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The impact of travel

5/14/2018

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 “Take vacations.
Go to as many places as you can.
You can always make more money.
You can't always make more memories.”

​Memories. That's what we all have and what we will cherish the most as we go through life. And some of the best memories are created through travel experiences. Whether it's an annual family vacation to someplace new each year, or a return to a familiar place, the travel experiences with family and friends is what brings us together sharing exclusive moments in time forever captured through memories.

Whenever someone asks me what I do for a living, I proudly tell people that I am a travel agent. By selling travel itself, I am helping families and individuals make the leap from turning ideas, dreams, and wishes into action, experiences and unforgettable memories that will be with them forever.

I was once in a time during my life where I wanted to wait. Wait until the kids were older to travel. Wait until I could afford a vacation. Wait until we had time off to take a vacation. But as you experience certain life experiences that alter your reality, it forces you to realize how short life really is, and that there is no reason to wait. Life is meant to be lived. In the moment and in the present as much as you can because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

I'm sure many people think that a travel agent books travel. It's true. We can book flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, transfers, excursions and so much more. But it's the so much more that I don't think people realize what that can encompass. We are dream makers, magic makers, and memory makers as well. And we pour ourselves, our heart and our soul into many of our clients' trips and travel plans to ensure the magic happens. That they travel with ease, and make unforgettable memories.    
And sometimes we get so focused on our clients, we don't always realize we can make an impact on the destinations we travel to or send our clients to. A fellow travel agent colleague introduced me and our agency to a wonderful non-profit organization, Pack for a Purpose, who work with local communities to determine their specific needs and encourages travellers to pack these items into their bags with whatever luggage space they have to take with them during their travels. The much needed supplies are welcomed by the local groups as they are items they need and requested.

Last fall, our agency was hosting its first annual business conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for Canadian travel agents. With the crazy hurricane season of 2017, our own trips were on the verge of being significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma and we were not sure if our travel plans were permitted to continue. Ultimately, our travel plans were not affected and were able to continue with our travels. A small group of us travelling together were profoundly impacted by the devastating damage from the hurricanes and while we were fortunate to continue our travels, we wanted to do something impactful for the local community where we were visiting.

With 72 hours before our departure to Punta Cana, I set out to collect some school supplies and basic toiletry and pharmacy items that I could bring with me in my luggage. I figured I could fill up a whole suitcase so I put out a general request to family and friends for any extra supplies they may have lying around that I could take with me. I would pick them up and pack them in my suitcase.
Renee Tsang Travel
I have the most awesome friends! This is what I collected in 48 hours before my flight was to depart!
Renee Tsang Travel
180lbs worth of stuff packed up for Pack for a Purpose!
 I was blown away by the response and amazed at the generosity and speed at which people were willing to help. In 48 hours, I collected 180lbs worth of supplies to take with me to Punta Cana.

Meeting up with other agents in our agency, each person brought with them their own collection of supplies gathered within a week's time frame. In one week, over 60 individuals were able to collect a full SUV car load of much need and valued supplies for Pack for a Purpose to give a local community organization. 
Renee Tsang Travel
Centre Holidays travel agents with all the stuff we brought down from Canada for Pack for a Purpose!
The local pick up provider, Outback Adventures, was blown away by the amount of stuff we brought  they were mostly worried about whether or not it would all fit in their car! Luckily, it did. 
Renee Tsang Travel
Renee Tsang Travel
Renee Tsang Travel

The response from the local community was incredibly heartwarming as they were so shocked by our generosity. The impact that we made on that community alone is one that will stay with me forever. And continues to fuel my desire to do more, always.  ​​

Outback Adventures was kind enough to share with us a video of them dropping off the supplies and sharing the impact our donations made in the community. 

"Thank you for all your donations. As you can see, we brought them to people who suffered a lot because of Hurricane Maria. Many children and families wanted us to thank you in their name. Please share this with everyone in your group who have been so kind to donate." 
Our story is also shared here, on the Pack for a Purpose website as well. ​
Travel is all about experiences. And as a travel agent, I absolutely love that I am in an industry where I can be an integral part of each person's travel dreams. And in that, I can create the life for myself where my family will always have the best memories of childhood through their own travel experiences, including ones where we can choose to make an impact on others as well. Through giving others the gift and opportunity to travel, we receive so much more in return.

I am incredibly grateful for the experience, and that my children were also an integral part of this experience to see that our "little" efforts we made to collect supplies and bring them with us can have such a "huge" impact! 

If you are interested in travelling with impact and volunteer opportunities abroad during your trip, let me know how I can help! It is through this experience realizing that each individual person can make an impact prompted me to become a Good Travels Advisor, to connect with other travel suppliers who are aligned with similar goals and visions. Together, we can all make a difference! 

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Getting Slimed and Stuff at Nickelodeon Punta Cana!

9/24/2017

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Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Who else remembers guests getting slimed on "You Can't Do That on Television" from childhood??!! Well, my kids had no idea what I was talking about but they were just as eager to get slimed at Nickelodeon's Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! 
Actually, it looked a little more like this! 
It was green and a little bit slimey but oh so much fun! I can certainly check that off my list of things to do! 

Ever since Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts first opened their resort in Punta Cana in 2016, I knew it would a place that I would eventually visit! It's such a fun themed resort and perfect for a family vacation in the Dominican. When my agency, Centre Holidays, announced it would be holding their first travel agent conference in Punta Cana, (where I was also privileged to share my passion and knowledge of Disney with other agents!) I wanted to travel down a couple of days earlier to experience the fun and excitement of the Nickelodeon Punta Cana Resort by Karisma, a five star luxury resort full of awesomeness! 

Nickelodeon Punta Cana
With only two days to spare, we made sure we checked out as much as we could to get the full experience here at the Nickelodeon Punta Cana resort, including the infamous Pineapple Villa, located at 124 Conch Street,  and replica of the underwater pineapple home of SpongeBob SquarePants! The villa was booked during our stay so we were not permitted to visit inside, but it is a two bedroom/three bathroom 2300 square foot, two storey villa complete with private butler and sufficient room to accommodate up to six guests. 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Upon check in at the lobby, guests are greeted with a welcome champagne beverage and a "Slime Smoothie" for the kids. 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Lobby
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Slime smoothies for the kids!
Our room was a Flat Suite, 721 square feet of space and includes one king bed in the master suite and a double size pull out bed in the living room. The PAD suite features two double beds and a pull out sofa bed. Both options include extra large balconies on the second and third floors, and swim out suites on the first floor. 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Large balconies in all suites
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Swim out suite
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
View from the balcony
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Swim out suite
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
PAD Suite with two double beds and pull out sofa
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Swim out suites on the first floor, large balconies on the second and third floors.
The heart of the the Nickelodeon Punta Cana Hotel & Resort is Nickelodeon Place, or Nick Place for short. It is the hub for all things entertainment and all things Nickelodeon-related. All guests of the Nickelodeon resort have access to Nick Place included with their stay. Guests staying at the neighbouring Sensatori Punta Cana, (sister resort to Nickelodeon sharing many of the central amenities) can purchase a day pass or a week pass to include access to Nick Place. 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Aqua Nick is where you will find the water slides, splash pads, spray grounds, lazy river and of course, the home of the twice daily Slime parties! There is a mass sliming option where everyone gathers underneath the signature orange Nickelodeon blimp in the middle of the water park and a mass green slime pours down on everyone at the same time. Slime parties are held twice a day (once in the morning and again in the afternoon). Rooms are randomly drawn for the chance to be slimed or you can reserve a private sliming (for an additional fee) if you want to ensure you get the "Get Slimed" experience! 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Slime party begins with a dance party!
Nick Place is also home to Character Central, where you can meet and greet with your favourite Nickelodeon characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
The Kids Club, Just Kiddin', is available for kids ages 4- 12, providing daily supervised activities for the kids. Aqua Bites is the perfect place to grab a quick snack or meal while enjoying the day at the water park. The Sports and Entertainment Center also provides several sports activities including tennis, table tennis, archery, football, and a state of the art fitness center.
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Aqua Bites
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Aqua Bites
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Just Kidding' Kids Club
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Just Kidding' Kids Club
The Nickelodeon Punta Cana Resort is a Karisma property, which is known for its signature #GourmetInclusive Experience, perfect for foodies who enjoy gourmet cuisine. Premium alcoholic beverages with top shelf liquor, gourmet cuisine and daily restocked mini bar in your rooms provides a first class all-inclusive experience. 

The Gourmet Village is centrally located and provides a marketplace atmosphere for all the guests of Nickelodeon and Sensatori Resorts, including Doppio coffee shop, several signature restaurant experiences such as Wok Wok Far East Fusion cuisine; Verdello Sicilian Kitchen; Brgrs PH for artisan burgers, Space Walker Interstellar Cuisine, Kitchen 23 (adult only) or a piano bar experience at Vino Vino. 

Signature "must have" dining experiences include the Machete Burger (which we didn't to experience!) but is an artisan burger large enough for the whole family, and Space Walker, the Interstellar Restaurant, featuring the signature desserts, "The Inner Core" and "Houston, We Have a Problem". 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Gourmet Village
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Space Walker Interstellar Cuisine
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Gourmet Village
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Doppio Coffee Shop
It's called The Inner Core. And it's a part of the Interstellar Space experience at Space Walker Restaurant. Watch  the magic unfold.......White chocolate ball drizzled with hot chocolate syrup until it opens up to a passion fruit mousse dessert!
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Wok Wok Far East Fusion Restaurant
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Zest, Mediterranean Cuisine and location of Character Dining Experiences available on select days.
In addition to all the amenities listed above, the Gourmet Inclusive Experience at Nickelodeon also includes:
- Access to nine swimming pools
- Nickelodeon Concierge and Vacation Planner services
- baby and toddler amenities including Gerber baby food, strollers, cribs, kids' spa robes and baby bottle warmers, step stools, baby bath tubs, change tables, and baby monitors. Perfect for families with young kids as you don't need bring anything from home! 
- Internet and Wi-Fi (very important! Not all places include Wi-Fi in the cost)
- 24 hour Room Service (So important when your kids don't eat at regular meal times, or are hungry ALL.THE.TIME)
- Balinese beds are also available to enjoy in the pool and beach area without additional cost. Reservations are required and can be made directly with your pool butler. 

For an extra Nickelodeon experience with the kids, optional extras are available to make it even more fun!
- Nickelodeon Nick Knack Packs filled with Nickelodeon specialty treats and items
- Nickelodeon birthday parties
- Nickelodeon character dining experiences
- Nickelodeon private character meet and greet events
- Nickelodeon private sliming experience 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Step stools for the little ones
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Baby bath robes an change tables in your room
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Baby bottle warmers and sterilizers in your room
Let's talk beach! Because the Dominican Republic is known for its soft sandy beaches and gentle warm waves, all the beaches we visited in the Punta Cana area lived up to the reputation! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend families with kids going into the water. Waves are warm and gentle, the sand is soft and pliable, perfect for young kids. 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Not a beach person? That's ok! There are also nine pools for you to enjoy, in addition to the beach and Aqua Nick waterpark at Nickelodeon Place. There are plenty of water experiences for the kids and older kids to enjoy! 
Nickelodeon Punta Cana
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Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Kiddie pool for toddlers, complete with toddler-size lounge chairs
There is much to share about our experiences at Nickelodeon Punta Cana and it certainly lives up to the standards and reputation of being a Gourmet Inclusive Resort by Karisma Resorts. Let me know if you have any questions about the resort, or would like assistance in booking your next vacation here (or anywhere!). I would love the opportunity to help. I know you will enjoy your stay here as much as we did! 

Nickelodeon Punta Cana
Add A Little Character to Your Vacation
And just a small aside.....we were travelling during the time between Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. We were evacuated in advance of Hurricane Maria's arrival in Punta Cana and Westjet sent relief flights to a day early before our scheduled departure date to ensure we arrived back into Canada safely. Thank you to the volunteer crew who helped bring us home and made the flight easy and enjoyable to return home! 
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    Multi-tasker in life and business! Calgary mom of 2 spunky and hilariously goofy kids, running successful travel agency and consulting business! I love food, and I love to travel so join me in my adventures and let me help you with yours! Book your next vacation with confidence  when you book with me at www.ReneeTsangTravel.com!

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