How To Plan A Family Vacation: The Ultimate Checklist
Category: Our ResortsApril 25th 2024Back to our Sandals Blog > > >
When deciding on a vacation destination, it is important to be laser focused. In the initial planning stages, the amount of choices might be overwhelming. There’s nothing relaxing about planning a family vacation! Hopefully you’ll get some of that when on location.
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Whether you’re planning to explore a National Park in the States, visit a theme park, go on a camping trip or spend some time on the gorgeous Caribbean beaches, we’ve got all the deets on how to plan a
Family vacation planning checklist
Here’s what you need to know!
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1. Decide where to go with your family
Picture: Looking for a family beach vacation? Look no further than Grace Bay, the
Settling on a destination for your family vacation is hard. There are so many different things to keep in mind; from the kind of experience you’re looking to have, how much you’re willing to spend, what you’d like to see, and the interests of both parents and kids.
A great place to start is by listing what everyone likes to do, and the activities you enjoy doing together. Whether this includes going on long hikes, spending time at museums and other historic places, or simply going to the beach, all this information will come in handy when deciding where to go. If your trip includes family members who do not live near you, you can involve them in the process by sending out an email survey to weigh preferences.
Create a list of places based on where you have always wanted to go and consider which attractions and activities are available in each. Give points to places with stunning nature, varied land and sea activities, spas, and dining. You’ll be able to narrow down your destination list depending on what’s available where. You’ll also be able to swipe some other places off the list depending on your budget, distance to destination, availability of flights, and other considerations.
Choose a destination that’s convenient for everyone
Say for instance, the kids are set on a winter vacation somewhere there’s snow, while parents just want to lounge and decompress somewhere sunny where they can go snorkeling from a tropical beach. This is a common dilemma many families face when deciding on a vacation destination, especially if they have older kids. Know that while everyone may not be able to get what they want; you can all meet somewhere in the middle. Pick somewhere that everyone can find something to do that they enjoy.
Plan your potential dates
Time of year matters when it comes to travel, as prices, weather and crowds vary depending on the low, shoulder, and peak seasons of individual destinations. Many families choose to travel during the summer, which is peak season in some places. For countries in the Caribbean though, summer is associated with shoulder season travel �' during this time you may find better prices and less crowds on the beach. Summer is also a great time to travel because the kids are out of school, and thus they won’t be missing out on anything. Spring break is another option, as is winter vacation.
Overall, if you want to save money, travel during the low season. Keep in mind this means conditions like weather may be less than optimal and there might be less going on, but there are also the benefits; like being able to secure accommodation and book tours without much hassle.
Pro tip: For parents who have no alternative other than taking kids out during the middle of the school year due to an inflexible vacation schedule, plan with your child’s teachers so they can do some extra work before setting off. Avoid scheduling trips during standardized test time, as it can be hard to reschedule these.
2. Define your budget
Not sure where to start when planning a family vacation? Creating a budget will help you make some headway. Where this is concerned, you’ll need to decide how much you are willing to spend early on in the process, and on what. Once you’ve decided on your budget, you’ll be able to select your accommodation, activities, and other things that are important to you and your family.
Some things that you will need to budget for include:
Transportation
Aside from thinking about and budgeting for how you and your family will get there, whether by airplane, train, or by car, you’ll need to decide how you’re going to get around once you arrive. If you’re going by plane or train, you may need a car to take you around and fuel top ups should be part of your budget. You’ll also need to include the expected cost of rentals and taxis.
Accommodation
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Options are endless when it comes to accommodation for your family vacation, but this list is a little less broad when travelling with kids. Family travel requires picking a hotel, resort, villa, or other accommodation with proper amenities.
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, you’ll want to look into entertainment and activities, and the cost of this. You might find a lot of the activities already to be included in the price of your stay! Beaches Resort has some great
Food & drinks
Food is an important consideration for any vacation, but even more so when you’re travelling with children. This is where research matters �' it is best to stay at a hotel or resort with lots of good food options that fit neatly into your budget. Again, many parents find it worthwhile to stay at an all-inclusive family resort which takes away the burden of trying not to overspend on food.
Keep in mind that when planning your vacation, even if you’re staying at an all-inclusive property you may want to factor in a night or two of dining outside the resort. If you won’t be staying at an all-inclusive, go for a hotel or even a villa or bed and breakfast with a kitchen, which can help keep costs down.
Excursions & entertainment
Excursions can be costly, so the budget conscious will need to plan this aspect carefully. With that said, there are lots of options to keep kids busy while on vacation. Parents can opt to take their kids to amusement parks or on adventure tours. Depending on where you go shows, concerts, and museums are other options. Plan carefully and ensure you take into account the cost of tickets or bookings for everyone who will be included. Make sure the drive to the local attractions is not too long.
Souvenirs
Souvenirs are important memories to your family vacation, and it’s useful to create a budget for this as well. A tried-and-tested approach is saving change in a jar ahead of your trip to be used for souvenir shopping. When the money runs out, so does your souvenir splurging. Kids can also save up to get unique items they like that may only be found in your vacation destination - like unique seashells. When it’s time to go home, you can ship items that are too bulky (like art) straight to your residence, so you can travel light.
3. Start saving up for travel if needed
Saving is an important aspect of travel and can influence the kind of vacation you eventually end up having. The longer you save before going, and the more money that goes into your savings fund, the more things you’ll be able to do while away. Be realistic in how much you can save per week (or month); this can be done individually, or in a special family vacation account. The great thing about saving is that the sooner you get serious about it, the sooner you’re able to meet your goal!
Insider tip: Beaches Resorts makes family vacation planning super convenient with their
layaway program that enables guests to pay for their booking over time. Once you set foot on the resort, no extra expenses are needed. Airport transfers, the water park,Kids Club , magic shows, drinks, high-quality food at up to21 restaurants per resort , ice cream, cotton candy, mac and cheese - it’s all included, always unlimited. Parents can even drink unlimited cocktails mixed with premium liquors at the swim-up bar!
4. Purchase the tickets to your destination
It is highly recommended when traveling with children to look for direct flights, as opposed to making sure you fly with your favorite airline. Flights with long layovers are not ideal although sometimes this is unavoidable. The younger your children, the less patience they may have with this. Parents with babies (under the age of 2) may want to avoid lengthy layovers altogether. If there is no other option, do some research to find out whether the terminal at the airport is baby-friendly, and whether there are nursing rooms. Some terminals have toddler-friendly play spaces which can help pass the time with your child.
Find out also if there are changing tables on the plane that are practical, and whether bulkhead seats are available. While you may not find this information on official websites of the airline or airport, calling directly should help get you the details you need.
5. Book the right place to stay
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Accommodation is a big consideration when travelling with kids. Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll want to ensure that it’s comfortable, safe and ideally located near some local attractions you’re interested in seeing. If you plan on staying at a hotel or resort, find out if they have kids’ menus, games rooms, kids’ clubs, kiddie pools, comfortable cribs, and bathtubs.
Pro tip: Read reviews from reputable sites before booking your vacation. Consider things like how far your resort is from things you’d like to do, and whether you’ll need a rental. Some families prefer options with 24-hour room service, or a kitchen to make their own meals.
6. Make safety and health a priority
The safety and wellbeing of their children is always at the forefront of any parent’s mind. Vacation time is not excluded. Things like whether you can find an English-speaking doctor if you need one and the quality of hospitals available at your destination are common considerations. Healthwise, it’s also important to ensure your children have all the necessary vaccinations before heading off to foreign destinations. This can be sorted out with a quick trip to their pediatrician. Overall, travel protection plans are recommended for family and other types of travel. These can help safeguard families against the unexpected, including cancellation fees, trip interruption, medical expenses, and expenses related to baggage loss or delay.
Insider tip: Beaches Resorts offers travel protection and have a registered nurse available on-property in case something happens. Her services are complimentary.
7. Inform the staff you’ll encounter on your trip
During the booking process, offer the staff as much information as you can about the needs of your family, so that the staff can accommodate. This accounts for both the staff of the accommodation as the staff of your flight. Make sure to mention food allergies and special needs of the children. If you forget to mention important details during booking, you can do so once you arrive. Parents with kids with sensory difficulties can also inform their accommodation about this. Be specific about what your child can and cannot tolerate, like strong smelling cleaning products.
8. Plan excursions and activities
Just as it is important to book your trip in advance, so too it is necessary to schedule your activities and excursions as early as possible. Doing so will ensure that things flow smoothly once you get to your destination. This should be a priority especially during the peak season, to avoid being unable to do certain things as a result of tours being sold out.
Things to book in advance include tours, theater tickets, and theme park tickets. Get your kids involved in this process by getting their input on what they’d like to do once at the destination. This can save you from spending on things they really aren’t interested in. Factor in how many excursions you want to book, keeping in mind some of the things that may already be available for free at your hotel or resort.
9. Make sure all passports are up to date
Generally, travelers are required to have at least 6 months remaining on their passports before expiry when traveling overseas. This means your passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond your departure date. Additionally, and even more important, every member of your family including kids (no matter their age) will need a passport for international travel by air.
If your child does not have a passport, apply for one well ahead of your trip as processing takes time. If your child is under 16, you’ll need to apply at a local passport agency in person, and your child is also required to make an appearance. When applying, bring along all necessary supporting documentation to speed up the process. Also inquire about getting your passports expedited. If you need to get a new passport, you can find the
Pro tip: Even if you’re feeling confident about passports check anyway for expiry dates before booking your trip. Children’s passports expire every five years. While you’re at it, check your own passport to make sure it’s up to date. Bring differentiating passport covers so you always know which passport belongs to who.
10. Prepare your kids for the flight
If you will be flying to your destination, it’s worthwhile spending some time getting older kids mentally prepared for the experience. This is useful particularly if it is their first time travelling, or if they haven’t travelled in a while. Tell them what the airport experience will be like, and how they’re required to behave. Go through the details like the necessity of removing shoes and jackets as they clear security.
Print or download copies of your boarding passes from home; this can cut time spent on lines. Let the kids know to expect crowds and speak to them about the importance of staying close to you to avoid getting lost. Be sure they’re aware that they need to play their games or listen to music with their headphones on, or with the sound muted, especially once they’ve boarded the aircraft. Teach them how to put their devices on airplane mode.
A good strategy for parents is using a backpack as a carry-on �' this helps keep your hands free for grabbing wandering children, or anything else that may come up. Strollers can be used and checked in at the gate. There are similar rules for car seats.
If you’re travelling with a baby, keep in mind that TSA’s 3oz limitation on liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on does not include breast milk, baby food or formula. Pack as much as your baby will need.
11. Start packing
Packing for any vacation can be a mammoth task. That is, if you don’t plan properly or try to gain as much insight as possible ahead of your adventure to foreign shores. Packing for a family vacation, you’ll have to take many things to keep in mind. What the children think they need, what they actually need, and the things you yourself absolutely can’t afford to leave behind.
No parent wants to arrive at a foreign destination to find that their kid has forgotten a favorite toy, a snack they simply can’t live without, or worse �' they don’t have enough clothing to tide over the week they’re there. To avoid any of these scenarios, it’s important to make packing a joint process with kids who are old enough to help. Even with kids who think they’ve got it covered; parents can do a once over to ensure they’re really all set before you all leave the house.
In addition to passports, tickets and other travel documents, phones, chargers, pens (for immigration forms!), and local currency, some essential items for family travel might include baby necessities such as daily use and comfort items, entertainment to take kids smoothly through wait times, extra clothes, sunscreen and hats, water shoes (if going to a place where there’s a pool or beach), first aid items, wipes (they come in handy for everyone!) and reservation information.
Some parents find it worthwhile to include a change of clothes in their kids’ carry-ons just in case luggage gets lost or misplaced. This can help ensure all bases are covered, and that you have a smooth vacation experience.
All in all, packing enough is important, but it is also important not to go overboard to avoid overweight charges, especially if you plan to do some shopping at your destination. When you plan properly, packing can be a stress-free process that everyone can enjoy.
12. Breathe and enjoy your vacation
Flexibility is important for a stress-free vacation experience. Even if there are a lot of different things you want to do with the kids, like going to a theme park, a zoo, or just exploring downtown, try not to schedule more than two activities a day. Factor in how long it will take to get to each place and wait times in between.
Make sure there’s room in between these activities to relax, and potentially even return to the hotel for a breather, or to change. Parents will know best how many activities are suitable per day for their kids, depending on their ages. If your kids get cranky, don’t force them into activities. Find the balance between relaxation and fun.
Pro tip: If you plan on travelling to a destination where it’s summer, try not to have the kids out too long in the hottest hours. Keep an eye out for potential sunburn and apply lots and lots of sunscreen.
Bonus tips to make the most out of your family vacation
1. Take the time to enjoy making memories with your family
Soak in every minute of your vacation and find ways to get your kids to do so as well. Some parents recommend creating a memento package, which can be a ‘treasure chest’ filled with things you kids want to remember about your trip, including ticket stubs, coins, seashells and foreign candy wrappers, or even just a little jar of sand or dirt from a beach they loved.
Anything goes in this territory, and you don’t even need to put this together right away. You can collect the items and wait until you get back home where you can all look back at the good times together.
Pro tip: Collecting memorable things during your vacation is also a great way to encourage your kids to start their own collection. Shells, stones, postcards, stickers and other cool items are all good options to start off with.
2. Do at least one really memorable thing together
There’s nothing quite like the bond between parents and their children, and that is something to be appreciated and celebrated. Kids grow quickly, and it is important to cherish every moment. Make time to do special things together that you will all forever keep close to your heart. That’s what family vacations are all about, and that’s the reason many families choose to splurge on that one epic trip that gives everyone something to look back on with joy for years to come. Do something you’ve always dreamed about, from renting out a luxury catamaran for a day, going on a food tour, exploring a drive-in volcano or majestic waterfall in the Caribbean, or even diving with sharks. Simplify it all by spending some time appreciating historic sites or trying out different restaurants. Whatever your desire, reach out and do it, as experiences are priceless!
3. Make plans for varied group activities
Picture: Beaches Resorts partnered up with
As much as the emphasis is on family for family vacations, it’s okay to do some stuff that doesn’t involve all of you. If you have multiple kids, let your older kids enjoy an activity they’re interested in while everyone else kicks back and does something casual that they also enjoy. Mom and dad can even split up with the kids, in groups according to their ages, to do separate things. Mom may also choose to go shopping with the girls, while dad takes the boys to enjoy a surfing lesson. This can happen on a set day, in or out of the resort. Let your various interests guide you; you can also seek assistance from the resort staff on finding things to do outside the resort if needed.
4. Find time to spend with just your spouse
Couple time can get placed on the back burner during a family vacation, but it’s important not to let that happen for parents who don’t usually get time away together. Some resorts offer nanny services if you want to plan a night out. If there’s other adults travelling in your group with kids, you can also take turns watching them. Try your best though to aim for booking a hotel or resort with a Kids Camp and certified babysitters.
Insider tip: Beaches Resorts makes it easy to keep kids occupied with a Kids Camp right on property. Whether you stay at their
all-inclusive resort in Turks & Caicos or at one of theBeaches all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica , your kids will be able to spend some time in the Kids Camp where they’ll be supervised by certified nannies and kept busy with age-appropriate activities. Depending on your child’s age they can be enrolled into the Infant Program (0-2), Toddler Program (3-4), Navigators Program (5-7), Adventurers Program (8-10), Tweens Program (11-14), and the Teens Program (15-17). All these options promise good times for your kids, who’ll be able to return home with not just new experiences, but amazing new friendships. More information about theKids Camps at Beaches .
5. Come home a day early
The more time spent in a dream destination the better �' just make sure you get home in time for everyone to have enough time to transition back into ‘normal life’. One or two days is usually enough for most people to get back to regular business of work, school, or summer camp. This also gives you enough time to catch up on sleep that you might have missed while on vacation!
Now you’re all set… woosah!
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As you prepare to take off for your next family getaway, remember that while vacations are meant for families to experience new things together, there are also hidden lasting benefits. You may find that you’re feeling better than you ever have, after a couple days in a new and peaceful environment, which is good for your mind, body, and soul. A healthier and more peaceful you, means you’ll be able to be more present for your kids once you all get back to reality!
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
We bring your dream Sandals Resorts vacation to life!
Hi! I'm Lia Vincent. I have been handling all the ins-and-outs of Sandals Resorts vacations for couples and groups since 2002! I know how unique and special your Sandals Resorts vacation is to you and your guests. My team and I want to make sure your group travel is an extraordinary experience, and one to talk about for ages to come.
- Exclusive savings
- Wedding package options
- Budget considerations
- Local vendors
- Customization
- Destination options
Sandals Resorts Wedding Packages
Your next great adventure begins here. Whether you prefer an intimate elopement or a grand affair, every wedding deserves a week-long celebration with a little something extra. Sandals and Beaches wedding packages offer the best of everything from pre-wedding events to unique wedding day and honeymoon experiences.
Click to read more articles about Sandals Weddings: Sandals Resort Wedding Planning
TWO LOVE BIRDS PACKAGE
Applicable for 2 people.
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
Pre-Wedding Events
• Scents of Love Couples massage*
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
On Your Wedding Day
• Bridal attendant*
• 10 digital images
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Witnesses
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d'oeuvres
- Sparkling wine
- Reception table with white linen and white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Private candlelight dinner with four-course
menu and prosecco*
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
SWEETHEART WEDDING PACKAGE
Applicable for up to 10 people
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services
for the bride and groom (not applicable
to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• $200 credit towards select photography
packages
• $200 credit towards select videography
packages
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid
boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail,
and non-alcoholic beverages
- Reception table with white linen
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with white or magenta dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen and white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
• $100 credit towards either a private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
This package is complimentary when Bride and Groom stay for 7 nights or longer in Club or Butler categories. This offer is available Monday through Friday, 9am-2pm and is applicable only to 10 persons. This offer does not apply to ReTie the Knot ceremonies. Certain restrictions apply. See terms and conditions
BLISS WEDDING PACKAGE
Applicable for 12 people or more
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
• 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid
double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms
travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31.
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
Pre-Wedding Events
• One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding team: event coordination,
setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the
entire group (not applicable to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• 20 digital images
• $200 credit towards select videography
packages
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• One speaker and one microphone
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Rose bouquet for 1 member of wedding party
• Rose boutonniere for 1 member
of wedding party
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature
cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen & white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection
from the plated menus and a premium bar,
non-alcoholic beverages including freshly
brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
• $100 credit towards either a Private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
EPIC WEDDING PACKAGE
Applicable for 52 people or more
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
• 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid
double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms
travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31.
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
Pre-Wedding Events
• One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• 2-hour private pre-wedding celebration dinner
• Wedding day treats : frozen fruit kabobs
& small bites with sparkling wine for bride
and groom (in-room while getting ready
on day of wedding)
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the
entire group (not applicable to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• $500 credit towards the Royal Romance
photography package
• $500 credit towards the Ultimate videography
package
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• One speaker and one microphone
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Rose bouquet for up to 2 members
of wedding party
• Rose boutonniere for up to 2 members
of wedding party
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature
cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Three-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen and whitecushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection
from the plated or buffet menus and a premium
bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly
brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
• One sweetheart table to include white linen,
standard place setting & 2 white-cushioned
Chiavari chairs
• Two-hour DJ entertainment
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
in resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
• $100 Credit towards either a private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
RETIE THE KNOT PACKAGE
Applicable for up to 10 people.
Before You Arrive
• ReTie the Knot planning team
• Celebration gift registry and website templates
During Your Stay
• Onsite ReTie the Knot team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for bride
and groom (not applicable to retail items)
• One 5x7 photo print
• One keepsake gift
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid
boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
• ReTie the Knot commemorative certificate
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail,
and non-alcoholic beverages
• Single-tiered white fondant cake
with dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen
& white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
Some of our destination weddings
Sandals Grande, St. Lucia, Large Group, Destination Wedding
I wanted to share (with permission) these gorgeous pictures from a destination wedding 2 weekends ago we had the privilege of being a part of and booked by Lia. She chose this over the water wedding chapel in St. Lucia with friends and family there to help celebrate. I love her flower crown and her dress and how happy she is. Picture perfect. Congratulations Kate and Curtis! We are so happy for you!
Beaches Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Destination Wedding
Lia was very helpful for us in planning our destination wedding to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We had gone through a few other travel planners first who didn't seem nearly as interested in our needs. We really appreciated the way Lia helped us navigate through some of the complexities, including the local laws of Jamaica and the planning with the resort itself. Even once we got to the resort and ran into a few snags, Lia was able to quickly get those resolved very quickly. We would highly recommend her for anyone planning a destination wedding or any other vacation. Thanks, Lia, for making our destination wedding the most special day of our lives.
Playa Del Carmen, Large Group, Destination Wedding
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but if you're planning on having a destination wedding, especially with a large group, I would highly recommend using All Inclusive Weddings!
From beginning to end, they help with every step; i.e., finding the venue, creating a custom wedding website, and booking all your guests. Their office manager, Linze, was very responsive, helpful, and so sweet! Everything turned out smoothly and we couldn't be happier!
Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Destination Wedding
Stephanie was our incredible travel agent for our destination wedding! She helped with every aspect, quick communication and AMAZING coordination with over 50 different people over 8 states. Stephanie from the beginning, gave options and talked through so many questions I had. I could not have asked for a better right hand woman! 10 out of 10 for Steph, we could not appreciate & trust her more!
Incredible Agent For Our Destination Wedding! 10 Out Of 10 For Steph!
Such an amazing week of memories,laughter & love! Thankful for our people and truly blessed beyond words ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸
Royalton Blue Waters, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Destination Wedding
My husband and I worked with the company's owner, Lia Vincent, and office manager, Linze.
Lia & Linze were both very warm and friendly, and from day one, we could tell cared about us as a couple and our destination wedding success, rather than just seeing us as more clients. I get stressed out easily, so planning my own wedding alone was overwhelming, even though my wedding was 10 months out. I ended up working with Linze, and we pushed up the wedding date with a little less than three months to prepare. I was initially nervous about using a travel agent / wedding planner, but it turned out to be a huge blessing, because it took away a lot of the stress and worry I was experiencing. A bride has so many things to worry about, so having someone else bear the brunt of the work and worry about the nitty-gritty details was a HUGE relief for me.
Why spend hours analyzing vendors and reading reviews, when you can have a pro do it? If you want an intimate wedding, if you want to elope, or if you want a huge all-out, go-into-debt-for-years wedding, and if you're in the market for a wedding travel agent, Lia and Linze should be at the top of your list!
The day of the wedding, everything was so beautiful, and so much better than I could have done on my own. Lia's company finds the best local vendors, so you know you'll get great value in your package, and what's nice is her company offers different packages for different budgets. We worked with and met AMAZING vendors! The reception was so elegant that as soon as I entered the reception, I felt amazement, joy, and relief because being the worrywart and control freak that I sometimes can be, it was hard for me to trust someone to somehow make everything perfect. Lia was able to give us the dream wedding we couldn't have done ourselves. Our family and friends were also amazed, and repeatedly told us how great the wedding, reception, and food were at the resort.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Destination Wedding
I used Stephanie Tindall to help me choose the perfect resort in PV Mexico for where my guests would stay for my destination wedding. She went round and round with me helping me find the perfect location. It had to be nice, trendy, not to outrageously expensive and within a certain mile radius of a marina where my guests needed to go for the wedding. She helped everyone get booked and when things became a little hectic as tracking sometimes can get. She took care of the details. One of my guests had passport issues and she helped talk them through what to do. It was such a relief to have a point of contact for travel related issues so I didn't have to be stressed about it. She did this all with a patient, positive? upbeat and kind attitude through the entire process. I highly recommend her.
Thank you again,
Darby Brown
UNICO, Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Wedding
Unico was wonderful and the perfect place for our wedding! It was quiet and the ceremony was better than expected. We had it on the gazebo and it was away from everything, which was great. The photography was beyond our expectations. We have not received our video yet, but assume it will be just as great. I also used the in house vendor for make up and hair, and was not disappointed. The wedding coordinator, Nazareth, was so sweet and on point. We used the local host quite a bit with WhatsApp, which was quite convenient. Food and drinks were amazing. We were disappointed that 2087 restaurant was down for half of our stay for repairs. We ate at Mi Carisa on our wedding night, which was the perfect choice. Service was also best there. We scheduled 2 tours through the hotel, a sunset cruise and Chichen Itza express. The boat tour was nice. Chichen itza tour was too fast and ok. We really appreciate your recommendations and help booking our wedding and stay. It was wonderful! Thank you again, Juliet and Jason
Hard Rock Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding
We just got back from an AMAZING wedding weekend yesterday. I can't begin to thank you enough for your help and support during the entire process. Everyone had a great time. It truly was one of the best days of my life and I can't believe how stress-free it was once I got there. Thank you Thank you!
Secrets Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding
I have never used a travel agent before Lia. I have always been the "I can do everything cheaper by myself on the internet" type person; most of the time, it works great. When my husband and I decided to have a destination wedding, we were not sure about anything - number of guests, length of stay, etc; we also have very demanding jobs, requiring constant travels up until the week before our wedding. So we thought that a travel agent may be a lifesaver; as it turned out, she was. Lia was endorsed as an expert in destination weddings on the American Express Travel website. Although she lived over a 1,000 miles away, I felt comfortable.
As I am not a "girly" person, wedding planning was not my thing; however, party planning and event coordination are. Lia and I treated this "event" like a business and I loved that about her; I needed someone to be truthful and provide honest advice. As it is with my job, I like corresponding via emails because I can have all the information on hand and in writing at all time; Lia always accommodated that, and always very promptly. I'm not talking about several emails over a few months; I'm talking about over the course of over a year. Lia was there to provide support when I had a hard time reach the wedding coordinator; she was there when I freaked out at the resort regarding my brother's return transportation (as it turned out, my brother spoke with the wrong transportation company); she was organized to be able to provide me with spreadsheet of all guest arrival information; she always submitted my requests to Classic Vacation and the resort promptly. James and I cannot thank Lia enough to make everything go smoothly for the biggest event of our lives. All 48 of us had such a great time that we absolutely see another group vacation in the future.
UNICO 2087, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Read the full details about this destination wedding in our blog post, Mark and Casey Simpsen's Destination Wedding at UNICO 2087. This couple was also featured in the UNICO 2087 Resort blog post, UNICO Destination Wedding, Casey Shelley & Mark Simpsen
Beach Palace Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Lia being referred to me saved me so much wedding planning mental anguish! I had tried with a few other travel agents before I had two different people give me Lia's name, and with each of the previous TAs they had to look into things and call me back (I'm still waiting for those calls). Getting in touch with Lia was a whole new experience, she answered all my initial questions in that first phone call, had so many recommendations, and it was obvious she knew exactly what she was doing. By the time we hung up the first phone call, I had decided on a destination and venue (per Lia's suggestion). She was a God send! A year later, we are still having people talk about what a great trip it was and people are always amazed by what a great turn out we had. We ended up with about 60 people, all booking through Lia and everyone had a flawless experience. One even asked for her name when planning her destination wedding a few months later and was just as pleased! Lia told me a lot through the planning process that I was such a laid-back bride, but it really was because she left me nothing to worry about. She answered any question I had, was always quick to respond to calls and emails, and helped me plan the most perfect wedding ever. I wish I could re-live it all again!!
Cozumel Palace, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Throughout the process we felt completely at ease as she handled some of the most important details of planning for this special time. From her first recommendations of resorts and destinations to her help arranging travel for our closest family and friends we always felt grateful having Lia on our side. We highly recommend Lia Vincent and Palace Resorts for your destination wedding!
Le Blanc Spa Resort, Destination Wedding
I am truly so grateful for you and all of your help! Le Blanc was amazing! NOTHING could have been better, except maybe the weather, but the staff, food, and service were above and beyond! We will definitely go back there!! Love, Love, Love you for all of your help - Can NOT thank you enough!!
Beach Palace, Cancun, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Our Dream Wedding!
Lia was a phenomenal help from the beginning. She was referred to me by a friend, and I was incredibly thankful that we used her. When we started planning, we became overwhelmed with all of the information that is available.
We met with her for about 45 minutes one afternoon, took her pictures of spaces we had seen online and liked, and gave her a list of our "must-haves", a list of things that would be nice but didn't matter too much, and a list of things we absolutely did NOT want. She kind of thought about things for a minute, and then listed 3 resorts that fit every single one of our needs. She then ran sample pricing from EVERY location our guests would be traveling from so we could figure out what best fit our and our guests' travel budgets. After about a million more questions from me, we finally settled on her initial recommendation, the Beach Palace in Cancun. As we went through the process, any time I had a question, problem, or was just worried about something not being right, she was my go-to person. I'm not kidding, she would answer me in like, less than an hour 99% of the time. She even took my file home one weekend to give me more time to figure something out before she ran credit cards and got it booked. She was a Godsend!
Riu Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Lia with Lia helped us plan our destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We had a total of 11 people and she helped each of them set up their arrangements. From the beginning she was so helpful and always quick to respond. She made the entire process a breeze. She communicated with the wedding coordinator at the Riu Palace and made sure everything was just like we wanted. We did not have any issues at all, thanks to Lia and all of her thorough planning. Each of our guests bragged on her and said how easy it was to work with her. I would recommend Lia for all of your planning needs whether it be just a short vacation or a destination wedding. She knows what she is doing and will make sure all of your questions are answered and that you have the best vacation.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding
My husband and I got married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico right off the beach. It was pure bliss, and everything I could have ever dreamed of! I may be biased, but destination weddings are certainly the way to go and thanks to our wonderful Travel Agent Lia Vincent at Vincent Vacations, we were able to find the perfect place! I had the opportunity to be able to edit the straight out of camera photos from my wedding! Here is a glimpse of our wedding day in paradise!
Iberostar, Grand Punta Cana, Destination Wedding
We had the most amazing time at our wedding. Our guests are still talking about what an amazing trip it was! Thank you for your help with organizing this unforgettable time for us, we cannot wait to put our pictures in our new frame!
Dreams, Puerto Aventuras Resort, Destination Wedding
Lia, thank you very much for all of your help with our PERFECT wedding vacation!
Excellence, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Destination Wedding
"It was beautiful! Everybody had a fantastic time!"
The staff was wonderful, the rooms were gorgeous, and the food was AMAZING! Our wedding could not have been more perfect and if you have any brides that want a beautiful wedding on a budget, The Excellence Punta Cana would be my number one recommendation. Emy and Livia were fantastic and everything was just PERFECT! Chris couldn't even believe how wonderful it was.
Thank you again for all of your help!!!
Dreams, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Destination Wedding
Our Dream Wedding!
As soon as Jimmy asked me to marry him, I knew we would want a destination wedding. We love to travel, and we love the beach, so there was no more perfect place to start our lives together than a beach in Mexico!
I am not the wedding planning type, and I knew that with a destination wedding, we could get someone else to plan the details for us. Luckily for me, my friend Lia at Vincent Vacations specializes in Destination Weddings. Lia had taken care of trips for us in the past, and I knew she was the perfect person to help me plan this trip. I was right! She helped me look through destinations, and we found the perfect spot: Dreams in Puerto Vallarta! The package came with a wedding planner, who took care of the details for me. 21 of our friends and family came with us, and everyone loved the resort. Our party ranged in age from 7 to 82, and everyone agreed it was an amazing trip. There were activities for the kids, and plenty of excursions for everyone to choose from. The staff was wonderful, and pampered us from the time we arrived. One of my bridesmaids had a broken foot and was on crutches, and was in a wheelchair some. The hotel staff assisted her anytime she needed it, including carrying her and her wheelchair up and down large flights of stairs. They were amazing! All the rooms are ocean front, with beautiful views. Jimmy and I stayed in the "Preferred" tower, and our room came with a great balcony with a hot tub! Most of our guests stayed in the other tower, but the resort is small enough, this was not a problem at all. They all loved their rooms as well. The wedding planner met with me in advance to work out the last minute details and timing. When our wedding day came, everything went perfectly. We got married on the beach right in front of the ocean. We had a sound system and a dj who played all the songs that we picked out in advance. My Dad is a minister, and he performed the service for us. We had 21 in our wedding party, but it felt like a much bigger wedding because lots of people watched the wedding. You could see people everywhere on their balconies watching, which made us feel like rock stars. We had a Mexican band that played a few songs after the wedding. The wedding came with a photographer and videographer who did amazing job! We took pictures right after the wedding, then we had dinner which also came with the wedding. We had steak and chicken which tasted great. Of course, I also asked them for chips and guacamole. (I love the guacamole in Mexico.) They were happy to oblige. They provided the wedding cake after which was amazing. After the wedding, my husband and I stayed for another 4 days, and it was paradise. I could not have asked for a more beautiful place to get married, or a less stressful way to do it. Thanks Lia and Vincent Vacations for making our special day an amazingly unforgettable experience!
Jamaica, Destination Wedding
Love the pictures one of our brides just shared from her elopement in Jamaica! Thank you for sharing with us! Did you know we book Destination weddings of all sizes? If it's just the 2 of you or a group of 250, give us a call!
Grand Fiesta Americana, Los Cabos, Mexico, Destination Wedding
This was the best and easiest decision we made about our entire wedding! Lia at All Inclusive Weddings is the absolute best, extremely intelligent, hard working, and so caring. She truly makes you feel like you are her only client throughout the entire process. We had about 120 people coming to our Cabo wedding and even had to switch resorts, visitors coming from all different states and even Europe. She was calm, and kept the bride and groom calm! Every detail was taken care of and it was made to be the most perfect wedding!
Finest, Playa Mujeres, Mexico, Destination Wedding
I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work to arrange the hotel and transfers for Ashley and Robbie's wedding. It was perfect and everything that she had ever dreamed of! The resort was amazing! We had great food at all the restaurants. The staff went over the top to accommodate any needs that you could have had! Everyone felt safe and the beaches are beautiful. Since it's more private you don't get the crazy vendors walking the beach trying to sell you stuff. Our family loved it so much and we defiantly will be planning another vacation. You will be the first I call if we need help to organize something! Thank you again for everything
We have been in business since 2013, and booking destination weddings since 2002!
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