Estelle's Travels

04/12/2025

Many renewals or new passports are only taking up to approximately 10 to 14 days. Please be advised that several holidays are coming up which could delay them.
You cannot renew a minor's expired passport online. If a minor is under 16, their passport must be renewed in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency. The minor must appear in person with both parents or guardians. For minors under 16, you cannot renew their passport using Form DS-82; instead, you must apply for a new passport using Form DS-11.

Wondering if you qualify for online passport renewal? Here are the key requirements:
✅The passport you are renewing is/was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
✅ Your passport is either expiring within one year or has expired less than five years ago.
✅ You live in the United States (either state or territory).
✅ Your most recent passport is in your possession and was never reported as lost or stolen.
✅ You are comfortable paying online and uploading your own passport photo.
Learn more at travel.state.gov/renewonline

03/11/2025

Note: Our flight to destination in June was initially booked in business for the outbound leg, but not the return. Nevertheless, I have just upgraded our return flight to business class and received an $ 80 CREDIT. Although I disapprove of the new luggage fee, the airline has been hesitant to implement this change for a considerable period. Southwest Airlines is a reliable carrier and does offer credit if fares decrease.

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For those in Southwest Markets 👇

Today we announced updates to some of our policies and benefits within our fare bundles. Sharing them with you is important to us, as we’re working to offer you more choices to create travel experiences that fit your needs.

Updates to Checked Baggage Policy
We will offer two free checked bags to Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members and Customers traveling on Business Select fares. We will also offer one free checked bag to A-List Members and other select Customers. In addition, Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. All remaining Customers will pay to check their first and second bags, and we will continue to charge for the third and fourth checked bags. Changes will apply to flights booked on or after May 28.

Updates to Our Fare Bundles
We're updating the benefits of our fares bundles in phases. Whether you’re looking for a lower price with fewer perks, or more benefits for added flexibility, you’ll have the choice to pick what works best for your trip.

Phase 1: Beginning this month, we increased our Rapid Rewards earn ratio on our Business Select fares and lowered the earn ratio on our Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus™ fares. We will also begin to vary our redemption rates across our fare products on some high- and low-demand travel periods.

Phase 2: Beginning May 28, we will introduce a new Basic fare. This new Basic fare will be our lowest price point and will have less flexibility than other fares. Additionally, we will be adding expiration dates to our Flight Credits, which will vary based on which fare you choose to purchase.

The chart below gives you a full picture of the revised fare products as of May 28, 2025, ranging from most flexible to value-first.

We recognize these changes may be a disappointment to some, but know we’re committed to building a Southwest that will continue to offer you low fares, convenient flights to destinations you want, and a travel experience that is rewarding. You can count on the Heart of Southwest, our People, to guide you through the changes and welcome you on your next journey with their friendly, award-winning Customer

03/03/2025

Update on BWI Outage

02/26/2025

Another year of training has been successfully completed. 2025 ✔ A review of my booking history revealed that I have been working with Sandals and Beaches Resorts since 2009. My tenure in the travel industry began in 1999. I am thankful to have parted ways with my former agency. I am very blessed and appreciate my current affiliation with Darlene's Travel Services LLC, which began in 2017.

02/02/2025

01/30/2025

If you *know* you had a loved one aboard AA5342, American Airlines has opened a hotline for these calls
800-679-8215

01/30/2025

Reagan National (DCA) Closed until Friday Morning January 31st
Check Your Flights For Other Arrangements

01/28/2025

Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 to the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International Adam Stewart

12/20/2024

The popular watering hole and eatery Margaritaville Montego Bay will have a soft reopening this weekend ahead of resuming full operations in the first month of 2025.
Read more:
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2024/12/20/margaritaville-mobay-soft-reopening-weekend/

12/14/2024

Starting January 8, 2025, United States and also Canadian passport holders will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). This applies to travelers visiting the UK, as well as those transiting through the UK during a layover, even if they’re not leaving the airport. This online travel authorization is designed to enhance border security and will be electronically linked to your passport. Please note that airlines may refuse boarding if you don’t have an ETA.

12/11/2024

The Ultimate Friends' Getaway
Here’s a can’t-miss opportunity that is NEW to Sandals Ochi newly renovated rooms. The FOMO – Fear of Missing Ochi promotion is here, offering incredible perks for stays at the new 4-bedroom butler villas at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. 🌴

With exclusive benefits like a $350 Island Routes Experience Credit, VIP Beach Club Day, in-villa dining with a private chef, and more, this is the perfect way to elevate your Caribbean escape. Contact me for more information.

Bookings open from December 9, 2024, for travel through December 26, 2026, but don’t forget, bookings must be registered within 72 hours to secure these amazing extras. Let me help you create an unforgettable experience at Sandals Ochi! 🏝️🇯🇲

12/03/2024

Why Does KFC taste So Good in Jamaica 🇯🇲

Have you ever wondered why KFC food tastes so good in Jamaica? Discover the reasons behind the unique flavor of KFC in Jamaica in this article.

12/01/2024

Who knew they grew Christmas Trees🌲 in Jamaica 🇯🇲. What an awesome story!

The true essence of home on a Christmas morning is waking to the smell of fresh pines. For more than 20 years, the family-owned Watson’s Christmas tree farm has been spreading that homely warmth and holiday spirit to families across Jamaica.

Nestled in the cool, misty forestry of the Blue Mountains, Watson’s Christmas Trees operates a two-acre farm in Penlyne Castle where 65-year-old Rudolph Watson and his family grow and harvest Christmas trees.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The true essence of home on a Christmas morning is waking to the smell of fresh pines. For more than 20 years, the family-owned Watson’s Christmas tree farm has been spreading that homely warmth and holiday spirit to families across Jamaica. Nestled in the cool, misty forestr...

11/05/2024

Update on Sangster International Airport Montego Bay Jamaica 🇯🇲

10/24/2024

5 Ways to Explore a Destination in a Deeper Way
Richard Lindberg
Founder One Planet Journey I Evangelist for Deep Travel

🌍 Slow Down: Spend more time in one place to truly absorb the culture and your new surroundings. Slow travel, anyone?

🍲 Eat Local: Skip the tourist traps (often with bouncers and pictures of the food) and try authentic food experiences, anywhere from yummy street food to fine dining.

👩🎨 Engage with Locals: Join workshops, cultural events, or simply strike up a conversation to understand the local beat. Find suitable activities aligned with your interests.

🌿 Embrace the outdoors: Walk without a map in the city, take hikes, bike tours, or eco-friendly excursions to connect with natural landscapes and experience serenity.

🎨 Learn the History: Why not read a book before you leave, fiction, or true life, either way it gives you a deeper insight into what makes the destination tick.

What's your favourite way to explore a destination more deeply? 👇

10/20/2024

Update on Turks and Caicos

09/17/2024

On Sunday I will be leaving for a Back To The Beach Trip at our different Sandals and Beaches Resorts in . I will be sharing my daily experiences with All of You. I will also have some awesome exclusive booking incentives to share if you book with me while I am there. More information to come.