Scenic Views Travel

08/12/2026

Big shift happening with Hyatt's Inclusive Collection in Cancun right now, and it's worth knowing if Cancun is on your radar 🌊

There's actually a lot moving at once:

Dreams Vista Cancun → Hyatt Vivid Cancun (completed August 14, 2026):
This property transitioned from a family resort to adults-only, aligning with the Hyatt Vivid brand's wellness-focused, socially engaging vibe, think sunrise beach yoga, art installations, and live acoustic performances. The resort stayed open the whole time, so existing reservations were honored straight through the transition.

Hyatt Vivid Grand Island → Mondrian Cancun (effective August 19, 2026):
This is a separate Hyatt Vivid property exiting the brand entirely. It's becoming the first all-inclusive property under Accor's Mondrian brand, a design-forward lifestyle label known for spots like Ibiza and South Beach. It'll stay family-friendly but with limited kids' amenities, and the beach club moves off-site. Loyalty-wise, points shift from World of Hyatt to ALL – Accor Live Limitless.

Breathless Cancun Soul → Amàre Cancun, Curio Collection by Hilton (effective Sept 30, 2026, with the full Hilton relaunch Oct 31):
Still adults-only, still all-inclusive, still on Boulevard Kukulcan between the Caribbean and the lagoon, but Hyatt points, elite-night credit, and World of Hyatt benefits won't carry over into the new Hilton affiliation.

Here's where it gets personal:
I'll actually be staying at Hyatt Vivid Cancun myself in October for the Ascend Travel Agent Conference, well after the rebrand settles in, so I'll get to see the "new" adults-only version firsthand and report back on what's really changed versus what's just a fresh name.

If you've got a stay booked at any of these three properties, or you're eyeing one, the resort itself hasn't disappeared, but the loyalty program, amenities, and guest experience can shift with the transition. Worth checking in with me before you lock anything in.

07/13/2026

Some trips are just extra special and celebrating 15 years of marriage at Breathless Cancun Soul was one of them. 🥂✨

This adults-only, all-suite resort sits right in the Cancun Hotel Zone, just 25 minutes from the airport, with rooftop infinity pools, incredible dining, and upgraded Xhale Club suites if you want to go all out for a special occasion.

Here's the twist; this resort is rebranding to Amàre Cancun, Curio Collection by Hilton this October, so if you've had your eye on it, now's the time to book before it changes.

I just posted Day 1 of our trip on YouTube! And if you're dreaming about your own anniversary getaway, milestone celebration, or luxury escape, send me a message. I'd love to help you plan it.

Come along for Day 1 of our 15-year anniversary trip to Breathless ...

06/10/2026

🌴 WE’VE ARRIVED IN CANCUN! 🌴

Today we’re checking into Breathless Cancun Soul and kicking off a few days of sunshine, ocean views, and celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary! 🥂

Our home for the next few nights is an xhale Club Ocean Front Suite, and the views are every bit as amazing as we hoped. From the private balcony overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea to the modern design and upgraded xhale Club amenities, this room is definitely making a great first impression.

🎥 Take a look inside with our full room tour!

If you’ve been considering Breathless Cancun Soul and wondering whether the xhale Club upgrade is worth it, this video will give you a great look at what to expect.

Be sure to follow along this week as we share:
☀️ Resort highlights
🍹 Food & drinks
🏖️ Beach and pool updates
🎉 Entertainment
💙 Honest first impressions and tips

Drop any questions below and I’ll try to answer them while we’re here!

06/04/2026

💵 Should You Bring Pesos or U.S. Dollars to Cancun?

One of the most common questions I get before a Mexico vacation is whether you should bring U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos.

While U.S. dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, I generally recommend bringing at least some pesos for several reasons:

✅ Better exchange rate – When you pay in U.S. dollars, shops, restaurants, and vendors often use their own exchange rate, which usually isn’t in your favor.

✅ Easier transactions – Small purchases like souvenirs, snacks, ferry tickets, taxis, and local markets are often simpler when paying in pesos.

✅ Better for tipping – Many resort employees, transfer drivers, excursion guides, and local workers appreciate receiving tips in pesos because they don’t have to exchange the money.

✅ Avoid getting shortchanged – When paying in dollars, it’s common to receive change back in pesos at an exchange rate that may not be favorable.

For most travelers, I recommend bringing a mix:
• U.S. dollars for resort tips and emergencies
• Pesos for off-resort spending, shopping, transportation, and local restaurants

If you’re headed to Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Costa Mujeres, Riviera Maya, or Isla Mujeres, having some pesos in your wallet can save you money and make your trip a little easier.

Do you usually travel with pesos, dollars, or both? Let me know in the comments!

06/03/2026

On June 18, Jeff and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. To mark the occasion, I’ve secretly planned a surprise getaway to Cancun....and we’re leaving next week!

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing live updates, resort photos, food reviews, room tours, and behind-the-scenes moments from our trip.

Who’s ready for some sunshine, beach views, and all-inclusive resort content? ☀️🌴✈️

Follow along - we leave soon! 🍹🏝️

10/28/2025

I’ve been following Melissa’s updates, and this situation in Jamaica is heartbreaking. Grateful that I don’t currently have clients there, but my thoughts are with everyone on the island and those who do. ❤️
If you know anyone affected, please share how they’re doing.

09/27/2025

🌺 JUST DEPARTED! 🌺

My clients are heading off for 5 days in Maui and 5 days in Oahu—their first time back to Hawaii since his R&R during Vietnam in 1970. ✈️✨

What an incredible way to celebrate such a meaningful return to paradise! 🌴☀️

💌 Ready to plan your own milestone trip? Let’s make it unforgettable.

09/26/2025

☀️ Ready for your next escape?

I’m now booking Mexico & Caribbean all-inclusive getaways for Spring Break 2026. This is the perfect time to lock in the best flights and secure your favorite room categories before they sell out. 🏝️🍹

💌 If a sun-soaked weekend or weeklong escape has been on your mind, let’s start planning your all-inclusive getaway today!

https://calendly.com/svtravel/30min

09/25/2025

✨ Why a Long Weekend Getaway Might Be Exactly What You Need ✨

Not every vacation has to be a full week! A 3-night escape can be just enough to recharge, reconnect, and enjoy a new destination—without taking too much time away from work or family commitments.

Here’s how to make the most of a long weekend trip:
✔️ Choose a destination with short, nonstop flights
✔️ Stay close to the airport once you land to maximize time
✔️ Request early check-in so you can start your vacation sooner
✔️ Book the latest flight home to stretch your trip as much as possible

Many of my clients choose long weekends in the Caribbean and Mexico, and they’re always surprised by how much of a getaway it feels like. 🌴☀️

💌 Thinking about a quick escape? Let’s find the perfect destination for your long weekend.

09/24/2025

Here are some of my TOP RESOURCES I use when researching vacations! Yep, I'm giving it away today.

- Google Flights - this is my number one resource when I'm narrowing down a destination for a client that also some some budgetary limitations. SO many times flights wind up determining my final pick....not so much the resort.

- TripAdvisor and Google Reviews: YES I use other people's reviews....with a grain of salt. It takes TIME to navigate through the completely unhelpful reviews like "I didn't like how windy it was in Mexico" or "terrible vacation, don't go" without giving any context. MY TIP: Read between the lines of reviews. Don't focus on just one review, instead look for patterns. If several people mention the same issue, you can be it's probably true.

- Travel Weekly or Travel Pulse: Both are AMAZING resources meant for travel advisors to keep us up to date on important information in the travel industry.

What's YOUR go-to resource when you're researching a trip? I'd love to hear what you use most!