Passport for Your Palate-Heuvos Rancheros

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Bring the hearty taste of Heuvos Rancheros to your breakfast table.

On a recent visit to Austin, Texas, I ordered one of my go-to Mexican dishes at this great little diner, Joann’s Fine Foods, Heuvos Rancheros. Heuvos Rancheros or Ranch Eggs was a breakfast dish created for the work hands on the ranches in Mexico. After hitting the land early, the workers would be ready for another meal or a second breakfast by 11 am. It consists of eggs done any style, tomato salsa sauce, refried beans (you can serve this in paste consistency or leave the beans more whole), tortillas (flour or corn), and avocado or guacamole. It is a hearty dish making it perfect for a late breakfast or brunch on the weekends. 

It is pretty simple to replicate at home. The key is the salsa or sauce you serve over the eggs and can sop up with your tortillas. It tastes best if created with fresh ingredients, but you can speed preparation using canned or prepared ingredients as substitutes. They come in handy, especially when items might not be in season. It is one of those dishes I like to try when visiting a new Mexican restaurant for comparison.

How to Make Heuvos Rancheros

Ingredients:

2 brown eggs or farm fresh

1 cup refried beans or canned beans

2-3 corn or flour tortillas, warmed

1/2 avocado sliced or 1/4 cup mashed into simple guacamole (optional)

Queso Fresco (optional)

Cilantro (optional)

For sauce:

1 medium jalapeno chile

2 large vine-ripened tomatoes

1 medium-sized white onion 

3 large garlic cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon oregano (Mexican oregano if you have it)

1/4 cup water

Pinch Pink Himalayan Sea Salt 

1 teaspoon olive oil 

To make the sauce/salsa:

You want to roast or blister your vegetables. You can do this over a flame on the grill or under a broiler. Char the chile and tomatoes until blistered all over. You can then let them cool in a brown paper bag. Peel, seed, devein and chop the tomatoes. The jalapeno can be chopped with seeds or remove seeds for less heat. 

The garlic and onion can be pan-roasted and then minced and chopped, respectively. The roasting and blistering is the real kicker here. I do this with a lot of my salsa and even the ingredients I use in my guacamole. 

In a bowl, mix your roasted ingredients with the remaining sauce ingredients. Warm it or serve at room temperature. Makes roughly 2 1/2 cups. Set aside.

Now that your tomato salsa is ready, you can prepare your eggs and other accompaniments. I like to have mine over easy.  

To plate. You can either use the tortillas as a base or serve on the side for wiping up the fantastic combinations. Place the two eggs on the plate or top the tortillas. Pour salsa over the eggs leaving the middle yolk area visible. Place the beans and avocado on the plate alongside the eggs. Garnish with Queso Fresco and fresh cilantro. You can add sides such as hashbrowns, chorizo, or bacon to make it even heartier. 

To quicken things up, I would use canned tomatoes with chile or add canned chopped jalapeno to the canned tomatoes. After roasting them, I would still use my chopped onion and garlic and add the tomatoes with chile right into the pan—warm through and season with the cumin, oregano, and salt. 


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.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Heuvos Rancheros
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Something New in Acapulco

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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.

Andrea WardSomething New in Acapulco
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Our Top 5 All-Inclusive Brands for Families

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When you are thinking of planning a family vacation experience, one of the best options to help our budget is looking at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or Mexico.   All-inclusive resorts include your accommodations, meals, beverages, and most non-motorized water sports.  In addition, those catering to families offer child programs, baby sitting and other daily activities which means the kids can be entertained while mom and dad play. It is great whether you are traveling with just your own family, considering a family reunion, or traveling with your favorite friends.  To this day, our group of families trip to Beaches Negril in Jamaica was by far one of the best, if not they best vacations I’ve ever had.  There was a little bit of everything for everyone.

To help you in planning, we’ve compiled a short list of our favorite brands for family all-inclusive resorts. Within each brand are different options. The brands have a variety of partners for their kid’s programs.  Below is the list highlighting each brand and examples of what you will get, along with resort options.

Beaches Resorts-Located in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica this well known brand is tops in family vacation experiences.  Resorts have a variety of room accommodations, water parks, and are partnered with Sesame Street. They cater from the very young through the teens even including a teen night club called Liquid as well as their partnership with Xbox. These resorts are also recognized as and certified Autism Centers. The largest of all the Beaches resorts is the Turks and Caicos and does require booking early for best pricing and accommodation availability.

Karisma Resorts-Karisma offers 3 brands of family friendly options, Azul, Nickelodeon, and Generations. The various brands are located in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. These resorts as well offer a variety of room accommodations to suit larger families. The Azul resorts have Azulitos experience including beach, cooking, and cultural fun for all. Azul’s also have the My Gym experience for ages 4-12 and a Vassa spa kid’s service. The Generations resort offers the kids Eko program for 4-12 and a separate kid’s menu.  And as the name would suggest the Nickelodeon resort is a partnership with Nickelodeon. They have a fun slim smoothie for kids, kid’s club and of course Nickelodeon character fun and entertainment.  I am a fan of the Fives Azul Beach Resort due it’s neat layout and design.

Barcelo Resorts-Located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic this whole complex offers a variety of stays for couples through families. Their new Family Club section has great accommodation offerings including suites with 2 bedrooms. There is access to the water park as well as access to all the other property’s activities within the complex.  Of course like the others there are baby sitting services and supervised activities with qualified leaders.  Truly a resort you’ll want to visit again and again.  I have many repeat client’s to this resort.

Iberostar Resorts-Located in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic these resorts are similar to Barcelo in that they are a large complex with different resort levels catering from the family to the adult-only and share different facilities throughout based on which resort you are at. They have their children’s Star Camp, kid’s menu, baby sitting services and family rooms. The Iberostar Paraiso Maya and Paraiso Lindo are favorites with clients.

Melia Resorts-Located in Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Jamaica these resorts. Within Melia there is the Melia brand and also the Paradisus brand that are suited for families.  The Melia has onsite Splash Island Park suited for the younger children, kid’s club, babysitting and again a variety of room accommodations to suite larger families. They are also partnered with the Flintsone’s Brand. The Paradisus has all day assistance from a Family Concierge, an activity packed Kid’s Club and a complimentary walkie-talkie or cell phone for instant communication.  Programming includes kids from newborn to age 12, with separate facilities for teens. We’ve had great feedback from the Melia Caribe in Punta Cana.

No matter your budget, the size of your family, or the age of your kids, there is an all-inclusive brand to match your needs for your next family vacation. The best way to match your budget and family to a resort is to consult with a travel professional who can go over the different resort amenities, room categories, and children’s services with you to ensure you enjoy the most out of your vacation. Contact one of us today!

 


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.

Lisa RossmeisslOur Top 5 All-Inclusive Brands for Families
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Cozumel-Mexico’s Largest Island

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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.

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.

Andrea WardCozumel-Mexico’s Largest Island
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Take a Day for Tulum

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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.

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.

Andrea WardTake a Day for Tulum
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Destination Spotlight-Over-the-Water Bungalows of the Caribbean

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There are some new and exciting things happening to help you escape and return to your happy place. The Caribbean and Mexico are bringing the South Pacific to you with the much-desired Over-The-Water Bungalow room concept at an affordable price.

These luxury accommodations are now available in Mexico at the El Dorado Maroma by Karisma Resorts in the Riviera Maya. In the Caribbean, Sandals is offering these spectacular Over-The-Water Bungalows at three of their resorts. Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica along with Sandals Grande St. Lucia in St. Lucia.

At the El Dorado Maroma in the Riviera Maya, each of the over-the-water bungalows has the following luxury features:

-Glass bottom floor
-Private Infinity pool
-Direct ladder access to the ocean
-The romantic “Aguas del Amor” outdoor shower
-Indoor jacuzzi for two
-oversized deck with wooden lounge chairs
-24-hour butler service

At the Sandals resorts, each of their Over-The-Water Bungalow has the following luxury features:

-Glass bottom floor
-King size bed
-Spa Style bath
-over-the-water hammock
-Outdoor shower
-Suspended patio with a swim-up platform
-An expansive patio featuring Sandals signature Tranquility Soaking Tub for two
-24-hour butler service

These spectacular Bungalows have an unparalleled luxury and are amazing, truly a piece of paradise. Every Bungalow offers extraordinary views of spectacular sunrises and stunning sunsets. They are perfectly situated just off the sugary white sand beaches surrounded by the finest turquoise blue waters. All of this luxury and romance is available with a short flight to either of these destinations.


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.

Andrea WardDestination Spotlight-Over-the-Water Bungalows of the Caribbean
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Destination Spotlight-Los Cabos

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This month I’m talking about a destination that reminds me of my childhood. Los Cabos (which means The Capes). I remember watching Love Boat in the 1970’s on the weekends where the famed boat would port in Los Cabos. Thanks in large part, to this TV show, the popularity of this destination grew. Often, the show, used picturesque towns as back drops and ports-of-call, it introduced the region to people everywhere. I remember watching and dreaming of visiting this destination. While growing up had wanted to be Julie, the cruise director, from the Love Boat. What little girl didn’t want to be? I thought her job was so glamorous! She visited all these magical and beautiful destinations. Every place meant new exciting people too.

Where is Los Cabos? It is located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, and is one of the world’s most diverse destination. Los Cabos consist of two towns. San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, which are connected by a 20-mile modern highway that is lined with world-class properties for your enjoyment and exploration.

Los Cabos, is surrounded by crystal clear blue ocean waters, and is the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes. Cabos is known for some of the finest marlin fishing in the world, and proudly claims to have over 300 days of sunshine. If visiting during the months of December through March you will have the best opportunity to view the Humpback whales, while pelicans, sea lions, and other marine life can be seen year-round. There is always something for everyone to do while visiting Los Cabos: Fishing, golf, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, relaxing in luxury spas and resorts as well as dancing until dawn.

Cabo San Lucas is home to the famous El Arco (The Arch). El Arco is a massive rock formation where seals and sea lions bask in the sun at the tip of the peninsula. Spend an afternoon sailing through the arch and seeing these magnificent creatures up close. They say if you wade through the surf along the beach where the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific waters meet, you can feel the difference in water temperatures. Are you ready to dip your toes in?


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.

Andrea WardDestination Spotlight-Los Cabos
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Carnival Dream-A Personal Review

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Recently, I was able to experience the Carnival Dream as more of a guest than as a travel professional as I was on the trip as a guest of a fellow travel agent. She had her annual group going and invited me to tag along. The Cruise was the first week of October and departed out of New Orleans. As you know, 2017, has been quite the year for weather events particular hurricanes. And as luck would have it, we weren’t spared a taste either as our cruise was impacted by the arrival of Hurricane Nate. Weather event aside, my overall experience on the cruise was good. I had a fun, relaxing time while making new friends. I will give you my highs and lows of the ship experience in the following as well as an extra treat as I was able to get three of my new friends from Kentucky to write up their own account of how they felt the Dream was. An extra treat as their material is unscripted and uncut by moi.

First the Carnival Dream is one of the largest and newest ships in the Carnival sailing family. This cruise was to port at Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel, but as mentioned Hurricane Nate did cause some disruptions and we were unable to port at Belize and had an additional day of cruising at the end of the return to make our cruise 8 days instead of 7. I must say the captain and crew did an amazing job and if it weren’t for the announcements and some rain you would have never known anything was amiss.


I stayed in a balcony cabin. I always recommend ocean view or higher and took advantaged of having the balcony to go out on each morning. Thankfully for my roomie we had that as I am such an early riser. We had a fabulous cabin attendant and the room had plenty of storage though lacked sufficient outlets for charging phones. Some of the outlets in our cabin were European voltage and not US. Would recommend bringing an adapter set with you.

My take overall was there was plenty of food and drink available with a varied array of options. I would highly recommend splurging and trying the dining venues such as the steak house and Chef’s Table that have up charges to them. You can read my take on the Chef’s Table experience here. My favorite tanning location was either the 12th deck or down next to the pool on the lido deck where the day activities and music were going on. For you smokers, there were some designated deck areas. One was on the 11th on one side near the DJ.

In the evenings, we would stop at the Alchemy Bar before our late seating at 8:30pm. By fare the best bar on the ship with the best bartenders. After dinner, it was off to a show or the Punchliner Comedy Club. By far one of the best activities to enjoy and have a great laugh with friends.

The trip to me was of good value and I would cruise again with friends. Traveling is great when you go with a group!


Now as an extra treat, here are what me new friends had to say. I asked them if they wouldn’t give me a little blurb to include in my blog to you. I’d like to introduce you to Laura, Dustin, and Tammy of Kentucky.

Laura says….
Room: nice except not nearly enough outlets. That was not adequate.
Food: dinner was good. I️ would like to see a real salad bar everyday, got tired of burgers and pizza. Maybe there was salad and I️ didn’t know it.
Entertainment : loved the comedians!!! Feel like the night club needs to be more adult friendly… too much rap yuck. I️ think if the ship dancers or either of the cruise directors would open the dance floor, more people would go. They get the party started.
Movies on deck more for everyone . Play it one night and then pick another.
I️ felt like you better had selected all your options BEORE you ever travel or you are out of luck
It was an over all good experience though
Meeting you !

Tammy says…..
We went on a 7 day Carnival Cruise the first week in Oct.
We sailed out of New Orleans on The Carnival Dream.
This was one of many Carnival Cruises we have been on and one of the most unforgettable.
The Dream was supreme and had most anything you could ask for. The staff catered to my every need, all I had to do was ask.
They offer a vast list of things to do through the day and evenings. I saw some first- rate musicals, as well as comedy shows that left me hurting from laughter.
I adamantly suggest going to the dinner any night you can as they offer a large list of different foods. I ate so many things I had never had the chance to try and loved every bite.
Oh and the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake you will NEVER forget!
They offer so many shore excursions, at any of the ports of call; you almost can’t decide which one to go on! Our group decided and the ultimate dolphin encounter, which gave us all various reactions of happiness and feelings we will not soon forget.
Over all the vacation was more than I could have ever imagined and can’t wait for my next one!

Dustin says…..
So Carnival Cruise was my very first cruise and I am not mad about it. The Dream was a huge ship with plenty of room for everyone but it seems we saw the same people all the time, which gave you a chance to build comradery. Yes it was in the middle of Hurricane season, “lesson learned,” and we didn’t get to go to Belize and we were stuck on a ship out to sea, but I made friends, created a little family. Carnival did a great job keeping all of us entertained with amazing vocal performances, dances, comedy shows and many activities for children as well as adults that are too numerous to mention. The Flying Scotsman was our Cruise director and I can still hear his voice in my head when I think about our trip, and when I do I truly smile, because it was amazing. There were several food choices on the ship, and while some weren’t my favorite, there was always something for me to eat whenever I was hungry. My only real complaint would be getting to get into the actual places we visited instead of the touristy sites Carnival owns, but then again for our safety that is what is probably best. Overall I would give the cruise an 8 out of 10, and that is just because of some hiccups along the way that could have been handled better, and the fact we lost a port and was only refunded $15.80 in port fees per person, but I’ll get Belize on another day, and the memories I have from our shore excursions are enough greatness to mask anything that was not perfect, because I mean after you swim with dolphins and get to kiss and touch them, nothing else really matters, right?
As you can see, tastes vary, but in overall, the opinion was the cruise provided a delightful vacation experience. If you are looking to cruise Carnival or any other cruise line with a group of friends, please reach out to our office and let one of our skilled travel specialists walk you through making the right selection and taking care of all those pre-booking items Laura referenced.

Happy Sailing!


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.

Lisa RossmeisslCarnival Dream-A Personal Review
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Karisma Resorts-The Perfect Choice for Your All-Inclusive Vacation

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Lisa flew into Chicago from New Jersey and we met at the La Quinta Inn & Suites near the airport before our morning flight out. Thursday, we took off on United Airlines, arriving at the Cancun airport mid-day. Our home for the next 3 nights would be El Dorado Seaside Suites, by Karisma, located along the Riviera Maya about 1 hour and 20 minutes south from the airport. This was my first time to Mexico and I must say it was wonderful experience. Since this was a work trip for us as we had scheduled three different site inspections of other Karisma properties.

We took advantage of every minute of our time, getting up at 6 am every morning to catch the sunrise, do our morning business activities and then hit our resort by 3pm to experience the facilities. We spent all morning, Friday, visiting, The Fives Azul Beach Resort, The El Dorado Maroma and Generations properties with courtesy transportation from Lomas Travel. I forgot to mention one of the best things we would recommend for going to the southern Mayan Riviera is to use the private luxury transfers. We were treated to this by the company upon our arrival. Nice leather seated large SUV that whisks you straight to your resort with complimentary cerveza (beer) on board.

Returning to our inspections, we were shown different room categories and special areas of the resorts that make them unique from all the others. Each resort truly has its own personality whether the family properties of Azul or Generations to the Adult Only properties at the El Dorados. The Fives was a great place for families with this unique outdoor area in the center of the resort where you could some of Mexico’s wildlife. We toured the newest section, an adult only section that only opened a few weeks ago. Villa 19. The location is grand, so close to Playa del Carmen that you could walk to it along the beach. About 20-30 minute walk for you beach walkers. All the rooms at Azul have a kitchen area in them and can easily be stocked for any infant or child care needs. Just let us know on the front end.

The Generations, also a family property, had a lovely design where all the restaurants were situated in one building tower. Plus, it had the infinity pools on the balcony level rooms except for the very top. The Generations will have a new neighbor as the ground had been broken for Karisma’s Nickelodeon Brand. Finally, the El Dorado Maroma is a boutique like adult only property with some amazing presidential suites as well as the new over-water bungalows that opened in the fall. These are just a few of the highlights. The staff at all the resorts was super friendly and outgoing. The resorts themselves were spectacular each catering to specific clientele with some suiting several types of travelers. For example, all the resorts had settings for destination weddings.

Saturday, we had the opportunity to participate in a snorkeling tour provided by Lomas Travel. It was called the Reef Adventure at Maraoma Adventures. Maroma Adventures is located on Mexico’s most beautiful beach, Maroma beach and it right next door to the El Dorado Maroma. Very convenient for guests staying there as far as travel time to their day tours. The snorkel tour was just one of many excursions that Maroma Adventures offers. Guests could do such things as parasailing, swim with the dolphins, jet boating, and so much more. All items can be pre-booked when you make your resort reservation by us.

All this information is so helpful for us to bring back to you our clients. It helps us to match you with the best resort for your passions to create an escape like no other. It is our job to help you find your happy place. These short working trips, although they don’t appear as work and we do enjoy our time in destination are truly the keys to us being able to give you the most informative information about the different destinations and resorts possible.


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.

Andrea WardKarisma Resorts-The Perfect Choice for Your All-Inclusive Vacation
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Resort Spotlight-Club Med Cancun Yucatan

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Recently, I was in Cancun, Mexico for my bi-annual TESA (Travel Entrepreneur Success Academy) meeting. It is a network/coaching program for travel entrepreneurs where we spend two intense days masterminding. One of the great things about this in location meetings is we also have the opportunity to delve deep into the property we are staying at with resort inspection and trade learning to maintain any required certifications as sellers of travel.

Our meeting for this 1st half of the year was held at the beautiful Club Med Cancun Yucatan. Club Med has “come a long way baby” and is not the same party crowd you may have memories of from more than forty years in the business. Club Med established itself as the ground breaking all-inclusive vacation experience back in 1950. It is the only all-inclusive experience that is worldwide and the only company to have an all-inclusive in the United States. Today’s Club Med, while still with its French influence from its establishment, is now predominantly a family resort with nearly 75% of its business coming from this demographic of travelers.

Club Med Cancun is perfect for the families, couples, and groups.

The resort is large and spread out with basically two sides. There is a golf cart service to take you between the two areas. During my stay, we stayed in the newer section which is designated for families. The rooms were great. There are two categories: the club and the deluxe. I was fortunate to experience the deluxe, which is the higher level accommodation. The room had 2 bedrooms, a full bath with double counters, a rain head shower, and 2 1/2 baths. In the main bedroom that looks out over the balcony facing the ocean is a small living area that can be separated by drawing a curtain. The room can hold a family of 5 very comfortably. The deluxe rooms also have a mini-bar with soda and water in them.

On this side of the resort you will also find a small beach area next to a bar and restaurant (this restaurant and other areas of the resort are undergoing renovations to be completed later in the year). The beach here and on the main resort side do have beach service, so if you are like me you are in your happy place when the beach butler comes with your drink without you having to skip a beat on that bronze you’re working on. Additionally on this side, known as the Aguamarina, there is a children’s play area, mini putt putt, tennis courts, and water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Walking over to the main portion for the resort you will find their regular rooms as well as their 5 trident area (their top of the line), main bar, shopping area, 2 restaurants, and the pool along a beautiful stretch of white sand that is lapped by multi shades of blue water. Each day you are at the resort you can choose to participate in their theme, which is easy to keep up with by downloading their handy app. Activities go on throughout the day at the beach with fun music and games. There is a theater where entertainment is held nightly. At the farthest point of the resort, on the other side of the room buildings, is the trapeze, archery, and water skiing. Activities are available at specific times daily. I had great fun trying my hand at archery for the second time. I was not too shabby I must say with 7 or 9 arrows in the target and 2 of those in the bull’s eye— watch out Katniss Everdeen, lol.

The best way to know if this Club Med or another in their line of destinations would suite you and your family is to set up a discussion with your favorite travel professional. Not all properties are designed for all vacationers. Your travel professional can help you match the right resort to your vacation desires.

Overall, I give the Club Med Cancun Yucatan a thumbs up!


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.

Lisa RossmeisslResort Spotlight-Club Med Cancun Yucatan
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