Have you been to Vallarta recently?  If you haven't you are in for a treat.  Puerta Vallarta was voted the friendliest city in the world by Conde Nast magazine and I agree.  From the airport to the taxi drivers to hotel staff and vendors on the El Malecon, everyone was friendly and ready to make my stay enjoyable. 

Riviera Nayarit/ Vallarta has accommodation options to please any taste.  From lavish EP and All-inclusive to budget friendly EP and all-inclusives. Traveling with a group is no problem,  the resort options include multiple rooms and connecting rooms or you can even rent a condo.  Enjoy a stay on a golf course at boutique hotel Casa Velas with shuttle to their private beach club or stay on the beach at a wide variety of resorts and hotels.  Entertainment is top notch and the food is FABULOUS!! Enjoy cultural tours, eco tours and the magnificent sunsets from your resort balcony should never be missed.    If you are planning a winter get-a-way you should include Vallarta as an option.  I loved it so much I can't wait to go back in May!

Are you looking for ways to pack the vacation items you love into one checked bag or a carryon?  These tips should help.

The Personal Item. I do not waste my personal item allowance on a tiny purse. I bring a large tote bag that I can stash under the seat, but will still give me extra storage space. The tote (see photo above) will come in handy for keeping all of the things I'll need on hand during the flight within arms' reach.  I pack this tote with a smaller purse, travel documents,  passport, camera, kindle, magazines, jewelry, chargers and medications. (just in case  they gate check my carryon)  
Zip-Lock Bags. Getting everything for a big trip into one suitcase means that it will be jam-packed. Rather than having my suitcase explode all over the hotel room every time I open it, I like to keep everything separated in LARGE zip-lock bags and air bags (you can purchase these at any of the big box stores in the packing isle).  The clear bags make it easy to find things, will help keep everything wrinkle free and they can save space (if you compress all the air out).   They also make it easy for the TSA to root through my belongings if they have to do a hand-search.  Same goes for small items like chargers and medicines—keeping them in bags makes them much easier to find. I use small sandwich-sized bags as well as the larger gallon-sized variety, and keep them in my suitcase between trips for reuse. I also pack empty bags for dirty laundry. My best tool for any trip is my custom excel packing spread sheet.  It keeps me from forgetting  the things I need for every trip.  The sheet  also keeps me from over packing because I plan out what I will wear each day.  By using these tips I can get everything I need for a weeks vacation in one small piece of luggage!!  

In July my luggage was Jamaica bound!  I have been to Jamaica several times during cruise port stops as well as at a resort. In July I traveled to Jamaica to tour all the Sandals and Beaches properties. My luggage and I were luxury vacation bound!
Sandals and Beaches are wonderful properties.  The service is exemplary, the resorts are up-to-date, the food fabulous, and the beaches are divine.  From the time I stepped into the special airport lounge (just for Sandals clients) to arrival at each resort, to the special farewell song we were treated to at Sandals Whitehouse I truly felt special and cared for.   Sandals offers it's visitors so much to brag about.
     Special diet- no problem the chef will meet you upon arrival at the resort and create a menu for you, just for your stay. 
    Beach cabanas by the pool or right on the beach serviced by your very own concierge who brings you food and drinks throughout the day.
    Love Watersports??  They are included at Sandals.  So try something new and enjoy your beach time.
        Room category levels to fit your needs, must haves and likes.  My favorite room??? It is hard to say.  I loved my intro category room at Sandals Whitehouse.  Every room at Sandals Whitehouse has an amazing ocean view from your very own balcony and a view of the mountains from your back door. 
    My Club Level room at the Sandals Royal Caribbean was in the Kensington building.  The pool and beach for that area were amazing and the minibar, top shelf liquors, whirlpool tub and amazing balcony overlooking the beach and pool were hard to beat.       My butler suite at the Grand Riviera was unique and amazing.  The buildings are fourplexes tucked into the hills overlooking the ocean and each building has a private pool.  (This would be especially great for a group of friends who want to travel together and book one of the fourplexes.)  Our butler brought us drinks by the pool and arrived via golf cart with Jamiaca Sunshine drinks for our ride to the main building. He also provided me with special room touches during my stay.
   Fine food, fun entertainment, quiet spots for romance or reflection, fabulous rooms and suites, relaxing spas, awesome beaches and great sunsets along with a feeling of luxury and exceptional service - a Sandals vacation will not disappoint. 
    My luggage and I did not want to leave and I look forward to returning to Sandals soon for our next luxury included vacation.
    Check out my Itinerary and contact me today to plan your Sandals Vacation. http://bit.ly/1bO9a6I