Planning a bachelorette party can be super fun, but let’s face it – it’s also super stressful.  With anywhere from 5 to 20 ladies traveling from different cities with different schedules and budgets, you want to make sure the destination you pick is fun and easy for everyone.  With over 10 years of experience, I put together the best and most popular destinations to consider when celebrating the bride-to-be. 

First thing is first, before even looking into destinations, contact a travel agent! Discussing the multiple destinations, airports, airlines and hotels with a large group can get overwhelming.  Listening to different opinions and requests while playing the man in the middle between the bride and the travel agent, sounds like a full-time job.  I like to make it easy and convenient for my groups.  Let me be the point of contact and relieve you of the workload.  For instance,  if someone has a preference of airline or needs to travel on alternative dates, I will make it work! While one person may want to travel straight from work on a Friday evening, someone else may prefer starting fresh on a Saturday morning.  Someone from New Jersey might prefer Newark airport while you live only minutes from JFK in New York.  Regardless of the reason, I am happy to accommodate everyones’ requests. Let me help you stay organized and give each of the girls the personal attention they deserve.  Also, in most cases, 20 different girls means 20 different forms of payment.  You’re trying to plan a bachelorette party, not be a personal assistant.  Collecting all different forms of payments while keeping track of who paid what and when is unnecessary.  Which reminds me, websites and most other travel agents, do not accept multiple forms of payment or the choice to pay with a small deposit.  At G World Travel, that is not problem! This should be a convenient, fun experience for all, and I can make that possible. 

From wild and crazy nights on the town to low-key, relaxation on the beach, G World Travel is ready to help any bride and her crew plan a fabulous “last-fling-before-the-ring”.

Cancun offers something for everyone. Basking on the beach, popping bubbly at high energy nightclubs, taking an adventurous outdoor tour and being pampered at a lavish spa, are all great ways to celebrate with the bride-to-be. Cancun is also home to some of the best all-inclusive beach resorts on the Caribbean coast. All-inclusive resorts include all your meals, beverages(liquor too!) and on-site activities. This helps to keep everyone within a budget while avoiding the awkward scene when the bill comes at dinner.

Las Vegas is a no brainer. As the unofficial bachelorette party capital, Las Vegas has a wide range of options to craft the perfect experience for any bride’s last fling. Luxurious suites for some pre-gaming, celebrity DJ’s at infamous nightclubs, star studded entertainment and 5-star cuisine are just a few reasons to put Vegas at the top of your bachelorette party list. Plus, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?

Napa Valley is a scenic spot perfect for the wine lovers. Chic accommodations, world class spas and lush vineyards all combine to make Napa Valley a fun choice for a bachelorette party. Consider renting a limo, hopping on a party bus or biking your way through the picturesque vineyards. So, grab your espadrilles and sun dresses for a sophisticated weekend among friends in the main wine growing region of the US.

Miami is a lively, bright city with so much incredible culture, nightlife, beaches and food. Miami delivers a tropical vibe without having to leave the country. You’ll be enjoying pool parties during the day and the hottest nightlife in the evening. And, it doesn’t stop there. Miami offers fabulous shopping, museums, art galleries, and cafes. It is an affordable destination with many flight, hotel and airport options, making it super convenient for everyone.

Ibiza is the party capital of the world known for its wild nightlife, open air clubs and pool parties. making it the perfect place for a spicy, tropical getaway with your besties. For days when you want to slow things down, enjoy the fine cuisine, culture, shopping, beaches and sightseeing. If you have chosen Ibiza for your bachelorette party, in all probability it will have been because of its clubs and parties and there is no shortage of them.

Montreal offers a European experience minus the long-haul flight. Brush up on your French while taking in the amazing blend of European and North American culture all mashed into one. You and your girls will feel like you have escaped to Europe. Spend a day shopping and chowing down on some authentic poutine and beignets. In the evenings, you’ll have no problem finding a fun party scene with top international DJs spinning your favorite tunes.

Full of southern charm, Charleston will spoil you with charming surroundings, world-class restaurants and beautiful beaches. During the day, plan a yoga class on the beach, a boat cruise on the bay, brunch at a popular southern cuisine restaurant or bike around town. Come nightfall, the city of Charleston transforms into one big nightlife district. Relax, recharge and party your way through this historic, vibrant city.

Easily one of the best times I had on vacation was to Cabo. Cabo’s beautiful beaches and thriving nightlife definitely do not disappoint. As I mentioned for Cancun, Cabo is another area in Mexico, also offering some of the best all-inclusive beach resorts. It offers a variety of activities that appeal to all types of travelers. Looking for a spa day, a fabulous pool scene, adventurist tours, great shopping or wild nightlife? Cabo has it all and then some!

Born and raised in New York, I can tell you, believe the hype! And, for those of you who are also New Yorkers, you know the city that never sleeps is a fabulous stay-cation spot! Surround yourself with endless entertainment, world-class culture, shopping, dining and nightlife in this urban jungle. Whether you’re a first time visitor or call New York home, there is always something new to discover.

Take a Caribbean vacation without the need for a passport. Puerto Rico is a year round vacation destination with beaches ready to welcome you anytime of the year. Puerto Rico is also known for its great nightlife, beautiful hospitality, picturesque beaches, historic sites and latin-cuisine. Spend some time trying your luck at a casino or dancing the night away at one of the many dance clubs. Your friends will love the vibrant island with its warm weather and how convenient it is to travel to. Win, win!

Want a Caribbean beach vacation with your besties, without the high cost of one? Well, consider Punta Cana! As one of the more affordable Caribbean Islands, Punta Cana offers numerous all-inclusive hotels located on a combination of gorgeous beaches, all of them wide and boasting clean white, golden sands. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing wellness resort or one offering quite the party scene. You can totally get your zen on here or splash around in a foam party. As the island continues to expand, there are always great deals and new properties to check out.

As your baby bump begins to grow so may your desire for one last hurrah before the stork makes that special delivery! In recent years, “babymoons,”  a vacation a couple takes prior to having baby, has become the “it” trend.  And like all good trends, it’s here to stay! 

Parents are on the hunt for a safe and practical escape, and at G World Travel we can totally help with that! Parents-to-be are more inclined than ever to book a vacation prior to baby’s arrival and use the opportunity to relax and spend quality time as a couple.  Even if it’s just a few days away, the popular babymoon is a great way to prepare your hearts and minds for baby. When you are back at home, you’ll be heading into parenthood with light hearts, clear heads and fond memories from when it was just the two of you.

Whether you love exploring in a city filled with history and culture, taking in sweeping mountain views, relaxing on a beautiful beach, or getting pampered at an upscale spa, there are amazing babymoon options for any type of vacation.  Zika

Babymoon requests have become the new normal at G World Travel and it usually leads right into the conversation of the dreadful Zika mosquito.  Those pesky bugs are still a concern in 2019, although, there are less cases than in previous years.  Luckily, there are beautiful, Zika-free destinations that will take care of your vacation itch.  From the island of Bermuda to the newly cleared Bahamas, and The Cayman Islands, these Caribbean destinations are perfect for a Zika-free babymoon.  They offer some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, fine dining and warm temps.  The options don’t end there.  Enjoy a vacation to the picturesque island of Kauai, or fall in love with the southern charm of Charleston, South Carolina.  Looking for something international? The Amalfi Coast is never one to disappoint and the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a perfect place for some R&R.  Be Realistic 
That food tasting tour in Italy might not be the best option and the 22-hour travel time with multiple connections to Fiji, also may not be the best idea.  Don’t let that spoil your plans.  There are countless options, from California and St. Barths to Spain and Portugal. Plus, hotels are now catching on to the babymoon trend and offering prenatal massages, pregnancy yoga classes and more.   Plan AccordinglyMorning sickness, food aversions, fatigue and other symptoms, are common in the first couple of months. Women typically find that once the second semester rolls around, they begin to settle into the pregnancy. I recommend using the first trimester to plan your babymoon and the second semester to travel. Doctor’s OrdersIt’s important for your doctor to clear you to travel. You’ll want to pay them a visit before you plan and don’t forget to pick up a copy of your medical records. Having them handy will be much easier than making calls, in the event you need them while you’re away. So whether it’s a domestic trip to New Orleans or internationally to Lisbon, make sure to discuss this with your doctor prior to traveling. Packing EssentialsBefore you jet off, here are some tips on what to pack so you’re well prepared for your much needed getaway.  Don’t only pack your instagram-worthy wardrobe, cool and light clothing is a must, along with comfortable shoes.  Your favorite belly butter, prenatal vitamins, broad-spectrum sunscreen (It is common to have sensitive skin during pregnancy, so up the ante on your SPF), a wide brim hat to keep you shaded and cool, sunglasses, an all-natural bug spray, a reusable water bottle and a baby-naming book will all come in handy. Travel TipsStaying hydrated is essential especially while baby is brewing. Bring a reusable water bottle, not only stored in your carry-on but also to keep in arms-length while you’re away.  You’ll find yourself drinking more when it is easily accessible. I also love a good facial mist for helping to stay hydrated and for instant relief from the sun’s strong rays.  Toss some healthy snacks in your purse while on tours or excursions. They may even come in handy during those late night cravings.  While not a must, compression socks and a neck pillow will make flying a little more comfortable.  I also strongly recommend asking your travel agent about booking a photography session with a local photographer.  Many hotels have a preferred photographer with experience on the hotel grounds and/or surrounding areas, as well as, maternity shoots and couple portraits.  Many offer exclusive package deals to hotel guests.  It is a special time so why not capture these moments and one day share the pictures with your little person.  Always check in on the CDC’s website for travel advisories that might effect the area you are traveling to.  Finally, remember to relax and unwind while being romantic with your significant other.  It might be the last time for awhile that you can both connect while taking a quiet, adults-only vacation.  

Photo: Fairmont Mayakoba Wedding planned by G World Travel 

As traditional weddings become pricier (New York and New Jersey being the most expensive states in the country to get married in), destination weddings are becoming increasingly more popular – and for good reason.  Here are some pros to help you make the decision to take the plunge in paradise.

Postcard Worthy Backdrops

From white sandy beaches overlooking turquoise blue waters, and lush gardens with tall palm trees to jaw- dropping cliffside views, destination weddings offer the opportunity for you to have an iPhone-wallpaper-worthy backdrop for your wedding. There’s nothing quite like a stunning view.  Not to mention, a beautiful environment brings a glow to your face, and a vacation puts everyone in the best spirits. 

Photo Ops

Speaking of backdrops, destination weddings really take wedding photography to a whole other level.  It doesn’t get any better for a wedding photographer. Your photographer will soak up the natural lighting and capture beautiful memories in the prettiest setting. The photo opportunities are endless.

Savings 

Destination weddings are a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding. Many locations in the Caribbean and Mexico even offer free wedding packages.  Many resorts and locations have wedding packages inclusive of the essential vendors and services needed, so you don’t have to go crazy trying to budget or stay in touch with different companies.  Most destination wedding venues charge one cost for everything.  Including, at no additional charge, your on-site wedding planner. Most likely, you will not have as many guests attend your destination wedding as you would if you stayed local. That all adds up to fewer people you need to feed, less flowers/décor you need to have and more money in your pocket.

More Time to Celebrate

Picture cramming in getting ready, taking photos, a ceremony, dinner, dancing and mingling with guests within a few hours.  A destination wedding is the perfect way to keep the party going.  Many couples say once their wedding day is over, they wish it could have lasted longer.  With a destination wedding, you and your guests celebrate you and your love for multiple days and enjoy a vacation as well. With destination weddings, you’ll have days instead hours to celebrate and you can control how many different events you’ll have. The possibilities are endless.  From a welcome cocktail party, day excursions, game night, farewell dinner, bridal party brunch and more. There aren’t many opportunities where you’ll have so many people you love, all in the same location so plan away. Destination weddings give you time and that is irreplaceable. 

Incentives

Many resorts commonly offer great concessions inclusive of and not limited to, resort credits for all your guests, room upgrades, free nights, free events and more! After years of planning destination weddings, I know exactly which places hold the best value, incentives and overall experience.  

Planning Is a Breeze

Forget about running to different vendors before and after your wedding day.   Plan everything from the comfort of your home.  I make myself available to my clients via email, phone or text, 7 days a week.  I become the point of contact for all guests so my brides are not worrying about anyone’s travel arrangements.  I also put my clients in touch with a professional on-site wedding planner who will handle all the details of their ceremony and reception planning.  That’s one person in charge of everything – wedding related.  Sounds like a piece of wedding cake.

More Vacation Time

With a destination wedding, you’re either already in your honeymoon location or it’s the perfect excuse for another vacation.  Many of my clients choose to extend their stay for some alone time, long after guests are gone or they change hotels for a more intimate, adults-only experience, while some of my clients jet off to another destination or return home before taking a honeymoon.  As if you needed any more of a reason to extend your vacation.  

Many travelers might not realize what they are missing out on when they don’t use a travel agent. After many years of planning the perfect vacation, I can shed some light on the topic. Here are several reasons why you should leave the planning to the professionals.

Experience + Knowledge (We kinda know it all) 

Travel agents know the market and we are able to match you with a better product than you can find on the internet.  We narrow down choices based on your desires.  Online booking engines have actually made it more confusing to plan a vacation.  The explosion of options, sites, hotels, airports, airlines, insurance plans, tours, restrictions and fees, is overwhelming. What might appear like a great fare online could actually have tons of fine print restricting you from selecting seats, checking luggage or having a carry-on, and no option to cancel or rebook. Not to mention, the long layover you weren’t planning for or the hefty, mandatory, daily resort fee you did not budget for.  The big online travel sites package their data for what they want you to see, but not always what you really need to see.  

Advocate (We got your back!)
If something goes wrong on your trip, we are ready to bat for you – no matter who is at fault.  G World Travel is available before, during and even after you have completed your travels. Need assistance during your trip but it is 2 am EST? No problem! We have a 24-hour help desk that is ready to help no matter the day or time. 

Convenience (Easy as 1,2,3!)Let’s get real, it’s 2019, who has time to sit for hours and research.  People are exhausted after their work days, attending to their children, juggling school and household duties.  Your time is valuable! Why waste another second staring at a computer screen and why wing it if we can guarantee seamless perfection? Travel agents take care of every aspect of your trip, from your flights and hotel to ground transportation and excursions. Your travel agent does the work for you, saving you invaluable time along with the headaches of scouring the internet.    

Relationships (This is getting serious)As you develop a relationship with your travel agent, they are able to target the right trips for you without even having a conversation. I get to know my clients on a personal level.  Ideally, a quick phone call or email could result in your next vacation – already planned.  We grow with you.  We learn what it is that makes you happy.  Looking forward to the swim up bar, or prefer the beach over the pool, rather do sightseeing than lounging in the sun, we get you.  We can even keep your information on file so you’re not hunting down your wallet and passport information again.   

Resources (We got this.)Travel agents have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or are not privy to.  We can sometimes get you better seats on a flight, added amenities, room upgrades and event tickets. We are also happy to make restaurant reservations and plan popular tours and activities.  Looking for restaurant recommendations, travel insurance or assistance planning an event while on vacation? No problem!  

Save Money (Cha-ching)Often, travel agents can save you money or at least match the price you find, all while saving you time and effort. There are also hidden savings built into trips. A travel agent will likely book transfers for you, included in the price. Sometimes a package that you book yourself won’t include those, making the experience appear cheaper. Don’t assume that using a travel agent will cost you more than if you booked your trip yourself. This is a common misconception.   

Added Value (Show me the money!)There are a lot of valuable add ons that consumers don’t even know about that can be added only by a travel agent. Ever wonder why the couple in the cabana next to yours got champagne or a free upgrade and you didn’t? They probably used a travel agent.  Using a travel agent provides you with unparalleled peace of mind.  In the event something goes wrong, your agent will be an invaluable resource.    

Better Options (Quality Over Quantity!)Travel agents have inside information on the best times to go to avoid crowded destinations and they sometimes even know what the new hot spots are before the masses. Want to get there first? Use a travel agent.  And, sure, reading about places to go can be fun and enticing but after narrowing it down to 20 hotels and 6 different destinations on your own, you’ll end up with a headache rather than a vacation.  

Exclusive Access (You can’t sit with us.)Some tours and experiences are only available when booking through a travel agent.  Then there are the destination weddings and corporate travel groups that most hotels will request you refer to your travel agent when looking for group rates and perks.  

Accessibility (Press 1 to talk to someone in another country.) I invite you to call, text or email me anytime and you’ll always reach me! Travel agents are real people.  You won’t have to call a 1-800 customer service center with an automated sequence.  At G World Travel you are a person, not a number. We invest in your happiness and satisfaction! We are in charge of some of your most favorite memories so we take our job serious.  You’ll always reach a familiar voice when calling or receive a quick response to your emails and messages.  

Read the Fine Print (Get my glasses!)A lot of online travel deals can appear too good to be true and many are. Working with a travel agent ensures that you won’t be the victim of a scam or that you won’t be deceived in any way.  Is it me or is the fine print getting finer? Work smarter, not harder.   

Support local (Small Business, Big Heart)Small business survival ensures the livelihood of communities, the creation of meaningful jobs, the support of dreams and families, and the preservation of traditional production methods. When you invest money in your local economy, you’re not just helping local business owners – you’re also helping yourself. You’re making your town a better place to live in, with a rich character, a thriving economy, and a tightly knit community. And the more local businesses prosper, the more new ones will open – making it even easier to continue shopping locally in the future. 

For a truly spectacular travel backdrop check out these up-and-coming hot spots and the classics making a big comeback. From seaside towns to historic cities, these are the spots that made top of my list for 2019!

The Cayman Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea approximately ninety miles south of Cuba.  Grand Cayman is by far the largest, the most populous, and the most visited.  Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, together referred to as the Sister Islands, are remote, rural, and sparsely populated. Grand Cayman is seeing a huge growth in the tourism industry with some of the biggest names opening luxury hotels on the island and many others breaking ground this year.  Travelers often come for excellent scuba diving or for the white sands, turquoise waters, and exclusive hotels of Seven Mile Beach.

Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago and that’s not changing anytime soon.  It stakes a serious claim to be paradise on earth.  As the hotel industry continues to follow a path of innovation and give new meaning to luxury hotel, travelers are flocking there.  With world-class diving and surfing, a range of natural, cultural and historical attractions, and plentiful accommodation options, it is one of the most popular island destinations in the world. 

Tuscany is a region in central Italy, easily one of the most influential areas on Italian and European culture. The combination of irreplaceable art, picturesque landscapes, eminently drinkable wines, breathtaking architecture, the finest cuisine and breathtaking architecture, make for a scene right out of a story book. 

Costa Rica is a holiday getaway destination perfect for the thrill seekers or the beach bums. Located in Central America, Costa Rica offers stunning coastline views of the Caribbean and Pacific oceans and vibrant, lush rainforest.  With several highly anticipated hotel openings bringing exciting new energy to the nation’s tropical hotel scene, the areas hotel growth is not slowing down.  Soak up the sun or go wild on the zip-lines or ATVs.  

The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Zurich is abuzz with activity day and night with its countless events, diverse museums, own food festival and Switzerland’s most vibrant nightlife. And if you’re after rest and relaxation, you can be in the Swiss mountains in less than an hour.

One of the more popular Greek Islands, Mykonos, is particularly famous for the picturesque town and its fantastic beaches.  It continues to draw crowds with its one-of-a-kind cliffside suites, endless views, turquoise waters and entertaining nightlife.  It is impressive how the small island is home to so many seemingly untouched beaches.  It is hard not to fall in love with such a magical place.  

Los Cabos is one of my favorite destinations for families, friends, couples and destination weddings! Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, Cabo, is known for its beaches, water sports and nightlife.  Several new luxury hotels are opening this year putting this exciting destination in the headlines and grabbing the attention of all of us in the travel industry.  

Kyoto City attracts visitors looking for traditional Japanese culture.  Kyoto’s magic is only a short bullet train ride from Tokyo. Temples and shrines draw lots of attention, as do the bamboo groves, gardens and seasonal foliage.  Those seeking a unique experience should consider their stay in a ryokan, a quintessential Kyoto experience.

With a string of exciting hotel openings and upcoming events—plus more airlines offering flights to the islands—this year is an ideal time to visit Hawaii.  The Big Island is also a top tourist destination for its tropical climate, lush forests and stunning waterfalls, as well as its gorgeous beaches. The activities are endless. 

Budapest has been voted this yearʼs “European Best Destination” by travelers, with the Hungarian capital topping a list of 15 competitors! Budapest is a city geared towards tourists, with attractions, sightseeing tours, restaurants and experiences designed to give visitors a little slice of Budapest.

It’s been a spectacular year so far for tourism in The Bahamas, as it is quickly showing the fastest growth in the Caribbean.  This growth has come from a number of factors, from new air routes, the success of the Baha Mar mega-resort, and a trend of visitors traveling to the Out Islands of The Bahamas, such as Exuma and Pig Island. 

Hvar, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, is best known as a summer resort town rich in history and culture.  It is a favored destination by the rich and famous who sail into town on their mega yachts. In recent years, Prince Harry, Jay-Z & Beyonce and Roman Abramovich have all been spotted. There’s still plenty for those of us who don’t have a mega-yacht, though! Good eats, stunning views, historic monuments and fun nightlife make this spot a must see. 

Portugal’s tourism boom has made the industry one of the biggest contributors to the national economy and the largest employer for the country.  Portugal has long been popular for its beaches, historic sites and sightseeing, but tourism has broken records in the past few years.  From Lisbon, offering a rich history and a buzzing nightlife to Algarve with its beautiful cliffside views and beaches facing the Atlantic.

Located off the coast of East Africa, The Seychelles is one of the most dreamy locations attracting honeymooners and those seeking a luxury retreat.  Sailing, diving, wildlife, fishing and relaxing are the main attractions for visitors.  Plus we can’t forget the pristine beaches and water so clear, you never lose sight of your feet.

Today, Malaga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. It combines beaches, history, and archaeology with a vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping and delicious cuisine.  As the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it also attracts many art lovers to its museums and galleries.

Move over Punta Cana, Samana is on the rise.  One of the most underrated destinations in the Dominican Republic is the quiet peninsula of Samana.  Tucked away on an unspoiled white sand beach on the northeast coast, is Sublime Samana Hotel which brings class and luxury to the area.  All of this is set down in a jungle-lush natural setting of rainforests and coconut plantations.

Lyon is France’s third largest city, a qualified rival to over popular Paris. The postcard worthy, city is charming with  architecture and culture filling the cobblestone streets.  Whether you prefer to explore the streets, the museums or the countryside, Lyon has the makings for a perfect European vacation.