Andrea Ward, Author at Boomerang Escapes

Something New in Acapulco

September 15, 2019 Andrea Ward All Inclusive, Mexico No comments

Looking for a change of pace? Why not try one of Mexico’s original tourist destinations in a brand-new resort? Explore the natural beauty of Mexico at the newest Dreams Resort & Spa. Which is situated on the gorgeous Acapulco Bay along the Pacific Ocean, this property offers 605 comfortable rooms for couples or couples with children. Dreams Acapulco Resort & Spa is opening Nov 1, 2019. Acapulco is a city the remains to be a favorite destination for its spirited nightlife and inviting beaches.

With a warm and humid climate, sunny Acapulco remains a popular choice for travel. Along the boardwalk there are many Mexican hotels, dance clubs and restaurants. While the nightlife is often a big draw for visitors, the area also offers plenty of great things to do during the day as well, including lounging on the beach, enjoying the warm water, shopping and enjoying water sports. One of the top things to see while traveling to Acapulco is the seemingly fearless cliff divers who dive from platforms off the La Quebrada cliffs. This has been a long-standing tradition since the 1930s and the divers can be seen from a platform for visitors or at the nearby restaurant. The divers put on a daily and nightly show not to be missed.
With Dreams opening this fall you can’t go wrong the AMResort Dreams properties offer unlimited luxury. This particular property will offer eight different dinning selections, it will have something for everyone’s appetite. The restaurants you will find are:

Barefoot Grill – Grilled favorites by the pool
Coco Café – Premium coffees and treats
El Patio – Authentic à la carte Mexican cuisine
Oceana – Acapulco style seafood
Portofino – Mediterranean and Italian cuisine
Seaside Grill – Sizzling delights served à la carte
La Tratorria – Italian inspired ristorante
World Café – International buffet with theme stations

Along with the eight restaurants you will have four bars to choose from as well with top shelf spirts. Dreams also offers evening entertainment daily for both adult and children alike.

Why not try out an old destination in a new resort this fall. Currently they have special pre-opening rates for travel between November 1, 2019 and December 22, 2020. Contact me to me to reserve your next escape…

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

She has been planning vacation escapes for the company since 2013 and specializes in Caribbean Destinations. Her primary focus is on the all-inclusive vacation experience for adult or family getaways for individuals and small groups. Sandals and AMResorts are among the specialist certificates she holds.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Sandals and Beaches Weddings

July 7, 2019 Andrea Ward All Inclusive, Caribbean, Romance No comments

When I think of summer, I think of weddings. Are you newly engaged or planning to be engaged in the near future? Have you ever considered a destination wedding? Did you know that Sandals and Beaches is a leader in destination weddings? They both have customizable weddings, that are inspired by love and created by you. With their talented wedding staff at any of the Beaches or Sandals location they will help you create the wedding of your dreams. They even offer a free Tropical Wedding with a minimum 3-night stay.

However, most of you I’m sure would love to add your own touches and enhancements to make it your very own. Sandal offers the most Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapels in the world. There are three in Jamaica, one at Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast and Sandals Ochi. All three of these have been blessed for Catholic weddings as well. They also have one available at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian. What is so very exciting about Sandals and Beaches is that they offer a program called “Test Drive”. This is where the wedding couple or the Bride and a single guest can experience the resort of their choice for a reduced rate, which in turn is then credited back to the couple upon booking 5 or more rooms for their wedding. The options are truly limitless, and no one wedding will ever be the same. If you are already married no worries, they also have a Retie-the Knot for couples seeking to renew their vows. There are several different options for those as well. The best part is you have a designated team of wedding specialists to work directly with you to make your destination wedding the wedding of your dreams. There is nothing more romantic then the Caribbean and Sandals and Beaches have brought romance and wedding to a whole new level. Who’s ready to say I DO? I am a certified Sandals Specialist and can help you plan that dream destination wedding.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Be Prepared and Speed Up Your Airport Travel

February 17, 2019 Andrea Ward Travel Tips No comments

Like being prepared for our dogs when they are ready to birth, being prepared for travel is a very important thing. This past month has been a prime example of what weather can do during winter. Conditions can change extremely quick and are not always in our control. What also isn’t in our control is when the government strikes or remains in a partial strike. The government has more impact on the smooth departure for your vacations than you may have realized. Due to the most recent striking, some of the TSA check points at major airports were affected due to limited staffing. The TSA is the Transportation Security Administration set up by the government as a response to the 911 attacks and is the authority over the security over the traveling public in the United States.

Here are a couple things you can get to help speed things up if you’re an avid traveler during times of striking. You can apply for TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. TSA Pre-Check is a US Government program that allows travelers that are deemed low risk to pass through an expedited security screening at certain US airports. It cost about $85 to get this and takes about 4 weeks to have it processed. Global Entry is a US customs and boarder protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved low risk travelers upon arrival in the US. With Global Entry you will receive a known traveler number and a card. The cost is $100 and is good for 5 years. The length of time to get your approval depends on the application being approved, followed by an in person interview with the nearest TSA office to you. Global entry is good for International and Domestic travel whereas the TSA Pre-check is for United States only. You can go to the following website and apply for either if you meet the pre-qualifications.
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/card

If you are someone who does travel, I would highly recommend you invest in the global entry card as the government is continues to be as unpredictable as the weather and your travel may be delayed due to it. With having either of these it just allows your time at the airport to be quicker and smoother with less hassle through the security check points.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Destination Spotlight-Grenada

December 16, 2018 Andrea Ward Caribbean No comments

If you are looking for a unique escape this time of the year you may want to try Grenada. Grenada is made up of three main islands, Grenada, Carracou and Petite Martinique. Grenada is known as the spice of the Caribbean. It is an extremely fragrant destination and may boast more spices per mile than anywhere else in the world. An ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing, tropical vacation. Grenada has 45 white beaches, with exquisite turquoise waters, but it your looking for something a little different it also hosts 9 black sand shores. If you’re looking for more activity Grenada still has you covered. There are plenty of hiking trails that lead to waterfalls or back to the beaches. You can go whale or dolphin watching or just enjoy kayaking in the quiet Egmont Harbor. If you’re a diver Grenada is known for the Bianca C, otherwise known as the “Titanic of the Caribbean. It is the Caribbean’s largest underwater wreck. The Bianca C” was a 600 foot 22000-ton cruise liner that sank off the coast in 1961.

The island’s easy rhythms and friendly residents give Grenada an atmosphere hard to find elsewhere. You couple that with the choice to relax or choose an adventure all while enjoying steady cooling trade winds that help maintain an average temperature between 75 and 85 degrees you will be hard to find another destination that compares.

Fun Fact: Grenada is called the Isle of Spice because it is a major producer of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa and others. In fact, the air in Grenada is permeated with their scent. Visitors can take a little break from the beaches and travel inland to explore the island’s many beautiful spice plantations.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Destination Spotlight-Barbados

November 25, 2018 Andrea Ward Caribbean No comments

Barbados is sophisticated, safe, friendly and romantic. Barbados has something for everyone from expensive to affordable. They offer accommodations from Ultra Luxury to European. Barbados is a tropical island that has sun-filled days and balmy nights. Those that explore Barbados, fall in love with this land and, return again and again. The average annual temperature ranges from 70°F–87°F. There is no bad time to visit Barbados it has a tropical climate year-round and Barbados is outside the hurricane belt!

Barbados may not have any dolphins, but they still have an experience of a lifetime as you can swim with the turtles! Something I so desperately want to do. Barbados is the home to a healthy population of hawksbill and leatherback turtles. The turtles once were endangered by being over fished. However, these great creatures are now protected and monitored throughout the Island.There are programs in place such as the Barbados Sea Turtle Project to help recover the marine turtle populations. This is all done through training, education and public awareness. Without such projects, we would not have the opportunity to enjoy these truly amazing creatures.

Turtles are sociable and tend to stay in the same area, following steady routines. They can be seen playing and feeding along the inshore reefs. There are certain monitored areas where they have become accustomed to humans and are very tame. You can swim with them as they feed along the coral. One of the best ways to do this is by snorkeling.
Barbados’ South coast and West coast are best known for their swimming, snorkeling and water activities. Where as the East coast or the Atlantic side is known for surfing. However, Barbados does not have any private beaches.
Some other interesting facts about Barbados…
It is known as the birthplace of the finest rum
It is divided up into 11 parishes. Each of them with their own church and cemetery
If you are looking to get married, there is no waiting period for you to do so in Barbados
It is the host of the museum for the Concord where you can partake in a flight simulation

Fun Fact: Driving in Barbados, as on many of the Caribbean Islands, is on the left side of the road. Before you rent a car, please make sure you are comfortable driving this way. However, precautions aren’t only for drivers. Pedestrians must also remember to look right as well as left when crossing the street!

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Don’t Skip the Insurance

October 7, 2018 Andrea Ward Travel Tips No comments

Speaking of Mother Nature. This past month we have seen exactly what Mother Nature can do and how unpredictable and destructive weather can be. We had major areas of the South and the Caribbean devastated by Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Isaac. I found myself asking my clients more then ever, “do you want travel insurance”? Are you someone who declines travel insurance?

Let me tell you why you should not decline the insurance. For the small amount of extra money, it will cost to add insurance to coverage to your trip, you will find it is well worth its weight in gold. We use and recommend at Boomerang Escapes, Travel Guard Insurance. My recommendation is the Travel Gold with the cancel for any reason add on. We find it to be the best comprehensive coverage for our clients and ourselves. If you add the policy on at the time of your down payment for the trip or within 14 days of said deposit, it also has a pre-existing clause. I and the staff at the agency are not travel insurance agents, so I will not go into major details on coverages. However, I send you a quote directly from their website that provides you all the coverage details and I do give you the 800 number they provide, so you can speak with an insurance expert on the coverage specifics. They have a 24/7 line during travel as well, so no worries if the unexpected happens.

I have had people who have had to change their plans at the last minute and those who have opt’d to purchase the insurance have been very happy to have that peace of mind. Should something happen the claims process is quite simple, and we are here to help you through it as well as the trained staff at Travel Guard. Travel Guard is not the only travel insurance provider available, along with their competitors, almost all the suppliers offer a version of insurance, but I have found in my experience that the coverage that is offered through the suppliers is no where as comprehensive as the coverage through Travel Guard. With travel insurance you have peace of mind 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You have worked hard to earn the time and save the money for you vacation, don’t let the unexpected ruin it.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Cozumel-Mexico’s Largest Island

August 5, 2018 Andrea Ward Mexico No comments

Cozumel is a destination in which many of you, my clients have requested information on. It also happens to be on my personal bucket list for it’s beautiful waters.

Cozumel is filled with rich history and natural wonders. It has beautiful beaches along with an amazing Mayan Culture. If you are visiting Cozumel, you will want to make time to explore the ancient Mayan ruins on the north side of the island. While there you will also want to visit the sanctuary of the fertility goddess Ixchel at San Gervasio. Cozumel is a very easy destination to get to with flights daily from Milwaukee or Chicago airports and most other major hubs. It is a very popular stop for many of the cruise lines departing out of New Orleans and can be found on most Western Caribbean Itineraries.

Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island and is known as “the Land of the Swallows”. It offers some of the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in Mexico with the second largest reef in the world behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The reef is one of the destination’s major draws and the big reason I’ve added it to my must do list. If you don’t dive that is ok because Cozumel also offers a lot to those who are looking for fun, sun and relaxation. There is a multitude of options for tours and day trips. It’s each to find items such as, snorkeling, fishing, swimming with dolphins, and catamaran tours. If you are staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the along the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s mainland, you can arrange a day trip over to Cozumel, as is just off the south east coast. There are ferries that run regularly between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel or an easy intercontinental flight can be arranged.

Cozumel has something for just about every type of traveler.

It hosts about a dozen resorts with most them being all-inclusive and family friendly. There are a few adult-only resorts too, if you are looking for that romantic escape for a honeymoon or anniversary celebration. Finally, Cozumel is a well-suited destination if you only have 3 or 4 nights to available to leave home.

Travel Impression Fun Fact: The Mayans first settled on Cozumel in the 1st millennium A.D. They considered the island sacred, and dedicated it to Chel, the Mayan Moon Goddess. Many temples were built there and were places of pilgrimage, especially by women seeking fertility.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Destination Spotlight-Aruba

July 15, 2018 Andrea Ward Caribbean No comments

Are you planning a wedding? Recently married or looking to escape for a romantic get away with your loved one? Do you ever find yourself dreaming of that perfect get a way? A vacation in which you are pretty much guaranteed to have fabulous weather and a where romance is in the air? Well if you have found yourself thinking of any of these scenarios, you might want to consider Aruba for you next tropical escape.

Aruba is “One Happy Island”! Aruba is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. It is always summertime in Aruba, it has dry, sunny weather with pristine blond beaches where the surf is gentle. The average annual temperature is 82 F and average annual rainfall is less than 20 inches per year. The constant trade winds bring cool breezes which cause the Divi-Divi trees to slope southwesterly. Sounds like a piece of paradise. Aruba is a little piece of romantic paradise just waiting for you to escape to.

If you are looking for a tropical paradise offering everything from quiet romantic activities to exciting adventures, then you have found it with Aruba. There are loads of beaches that line the Aruba coastline, ranging from the surfer water adventures beaches, to the family friendly beaches, to the private romantic beaches that are hidden away from the crowds. Don’t worry if you don’t prefer to only soak in the sun on the beach because the attractions in Aruba go far beyond the sand. There are coves and natural pools on the windward coast. Plus, Aruba hosts a variety of different resort styles from the European, to the Boutique and or course the All-Inclusive. With having so many varieties, there is always something to please everyone’s style. With the selection of accommodation, also comes a wide range of restaurants including seafood and Asian cuisine just to name a couple. Aruba is a shopper’s paradise too with many places to shop, including outlets, collector’s shops and specialty boutiques.

Fun Fact: Aruba’s Divi-Divi trees, also known as watapanas, are famous because they are known to grow at 45-degree angles in certain parts of the island. This a result of the persistent trade winds in those areas.

Fun Fact credit www.travelimpressions.com
Divi Divi Tree photo credit Pinterest, www.aruba-travelguide.com
Aruba Aerial photo credit www.aruba.com

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Take a Day for Tulum

June 3, 2018 Andrea Ward Adventure, Mexico No comments

Are you looking for more adventure in your vacation? Do you enjoy hiking and exploring? If you answered yes, then you defiantly need to take a trip to Tulum, Mexico and explore the Mayan ruins. It is a perfect day trip from your resort for those who tire of idly lounging around the pool. Tulum is one of many resort towns on the Caribbean coast of Mexico south of Cancun. The Mayan Tulum National Park overlooks the sea, and it incorporates the clifftop Castillo, which was built as a watchtower which makes for spectacular views when visiting.

Back in the day Tulum served as a major trading post, trading mainly in turquoise and jade. It was a walled fortress. The town served as a major gateway for connecting the Yucatan Peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico. Tulum means “wall in Maya”, however, it is interesting to know that the original name was Zama, which translated means “Place of the dawning sun”. The most prominent among the remaining structures is the Castillo, or castle, which is overlooking the Caribbean coast. In front of the castle is the Temple of the Frescoes, one of the better-preserved buildings. Inside the temple there is a mural painted in three sections. The first level represents the Mayan world of the dead, the middle is that of the living, and the final, highest piece, is of the creator and rain gods. Just north of the Castillo there is a pathway down to a sandy beach. A walk along the beach provides ample opportunity for photographs. Taking this walk is an adventure all on its own. It wraps around and under nooks and crannies carved out of the cliffs, with each turn brings a new, secluded stretch of the Caribbean into view. This secluded stretch of beach is perfect for both swimming and reflecting on the ruins.

Although you can explore Tulum and the ruins on your own, it is best recommended to do so with one of the many tours that are offered. A professional guided tour is highly recommended for best information and safety. You can see just about everything in about two hours at the ruins, so it is very nice that with the guided tours you can combine them with additional other activities to round out the rest of the day, such as snorkeling with sea turtles or doing some zip-lining. The guided tours in combination with the other activities are also very reasonably priced and make a nice change of pace and opportunity to experience culture while on your vacation.

So, if you have had enough with laying at the pool or walking the beach then consider taking in a little history and some adventure. Tulum is one of many such options. So, plan a day to set aside to visit the ruins. These day excursions can also be pre-booked and include in your all-inclusive vacation experience making everything seamless once in destination.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

Why You Should Download Your Airline’s App

May 6, 2018 Andrea Ward Travel Tips No comments

Given the uncertainties of life, it made me realize that there are things that you can do as a traveler to make your travel a little less unpredictable. Let’s consider technology. One of the great technologies is that of our cell phone. It like no other device can let us know what is going on minute to minute. All you need to do is download applications to your phone. There are tons of them out there. What I recommend for making your travel less stressful is to add the airline apps to your phone such as United Airlines. Almost every airline now a day offers an app for your smart phone. Whichever airline or airlines your flying add that application to your phone. Any of the airlines applications can be found in your phones app store.

Once you have the app downloaded you can access information about your flight, use it to check-in online, purchase upgrades, check baggage allowances, and more. One of my favorite things is being able to turn on the notifications button for my flight. When you have notifications on you will receive alerts as to any changes or delays. As a travel planner, I keep these notification alerts on my phone not only for my personal travel, but for my client’s travel as well. By adding my client’s flight information into notification alerts, I can stay on top of any issues that may arise prior to departure or arrival home. It also gives me peace of mind when I know my client’s flights have safely departed and arrived. In the event of an issue such as weather that can cause a delay or cancel the flight, I can quickly be in contact with you and start working on other options to get you to your destination in what hopefully is the most stress-free way possible. The apps truly are handy for us both. While nothing is a guarantee and the apps won’t prevent a flight from being delayed or cancelled, the advanced knowledge and ability to stay in touch with your air carrier and your travel planner does help. Try it on your next vacation escape.

Andrea Ward is an independent travel consultant of Boomerang Escapes, who is based in Wisconsin.

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.

andrea@boomerangescapes.com

Something New in Acapulco

Sandals and Beaches Weddings

Be Prepared and Speed Up Your Airport Travel

Destination Spotlight-Grenada

Destination Spotlight-Barbados

Don’t Skip the Insurance

Cozumel-Mexico’s Largest Island

Destination Spotlight-Aruba

Take a Day for Tulum

Why You Should Download Your Airline’s App

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