Understanding your travel plan choices while traveling can be confusing. From European Plans to Exclusive Plans, your vacation can be catered to you every need depending on options available at your location. Some plans listed below explain a few popular plans to many hotels and resorts offer.

European Plan: Lodging cost only (no food or drink included).

Continental Plan: Your accommodations with breakfast which may consist of any or all: juices, coffee, tea, and bread. It may, but doesn’t necessarily include: cereals, fruits, egg dishes, waffles and pancakes to name a few. Again, it depends on your location and services. The Continental Plan is usually self-service but may offer waiter services to refill drinks.

Full-board and American Plan: In addition to your accommodations , you may receive three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with drinks not included.

Half-board and Modified American Plan: Accommodations, breakfast, one main meal and again with drinks not included.

All-Inclusive: Almost always includes: Accommodations, meals, snacks, soft drinks, tea, coffee, beer and non-branded spirits (keep in mind this may only apply to specific restaurants/bars at your resort). When looking at all-inclusive remember that there also may be certain time limitations to your “free” drinks and food. This may also include all fees to on-site entertainments such as the pool, club house, tennis, gym and etc..

Exclusive (All-Inclusive Plus), Super-Inclusive, Ultra-Inclusive: Keep in mind that depending on your location these options may differ:  Accommodations, food, gourmet dining, unlimited ala carte dining, soft drinks, coffee, tea, wine, premium drinks, snacks, tips, resort entertainment, water sports, land sports, airport transfers, taxes, gratuities, turn down service, welcome basket, express check-in and check-out, and upgraded room amenities.

Bottom line ~ make sure you read all the fine print in all your travel agreements to ensure your travels are exactly as you expected. Each resort differs in their offerings and you need to be sure of what you are purchasing prior to your vacation or better yet, contact http://www.twigtravel.com/questionnaire--order.html to help plan your perfect getaway.

A for Away

B for Beach

C for California here we come

After a busy summer and the teasing of Autumn in the air, take a break while the kids are back to school; rejuvenate yourself and hold onto Summer a little bit longer.

Talk about taking a break ~ break for the Shorebreak Hotel at 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, California, 92648, United States. Shorebreak Hotel is your hip and contemporary hotel with 157 rooms and 39 suites that feature ocean views.

Located just north of Newport and Laguna Beach in the original Surf City USA, where the Pacific Coast Highway meets the Huntington Beach Pier. Here you will be on the famous strand of Huntington Beach where upscale luxury meets beach casual.

Begin your visit with secure underground valet parking, limousine and car rental services, complimentary wine hour, concierge services, room service, and if you chose to bring your dog, they are pet friendly with no fee.

Settle into your room complete with a 37“ or 42“ flat-screen TV, an electronic safe and plug your iPod into their iPod docking station. Turn on some tunes and enjoy a drink from your honor bar with refrigerator on your balcony with a view. Enjoy your complimentary newspaper, send out your laundry and dry cleaning (iron and ironing board provided in your room), relax in the amazing bath with luxury bath products and robes in preparation to head out to the hotels restaurant and bar, Zimzala before falling into a heavenly sleep on your Serta mattress with 300-thread count Frette linens.

Zimzala restaurant is located on the second level adjacent to the Shorebreak Hotel and “is a casual vibe with some serious food located on the Strand. Zimzala features a bar, "living room" lounge, semi-exhibition kitchen, dining room, private dining room and outdoor patio spaces. The cool and comfortable space was created by noted design firm De Lisle, Philpotts & Staub Interiors.

The lounge is the perfect place to relax with friends and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and lighter fare over tales of the day's beach and surfing adventures. The main dining room enjoys a glimpse of the semi-exhibition kitchen which produces California comfort food. Communal sharing is strongly encouraged by our enthusiastic servers!”

After dinner be sure to take a stroll out to the private courtyard with multiple fire pits and enjoy a beautiful evening on the ocean or visit or get “stranded” at the Strand; an outdoor plaza with upscale shopping and more dining pleasures.

After you’re revived and maybe it’s time to do your daily workout in their onsite fitness center, or get your workout at Surf City USA’s greatest beachside attraction - an 8.5 mile stretch of paved boardwalk know as the Ocean Strand. The boardwalk runs parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway and the beach and stretches from Sunset Beach to Newport Beach totaling 12.5 miles. Should you decide to head inland, you can continue on the Santa Ana Trail.

After all this work, take some down time at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach that sits pier-side and ocean front. The Plaza is a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre that host beachside concerts, events and is a hub for art and culture. The design is reminiscent of roman architecture with an artistic and colorful mural depicting historical events of Huntington Beach. Stone steps cut into the hillside between the Pacific Coast Highway and the sand, and here you will find yourself with a comfortable place to sit and relax or shop amongst the goods at the weekly farmer’s market and art-a-faire.

Hungry? Take a walk along the Huntington Beach Pier. Here you will be at the iconic heart of the city. At 1,800 ft, Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest municipal piers in California, and it stands as the city’s front porch to the wide open Pacific. You can fish, shop, experience the sights and sounds and eat at Ruby’s where this red roofed 1940’s style diner will make you feel like you’re sitting in the middle of the ocean. Serving breakfast, lunch and diner with their motto of: “Only the best for our guest!”

With so many choices of restaurants at Huntington Beach, from Dukes that is located next to the pier serving Hawaiian, seafood and steak fare, 25 Degrees with an American fare, Cucina Alessa for some fine Italian, the Sugar Shack (known for its great breakfast), to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery known for some great deep dish pizza, you surely won’t go hungry or thirsty in this paradise.

End you perfect getaway by relaxing with a romantic evening at Huntington Harbour at 16370 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 with a sunset gondola through Sunset Gondola 562- 592-3295.

With prices from $30 for two @ 30 minutes to $140 for two for two hours, how could one resist? Enhance your ride with add-on packages of chocolates, roses and more. Bring your own beverage, snacks and ice, cups, opener and blankets are provided for you along with your gondolier singing you a song.

Before you go, keep up with all the latest with your local Huntington Beach Local Blog.

So, there you have it, and unfortunately class if over, but I bet this trip will get you an A+!!!

Those of us that own a furry four legged friend have now led the way in statistics and travel. As of this year, 93% of dog owners plan on taking their pet on vacation with them.

Before you let Fido jump in and take to the road with you, be sure to look over some safety precautions to ensure their trip is just as enjoyable as yours.

Prior to your trip make sure of the following:

Have your pet identification tag complete with the animals name, your name and cell phone number. If possible, also place your home number or another contact number.

Have a first aid kit for you pet and keep it with you incase of injury.

Visit your veterinarian and make sure you are current on all shots and tags. Get a copy of proof to carry with you of all vaccines in the case that you need to board your pet. Make sure your pet is in good health and consider a recent health certificate to carry with you as you may need if traveling to Canada or Mexico.

Packing for you pet - remember to bring enough food and water along with any needed medicines. I love this set from http://www.fetchdog.com/pet-supplies/dogcartravel/traveldogbowls/ruff-rations/00374 and use our travel bowls even when we just visit the park.

Pack: Bowls, leashes, collars, a familiar blanket, towel, toys/chew toys, treats, plastic bags/clean-up supplies, a dog brush, crate, and any other comforts your pet may need such as dog booties if venturing to a hot or cold region or a swim vest if going on a water trip.

Before you hit the road, know your route and some pet friendly stops. While traveling, keep you dog safely contained in either a safety harness or in the enclosed back area.

Purchase your supplies at numerous stores and sites such as Pet Street Mall http://www.petstreetmall.com/Travel-&-Outdoors/458.html, In The Company of Dogs http://www.inthecompanyofdogs.com/ShopCategory3.aspx?id=17,473&dispRow=473, or http://www.fetchdog.com/pet-supplies/dogcartravel/alldogcar-travelsupplies, all of which have an excellent selection of travel gear for your dog amongst many other selections.

Be sure to stop every 2-3 hours and allow them some exercise and relief along with water and their food if at their scheduled time . . . A little treat for their great behavior is always welcomed! Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle!!! Not only can this be dangerous and deadly, but the extreme heat can also cause heat stroke and/or brain damage.

Dog Friendly http://dogfriendly.com/dognews/?p=1272 has posted their Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cities to visit in the United States. With some controversy, the top ten were chosen with some cities excluded due to breed restrictive laws.

When choosing your accommodations make sure you are clear of their restrictions for size/weight, breed and amenities available for your dog. You will also want to verify any additional costs associated with having your pet travel with you. Many hotels are now offering dog-sitting and dog walking with/without additional fees.

Another great resource from Dog Friendly is their 2010 Top 10 Dog-Friendly resorts http://dogfriendly.com/dognews/?p=835

Wherever you chose to stay, make sure you follow some etiquette with your pet. Not everyone loves animals and may not look upon your pet as adorably as you do. When in public areas, make sure you keep your dog close to you as to ensure not just their safety, but others such as tripping over leash and etc., you may also want to consider a specialty style collar/leash to prevent your dog from any biting.

When at the beach, keep your dog leased if there is a leash law. Always clean up after your dog, do not let your dog visit with other beach-goers or dogs, unless welcomed. If using an official off-leash area, your dog needs to be well-behaved and must listen to your verbal commands. In an off-leash area, always pay attention to your dog.

Most of all, remember to have fun while traveling with your pet. They want to enjoy as much as you do ~ just make sure you plan ahead, be prepared and even pets like to be pampered while on vacation too.

And if by chance you have to leave your pet at home, the coziest hotel trend isn’t catering to just slippers, a robe and a comfy bed, but catering to the animal lovers traveling without their pet and upping the ante for their pet lovers.

In Chicago, IL, Chicago’s Hotel Burnham http://www.burnhamhotel.com/ (also a Chicago pet friendly hotel) and is one of 23 Kimpton Hotel properties that not only hands over your room key, but also lets its travelers choose whether to share their room with some of its “goldfish team members” as part of their Guppy Love program. Their staff cleans the bowl and feeds the fish for you while still cozying up your room; making this agreement nothing conforming or committing. New York City’s SoHo Grand Hotel http://www.sohogrand.com/ also runs a similar program for their guest

The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma, CA http://www.fairmont.com/SMI/Zeus added Zeus, a chocolate Labrador as the Canine Ambassador of the Fairmont. Zeus oversees interactive guest appreciation at the California classic resort destination. He also keeps an eye on a multitude of lobby activities, co-leads guest hikes and assists in grounds supervision of the classic 226-room property.

Catie Copley, a black Labrador at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston http://www.fairmont.com/cop/CatieCopley.htm, is so popular with guests and they can sign up via e-mail to [email protected] in advance of their stay to take her on walks around town. Make sure you book early for Catie seems to get booked up!

In Beaver Creek, CO, a yellow Labrador is at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/BachelorGulch/Default.htm is available for hiking and snowshoeing excursions, or just playing ball with as part of the hotel's Loan-A-Lab program. He has even been incorporated into wedding ceremonies and proposals. The hotel gets its dogs from Colorado shelters, and although guests don't have to pay to book some quality canine time, they are asked to make a donation to a local animal shelter.

Out of concern for guests with pet allergies, hotels don't allow staff dogs to enter their bars or restaurants. This rule applies for the luxury hotel in New York, The Algonquin http://www.algonquinhotel.com/ has a resident cat, Matilda. In addition to welcoming guests, Matilda's official mission, according to her Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matilda-The-Algonquin-Cat/51291379554?sk=wall, is "to nap in every corner of the hotel's historic lobby." I think I like her job!

At all the options available to you, your vacation with your pet or with a stand-in pet while on vacation, will leave you feeling comforted in having a four legged furry friend.

First . . . something to get you in the mood (make sure your speakers are on).

Ice is nice, especially while the temperatures are climbing. Kind of like a "Christmas in July".

What a beautiful and joyous time of year to plan your wedding day.

Let the simplicity take over your theme with eye catching branches of white, candles, crystals, pearls, and lighting to set the stage for a magical winter wonderland for you and your guest.
 
Begin the introduction of your day with these beautiful invitations of “Winter Wonderland” from Douchelle Custom Creations http://www.dochelle.com/winterwonderlandlarge.htm that include: Invitation Card, Reception card, RSVP Card, RSVP Envelope, Silver Midori Ribbon, Swarovski Crystal Snowflake, Snow Textured Overlay Fabric, and a Presentation Box.

I absolutely fell in love with these gowns from Oscar De La Renta http://www.weddingdresstrends2012.com/45/oscar-de-la-renta-wedding-dresses-fall-2011-collection.html#more-45 with either being for the bride, the maid of honor or the bridesmaids. With the beautiful silk faille strapless gown with embroidered white carnations and accents of silver bullion.

These gowns could beautifully be accessorized with a faux fur wrap like the Mariell Faux Fox Fur Stole from http://www.bonanza.com/booths/Malinda/items/MARIELL_IVORY_FAUX_FOX_FUR_STOLE_FORMAL_BRIDAL
_WEDDING_WRAP to match beautifully with the silk faille bodice dress with an ivory swansdown skirt.

Pair these gowns with the amazing shoes from Grazia http://www.graziashoes.com/default2.asp “Valentine” is a luxuries silk satin peep toe pump with an amazing rhinestone brooch at the top of the toe or the beautiful lace pump Parisienne from Augusta Jones http://augustajones.com/shoes.htm.

Top off your look with this beautiful birdcage veiling hat with Swarovski crystals and feather accents from Lady Slipper Bridal http://www.ecrater.co.uk/p/9359145/russian-bridal-bird-cage-veiling or this beautiful Double rose Veil (top middle in inspiration board) from Alice Hart couture millinery at http://www.alicehart.com/index.html.

For an everlasting heirloom bouquet from Sol Bijou http://www.artfire.com/users/solbijou that is made with total attention to detail and quality. A combination of rhinestones pearls, repurposed brooches, Czech Pearls in cream and white, silver findings, jewels, and their popular handmade satin and organza flowers in various shapes and sizes will have your wedding bouquet being a rare, one of a kind piece of artwork. The under-side of the bouquet is in layers of organza and tulle in white and cream and the stems are partially wrapped with a layer satin ribbon in cream, and a final layer of a gorgeous detailed silver lace.

Continue to carry that winter sparkle all the way through your decor scheme, right to your wedding cake. A little “bling” for the wedding cake proves to be the perfect accessory. With choices from edible shimmer applied to fondant, edible shimmer luster, or sugared butter cream frosting; no matter your preferences, this will be a beautiful display.

As long as we’re talking about “ice”, how about some extraordinary “ice” from Phillip Press Master Platinumsmiths http://www.philippress.com/? Renowned for their exceptional platinum jewelry designs and expertise. Their exquisite Platinum Masterpieces are truly works of art that exemplify fine craftsmanship and the utmost quality. Philip Press and their master craftsmen design and make each piece by hand, using their own high-grade proprietary 950 platinum alloy and the finest gemstones. They also custom-makes platinum pieces and redesigns old engagement ring settings. Of course, you may want this prior to planning your dream winter wonderland for this might be more than enough to “ice the cake”.

For your reception, your choices are truly limitless being the colder time of year. Endear your guest to warm drinks, soups, and lush desserts to create a feeling of warmth. Send your guests home with these adorable penguins or mice from L.A. Burdick Chocolates http://www.burdickchocolate.com/. I love how you are able to customize your mice tail colors, box and ribbon colors and even the ribbon imprinting is offered. And from experience, I will guarantee, your guests will be wanting more of this delicious wedding favor!

Keep in mind as in the summertime, the weather can be unpredictable. Plan ahead and make sure your guest are safe once they arrive with shoveled and salted paths, a coat check, and even possible valet parking or an escort (with an umbrella) if it’s snowing to protect them from the elements. Also keep in mind that if you have guests traveling some distance, they may appreciate an overnight stay near or at your venue. Plan ahead with your guests and your accommodations in order to house them.

Winter can be a wonderful time of year, and although it may be a little busier with the holiday season, with given advance and proper planning, you will be creating another special holiday.

Providing a nostalgic feel of Nantucket, I fell in love with The Cottages and Lofts at Boat Basin http://thecottagesnantucket.com/ (866-838-9253 or 508-325-1499) and with the 4th Of July, my first thought returned to these 24 cottages and their 5 new lofts that consist of one, two, and three bedrooms with some that are even pet friendly.

The pet friendly cottages require a non-refundable pet fee of $60 (1-3 nights); $75 (4+ nights) per stay and 10% of the pet fee is donated to the Nantucket MSPCA Adoption Center on Nantucket. Your pet will feel like it’s on a luxury vacation too with the special amenities of a welcome basket of pet treats and toys, a blissful bed (Draper Canine Therapy Dog Bed by http://drapercaninetherapy.com), food and water bowls, litter box, personalized pet tags, dog walking services and a directory of veterinary clinics and pet supply stores.

The cottages are located from the heart of Nantucket ranging from waterfront views and waterfront locations. The cottages at the Boat Basin are located directly on the docks at Swain Warf and Old South Warf (The Lofts are on Straight Warf). To get a better idea of the layout, see the map at http://thecottagesnantucket.com/reservations/map.html and click on the cottage or loft for additional information.

The cottages have a nautical ambiance with polished pine floors and stylishly casual furnishings with colors of marine blue, white and the classic Nantucket red. Many of the accommodations have private balconies or terraces and during your visit you are provided with complimentary use of bicycles (first come, first served), daily housekeeping, modern kitchens, fine bed linens, complimentary wireless internet access, flat-screen TV’s with cable television, DVD, Business Center, hair dryer, in-room safes, beach chairs and towels to name a few of your awaiting luxuries.

As an added bonus is the front desk will even do your grocery shopping prior to your arrival an have your kitchen pre-stocked. If you fly into Nantucket airport, you can be greeted by the “Beach Bus” with previous arrangements to take you to The Cottages. For additional travel accommodations to reach the island, visit http://www.islandofnantucket.info/howtogetthere.html for further options. Prior to your arrival, The Cottages Nantucket Vacation Planner will contact you to make arrangements for transportation, dining, island excursions, picnics, car and bicycle rentals. To contact the Nantucket Vacation Planner, please email [email protected] or call 866.838.9252.  The “Beach Bus” also will shuttle you to and from your favorite Nantucket beaches.

If you are a guest at The Cottages & Lofts you have access to the White Elephant Spa, the brand new spa located at their sister property and just a short walk away.

You'll find an extensive selection of treatments and massages to make your stay even more relaxing. Visit http://www.whiteelephanthotel.com/spa/ to learn more or call 508.228.2500 to make a reservation and mention that you are a guest at The Cottages.

Grab your bag from http://www.jessicacushman.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=JKC&Product_Code=ROP-LOB-NAT&Category_Code=ROPTOTE that screams Nantucket, step back in time and wander over 800 historic buildings while walking along the cobblestone streets ~ a perfect way to relax while visiting an array of upscale boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, pubs and fine restaurants.

Make sure you visit the Whaling Museum http://www.nha.org/sites/index.html open daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. where you will find the history of Nantucket’s whaling industry and see artifacts that are exhibited at the museum.

For those of those that want to explore further, venture into the vineyards and brewery’s of: Nantucket Vineyard, Cisco Brewery, and Triple Distillery at http://sites.google.com/site/ciscobeers/ for a day of fun and relaxation.

Arrange for a private sail aboard the Endeavor http://endeavorsailing.com/ located at the Straight Wharf dock outside the cottages. Enjoy a sunset cruise for two or a pirate-themed adventure with the kids. Aboard the Nantucket Harbor Cruise at Straight Wharf (502-228-1444), pull lobster traps, enjoy an afternoon Ice Cream Cruise, or end your evening with their sunset cruise. For those that want to own their own yacht for a day or half the day excursions, visit Hinckley Cruise Your boat will be stocked with all the provisions you needs to make your day on the water memorable. Contact your accommodation concierge for more information and booking.

In July and August, go on the whale-watch vessel Yankee Springs for the day (& hours) and visit the whale feeding grounds at the Great South Channel. It departs from Straight Wharf. http://nantucketwhalewatch.net/ 800-322-0013 or outside of MA call 800-942-5464

For the land lovers there are many inland tours to choose from be sure to check with your local accommodation concierge for more information. You may enjoy visiting Brat Point Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in America, established in 1746. http://lighthouse.cc/brant/ or just take a leisurely bike ride or stroll on the many paths. Make sure you grab some ice-cream on your way!

Don’t be surprised to hear live piano music and sing-along while strolling through downtown. The Club Car is an iconic seafood and steak restaurant in an old train car.

Make sure you make reservations at 508-228-1101. One restaurant among many lining the streets of Nantucket for your enjoyment. http://www.nantucket.net/maps/diningmap.php

For the 4th of July, Jetties Beach (on Nantucket) http://www.nantucket.net/beaches/jetties.php at 9:00 p.m. is the perfect place to view the spectacular fireworks and in August Jetties Beach host a Sandcastle and Sculpture Day along with the Boston Pops http://www.bso.org/bso/mods/perf_detail.jsp?pid=prod4040071 on August 13, 2011 to benefit the Nantucket Cottage Hospital http://www.nantuckethospital.org/Events/Pops.html with special guest, Carly Simon. Make sure you visit the Raw Bar at The Jetties http://thejetties.com/ for a complete Nantucket Beach experience.

For more 4th of July fun, there are activities on Main Street starting at 10:00 a.m. which include the dunk tank, the watermelon eating contest, face painting, the pie eating contest, and the famous "water fight" between the town fire fighters and Flint Ranney's volunteers. For more information visit http://www.nantucket-ma.gov/Pages/NantucketMA_Visitor/46814_Nantucket_WEB_6.pdf

A relaxing and memorable trip to the east coast to enjoy the dog-days of Summer. What a wonderful way to celebrate Independence Day with having your vacation perfect in every way!

Photographs courtesy of The Cottages and Jessica Cushman

I'm excited to be ready for business.  It's been over a year in progress of detailing and researching to provide the best travel for my customers.  With so many packages to choose from ~ be it looking for accommodations, things to do, or right down to the Ultimate Destination Wedding planned for you.  Not only am I excited, but I hope you are too!  I hope you become inspired in my blog of all the places to see and things to do ~ be it near or far.  I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you find at least moments where you can at least dream of that "someday".