Favorite Resort: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort and Spa

One of my favorite resorts is Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort and Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  It is located in a somewhat secluded area about 10-15 minutes from downtown Cabo. Also, Pacifica is an adults only resort. I found the Pacifica to be an exceptional resort and give it 5 stars in every aspect of service, dining, accommodations, cleanliness, and location. When I entered the lobby, I heard soft "spa type" music and smelled a soft scent of lavender (at the time of my stay). I now have lavender in my residence.  I felt like I walked directly into a spa and was only in the lobby. Neutral colors and decor, and statues add calm and peace throughout the property. There are 154 rooms. I stayed in an oceanview room which I enjoyed sitting on my balcony with a bottle of wine, listening to the ocean waves. The rooms are luxuriously decorated; soft beds. I love the lighting in the bathroom which offers a few settings to create a romantic type of ambiance (if you'd like). The shower is large enough for two people. The pool is standard size and close to Aire Bar (the pool bar). There is a fire pit surrounded by chairs that you can sit around at night. Tranquil! The staff (security, front desk, concierge, waiter, hostess, grounds keeper, custodial team) always smiles and greets you.

The food was pleasantly pleasing to my palette. I dined in Siempre. For dinner, I had the sea bass; so delicious! The other menu items are awesome. Wines are introduced/recommended by your waiter based on your choice of food. Every meal at Siempre was delicious (i.e., breakfast). Overall, this resort property is meticulously well kept. Also, the Pacifica offers the option of a European plan or all-inclusive plan. One more thing, you can take their complimentary shuttle to other Pueblo Bonito properties (Pueblo Bonito Rose, Pueblo Bonito Sunset, Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos). One of the properties is closer to downtown. Signing privileges at the other properties allow you to experience dining during your visit. I recommend this resort for singles, couples, and a girlfriends' getaway. It's PERFECT! Your first stay will not be your last.  Photos on my website.  Scroll to the bottom and click "My Trips." I could say more, but this is a "blog."


A package: 2 people, three-night stay, all-inclusive plan, including airfare (from Houston), and transfers starts at $2,247 ($1,123 per person). 
Kimberly Fountain
Travel CounselorEmail: kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com

Flight Sold Out? Name Your Own Price When Give Up Seat

I recently read an article in my online travel trade publication (Travel Weekly magazine, posted on January 11, 2011): Delta Invites Customers to Name Their Price For Giving Up Seat. The article indicates that Delta Airlines will give customers the option of telling them how much money you'll accept for giving up your seat if the flight is sold out. You can indicate your price when you check in online or at an airport kiosk. The process is suppose to speed up the process to rebook you instead of trying to determine seats and availability at the gate.

If customers do not "name a price," the compensation you'll receive will be $400 or $800 depending on the time the flight was scheduled to arrive (applicable for domestic and international flights). 


My professional opinion is that I think it's a great to find ways to expedite processes when dealing with customers' travel. My main concern is that if customers "low bid," then Delta may save some money from may have been provided for compensation. I wouldn't want to bid $200 if I can get $400 compensation. So, you'll have to just take your chance! 

Cruising: Balcony Staterooms

I recently read a blog titled "Why You Should Consider A Balcony When Cruising" by travel agent Tamyra Nash. For my first cruise experience, I selected an inside cabin (no window) basically because of the cost (least expensive). However, as I inspected various cruise ships and actually saw the beauty of cabins with balconies, I realized that my next cruise accommodation will have a balcony. I imagined myself, as Tamra's blog indicated, looking at the ocean while in my PJs and having breakfast on my balcony. It sounds like a surreal experience and I can't wait. Tamyra also provided some other reasons as to why you should consider a balcony stateroom when cruising. Check out her other blogs at : http://reallyawesomevacations.com/. I think Tamyra has some great blogs!

Traveling to Alaska

Alaska is one state that you'll definitely want to travel to whether it's by plane or boat (cruise).  If you are an adventure traveler, love the outdoors, and want to experience/learn about a different culture...perfect place for you. Alaska is also for families, too.

There are lots of outdoor activities/tours: hiking, biking, glacier tours, flightseeing with/without glacier landing, camping, whitewater rafting, fishing, Denali National Park, etc. I traveled to Anchorage, Alaska by plane. I took a tour that allowed me to see the city highlights of Anchorage via motor coach, took a boat tour to the Portage Glacier (You get very close to the glacier and it's a great photo opportunity!), visited Mount Alyeska and Alaska's only ski resort, Alyeska Resort; and learned about Alaska culture at the Alaskan Native Heritage Center museum.

One time while in Anchorage, I boarded the Alaska Railroad and took a 2 1/2 hour scenic train ride to Seward, Alaska. The train cars were very comfortable. You can purchase food while on board, too. During the ride, one of the employees narrates and tells you about various Alaska facts. Watch closely! I saw a moose and black bears in their natural habitat. This train ride is a must if you go to any part of Alaska. You'll pass through towns like Wasilla and Girdwood. You'll see beautiful streams, trees, mountains, and glaciers.

The accommodations vary in Alaska. You can stay in a bed and breakfast, resort, lodge, cabin, or hostel. I have stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn  Anchorage, Hilton Hotel Anchorage, and Embassy Suites Anchorage. All are great places in convenient locations. Alaska is known for the best fresh fish! I had either salmon or halibut every day. Believe it or not...I ate some moose, too. It taste like roast.

I could go on and on about Alaska, but you'll have to visit to get that wonderful experience! You can also see photos of my Alaska trip at: http://s613.photobucket.com/albums/tt216/passion4travel/Alaska/

Passion4Traveln: Passion for Traveling

As a child, my parents took my sister and I on vacations in the summer. We visited lots of family-oriented destinations. As an adult, I continued to take vacations after establishing my career. I planned vacations for my friends and I. I checked hotel reviews, attraction and tour company reviews, looked for destination coupons, created itineraries, registered with the U.S. Embassy when going to international destinations, looked for value and quality when booking hotels; looked for safe, economical transportation methods when traveling at a destination, etc. I developed a passion for traveling.

As a travel agent, I extend the same detailed planning to my customers. I care about my customers "having a good time" while on vacation, on a honeymoon, or at their destination wedding-- instead of just booking people for the money.

My travel specialties are family travel (including family reunion cruises), singles travel, and couples travel to domestic and international (i.e., Caribbean, Italy, France) destinations. In addition, I am a Disney Specialist, ski specialist, and honeymoon and destination wedding specialist. I have completed many hours of coursework and earning certificates for destination travel programs, hotel, car, and cruise programs.

Please feel free to contact me to book your vacation. It will be my passion FIRST...then my pleasure!

Note: Trip Photos are located on www.sdestinationstravel.com (scroll down to My Trips, click, and enjoy)

Galveston, Texas

Galveston, Texas (located near Houston) has made some great waves in recovering from Hurricane Katrina and Ike. I can plan a pre-cruise/post-cruise stay or weekend getaway at one of the local hotels and provide an itinerary to fit your needs and interests whether you are single, are a couple, or a family. The locals are very friendly! People from other Texas cities and towns come to Galveston for a "getaway." It's an economical area, too. Pure R and R!

There are several hotel options (lots of new chain hotels) to choose from: Moody Gardens Hotel, Four Points Sheraton, several Holiday Inns and Comfort Suites, luxury: Hotel Galvez and Spa, San Luis Hotel and Spa, The Tremont House-A Wyndham Grand Hotel; Hilton Galveston Island Resort, Hampton Inn, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Country Inn and Suites, Best Western Beachfront Inn, LaQuinta Inn, Super 8, Econolodge, and lots of beautiful condos (Endless Escaptes, Casa Del Mar, Victorian Condos and Conference Center), and beach house rentals (see photos). Beaches! Beaches! Beaches! I stayed at the Victorian Condo and Conference Center (formerly Hawthorne Inn and Suites). I had a balcony suite that sleeps 5 or 6 people (1 queen, sofabed, and 2 bunk beds), kitchen, plenty of closet space, and a great view of the gulf. There is a laundry area and whirlpool on the premises. Very peaceful place and in a good location on the seawall.

As I rode along the seawall and watched singles,couples, and families enjoy looking and listening to the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. There are lots of local chains that serve great seafood like The Spot. It was sooo crowded in there; reasonable prices, too! A hip place: The Poop Deck; Rainforest Cafe, Jetty's Restaurant (great pasta); steakhouses, Mexican, Cajun, and Italian restaurants; various types of dining available.

Places to visit: Moody Gardens (Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids), Moody Mansion (historic home), Schlitterbahn (water park), putt putt golf, museums, cruise on The Colonel (nice cruise around the gulf and back), Seawolf Park, and more! Lots of places to purchased souvenirs, too.

If you plan to cruise (Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) to Mexico or other islands or want a getaway, Splendid Destinations Travel can assist you with this destination.