Travel with Diane: 2014

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Destination weddings are fun and exciting; but most importantly, they are a unique and innovative way to start a life with someone you love!

Not sure you want a traditional formal wedding ceremony? Destination weddings can open up a vista of possibilities. They are the perfect option for people who want both the romance of a traditional wedding, as well as the excitement of travel and sightseeing.

The concept is as simple as it is unique. A typical destination wedding takes place in an exotic locale. The ceremony and reception are held over a long weekend and include a host of fun activities that the entire group can enjoy. Once the formal ceremonies are over, the couple can choose to stay for the honeymoon or travel to a different destination.

But be forewarned…Planning these weddings requires a lot of work. There are several details that need to be worked out in addition to the usual flowers, food, cake, etc. Apart from choosing the location (which itself can be difficult), hotel accommodations, travel itinerary, and group activities also have to be organized. However, at the end of it you have a grand affair with beautiful memories you’ll never forget.

Perhaps the biggest deterrent to more people choosing destination weddings is the financial angle. The general notion is that it is an extravagance that can only be afforded by those who have a bottomless wallet. Most wedding planners and bridal consultants, however, are quick to rubbish these misconceptions.

A four day weekend with a small and private group of guests works out a whole lot cheaper than organizing a lavish meal and reception for 200 people at a hotel in your city. And most of these wedding packages include a rehearsal dinner, a formal sit-down wedding, and a farewell brunch. Now, that is great value!

Besides, the bride and groom are not obliged to pay for everybody’s airfare. It is customary for the guests to buy their own plane tickets, while the couple picks up the tab for accommodations, food, beverages, and any activities they may have organized for the group. If members of the party feel like indulging in recreational activities on the side, that, of course, will come out of their pockets.

When hosting a wedding in a foreign locale, most couples choose to hire an on-site wedding coordinator who is responsible for the entire event. From hiring local vendors to arranging air transportation and even handling last minute disasters, you can leave it all in the capable hands of the coordinator and concentrate on enjoying the most special days of your life.

Destination weddings are fun and exciting; but most importantly, they are a unique and innovative way to start a life with someone you love!

Contact Diane Gagliardo - Your Go To Honeymoon & Travel Expert at 908-905-0555 or send Diane an email.
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Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Gluten Free Travel Support

The other day I received a phone call from a potential client looking for an all-inclusive gluten-free friendly resort. Her 9 year old daughter has Celiac Disease and therefore is on a Gluten-Free diet. She was referred to me by a client whose vacation I booked this past summer. Her husband and son were gluten intolerant. During our call I realized I had planned several family vacations where a family member needed a gluten-free vacation to be planned. The first few GF bookings required I do a great deal of research. I have since accumulated a great deal of knowledge and a very thick spiral notebook full of information about which airlines, hotels and resorts, tour companies and cruise lines who cater best to those living a gluten-free life.

There was something else this phone call made me realize. I had created a niche for myself and until now, I didn't even realize it. Being in the restaurant business for many years I was already very familiar with the gluten-free diet. I worked with Legal SeaFoods, a company that always put that extra attention on understanding and accommodating food allergy awareness. As a manager for the company, it was not just my job but my sincere pleasure to accommodate each and every guest whether they had special needs or not.

Today, it is my sincere pleasure to accommodate the traveling needs of others. I am excited to be able to provide Gluten-Free Travel Services to those who require special assistance during their vacation whether they are gluten-free by choice, gluten intolerant, or have Celiac Disease.

gluten free by choice, gluten intolerant, or had Celiac Disease - See more at: http://www.travel-agent-boston.com/specialty-travel/gluten-free-travel.aspx#sthash.tlqMNSK8.dpuf

Lesley has been especially excited over the last few years about the opportunity to work with many clients with Celiac Disease, who require special assistance ensuring the meals on their vacation will be gluten free. Lesley’s hard work and attention to detail on behalf of her clients ensures they are able to have a worry-free vacation at the resort and cruise destinations she helps them select.
When working with Lesley, you can rest assured that she will work directly with the executive chefs in advance of your trip to ensure your gluten free dietary requirements are met. She has established wonderful relationships with many resorts, cruises, and spas -- and can easily reserve spaces for her clients.

- See more at: http://www.travel-agent-boston.com/specialty-travel/gluten-free-travel.aspx#sthash.cpYksDWA.dpuf

Monday, August 4, 2014

Giving Back...Every little bit counts

Have you or has someone you know been touched by diabetes?
I have, my grandfather and a good friend.

We've decided to make the decision to make a difference...one vacation at a time.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Here, There, or Anywhere

Ever since I was a young girl I thought about going anywhere and everywhere. I started my bucket list at 10. It has grown but that original list I am happy to say I have completed.

One of the "to do's" on that 10 year old's bucket list was to see the Eiffel Tower. I still remember that moment, the first time I saw the Eiffel Tower face to face. I was on a month long back-packing adventure through Europe. I was on day 5 or 6. It was late, I was tired, cranky and I needed a long hot shower. I was in a taxi and as I gazed out the window it all of a sudden came into view. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I'm fortunate to have visited Paris many times and am always delighted to see the Eiffel Tower - it's like running into an old friend.

How about you? Do you have a bucket list?

5 Great Reasons to Have a Travel Bucket List

1) A travel bucket list, empowers us to dream the impossible, and pushes to do things we could never imagine being able to do; like climbing Kilimanjaro.

2) Once you have a list in place, you have set yourself in motion to get them accomplished.

3) Why not? Bucket lists allow you to stretch, to hope, and bring joy into your life.

4) Bucket lists allow us to inspire others, and ourselves. Bucket lists when written down empowers to believe in something greater than ourselves is possible.

5) What will you be remembered for? Accomplish a bucket list, and start a new one, what a great life to have. And on your bed surrounded by your great grandchildren you will be able to retell the life you lived.

Be unreasonable with your bucket list. Stretch and be uncomfortable. There is so much to see and do in the world, create it, frame it, and place it in front of your computer. Everyone has the power to be, to do, and to live the life they desire. A bucket list gives you a road map, and vision of the person you want to be.
What is on your travel bucket list?

Our mission should you choose to accept it, is to empower you to experience the world.

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