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KEY WEST

Being at home these days has me dreaming of sunnier days on vacation. One of my favorite vacations was going to Key West for my friend’s 50th birthday. There were four couples on the trip and I have to admit, I was a bit nervous traveling with others. I am not a late night person, and I also like being on my own some and not always with a group. I didn’t need to worry at all! Key West was the most laid-back and fun vacation. I didn’t have to worry that I wasn’t dressed up enough or out late enough. Anything goes in Key West.

I truly believe where you stay makes all the difference. We stayed at The Marker Waterfront Resort which was beautiful, and located right at the Key West Historic Seaport. It’s walkable to shopping, food and bars. The hotel has beautiful pools, but what really struck me was the decor of the hotel, and the spa-like aroma as soon as you walk in the doors. So relaxing!

Crowded bars aren’t really my thing. I’m more of a dinner and glass of wine girl. However, we had to go to Sloppy Joe’s and check out the other bars as well. We had fun going out to dinner every night, eating everything from bar food to seafood. For a special dinner, we took a boat to Latitudes Restaurant for a truly upscale dining experience. The views of the sunset were AMAZING! When we walked into the restaurant, the sunset looks like a beautiful photo in the restaurant….it was so perfect. Latitudes did not disappoint as far as the food or beverages. It was a perfect 50th birthday celebratory night. My favorite breakfast I have ever had in my life was the Lobster “BLT” Benny from Blue Heaven and I’m not sure any breakfast will ever top that.

There were other great moments. A Catamaran sunset cruise in which we saw a couple get engaged. Tour of The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Renting electric cars and driving to the Southernmost Point. Having drinks and watching more beautiful sunsets at Mallory Square. There were so many other great moments, but the best part of the vacation wasn’t where we went or what we did. It was truly the feeling of being 100% relaxed. Now isn’t that a perfect vacation?

Jodi Whoriskey – travel agent, wife, mom of 3 children and a Shih-Tzu

JZW Travel | jodi@jzwtravel.com | 610-466-5560

Barbados: A Resort For Every Type Of Traveler

We just returned from a wonderful stay in Barbados, where we were lucky enough to stay at three different hotels and tour many other resorts. Having the opportunity to actually experience the hotels, beaches and different areas of the island gives us so much more insight when helping our clients decide where they should stay.

Barbados is located in the West Indies and is known for its beautiful beaches, welcoming culture and, of course, rum! One of the things that stood out to us during this trip was just how different the resorts are from one another. Whether you’re looking for all-inclusive, adults-oriented, family-friendly, boutique, quiet and relaxing, or a resort that lets you experience more of the local culture, Barbados has an option.

While we visited many hotels during our time on the island, here are a few that stood out to us.

O2 Beach Club & Spa

Our first few nights were spent at O2 Beach Club & Spa, an all-inclusive resort with 116 rooms. O2 has an adults-only pool and building for guests ages 16 and older, while other areas of the resort welcome families. The building that welcomes families have kitchens in the rooms.

One thing we really liked about O2 is that all of the rooms face into the property toward the pools and/or ocean—there are no garden-view rooms. The rooms were beautiful, the food was great, and we really enjoyed the nightly entertainment. We also loved sitting on the beach and watching the sunset.

The staff was extremely friendly, and there are shops and restaurants within walking distance if you want to venture off property.

We think O2 is a great fit for someone who doesn’t want a huge, sprawling resort but also isn’t looking for an extremely small boutique property. It was easy to navigate, had plenty to do, and still felt relaxing.

Hilton Barbados Resort

We then stayed at the Hilton Barbados Resort, which is a family-friendly European Plan property, meaning food and drinks are not included.

This is a larger resort with 342 rooms, and every room has a water view overlooking either the ocean or the bay. There are two pools plus a children’s pool. The resort offers kids’ activities but does not have a dedicated kids club. Non-motorized water sports are included.

The hotel has been open since 2005 and has more of a familiar American-style resort feel. This could be a good option for travelers who like the amenities and familiarity of a larger hotel and want the flexibility to explore Barbados and its restaurants rather than stay at an all-inclusive.

Royalton Vessence Barbados

Another property with more of an American-style resort feel is Royalton Vessence Barbados, a newer resort that opened on June 1st.

The resort has 220 rooms and has a strong focus on wellness. It is adult-oriented rather than adults-only, so it caters primarily to an adult traveler while still allowing younger guests.

It’s a beautiful property with two pools, and non-motorized water sports are included. For travelers who prefer a newer, contemporary resort with a focus on wellness, this is one to consider.

The Rockley

Many of the resorts in Barbados are smaller boutique properties, and The Rockley is a great example.

With just 49 rooms, this property offers a very different experience from the larger resorts. If you want more of a Bajan experience, this could be the place for you.

We see The Rockley as a great fit for travelers who don’t plan to spend their entire vacation at their resort. Instead, they want a comfortable home base while getting out and experiencing the culture, restaurants, beaches and people of Barbados.

Island Inn Hotel

Island Inn Hotel is another small property with just 24 rooms. It’s all-inclusive and located a short walk from the beach.

The property also has an interesting history. One of the buildings dates back to 1804 and was originally used for rum storage before the property was eventually transformed into a hotel.

This is a resort we would recommend for travelers looking for peace, quiet and a smaller, more intimate experience.

Sugar Bay Barbados

For families looking for an all-inclusive experience, Sugar Bay Barbados is another option.

The beachfront resort opened in 2015 and has 139 rooms, four restaurants, five bars and even a late-night club. There are two pools, including one with a swim-up bar, and non-motorized water sports are included.

There is also a kids club, making this one of the properties we visited that could work particularly well for families who want the convenience of an all-inclusive vacation.

Mango Bay Resort

Mango Bay Resort has been welcoming guests since 1994 and has just 67 rooms. Located directly on the beach, it has one restaurant, one bar and live entertainment every night.

This is another property that we think works best for someone looking to relax rather than needing a huge list of restaurants, pools and activities.

What stood out to us here was the atmosphere. It had a family feel, and the managers seemed to really know their guests. For some travelers, that personal touch is exactly what they’re looking for.

Colony Club

Marriott also has several properties on the island, including Colony Club, a 96-room beachfront resort.

One of the things we loved most about Colony Club was how lush the property felt. The grounds were beautiful, and we especially loved the pools and the swim-out rooms.

The resort has two restaurants and is also home to The Rum Vault, where guests can book experiences for an additional fee, including rum tastings, private dinners and mixology classes.

If you love beautiful tropical landscaping and a resort that feels more intimate, Colony Club is definitely one we would consider.

Sandals Royal Barbados/Sandals Barbados

Unfortunately, due to weather at home, we had to cut our trip short and weren’t able to visit the Sandals properties as planned. However, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention them, as we’ve had many happy clients stay at both Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados over the years. While we weren’t able to tour them on this trip, they remain popular options for travelers looking for an adults-only, all-inclusive experience in Barbados.

There’s More to Barbados Than the Resorts

While these are just a handful of the resorts we visited, one of our biggest takeaways was that there really is a resort for every type of traveler in Barbados.

But we also think getting off the resort is an important part of experiencing this island.

We visited George Washington House, the only place George Washington ever stayed outside of what is now the United States. He traveled to Barbados when he was 19 years old and stayed on the island for seven weeks.

Another stop was Hunte’s Gardens, a beautiful and tranquil tropical garden tucked into the hills of St. Joseph. The gardens are the vision of horticulturist Anthony Hunte, who transformed a natural sinkhole into an incredible sanctuary filled with lush tropical plants. It was such a peaceful and unique place to visit.

We visited Harrison’s Cave, where a tram took us deep underground through an incredible crystallized limestone cave system. But there’s much more to do there than just the cave. The property also has a bird sanctuary, zip lining, a pool, shops and places to grab food, making it easy to spend several hours there.

We also toured the island and were able to see how different the various coasts and towns can be. Depending on where you stay, your experience of Barbados can feel completely different.

And, of course, no visit to Barbados would be complete without learning about rum! Barbados is considered the birthplace of rum, so we visited Mount Gay, which dates back to 1703 and is known as the world’s oldest continuously running rum distillery.

Our Takeaway From Barbados

What did we take away from our time in Barbados?

The people are incredibly welcoming. The island is beautiful. The resorts are diverse. And there truly is something for just about every type of traveler.

This is also exactly why we believe firsthand travel experience matters. Reading about a resort online can tell us how many rooms or restaurants it has, but being there allows us to experience the atmosphere, see the beach and rooms for ourselves, understand the location and get a much better feel for who would…and wouldn’t…be happy staying there.

That’s the knowledge we bring home with us and use when helping our clients plan their vacations.

Ready to start planning your Barbados vacation?

Schedule a complimentary consultation today and let’s create a vacation that’s perfectly tailored to you. ✈️💛
https://calendly.com/jzwtravel/vacation-consultation

We Travel For Our Clients: Why Firsthand Experience Matters

One of the best parts of being a travel advisor is getting to travel. Yes, we love seeing new places, experiencing beautiful resorts and enjoying some time away, but when we travel, we are also working.

There is only so much you can learn about a destination or resort by looking at photos online, reading descriptions and researching reviews. Actually being there gives us an entirely different perspective.

We recently returned from Grenada, where we spent six nights at Sandals Grenada. This was our first time visiting the island, and we absolutely loved it. But we didn’t spend the entire week sitting by the pool with a drink in our hands!

While we were there, we toured several other resorts on the island. We walked the properties, saw different room categories, checked out the pools and beaches, learned about the restaurants and amenities, and talked with resort staff.

And yes, that sometimes means climbing a lot of steps and walking around resorts in 90-degree heat!

Why do we do it?

Because pictures don’t tell the whole story.

A resort can look amazing online, but when we visit in person, we notice things that may never show up in a brochure. Is the resort very hilly? How far are certain rooms from the beach? Is the beach calm or better suited for someone who enjoys waves? Does the resort feel lively or quiet? Is it somewhere we would recommend for a honeymoon, a family vacation, a group of friends or someone who simply wants to relax?

Those details matter.

We also learn that two beautiful resorts on the same island can offer completely different experiences. One might be perfect for a couple celebrating an anniversary, while another may be better for a multigenerational family. A small boutique resort might be someone’s idea of paradise while another traveler would be bored after two days.

That’s why we don’t believe there is one “best” resort or one “best” destination.

There is only the one that’s best for you.

Traveling also allows us to experience the destination beyond the resort. We learn what the airport arrival is like, how long transfers actually feel, what the roads are like, what there is to do off property and what makes that particular island or destination special.

And sometimes we learn things we weren’t expecting.

There have been destinations we liked more than we thought we would, resorts that looked completely different in person than they did online, and places that immediately made us think of certain clients because we knew they would love them.

Firsthand experience is incredibly valuable in this business, but we also know that we can’t personally visit every resort, cruise ship, city and country in the world. That’s where research, training and our relationships with suppliers and other travel professionals become just as important.

Travel is constantly changing, which means we’re constantly learning.

So when you see us posting from a beautiful beach, touring a cruise ship or walking through another resort, we are definitely enjoying the experience. But we’re also paying attention.

We’re taking pictures. We’re asking questions. We’re looking at rooms. We’re checking out beaches. We’re noticing locations. We’re thinking about which of our clients would love it and which ones probably wouldn’t.

Because when we travel, we’re not just making our own memories.

We’re gathering the knowledge that helps us plan yours.

Should I Work With a Travel Advisor or Book My Vacation on My Own?

Workspace with a digital map of Italy on a tablet, a globe, travel notes, a passport, and travel accessories

With so many travel websites available at our fingertips, it’s easy to wonder whether you really need a travel advisor. After all, you can book flights, hotels, cruises, and tours online in just a few clicks.

So why work with a travel advisor? That is a question we get asked almost daily.

The truth is that both options can work. The best choice depends on your travel style, how much time you want to spend planning, and how important personalized service is to you.

Booking On Your Own

There is certainly a sense of satisfaction that comes from planning your own vacation. If you enjoy researching destinations, comparing hotels, reading reviews, and managing every detail yourself, booking independently may be a good fit.

Benefits of booking on your own include:

• Complete control over the planning process
• The ability to make decisions at your own pace
• Access to online booking tools whenever you want

However, booking independently also means you’re responsible for everything. Researching destinations, comparing options, understanding cancellation policies, arranging transfers, coordinating flights, and solving problems if something goes wrong all fall on your shoulders.

Many of our clients will want to choose what they want for travel but still ask us to book it for them so we are there if any issues arise.

Working With a Travel Advisor

A travel advisor does much more than simply make reservations.

We take the time to learn about your travel style, interests, budget, and goals. Rather than spending hours sorting through thousands of online reviews and endless options, you receive recommendations tailored specifically to you.

Benefits of working with a travel advisor include:

Expert Knowledge

Travel advisors spend countless hours learning about destinations, resorts, cruise lines, tours, and travel trends. Many of us visit destinations firsthand so we can provide real-world advice instead of relying solely on online reviews.

Time Savings

Planning a vacation can take hours or even weeks of research. A travel advisor does the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your upcoming trip instead of getting overwhelmed by the details.

Personalized Recommendations

Not every traveler is the same. The resort that’s perfect for one client may not be right for another. A travel advisor helps match you with destinations and accommodations that fit your unique needs.

Support Before, During, and After Travel

One of the biggest advantages of working with a travel advisor is having someone in your corner when things don’t go as planned.

Flight cancellations, weather disruptions, supplier issues, and unexpected emergencies can happen. Instead of spending hours on hold with airlines or suppliers, you have an advocate helping you navigate the situation. This is especially helpful when suppliers/airlines are backed up and we can be on hold for hours at a time.

Access to Industry Relationships

Travel advisors often have relationships with suppliers, hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators that can provide additional value, special amenities, or insider knowledge that may not be obvious when booking online.

The Hidden Cost of “Doing It Yourself”

Many travelers assume booking directly will save money.

Travel advisors can usually match the price a client sees or many times come in cheaper.

Choosing the wrong resort, booking inconvenient flights, missing important destination requirements, or overlooking travel protection can end up costing far more than any perceived savings.

A travel advisor helps you avoid costly mistakes while maximizing the value of your travel investment.

So Which Option Is Right for You?

If you enjoy spending hours researching every detail and are comfortable handling any issues that arise during travel, booking on your own may work well. Buy why not let a travel advisor book it for you and support a small business. Commissions are built into every trip so if you book on your own, you are still “paying” for a travel advisor. The supplier keeps the commissions. If a travel advisor books for you, that supplier pays the travel advisor those same commissions.

If you’d rather have expert guidance, personalized recommendations, time savings, and support throughout the entire process, working with a travel advisor can make your vacation planning easier and less stressful.

At the end of the day, vacations are about creating memories, not spending countless hours comparing hotels or worrying about what happens if something goes wrong. And let’s be honest, many of our clients have come to us after booking their own vacations and something goes wrong, such as a Hurricane, flight interruptions, weather-related events and more. Hindsight is 20/20.

Whether you’re dreaming of a Caribbean getaway, a European adventure, a cruise, or a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, having a trusted travel advisor by your side can make all the difference.

Ready to start planning? Schedule a complimentary consultation today at https://calendly.com/jzwtravel/vacation-consultation and let’s create a vacation that’s perfectly tailored to you. ✈️💛

Don’t Let Fear Stop You From Seeing the World

One of the things we hear most often as travel advisors has nothing to do with passports, resorts, or flights. It’s fear.

“Is it safe there?”
“Would you go there yourself?”
“Aren’t you worried about traveling there?”

And honestly, these are valid questions. News coverage and social media can make the world feel scary at times. But one thing we always remind our clients is this: every travel decision is personal. Our role is never to pressure anyone into taking a trip they are uncomfortable with. Our role is to educate, guide, and share our own experiences so clients can make the best decision for themselves.

Over the years, there are a few concerns we hear again and again.

“I Don’t Want to Go to Mexico…It Isn’t Safe”

This is probably one of the most common comments we hear. The reality is that we personally have never felt unsafe in Mexico. We stay aware of our surroundings, use reputable transfer companies, stay at quality resorts, and book excursions with trusted guides.

Yes, there are times you may see police or military presence, including officers carrying guns. But honestly, we often view that as reassurance that security is there to protect both locals and tourists.

Could something happen while traveling? Unfortunately, yes. But that is true anywhere in the world, including in the United States. There are places domestically where we personally would feel less comfortable than we do at many resorts and destinations in Mexico.

That said, if a client does not feel comfortable traveling to Mexico, we completely respect that decision. Travel should feel exciting, not stressful.

“I Heard You Get Sick in Punta Cana”

Another concern we hear often is about food, water, or drinks in Punta Cana and other Caribbean destinations.

Most major resorts use purified water systems, and bottled water is readily available. We also remind travelers that dehydration, heat, rich foods, and sugary alcoholic drinks can make anyone feel sick, no matter where they are vacationing.

We have traveled to Punta Cana numerous times and have never personally had issues. Thousands of travelers visit every single day and return home with wonderful memories.

But if someone is nervous about traveling there, that is okay too. Every traveler has different comfort levels and experiences.

“There Are Too Many Plane Crashes…I Don’t Want to Fly”

Fear of flying is incredibly common, especially with how quickly news spreads today. When incidents happen, they are heavily covered, which can make flying feel far more dangerous than it statistically is.

The truth is, there are more car accidents every single day than plane accidents. Yet most of us get into a car without a second thought.

That does not mean someone’s fear is irrational. Fear is personal. Some people simply are not comfortable flying, and we would never push them to do something that causes anxiety or fear.

“I Don’t Want to Get Sick on a Cruise”

Cruise ships also tend to make headlines whenever illnesses spread onboard. But viruses can spread anywhere people gather…schools, offices, hotels, sporting events, or classrooms.

We personally have been on many cruises, as have countless clients, without any widespread illness issues. Cruise lines also have extensive sanitation and cleaning procedures in place.

Would we cruise again? Absolutely.

But again, if someone does not feel comfortable cruising, there are countless other vacation options available.

Travel Is Personal

At the end of the day, travel is not one-size-fits-all. Some people love adventure and stepping outside their comfort zones. Others prefer destinations that feel more familiar or closer to home. Neither is wrong.

As travel advisors, our job is not to convince people to take trips they do not want to take. Our job is to listen, guide, educate, and help clients choose vacations that fit their comfort level and travel style.

We simply encourage people not to let fear, headlines, or social media completely close the door on seeing this beautiful world. There is so much out there to experience, and some of the most incredible memories happen when people allow themselves to explore beyond what they see on the news.

The world is still full of beauty, culture, kindness, and unforgettable experiences…and we feel lucky every day to help people discover it 💛

The Truth About Working With a Travel Advisor

There’s something I want to share — not as a sales pitch, but as honest insight into what it really means to work with a travel advisor.

One question that often comes up is: Why do some travel advisors charge a fee while others do not?

The answer is simple — every advisor structures their business differently.

Currently, I have stepped back from charging planning fees. That could change again in the future, because this is a business, and like any business, it has to make sense financially. But for now, when you work with me, there is no upfront fee.

Here’s what many travelers don’t realize:

Whether or not your travel advisor charges a fee, they do not get paid by the supplier until after you travel.

They are paid by the supplier — the hotel, cruise line, tour company, etc. — at no additional cost to you.

And here’s the important part:
That supplier keeps the commission themselves if you book directly with them and not through a travel advisor.

So whether you use a travel advisor or not… you are paying for one.

The only difference is who you choose to support.

What Happens When You “Shop” Your Advisor

If you work with a travel advisor who does not charge a fee, they spend time:

Researching properties
Comparing suppliers
Checking promotions
Confirming availability
Answering questions
Customizing your itinerary

And then you decide to take that quote and book it yourself?

That advisor makes nothing.

No compensation.
No commission.
No payment for hours of work.

Imagine going to your job, putting in the time and effort, and then being told you won’t be paid for it.

That is exactly how a travel advisor feels when a client ghosts them and books on their own.

And when you do that, the commission doesn’t disappear — it simply goes to a large corporation who you book your trip with, like Expedia or Marriott International, instead of supporting a small business.

“But I Found a Cheaper Price…”

If price is your only objective, you may not fully understand the value of a travel advisor — and that’s okay. Many people don’t understand the value until they need one.

Until a hurricane changes their destination plans.
Until flights are grounded for 24 hours.
Until a snowstorm cancels departures.
Until they spend hours on hold trying to rebook with thousands of other travelers.

That’s usually when someone says:

“I wish I had used a travel advisor.”

We’re Not Just Travel Agents

We are advisors.

We:

Visit properties and destinations
Build relationships with hotel contacts
Attend supplier trainings
Stay current on industry changes
Know which suppliers are best for which type of vacation
Match experiences to individual clients

Not every vacation is the same.
Not every traveler is the same.

And that’s exactly why working with an advisor matters.

This Is Our Career

Travel advising isn’t a hobby.

It’s not “just booking trips.”

It’s a profession. One we take seriously. One we invest time, training, and energy into.

And like anyone else, we deserve to be paid for the work we do.

So the next time you work with a travel advisor and then see a “shiny deal” online, pause for a moment.

Ask yourself:

Would I want to work for free?

If the answer is no, then give your advisor the opportunity to match it, explain it, or improve it for you.

Support small businesses.
Value expertise.
Understand the difference between price and value.

Because when things go smoothly, it feels easy.

But when they don’t — that’s when a travel advisor becomes priceless.

Our Magical Stay at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Our time in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines started off with me being hot, tired, and hangry. We left home at 3:30am, took two planes, went through immigration, and then took a car to a pier followed by a boat ride—finally arriving at the resort around 4pm.

But the minute we arrived at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, everything changed. The journey faded away the second we saw how magical this place was. As a travel agent who has visited countless resorts, I’ll admit it’s easy to get a little “immune” to the beauty of it all. But not here. The island, the mountains, the ocean—it’s all simply breathtaking. And absolutely worth the trip.

Getting There

After clearing immigration and retrieving your luggage, you’ll find the Sandals representative waiting outside. From there, your transfer depends on your room category:

Butler Elite Guests enjoy a quick 15-minute ride to the marina, followed by a 25-minute scenic water taxi to the resort.
Other Guests will take a coach ride, which lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.

Either way, the arrival feels like the start of a true Caribbean adventure.

A Look at the Island

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is located just south of St. Lucia and north of Grenada in the Eastern Caribbean. The nation is made up of the main island of Saint Vincent plus 32 smaller islands known as the Grenadines, offering endless opportunities for exploration and natural beauty.

The Resort at a Glance

Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is spread across 50 acres of lush property yet still feels intimate and walkable. For those who want a little extra fun, complimentary Sandals bikes are available to explore.

Here are some highlights:

Accommodations: 301 rooms and 15 categories, including Sandals’ first Two-Story Overwater Villas and Two-Bedroom Beachfront Butler Suites.
Pools: Four pools (including an infinity pool and a heart-shaped pool!) plus two whirlpools.
Dining: 11 restaurants, with only two requiring reservations—Butch’s Steakhouse (highly recommend the Surf & Turf!) and Buccan, a family-style restaurant serving dishes with global spices. You’ll also find sushi, pizza, salads, seafood, Italian favorites, and even ice cream to end the night.
Bars & Entertainment: 9 cocktail lounges with options ranging from piano sing-alongs at the lobby bar to DJs at the plaza outside the Three Jewels Rum Bar. Nightly entertainment includes theme nights, live music, “Movies Under the Stars,” and the popular Island Vibes Plaza Party.
Activities: Land sports like volleyball, shuffleboard, croquet, and pickleball plus included water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, Hobie Cats, and even glass-bottom boat rides.

The Sandals Experience

Like all Sandals resorts, this one follows a no tipping policy, so you never need to carry cash to the swim-up bar. Exceptions apply for butlers, spa staff, independent tour guides, and airport transfer drivers.

Club Sandals guests enjoy room service from 7am to 10pm, while Butler-level guests get the luxury of 24/7 room service.

Why I Fell in Love with Sandals SVG

Now that you know the details, let me tell you why this resort captured my heart:

✨ The views – Ocean on one side, lush mountains on the other.
✨ The beach – Powdery white sand that feels untouched and private.
✨ The pools – Whether you’re in the mood for lively music at the main pool, serenity at the crescent-shaped pool, or romance at the tucked-away heart-shaped pool, there’s something for everyone.
✨ The food – Delicious, fresh, and so many options that you’ll never get bored.
✨ The staff – Friendly, welcoming, and always ready to go above and beyond.

So, if you’re worried about the journey to get here—don’t be. Because once you arrive, you’ll know without a doubt that Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is more than worth it.

👉 Thinking about visiting? I’d love to help you plan your dream Caribbean getaway to Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Reach out today to learn about the best offers and room categories!

So You’re Thinking About Becoming a Business Owner? Read This First.

There’s something incredibly exciting—and let’s be honest, a little terrifying—about the idea of becoming your own boss.

Maybe you’re tired of building someone else’s dream.
Maybe you’re feeling stuck, underappreciated, or burned out.
Or maybe, like I was, you saw an opportunity and thought: “Why not me?”

Whatever brought you here, know this: starting your own business is not a shortcut or a quick fix. But it can be the most rewarding, life-changing decision you’ll ever make—if you’re willing to do the work.

The Truth About Starting Your Own Business

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Business ownership is:

Harder than it looks
Sometimes lonelier than you expect
More rewarding than you can possibly imagine

It comes with risk—but also freedom. You trade in someone else’s rules for your own goals. You stop clocking in and start building something that’s yours.

What No One Tells You

When I first started as a travel business owner, I had doubts. People asked:

“It’s commission only?”
“You pay a monthly fee?”
“Do you have to recruit people?”

The questions came fast—and so did the judgments. I’ve been called everything from “a scam” to “part of a pyramid scheme.”

But here’s what they didn’t know:

I make more than the person who brought me in
I don’t have to bring on other agents
My paycheck reflects my effort—not someone else’s
My clients are real, my results are real, and my freedom is real

And when I mentor others and see them thrive? That’s proof enough for me.

Is Business Ownership Right for You?

This path isn’t for everyone. But it might be for you if:

You want more freedom and flexibility
You’re motivated and ready to learn
You’re tired of asking permission to grow
You’ve ever thought, “There has to be more than this…”

And if you’re not interested? That’s okay, too. We need people in every kind of role. Just don’t put down those who chose a different path.

What I’ve Learned After 5+ Years

Here’s what I wish someone had told me early on:

You’ll never feel 100% ready. Start anyway.
Community matters. Find mentors and people who get it.
Success looks different for everyone. Define your own goals.
This life is possible. You just have to believe it’s meant for you.

Why Booking with a Travel Advisor Still Matters in a DIY World

Every day, we’re filled with gratitude for our clients — those who choose to work with us and trust us with something as important as their time off.

We live in a world where booking a trip is just a few clicks away. Flights, hotels, packages — everything seems easy and accessible online. We hear it all the time:

“Oh, I usually book my own trips. I enjoy doing it myself.”

And that’s completely okay! We understand that for some, researching and planning can be part of the fun. You can still do that with us alongside you.

But here’s something else we hear — usually after the trip:

“I wish I had used you. I had an issue and ended up on the phone for hours… the hotel didn’t help… I didn’t know who to call…”

That’s where the difference lies.

The Value of Working With a Travel Advisor

When you book with us, you’re not just booking a vacation — you’re partnering with someone who is just as invested in your experience as you are. And that’s where our true value shines.

It’s not just about the price (though we’re often competitive or even better).
It’s about peace of mind.

If there’s an issue while you’re traveling, you don’t call a 1-800 number.
You call us.

We work directly with trusted contacts at resorts and top travel suppliers. We advocate for you. We solve problems, answer questions, and handle the unexpected — so you don’t have to spend your vacation on hold or feeling frustrated.

Our job isn’t just to get you there.
It’s to make your travel experience as smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible.

Thank You to Our Amazing Clients

To those who already understand the value of working with a travel advisor — thank you. You’re the reason we do what we do, and your trust means the world to us.

To those who haven’t worked with us yet — we’re here when you’re ready.
Because it’s never just about booking a vacation.
It’s about experiencing it fully, joyfully, and without worry.

Our Stay At Sandals Royal Bahamian

Looking for an all-inclusive in the Bahamas? Our favorite is Sandals Royal Bahamian. We just spent the last 4 nights here after taking an easy 3 hour flight from Philadelphia, and a short 15 minute drive from the airport. This resort is 20 minutes from downtown Nassau and 30 minutes from Paradise Island. The footprint of this resort is small but a lot is packed into this walkable resort. They have 2 towers, East Bay and West Bay. East Bay is starting renovations tomorrow while West Bay was recently renovated. There are also villas, some with plunge pools as well. There are over 400 rooms and suites with 33 categories. Want an elevated experience? Book a Butler room! Looking for room service? Book a Club or Butler room.

There is no shortage of restaurants here and the food is wonderful! There are 10 different restaurants and 2 food trucks. Only 2 of the restaurants, Butch’s and La Plume require reservations. Some food specialties are Teppanyaki, Sushi, Italian, French, Steak, Crepes, as well as burgers, pizza, conch fritters, fish and much more. We loved eating on the pier at Gordon’s…and another traveler told us to try the nachos at Calico’s….they did not disappoint! There are 8 bars/cocktail lounges including swim up bars. Our favorite bars were Mr. B’s for delicious cocktails and the Balmoral Bar & Piano Lounge. Avi hosts fabulous sing alongs at the Balmoral while beautiful jazz and standards were played at Mr. B’s. They also host weekly theme nights as well as other entertainment.

Our favorite part of this resort is it feels like 2 resorts in one due to their private offshore island. A boat runs there numerous times a day. There you will find a pool with a swim-up bar, a restaurant, beaches and plenty of hidden spaces to sit. Snorkeling is also offered here as well as massages on the beach.

In addition to snorkeling, Sandals Royal Bahamian offers non-motorized water sports such as Hobie Cats, Water Trikes, Kayaks and Paddleboards …as well as Scuba Diving for certifed divers. Want to get certified? You can do that too for a fee. Interested in land sports? They have those too… Basketball, Croquet, Beach Volleyball, Billiards and Pool Table, Darts, Indoor Games, Shuffleboard, Table Tennis, Tennis and Pickleball. They have a gym that overlooks the beach and for those looking for a spa? Their Red Lane Spa is wonderful.

Call or text “Sandals” to 610-466-5560 or email info@jzwtravel.com for your Sandals quote!

I Can Book My Own Travel – Why Would I Use A Travel Agent?

If I had a nickel for everyone who said that there is no need to use a travel agent. They can book their own travel. It’s so easy on the internet.

If I had a dollar for everyone who after saying that, had an issue with a flight delay, missed connection, issue with their hotel, had to be on the phone for hours with an airline…and then said they now see the value in a travel agent.

The internet makes it so easy for people to book their own travel. The value of a travel agent is so much more than booking a trip for a client.

We travel. Many times we have been to resorts or hotels, we have done site visits or stayed at the hotel. The first thing we do when we work with a client is to talk to them, find out their wants and needs. We may know that Hotel A is a party hotel and that is not what a client wants. Or that Hotel B is a spread out resort and our client with mobility issues may have issues at that hotel. If we haven’t been to hotels ourselves, many times we have fellow travel agents who have that we can bounce ideas off of them.

We handle any issues. If there aren’t any issues, fantastic! But if there are any issues, do you want to spend your vacation trying to rectify them? Do you want to be on hold for hours with an airline? Or do you want to call/text/email your travel agent and let them handle the issues for you?

We build a package for you. We can get you the rail tickets in Europe, the private transfers, the excursions. Due to our travels, in many locations we know private reputable tour guides. Sometimes your package will have some of your party flying from one airport and others from another but staying at the same hotel. We have no issues building that package for you.

We work with different suppliers. Why should you look to find the best deal when you can have someone do that for you? You may find a really cheap deal but it may be with a supplier that won’t be there for you with any issues, or has hidden fees. We not only look for the deals but we also work with reputable suppliers.

We keep up with the rules and regulations. We keep up with what paperwork is needed to enter a country. Especially since Covid-19, that has changed a lot. Don’t go to the airport and find out you didn’t fill out forms you needed to fill out prior to traveling, or pay a tax that needed to be paid. We are the ones to keep up with the forms and let you know what needs to be filled out.

We are here to take the stress out of your vacation – you should be enjoying your vacation and not handling any issues that may arise.

Your question shouldn’t be “Why would I use a travel agent” but instead “Why wouldn’t I use a travel agent?”