Tammy Richardson, Author at Fairytales and Sunsets Travel, LLC

Where Should You Travel In 2023?

Travel is back and everyone is ready to get back to experiencing the world. I thought this would be a great time to share the trends we are seeing with our clientele for 2023. Let’s view our list below for all types of travel. Our best tip is to book early for the best pricing and availability. Our services are complimentary, so be sure to ask us for a quote.

Disney World and Disneyland

You can visit Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida. Both are unique and should always be on your list to visit at least once. We have seen a huge trend in adult only vacations to both locations, so it is important to know it is not just for families. It is a bonus that you can also add on to visit other locations during your Disneyland or Disney World vacation. Take a stroll down Main Street, U.S.A. in both locations and castles will take your breath away.

Universal Orlando

Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay, have something for everyone in the family, no matter the age! We love the options for younger kids in Suess Landing, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack!, and so much more. Of course, all Harry Potter fans will love Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley.

Hawaii

Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island, you can visit one or multiple islands. With the option of affordable inter-island flights, it is so easy to do split stays with all the beautiful islands. We love helping our clients build these vacations because they are usually celebrating huge milestones or a once in a lifetime vacation. Volcanoes, waterfalls, gorgeous beaches and oceans, and historic landmarks, all the islands are a great choice. Your hardest part will be deciding which islands to visit, and we are here to help.

Jamaica

Our most requested and honestly, my favorite island in the Caribbean; Jamaica is a must! The famous Seven-Mile Beach in Negril makes the list of beast beaches in the world over and over. You can snorkel, scuba dive, sunbath on some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. There are a lot of great all-inclusive resort options. We are here to help you find the one that fits you best.

Mexico

Cancun, Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Tulum, the list is full of amazing locations. There are great options with historic landmarks, cenotes, amazing beaches, and some unique resorts. For us, trying to figure out just one spot to visit is the hardest.

Portugal

A trip to Portugal is very magical. Walking the streets of Lisbon, riding the tram, or visiting some of the iconic places, such as, Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, wine tasting abundantly, cooking classes, touring medieval districts, and shopping, are just a few of the top things to experience in Portugal. Madeira is only a few hours away from the mainland and is a short flight. You must experience the Funchal Madeira Toboggan Ride!

Ireland

When you think of Ireland, most think of Saint Patrick’s Day, Guinness Beer, and Irish Coffee. There is so much to experience in Ireland. You can enjoy a drive through the beautiful countryside, visit Cliffs of Moher, Book of Kells, kiss the Blarney Stone, and drive the Dingle Peninsula. You should also stay the night in a castle, perhaps one that is haunted? You can spend several days in Dublin because there is so much to do and see; don’t forget the Temple Bar!

These are our most trending destinations. This list is just a starting point, and we offer destinations around the world.

Our Favorite Value Resorts at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World offers a variety of resort options to accommodate everyone’s travel needs. I wanted to share my top picks for the value resorts. The value resorts are the lead in category at Disney World.

It is important to note that this category for the resorts will offer the cheapest amenities. For example, the coffee pots are Cuisinart, so you will not find a Keurig at the value resorts.

The value resorts offer around 260 square feet with two queen beds (one is a queen size table pull down bed), and one sink. The room sleeps up to four adults.

My favorite is Disney’s Pop Century Resort. This resort does not share buses, is attached to the Disney Skyliner, and offers three pools. The theming is so much fun and grandparents, parents, and kids love it. Step back in time with the decades from the 50’s to the 90’s. You can enjoy life-size Walkman’s and Rubik’s Cubes or walk your way through the giant foosball.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a solid resort for your stay. You will love the resort pools, the food court, quicker transportation to the theme parks, and access to the Disney Skyliner.

My second favorite are the Little Mermaid rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation. The theming is cute, and this resort does not share buses. You also have access to the Disney Skyliner. It is important to note that the Little Mermaid rooms are usually excluded from Disney promotions.

If you are looking at the remaining value resorts, they are very similar with their amenities. The only difference is the theming. Disney All-Star Movies is my top pick for no reason other than the theming around the property. Disney’s All-Star Music and then Disney’s All-Star Sports is my least favorite. All the value resorts are great, these are ranked by my favorite to least favorite.

When you are ready to book your next Magical Vacation, email Tammy Richardson.

Savoy Palace

Savoy Palace is a great resort located in Funchal, Portugal. This resort has something for everyone and is perfect for couples, best friends’ getaway, and family vacations.

The rooms are spacious with wonderful amenities. The ocean views are fabulous with balconies made for those early morning espressos.

The resort dining options are wonderful, including room service. Everyone loves the large pools, with plenty of space for everyone. We cannot forget to mention the rooftop infinity pool because everyone loves to socialize by the pool.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a vacation without wine in Madeira. You can experience wine tasting or a wine dinner at Savoy Palace too.

Location is everything and Savoy Palace is in a perfect spot! The resort is within close proximity to lots of entertainment and close by dining options if you want something different. There is also a convenience store within walking distance. This comes in handy if you want to purchase snacks or water.

We love this resort and cannot wait to visit again! The location, accommodations, activities, and restaurants make Savoy Palace a perfect stay!

If you are interested in a vacation to Portugal, contact Tammy Richardson today.

Is Vacationing With Your Family Really Important?

Is vacationing with your family really that important? This is a question that I have received before, and my answer is always yes. I mean, you do love your family, right?

This resonated with me recently as we traveled and visited one of our sons. You see, the pandemic in 2020 stopped us from seeing him for 299 days. When you are close with your grown children, this makes the days and months so long. So why was this year so important to visit? When you are a military family, you appreciate your time together, even when it is short. You cherish those moments and look forward to it, just like a vacation! We knew deployment was coming so we took every opportunity to travel to him and spend time together.

I felt compelled to write this blog and I hope it inspires you to travel with the ones you love, no matter the destination. When your children are small, they look up to you, and they crave your attention and time. A vacation is one of the best ways to experience and capture these moments. When they are grown, they love it even more. Why you ask? They have the freedom of being grown and exploring on their own and still capturing those moments and attention with you. These are the things in life you and your kids will never regret. Take the vacation, no matter how big or small, or the destination, trust me, just go! You will smile looking back on these years together.

Love your family, embrace your time together, and keep on making those memories!

Ready to Sail Alaska?

Alaska is one of our most requested cruise destinations and with good reason; it has it all. Nature, history, breathtaking scenery, and you can explore by train and aboard a cruise ship!

If you have been dreaming about going to Alaska, now is the time to make those dreams come true! You can sail onboard one of Alaska’s most popular cruise lines and we know which one will fit your travel style! You won’t regret it. We want to tell you of the six most significant reasons you should cruise to The Last Frontier sooner rather than later.

1. You decide which cruise line to take. Sailing in Alaska extends from the middle of May to mid-September. During these months, you won’t likely see a shortage of cruise line options. Choose to go on a luxury or expedition-style cruise or maybe something a little more unique.

2. Alaska is desirable to people of all ages and tends to be high up on many bucket lists. Many families come here each year to enjoy the beauty of the great state and the broad scope of activities and events.

3. The wildlife is absolutely out of this world. When traveling to Alaska by cruise ship, don’t be surprised to spot bear hunting for fish, whales, eagles, and several other beautiful creatures.

4. Dare to go dog sledding? You may have to take a helicopter ride to get into the mountains first. This could be one thrilling adventure. Best of all, you get to hang with sweet huskies all day.

5. Go on a land tour before or after your cruise. Hike through the Denali National Park or the Kenai River Valley.

6. Don’t wait, right now, you can see the nation in all of its iconic glory. From lush forests to enormous glaciers, there is so much to admire and capture those Alaskan travel memories!

Alaska truly is one of the most magical places on Earth, and it’s right here in the United States. If you, like almost everyone else, have “visit Alaska” on your bucket list, what are you waiting for? There’s no better way to visit the state than by ship, so contact us now to start learning of all the cruise line options. Before you know it, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind vacation planned that will undoubtedly bring you memories that last a lifetime.

5 Reasons Curacao Needs To Be On Your Caribbean Radar for 2022

Curacao is destined to be the next big thing in the Caribbean travel scene! With Sandals opening a new resort next April, it is time to dig in on why you need to see Curacao! We love all-inclusive resorts, and they are a great value. However, you should consider visiting outside the resort and

When planning a trip where the fun in the sun and beaches you only see on television is concerned, the Caribbean is one of the premier destinations in the world. It is an area that people flock from all over to admire the beauty and fun the Caribbean delivers.

When people think about going to the Caribbean, they often visit St. Kitts, Grand Cayman, Saint Martin, or Antigua. These are amazing places with so much to offer visitors, but they are not the only choices. There is an island that tends to get overlooked by many: Curacao.

5 Reasons To Consider Curacao

Curacao is a beautiful island located just east of Aruba and just off the coast of Venezuela. Curacao has so much to offer visitors, and here are five reasons why Curacao needs to be on anyone’s radar if they’re looking to take a trip to the Caribbean.

The Beaches.

Anyone traveling to the Caribbean is going because of their desire for fun under the sun. There are 35 different beaches to hit while visiting Curacao. So many beaches considering that it only takes an hour and a half to drive the island’s length. Every beach has a personality of its own; there is a beach that will suit any visitor’s desires.

Affordability

Sticking to a budget is important to every traveler, and Curacao can help travelers stay within that budget. Curacao is ranked as one of the most affordable of the Caribbean islands to visit. Another great thing about Curacao is that it is located outside the hurricane belt, so traveling during storm season doesn’t pose a real issue.

Nightlife

Curacao has a hopping nightlife scene for those looking to fill your days and nights with fun. Live music is a staple of this multicultural island, and all types of music can be heard, from jazz to soca. There is going to be the perfect bar or watering hole for any traveler.

4. Art.

If you are looking to partake in a bit more of a sophisticated type of fun, there are plenty of arts across the island to enjoy. From excellent art galleries to stunning murals across the cities, there is an art to be enjoyed everywhere. There are also multiple museums for visitors to see and enjoy.

Culture.

The island of Curacao is a multicultural place that has a varied history. Citizens of Curacao carry a Dutch passport, but from the native Arawak people to the Spanish, Portuguese, and Jewish peoples, there have been many influences on this island. Its proximity to South America also adds to its diversity.

Curacao is a place that every traveler needs to consider. It is a beautiful island that has as much to offer travelers as any of the other more popular island destinations. Maybe the fact that this island flies under the radar of many Caribbean travelers can be another reason it is such a great place. Happy travels!

When you are ready to explore the Caribbean’s best kept secret, contact me and let’s start the fun planning!

Your Guide to Picking The Best Time To Visit Walt Disney World

Our biggest question received, when is the best time to visit Disney World? My suggestion is to consider the following things and then decide when you should visit the most Magical Place on Earth!

Your children’s schedule. I know you are always busy with your children’s activities throughout the year. You should consider which weeks are the most convenient to travel with them. Keep in mind school attendance and test requirements. If you do not have worry about this, move to step #2.
Are you dreaming of the sweet treats and international food cuisine options? If you said yes, then consider one of the festivals for a wide variety of amazing foods, including treats, and plan your dates accordingly. Dates will vary for each, but the months will stay close to the same.

Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts January to February
Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March to July
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival July to December
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays November to December

Consider the Crowds! When the schools are out on break, families are eager to visit. The major holidays are also busier because many guests want to celebrate the holidays together in Disney World! If you can visit when the schools are in session and not during the holidays, you will see lower crowds. My favorite months are January, February, March, October (typically hot but I love fall), November, and December.
Pricing and Promotions! Reflect on #3 and consider the slower times because this will be when you will see the best pricing and promotions. The easiest way to break it down, Disney will use the lower pricing and promotions to fill the rooms and resorts. Have you ever wondered why your resort was not included in a promotion? The promotions are going to be used for a set number of rooms at each resort that is need of being filled. The resorts that sleep families of five are limited on promotions because there is a high demand.
Final thoughts to consider:

If you love the holidays, November and December are for you!
January and February tend to see ride closures due to refurbishments.
Want cooler temperatures? Consider November through February; March can also see nice temperatures.
You can visit Disney World at any time. The important thing to remember is thoughtful planning is important to create magical memories.

Our agency visits Disney World every 4-6 weeks so we can provide our clients with the most current information. We would love to help you plan your next memorable vacation to Happiest Place on Earth! If you have any questions or want to reach out for a quote, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]

Experiencing all that Hawaii offers

Aloha! We are about to visit the Big Island and Oahu soon. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share some of our favorite things to experience in the Hawaiian Islands. There is so much to see and do in Hawaii. One of the biggest requests we have from clients is an all-inclusive experience. In Hawaii, you will not find all-inclusive resorts because the food and culture experiences require you to leave your resort and experience the islands.

This Central Pacific archipelago includes hundreds of islands and a diverse range of activities to partake in. With huge waves, volcanoes, and interesting culture, Hawaii will keep you busy and entertained. These are eight top things to enjoy while visiting the beautiful atoll.

Whale Watching – The ‘Big Island’ is the most popular destination for whale watching in Hawaii. The peak season to catch a glimpse of Humpback whales is from January to March. You have the option to view via a cruise or private boat tour.

Luaus – These traditional ceremonies are a major source of entertainment on all islands within Hawaii. Take the opportunity to enjoy live dancing, learn about Hawaiian as well as Polynesian culture, and enjoy delectable cuisines.

See a Lava Show – Hop aboard a World-class catamaran to get up and close to the volcano fingers as they enter the sea. You will have thoroughly trained staff aboard, and safety is paramount. You can select from a tour in the morning, sunset, day, or twilight tour.

Helicopter Tours – Various tour lines offer unique aerial journeys that allow you to view the breathtaking Hawaiian scenery. From volcanoes and waterfalls to hidden valleys and majestic coastlines. A helicopter tour is truly an ideal way to sightsee.

SUP (Stand-Up Paddle Boarding) – This activity originated in Hawaii and is a derivative of surfing. SUP is soothing and allows you to explore the waterways on your terms. An excellent paddle path to take is from the Lanikai Beach to the Mokulua Islands.

Horseback Riding Tours – Explore the coastline or venture to hidden trails on an exploratory horseback tour. Most companies offer private as well as group tours. Some countless ranches and stables accommodate tourists. Paniolo Adventures is one of the largest, with an 11,000-acre cattle ranch located in Waimea.

Mauna Kea – This dormant volcano is a unique wonder to explore and erupted over 4,000 years ago. You can hike the summit but be sure to stop by the VIS (Visitor Information Station) to check for weather and safety tips.

Kona Coffee Farm Tour – Kona coffee is some of the best gourmet coffee that you can find and is world-renowned. Kailua Kona, which is located on the ‘Big Island,’ is the heart of Kona coffee. When taking a tour, you will get to see processing facilities as well as the coffee fields. Don’t forget to take some time to indulge in the popular beverage.

Grab your gear and take charge of your getaway with these great suggestions that will be sure to make your experience fascinating. All of our team members are Hawaiian Destination Experts and would love to help you plan your next Hawaiian vacation!

Should You Attend Disney After Hours Boo Bash or Disney Very Merriest After Hours?

We just returned from Disney World and attended the second Disney After Hours Boo Bash Party. The party hours were 9:30pm to 12:30am. Here are our thoughts on it and how you can decide if the After-Hour events are right for you.

Disney After Hours Boo Bash was so much fun! We experienced lower crowds, short wait times, our favorite character cavalcades, and of course Mickey snacks and drinks. The DJ Dance Party was hopping with guests having a ghoulish time!

The Character Cavalcades included:

Mickey’s Happy Halloween
Disney Villains
Jack’s Nightmare
Maleficent’s Fiery Prowl

The Disney Photopass® were taking magical shots. What a great way to celebrate with your family and friends by capturing those magical moments! Another Disney fan favorite is having access to purchase exclusive After Hour Disney merchandise. We have learned over the years that when you see something at Disney you want, buy it then or you will miss out!

The Trick-Or-Treat locations were well appointed throughout the park. Don’t worry, they hand out bags at the beginning in case you forget to bring your own bag. There is also a teal-colored bag for our allergy friendly friends. You grab this at the start and at each treat location, they will give you tokens you will cash in at the end of night.

Let’s not forget the Specialty Food and Beverages.

Mocha Chocolate Chip Frozen Drink- perfect to keep you going until the end of the night!
Apple Ginger Dale Frozen Drink- frozen apple cider with ginger ale, topped with Twix candy bar pieces, and whip cream
Prince John Sucker Frozen Drink- Tart green apple lemonade slush topped with a ring pop
+18703150225 Maleficent Churro- extra sweetness with chocolate cookie crumbles, purple icing, and green and purple sprinkles.

Now that we shared our Boo Bash experience, here is our take on the Disney Very Merriest After Hours. This event runs from November 8^th through December 21^st on select nights and begins at 9pm to 1am.

First, we understand the price is more expensive. Disney added an extra hour to the Merriest After Hour event, so you have 4 hours of holiday magic and fun! It is important to remember this is not your traditional seasonal parties, it is an after-hours event.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will have your favorite Disney characters and Santa Claus.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show will light up the sky, plus you will get to see the regular nighttime firework show, Disney Enchantment!

If you have any questions on this event, feel free to email us at [email protected]

Important note: you can enter the park at 7pm with your After Hours ticket. When the party starts, you can experience lower wait times, enjoy sweet treats, magical photo opportunities, plus see some of your favorite Disney characters.

We think both After Hour events are worth the cost and would do it again. We visit Disney World every six to eight weeks so that we can stay on top of all the changes for our clients. Let us help you plan your next memorable Magical vacation!

Click here to watch Disney Villains Halloween Cavalcade

Costa Rica is Your Next Adventure

I visited Costa Rica a few months ago and quickly feel in love! This is the perfect destination for our clients because it offers so many unique adventures! Plus, a major bonus is the opportunity of relaxing at some of the best springs and resorts in the world! Pura Vida is a way of life in this friendly destination.

Costa Rican life consists of endless beaches, rainforests, river valleys, and biodiversity all in one place, allowing different types of adventure around every corner. Many airlines offer non-stop routes to this country, making trips easier for people and travel more accessibly.

Forest Ziplining
Whether it’s through the evergreen Monteverde Forest with the Arenal Volcano’s view or through the vibrant jungle canopy, ziplining is very common and one of the most popular tourist activities in the Costa Rican jungle.

Wildlife
Nearly 25% of the country is preserved for national parks and wildlife. It is home to 27 national parks and takes up five percent of the world’s biodiversity. The Los Quetzales National Park allows birdwatchers to get a full aerial view of the various species of birds. Monkeys are very apparent in the jungles as well. The Corcovado National Park is another prominent place to visit for frequent whale-watching and dolphin sightings.

Surfing
Towns such as Samara, Avellanas, and Tamarindo are great places for year-round surfing on these Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The warm water and steady wind combo make Costa Rica a surfing paradise. Many of the beaches offer boards and lessons for beginners.

Volcano Hike
The massive Arenal Volcano is one of the most well-known spots in Costa Rica. The surrounding area around the volcano is often used for kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding. Hot springs and waterfalls are also present, with zip lines and horseback riding available below the volcano summit. Rincon de la Vieja National Park’s centerpiece is another million-year-old volcano that offers views of the Nicoya Peninsula and Lago de Nicaragua.

Jungle Tranquility
The natural hot springs with a green background provide geothermal waters heated by the volcano. The springs have been utilized for therapeutic healing in addition to simply relaxing in the tropics.

Waterfall
La Fortuna waterfall by Arenal is an approximated 20-minute hike presenting a massive waterfall with a jungle backdrop. Another favorite is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park in the Northern Plains, offering bright blue waters. Lesser-known waterfalls include Bajos del Tori in the Alajuela province and Catarata del Toro, which plummets into an extinct volcanic crater with aerial views.

Rio Rafting
Named as a Biosphere Reserve, Rio Pacuare offers a white-water Caribbean experience through the safari-like jungle. According to National Geographic, it is one of the top spots for white-water rafting. The highlight of rafting in the Rio Savegre includes coming into contact with the jaguars, tapirs, and birds that pass by the riverside.

Jungle Drives
The 4×4 is recommended for the best driving experience throughout Costa Rica. The off-beaten paths present unique views but require vehicles that can beat their own path. Driving on the beach, however, is not permitted. Another favorite way for locals to get around is via horseback.

Deep Diving
The majority of shore islands on the Pacific coast are the hub spots for scuba and deep diving, offering plenty of sea diversity with various species of sharks, dolphins, and much more. A renowned spot for divers is The Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste province.

Yoga Retreats
Aside from the adventurous and bold activities offered in Costa Rica, yoga retreats are available for leisure in the peaceful surrounding.