialist?

5 reasons to book with a Sandals Specialist and top Sandals agency –

1. We have been to every Sandals Resort and go back every year. We’ll help you compare resorts from personal experience and decide which is the best Sandals Resort for your honeymoon or vacation.

2. We don’t work for Sandals so we tell it like it is. Good and bad!

3. We’ve been to the other all inclusive resorts so can compare Sandals vs Secrets vs Excellence vs Couples and more.

4. We’ll tell you if you should upgrade your room at Sandals or save some bucks for other life priorities.

5. We guarantee Sandals’ lowest price , offer everything you see online and options you won’t see at sandals.com

Want more reasons to book your Sandals vacation with Totem Travel?

  • We can adjust your reservation if the price goes down after you book
  • We make sure special requests get special attention
  • We give great advice. Check out our travel blog
  • We fix problems. Even better, we anticipate problems and reach out to our clients proactively when there are resort closures, weather worries or renovations taking place.
  • We care about your vacation and will do everything possible to make it perfect

      

Totem Travel has been winning awards as a top Sandals travel agency for more than a decade.

We have been honored as:

  • Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Agents
  • Sandals Best of the Best Agency for more than a decade
  • Sandals Top Butler Agency (we will help you decide if it is worth it)
  • Sandals Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Preferred Sandals Agency
  • Sandals Wedding Specialist
  • Platinum Sandals Specialist
  • Puget Sound Business Journal Top Travel Agency
  • Top Fiji Agent in the U.S.

We encourage you to call, email, make an appointment to meet in our Seattle office or request a quote. You will get personalized help from a travel expert at no extra cost!

How Do You Plan a Wedding at Sandals Resorts?


Adult only, all-inclusive Sandals Resorts are perfect for a destination wedding and a free wedding package comes with a three night stay at any Sandals Resort. So how do you plan a wedding at Sandals?

3 nights + 2 people = a free wedding at Sandals and everything you need is included. That means ceremony, bridal bouquet, boutonniere, music, photo, wedding cake and cocktail reception. Want a wedding web site and honeymoon registry? Included. Want to customize your wedding or add extras? No problem mon and stays of 6 nights or longer and wedding groups earn extra perks. So how do you start planning a wedding at Sandals?

Start with the wedding

  • Go to Sandals site
  • Click “Wedding and Honeymoons”
  • Click “Look Books” for inspiration from eight beautiful themes
  • Select colors, flowers, table decorations and extras
  • Choose the quantity you would like
  • The cost will be displayed.

When you’ve made your selections your total wedding cost is calculated.  And here’s a super cool feature! Play around to your heart’s content mixing elements from one theme with another. If your fantasy wedding doesn’t fit your oh so real life budget, go back and add or delete items.  You’re online so no stress, no sales pitch, just the information you need to plan a wedding at Sandals. Told you it was a cool feature!

Start with the honeymoon

With 17 Sandals Resorts there are choices to fit almost every honeymoon budget starting from about $1000 for two people staying 3 nights all inclusive. And remember, that includes a free wedding package! Totem Travel is a Sandals and Beaches Preferred Agency and certified Sandals Wedding Specialist. We’ve been to all the resorts and would love to help you choose the best all-inclusive resort, select the perfect room, find the best deal and create the wedding and honeymoon of your dreams.

Start with a Sandals Wedding Specialist

If you have questions about how to plan a wedding at Sandals Resorts and want help from an expert just call or email. Our Sandals Wedding Specialists are trained and certified by Sandals and all our services are free. The Sandals Specialists at Totem Travel have been to all the resorts, seen the wedding and reception set ups and can help with everything from resort and room selection to reserving your wedding, keeping you on track for documents and escalating to resolve challenges.

If you’re planning a destination wedding group, your Sandals Wedding Specialist will make sure you get all the bells and whistles you deserve like free rooms, upgrades and complimentary private functions. We’ll also act as a single point of contact for your guests, making reservations, answering questions and keeping you up to date as the group comes together.

     

OK I’m ready! What do I do next?

  • When you are ready to plan your wedding make a reservation at any Sandals Resort
  • Reserve a wedding date and time
  • Send out save the date cards, set up a wedding website or use social media to let everyone know your plans
  • Turn your wedding plans into a dream wedding come true!

Once your honeymoon and wedding time and date is reserved you’ll be assigned a pre wedding travel planner to help with everything you need before arrival. Once at the resort, you will meet with your onsite planner who will act as your personal wedding planner and make your special day and the moments leading up to it a breeze!

So call or email the Sandals Specialists at Totem Travel.  We have been recognized as one of Sandals top travel agencies in North America for more than a decade. We’ve been to all the resorts, do this every day and LOVE to help couples plan their wedding at Sandals whether for 2 or 200. Call us!

P.S. Sandals all-inclusive resorts are for adults but if you want to have children at their wedding no worries!  Beaches Resorts are for everyone and offer the same wedding options and easy planning process.

Totem Travel earns top Sandals agency awards in 2018


For more than a decade Totem Travel has been an award winning Sandals agency and one of Sandals’ top travel agencies in the United States. In 2018 Totem Travel was again named “Best of the Best” travel agencies in North America. Linda Martindell and Patty Houghton are both members of Sandals prestigious Chairman’s Royal Club and Platinum Sandals Specialists and Linda is a certified Sandals Wedding Specialist.

More importantly for clients, the Sandals Specialists at Totem Travel have been to all 19 Sandals and Beaches Resorts, we go back every year, keep up with all the changes, and provide expert advice and assistance at no extra cost. Totem Travel guarantees the lowest price on every Sandals package sold. We offer every special and deal you see online and more you may have missed.

     

We can help with a split stay that makes your dream of an overwater bungalow at a Sandals Resort affordable or put together an island hopping vacation. We offer bundled air packages with reduced deposits; can secure free nights for anniversary couples; take 10% off any reservation for military, police or fire fighters; assist with returning guest promotions; and plan a tropical destination wedding for 2 or 200.

So check out our blog posts about choosing the best Sandals Resort, comparing Sandals vs other all inclusive resorts or how to plan a destination wedding. Then call, email or request a quote if we can assist with an adult only all resort vacation, Sandals honeymoon or Beaches family vacation. We’d love to help!

P.S. Hot off the press… Beginning February 14 wine and beer will be available in all Sandals rooms free of charge. Club Level rooms and Butler Suites will continue to have a full bar setup with a selection of hard liquor, wine, beer, champagne, mixers, fruit juices, sodas and water.

What does a tropical island honeymoon cost?


Most couples get married in the summer and the majority of honeymoon couples choose a tropical beach honeymoon where the focus is on relaxation and romance. But weddings are expensive and budget may be a factor. So where can you go for a romantic honeymoon without breaking the bank and what does a dream honeymoon cost?

Here are some popular spots for exotic summertime honeymoons from $1K to $20K –

  • You have dreams of a lovely beach but a limited budget? Don’t stay home! Head to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic where $1000 buys 5 nights at a quality all-inclusive resort on a stunning white sand beach. Add airfare and voila! Instant, affordable, awesome honeymoon.  Hint: ask Uncle Al to get you there using credit card points or frequent flyer miles. He’s been sitting on them for years and loves you both to pieces.
  • At $1500 there are options in Jamaica and Puerto Vallarta for adult only all-inclusive honeymoons on the beach with 5 nights accommodations, meals, drinks, evening entertainment and lots of activities for two.
  • Want a longer honeymoon? Consider island hopping in Hawaii with a couple of nights on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu then a longer stay at a luxury resort on Maui’s famous Kaanapali Beach. 7 nights’ accommodations, transfers, car rental and daily breakfast should be about $2.5K traveling peak season.
  • For less than $3K, stay one week at a couples only Sandals Resort with everything included from gourmet dining to wine/beer/cocktails, land and water sports, entertainment, even snorkeling and scuba trips. You’ll find swim up bars, sexy firepits, hammocks and candlelit tables for two at every restaurant.
  • If butler service and a private pool or swim out room is on your wish list, St Lucia, Grenada or Barbados could be a great choice with options from $5.5K for a 7 night all inclusive honeymoon. These islands also offer unique open air “sanctuaries”, overwater bungalows and ultra-extravagant accommodations in the $12-20K range for one week.
  • Exotic islands in the South Pacific calling your name? From the west coast, a honeymoon package with airfare and 6 nights in a beachfront bungalow at an adult only resort in Fiji starts between $6-7K.
  • Glorious overwater bungalows overlooking Bora Bora’s shimmering lagoon with a view of Mt Otemanu and fabulous sunsets will set you back more. Figure $10K+ for airfare from the west coast and a 5 night stay.

So with tropical island honeymoons from $1K to $20K where do you start?

1. Begin with the dream and have fun visualizing the perfect honeymoon! Read blog posts and magazine articles, look at photos online, talk with everyone you know.

2. Make a note of every destination, feature or activity that made your heart race or put a starry eyed look on your face. This is your wish list.

3. Sit down together and talk about reality. How long can you be gone? How far are you willing to travel? What are you comfortable spending and what needs to be included in that budget?

4. Call or email a honeymoon travel specialist. When you share the fantasy, the reality and allow time for us to work our magic you may find your dream honeymoon really does come true!

Big sale on active adventure travel for 2018!


If you are thinking about an active vacation in 2018 and would enjoy hiking, biking, cycling, kayaking or a multisport adventure you can get a big discount off some truly awesome and surprisingly affordable small group tours if you book in March. So NOW is the time to shop and plan your adventure. With this pre sale notice you have time to browse all the available itineraries, talk to friends and travel buddies, call or email with questions then make your reservations in March to secure 15% off all G Adventures active tours. A small deposit will secure the sale price and hold space until closer to departure, so you even have time to save for the trip. Sweet!

Three super popular destinations I’ve explored recently are included in G Adventures’ early booking sale and I highly recommend they be added to your “must do” list.

  • Patagonia – do not miss the Moreno Glacier or Torres del Paines!
  • Machu Picchu and the Amazon – two incredible destinations you can do on the same vacation.
  • Mont Blanc – the finest in Swiss, French and Italian Alps hiking.

   

Other active adventures on my travel bucket list and on sale in March, are hiking the Dolomites in Italy, Iceland, and a hiking, kayaking and biking multisport adventure in Thailand. Still more destinations, like the Galapagos, are on sale in January and many classic itineraries in Europe, Asia and South American are 10-15% off for bookings made in April. You can even plan a private small group tour (all destinations) with discounts for as few as 8 in your party.

If you’d like more information on affordable small group adventure travel for all ages, vacations designed for 18-30 somethings or a small group guided tour in Europe, Australia, Asia or South America please call or email. I’d be very happy to share my experiences and help you find the perfect spot!

      

Secrets, Excellence or Sandals – Which is the Best All-Inclusive Resort for Adults?


A few years back we wrote a post comparing Secrets vs Couples vs Sandals Resorts but things change fast in the travel biz and new players have come on strong in the adult only all inclusive market. Having stayed at almost all the adult only resorts including Excellence, Iberostar Grand, Hyatt, El Dorado and aforementioned Secrets, Couples and Sandals, we are often asked which is the best all-inclusive resort for adults.  All of these resorts are quality brands with multiple locations. All have newer and older resorts, bigger and smaller hotels, simpler and more luxurious settings.  All have special features that may be on your wish list and all offer a range of room categories and prices with varying amenities and services.

So what if your destination is flexible and money is no object?   Which is the best adult only all-inclusive resort?  I still don’t have a quick answer because it’s like naming a favorite restaurant.  Mine would be Italian but you may prefer steak or sushi and choosing the best is difficult because they are totally different. That said, there are some broad generalizations we can make about adult only all-inclusive resorts plus specific recommendations for some best in category resorts.

Target Clientele and Special Inclusions

  • Excellence, Secrets and Iberostar Grand Collection are top choices for adults traveling with friends, families with adult children, singles and couples. These resorts allow 1-4 adults to share a room and have a choice of bedding in various room categories.
  • Sandals Resorts are best for couples planning a honeymoon, romantic getaway, destination wedding, vow renewal or anniversary. With 15 couples only resorts on 7 islands, Sandals has the broadest price range, largest selection of room styles all with king beds, includes free weddings at every resort and gives free nights for anniversaries.
  • Hyatt, a newcomer to the all-inclusive market, has adult only properties adjacent to family friendly resorts with select public areas and restaurants reserved for adults. This works particularly well for mixed groups and multi-generational families.
  • Breathless caters to adults seeking a livelier vibe and more nightlife.
  • Iberostar Grand has more organized group activities and a higher rate of participation than other adult all inclusives.
  • Couples has the Caribbean’s first unlimited spa service option with treatments included along with meals, drinks and other land and water activities. Couples also includes more off site tours.
  • Sandals Resorts includes the widest range of land and watersports, resort activities and evening entertainment. Activities like snorkel trips, tubing, waterskiing, scuba diving and golf are free at Sandals but cost extra elsewhere.

    

Beaches & pools

  • All of our favorite adult only resorts are beachfront but not all beaches are created equal, so it’s important to be specific. Our picks for best beach would be Sandals Emerald Bay and Iberostar Grand Bavaro followed by Secrets Akumal, Sandals Grande Antigua and El Dorado Maroma.
  • Excellence and Iberostar Grand have fabulous pools as do some Secrets and Sandals Resorts. Our best pool award goes to Sandals Royal Barbados with the Caribbean’s first rooftop pool plus stunning beachfront pool and hundreds of rooms and suites with private pool or swim up feature. Wowzer!

Restaurants and bars

  • All of these top quality adult only all-inclusive resorts have specialty international restaurants and a high standard of food quality and presentation.
  • All include alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages including beer, wine and cocktails with top shelf brands available.  Bottles of wine and champagnes are available for purchase.
  • Excellence and Secrets are known for no reservation dining.
  • Sandals Resorts can accommodate celiac and other dietary restrictions with an onsite culinary concierge at every resort.
  • In room bars vary widely. Only Sandals includes full size bottles of liquor, wine and champagne plus beer, soft drinks, mixers, fruit juice and water in Club Level and Butler Suites. Standard rooms include wine, beer, soft drinks, water and juice. Couples Resorts allow you to personalize a minibar with a selection of liquor, wine and beer but quantities are limited and champagne is not an option. Secrets Resorts include beer, soft drinks and water in every room and Preferred Club rooms add alcohol but no wine or champagne. Iberostar Grand offers a selection of wine and liquor in airplane sized bottles plus beer, soft drinks and water.
  • Room service varies within chains and even room categories. Excellence and Secrets earn top honors with 24/7 room service for all guests and a “secret box” for delivery and pick up without intruding on your privacy.

Rooms and services

  • Iberostar Grand has the most luxurious entry level rooms with shared butler service, jetted soaking tubs and more.
  • Most Excellence and Secrets Resorts are contemporary in styling and offer private pools and swim up rooms however “beachfront” rooms can be problematic as many are far from the beach and have a limited ocean view.
  • Sandals Resorts offer everything from standard rooms to “sand in your toes” beachfront rooms, overwater bungalows, swim up rooms and villas with private pools. The décor at Sandals runs the gamut from traditional to modern and services are provided at three levels – Luxury, Club Level and Sandals crème de la crème Butler Service.
  • Rooms at Couples Resorts can be minimalistic although we love the plantation suites at Couples Swept Away and every room has what you need to be comfortable

Hopefully this gives you a starting point to find the best all-inclusive resort for your adult only vacation, tropical honeymoon or destination wedding. For more information please call, email or request a quote. We’ve been to all the popular destinations, stayed at almost all the resorts and would love to help you choose the best adult only all-inclusive resort for you!

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