Unlock the Magic: Exclusive Disney World Offers Await You!

Free Dining Delights for Disney+ Subscribers!

I never thought I’d see the day when Free Dining returned to the Walt Dinsey World Resort, but never say never! Disney World is bringing back it’s popular Free Dining promotion to Disney+ subscribers. During select dates this summer you can indulge in the delectable delights of a FREE dining plan when booking a 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package. Imagine a cozy room at a Disney Resort hotel, theme park tickets with a Park Hopper option, and the icing on the cake – a complimentary dining plan!

This magical opportunity allows you to explore over 200 dining locations across all of Walt Disney World! From quick breakfast bites at your Disney Resort hotel to savoring snacks and mouthwatering meals at the parks, the possibilities are endless. And yes, those snack credits can be used on iconic treats like DOLE Whip or a Mickey ice cream bar! 🍦🥪

Elevate Your Disney Experience with Nikki’s Theme Park Concierge Services

But that's not all! Elevate your Disney experience with Nikki’s personalized Theme Park Concierge services. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, Nikki is here to turn your dreams into reality and take the stress out of the planning process!

Nikki will be your trusted guide, ensuring every moment is magical. From creating custom itineraries to securing the best dining reservations and sharing insider tips, she's got you covered. Whether it's using Genie+ to speed through the lines or discovering hidden gems, your VIP experience is her top priority.

Don’t forget Nikki’s amazing tips on how to get a Virtual Boarding Group for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron Lightcycle Run.

Exclusive Offer: $25 Off Theme Park Concierge Services
Schedule your vacation chat with Nikki before January 20th, and enjoy a $25 discount on her Theme Park Concierge Service packages just for you!

A Few More Details

This incredible free dining offer is available for select travel dates between July and September 2024. It's applicable at select Disney World Resort Hotels and must include a minimum of 4 nights and a 4-Day park hopper ticket. To qualify for this fantastic discount, you must be a current Disney+ subscriber.

But Wait! There's More!

If you're not planning to travel to Disney World this summer, Nikki has another amazing promotion for you! Enjoy a discount of up to 35% off your room on your Walt Disney World vacation package! This offer is available for select dates between March and October 2024.

Ready to make your Disney dreams come true? Let's chat about these incredible offers and explore the many ways you can create unforgettable memories with your family. Imagine dining at 'Ohana, enjoying a Movie Under the Stars, and getting early theme park entry – the perks are endless!

We can't wait to hear from you! Have a truly Magical Day!

Why You Should Plan Your 2022 Spring Break Early!

“When is the perfect time to plan my spring break trip with the kids?”

This is a question that I get asked a LOT. My answer is always “as SOON as you know you will be taking a spring break and have the school calendar.”

Was your last Spring Break trip not exactly what you planned?

I’ve got a tip for you on how to make it better…... PLAN EARLY! Do not wait to plan your 2022 spring break trip. I know it feels like the kids JUST got out of school and you are finally finding your summer groove. TRUST ME, you do NOT want to wait until the kids get back into school to plan your spring break trip in 2022. 

There is so much pent up demand for travel

I’m seeing resorts fill up faster than ever before. If you want your pick of the best room and the best-priced options, planning early is key! The best way to save money on your spring break trip for 2022 is to get it planned early….like NOW.

Theme parks can make a great destination for spring break trips. There is something for everyone of every age at the Florida theme parks. Disney and Universal are packed full of rides. They also have GREAT amazing water parks to splash and play in. There is NOTHING wrong with hanging at the resort for a day or two. The resorts can often be a destination in themselves with their awesome pools, hourly activities, evening outdoor movies and even roasting smores around the campfire.

Are you ready to explore outside of the main Theme Parks in Orlando? Looking to connect with nature? Have you heard about Discovery Cove? This theme park is all about getting you closer to aquatic life. This all-inclusive park gives you opportunities to swim with dolphins, snorkel with fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds and unwind on beautiful beaches. This experience is really all-inclusive as your breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages are included with your admission. They even provide your snorkel gear, towels, and wetsuits. It is a great way to have a more relaxed approach to a theme park and still feel like you are doing, seeing, and learning. 

There is always something new and exciting in Central Florida

Both Universal and Disney World have recently opened or have scheduled to open new attractions so there will be so much more to explore this spring. From the Velocicoaster at Islands of Adventure to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and all of the glittery 50th-anniversary decorations at Disney, you are sure to find new experiences around every corner of the parks in 2022. 

The beach makes a great spring break trip

Spring break can also be a great time to take the family on a beach vacation. There are so many resorts to choose from in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and all of the Caribbean Islands. I know we can find the right spot for you. Yes, I know it has been HOT around the US lately, but don’t forget, it WILL be cooler, gloomier, and darker in early 2022. Planning your getaway now will help you fight off the winter blues in 2022.  

all-inclusive resort myths

If when I say Spring Break your mind goes to the wild parties we used to watch on MTV and you think no WAY that would be family-friendly, think again! Yes, there are some resorts that offer a high-energy college spring break experience. BUT did you know that many resorts actually have policies about spring break parties? And many of them won’t allow groups of college kids at the resort during the prime Spring Break season?

There are also lots of resorts now that are VERY family-focused and would not appeal to the college spring break crowd. I would be so happy to talk with you more about the spring break experience at All-Inclusive Resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. 

I really want you to know that if you are thinking about taking a spring break trip at all, DO NOT DELAY in getting your plans made. With my Travel Concierge Services, I’m here to help you have the easiest time planning your trip and will do my best to make sure your Spring Break trip meets or exceeds your expectations.

If you use my services or not, please heed my warning to plan early! I can guarantee you that prices will increase, resorts will fill up, and airlines will sell out of their seats. We are not going to see huge sales, discounts or specials on spring break trips this year. The demand is just too high that the resorts don’t have to offer discounts as their rooms are filling up already.

Plan early for a happy, fun-filled Spring Break experience

The Magic Of Disney

Even after 40 visits to the Walt Disney World Resort, I still believe it’s one of the most magical places on Earth. From the big attractions to the little details, every visit to Disney World is filled to the brim with magic. What makes Disney extra special is the celebration of some of the best movies and shows of all time, attractions that capture the imaginations of people from ages zero to 100, and the training of cast members to be thoughtful and recognize guests celebrating special occasions. It’s a timeless theme park that manages to stay fresh and exciting.

Think of your favorite Disney movie. Either you had one come to mind immediately or you thought of so many, you couldn’t choose just one. That’s because Disney makes fantastic entertainment and has so much to offer that there’s something for everyone. My personal favorites are The Princess Diaries and Wreck It Ralph. Both movies have characters I relate to deeply. I might not have been a kid when Wreck It Ralph was released but it makes me happy that young girls can see Vanellope Von Shweets being her unique self and be inspired to be themselves too. They also have super fun soundtracks! While neither of my favorites have their own rides, plenty of their other brilliant properties have been turned into immersive experiences. There isn’t much that tops being able to meet your favorite characters in person!

A big part of why I love Wreck It Ralph is also why I love visiting Disney World with first-timers - the nostalgia. Wreck It Ralph makes me especially nostalgic for the video games I played growing up. This nostalgia truly comes to life every time I find myself in Hollywood Studios, competing for the highest score in Toy Story Midway Mania. No matter your age, Disney can make you feel like a kid again. There’s a sense of wonder on every ride and during every show because they’re so immersive and full of magical little details. The attractions that I’ve been able to revisit again and again bring back amazing memories. For instance, my mom and I got to check out Animal Kingdom before it was even open to the public, where we were shown the very first version of the Festival of the Lion King! The show remains my favorite Animal Kingdom attraction. Disney World manages to have the perfect combination of new and classic attractions. The classic attractions have so much charm and they are so intricately created that I notice something new every time. I think Haunted Mansion is a great example of this. From the delicious smells pumped into Soarin’ to the immersive story-driven experience of Star Wars Rise of the Resistance, Disney is always spreading a little extra pixie dust onto their creations.

Each park is its own little world but all have the uniquely Disney atmosphere. Part of that has to do with the cast members. Cast members are always trying to make sure you’re having the best time possible. I have especially great memories of cast members on visits when I was celebrating something. On our honeymoon, hubby and I got to skip the wait for riding Expedition Everest! We were in the single rider line and were happy to ride separately but once the cast member learned we had just gotten married, he insisted we ride together. It was a super sweet gesture I will never forget. Outside of special occasions, I’ve seen cast members go above and beyond. Another unforgettable experience was when my friend Katie and I got to help open Dinoland. We couldn’t believe we got to start our day radioing the rest of the park to say Dinoland was open and eating free Mickey bars! 

No matter when you go to Disney World, you’re bound to make memories that last a lifetime. Ready to start planning your next magical getaway? Now is the perfect time for us to start planning a summer vacation!

I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Disney!

Wanderlust- A strong desire to travel

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been filled with wanderlust. In fact, some of my earliest and most precious memories revolve around traveling. Naturally, one of those memories is of a trip to Disney World when I was about four years old. I remember being so excited to board the plane and fly, to see something new. I had just come out of an asthma attack when we were heading to the airport yet all I could think about was my eagerness to travel.

Learn what sparked Nikki’s love of travel

I have my mom to thank for my travel spark. She would bring my sister and I along on trips all across the country for work conferences. Soon enough, I was doing my own searching for conferences and convincing my mom to attend just so I could tag along. I was always on the lookout for conferences near Disney World. I hold Disney especially close to my heart because Ryan proposed to me at Epcot on his first ever visit there. We also had a Disney wedding where I got my most treasured souvenirs: his Mickey ears top hat and my Minnie ears veil! 

Find out what Nikki’s favorite travel souvenirs are!

No matter where I end up, I get to learn about different cultures and ways of life. Travel has expanded my worldview and my social circle. I’ve met some of my longtime friends from traveling and I’ve gotten to deepen my existing relationships from experiencing new places together. I also love to travel because vacation is all about taking a break and letting go of everyday responsibilities. After a year stuck inside, it’s incredibly freeing to set aside time to explore and enjoy yourself.

My wanderlust continues despite the circumstances. Now that it’s been a year since the start of the pandemic, I’ve had a chance to reflect on what a balancing act it’s been between my desire to travel and my need for safety. This past year was an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve had to consider whether the trips I was planning for the year were worth the potential exposure for me, my family, and those around us. I kept my trips within the U.S. and was pleasantly surprised by the smart adjustments made by the airport, air lines, hotels, and resorts. Thank goodness for hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes! Even the rental car process was different. This whole experience has shown me that even though things are different, different doesn’t mean bad. 

How does one balance wanderlust and safety in a pandemic world?

COVID-19 may have altered my 2021 travel bucket list but it didn’t get rid of it! I keep travel plans realistic by keeping up with safety guidelines and planning accordingly. I intend on making both domestic and out of the country trips. Everything about Hawaii has been calling me back to its gorgeous shores. All I want is to feel the sun on my face and the waters flowing around me. Also, nothing in Michigan could possibly compare to the food in Hawaii. It’s all unbelievably fresh, from the fish to the fruit. I especially love their sushi. Outside of the U.S., I’ve been itching to get back to Mexico. For a while, I’ve had my eye on Xel-Há Park. It’s an adventure park where you can bike, jump off cliffs, and ride river tubes! I’m looking forward to riding a golf cart all around Isla Mujeres for a mix of relaxing and fun. I returned from Disney World and Universal Studios not too long ago but I absolutely plan on making it back there one more time this year. 

Determining when you’re comfortable traveling is a super personal decision and one that I don’t want to force you into. I’m always available to talk over your concerns, answer any questions, and get you excited about your future travels!

Spring Break!

Last March marked the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown, halting travel just as people were ready for their spring break trips. This March, spring break travel is possible again! With extra safety precautions, that is. Your trip may look different but a year later, we can rest assured that we now know the proper precautions necessary to keep everyone safe.

I’ve been working closely with resorts that are taking COVID precautions seriously and accommodating guests accordingly. Airlines in the U.S. are requiring negative COVID tests within 72 hours of your trip back from any international destination. Several resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean are offering on-site testing for this reason, usually free-of-charge. If you do test positive, these resorts also offer complimentary quarantine stays with in-room food and beverages. Countries that do not require testing to enter (like Mexico and Costa Rica) do require insurance with higher medical coverage. 

CHECK OUT WHAT NIKKI HAS TO SAY ON MEXICO

I feel for the travellers whose 2020 spring break trip was cancelled, especially because some of my very favorite travel memories growing up were made during such trips. I was lucky enough to get to travel to Florida regularly. I always insisted on visiting Disney World whenever I was in the state but I also spent a lot of time on the Florida coast. I look back fondly on the road trips we’d take to get there because my family never flew - half the fun was getting there! I also loved the trips we’d take with my neighborhood. We’d eat delicious meals together around the bonfire and play games by the pool. The adults would be off doing their own thing so my friends and I would get to have some independence. I remember looking for crabs on the beach at night with our flashlights.

Hear all about Nikki’s childhood spring breaks to Florida Beaches

You can have an equally fun and casual vacation in Hawaii (Hear why Nikki Dreams of Hawaii) . Hawaii has so many outdoor options for dining and entertainment. A condo stay is perfect for this spring break, since you aren’t totally secluded but you aren’t too close to anyone either. You’ll also have access to pools, lazy rivers, and hot tubs, all outdoors! You don’t need to retest to come home from Hawaii or from the theme parks in Florida. Disney World and Universal Studios are a great spring break option for repeat visitors to either of these parks. If you’ve been wishing you could have a more relaxed vacation but you and your family still want to visit Disney or Universal, now is the time to go. Lowered capacity at these parks means less lines and less stress.
Ready to make some spring break memories with your loved ones? Contact me to start booking your trip today!

Dream Now Travel Later

So much has changed in the travel world (thanks COVID), that my travel dreams for 2021 look pretty different now. While the pandemic meant some plans had to be cancelled, there have been some positive changes, like the more organized boarding process that I hope stays in place long term. Also, temperature checks and extra cleaning measures that are now in place gives me assurance that everyone around has been declared healthy enough to travel. 

Back to my travel dreams for 2021. The midwest has its charms, but it’s a little hard to remember that right now. I look outside my window and see white snow. What I’m really dreaming of is the white sands of a Maui beach. To tell you the truth, I never really understood the draw of Hawaii until I went myself. Now that I have, I can honestly say that a piece of my heart permanently resides on Maui. 

My first trip to Hawaii was to Oahu with my mom. We made two key mistakes: only staying four nights and not renting a car ahead of time. It takes 15 hours to fly from the midwest to Hawaii. Now add to that the six-hour time change and by the time we were acclimated to the time difference, it was time to leave! Something I know is NOT on most people’s dream travel list is a too-short trip to Hawaii. Don’t worry, I travel and make all the mistakes on my own trip because I don’t want you to have any issues on yours.  

My travel dreams for 2021 don’t stop with Hawaii! Mexico holds a spot in my dreams as well. One of my favorite trips is the trip my husband and I took to Mexico with six other couples. It was truly special because I was able to connect with my friends on a whole new level. Such a large trip will have to stay a dream for now, but family trips are totally doable in 2021! Mexico has so much to offer families and couples. Adults-only resorts offer breathtaking views over the water with top-notch room service. If you’re looking to spend time with your kids, there are shows and waterparks and your kids can even learn to surf!

Just because traveling looks different in 2021 doesn’t mean it can’t happen. It’s totally possible and definitely worth dreaming about! I’d love to hear about your travel dreams and help you plan the perfect, stress-free and COVID-free vacation in 2021!

6 Reasons Travel Makes the Perfect Gift

STILL LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE PERSON THAT HAS EVERYTHING? IT MIGHT BE TIME TO THINK ABOUT GIVING THE GIFT OF TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

WHY DOES TRAVEL MAKE THE PERFECT GIFT?

• Travel provides memories that will last a lifetime rather than toys. clothing or items that might only be around for a few months. Think of it as the gift that keeps on giving. 

• You don’t have to make extra room for a trip in your home. It doesn’t take over the toy room, sit in the corner for months, or collect dust on a shelf

• Travel might actually be less expensive than all of the little gifts you would purchase individually (not to mention the wrapping paper and gift bags). 

• Depending on when you purchase your trip, you could have extra time to save and pay for the vacation as many options don’t require payment in full at the time the reservation is made. 

• Travel provides the perfect time for family bonding over shared experiences allowing you to connect with family. 

• Traveling is educational for children. There is so much to be learned during the travel process (maps to navigate airports), as well as once you are in the destination (the local language, culture, customs) that kids just would have exposure to otherwise. 

Best Tips for getting a Rise of the Resistance Boarding Pass at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Best Tips for getting a Rise of The Resistance Boarding Pass-May the Force Be with You

I’ve scoured the internet and tried several of the “best” tips for getting a Rise of the Resistance (RotR) Boarding Pass at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and am here to share with you what I’ve found works best!

At least what worked best in the winter of 2020. And it goes WAY behind just trying for a boarding pass at 7am. Things change quickly in the “World” and I’ll do my best to keep this updated for you!

My Disney Experience App

YES- there IS an app for your trip! The grand central station of your trip will be the My Disney Experience App. If you are using our Theme Park Concierge Services you already know this and know that we will walk you through all of the app’s quirks.

The top things you need to make sure are going on in your app to make your boarding pass for RotR possible are:

• Have your party members all linked to your account

• Have your dated tickets linked to your account

• Have your Park Pass Reservation for the date you are visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Not sure if you have everything in order?

If you are a Travel With Nikki traveler just reach out to us. Not one of our travelers yet? What are you waiting for-sign up for a theme park package today! !

You can also reach out to Disney’s IT department at: 800-848-6413, be prepared for longer than normal hold times. Make sure all of your linking is done, and questions answered days before your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Speed Matters

No, I’m not talking about the Falcon’s ability to make the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs, I’m talking about the speed of your phone, iPad, or electronic device. (NOTE: You cannot use a computer. Boarding passes are only given out via My Disney Experience the app.) It is a good idea to check the Speed of the internet or cell phone data in various places at your resort. Resort Room Wi-Fi is generally slower than Wi-Fi in common areas and depending on your cell phone company, sometimes that is faster. I recommend using Fast.com to find out what is the fastest for your devcies. Once you have determined which are your fastest devices (use more than one to attempt your boarding pass collection!) and connection methods, make sure to be in position no later than 6:45am on the day you are visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Watch The Clock

Using a separate device from what you will use to secure your boarding pass, pull up the official clock provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. You will want to watch the clock and get your fingers ready to collect your boarding pass at EXACTLY 6:59:59am. It is common for all of the boardings passes to be gone within 5-10 seconds of 7am- Faster than any ship can make the Kessel run!

When the Clock Strikes 7am

Prior to 7am you’ll want to have your My Disney Experience app open to the main page and have scrolled down to the Square talking about “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance- Request Access with Virtual Que”. As soon as you see the clock strike 6:59:59 click on the JOIN button and say a little prayer, think happy thoughts, do a good luck dance, or whatever you do to create good karma.

Check out MY walk-through video below to get an idea of how the process will work.

Last Opportunity

If by chance you miss out on a Boarding Pass for Rise of the Resistance at 7am, you can try the same exact procedures at exactly 12:59:59pm on the day you are in Hollywood Studios. The one caveat being that you must have already entered the park for the day. So no making it from your comfy bed, poolside, or breakfast reservation. (Unless you snuck back to your resort after your morning entry).

Lets Review the Steps to getting your Boarding Pass at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Rise of the Resistance

• Have your app up to date and everything linked

• Know where the fastest internet is

• Keep an eye on the clock

• Maximize your chances by having more than one day during your trip to Hollywood Studios

Now I know that sounds like a LOT of planning just to secure a boarding pass for one ride in one park. Keep in mind this is THE most popular ride at the Walt Disney World Resort, it has decreased capacity due to physical distancing measures, AND being so new it does still have the occasional Porg that gets in the way and cause mischief and the ride has to close down.

The more you know, the better prepared you are and the better your chances will be at securing a coveted spot on Rise of the Resistance. You will be SO HAPPY you got to experience this cutting edge attraction!

Let us know if the above steps helped you and your family get a Boarding Pass!

Family Adventure in Alaska

The V family had a fantastic time exploring Alaska by land, sea, air and train!

One of their children Anna put together a fantastic video to recap their Alaska Adventure.

Alaska-an unforgettable trip. 🌲

Aloha Hawaii

Hawaii is a fantastic place to have a family vacation. Kelly and her family had so much fun at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa on the island of Oahu. They enjoyed days filled with ocean breezes, sunshine and the amazing adventure that is the Waikolohe Pool area of the Aulani resort. This Pool area is actioned packed with 2 pools for families, a lazy river, raft slide and body slide. Don’t worry adults, there is also an Adults only pool in its secluded section of the resort.

Kelly’s family loved the welcome basket in their room upon arrival courtesy of Travel With Nikki. The menehune scavenger hunt was a big hit with the kids. The half day Pearl Harbor tour was the perfect amount of time and Kelly’s family was so happy they didn't try to do the tour on their own. Snorkeling at Aulani’s private Rainbow Reef was a great way to introduce kids to snorkeling in a controlled environment and comes highly recommend by Kelly and her family. A short walk down to the Paradise Cove Luau was a fantastic addition to the trip and allowed the family to view a variety of traditional Polynesian and Hawaiian dances, and of course amazing Luau food!

Aulani provides a perfect family getaway that is filled with Hawaiian adventure and culture.

Aloha Maui

Our family just came home from a wonderful 10 days in Maui! My husband and daughters had never been, and it had been over 20 years since I had last visited.

AMAZING isn't enough to describe our time. We started our trip out at a beautiful condo on the Wailea side of the island. We were so happy with the beautiful beaches and our condo that we NEVER left but for a few short hours to head for lunch over in Lahina! We lunched at Kimo's. It was excellent! That was our one and only outing except when we left the condo after 7 days and headed over to The Grand Wailea.

Nikki was AMAZING to help us plan 4 wonderful and relaxing days at this resort to end our trip with a BANG! The resort was so family friendly. We never left the pool! HA!!! We experienced the Wailea luau the second night of our stay and it was such a great experience. 

I would highly recommend Maui when traveling with your family. After meeting so many families on the beaches, we definitely heard that was the BEST island to travel to with the family in tow. Aloha! 

~Chesney S.

Spring Break-Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana

Nikki helped plan an amazing Spring Break/40th Birthday Trip in March of 2018. 

My family had an amazing time at Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana and perfect warm weather. 

Working with Nikki is so easy. She helped us figure out where to go and took care of all the details. Hotel, transportation, dinner reservations, and recommendations on things to do. 

We really enjoyed the resort. It had many restaurants, lots of pools, lazy river, swim up bars, beautiful beach, nightly entertainment, shopping, and an amazing spa, really anything you could want for a great family vacation. 

This is the 3rd vacation we have taken with Nikki’s services and we really can’t recommend her enough. She takes all the stress out of the planning. It’s truly a vacation where you can sit back and relax and know Nikki has taken care of it all. 

Escaping to the Caribbean

Cruising on the Norwegian Escape~February 2018~Kim F.

Thanks to Nikki, we just returned home from a wonderful week in the Caribbean on the Norwegian Escape.  When we decided a little last minute to book a family vacation in February, Nikki came through with fantastic options and pricing.  With her guidance, we chose a ship and itinerary that were a perfect fit for our family of four (2 adults and two children, ages 8 and 6).  

Our ship left from the Port of Miami and traveled to the Caribbean and the Bahamas.  It was 7 days of pure bliss! The ship is quite large and almost brand new.  We enjoyed the wide variety of food venues, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities. 

The highlights of our adventures on the islands were bobsledding and navigating Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica as well as Stingray City and snorkeling in Grand Cayman. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's private island) was a fantastic beach day enjoyed by all.  

Initially, we did not have high expectations for the kids club onboard.  However, after one visit to Splash Academy the first night of our trip, our kids literally begged us to attend each and every day thereafter.  The staff was friendly, cheerful, and engaged as they had themes for the kids each evening of the cruise.  It provided a perfect mix of quality family time and a few hours of alone time with the hubby (which was a nice surprise)! 

Nikki's thoughtful planning, quality recommendations, and helpful tips ensured that our vacation was truly a "homerun!"  Each and every trip that we book in the future will be through Travel with Nikki!  

Spring Break in Riviera Maya

It was such a great experience working with Nikki on our first trip to Riviera Maya Mexico for Spring Break in 2017.  Our direct flight on Miami Air out of Lansing, Michigan to Cancun, Mexico was extremely convenient and 3 1/2 hours later we were in 80-degree weather for a week!  Filling out the customs forms on the plane made it easy to get through the lines and to our luggage.  

Knowing how easily we could find our van driver to the hotel (thank you, Nikki) allowed us to arrive at our hotel in less than an hour from the time we landed, went through customs, gathered our checked luggage, and were sitting in an air conditioned van.  The ride to the Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa from The Cancun Airport was about 15-20 minutes.  

Traveling as a family of five, with two teenagers and a tween, safety is of utmost importance.  I never once felt concerned about their safety, or mine.  There were two gates to go through to get the resort, nearly 1 .5-2 miles in from the main road. Once there, there was so much for the teens to do from activities nightly at the teen club, swimming, beach volleyball, pool games, Zumba, Aqua Kickboxing, non-motorized water sports, nightly shows, etc.  My 12-year old daughter was able to join her teenage brothers in the Teen Room (ages 13-17) by me making a copy of her passport and signing a permission form.  The kids (ages 12, 14, 16) were able to roam around the entire resort with ease and again, with a parental feeling of safety and security.

The rooms, grounds, pools, and beach were well maintained.  The view of the Caribbean Sea and multiple pools each day along with the 80+ degree tropical breeze was breathtaking and so welcomed after a long, Michigan winter.

One day we took an excursion, an hour and twenty-minute was drive by van, to Xel-Ha.  There, we all swam and snorkeled with dolphins, went tubing, cliff jumping, hiking, and zip lining into the water.  There were beautiful walkways with bars and a restaurant and other places to sit and rest by the beautiful blue-green water. Our kids loved this day!  It was a full 12 hour day (7 am to 7 pm) from the time we left our hotel to the time we returned, but it was well worth the extra excursion cost to go, at least with our ages of children.

My daughter and I had a beach massage one day.  If you show up to the spa early, you can sit in the steam room, sauna, and hot tub, which we did.  The most incredible massage ever was listening to the sounds of the waves crashing while the tropical breeze engulfed our cabana.  I would definitely recommend this for anyone that really wants to relax.

We loved hanging out by the various pools for all ages and moved to a different one each day.  The wait staff was great and very accommodating and we would recommend tipping $1.00 minimum for each visit they make with drinks.  Bring lots of $1s.  We had to get $1s at the front desk daily.

Overall, vacation far exceeded our expectations for this family of five!  We will be returning to Mexico in future years for our spring break adventures.

Thank you Nikki!

~The Flynn Family

Royalton Riviera Cancun

Nikki, thank you so much for helping us arrange our family vacation to the Royalton Riviera Cancun in Mexico! I think this was one of our favorite family vacations ever! We couldn't have found the perfect resort, and vacation package without you.

We had an AMAZING vacation. The weather was perfect and we loved the Royalton! Our girls loved the vacation as well!  

Best Day Travel were kind and helpful during our transfer to the resort, even if it was a little difficult to find their booth and communicate that we had arranged our transfer in advance.

The Royalton Resort far exceeded our expectations. The resort was beautiful. Our room wasn't ready at 3pm so they gave us an upgrade to a room with a rooftop jacuzzi. We did have some timeshare people hound us a bit when we were waiting to check in, but we followed your advice and once we said we weren't interested they left us alone. We figured out who the time share sellers were and avoided them the rest of the trip.

Our room was beautiful, very clean and the bed was so comfortable! The girls were on a pull out sofa that was small with very thin mattress. It worked fine for them, but anyone larger or older would likely not be comfortable on the pull out. We were on the 4th floor of building 9 and we had a view of ocean. It was a bit of a walk to other parts of the resort, but we didn't mind at all.

The food was fabulous!! The restaurants were all really good and the service was top notch! We figured out after the first night that it was best for us to eat at 6:00 when restaurants opened for dinner, because otherwise there would be long waits. The website says no reservation, but there were obviously "diamond" customers who had reservations. We are at the buffet for breakfast and it was HUGE and had so much food. I gained several pounds over these few days. The girls loved the Gelato machine in the coffee shop and ice cream in the buffet. 

The pools were all fabulous! Very well maintained. The had daily entertainment and music. The swim up bars were nice and kid friendly. They had a foam party that my girls absolutely loved. The wait staff around the pool was great and constantly bringing by bottled water and taking drink orders. We learned after first day that it was helpful to mark your spot at pool/beach early in the morning. The spots went quick. 

The beach was beautiful as well. It had wait staff, nice chairs and covered beds and pergolas that were nice. They dragged the beach with a tractor every morning to get rid of the seaweed that came up overnight. There was access to non motorized water sport activities. They did require $3/person fee for some marine fee- but they gave you a bracelet and it covered you for your entire stay. 

Lastly, the nightly entertainment was fabulous! The had a family friendly kid show at 8:00 and then another show (that was more grown up, but still family friendly) at 9:00. We saw great shows that were similar to shows we've seen from Cirque. We saw fire shows, Michael Jackson impersonation shows, drum shows. All were great! 

There was a kids club that we did not use. During the day they brought around unique people/animals that they would take your picture with (Aztec Indians, Parrots, huge birds). The girls loved holding the parrot and having him sit on their head. They had photographers around the resort that would take your pictures and then you could go to their store and purchase them.  

Thank you again for helping with this family vacation, the memories will be with us forever. 

London C.