Category Archives: Travel + Destination

2018 Travel Update: Nine States Will Require Passports For Domestic Flights

Posted in Travel + Destination, Wanderlust, Weddings by

travelHeads up! Travel and Leisure recently announced that gone are the days when a passport was reserved for international travel.  Beginning January 22, 2018, that will change for residents of nine states who will no longer be able to get past TSA security checkpoints with their state issued driver’s licenses to travel domestically but rather will need a passport, permanent resident card/green card or a military ID.

It’s called the Real ID Act of 2005, and apparently it states that state-issued IDs from these nine states do not meet the minimum security standards of the federal government:

  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Washington

With just a few months until the Real ID Act goes into full effect, it is time to start planning now and look into getting your passport, especially if you have honeymoon or travel plans on the horizon.

Some states have started working on offering federally approved issued IDs that would not require a passport for domestic air travel but you’ll certainly want to check with your local government office to see if there is a different type of ID you can apply for.

So consider this your official PSA, if this applies to you and start applying for a passport now!  2018 isn’t too far away and there will be a last-minute rush for sure.

Learn How You Book Your Travel for a Fraction of the Cost Upfront

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Travel + Destination by
airfordable-logo

(Photo credit: airfordable.com)

Okay, here’s a concept that we love -affordable payment plans for flights.  Also known as Airfordable.

Airfordable is an online payment plan that can be used for your airline tickets. It allows you to secure your tickets with a deposit upfront and pay the remaining balance in bi-weekly recurring payments before your departure date.

While they only accept multi-leg and round trips at this time, it allows for up to  7 travelers on one booking/payment plan (if you need more than 7, you can contact them), you can have a maximum of 5 bookings at a time and you can still use your frequent flyer number.

Airfordable charges a one-time fee on the price of the ticket that varies between 10% and 20% and automatically deducts each payment on your scheduled dates so there’s no need for any action on your end.

It’s an option for those low on cash or credit, as well as those wanting to lock in a fare. The company has future plans to expand into layaway payments for vacation packages and hotels. They also are working on a custom travel search platform so users don’t have to upload their own travel screenshots.  Learn more at http://www.airfordable.com.

The World’s Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts

Posted in Travel + Destination by

The Caves (Negril, Jamaica) courtesy of luxurytravelbible.com

Choosing an all-inclusive locale for your honeymoon or destination wedding plans is a super easy way to save time and hundreds at the bank.  It also ensures you get the utmost most bang for your buck – after all, all of the details are already taken care of.  All you have to do is show up.

Last week TripAdvisor announced their creme de la creme of all-inclusive resorts in the world and whether your preference is deep sea diving in the coral reef or sitting beach side to the tune of steel drums, there is something for everyone.

1. Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso (Playa Paraiso, Mexico)

2. Garonga Safari Camp (Makalali Private Game Reserve, South Africa)

3. Le Blanc Spa Resort (Cancun, Mexico)

4. Drowsy Water Ranch (Granby, Colorado)

5. Nukubati Private Island Great Sea Reef (Labasa, Fiji)

6. East Winds Inn (Gros Islet, St. Lucia)

7. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)

8. Ceylon Tea Trails (Hatton, Sri Lanka)

9. Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)

10. The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)

Happy travels!!

Enjoy a Complimentary 3rd Night at New York’s Signature Collection Hotels

Posted in Travel + Destination by

If New York City is the destination of your upcoming girls weekend, romantic weekend getaway or destination wedding, you may want to consider staying at a Signature Collection hotel.  The Signature Collection is a conglomerate of some of New York’s finest hotels and from June 27 to September 5, 2011 they are offering guests the luxury of a complimentary 3rd night stay.   Participating hotels include:

  •  The Carlyle – A Rosewood Hotel (35 E. 76th St)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 212-744-1600 [Code: NYCC]
  • Hôtel Plaza Athénée (37 E. 64th St)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 800-447-8800 [Code: TNS11]
  • Jumeirah Essex House (160 Central Park South)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 212-484-5100 [Code: JEHNYCSUM]
  • Loews Regency Hotel (540 Park Ave)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 800-235-6397 [Code: LPRNYC]
  •  The London NYC (151 W. 54th St)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 888-LONDNYC [Code: TNS11]
  • The Peninsula New York (700 Fifth Ave)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 800-262-9467 [Code: NYCC1104]
  • The Pierre New York (2 E. 61st St)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 212-838-8000 [Code: T02]
  • The Ritz-Carlton New York (Central Park – 50 Central Park South)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 866-671-6008 [Code: LPR]
  • The Setai Fifth Avenue – A Capella Managed Hotel (400 Fifth Ave)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 212-613-8630 [Code: TNS11]
  • The Sherry-Netherland (781 Fifth Ave)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 212-355-2800 [Code: TNS11]
  • The St. Regis New York (2 E. 55th St)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 800-759-7550 [Code: TNS11]
  • Trump SoHo New York (246 Spring St)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 877-828-7080 [Code: TNS11]
  • The Waldorf Towers (100 E. 50th St)
    • CALL TO BOOK: 800-925-3673 [Code: NYCC]
  • The Ritz-Carlton New York [Battery Park – 2 West St]
    • CALL TO BOOK: 866-922-6882 [Code: LPR]
And now, the fine print: This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions/offers/savings and is valid based on a three-night consecutive stay. It must be mentioned when making reservations unless otherwise stated. Room categories for this promotion vary by individual hotel properties. Advance reservations are required, offers are subject to availability and blackout dates may apply. Offer does not include taxes, gratuities or service charges. Offer is valid at participating locations. Offer is valid for stays through September 5, 2011. NYC & Company makes no representations or warranties about the information provided in the offer or other related collateral and hereby disclaims any responsibility for any errors, incorrect information or other misprints that may appear. Additional restrictions may apply; please see individual hotel pages for specific details.

Your Summer Packing List

Posted in Travel + Destination by

Are you preparing for a honeymoon at or by the sea this summer? Well, with more and more airlines imposing increased check baggage fees, it may be worthwhile to pack light with our travel-light packing list:

Dressing For Day or Night

  • Two (2) Sundresses
  • Seven (7) Tops
  • Two (2) Pair of Shorts
  • One (1) Pair of Light Pants
  • One (1) Evening Cover-Up

Unmentionables

  • Seven (7) Pair of Undies
  • Three (3) Bras

Accessories

  • One (1) Beach Bag
  • One (1) Beach Hat
  • One (1) Sarong
  • One (1) Jacket
  • One (1) Skirt

Footwear

  • One (1) Pair of Dressy Sandals
  • One (1) Pair of Flip-Flops

If you plan on exercising during your vacation, we also recommend adding a set of workout clothes and a pair of running shoes to this list.  Most importantly, don’t forget to pack your camera to document the memories.  Bon voyage!

Your Destination Guide: Top 25 Destinations in the United States

Posted in Destination Decadence, Travel + Destination by

If you’ve been looking for a destination for your wedding or honeymoon, you may want to consider one of Trip Advisor’s top 25. Regardless of whether or not your wedding backdrop calls for calming seas in an intimate beach ceremony or the natural beauty of towering sequoia trees in a whimsical garden wedding, you’ll find their list offers something for everyone.

  1. New York City, New York
  2. Honolulu, Hawaii
  3. San Francisco, California
  4. Las Vegas, Nevada
  5. Lahaina, Hawaii
  6. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
  7. New Orleans, Louisiana
  8. San Diego, California
  9. Sedona, Arizona
  10. Seattle, Washington
  11. Anchorage, Alaska
  12. Chicago, Illinois
  13. Boston, Massachusetts
  14. Estes Park, Colorado
  15. Washington DC, District of Columbia
  16. Poipu, Hawaii
  17. Orlando, Florida
  18. Big Sur, California
  19. Bar Harbor, Maine
  20. Carmel, California
  21. Destin, Florida
  22. Savannah, Georgia
  23. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  24. Miami Beach, Florida
  25. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
For highlights on each of these locations, including hotel specials and the most current airfare, visit Trip Advisor.  And don’t forget that SocialBFly can assist with all of your destination wedding and honeymoon planning needs.  Bon voyage!