St. Thomas USVI - Marriott Frenchman's Wharf

Spent the day at the Marriott  Frenchman's Wharf and fell in love with the resort that is spread over many acres. The resort boasts 4 pools, one which is an infinity pool with a swim up bar, a kids splash area (which was in the process of being built when we visited), spa, fitness center, meeting space, 450 hotel rooms, multiple bars and restaurants, water activities, plus tons more! 

When you leave the lobby the outside areas are layered all the way down to the beach. The first layer is an infinity pool. In this area there is plenty of seating and lounge beds to relax.

 You can see on the map that the property is spread out quite a bit. 

The beautiful view from the open air lobby.

Port of Oranjestad, Aruba

In Aruba, you have to pay to use most of the restrooms. We had a great tour guide who advised us of the cost at each stop. Just 15 miles north of Venezuela is a beautiful island that is outside of the hurricane belt.

Our first stop on the tour was where we used the bathroom since it was free! Extremely tiny stalls, your knees will touch the door when you close it. :-) The Casabari Rock formations can be a difficult climb. While there are railings on spots going up, don't count on them offering more than a spot to lean on. That being said, my daughter with dwarfism was able to do it with some assistance. Of course I was freaking out about her leading the way the whole time! 

Beautiful panoramic views of the island can be taken at the top of the highest rock formation.

Don't forget to check out the restaurant and try some local beer across the street from the small park.

Aruba is a truly beautiful island. There are many natural, untouched areas to explore. 

Here is the Natural (collapsed) and Baby Natural Bridge. Neither one can be crossed due to safety reasons.

Driving along the coastline you will see many, many areas of beach where there is no one around! Great for those that want some alone time with their significant other or just don't want a crowded beach!

Make a wish! Many years ago a visitor to the island stacked 3 rocks on top of each other and made a wish. Over the years many people have joined in on this tradition and you will see it in various places throughout the island.

Aruba was owned and governed by the Dutch many years ago . Because Holland is below the water level they don't bury the dead below ground. Instead they make tombs above the ground. Here was a beautiful graveyard. Each house is for a family and up to four fit in most of them. Aruba has adopted many traditions from Holland.

The famous Divi tree.

California light house.

Goats roam free throughout the island.

Pirate ship snorkeling tour.

Me with my son wandering around one of the beautiful beaches in Aruba. 

By: Jennifer

Travel Depot

412-716-5065

jenniehenn@gmail.com

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Sea World goes above and beyond for children with special needs.

I have never been to an amusement park that took care of visitors with special needs as well as Sea World does. Having a child in a wheelchair and another child with Asperger’s our hands are always full. Sea World truly went above and beyond to make sure they had an amazing visit. At multiple locations throughout the park a staff member made sure that my daughter was able to see everything going on. While waiting in line to see Turtle Trek staff member's asked what we were planning to do next and called over to the Pet's Ahoy show to let them know that we were headed over there next and to make sure we had a good seat since my daughter was visually impaired. While my daughter did not ride any coasters everything we did see and do was handicap accessible. The hardest thing to see was the up close with the dolphins since it gets crowded. Here are a few pictures from our visit. Let me know if you have any questions about accessibility or visiting Sea World. The Travel Depot can set up your next trip to Sea World and even take care of any transfers that you may need from other hotels throughout Orlando. Agents with the Travel Depot are SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Travel Specialists!

I love when the dolphins wave!

So many acrobats in the show now.

Have wheelchair, will travel! Sea World really is great with special needs kids!

Since my daughters arms are so short the staff had a dolphin pull up and lay on the ledge in front of her so she could pet him. 

Right now Sea World is offering some great deals!

$50 per ticket weekday deal.

Buy one - get one half off on dining packages.

Plus many more ticket options available, contact the Travel Depot today to start planning your fun trip to Sea World.

Port of Cozumel

On Western Caribbean itineraries, Cozumel is my favorite port of call. Yes it is very touristy, but its a safe port to explore on your own without feeling nervous. I love the variety of excursions offered as well!

Whether you get off the boat to shop on the pier and have a bite to eat or want to explore some ruins, or do some scuba diving. Cozumel is a great port to do it all!

Taxi cabs are readily available throughout the island making it easy to get around. Renting a moped or walking is always an option. Depending what pier your ship docks out will make all the difference. Ask your travel agent for suggestions on the easiest way for your family to get around.

On our most recent trip we decided to swim with stingrays. There was a cold front that had just gone through the area so the water was rough and the air was cool. It definitely wasn't ideal weather to be in the water. The guides that helped us “meet” the stingrays were informative and helpful. We went in about waist deep but the waves were rough and with the ground being rocky it was easy to get pushed around by the water, making some people nervous about the stingrays swimming around our feet. They also offered a large area that was netted in that you could snorkel in after meeting the stingrays. I highly recommenced doing this when the weather is nice.

 

There are a variety of animal encounters available in Cozumel including dolphins, manatees and sea lions. While snorkeling is available make sure you go with a tour operator or guide to guarantee a good spot for seeing all there is under water.

If you don’t want to get in the water and shopping is not your thing check out the Chichen Itza or Tulum for those seeking some enrichment. Your travel agent can help you find a tour that fits your needs as well as those in your party. Please let the travel depot know of any physical limitations when booking your cruise to make sure everything is taken care of.

We always have lunch at Pancho's backyard located near the pier where Disney docks. The food is good but pricey. It's become a recommended tourist spot over the years and it is obvious when you visit but our family knows it well. They usually have a couple playing the xylophone and will allow kids to come up and play while parents take pictures. There are many other"local" food options as well.

The gift shops are much cheaper in this area compared to the pier, Puerto Maya! Expect to pay at least 1/2 of what things cost at Punta Langosta in downtown San Migel. There are a variety of items available but the most popular are bright colored pottery, magnets, leather goods, jewelry and wooden carved items. As for alcohol, go right for the tequila!

If you’re lucky and your ship is staying in port late check out Carlos and Charlies for a fun time! Huge drinks, bar food and a hopping party scene. http://www.carlosandcharlies.com

Another great restaurant choice is La Mission. Delicious Mexican fare with a great atmosphere. My favorite is their tortilla soup.

http://www.lamissioncozumel.com/ing/

Cozumel is a great port with tons to offer, even though it has become very touristy of the years it's worth the visit!

Want to make sure your cruise stops in Cozumel? Let the travel depot show you the cruise that is best for your party. We have many years of experience planning vacations, weddings, honeymoons and family reunions on cruise ships! In fact Jennifer was married aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. Make sure you book with a knowledgeable agent!

The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands

Only 675 miles south of Miami some of the best tropical beaches in the world are on the islands of Turks and Caicos. Grace Bay Beach has been voted world’s best beach by many tour and travel companies.

A trip to the Turks and Caicos is perfect for those looking for a lot of activities during the day but a low key relaxing atmosphere in the evenings. They are great for eco-tourism! There is very little nightlife on the islands so if dancing the night away is your idea of vacation fun, you won't find much of it here!

A few of the islands: 

• Providenciales is the most populated island and is where the main airport is located as well as the major hotels, shopping and many activities.

• Grand Turks is worth the visit to learn about some of the history about the islands.
• Salt Cay is also the best spot in the country for watching the winter migration of Humpback Whales.

Some water sports offered throughout the islands are para-sailing, kite-boarding, various types of surfing, diving, snorkeling, stan up paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, sailing, snuba, jet skis (and jet boats), reef fishing, whale-watching, aqua-boats, bone fishing, deep sea fishing and boat cruises. Of course there is tons of wildlife to explore in and out of the water. 

There are a few All-inclusive resorts on the islands but most are not. The good news is there are many options to choose from. There are close to 70 local restaurants for you to enjoy featuring local and international. 

The Sands at Grace Bay Resort

Still need more reasons to visit?
There are many limestone caves to explore. Conch Bar Caves on Middle Caicos is the largest above-water cave system in the Bahamas-Turks and Caicos island chain and is a Turks and Caicos mational park. The cave system is named after the village of Conch Bar nearby. The fee to tour them is $10-$15 and reservations must be made, they do not allow you to go in unattended.

To make it easy for tourists, even though it is a British Territory, they use the US dollar!

With very little rain and temperatures in the 80’s year round you will enjoy about 360 days of sun a year on the islands! This makes it a great year round vacation destination. The islands are not outside of the hurricane belt and the season runs from June through November. Make sure you ask us about travel insurance to protect your vacation investment!

All that is needed to visit the Turks and Caicos from the United States is a Passport.

Contact the Travel Depot today to start planning your next vacation!