Planning a group trip can be stressful. But, when you work with a Group Travel Coordinator, you leave the logistics to a professional Travel Advisor which increases your chances for a successful, stress-free group trip experience. Always work with a pro when you plan to go!
Multi-generational family/friends travel groups are the best!!
Your preferred Travel Agency will handle everything from transportation and accommodation reservations to booking excursions, private group dinners, photo shoots and much more so you can relax and focus on enjoying the celebration trip with your family and friends.
Group’s private boat excursion in the D.R.
Excursion included a group lunch on a private island in the D.R.
Whether it’s for a milestone Birthday, Anniversary or a Destination Wedding, celebrations and Travel with Friends go so very well together!! Let’s Go Groups! Contact your preferred Travel Advisor ASAP!!
40th Birthday Celebration Group at Secrets Cap Cana, Dominican Republic!
Happy 40th Birthday Chanel!
Private photo shoot for Chanel’s 40th Birthday celebration in the Dominican Republic.
TLC Travels’ Tours & Cruises is a Boutique Travel Agency specializing in small, intimate groups of 10 to 40 people traveling together, preferably for celebrations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and other U.S. destinations.
Whether you’re looking for a cruise, hotel accommodations, tour/excursions or an entire all-inclusive vacation package for your group trip, we have you covered! We work directly with reputable travel companies, including Hotels/Resorts, Cruise Lines, Amtrak, and other major travel suppliers to get the best value for your travel budget. Contact us for travel planning, booking assistance and reservations management services for your next group travel event today!
People love to cruise, and are craving to get back to it. This is part of the reason that makes the cruise travel industry so resilient. We know that most cruise travel lovers will return to the seas as soon as the CDC- (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) admits that cruises too, can be made safe to do so, just as they have by allowing the return to restaurants, bars, trains, airplanes, resorts and other venues where people gather.
Please, keep these facts in mind as you consider booking your next cruise vacation.
Cruise ships are cleaned and sanitized, under normal circumstances, with a frequency that is nearly unparalleled in other settings.
Cruise ship crews regularly clean and sanitize surfaces known for transmitting germs multiple times a day, such as handrails, door handles, faucets, etc.
Cruise passengers are reminded to wash their hands regularly and hand sanitizers are readily available in public locations throughout cruise ships. This is a known major factor as hand hygiene is critically important to protecting public health, which our public health officials have been reminding us of on a daily basis for some time now.
Unlike any other travel provider, CLIA member cruise ships must be equipped with medical facilities that meet the standards set forth by the American College of Emergency Physicians, with doctors and medical personnel available 24/7 and the ability to isolate contagious passengers to minimize the risk to others onboard.
Find examples of what a few of our favorite cruise lines are doing to prepare for a safe and healthy return to cruising for their passengers:
Royal Caribbean International: “We are currently laser-focused on additional safety enhancements for our return to service. To develop our future boarding screening process and updated health protocols, we are collaborating with government health authorities, the Cruise Lines International Association, and our own team of medical experts. Please know that every decision we make, and all of the fine-tuning we do, has your well-being in mind. We miss you – and can’t wait to welcome you back onboard.”
Princess Cruises; The latest Princess Cruises’ news where you can find information regarding recent world health events surrounding COVID-19 and the impact to Princess voyages.
Celebrity Cruises: “We’ve been hard at work developing new health and safety protocols to keep you Healthy at Sea. We’ve partnered with medical and scientific advisors from our Healthy Sail Panel, our Global Head of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer; and local health and government authorities to guide us in the development of our protocols. These measures include reduced capacities, enhanced cleaning and sanitization and physical distancing. As we return to sailing, your health and safety remains our top priority.”
These are indeed cautionary times for our health, safety and wellbeing throughout the world. We now have a whole new set of rules and regulations to follow as it pertains to living and traveling in wellness around the globe. TRAVEL IS BACK and Cruising again will soon be too. These are no longer the times for safe and stress-free DIY travel planning. Please, contact your preferred travel advisor for vacation planning and reservations assistance. #ReadySetSail #WeAreCruise #TLCTravels
Tina Little-Coltrane: Travel Agency Owner, Travel Advisor
I just returned from a wonderful stay at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort on beautiful Aruba which was nothing short of amazing. From the moment my husband and I arrived in their driveway, we were courteously greeted with genuine smiles and accommodating hospitality throughout our entire stay at Bucuti & Tara.
Welcome to Bucuti & Tara and Happy Birthday Mr. Coltrane!
We arrived on my husband’s 66th Birthday and to our surprise, we were graciously assigned an Oceanfront “Tara Suite” on the 3rd floor level of the Tara building that provided the most AMAZING ocean views!
Also added to our surprise from the Management and Concierge staff -(THANK-YOU ANGELA!!), a complimentary bottle of Sparkling Wine to begin my husband’s birthday celebration!
Let the Birthday Celebration Begin! Thank you Bucuti & Tara!
We Thank everyone, so very much, at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort for making our stay for my husband’s birthday EXTRA Special!!
More about Bucuti & Tara:
Private Romantic Dinner Cabana
As the No. 1 Hotel for Romance in the Caribbean for the fourth straight year and No. 8 Hotel for Romance in the World according to TripAdvisor, Bucuti & Tara offers an intimate, Romantic Beach-Cabana Dinner for two at their infamous Elements Restaurant on beautiful Eagle Beach in Aruba.
Happy Birthday Mr. Coltrane!
After reserving the Romantic Cabana Dinner experience on the Beach for my husband’s birthday dinner, I later decided to opt out of sitting outside in the evening, (for my personal comfort issues). One day prior to arrival, I cancelled our Cabana reservation and asked to be seated inside instead, which they very graciously honored my request.
Although with my choice of dining indoors, our 6-course Romantic Dinner meal was amazing and delicious too, professionally served in a timely manner by their award-winning staff!
Mr. & Mrs. Coltrane
Bucuti & Tara offers the very best for couples in need or want of a romantic getaway that includes a wellness vacation. I have witnessed and experienced that Bucuti & Tara delivers an intimate ADULTS-only, tranquil and natural environment in Aruba with laidback luxury for travelers seeking a romantic Caribbean experience.
Peace, Love & Happiness! Naturally! Happens at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba!
Here you will be able to relax, recharge, and reconnect in a serene environment at this luscious boutique resort located on Eagle Beach.
Standard Gardenview Suites in the Bucuti Building
Bucuti & Tara is an owner-operated, eco-friendly resort that has received many honors including TripAdvisor’s #1 Resort in the Caribbean and Most Romantic Hotel in the World. This property has facilities that include a beach bar with daily Happy Hour, daily Healthy Hour, Day Spa, Movies on the Beach, Gift shop, Fitness Center, Freshwater pool, car rental desk, multilingual concierge staff, and a spacious beach with comfortable lounge chairs. Near the resort are a variety of restaurants, shops, bars and a world-class casino.
Also important to note; all 59 guest rooms, 45 suites and their balconies, and public areas are NON-smoking except for 3 designated areas. Room rates include daily breakfast and all taxes and fees as well as, guests receive an iPad for their use, with free WiFi available across the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort property.
Sanitizer dispensers are easily and conveniently found throughout Bucuti & Tara, including inside and outside of their elevators.
Traveling during a world-wide health crisis is indeed intimidating but I have found Bucuti & Tara taking this pandemic spread to task with the most innovative health and safety measures for their guests and staff.
In addition to their usual, extensive housekeeping cleaning services, complete sterilization of the guest rooms takes place prior to guest arrival using the most advanced technology available. Find more information about Bucuti’s response to COVID-19and their new safety and health protocols HERE.
As a Travel Advisor and advocate promoting ways for us to return to traveling the world in a safe and healthy manner, my goal is for travel lovers to feel confident and informed with the destinations I suggest.
It has been exactly one week as of today, Saturday, November 28, 2020, that I check-out of the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba after spending the 1st three-nights of our six-night stay on beautiful, sunny Aruba. I will have more about what it was like to travel to Aruba during a pandemic on another post later.
My stay at the Boardwalk was unique, different, and enjoyable as that is what describes this Boutique Hotel property located in the famous Palm Beach area on the one happy island.
Travelers and nature lovers alike, seeking Peace, Serenity and/or solitude will enjoy their time here. And, with Aruba being the tiny island that it is, all of 19+ miles long and 6+ miles wide, getting around to find food and other needed items is not a problem at all from the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba. It is an easy walk to Palm Beach areas as the Boardwalk’s location is across the street from The Ritz-Carlton and The Marriott Resorts. Also, very doable, is getting to the public bus stop which gives easy and affordable access daily to other areas around Aruba.
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba consists of 46 spacious, Caribbean casitas featuring a kitchen, modern bathroom, private patio with hammock and Barbeque Grill. There are 5 different categories of casitas.
Coco Casita #303
My 3-night stay was in one of their 14 “Coco Casitas”. These Caribbean-designed casitas are fully air-conditioned, one-space suites with kitchenette, separate bathroom, and a patio with BBQ.
Coco Casita at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
During my stay, I had the opportunity to do a walk-thru review of the “One-Bedroom Casita with Pool-view”. There are currently five casitas of these category available on property. The spacious, fully air-conditioned 1-bedroom Casitas are centrally located around the pool sanctuary and comes with a FULLY equipped kitchen, oversized private patio with BBQ, hammock, and outdoor dining set. The separate bedroom holds a king bed or 2 queen beds.
One-Bedroom with Pool View Casita at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
Boardwalk’s welcoming lobby with front desk reception who provide personalized concierge services, free beach towels, coolers and so much more are available to make you feel comfortable and at ease during your stay.
Welcome to Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
This family-run hotel, set on the lush grounds of a historic coconut plantation, has welcomed travelers of all ages that crave authentic, local experiences and personalized services since 1989.
The fully gated Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba offers their guests free on-site parking, and WiFi as well as complimentary beach services across the street on Palm Beach that include beach huts and lounge chairs.
Secured Gated Community at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
Contact your preferred Travel Advisor for more information and reservations assistance for a stay at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba and/or visit their website for updates.
Watch my arrival and inital review of Coco Casita #303 here on YouTube:
Tina Little-Coltrane, Travel Advisor/Owner of TLC TRAVELS’ TOURS & CRUISES!
If you are a travel lover like me, now at month 10 of this 2020 Pandemic -aka- COVID-19 era, you are probably “feenin” right about now for your next trip. Well, how we move and groove throughout the world has changed significantly now, and especially in regards to how we travel.
Find out how and where to get a COVID test taken days/hours before your departure date at a local health facility in your area, preferrably one who understands the requirement for travel with the mission being to get everyone back to traveling again in a safe and healthy manner.
Always check the websites, frequently, of the Airline or Cruiseline you are traveling with to stay updated on what to do and what not to do before, during and after your trip. Health and safety rules and regulations seem to be changing every other week at this point.
“As we schedule flights to Hawaii, the Caribbean and our international markets, we’re prioritizing your safety and peace of mind. That’s why we’ve partnered with LetsGetChecked and CareNow, plus several international governments, to offer you special rates on COVID-19 testing. If you test negative for COVID-19, you’ll be exempt from a 14-day quarantine at select destinations.”
3 ways to get tested
To skip the 14-day quarantine, you must complete a test* within 72 hours of the last leg of your trip before arriving at your destination:
At-home test from LetsGetChecked (with a 48-hour turnaround time on average)
In-person testing at select CareNow urgent care locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (DFW) area
Onsite rapid testing at DFW airport, administered by CareNow
Keep in mind you’re responsible for completing your test in time for your departing flight. To save time, we recommend all connecting travelers use our at-home testing. If you’re using our rapid testing, you should add 1 extra hour to your normal check-in time.
A negative test result is required to board for some international flights, and we’ll assist you in rescheduling your flight and issue a trip credit if needed. If you test positive in one of our onsite testing centers, you’ll need to quarantine for 14 days at your own expense.
*You may also use your own local testing provider. Check your destination government’s website for specific testing requirements and confirm that your provider’s testing complies.*
Find out more about American Airlines’ “Clean Commitment” plan of action to get us, who are so ready to travel again, back to our destinations of choice in a safe and healthy manner.
Stay up-to-date on the ever-changing travel restrictions and safety requirements you’ll need to know in order to fly again. Sherpa is your guide to getting the necessary travel documentations you will need before heading to the Airport as well as being your resource for understanding current travel regulations.
After spending a very informative 2+ hours yesterday afternoon on back-to-back Zoom Meetings with the Aruba Tourist Authority, I have lots of new “travel to the tiny island” protocols, health & safety practices, as well as HIDDEN Vacation SALES information to mentally unpack and file away in my TLC Knows “need-to-know” files!
The following information reflects the most up-to-date information as it pertains to Aruba’s reopening protocols and procedures. Aruba’s health and safety protocols are being reevaluated on an ongoing basis. Based on these unprecedented and ever-changing time, the Aruba Government and Health officials recommend all travelers to #Aruba check Aruba.com frequently for any changes to dates, markets, required procedures and more.
When you are ready to travel again and have selected the beautiful, tiny island of Aruba as your next destination, be sure to visit the COVID-19 Testing Requirements page for the exact details for the state you reside in and are traveling from.
Prior to travel, we recommend that you download the Aruba Department of Public Health’s Aruba Health App. This is a mobile app resource for information on COVID-19 health procedures in Aruba, facilitation of the airport health screening, and faster results for Molecular PCR COVID-19 tests taken in Aruba.
As part of Aruba’s Traveler Health Requirement, the Government of Aruba requires all visitors to undergo a Molecular SARS-CoV-2 test based on a nasal swab before entering Aruba. Children aged 14 and under are exempt. This must be completed within 72-hours of travel departure.
Again, in order to maintain the safety and well-being of visitors and locals, these new requirements are in place for visitors to be permitted to enter and enjoy Aruba safely. There are also new government-mandated procedures for visitors while staying in Aruba. You can find them all listed here step-by-step but the following are just a few:
All visitors will be required to complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation card process and be approved in order to be permitted entry to Aruba. The new ED card process includes five components. Do take note carefully, as there are important steps, and visitors will not be granted access to Aruba without completing the process. Note: You will need a valid passport and a valid email address that you have access to.
Also new and very important, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Aruba must ensure that all visitors are properly insured. The Aruba Visitors Insurance is a mandatory insurance that helps protect visitors against incurred medical and non-medical expenses if testing positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Aruba.
Keep in mind that some countries/states/cities require returning travelers to undergo mandatory quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival back home. There are currently 2 clinics that perform COVID-19 tests for departing Aruba travelers:
Remember, as these are ever-changing times, this information too is subject to change at the discretion of the Government of Aruba so be sure to check with your preferred Travel Advisor for updates and at Aruba.com .
Tina Little-Coltrane, Owner/Travel Advisor at TLC TRAVELS’ TOURS & CRUISES! Visit us at BOOKTLCTRAVELS.com for more information.
As of Monday June 15th, Jamaica reopened it’s borders to international travelers. The past few months have indeed been hard on all of us. So, finding ways for healthy living with COVID-19 which includes proactive practices for us to remain safe and responsible while traveling is a must. Jamaica is now ready with a plan of action to do just that!
In Phase 1, which runs from June 15 – 30, all travelers should be aware of changes in the entry requirements. All persons intending to travel to Jamaica will now be required to secure a Travel Authorization form found and completed online. Also, as part of additional risk management measures, and to ensure that residents and visitors stay safe, Jamaica will require all high-risk passengers, upon arrival, to submit to a mandatory PCR-(nasal) swab-test. All persons arriving from countries where there is high community transmission will be tested.
Just to reiterate, the new procedures for travelers arriving in Jamaica are as follows:
Pre-Departure
Secure approval online for the Travel Authorization. This is to be completed within 72 hours of checking in. This is a requirement for checking in for your flight.
Passengers are encouraged to purchase appropriate travel insurance for their journey. TLC Travels’ Tours & Cruises can assist you with this too.
Wear face masks and practice physical distancing throughout the journey.
During the Flight
Follow the protocols established by the airline for a comfortable flight to Jamaica.
Practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene to the extent possible.
Upon Arrival
Wear face mask in all public spaces while in Jamaica.
Have Travel Authorization available for the Health and Immigration Officials.
Be prepared to follow the instructions of these Officials.
Proceed through immigration, customs and transfer to your Hotel/Resort accommodation where you will “Stay in Place”, typically 24-48hrs, while awaiting your test results.
Again, this applies to Phase 1 of the reopening and runs to June 30. More information for future travel dates will be shared as it becomes available.
Thank you for your love, interest and tourism support of this beautiful Caribbean island and people of Jamaica!
Contact us for more travel information and booking assistance for your next or 1st trip to the Island of One Love, Jamaica!
Tina Little-Coltrane : Agency Owner and Travel Advisor
“The new reality’ of vacationing: Don’t be afraid but don’t be overconfident, either,… be sure to Work with a PROFESSIONAL #TravelAgent when planning & booking your next trip!!
“A #Travel Advisor pro will help prepare you for your #vacation experience with the latest information. We’ll ensure you choose a financially solvent travel company that won’t go bankrupt halfway through your trip.” A competent agent will also be your travel advocate that can also hold your hand and resolve any travel problems before, during & after your trip.
“Now more than ever, a trusted travel adviser can help you navigate all the considerations that go into planning a trip that revitalizes rather than drains you during these trying times,” says Rachel Dicker, a Virtuoso-affiliated travel adviser from Austin, Texas.
As a professional travel advisor and advocate for before, during and after your trip, my mission is always to keep your best financial interests in mind as my client while also meeting your travel needs and wants. We know that times aren’t easy right now, but we believe with time and a positive attitude while keeping proactive practices in place, we’ll get through this stronger and better together. And when we do, we will be here, ready, willing and able to get you traveling again.
TLC TRAVELS’ TOURS & CRUISES CANNOT and will NOT conceive a thought of travel not coming back! Travel always comes back! The adventure is not over, it’s just postponed for a bit. Following through with a plan is where your next adventure begins. As a trusted Travel Advisor and professional Advocate for travel, my goal is to keep you moving forward by continuing the dream of your next trip! We have faith that we will travel again soon so my intention is to keep you motivated and updated with Sales, Special Offers and information on how you can live your best travel life later in 2020 and beyond.
We can get their best rates and savings on flights, hotels, cars and more when we book your vacation all together in a nice, neat bundled package. When you book your next trip at TLC Travels’ Tours & Cruises, we can also create a package to anywhere they fly so you’ll save time and money too by working with us.
Low Booking Deposit Options: Often available to you when booking with your trusted Travel Advisor, low deposit amounts starting from as little as $200. Also, lay away payment options with up to 45 days prior to departure, with no extra cost to you.
Use an eligible mileage rewards credit card to pay for your trip and earn additional award miles for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases when booking with a corresponding Airline, including booking a vacation package.
Price Match Guarantee: If you find a lower priced package with another seller of travel within 24-hours of booking that has the exact same components of the Airlines’ vacation package that we booked for you, they promise to review the discrepancy and will make every reasonable effort to match the competitor’s price and/or issue a credit for the eligible difference.
As your Travel Advisor and Advocate, our Airline partner teams are there to help us help you when we book your trip and/or need support during your trip. We know all too well, especially now, things happen even when we travel or plan to, which is why we also highly encourage a trip protection option with every travel package.
Can you book your next trip alone? Well of course you can but please remember this, Google and other impersonal travel platforms online may have an answer for just about everything related to travel but at the end of the day, the search engines DO NOT and WILL NOT live up to the expertise of and personalized support you’ll receive from a professional Travel Advisor/Consultant -aka- #TravelAgent. Always work with a Travel Pro when you plan to go! #UseATravelAgent
Do you have a vacation goal or would you like to create one that you are ready to make a reality? Then, contact us today. We have lot’s of special travel offers to share with you. Let’s do it! #BookNowTravelLater!!
In case you hadn’t heard, #NCL is giving you an opportunity to experience the rush of excitement you will feel as you uncover the mysteries of #MachuPicchu while standing atop the #Andes. It’s the delight in learning the proper way to eat gelato in #Italy — for breakfast.
The magic of your #travels leaves an enduring mark through the memories you create and share. That’s what makes the journey so extraordinary. Make plans at #TLCTravels NOW to sail aboard #NorwegianCruise Line and experience #Africa, #Europe, #Tahiti and so much more on one of their NEW uniquely designed #ExtraordinaryJourneys that will allow you a more immersive experience and discover how this #Travel journey can change you.
Contact me #ASKTina for more information including reservations assistance TODAY!! 336-675-5280
#TravelLifeWell #ChooseCruise #Vacation #FeelFree to let these journeys change you! TLC Travels’ Tours & Cruises!! BOOKTLCTRAVELS.com
All the linked posts under this blog are an outcome of my observations about the things that often go unnoticed and the things that are often taken for granted.
Heading out of Australia to escape this Aussie winter. First stop Japan, then UK/Ireland and if work doesn't call me back, onto Chicago. I will make it up as I go along
TLC Knows About It! TLC TravelS! 
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