Beach

Beach
Oahu

Where would you like to go for your dream vacation?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

I Love Vacationing in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is the perfect vacation for people who LOVE turquoise blue waters, tropical year-round climate, and unique foods that are specific to a particular Caribbean island. For example, flying fish is significant to Barbados. It is delicious, too! (If you go to Barbados, be sure to have a fried flying fish sandwich.)

Another reason I really like vacationing in the Caribbbean is because of the fun I have with the locals. I always engage in conversation with locals at the resort. They can tell you the best places to dine whether economical or upscale and direct you to economical souvenir shops. Also, the locals enjoy sharing the history of their island with you. Sometimes, I have even had a local hotel worker to escort me and others to local events after they've gotten off of work.

One more reason I like to vacation in the Caribbean is because I enjoy learning about the culture. I always take the "island tour" while on an island. You have an opportunity to see the major attractions, look at various types of homes the locals live in, and shop for island specific goods. I always purchase a piece of art or other good from each Caribbean island that I visit. While in the Dominican Republic (popular for cigars), I watched a local roll cigars. I purchased some cigars for my friends. Also, the DR has some delicious coffee. I purchased the coffee for myself. Grand Cayman is a variety of rum cakes at the Tortuga Rum Cake store. Here I go...puchased some rum cakes. They can be pretty potent (if you know what I mean), too! Grand Cayman is also known for its gem: Caymanite--Got a piece of that--only found on Grand Cayman. On Anguilla, they have good ribs. I ate at a local, family-owned restaurant called Smokey's.Also, while on Anguilla, I had the opportunity to meet a famous sommelier. I excitedly chatted him up about wine.

If you'd like to see photos of my Caribbean island travel, check out my website http://www.sdestinationstravel.com/. Click on My Trips. Also, contact me to book your Caribbean vacation!
Kimberly Fountain
Caribbean Specialist
Splendid Destinations Travel

kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com

Monday, March 7, 2011

Family Vacation Travel Planning

One of my niches is planning vacation travel for families. I plan vacations that stay within your family's budget, include fun and educational experiences, recommend hotels/resorts that include meals and activities, arrange travel with the least travel time, etc. As a former elementary teacher, I have a special interest in making recommendations to families with young children. For example, if your family is interested in vacationing at a Disney theme park, I inquire about your childrens' favorite characters and recommend "character dining" experiences. Interest in animals? I may recommend accommodations in Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge, savana room. Families that stay here get "up close and personal" with animals from their balcony or window. Also, you can go on an African safari on the resort grounds. If your family is interested in a water themed park at an international destination, I may recommend going to the Bahamas and staying at The Atlantis. The Aquaventure Water Park is fun for all ages. Your family can experience an international destination, indulge in water adventures (e.g., swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay), attend Kids' Camp, etc.

I have acquired travel agent certification as a Disney Specialist, cruise specialist for Disney Cruise Lines, and Master Family Specialist--Grand Cayman Island. Many Caribbean island destinations are providing more activities for children of all ages. For example, Turks and Caicos islands has Beaches Turks and Caicos. It is an all-inclusive resort. I recommend lodging in the Italian Village. Also, the resort offers  many activities for teens and tweens: an XBOX360 Game Garage, DJ lessons at the Scratch DJ Academy, and a teen nightclub called Liquids at Beaches. Family travel planning is exciting and very rewarding to this former teacher!

Contact me for your family vacation travel planning needs!

Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
(832) 598-1762

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Information Documents

Recently, I developed a few forms to decrease the number of informational emails that I send to my clients. I have created a document that states my booking process, a honeymoon  questionnaire, and a vacation interest form. Also, I'm creating some informational brochures.