Vacation rentals are very popular with large groups! Whether it's for a sports team or family reunion it tends to be less costly and intimate setting. Versus booking several hotel rooms and staying apart from each other. Here are some reasons why vacation rentals are perfect:

1. SAVES YOU MONEY - Simply divide the cost among friends or per family. This will reduce the cost  for group, perfectly
2. RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE MOSTLY ANYWHERE- sometimes you may have a hard time finding a hotel room due to it maybe sold out or it's just not big enough for your group. Good news, since rentals are available anywhere....you may find a rental closer to your location opposed to finding an available hotel on the outskirts.
3. PLENTY OF SPACE - you don't have to worry about the kids fussing over what to watch or waiting in line for the bathroom. Plus, parents will be able to get their own room with privacy. STRETCH OUT...there's plenty of space, beds, rooms, and tv's
4. WHOLE GROUP WILL BE TOGETHER - space to hang out, watch movies, sport teams can watch film together. Great place for group dinners and cookouts.
5. YOU CAN COOK YOUR OWN MEALS - save money/pitch in on the groceries and snacks for the kids. Instead, of eating out at restaurants unnecessarily.
6. LAUNDRY - you will be able to pack lighter because you can wash as you go. Also, teams can wash uniforms are needed in between tournaments. For Free!! 
7. PRIVACY - no maids coming in and out, no crowd noise from elevators, no hallway noises, no crowded pools, no closing hours for pools, etc.

****ITEMS TO MAKE SURE YOU BRING WHILE STAYING AT VACATION RENTAL HOMES****
(NOTE: some of these items maybe already available in the rental, but always double check prior to arriving)

• paper towels/sanitizing wipes
• toilet paper
• laundry bag/detergent
• dish detergent
• cleaning supplies
• toys/games for kids
• groceries/condiments
• garbage bags
• baby supplies
• bed linens
• bath towels
• batteries
• radio
• pots/pans
• cooking utensils 

The all-inclusive option for resorts/hotels typically means that all meals and drinks are included, some non-motorized sports, tips, and sometimes transfers to and from the airport are included into the price along with your accommodations. Never, worry about going hungry because there are typically array of bars, snacks and restaurants with unlimited dining choices. Although, WiFi usage maybe additional cost, as well as tours and excursions. However, tipping the drivers maybe expected. But, keep in mind different resorts offer different all-inclusive packages.
Always check with the travel professional prior.

TYPICALLY HERE'S WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES: (all resorts varies)

• 3 Meals daily or more  (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, buffet, and 24 room service)
• Alcohol, cocktails, and non-alcohol beverages
• Non-motorized Sports (ex: kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, Ping Pong, Foosball, Pool tables, tennis, golf, etc.)
• Entertainment Shows for day & night
• Resort tips & taxes
• Transfers to & from airport

**** ALWAYS CHECK BEFORE BOOKING ****

The risk of contracting a contagious illness is heightened when we are traveling within any enclosed area. Studies has shown that germs can travel very easily on an airplane, where people are packed together like sardines. Most likely, they are going to be some coughing and sneezing happening. BUT,  the airplane isn't the only place along your travel route germs thrive. So, how to stay healthy while traveling?? Here are 5 helpful tips:

1. SIT TOWARDS THE FRONT OF THE AIRPLANE & AVOID AISLE SEATS   sit near the front, keep in mind the front has better airflow because of the ventilation systems. It's best to sit in first class where people aren't so squished together, if your pocket allows you.
2. DON'T DRINK COFFEE OR TEA ON THE PLANE   Some studies has shown that the water in airplanes water tanks isn't always clean. And coffee and tea are typically made from that water. Although, boiling water for one minute will remove pathogens from drinking water. The water used to prepare coffee and tea aboard a plan is not generally brought to high temperature to guarantee that pathogens are killed.
   
3. SANITIZE YOUR HANDS AFTER LEAVING THE AIRPLANE BATHROOM & DOOR HANDLE  Keep in mind that the handles has been touched by all those who has went before you. Therefore, also sanitize your hands when you return to your seat as well.
   
4. WASH OR SANITIZE YOUR HANDS AFTER GETTING OFF AN ESCALATOR & ELEVATOR AT AIRPORT  Remember, airports are full of germs especially on handrails
   
5. WASH OR SANITIZE YOUR HANDS AFTER USING ATM  Keeping your hands clean is very crucial mainly when spending the day touching surfaces that have been touched by hundred of thousands of people before you. 

 ALWAYS be very careful and safe while traveling, it's important to your health!! 

Travel IdentificationIt can be tricky to know the difference between passport books, passport cards and other types of identification and when each type of ID is needed when traveling. And with new laws requiring IDs to be REAL ID compliant combined with rumors of a "passport crisis," it can all get very confusing. Here's what you need to know to help understand these two issues.
First, REAL ID compliance is a standard approved by Congress in 2005 to make the issuing and use of driver’s licenses and other state-issued ID cards more secure and less prone to fraud. It’s a state-level issue that affects travelers flying domestically, and the first big deadline for states to meet is January 22, 2018. 


The looming passport crisis is not as scary as it sounds, but it could affect international travelers in a big way. The crisis refers to an influx of passport renewals expected to happen in 2017 that will slow down processing times. The U.S. State Department is currently recommending travelers with soon-to-be-expired passports to renew as soon as possible in order to avoid any delays. 
Here's some basic information about these two issues.
 
 Real IDPassport
Who needs itAll U.S. citizens flying domestically.
Anyone traveling internationally by land, sea or air.

When you need itBy October 1, 2020
At the time of travel. Some destinations require that travelers have a passport for at least 3 months before traveling there.

What is itA state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets minimum security standards set by the Federal Government.
A document issued by the Department of State to show ultimate proof of citizenship and to entitle citizens to travel to foreign countries.

Note: A U.S. passport is REAL ID compliant.

Where to get itFrom your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (when they are compliant with the standards).
From the Department of State.

How to get itRenew your driver’s license or identification card and present documents that further prove your identity (e.g., birth certificate, Social Security card).
To apply for a new passport, apply in person at a Department of State Passport Agency or submit an application by mail.

To renew a passport, mail a renewal application to the Department of State.

When to get itAs soon as your state is REAL ID compliant.

If your state is not REAL ID compliant by January 22, 2018, you will have to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel.
Apply for a new passport 6 months or more before traveling.

Renew your passport when it has 6 months validity remaining.

We all get super excited right before our big vacation! But, we have a million things to do in order to prepare and some things  simply fall through the cracks. So, in  order to prepare properly here are some things to do BEFORE  you leave:​

1. Pay off your bills before you leave or schedule automatic payments so that you won't occur late fees.
2. Sort through your purse /wallet and take out things you do not need to carry with  you.
3. Update your calendar. Check to see if there's anything you need to reschedule , cancel or simply need to do prior to leaving.
4. Put your mail and newspaper on hold to avoid it piling up. Or simply ask neighbor or family member to collect it for you while you are away.
5. Call your bank and let them know that you will be traveling out of town or out of the country. In case they see international charges they will know.
6. Unplug items of items that you will not be using to conserve energy and save money.
7. Create an automated email response to let them know that you are away and unable to answer their emails promptly.
8. Make copies of documents needed just in case you are unable to retrieve them from your phone or computer.
9. Make a checklist of what to bring such as: passport, itinerary, emergency numbers, phone chargers, tickets, etc.  Double check the list and place them inside of your bag or purse as you check them off.
10. Pack snacks and reading materials prior. This helps to avoid spending extra money at the airport or a convenient stores.
11. Clean out the refrigerator and take out the trash prior to leaving. To avoid rotten smells while gone.
12. Wash sheets and do the laundry. Its nothing better than coming home to everything being fresh and clean.
13. Pack charges and keep a charge on them. This will help keep your phones charged up when there's no outlets available.
14. Get the children situated. Let the teachers know that they will be out town and pick up any homework assignments or set up dates for make-up tests. If your child will be staying with relatives or babysitters, make sure you create a schedule for pick up /drop off times, and things to take care of while you are gone.  
    

                          SAFE TRAVELS AND MOST OF ALL........
                  ENJOY YOURSELVES & HAVE PLENTY OF FUN!!

When you're flying across time zones your body needs to adjust and it can take some time to do so. Jet lag can cause  fatigue, difficulty, concentrating, insomnia. Here are some things you can do to help prepare properly for your flight.

• ONCE YOU LAND MAKE SURE YOU EXPOSE YOURSELF TO NATURAL SUNLIGHT and follow the local time to avoid jet lag
• ADJUST YOUR SLEEP & EATING SCHEDULE on the week before your trip go to bed earlier each night or go to bed one hour later. Depending on whether you are traveling east or west this give your body a chance to gradually adjust to you new time zone. Same with your meals and dinner, try to eat closer to the new time zone. So, your body can adjust.
• GET ENOUGH SLEEP BEFORE YOU FLY couple of nights before get several nights of good sleep. Don't deprive yourself of sleep, it will make your jet lag much worse. Doing calming activities before bed will help, such as:

           1.) Reading    2.) Baths   3.) Chatting with your partner    4.) Music

• AVOID COFFEE & ALCOHOL 12 hrs BEFORE FLIGHTS will actually make your jet lag get worse. So, drink lots of water to stay hydrated. 
• BOOK AN OVERNIGHT FLIGHT so you can get plenty of rest while on the plane, to help get back into the swing of things.
• BRING PILLOW, EYE MASK, AND BLANKET also bring headphones, earplugs to block noise or distractions
• SLEEPING PILLS IN LOW DOSAGE
• CHANGE YOUR WATCH TO THE NEW TIME ZONE this will help you get accustomed to the new time
• DO LIGHT EXERCISE this will help improve blood circulation

When you finally arrive to your room from a long day of travel, the first thing you want to do is kick off your shoes and lay across the bed and relax!! YOU MUST.....

• CHECK FOR BED BUGS and stains (look small brown stains under the sheets, mattress pad, around headboard and bed frame) KEEP YOUR LUGGAGE AWAY FROM & ON THE BED! 
• SANITIZE (rooms can look clean but it doesn't mean its really clean. Keep in mind that tv remotes are the dirtiest item found in rooms!! Bring antibacterial wipes and don't forget to also sanitize: tv remote, light switches and door knobs) 
• CHECK FOR HIDING SPOTS (when traveling alone don't let your guard down! Check: closets, under the bed, in the showers, corners, and check the locks. Also, let the staff that you are traveling alone and not excepting guests. It is also very important to call family members or friends to let them know that you have arrived)
• MAKE SURE TEMPERATURE CONTROLS WORKS (its nothing worst than getting comfortable in your room and then in the middle of the night it gets too hot or too cold. It may take maintenance awhile to arrive or may not be available over into the night. So, check the controls upon promptly.)
• REMOVE THE COMFORTER (sheets and pillows cases are easy to wash but comforters not so much! Some hotels may not wash them as often. SO, REMOVE THE COMFORTER!!)
• STUDY THE FIRE ESCAPE MAP (in the event of emergency, it is important to know where all the exits are located)
• TAKE INVENTORY (take a look around the room to see if you have enough towel, wash cloths, pillows, or simply need a extra blanket)
• CHECK TO SEE WHERE ALL THE LIGHT SWITCHES AND OUTLETS ARE LOCATED ( to avoid stumbling around in the dark)