Priebe's Travel

Mexico has become one of the top locations couples go for destination weddings. It is easy to see why destination weddings in Mexico have become increasingly popular. With family and friends living around the world, a destination wedding is an affordable alternative to the traditional local wedding. The affordability of a Mexico destination
wedding and the value of the all-inclusive resorts has many couples choosing Mexico as their destination to tie the knot.

A destination wedding is almost always much easier to plan, and less costly to make happen. The popularity of destination weddings is on the rise due in large part to the costs of a formal wedding and the reality that many couples want to spend less time planning the event and more time enjoying themselves.

Planning a local wedding often creates unavoidable stress that begins immediately. Your time is often consumed with running from meeting to meeting, and making decision after decision. Destination weddings take this natural stress away and have a direct affect on everyone else.  With destination weddings, your guests and family are now looking forward to their own luxury vacation while also enjoying the opportunity to participate in your dream wedding. Destination weddings provides a wonderful Once-in-a-Lifetime Family Reunion opportunity.

While a Mexico destination wedding is indeed a popular way to get married, you should know that they require a great deal of work, special handling of groups, and even a very specific type of accounting. The first step in planning a destination wedding is to find a travel consultant who specializes in honeymoons & destination weddings. The travel agent will be an invaluable resource and will help you begin the process of selecting a location for your marriage and be with you to the end. This will be your “go-to” person. They will make sure you connect directly with the wedding coordinator on-site, and between the two, all your destination wedding needs will be taken care of.

All inclusive resorts abound in Mexico, many with their own wedding coordinators on site. Between your travel consultant and the resort’s wedding coordinator, you have two experts that will give you the peace of mind that your wedding will be as beautiful as you would like.  Several of the resorts offer free wedding ceremonies or ceremonies at reduced rates for couples who bring a certain number of guest. You travel consultant can direct you to the one that is right for you.  Here are a few things to think about before talking to your travel consultant:

1. Anticipated date
2. Location, activities, type of accommodations
3. Approximate budget for your wedding and honeymoon
4. Anticipated number of invited guests
5. Adults only or families with children
6. Approximate budget of guest per person air and land cost – 4 to 5 nights
7. Special request
8. Do you want to use a wedding registry

Compile a reasonable guest list. Do not assume guests will not come because of travel. Invite anyone you want to have present and allow the guest to decide if they can or want to travel.  If planing on having a large number of guest you may want to select a resort with nearby accommodations in different price categories. This is a particularly effective strategy if you have your heart set on luxurious accommodations and the wedding guests have a variety of budgets. Many accommodations share common ownership which should help with price breaks and resort fees. This is also good to keep in mind if you want to stay and wed at an “adults only” resort, but have families with children attending that will need to stay at a neighboring family resort. This is where you travel agent can really help you with knowledge and expertise.

The marriage requirements in Mexico vary from city to city and judge to judge. The Mexican Ministry of Tourism recommends that you and your four witness arrive at least four days prior to complete all requirements. Saturdays, Sundays and Mexican holidays do not count.  Your arrival day also does not count toward the “business day”
requirement. You must arrive four FULL business days prior. The local wedding coordinator will help you fulfill all requirements properly.  There are no exceptions. All documents must be presented and they must be in order for the ceremony to take place. Again, your local wedding planner will help assure everything is in order.

Necessary Documents required to be married in Mexico:

1. Certified copies of birth certificates “legalized” and translated
by the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction over the place of filing;
2. Passports valid for at least 6 months;
3. Certified proof of divorce or death certificates of former spouse/s
(if applicable) “legalized” by the Mexican consulate with jurisdiction
over the place of filing;
4. Judge’s form;
5. Tourist cards;
6. Citizens under age 18 need parent or guardian’s consent;
7. Names, addresses, ages, nationalities & tourist card numbers of
four witnesses;
8. Mexican-performed blood test results.

All legal documentation must be sent at least one month in advance to verify all information. Also, you must have all originals with you when you arrive at the resort.

Your blood tests must be performed in Mexico and should not be performed more than 14 days prior to the ceremony. The blood will be tested for HIV, RPR (sexually transmitted diseases) and blood type.  The results, together with a certificate of the blood test, will be ready in 24 hours. Upon arrival, your wedding coordinator sets the
appointment for the next morning. The test requires an empty stomach.  The doctor will perform the blood test either in your room or in the coordinator’s office. The blood test costs approximately $220 per couple. The payment must be made directly with the doctor in either cash or traveler’s checks or in some cases can be charged to your room account. The test must be taken in Mexico in order to be valid, no exceptions. If your test comes back positive you can not be married in Mexico.  A local judge or minister will come to the resort to perform your ceremony. If you want a ceremony that honors a particular religion, you may bring your own minister or have your local wedding planner provide one.

Mexico has many locations to offer a breathtaking beautiful wedding.  From the Pacific Coast sunsets to the white sandy calm beaches of the Caribbean. Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and the Cancun/Riviera Maya areas are your most popular spots. A few of the more moderate priced resorts offering complementary weddings in Mexico are Dreams, Palace Resorts, Barcelo, and Riu Palace. If you are looking for luxury then be sure to look at Zoetry, Secrets and Royal, all offer discounted wedding packages.

We can help plan your Wedding Destinations.  Give us a call or email us at: Priebe’s Travel
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Dee Priebe, Certified Travel Specialist, Priebe’s Travel

 

Good independent write-up and video on “When You Should Use a Travel Agent.”

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/46054707#null

We can help you experience new adventures. Give us a call or email us at: Priebe’s Travel
_____________________________________
Michael Priebe, Owner, Priebe’s Travel

 

Are Cruise Ships Get Larger, Are They Any Safer?

The grounding and capsizing of the Costa Concordia has raised questions about the safety of the ever-increasing size of cruise ships. But experts say that these new megaships have the latest safety and navigation technology and pose little risk to passengers despite their gargantuan bulk.

By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ

AP Business Writer

NEW YORK —

The grounding and capsizing of the Costa Concordia has raised questions about the safety of the ever-increasing size of cruise ships. But experts say that these new megaships have the latest safety and navigation technology and pose little risk to passengers despite their gargantuan bulk.

The Concordia – a ship more than two-and-a-half football fields long – was carrying more than 4,200 passengers and crew Friday night when it hit a reef off the Italian coast, flooded with water and listed to one side. At least six people died in the accident with another 16 unaccounted for, including two American passengers.

The investigation of the crash is focusing on the ship’s captain, not its design.

Pier Luigi Foschi, CEO of Costa Crociere SpA, distanced his cruise line on Monday from the jailed captain, Francesco Schettino, saying that the captain “took an initiative of his own will which is contrary to our written rules of conduct.”

Industry watchers also placed the blame on human error.

The accident has more to do with training, oversight and adherence to policies than the design or size of the ship, said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor of Cruise Critic.

“This was just sloppy,” she said. “There’s nothing more to the story than this was sloppy and unacceptable.”

The Concordia is a little more than five years old and part of a recent trend to build bigger and flashier cruise ships that can carry more passengers than ever before.

The largest of these – Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas and sister ship Oasis of the Seas – were launched in the last three years and can carry more than 6,000 passengers. When the Titanic sank nearly a century ago, there were 2,200 people on board.

These larger ships are harder to maneuver and can’t fit into all the channels frequented by smaller ships. Alan Wilson, editor of Cruise News Daily, equated it to the difference between driving a Greyhound bus and a tiny Volkswagen car.

But cruise lines and ship captains understand those limitations. Routes are carefully planned with these ships’ size in mind.

“There are places they can’t go,” Wilson said. “They know where they can’t fit the ships.”

In the case of the Concordia, a safe route was put into the ship’s navigation system, the company CEO said. The ship left that course only because the captain made an unauthorized deviation, he said.

Costa is owned by Miami-based Carnival Corp., which operates 101 ships under several brands including Carnival, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn. The company said the Concordia would remain out of operation at least through November, causing the company $85 million to $95 million in lost bookings. Carnival also has a $30 million insurance deductible for damage to the ship and a $10 million personal injury deductible.

When an accident does happen, larger ships pose a greater challenge simply because of the sheer number of passengers.

Jack Hickey, a Miami attorney who has practiced maritime law for 32 years, said while cruise ship crews get some training on operation of lifeboats, overall safety training is usually an afterthought.

The sheer size of today’s cruise ships only makes the lack of safety training worse, Hickey said, “because now, as opposed to 10 or 20 years ago, you are dealing with thousands and thousands of people. It’s very difficult and dangerous to get off a ship like that.”

The cruise lines disagree.

“With size comes safety,” said William Wright, senior vice president of marine operations for Royal Caribbean International and the first captain of Oasis of the Seas. Royal Caribbean operates seven of the largest 10 ships in the world.

Wright said these megaships are wider, more stable, have the latest navigation systems and more watertight compartmentalization than their predecessors.

Michael Crye, executive vice president of Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s trade association, said that the newer, large ships have better technology to communicate with passengers in case of an emergency, have life jackets in more central locations and carry lifeboats that can be boarded more quickly than prior models.

“As ships have gotten larger, the issues of safety must be planned into these ships,” he said. “Along with bigger ships comes more responsibility to safety.”

Since 2005, Crye said, more than 100 million people have taken cruises worldwide. There have been just 16 deaths from accidents in that period.

—

AP Writer Curt Anderson in Miami contributed to this report.

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Michael Priebe, Owner, Priebe’s Travel

With the seemingly bombardement of negative headlines and images regarding the drug war in Mexico, vacationing Americans are re-thinking Mexico as a non-desirable vacation spot that it once was given the country’s seemingly non-stop drug violence.

Quite the contrary, you potential vacationers may want to rethink that!! For nothing else, think of this one positive; the dip of tourism in Mexico has led to greater bargains for travelers. Further, Mexico and Cancun, is a great vacation spot to visit and enjoy with its consistent great sunny weather, sandy beaches, and blue waters. Rates are much more affordable because demand is down some, making it an even a better place to visit. And the service continues to remains second to none.

What many potential tourists do not realize is that the violence is far away from the vaction hot spots.

Read more about why “Cancun Wants You to Think Beaches, Not Bullets”

We can help you experience the adventure. Give us a call or email us at: Priebe’s Travel
_____________________________________
Michael Priebe, Owner, Priebe’s Travel

Upon arrival in Jamaica for your Sandals Caribbean vacation, the first order of business is to collect your bags, go through customs, and then head for the Sandals’ lounge. This is where your luggage will be tagged and taken from there. You can then kick back with a complementary beer or soda relaxing in Sandals’ lounge while you wait for your shuttle to take you to Sandals Montego Bay. Not to worry, you will be there very soon, since your ride will take you about 5 minutes! Yes, you are that close to the airport, which to some might bring up a concern. Oh No! Noise? As it turns out, this was a non-factor to us and those we spoke to. My personal impression initially was the sound of thunder. However, that only lasted a couple seconds. Even then, it only occurred a few times a day if we even noticed it. My guess is you will be having so much fun you will not notice it.

Now let’s get to the good part—Sandals Montego Bay, the entertainment capital of Sandals has nightly professional shows and is teeming with fun daytime activities. And with two other Sandals’ properties nearby, you are entitled to full exchange privileges with complimentary transfers to both Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Carlyle.

Sandals Montego Bay is a great choice for a romantic week alone for just the two of you. It is even a great choice for a group of friends that like to play and be entertained together.

They boast of having the largest private white sand beach on the North Coast. You don’t have to worry about beach vendors walking around trying to sell their wares every 5 minutes. Montego Bay is the only Sandals resort in Jamaica that offers motorized water sports including water-skiing, wake boarding, knee boarding, and tubing. You will also find non-motorized water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, Hobbie Cat Sailing, paddle boats, glass bottom boat, windsurfing and snorkeling. Be sure to check the daily schedule for these activities and instructions. For example, snorkeling is not available from the white sandy shores. Rather, a boat is scheduled for approximately 2:00 each day to take you out to where the coral is found and snorkeling is best. As with all other Sandals and Beaches resorts, Sandals Montego Bay has more quality inclusions than any other resort on the planet.

Scuba diving is also available at no cost for certified divers. Two dives daily, with a PADI-certified staff; first-rate custom-built boats; partnerships with DAN and National Geographic; and have a thrilling slate of dive sites. All this adds up to an amazing diving experience and an amazing more inclusive vacation.

For guests who are not certified or would like to scuba dive for the first time, Sandals offer a resort course that once passed, will allow one tank dive (of approx. 30ft) per day and is good for one year at any Sandals or Beaches resort. You will want to get started with this before you leave for your vacation. Take the course on line so when you get there you are ready to jump in! Get certified to scuba dive!

Sandals Montego Bay does not have a golf course close by. However you may purchase transfers to the Sandals Golf and Country Club which is about 90 minutes away in Ocho Rios where the green fees are complimentary to all Sandals guest. Caddies are required at an additional fee. Caddies know the layout and can impart local knowledge as well as useful instruction. They also offer complimentary PGA-Certified Golf Clinic twice a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If tennis is your game Sandals Montego Bay gives you 4 day/night courts also with complementary tennis coaches available to help you improve your skills.

The rooms at Sandals Montego Bay are well appointed, well air conditioned, and beautifully furnished with a comfy king size bed and large flat screen television. You should love the luxurious Red Lane Spa amenities that come in your room, large 4 ounce bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and aloe gel. Do not forget to bring your sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Of course the rooms come with the usual amenities like the hair dryer, iron, safe deposit box, clock radio and the world renowned Blue Mountain coffee. We stayed in the Honeymoon Water’s Edge Concierge room which I highly recommend as the entry level to the concierge services. Being on the first floor of the Almonds block we were able to walk out from our patio to the gazebo outside our room where we witnessed absolutely beautiful sunsets.

Concierge Service is a Sandals Signature amenity included for all Concierge-level rooms and suites. These Luxury rooms have the preferred locations and views. Additionally they include upgraded mahogany four-poster beds, sitting areas, full baths, fully-stocked wet bars, and his & her robes. A dedicated Concierge provides personalized attentions, including V.I.P. check-in, special luggage handling, and tour arrangements. Almost like having your own butler!

But why stop there when you CAN HAVE your own butler. When you reserve a top-tier suite you not only get the ultimate locations on the resort, a wet bar stocked with your personal choice of premium brands, but you will also be pampered by your own personal butler trained to the standards of the prestigious Guild of Professional English Butlers. You will be given a cell phone that rings directly to your butler. Your every wish is your butler’s command.

We discovered if you want to experience the local culture, be sure to take the shuttle to Sandals Carlyle, the smallest Sandals Resort, with the biggest heart. This resort is within close proximity to the popular Montego Bay “Hip Strip”, where you will find duty free shopping, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Also a treat, do not forget to take the shuttle over to Sandals Royal Caribbean for an “Old World British Colonial Charm” with its British-style afternoon teas served daily. You can visit their private offshore island and enjoy dinner at their authentic Thai Restaurant. And if you want to get in a little nude sunbathing, you can do that on the other side of this private island.

Exchange privileges with these two “other” Sandals Montego Bay resorts gives you up to 18 dining options all within a 10 minute reach. Sandals Montego Bay has 8 dining options alone. Air-conditioned indoor, outdoor, and beach dining is available for all your different moods from the Jamaican specialties, Seafood, Asian, Italian, English Pub, Pizzeria, beach grill and more.

Sandals has a “no tipping” policy with the exception of Butlers and Spa Therapist.

Are you thinking of others you may want to join you at Sandals? A reservation of ten rooms entitles you to additional perks. This includes a private group check-in and a private group cocktail reception with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and open bar. Sandals will schedule one private group dinner and a group photo session, with one complementary 5×7 photo for each room. Plus each room receives a $100 Red Lane Spa Credit!

A reservation of 5 rooms provides for a quick group photo session with a 5×7 photo per room which you get to keep as a great keepsake of your fun vacation together.

Sandals Montego Bay is the place where the world fell in love with Sandals. Voted “World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company” and “Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand”.

Dee Priebe
Certified Sandals Specialist
Priebes’ Travel

The contemporary cruise line industry continues their quest to make cruising more unexpectedly cool. Their goal is finding new ways to attract younger, funkier customers, while inspiring experienced cruisers to return.

Read more about ongoing changes:

Variety of Themes.

We can help you experience the adventure. Give us a call or email us at: Priebe’s Travel

_____________________________________
Michael Priebe, Owner, Priebe’s Travel

Think cruising is just for the “over fed and nearly dead” crowd? Think again. Joanna Hall explains why cruising is a top way to travel.

Cruising the high seas has long been regarded by travellers as a romantic throwback to a bygone era of travel, where the salt air, the open ocean, and the anticipation of an exotic new port of call merge to create a unique experience.

While the romance of cruising still exists, today it has evolved from a mode of long distance travel to an experience in itself many. It’s also a multibillion dollar industry, with a wide variety of ships and itineraries on offer designed to lure all types of travellers, and fit most budgets.

Yet there are people who haven’t yet crossed the gangway for a high seas holiday for a variety of reasons, their concerns ranging from the potential for seasickness to the idea of being stuck on a ship for a long time with people they may not like.

While these concerns are valid, the positives of cruising by far outweigh the negative, so if you are considering a cruise for your next holiday, here are the top five reasons why you should go.

Read more: Priebe’s Travel
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Michael Priebe, Owner, Priebe’s Travel

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