Local Travel Agent Goes the Extra Mile For Cancelled Destination Wedding Couple

Helen Krasic and Andrew Cordeiro of Etobicoke, Ontario had big plans for their wedding. They were going to fulfill their lifelong dreams of getting married on the beach, surrounded by 50 of their closest friends and families. All plans were underway. The wedding date of September 1^st, 2020 was booked. The flowers, the decorations, and the menu had been carefully selected. The venue at the Royalton Punta Cana deposited via their travel agency, Romantic Planet Vacations. Then, the pandemic hit. 

Like so many Canadian couples, Helen and Andrew’s destination wedding plans were forced to be postponed because of COVID-19. With the combined obstacles of the pandemic itself, worldwide travel restrictions, the Quarantine Act, limited flight options, the engaged couple felt that they had no other choice than to change their wedding plans to 2021.

When their veteran travel advisor and destination wedding specialist, Corinne Wilson-Daly, saw how devastated they were, she decided that she had enough of bad news that she’d take this matter into her own hands. She not only offered her compassionate sympathies to the couple, she offered her own home and suburban backyard in Burlington, Ontario in which to legally wed. “When I called Helen to offer her my backyard for their local wedding ceremony, she cried. She was so happy.”

With the green light from the wedding couple, Corinne connected with colleagues and family including her daughter Amanda Garrett of AMEG Designs to create some monogramed champagne flutes, floral designs and customized face masks. She called upon her wedding officiant friend, Judith Blair, also of Romantic Planet Vacations, to perform the ceremony. Laurie Keith, owner of the travel agency, offered her photography services and husband Jim, a true handy-man, built a beautiful boho-chic wedding backdrop. An intimate wedding cake and some champagne were purchased by Corinne to top off the special occasion.

You’d think this travel advisor had stumbled onto a lucrative new business of local wedding planning and when asked how much she was charging for this service, Corinne humbly said, “nothing. It’s not fair what happened to this wonderful couple. I just want to continue to help them in any way that I can.”

The intimate and local outdoor wedding ceremony was held on Saturday October 10^th, 2020 in Burlington, Ontario in adherence to the COVID-19 health and safety rules. "I'm not going to lie, I had a few joyous tears for the newlywed during their beautiful ceremony." said Corinne.

If you would like more information on this story or to help plan your upcoming destination wedding with Corinne directly, please contact her at Corinne.wilson@romanticplanet.ca

Laurie Keith, Judith Blair, Helen Krasic and Andrew Cordeiro, Corinne Daly-Wilson, Amanda Garrett

Mandatory Quarantine Act in Canada Gets Lifted in Pilot Project

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced on October 22nd that the 14-day required quarantining period for returning international travellers entering Canada by land or air through Alberta could be shortened by as much as 48 hours if the traveller receives a negative COVID-19 test result. As a volunteer pilot project conducted by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, rapid COVID-19 tests will be offered at the Coutts land border crossing in Southern Alberta and the Calgary International Airport starting November 2nd, 2020. Participating travellers would be tested upon entry and must quarantine until a negative test result is received. Thereafter, they no longer have to self-isolate but will be required to take another test on the 6th and 7th day after their return. If at any point the result is positive, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days. 

"Every traveller will be closely monitored," said Kenney, in regards to the volunteers. "They'll have to provide daily check-ins and follow preventative health measures, such as wearing masks in public places."

Shortly after this press conference, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that he is open to replacing Canada's 14-day Quarantine Act with rapid testing. "We're keeping a really sharp eye on what's going to happen out in Calgary on this pilot project and I'd be open to it," the Premier said.

In early September, Air Canada, together with McMaster Health Labs and The Greater Toronto Airport Authority, began a study of the rapid testing and the overall effectiveness of the Quarantine Act. Since then, more than 28,000 tests were taken by volunteer travelers with 99% testing negative. 

The news comes as a massive sigh of relief for those in the travel industry, including airlines, travel agencies, and hotels, who's businesses have been greatly impacted by the Quarantine Act that has been place in Canada since March 25th. "It's certainly a step in the right direction." claims Laurie Keith, owner of Romantic Planet Vacations. "We have many clients who are ready and eager to travel in a safe manner, but most are deterred by having to quarantine for two weeks after their return. Not often can one take 3 weeks off of work."

Though it's a pilot project for now, if all goes well, it is expected to be rolled out in other major Canadian cities shortly. Studies have already shown that the chances of contracting COVID-19 while on an airplane is extremely low due to the existing HEPA air filtration system and mandatory face masks. Statistically there is less than 1 in 27 million chance that you can contract the virus while on an airplane, according to IATA, The International Association of Transport Association. 

Flights are available right now to the Caribbean and Mexico with the major Canadian airlines, who are all currently offering complimentary COVID-19 travel insurance included in their South packages. Most of the borders and resorts have been open to Canadians since July and have been eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved Canadian visitors. "If anyone is like me, I honestly don't know how I will survive the harsh winter without my annual holiday to the tropics. I have been waiting for this very moment for months and will be the first to book in Toronto when it becomes available here," advises Keith. According to a recent survey by Sunwing Vacations, Ms. Keith is not alone. 56% of Canadians surveyed said they will travel within the next year, regardless of the pandemic. 

Contact Romantic Planet Vacations to plan your next holiday at travel@romanticplanet.ca or 1-866-247-8123 or schedule a complimentary phone or zoom travel consultation at http://romanticplanetvacations.com/consultation/  

Canada Web-site: https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/news/2020/10/new-covid-19-pilot-planned-for-international-travellers.html

Local Burlington Travel Agency Earns Top Growth Award

Romantic Planet Vacations of Burlington, ON was recently honoured with the “Highest Growth Award” from Ensemble Travel^® Group, one of the premier travel agency organizations in the travel industry. The full-service agency earned the award for achieving the highest year-over-year growth (regionally) based on its 2017 preferred partner sales compared to 2016, including cruise lines, tour operators, hotels, airlines, rental car, and travel insurance companies.

Laurie Keith accepts the Highest Growth Award presented by Ensemble Travel Group

              The sales award was presented to Laurie Keith, owner of Romantic Planet Vacations, by Ensemble Travel Group Co-Presidents Lindsay Pearlman and Libbie Rice last month during the organization’s annual international conference held at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, the Bahamas. More than 850 travel executives attended the key industry meeting. 

"Congratulations to the team of highly skilled travel professionals from Romantic Planet Vacations!” said Pearlman. “This award honours a few select agencies that have demonstrated their strong business expertise through impressive gains with our global network of travel providers as well as by delivering extraordinary customer service to their growing base of customers.”

Romantic Planet Vacations has been specializing in destination weddings and honeymoons since 2004 and has always been a leader in this niche travel market since it's conception. The company has been a member of Ensemble Travel Group for 3 years. Clients of the travel agency enjoy a number of exclusive travel perks and services because of its affiliation with Ensemble Travel Group. Please visit www.romanticplanet.ca for more information.

Why Use A Travel Agent

Why Use a Travel Agent?

It’s a really good and valid question, and to be honest, sometimes the answer might actually be that you don’t need one! But we’ll come back to that.

Most travel agents now prefer the title travel consultant or similar. Why? It has a lot to do with the advantages they offer today. Still, with all the websites, deal finders, mobile travel apps, and online services, a lot of people ask: why use a travel consultant?

It’s not hard to do it yourself. It might even be fun! Or, it could turn into a huge disaster. Below are a few points to consider before clicking the BUY button or tapping yourself into a nonrefundable corner.

1. Experience. Think about what you do for a living. For nearly every profession, you can find a website, video, or app that gives potential customers a way to do it themselves. With a little help from the Internet you can fix your car, build cabinets, replace plumbing, write wills, draft contracts, cut hair, make clothes, buy shoes, do accounting, buy stock, cook, bake, and let’s not forget edit videos and touch-up photos.

Finding instructions or tools is not the problem. Doing it RIGHT is the issue. If you put the wrong screw in the wall, it’s no big deal. If you put your family in the wrong resort, it’s a much bigger deal. It becomes even bigger if something goes wrong.

Most people deal with planning a vacation once or twice a year. Travel consultants deal with it all day, every day and many have been doing it for years. Their livelihood fully depends on using their knowledge and experience to craft a vacation you’ll love so much that you’ll keep coming back for more.

Websites and apps with advertising-driven, biased offerings are counting on your own lack of experience to push you to options that will earn them the most profit. Your satisfaction is not part of the display algorithm.

2. Real Deals. Have you ever wondered why some cruises, resorts, or hotels seem to have cheaper deals on some websites? There’s always a reason. Sometimes, it’s a good reason. Sometimes, it’s a very bad reason that you won’t know about until you arrive and it’s too late. There’s always a reason, and a great price is not always a good deal.

For example, every hotel has “undesirable” rooms they have trouble filling. Smaller rooms in noisy areas, rooms that haven’t been renovated lately, or those that overlook the dumpsters are always cheaper than nice ones in quiet areas with good views.

Websites are perfect for liquidating those rooms at bargain rates. Unfortunately, these so-called deals rarely mention things like smelly carpet or noise. It’s also no coincidence that many require full payment upon booking and are nonrefundable.

Even the most beautiful cruise ship has cabins they have trouble selling. The ones directly under the dance floor of the all-night disco, or the ones near the anchor chain that bangs against the side of the ship are just two examples. There are plenty of hard-to-sell cabins that are perfect for online deals.

To be fair, sometimes you can get lucky online! Sometimes the deals are real and worth the risk. Sometimes.

Travel consultants know the legitimate deals from the come-ons. They’ve been trained to uncover the reason behind the bargain. They understand travel lingo, know what to look for and most importantly: they know what to avoid.

3. Transparency. With websites and apps, you may not know what you’ll actually be paying! Many hotels add nightly “resort fees” of $25 to $50 on top of the discounted rate apps and websites display. Of course, you won’t know about them until you check out. Even rental cars can end up costing double the online rate once extra charges like airport fees, taxes, surcharges and such have been added.

Travel consultants know these little details. They make sure you are never unpleasantly surprised. You’ll always know exactly what you’ll be paying and what you’ll get for it.

4. Options. When you buy a cruise or vacation package online, you’ll almost always be required to pay for the entire trip up-front. Did you know that travel consultants offer another option? Usually they can hold the space for you for a small deposit of around $150 to $200. Final payment is not due until between 30 to 60 days prior to departure. In many cases, you can change your plans or cancel entirely prior to final payment!

In addition to the payment options, travel consultants can research and suggest alternatives to what you may have requested. While “Resort A” may be wonderful, its website will never tell you that “Resort B” has a nicer beach or better rates, or that that its own casino is closed for loud and dusty renovations.

5. Advice and Connections. Travel consultants offer something you’ll never find online or in an app: professional advice. Online, every resort or cruise is made to look beautiful and appealing. But, it’s no bargain if you end up regretting the trip. The main reason to use a travel consultant is to make sure you never waste a penny on a vacation you won’t truly enjoy.

There’s one more thing you’ll only get from a travel consultant: relationships. They have real one-to-one personal relationships with travel suppliers that can fix things should something happen to go wrong.

If a travel app messes up your reservations, you’re on your own. But with a travel consultant – you’ll have an advocate on your side with connections. In other words: a human who cares. To the machines, you’re nothing but their data.

Also, you might have heard that some travel consultants charge fees for their professional service. Like other skilled advisors, the best often do. But fees don’t mean you’ll always pay more. In fact, they’re likely to save you more than you ever imagined.

When You Don’t Need a Travel Consultant

It’s true. Sometimes you might not need a travel consultant. If you’re willing to take some risks, and not be concerned if something goes wrong, you might get lucky with the apps and websites. Many people do. Travel consultants just prefer not to gamble.

by Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions

Self-Guided Europe River Cruise Experience Perfect for Young (or young at heart) Travelers

So here's the scoop. You love the idea of cruising and bus tours but cringe at the thought of being stuck aboard a ship or bus full of blue hairs and fighting over bingo dabbers. You want to explore Europe but let's face it, you don't have the time, nor desire, to backpack it. You want the best of both worlds - an organized trip where you won't miss out on any of the great wonders, but you also want the freedom to anchor for a few more days at a place you love.

Like Lewis and Clark, Alexander Mackenzie, and Jacques Cartier, we know that some of the best routes to explore worldwide are by river, hence the massive and growing popularity of river cruising now in Europe. This is certainly a viable option for you, except, their big river cruise-lines have a strict itinerary to adhere to. What do you think Cartier would have done if his ship was set to go North, instead of West to discover the St. Lawrence River. On your big ship river cruise, there will be no stopping at Marmande, a little village in France 

for the Wine and Cheese Festival. Nope, you can't stop at that little cafe overlooking the square to watch the sunset because the ship is leaving at 5:00 PM and no way can they navigate narrow channels to get you to that hidden medieval castle. Oh, and heaven for bid if you want to stay up past 10:00 PM to enjoy some music and look at the stars on top deck while the other cruising patrons are already fast asleep.

So what is the young explorer in you to do? The answer, gather up your friends or family and rent your own river boat! 

The newest, and most exciting travel product now available to Canadians is hiring a little barge, yacht, house-boat, fishing boat - whatever you name it, and be your own captain, your own Alexander Mackenzie! Included in the hire, you will receive hands-on instructions to how to run the equipment, maps and suggested itineraries so you can go and explore the rivers and canals of France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Ireland, and/or Poland entirely on your own. There are even circuits that are recommended for nature, gastronomy, swimming, heritage and cultural/urban. Fishing from your boat is no problem for those fishing enthusiasts, or for those who want to catch and cook their own dinner. Another great feature is that you can also rent bikes for the duration of your stay and store them on-board. Then when you port, you can further explore the country-side, town or city. It's like bringing your own home with you wherever you go!

Destination Wedding Planner, Laurie Keith, of Romantic Planet Vacations, had her wedding in Mexico last year and hasn't yet planned her own honeymoon. For a well-traveled couple who's been-there-done-that, renting their own river boat in Europe this summer is now their top choice.

The cost of renting your very own river boat depends greatly on the size of the boat itself, where, and the duration of stay but most are less expensive than European hotel stays and definitely less than the large river cruise-lines. A small river boat for two people for 7 days from Burgundy to Loire for example, is only about CAD$600 per person in September!

Please contact Romantic Planet Vacations at inquiries@romanticplanet.ca or 1-866-247-8123 www.romanticplanet.ca for more information.

Sunwing Releases New and Exciting Flights from Western Canada

UPDATED! New Routes from Western Canada for Winter 2014/15

We have Grand Bahamas, Punta Cana and Liberia, Costa Rica added! 

For next year's winter season 2014/2015, Sunwing/Signature Vacations has just announced some exciting flight additions to it's family of chartered flights from Western Canada.

Punta Cana will now be offered from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. With the Dominican Republic being a top destination for honeymooners and wedding groups, these new flights are a warm welcome to the industry. All flights depart and return on Mondays, which is perfect for those wedding guests from across Western Canada who want to travel on the same day. These flights start December 22nd, 2014 and end April 6th, 2015.

In Punta Cana there is an abundance of unique product, anchored by the Royalton Punta Cana and Memories Splash, both resorts getting great reviews and feedback, not to mention the Riu properties (including Adults Only) and the very popular Hard Rock Punta Cana Resort.

If you are looking for something more unique for your romantic getaway, we are totally excited to announce that Grand Bahamas Island will now be offered from Calgary starting Saturday November 15th, 2014! Here, the best resort options would be the Grand Lucaya Resort, which is a 4.5 star property offering EP and all-inclusive options. The discounted group rate for the inaugural flight including roundtrip airfare, transfers and 7-nights all-inclusive accommodations is $1748 + $230 tax per person! However, the Memories Grand Bahamas Beach and Casino Resort, also rated 4.5 star, is packaged at a stellar packaged group rate of only $1458 + $230 tax per person! These rates include a Fuel Promotion of $160 discount per person, that is offered by Sunwing/Signature Vacations but expires on April 8th, 2014. 

Grand Lucayan Resort, Grand Bahamas

For those traveling from Edmonton, you will be delighted to hear that you now have the option to travel to Costa Rica! These flights will operate on Sundays and our top favorites here are the RIU Guanacaste Resort and the new RIU Palace Costa Rica Resort. Both are located side by side on the most beautiful stretch of sandy beach. For those who want the newest flight and newest resort possible, why not consider the brand new 5-star Dreams Las Mareas Resort, the newest addition to the Dreams Resorts chain and coming to Costa Rica on November 1st, 2014!

The added value to these Sunwing flights are a welcome glass of free champagne for everyone on-board with a hot meal, leather seating, in-flight first run movies, and complimentary bride/groom upgrade to Elite Plus and access to the Plaza Premium Lounge when 10 passengers are traveling together to name a few.

For more information and to obtain a quote for your honeymoon, destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123 or inquiries@romanticplanet.ca

How to Appease your Destination Wedding Dreams but also your Guests' Budgets

What? You Won't Come to My Destination Wedding Because of the Cost?

The most common concern that we hear from destination wedding brides and grooms is that they want and deserve the beautiful 5-star all-inclusive dream luxury getaway but not often are the guests willing to pay for it. In my nine years experience serving destination wedding groups, my best advice for your options are;

SMALL WEDDING BUT DREAM COME TRUE - You can still have the destination wedding of your dreams at the resort and destination of your dreams, but it may be just be for a smaller group who want to be there and can afford it. The reality is not every person you invite will come to your destination wedding no matter how inexpensive it is so sometimes you just have to go with what's right for you. If you can be okay with this, then you're on your way to having your destination wedding dream come true. 

My recommendations if you decide to take this route, is decide on the dream destination, resort and approximate dates and commit to this. Then, let all of your guests know in advance that the approximate travel package rates for air, airport transfers and accommodations for a week are approximately;

Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic (all-inclusive)....... under $2,000

Hawaii, St. Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas, and Barbados (AI or not AI).........under $2,500

Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Italy.........................................................$4,000-$7,000

Fiji, Thailand, Bora Bora...................................................................$5,000-$8,000 

These rates are per person, based on double occupancy. You can do this through Save-the-Dates or even a wedding web-site that provides your guests with enticing photographs and details about the holiday. Both of these tools are provided complimentary by Romantic Planet Vacations, travel specialist in Destination Weddings. For those guests who can make it, that's great news!  But for those who can't, there is no sense of loss on your end and no pressure on their end because you can certainly celebrate with them upon your return.   

In this case, I'd also recommend that you speak to everyone you would like to invite, not just those closest to you. You might be surprised as to actually how many just jump on board once you commit yourselves. Sometimes it just that one or two guests who complain about the costs but are making the most influence on your wedding decisions, but they shouldn't. This is ultimately your wedding, not theirs. With this decision, you will see that your parents, closest family member and friends will support and follow you with whatever destination, date or resort that you pick you, no matter where, when, or how much. They just want to be a part of your special occasion. You'll see. Once you commit, they will follow.

LARGER BUDGET-MINDED WEDDING BUT REQUIRES A CHANGE IN THE CRITERIA - Although most all-inclusive packages are under $2,000, Romantic Planet Vacations has many travel packages that are under $1500 including airfare, transfers and all-inclusive accommodations per person, and in rare cases, some even under $1200 per person. However, these are only possible with limited resort, dates, or destination options. If you would consider traveling in the summer or shoulder seasons like April/May or October/November, you could potentially save $200-$300 per person then traveling in the peak of winter. Also, a mid-week departure may save you and your guests about $50 per person than a weekend departure. Definitely try to avoid holiday travel dates like Christmas and Easter and even long weekends in order to save the most money. And even though you might have your heart set on that 5-star gourmet luxury adult-only all-inclusive resort, you could potentially save this for a second week honeymoon instead and book the wedding resort at a 4-star more affordable property for all. You can even upgrade to that oceanview or oceanfront room category to give you that 5-star feel. By changing only a half or one star in your criteria, you can save about $300-$500 per person. You'd still get the amazing beach, all the food/drinks you can imagine with the all-inclusive feature, great resort facilities with restaurants, bars, pools and more, clean, comfortable rooms and an incredible wedding in the most picturesque setting. 

Romantic Planet Vacations regularly posts many discounted group rates online at http://www.romanticplanet.ca/destinationweddingdeals.html. Here you can compare the rates with different dates, destinations and resorts to try and find the most suitable for your needs and that of your over-all group. 

When booking with a more budget-conscious package and more than a year in advance, the wedding groups statistically tends to be larger so if it is more important to you to have as many people attend, then you will need to be flexible and open your mind to other possible dream options.

SUPPLEMENT THE COSTS OR SHARE THE CREDITS - If however, you don't want to compromise on the resort, date or destinations but want as many people there as possible, there are still options to achieve both. One idea is that you can share your complimentary passenger credit with any or all of your guests. For example, if the package before tax was $1800 and the 11th adult was free, that's another $180 off x 10 adults! The complimentary passenger credit, if applicable, is provided to the bride and groom once everyone in the group reservation has paid in full. This credit and credit amount is always quoted prior to booking so will always have an idea of how much you will be receiving and thus, how much you are willing to share with your guests.

Alternatively, I've seen destination wedding brides and grooms in the past who've wanted the best of both worlds, allocate funds from their wedding budget to help supplement the cost of the trip for their guests. It's also a great idea for those parents who want to financially contribute to your wedding. Sit down and have a talk with them and discuss this option because many times they may want to find a way to contribute but don't really know how. If they, or you, have a contribution budget of $4,500 for example, to be used towards your wedding or trip, that would be another $150 off per person for a group of 30! 

If not for everyone in the group, you also have the option to just apply any supplements or credits of any value to anyone. This works best for those one of two guests who, as we discussed above, have a great influence on your wedding and are on such a tight budget. This can often be seen mostly with those in the wedding party for example. You want your best friend to be there at your side but perhaps she or he is still in school and struggling with the costs. Offering them $500 from your free passenger credits for being in your wedding party may be just the help they needed to make the decision to go. Now everyone can move forward to a great trip!

Of these three options, there's definitely a solution that is the best fit for you and your destination wedding. 

For more information on Romantic Planet Vacations, please visit www.romanticplanet.ca or contact our Certified Expert Destination Wedding Agents at 1-866-247-8123.

Laurie Keith

President

Romantic Planet Vacations

*Certified Destination Wedding Specialist

*Past Destination Wedding Bride

*Served almost 1,000 couples over the past 9 years

Why honeymooning in Bora Bora is the best option for romance

One of the most exotic and romantic destinations in the world still remain as Bora Bora, French Polynesia. It is a mystical and spiritual place where breathtaking mountains jet up from the turquoise waters and private over-water bungalows dot the landscape. It's a destination where your wedding engines can immediately switch from 5th gear to 1st gear as you coast through the slow-pace sights and sounds of of it's laid-back and relaxing island lifestyle. It's no wonder why so many honeymooners choose this unique destination to wash away all of their wedding stresses. 

The French Polynesia is only a 8.5 hours away from Los Angeles and after a couple of movies and dinner, you're already there. 

Not only does the warmth of the tropics welcome you upon arrival, so does the hospitality of the locals. Immediately you're embraced with Polynesian dancers and ukulele-playing singers.  If you pre-book airport transfers, you may be surprised with a fragrant flower lei, before heading off on your journey into paradise.

ISLAND OF TAHITI - This island is the hub of activity, shopping and nightlife and is your first point of embarkation into French Polynesia. It's great to spend a night or two here before traveling onto the outer and more peaceful islands. If you stay right downtown, you can walk to the market and other shopping straight from your hotel. Remember to keep your eyes open for the infamous 'Black Pearls' which can only be found in and around these islands and always makes a perfect post-wedding honeymoon gift. If you'd rather be outside of the hustle and bustle, there are other oasis-like resorts on Tahiti as well where you can even stay in over-water bungalows such as seen at the Intercontinental Tahiti. 

ISLAND OR MOOREA - You can see the greenery and mountainous landscape of Moorea across the azul sea from Tahiti so with your adventurous spirit packed and a bottle of water, it's easy to just jump onto a ferry to get there. As soon as you arrive, you will feel you have just entered a new world. It's a very laid-back island with roosters, chickens and cows roaming free and the vibrant emerald landscapes and colorful huts dotted along the one road that circles the island is breathtaking. Here you can snorkel or dive to your hearts content, and even commemorate your new marriage by getting a traditional tattoo - right here where tattoos where invented thousands of years ago. 

ISLAND OF BORA BORA - To get to Bora Bora you will need to jump onto a propeller plane for a short island hop from Tahiti. Through your tiny oval window you will see the clearest water and most majestic landscape you have ever seen. The plane will land on a private motu, which is like an island but is actually on the rim of a sunk-in old volcano. The rim continues around in a broken circle around the whole island of Bora Bora, where the towns are centrally located. Here, on the motus, are where most of the over-water bunglows are located. From the airport there is no way else to get to your island resort or into town other than by water-taxi or private boat transfers by the hotel, unless of course, you prefer to helicopter.

5-STAR BORA BORA HOTELS - If you are wanting to arrive in style and be spoiled in total 5-star luxury, then the well-appointed Four Seasons Bora Bora or the St. Regis Bora Bora would make for the perfect humble abode.

4-STAR BORA BORA HOTELS - The most popular sellers in Bora Bora would be the Intercontinental Thalasso Resorts and Spa, Intercontinental Le Moana, Le Taha'a, Le Meridien, and Bora Bora Pearl. 

3-STAR PLUS BORA BORA HOTELS - For the most affordable yet beautiful retreats, you may consider Sofitel Marara Bora Bora or Hilton Bora Bora.

ISLAND OF RANGIROA - Although all of French Polynesia is a divers paradise, if you're really wanting to get into it and experience some of the best diving of your life, than a visit to the Island of Rangiroa is a must. A resort stay at the quaint Hotel Kia Oro Resort and Spa acts as the perfect home away from home, while you explore all of what the world under the water has to offer. Here, you have the opportunity to dive with wild dolphins right outside of the reef, eight foot lemon sharks along the reef, and giant manta-rays who gracefully swoop right over your heads right in the lagoon. It's an experience not to be missed.

Remember that summers in the French Polynesia are North America's winter and visa versa, but they tend to average around 30 degrees Celsius year-round. For those who are more concerned about the weather, it is said that September to May is least windy and April to October are the driest months but who are we kidding, every day in Bora Bora is paradise.

Besides of all of the awe and romance to be had, the other advantage of traveling to Bora Bora on your honeymoon is that if you are traveling within six months of your wedding date and can show proof of a copy of your marriage certificate, you will save on average 10-20% off of the typical trip to Bora Bora so let your quoting agent know in advance. 

Prices depend greatly on when you travel, how far in advance you book, how long you go for, what room categories you book in and what islands you choose to visit. The average airfare from Los Angeles will be about $1700 including tax per person. The average over-water bungalow is $1,300 per night but you have the option to spread this out by booking a beachfront bungalow at a lower room rate average of $500 per night, then spending your last nights in an over-water and/or breaking out the trip with some nights in Tahiti and Moorea where the average room night is about $300 or $700 for an over-water bungalow. The flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora is about $500 round-trip. So with all of your airport transfers, a 6-night 3-island package with your last 2 nights in an over-water bungalow will be about $4500 per person with flights from Los Angeles. The best kind of trip however is where you can stay longer and really relax and immerse yourself into the lifestyle experience more of the islands and over-water bungalows. In this case, try to budget around $8-$10,000 per person.  

For most newlyweds, it's been a difficult struggle with all of the plans of the wedding and taking care of all of the guests and now that all of the details are done you're ready for happily wedded bliss, now is the time to relax, enjoy and reconnect. It's what a honeymoon is all about. 

If you, or someone you know, are thinking about planning a honeymoon or romantic getaway to Bora Bora, the best advice is to contact a Certified Honeymoon Specialist and Certified Tahiti Specialist - which are both available at Romantic Planet Vacations in Canada. They have been specializing in honeymoons and destination weddings since 2004 and have visiting the islands of French Polynesia and most hotels. 

For your Bora Bora quote, please fill out the free Honeymoon Quote Form at http://www.romanticplanet.ca/honeymoonquote.html and one of their Specialists will get back to you shortly. 

Laurie Keith
President
Romantic Planet Vacations
www.romanticplanet.ca

BORA BORA SPECIAL ANNOUNCED

Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort

*Stay 4 nights/ Pay 3 nights
*Stay 8 nights / Pay 6 nights
*Free breakfast for two at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort

VALIDITY:  05 January 2013 -> 19 December 2013    &     06 January 2014 -> 31 March 2014  

Plus honeymoon and anniversary added values are combinable!

Notes From the President:

I have just returned from Tahiti and her Islands a couple of days ago and toured many properties on 4 islands and the Four Seasons Bora Bora is one of my favorites. The property is set-up as a Polynesian village equipped with a kids club, a beautiful wedding chapel, restaurants and secluded villas, that seem more like your home than a hotel room, are scattered throughout the property. The spa here is one of the most amazing I have seen in the South Pacific and I call it, "The Cathedral of Wellness" as it's as grandiose and awe-inspiring as a Cathedral. 

Contact your South Pacific and Tahiti Specialist today for your next trip of a lifetime, and we'll fully customize a package catered specifically to your needs, dates, duration, and budget. 

Laurie Keith                                                                 Linda Knight

President                                                                     South Pacific Specialist

Romantic Planet Vacations                                         Romantic Planet Vacations
laurie@romanticplanet.ca                                           info@romanticplanet.ca

www.romanticplanet.ca                                              www.romanticplanet.ca

Children Fly Free to Tahiti!

Tahiti and her Islands are some of the most exotic, beautiful and peaceful places in the world to visit.

With these special airfares for the family, share the calm beauty and tranquility of the South Pacific with your children.  Enjoy the Dolphin quest, see the turtle’s refuge, snorkel, scuba or simply enjoy the warm sun and sand of Tahiti and her islands. Tahiti is closer than you think – hurry to take advantage of this offer while it lasts.

2 free child's tickets for 2 paying adults.
(Except government taxes between $58 & $103)
Valid from 08/01/2011 until further notice.

Los Angeles - Papeete, Tahiti

Low Season Travel dates: 

01/07/12 to 05/31/12; 11/01/12 to 12/14/12

$1625 per adult, $58 per child

High Season Travel dates:
06/01/12 to 10/31/12; 12/15/12 to 01/06/13

$1795 per adult, $58 per child

Fares are subject to change without notice. Fare levels shown include all taxes, fuel surcharges and fees. Some taxes must be paid for free child's ticket. Other conditions apply. 

Inquire at laurie@romanticplanet.ca or info@romanticplanet.ca for more details. 

WestJet Airline choose Costa Rica as its first Central American destination Westjet opened its first route to Central America with a connecting flight in Toronto to Liberia, Guanacaste. WestJet is a low-cost airline offering scheduled services to 81 destinations in North America and the Caribbean and its fleet consists of 99 Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline will fly twice a week (Monday and Saturday) with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with capacity of 166 passengers. This flight will provide the country with 34,528 seats available per year to travel from/to Canada, which is the second largest tourist market to Costa Rica after the United States.