5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable

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I am a mother of three now-adult children.  I’ve had kids from all over the US, Europe, the Caribbean, and even the South Pacific.  When you are a family of five and have a mix of girls and boys, it is crucial to make sure you take everyone in the family into consideration to make your trip enjoyable. I’ve put together a list of tips below for making the most of your next family beach vacation.

5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable

Involve the children in the planning process. Share and show them pictures of the possible destinations. Find out what activities are important to them. For example, I let each of our three children choose an excursion for our last family trip. This gave us 3 of our 7 days off the resort doing things we knew each child would enjoy.


Pick a resort with a good kid’s activity program. Make sure the program the resort offers has activities that your child would enjoy participating in. Be sure that the resort’s activities cater to the age of your children. Not all resorts have activities that entertain that “tween” and “teen” crowd. When your children are busy being entertained, you can steal some time for yourselves.
Pick a resort with a variety of dining options. We all know how picky kids can be when it comes to eating. Make sure the resort has a good buffet option. It is also helpful when they have an American option that you know the kids will go for, such as a Pizzeria. If your child has any food allergies, check before booking, see if the resort can accommodate the allergy. Often the chef will meet with you to arrange the necessary meal plan for your stay. Several resort chains have now begun to include gluten-free options for their guests, as well as handling, dairy, and peanut allergies.


Pick a resort that provides spacious room accommodations. When you are used to having your own bedroom and or bath each morning, it is important to consider the size and amenities of the room types at the resorts you consider for your family. Many resorts now offer bunk bed options for families of 5, separate rooms for kids, and family suites with 2 bedrooms.


Remember to relax. You are on vacation after all. Consider locking the electronics in the room safe. Do activities together and apart (Spa time for mom?). But most of all, have FUN!

PS: Don’t forget to use your favorite travel professional to help you find the perfect resort match for you!



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 Rossmeissl5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable
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Things to See & Do in NYC Right Now

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It’s spring, one of the lovely times to visit New York City. And while not everything is fully open, such as Broadway (which expects to return this fall), it is a beautiful time to see the city that never sleeps.

I recently returned from a five-day stay where I acted as a guide and tourist with my friend who was seeing the city for the first time. Here are some great things to see and do in NYC right now. It is the perfect time to take advantage of the low crowds.

Central Park-One of the great beauties of the city and a must stop when visiting. Just starting to have the spring blooms pop, it will probably be magnificent these next few weeks with colors. Whether you are walking it or spending an afternoon on the lawn, it makes for a perfect spring day activity. We even caught some excitement with the filming of the Guilded Age taking place. Covid notes: No reservations are needed, and people are wearing their masks when walking. Joggers and small groups on lawns or, if socially distanced, will have masks off. 

The Highline-An architectural beauty and landscape masterpiece, this walking trail designed from an old rail pathway is ideal for spending a couple of hours out of the day. Again, ready for pure bloom beauty over these next few weeks. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture some great city pictures. Covid notes: Use their app to make a reserved walking time. Depending on traffic, you can scan and book your time at arrival, but to ensure you will be able to walk right away, book in advance. 

Masks are required.

Walking Tours-Many of the tours are back up and running. We did a fantastic Art Deco tour learning about the architecture and buildings in the city. Some incredible design features and surprise buildings you might not even be aware of are in your walking discovery. The tour was about two and a half hours. Covid notes: Masks are required. Pre-book tours. 

The Empire State Building-This iconic landmark in the city is rich in history and deserves at least one stop when coming to New York. Be sure to go all the way up for the best views of the city. I highly recommend reserving the sunrise or sunset times. Covid notes: You must pre-book and purchase tickets. Masks are required. 

The Museums-We hit a bunch of the majors this trip. Most asked you to reserve your time slot and or reserve and purchase a ticket ahead of time. The great thing is crowds were down with everything not yet back to the total capacity. Highly recommend visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Arts and Design, The Museum of Modern Art, and The Museum of Natural History. You can get a city pass, but be sure to check which pass you buy as not all the museums are on all the city passes. 

The Food Scene-With both indoor and outdoor dining again, you can pass up on New York’s food scene. I highly recommend finding a diner for your morning breakfast. You know how they say eat where the locals eat. Consider something with outdoor views for lunch and dinner. Rooftop dining and street dining is excellent with the warmer temperatures arriving. And you can genuinely find something to suit any budget. In New York, it is always wise, especially for dinner, to make a reservation. Covid notes: Masks required in public areas, but not at tables. At least one member of the party will have to sign in for tracing. Expect to have your temperature taken at some locations. 

There is always so much to do in New York. I can tell you the tourism workers are pleased to see people again. There is most definitely excitement in the air now and always when visiting. New York is a city you likely want to visit again and again. Truly with so many things to do, you will need more than one visit. For advice, arrangements, and recommendations, be sure to reach out to a travel advisor when planning your city escapes. 



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 RossmeisslThings to See & Do in NYC Right Now
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The 4 Most Significant Benefits of Rising Early on Vacation

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Are you a morning person? Maybe not. And you’re probably thinking, isn’t vacation when I get to sleep later?

And there is truth in that question, but I would like to share with you 4 of the most significant benefits of rising early on vacation. 

A chance to watch the sunrise

I absolutely love to watch that big ball creep up slowly from the landscape and cast light on the day. Getting yourself up early and watching the sun’s ascent is a one-of-a-kind experience, especially when you are in incredible foreign lands. There are few experiences better than, say, watching the sunrise on the African savannah or atop a mountain peak.

A chance to enjoy the quiet

Early in the morning is a great time to take in the silence before the hustle of the day begins. Take your coffee out on your ocean-view balcony with only the sounds of waves and birds in the air. Use the time to journal or meditate—just a time to inhale and exhale. 

Avoid the crowds

Getting up and out to popular spots means fewer people. Beat the crowds and get to take advantage of the attractions you have planned to see. Smaller crowds mean fewer lines and waiting time.  

More time in your day

Rising early means you’ve added hours to your day. For those of you who love to fit as much in as possible when away in a new destination, rising early, you those few extra hours.  

I hope I have enlightened you on why getting up early the next time you are on vacation is worth it. I would love to hear about your early morning vacation experiences during your travels. 



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 RossmeisslThe 4 Most Significant Benefits of Rising Early on Vacation
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Top 3 Tips to Getting the Most out of your Travel Consultant

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If you are looking for an unforgettable Australian Holiday, European Vacation, or Relaxing Beach Escape where all of the details are taken care of, all you have to do is show up. At the same time, your dream holiday unfolds, then you need a travel consultant, planner, agent, or personal concierge. A travel consultant can mean the difference between getting a mediocre holiday in a hotel that is not quite right for you but looked good on the Internet to a memorable holiday at a resort you didn’t even know existed. It’s about finding a perfect fit for you. We use our resources along with your desired requests to match you with a plan that infuses your passions into your vacation experience.

Now that you have decided to retain the incredible services a travel consultant provides, I would like to share some advice on getting the most value out of your travel consultant.

Here are our top 3 tips for getting the most out of your travel consultant here at Boomerang Escapes:

1. Discuss with everyone traveling what you want out of your holiday. You do not need to decide all of the details, but we recommend that you make sure you are all on the same page. For example, is everyone looking for relaxation, or is it about adventure? Do you know the time of year you want to go away for and for how long? Make sure everyone who is going on holiday is involved in the planning. If friends are going as well, they need to be part of the planning meeting too! But beware of too many cook’s in the kitchen. There should be one person or heads of household that make the final decision in the group and serve as the main contact with the travel consultant.

2. Fill out our questionnaire. Depending on whom you are working with, you will receive a questionnaire before your first initial planning session. The answers to this survey provide your travel consultant with the information necessary to start crafting your holiday. It helps to guide that initial session where the first mapping out takes place.  Answering completely and honestly as possible means that your travel consultant will find the perfect holiday for you sooner than there are gaps in the survey. Some of the questions are designed to find out what you want from your holiday so that we can do our best to make sure that you get the experience you were after. Simultaneously, other questions are designed for those necessary details such as the number of people travel, for example.  For us, it is all about infusing you and your passions into your holiday experience.

3. Schedule a Complimentary Planning Session phone call so that we can call you at your convenience. In this call, we like to find out more about you and your travel style, discuss the destination and recommend some things before crafting your itinerary. We ask that you have an open mind during this phone call and share as much as possible with us. With your feedback, we will be able to enter the planning phase. To enter the planning phase, you will be asked to pay a consulting fee. We then take what we’ve learned to research, present options, and tweak as necessary. We may suggest other recommendations that will suit your time, budget, and desires.

Now that you know how to get the most out of your travel consultant let’s get started! Have your trip meeting, fill out our questionnaire and schedule your Complimentary Planning Session with one of your planners. There is a full directory of our agents when you call our toll-free number 1-884-386-3600 or visit our website www.boomerangescapes.com/contact-us. We can’t wait to start planning your Australia Holiday, European Vacation, Beach Escape, or whatever destination you are looking to explore!!

*Originally written April 22,2014

*Revised March 28, 2021



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 RossmeisslTop 3 Tips to Getting the Most out of your Travel Consultant
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Why An All-Inclusive Resort Vacation May Be Right For You!

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All-Inclusive. What is all-inclusive, and why may an all-inclusive vacation be right for you?

Well, according to the Travel Industry Dictionary, the term means one price covers all listed elements of a package or, as a noun, a resort at which a single price covers lodging, meals, and activities. All-inclusive resorts have transformed the Caribbean vacation experience.

The Caribbean is the backdrop for most of these resorts, having captured vacationers for generations. I mean, who isn’t drawn in by lush green mountains, brilliant sunshine, warm breezes, and beautiful blue waters? Travelers will find that the resorts in the Caribbean have something for everyone. They cater to both the young crowd looking for fun and couples and families looking for a quieter scene. Besides being ideal for just about any traveler style, there are many other benefits all-inclusive resort vacations provide.

You will have a more enjoyable getaway because you don’t have to keep thinking about the money you are spending. When you book an all-inclusive, you have already prepaid for all your food, drinks, and relaxation. Most all-inclusive resorts not only include all your food, drink, and property activities, but some go so far as actually to include excursions such as catamaran sailing. For many, that means that other than your souvenirs, your wallet never has to come out. This is a particularly great feature for those on a budget. Knowing ahead of time what you will be spending before you leave home and knowing you won’t have a large bill upon your return makes for a more relaxing experience while on vacation. One of the reasons we go on vacation is to escape our routines. And what better place than an all-inclusive one that lets you determine what you will do each day or not do? The resorts provide a daily activity newsletter to your room, letting you know when things are happening, and it is purely up to you as to whether you participate or choose to lay in a chair all day. Dining is just as grand. They offer a wide range of dining experiences from sit down, buffets, theme nights, room service, and private dining experiences. Today’s resorts keep offering more and more dining options, providing an around-the-world tasting pleasure.

Family travelers will love the amenities that keep their kids happy. The best resorts offer kids programs usually ranging from age 4 to 12, where parents can drop their kids off for various daily activities. Our favorite pick is Beaches Resorts because of the array of activities and inclusions provided. Beaches Resorts cater from infants through to your difficult tweens. They can accommodate special needs children as well.

Couples will love the romance extras that are included. Some of our favorite resorts, Sandals, Secrets, and Couples, provide honeymooners with special romantic amenities such as champagne and rose petals in the room or a drawn bath with lit candles. Plus, these resorts are what we refer to as adult-only, couples-only. And of course, a destination wedding at a resort can be a huge cost saver for couples compared to a traditional wedding at home, combining both their wedding and their honeymoon.

So, is an all-inclusive vacation right for you?

Travelers can find a nearly perfect escape in today’s all-inclusive resorts. With various amenities, facilities, and services to choose from at each property, a perfect fit is nearly guaranteed to be found. Beware, not all all-inclusive resorts are created equal. With the vast selection of Caribbean destinations and resorts to choose from, we recommend travelers contact a local travel agent to match them with the right resort.

We were honored that this article was originally featured in the December 2014 issue of Your True Colours magazine. Recently updated March 2021.


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 RossmeisslWhy An All-Inclusive Resort Vacation May Be Right For You!
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“Draw Me a Bath”-Hot Bath Benefits

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Are you a bath person? Better yet, a deep soaking tub with jets kind of bath person? I don’t know many who don’t love to sink into the warm, often aromatic waters of a tub.

A good soak for me served as a critical need during my many years of migraines. Whether you disappear in silence, with a good book, maybe with a glass of wine, or just some soothing music, this escape can be achieved both at home and away.

Here are three main categories of benefits: “draw me a bath” more often.

RELAX-Stepping into a bath is like taking a deep breath. Those moments lost in the tub let your mind slip into oblivion. Soon you have emptied your brain, and your feel all your muscles settle back into their comfort state. Stress and anxiety literally get washed away. You step out of that tub a new human.

REFRESH-Baths make us clean. The dirt of the day, whether physical or mental, washes away. Warm water works to replenish the moisture and nourishes the skin. We step out with a new perspective and often increase energy to carry on the day or have a more profound slumber.

REJUVENATE-A good bath can cure what ails you. It relieves muscle soreness, joint pain, and overall body aches. Time spent soaking can alleviate cold symptoms. The circulatory system reaps benefits from sitting in the water through better heart health, improved blood flow, and even calorie burning.

The water should not be overly hot. The addition of fragrances, oils, or salts can increase the healing benefits of a hot bath. It only takes 10-15 minutes of soaking to achieve the benefits. Your happy place is just one bath away.



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 Rossmeissl“Draw Me a Bath”-Hot Bath Benefits
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5 Benefits of Taking a Vacation

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Americans are notorious for not taking their vacation time. We have work, work, work mentality, and a belief that no one can fill our shoes if we go. With the circumstances surrounding us, it has never been more critical to plan and take that vacation. Whether you travel near or far, the benefits will be well worth it.

Here are 5 Benefits of Taking a Vacation

  1. Lower stress-When you get away from the daily grind, you will tune-up your brain and be more productive when you return. 
  2. Lowers the risk of heart disease-work is stressful. Working “under the gun” day in and day out taxes our systems. The more taxed you are, the harder those systems have to work. Taking the break lets us system restore and repair. Just like a vehicle that needs its maintenance, so do you.
  3. Improves your outlook on life-Vacation provides a time to “stop and smell the roses.” You slow down and get the opportunity to see and enjoy the things around you, lift your spirits, and provide a new perspective on your current situation.
  4. Motivation-When you are relaxed and energized, you are automatically more inclined to work on things. We may even come up with new ideas we hadn’t thought of before now that our mind is clear. 
  5. Improves Relationships-Vacations provide a space and time to be together. A time where you can focus on yourself, your significant other, and your family. Allowing time to see one another and not just be “ships passing in the night.”

The crazy thing is most of these results come about when in the planning phase of your vacation. Just planning the trip can start to increase your motivation, lower stress, improve your outlook on life, and deepen your relationships. Whether you are ready to embark now or whether you want to plan deep into the future, now is the time to start reaping the benefits of a vacation. 



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.

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My BEST Mood-Boosting Tip

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I will come right out of the gate and tell you that music is my best mood-boosting tip.

I know you were expecting me to say travel. When I am off and about on one of my memorable trips, I can’t be anything but happy. However, the past year had us working to keep those spirits upbeat.  

I am more fortunate with a naturally happy state every day, but I do get down like the rest. The fastest way for me to shift gears is to turn the music up. We all know how music can elicit an array of memories and emotions, one of those being elation. We all have that song or songs that will instantly get us moving. I am very fond of pop and dance tunes that take me back to my days of clubbing. I love to dance. I go for artists like JLo, Pitbull, Shakira, and others and good rock classics. My artist tasted across the full musical genre. My choices always get my body moving. Before long, I forgot what even had me down, and I am ready to party. 

Here are three of my favorite ways to enjoy the tunes and super boost the mood.

  1. Take my nature walk up a notch by popping in the earbuds to my best motivational get-moving songs. One of my favorites to this day is “Danger Zone” from the Top Gun soundtrack. I used to run to it.  
  2. Have your own at-home dance party. I pop over to Youtube and find a song and turn it up. I turn my living and office space into a party. I love that Youtube seems to pick several in a row to go along with my first selection. Both one and two are also useful for shedding pounds too. 
  3. Turn it up in the car. Nothing beats a car ride with good tunes, especially if it is a day where you can have the windows and sunroof open too. My vehicle has Sirius XM. Soulcycle and the Pitbull stations these past months have been my favorites. The DJ’s morning wake-up shows are fantastic for getting you pumped. A twenty to thirty-minute ride, and I ready to face the day ahead. 


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 RossmeisslMy BEST Mood-Boosting Tip
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10 Reasons for Using a Travel Agent

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If nothing else, 2020 will be the year we learned how uncertain things could become. We’ve learned life can come to a halt. While the future is something we can never predict, we can tell you how having a travel advisor will help clear the murky waters. 

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Travel Advisor

  1. Travel advisors are more than just pretty postcard images you see on the booking engines. We are real. We exist. And our soul purpose and passion is to make others happy by enjoying fabulous destinations and cultures worldwide. 
  2. Travel advisors have comprehensive experience. We have a thorough knowledge of the destinations and all the moving parts of a vacation experience.
  3. Travel advisors care. We are here through each step of the process from the time you inquire until you return. We do not click book trip and finish our service. 
  4. Travel advisors like to build in special treats and benefits. Many of our long-standing relationships with the suppliers in the destinations allow us to provide those extra amenities.
  5. Travel advisors are like family. It is probably one of the friendliest cooperative industries in the workforce. We not only support one another, but we are here to take care of your needs. We want to know what is going on in your life, and we want to help celebrate those special moments with you.
  6. Travel advisors want you to be safe and wise when you travel. That is why we provide you with travel tips before departure. 
  7. Travel advisors are accessible. You have access to us nearly 24/7. And while you’re in the dreaming phase, we can supply inspiration, planning ideas, and even webinars personalized to you or your group.
  8. Travel advisors are connected. We have made a career out of building relationships. 
  9. Travel advisors are welcoming. We invite you to become a part of our travel family. Join our social media, sign-up for informative and inspirational newsletters, and heck, we will travel with you to coordinate while in the destination. 
  10. Travel advisors know it is all about you. Unlike a booking engine, we work with you to design a journey and experience that considers who you are and what you like.  

And if you need one more reason, travel advisors continued to work for you and with you when the currency stopped coming in. Why? Because we love what we do. Most of our satisfaction comes from seeing the smile on your face in your photos and the joy in your voice when you return to tell us what a fantastic time you had and ask where to next.  

We cannot wait to work with you on your next journey. Be safe. Travel Well. Always use a Travel Advisor!



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 Rossmeissl10 Reasons for Using a Travel Agent
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Caribbean Destinations Open to the U.S. Traveler

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To say it has been a crazy year, is an understatement, and as we slowly return to hopefully a better future than past, there are some things to consider when looking to travel.  First, you need to know the destinations that are open. Second, you need to know the current protocols. Finally, you need to connect with a travel agent to help you through all of this.

The decision of when to travel is purely up to you.  You have to gauge your own comfortable level. Are you comfortable  with the new protocols in place? How will this impact your family or job when you return?  Make sure you are looking at the broad picture and definitely plan ahead.  It is not just a matter of book a flight and go!

With that being said, for those of you ready to go, the Caribbean, is probably one of your best options to find an escape.

Most of the Caribbean is open to the U.S. traveler.  The list of destinations welcoming the United States is growing, but remains fluid. I am providing the most recent options as of Sept 13, 2020.  I will try to update as conditions change.

While this list is geared for our Caribbean lovers, please note places such as Tahiti that we’ve been sharing, Tanzania, and Croatia are some further overseas options welcoming the U.S. traveler.  Please feel free to contact us with your destination of interest and we will be happy to work with you.

Caribbean Destinations Open to the U.S. Traveler

  • Antigua and Barbuda-Negative Covid-19 test result within 7 days
  • Aruba-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • Barbados-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • Bermuda-Negative Covid-19 test result within 5 days + $75
  • Dominica-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • Dominican Republic-Negative Covid-19 test result within five days
  • Grenada-Negative Covid-19 rapid result test result on arrival
  • Haiti-Mandatory 14 day quarantine
  • Jamaica-Negative Covid-19 test result less than 10 days old
  • St. Barts-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • St. Lucia-Negative Covid-19 test result within 7 days
  • St. Maarten-Negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours
  • St. Vincent and Grenadines-Negative Covid-19 test on arrival, additional test on arrival
  • Turks and Caicos-Negative Covid-19 test result within 5 days

*In addition to testing, some of the countries also require a health form to be filled out prior to boarding.

Note: Mexico, while not technically the Caribbean, is open without any current restrictions or requirements regarding testing.

As you can see, pretty much no matter where you go, you will need to provide a negative test result. This cannot be the home test either. These test have to be performed at medical facility. You will find that some destinations will do additional testing upon arrival or after a period of days while in country.  Depending on which state you live in, travel outside the U.S. or even outside of your own state could require a 14-day quarantine period upon your return or additional Covid-19 testing.  All the destinations are practicing new health protocols with additional cleanliness, hand sanitizer stations, and staff in mask and gloves. You will also be required to wear masks in areas where 6ft social distancing cannot be maintained. Be aware that not following the current Covid-19 protocols could result in fines or worse.

I should note, that many of the hotel partners I have in the Caribbean, are now offering incredible cancellation policies and deals we will not likely see next year.

Several chains are offering no penalties on cancellation and/or booking changes up to 24-hours prior to the check-in. Now really is the time to get that vacation booked, whether you fit an escape in before the close of 2020 or prepare for that much needed one in 2021 and beyond. Given the constant fluidity of this situation, please consult your travel advisor for the most up to date policies with the destination, resorts, and airlines.



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.


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