Mexico — open for US travelers

Four Seasons Punta Mita — reopens July 1 (c) 2020 by David Ourisman, all right reserved

Yes, you can fly to Mexico! There has been confusion about the border closure between the US and Mexico; it applies to the land border only. While you cannot DRIVE to Mexico today, you can definitely FLY! Here are the facts:

• U.S. travelers can fly to Mexico without any issues.
• Cabo and the Riviera Maya are open, and airlines are adding flights.
• Visitors do not need to quarantine.

Take a look at this handy website from Classic Vacations for information about popular domestic and international vacation destinations. What's open? What's still closed? When will your favorite resort reopen? What travel restrictions exist, if any?

Some highlighted openings... Each resort listed below is open today and offers Virtuoso amenities: free breakfasts, resort credits, and more. As an added value, Classic Vacations offers cancel-for-any-reason insurance at no extra cost, giving you the flexibility to cancel for a full refund up to 8 days before arrival.

Mexico - Riviera Maya
   Andaz Mayakoba
   Banyan Tree Mayakoba
   Grand Velas Riviera Maya - all inclusive
   Hotel Esencia
   Rosewood Mayakoba

Mexico - Los Cabos
   Montage Los Cabos
   Chileno Bay
   Esperanza
   Grand Velas Los Cabos - all inclusive

United States
   Andaz Scottsdale
   Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley
   Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma County
   Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
   Solage, Napa County

copyright (c) 2020 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

dreaming of warm, sunny weather?

sunbathing on Mallorca (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

It's that time of the year again. Days are growing shorter. The sun is low in the sky. And it's COLD, currently 35º in New York, 29º in Chicago, and 26º in Minneapolis. I'm very much looking forward to my trip next week to Fort Lauderdale, Florida — where it's 81º right now — to visit my sister over Christmas!

If you're anything like me, COLD weather makes you long for warm, sunny places like Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. While it's late in the game to make plans for the week between Christmas and New Years ... limited space is available. Contact Team@OurismanTravel.com, and we'll work with our tropical specialists to find someplace warm and wonderful for you and your loved ones.

the pool at FS Punta Mita (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Let's start thinking about January, February, and March! The best time to make those plans is now. You'll have the best selection of rooms, suites, and villas at the best luxury resorts ... and prices will only go up from here as rooms sell out. Pro tip: book through a Virtuoso travel advisor. Sure, you can find availability on the internet, but for the same price, your Virtuoso travel advisor can get you complimentary daily breakfasts for two, a $100 resort credit, and hopefully an upgrade to a room with an even better view of the ocean.

Or try out the Virtuoso booking tool for beach vacation with exclusive amenities in the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico.

copyright (c) 2019 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

traveling soon? check your passport...

Traveling out of the country? Here's something you should do immediately: check the date of expiration for every passport of your traveling party. Ensure each passport is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your trip. Most countries will deny entry — and many airlines will refuse boarding — if your passports do not meet this criterion.

Do any of the countries you're visiting require visas? Note that US citizens traveling to England, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico, and many other countries do not need to obtain a visa... but other countries require visitors to apply in advance. You can apply online for visas for many (but not all) destinations. Use the CIBT website to verify visa requirements for your trip.

In a hurry to apply for (or renew) your passport? Google "passport expedited service" for companies that can assist. If you live near a major US metropolitan area, you may be able apply in person. Make an online appointment at one of 27 U.S. passport agencies where you'll be able to submit your application on the spot. A traveler I know could not find her passport just prior to her trip to Mexico; she was able to obtain a new one with same-day service at the Chicago passport office. Note that there is a $60 expedite fee for this service.

But don't wait! If you're planning to travel internationally in the next year, check your passport NOW! Luxury travel is all about traveling stress-free, so plan ahead so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

from Ourisman Travel's Terms and Conditions: It is Customer’s responsibility to verify that all the visas required for your trip have been obtained, that the visas for each country are valid for the entry and exit dates of your visit, that your personal details are accurately reflected and that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the completion date of your trip.

copyright (c) 2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

choose a luxury beach resort in Mexico

pool at Four Seasons Punta Mita (c) 2017 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Winter is upon us with short days and cold weather throughout the northern United States and Canada. If you're like many people, thinking about a luxurious winter vacation. consider sunny Mexico with its warm weather and blue skies.

Where to stay? Whether you have a family vacation or a romantic getaway in mind, Mexico is blessed with luxurious resorts at great prices. My advice: forget those cheezy all-inclusives. Though it may seem like you're getting a lot for your money, what will you do when the "free" meals (that you've already paid for) turn out to be mediocre and boring?

We work with two dozen truly luxurious resorts in Mexico, and we can get you outstanding values at each of them. At the same price you'd normally pay when you book through a hotel website, we provide value-added Virtuoso amenities — free breakfast for two each day, resort credits, upgrades when available, and often special promotions. Click this link to see the top 24 Mexican beach resorts in my collection. You can even book many of them through the Virtuoso website to score the Virtuoso perks.

Picture yourself in this serene pool at Four Seasons Punta Mita, enjoying the clear blue skies and relaxing in the warm sun ... while your kids are making friends on the beach. Then send us your request or make the booking yourself on Virtuoso.com — here's how! Either way, we will follow up directly with the resort to VIP your stay.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Cabo's most swimmable beach | Chileno Bay

Chileno Bay, Cabo's most swimmable beach

Cabo's most swimmable beach? That's the claim made by the brand new Chileno Bay Resort, part of the Auberge Collection. I've never been to Cabo to see Chileno Bay Resort, nor any of the five Virtuoso hotels there — Esperanza, Resort at Pedregal, One&Only Palmilla, Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, or the newest entry to the Virtuoso collection, The Cape - a Thompson Hotel. You can see all five resorts on my Google map.

Though it's not yet Virtuoso, Chileno Bay is offering special amenities through its travel partners — daily Full Breakfast for two, a $100 resort credit, and an upgrade if available.

With California being battered with rain and the northeast suffering from winter weather, wouldn't this be a great time to go somewhere warm and sunny. If the picture is calling to you, I invite you to call Ourisman Travel or your own Virtuoso travel advisor. We'll find you a warm place in the sun!

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

last minute luxury Christmas vacation

picture yourself here (c) 2016 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Have you waited too long to book a luxury Christmas vacation at the beach? Possibly not! All of the following hotels show current availability for a 7 night stay, Dec. 25 - Jan. 1. If you can find the air, the rooms are currently available in my system for each of the following, and as an added value-added bonus, we can provide Virtuoso or Preferred Partner amenities that include free daily breakfasts, hotel credits, and more.

Four Seasons Palm Beach (Florida)
Eau Palm Beach (Florida)
Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton (Puerto Rico)
Ritz Carlton San Juan (Puerto Rico)
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel (San Juan)
Fairmont Kea Lani (Maui)
Banyan Tree Mayakoba (Mexico
Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Mexico)
Capella Ixtapa (Mexico)

Be aware that you'll be within the cancel deadline. While our typical Festive booking fee is $350, if you book one of these nine hotels for these dates by 5 p.m. EST on Friday, we will discount that fee to $150. The value of your free daily breakfast for two is worth far more than the fee, and the additional resort credit will add even more to your savings. Just complete our Travel Request Form to get things started!

copyright (c) 2016 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

beach or mountain this winter?

one of the pools at Four Seasons Nevis

The winter months are upon us in the northern hemisphere, although temperatures aren't what we've come to expect. I spent three days this week in Palm Beach, Florida where I thoroughly enjoyed warm, sunny days with highs in the 80's (quite a bit higher than normal). Now I'm back in Berkeley, California where I woke up to temperatures in the low 30's (quite a bit lower than normal).

Where is your next vacation taking you?

Snowbirds will travel to the mountains for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Here are our five most popular winter ski destinations:

   Lake Tahoe, California
   Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado
   Deer Valley, Utah
   Jackson Hole, Wyoming
   Whistler, British Colombia

Sun worshippers will travel to a warm beach destination to swim, play tennis or golf, or just relax on the beach. Our four most popular winter beach destinations are:

   Hawaii
   Mexico
   The Caribbean
   Bora Bora
   Thailand

Whether you want snow or a warm beach, we can recommend dozens of luxury resorts where you will stay in comfort, enjoy great food, and warm hospitality ... with value added amenities that provide you with free breakfast for two, room upgrades, and other amenities that are unique to each hotel. We can save you literally hundreds of dollars for your winter vacation.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

it's starting to get cold | winter vacation plans

sunset at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

It's starting to get cold, with colder than usual temperatures cropping up across the country. Where will your winter vacation plans take you?

The tropics offer a respite from the cold of winter. Imagine walking the beach, riding the waves, relaxing with a good book on a new iPad Mini with retina screen (I'm hoping to grab one on Black Friday), or just sitting by the pool. Depending on where you live, you might choose Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, or the Caribbean as your vacation destination.

The mountains take advantage of the cold, offering days filled with downhill skiing, followed by a treatments in the spa, and apres ski socializing. Some of North America's best ski destinations are Whistler, Vail, Jackson Hole, and Lake Tahoe.

You'll find luxury resorts both at the beach ... and on the slopes. Email your Virtuoso luxury travel consultant for ideas, recommendations, and advice, not to mention the added value of free daily breakfasts, room upgrades when available, and even food or spa credits (extra amenities are different at each resort).

copyright (c) 2013 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

tropical winter escape | Hawaii, anyone?

a cold, damp winter's day in the upper midwest

When we flew from San Francisco to Bloomington, IL yesterday, we were spared the disruptions so many endured on Thursday. The winter storms had moved east by Friday morning, and both of our flights left on time and landed early. But the winter weather that greeted us? Not so welcoming! Temperatures were in the 20's — with 40 mph gale force winds — not quite what this northern California resident is accustomed to!

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you'll get your wish this year ... but after New Years, take the chance to escape the dreary cold and damp of winter for a week in the tropics: white sand beaches, blue skies, bright sunshine, dressed in shorts and t-shirts.

So where do you want to travel this winter? Hawaii is convenient to west coast residents. Florida and the Caribbean are convenient if you live in the midwest or on the east coast. Mexico is an affordable destination easily reached from all over the country. Call your travel consultant to put together a complete vacation package for your tropical winter escape!

travel consultant (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

weather map got you down?

Winter has started early in North America and Europe, with blizzards and very chilly weather. Flights have been disrupted, and even people traveling by car have been stranded. The San Francisco Bay Area (where I live) has been stuck in a cool, damp, overcast weather pattern. But the most striking weather news of the week was the sight of snow pouring through the teflon roof of the Metrodome in Minneapolis; the Vikings game with the NY Giants was moved to Detroit as a consequence.



My mind travels to the tropics when the harsh winter storms begin. Where to go for a tropical holiday? There are many choices...

Hawaii is my perpetual favorite, really convenient to travelers from the West Coast. Email me for ideas on where to stay. I've visited the major islands and seen all the best luxury resorts. My favorites? Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island, Four Seasons Maui, The Kahala Resort near Hobolulu, the St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai, and Four Seasons Manele Bay on Lanai.

For a shorter flight from the east coast, consider the Turks & Caicos, 1,300 miles [almost] due south from New York. Featuring 200 miles of white sand beaches bordering turquoise seas, Turks & Caicos is a convenient getaway for warm, sunny weather and great snorkeling. For a real treat, consider Amanyara (pictured here) - or ask about other luxury resorts for that mid-winter getaway.

tropical holiday (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Christmas vacation | don't wait!

It happens every year. Every December I get calls from families wanting to plan their Christmas vacation. There are four consequences when waiting until the very last minute to make your reservations:

1. Space is very hard to get. You may have to settle for a less desirable resort.
   
2. Room options are quite limited.
   
3. Flights are more expensive, as you'll be paying full fare.
   
4. There's a lot of stress doing everything in a rush.

Even now, it's is pretty late if you want to go to the very best resorts over Christmas. The Four Seasons resorts on the Big Island and on Maui are fully booked — both have waiting lists — but good options do exist in tropical destinations (Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Mexico) and ski resorts. Please be aware that minimum stay requirements often apply during Festive Season.

So now's the time to plan your Christmas vacation. Don't wait!


Christmas vacation (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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Riviera Maya vacation

I'll be leaving in three weeks for a Riviera Maya vacation and site inspection. Located in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, the Riviera Maya is a vacation area that has become very popular with upscale tourists. I will be staying at two properties during my week in this western Caribbean beach destination — four days at Orient Express's Maroma Resort (pictured above), a beachfront property that boasts some of the best snorkeling in the world — and three days at Rosewood Mayakoba, a serene resort near Playa del Carmen. I'll be making site inspections of a total of nine Riviera Maya luxury resorts and posting my reviews right here.

More than just a beach resort, the Riviera Maya boasts a number of outstanding archeological sites including the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza (pictured to the left) and Tulum. Travel provides a priceless opportunity to experience different places and to learn about ancient cultures. It's a chance to learn, expand our horizons, and - for me - to gain invaluable first-hand impressions that helps me serve my clients as a travel consultant.

Riviera Maya vacation (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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destination wedding under $10,000

If you're planning a destination wedding, you'll recognize that this is an amazing package. Hacienda Xcanatun is an exclusive small luxury hotel with 18 suites located in Mérida, Mexico (in the heart of the Yucatán). Your entire wedding party can stay two nights at this Virtuoso property with your wedding ceremony and banquet hosted by this historic estate. The entire destination wedding package is priced at $9,995, inclusive of taxes and services.

Here's what you get:

• two nights accommodations with daily breakfast for 36 guests
  
• wedding ceremony with floral decorations
  
• a sumptuous bridal feast with three-course gourmet meal, personalized table settings, flowers, and candles
  
• multi-tiered wedding cake
  
• six bottles of French sparkling wine
  
• complimentary use of the on-site Wedding Coordinator

Imagine your wedding ceremony in the restored family chapel or within Xcanatun's extravagant gardens. The wedding banquet features a three-course menu with continental, fusion Yucatecan, or European cuisine. Everything is decorated with flowers and candles, and a multi-tiered wedding cake and sparkling French wine for the toast is also included. Xcanatun's on-site wedding coordinator ensures a stress-free experience by tailoring every detail to your wishes.

The bride and groom will share the bi-level honeymoon suite, and guests will occupy the remaining 12 suites and 5 rooms found throughout the property's nine-acre garden. The only things not included are the fees for the celebrant, laboratory or notary costs, music or DJ, and liquor and beverages other than the sparkling wine. This offer is valid from April to Dec. 15, 2009. Contact your Virtuoso luxury travel consultant to book.

destination wedding (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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luxury villas | Casa Triton

Imagine spending a week in an exclusive luxury villa overlooking the Pacific Ocean, waking each morning to pristine ocean views, savoring gourmet meals prepared for you by your own house staff. Although admittedly beyond the reach of most, there are travelers for whom this would be a memorable travel experience.

For the ultimate upscale vacation getaway, consider Casa Triton, an architectural masterpiece featured in Architectural Digest. Located in Costa Careyes, Mexico, 2 1/2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta and 1 1/4 hours north of Manzanillo, this unique property offers 270 degree views of the ocean and coastline with a stunning 200 foot infinity pool.

The luxury villa features three air conditioned oceanview bedrooms, each in a separate bungalow. With an adjoining three bedroom guest house also available, Casa Triton offers beyond-luxurious accommodations for an intimate destination wedding, a honeymoon, a family reunion, or six couples traveling together. The villa comes with a full staff including butler, chef, maids, laundress, poolman, gardeners, and concierge. Rates are $5,000 per night as a 3 bedroom or $7,000 per night as a 6 bedroom.



copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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how to plan a romantic honeymoon

So you're engaged, and now you're planning a romantic honeymoon to begin your married life together. You may find that planning this trip is very stressful because there are too many choices! Do you want to take a cruise or spend a romantic honeymoon at a beach resort in a tropical paradise?

Where do you want to go? The world offers so many honeymoon destinations: Hawaii. Capri. Costa Rica. Tahiti and Bora Bora. Fiji. The Maldives. Mexico. Jamaica or the Caribbean. Do you want an all inclusive vacation? Do you want a totally flexible package?

This is perhaps the one time in your life when all these choices are not welcome. You're in the midst of countless decisions about your wedding, and you're getting frustrated by them. You are discovering that the two of you may have different decision-making styles, different priorities, even different expectations. You've had to deal with disagreements and conflict around your wedding ... and now you have the trip of a lifetime to plan. Both of you want it to be the most wonderful, romantic honeymoon ever, but you can't agree on anything. What's a happily engaged couple to do?

Here are some tips on how to plan a romantic honeymoon and keep your love intact!

1. Keep it simple. You'll want to avoid frequent packing and unpacking. Who wants the hassles of traveling to a dozen destinations on your honeymoon? This is a time for you to be together and enjoy each other. Talk about this question: What do we like doing for fun? Brainstorm destinations that would be fun to visit. Come up with separate lists, then compare and see what you have in common.

2. Set a budget. If your vacation costs more than you can afford, the expenses will add to your stress, both during the trip and afterwards (when the credit card bills come in). You can have a romantic honeymoon that stays within your budget and enjoy your memories forever (and avoid the debt).

3. Ask for help. Planning any kind of travel can be complex; if it were simple, you wouldn't be reading this blog! A good travel consultant will listen to the dreams you have for your honeymoon, respect your budget, do all the research, and offer you a few choices that you can talk over together. Whatever you may pay as a consulting fee, you will reap many times that investment in mistakes avoided, real value found, and a bottom line that you can afford. And, most of all, you will have a romantic honeymoon that's been planned by an expert so that all you have to do ... is enjoy it!


copyright (c) 2007 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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