ARK Travel

09/13/2019

08/21/2019

Looks like my clients are having a fabulous time in Aruba!🌴🌺👙🕶

07/22/2019

A fall getaway....

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07/06/2019

5 Things to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica

Picture the scene. You can see the sand and crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean, framed by swaying palm trees. Listen to the soft crashing of the waves, and relax as you watch the sun gradually go down on the horizon. You return to your hotel room to get ready for dinner and another entertaining evening. This is what you’ll experience on a well-planned trip to Costa Rica. But first, what do you need to bear in mind before traveling to Costa Rica?

1. Have your documents ready before traveling to Costa Rica

First things first: the basics. Check your passport, and how long you have before it runs out. A Costa Rica visa is not necessary if you’re a US citizen, but you’ll need your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into the country.
Another basic to bear in mind is your airline’s luggage policy. This varies company by company, and some will even charge you to bring a carry-on. Fines for not respecting the restrictions can be unpleasantly pricey. Take a moment to check the policy with your airline to avoid problems at check in time. This especially applies to domestic flights in Costa Rica, as the limits are particularly restrictive. Moreover, make sure you pre-book your transfer from Liberia Airport to your resort — this will save you valuable vacation time!

2. Be aware of the dollar-colones exchange rate

A final basic thing to bear in mind: money. The airport exchange rate is generally eye-wateringly bad, so wait until you get to your hotel or a major bank. It is a good idea to shop around for exchange rates at home, so you have some cash on arrival. The current exchange rate at time of writing is 567 CRC (Costa Rican colones) to the dollar. Over the past year it has varied from 563 to 578 CRC to the dollar, at an average of 570 CRC. Generally, it’s worth paying in local currency, especially in smaller stores. The in-store exchange rate is usually pretty terrible.
Another tip is to open an account with a bank that doesn’t charge fees for using your debit card abroad. Don’t forget to notify your bank of your travel plans! Vacation spending abroad can easily look like suspicious activity to the bank, and they can suspend your card.

3. Get ready for some ‘Pura Vida’ smiles

“Ok great,” you say, “I’ve got money, valid passport, and I’m not going to get charged at check in time. But,” you say, “I’ve heard that Central America is a dangerous place to go. Is it safe to travel to Costa Rica?”
Know this before traveling to Costa Rica: it is one of the happiest places in the world. The Ticos are proud of the feel-good vibe tourists feel here, and 2 million visitors a year agree. With planning and common sense, you’ll enjoy the “Pura Vida” (pure life) of Costa Rica during an unforgettable vacation. Just take the same precautions as you would anywhere else, and take advantage of properly licensed tour companies for your day trips. The country has excellent healthcare and the tap water is safe to drink. Most locals working in the tourist industry know English, but it can be helpful to learn basic stock phrases in Spanish. The locals will appreciate the effort at least!

4. Take tours to truly encounter Costa Rica

Talking about things to do, don’t pass up the chance to take guided tours of the country’s great outdoors and national parks. You’ll get so much more from the experience and your time in Costa Rica. Plan your day trips ahead of time, and bear in mind the time of year of your visit.
Some trips are perfect for the rainy season, for example, while others aren’t! If you do choose to travel during the rainy season, take some insect repellent with you – it can be pricey in country. A high factor sun block is also highly recommended, whenever you travel.

5. Extend your stay in Costa Rica!

Finally, and this is a bit cheeky, especially if you’ve already booked your vacation: stay more than a week! Some of the national parks are hours apart, and a trip from Dreams Las Mareas to Arenal Volcano is at least 3 hours long. It can be really worth your while spending a couple of days in each part of the country. This way you save your day trip travel time and you get more time to enjoy each excursion. Two weeks will give you enough time to really discover Costa Rica and its “Pura Vida

07/03/2019

The countdown begins! In less than one year, after a total of 3 million man-hours under construction, Enchanted Princess will begin her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean in fall 2020. This spectacular ship is one of the first designed from the start with Princess MedallionClass™and shares the very best of her sister ships, plus innovations in dining, entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy the biggest balconies at sea aboard Enchanted Princess when she arrives next summer.

07/03/2019

The countdown begins! In less than one year, after a total of 3 million man-hours under construction, Enchanted Princess will begin her inaugural season in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean in fall 2020. This spectacular ship is one of the first designed from the start with Princess MedallionClass™and shares the very best of her sister ships, plus innovations in dining, entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy the biggest balconies at sea aboard Enchanted Princess when she arrives next summer.

07/03/2019

Thinking About Belize? Here are 5 Hotels Popular with Agents

Belize may sound far away but you know what? It isn’t. From Chicago, it’s only a six-hour flight. From Denver, it’s four hours and from Dallas, you can be in this rising vacation destination in just three hours! For a different take on a sun and sand vacation, Belize might just do the trick, so here are five Belizean hotels popular amongst travel agents.

1. Coco Beach Resort


Located on the island of Ambergris Caye and just north of the city of San Pedro, Coco Beach Resort offers guests barefoot luxury, ocean views and an overall laidback island vibe. The unique location, cozy size (50 rooms) and easy access to adventures like sea kayaking, snorkeling and Mayan ruin exploration make it easy to see why Coco Beach Resort is a popular pick among agents.

2. Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club


Also on the island of Ambergris Caye, the Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton and has a relaxed yet crisp and modern design with an authentic feel from the local sustainably-harvested genuine Belizean hardwoods used throughout the resort. Get some yoga in at Science and Soul Wellness, one of the largest holistic health and yoga centers in Belize, mingle with other guests at The Great House, a 22,000-square-foot space or simply relax by the dreamy pool.

3. Belizean Shores Resort


Ambergris Caye is clearly the place to go when visiting Belize, as the Belizean Shores Resort is also located there. This resort is not all-inclusive, but that’s ok! The condo-style suites have kitchens and private outdoor space, plus the resort’s pool is incredible. Go on a fishing excursion and enjoy your catch for dinner that night or head to San Pedro for some local eats.

4. Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza


Sometimes it’s comforting to stay with a recognizable brand in a new destination, so it’s really not surprising to see that the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza is popular amongst agents. Its location right in Belize City make it easy to get to excursions, many of which you can book right through the resort. Plus, you really can’t beat the price.

5. Ka'ana Resort


For many, Belize means the jungle and Ka’ana Resort in western Belize truly embodies the jungle experience. Choose from suites or villas, all thoughtfully designed to highlight the property’s natural beauty and focus on the environment. Many of the ingredients used in the dishes at La Ceiba, the onsite restaurant, are sourced from the organic garden on the property.

06/24/2019

Have you ever though of going to Curacao? Here are the top 10 reasons why you should really consider it!