Two Tom's Talkin' Travel

In this episode, the Two Tom's are talking to Chandra Smouse who is the Manager of the Curacao Tourist Board. She is committed to getting the word out about this beautiful island destination. Chandra shares the history, heritage and culture of this Dutch Caribbean island. Curacao is more than the beach; it has a diverse set of activities you can do while staying there and Chandra will give us a glimpse of what those activities are. You'll feel the warmth and excitement in this episode as Chandra takes us to the island of Curacao. Episode HighlightsThe US is moving towards developing an online passport renewal process. It will allow us to speed up the process, lower the cost and eliminate having to give up your passport. The Island of Curacao is in the Dutch Caribbean which is the southern part of the Caribbean. The Island has over 55 different nationalities and the tourists used to be Europeans but has now evolved to different nationalities. You can experience the whole island vibe if you opt to go out of your hotel and experience the authentic food in the streets. Authentic experience is what's been generating the most interest for traveling. It does not rain very much in Curacao, only between 12-22 inches per year so it is a dry island. They have a lot of different Cacti which they make a soup out of. The drinking water in Curacao is Desalinated Seawater which is very clean and one of the freshest and purest drinks. The whole island has 35 beautiful beaches with crystal clear water. Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comLaMaccia travel agencyTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.com

In this episode, the Two Toms are talking to Christopher Dobson who is the District Sales Manager of Jamaica Tourist Board. He will be sharing his expertise when it comes to the beautiful country of Jamaica. The topic revolves around the different destinations and things you can do while on vacation in this amazing country. Jamaica offers a lot of island vibes and it is a popular vacation destination for a lot of people. Christopher will give us firsthand knowledge on what's going on in Jamaica right now. This episode will definitely give you warmth and will make you excited on your next vacation. Episode HighlightsOne restaurant in Montego Bay called Pelican is highly recommended from its good Jamaican food and ambiance. It has an open-air seating with a man-made waterfall in the background. A really cool bar from the South Coast called Pelican Bar is located in the middle of the ocean. Montego Bay is one of the two international airports which is mostly used for visitors. The majority of hotels in Jamaica are along the North Coast. Kingston, which is the capital city of Jamaica, is where the other international airport is located. It is mostly used by urban travelers. Kingston became a genuine international destination for people who are engaged in cultural experience. A number of hotels opened up in this area such as Marriott Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Jamaica Pegasus and many more. In terms of the travel protocols, Jamaica doesn't have a vaccine mandate to enter the country. However, a testing requirement is needed before you can enter Jamaica. Within 72 hours of your flight, you need to take an Antigen Test or PCR Test and must test negative. You also have to fill out a Travel Authorization to enter the country. If you want to experience a VIP treatment once you've entered the country of Jamaica and before you leave, then you must purchase what they call Club Mobay. It will give you a VIP experience moments after stepping out of the plane or after your airline check-in when departing the island. Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comLaMaccia travel agencyTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.com

In this episode, the Two Toms are talking to Marilyn Cairo who is the Vice President of Global Sales for Karisma Resort. She talks about the different destinations that Karisma Resort offers. The whole podcast revolves around the island vibes and the places where you could have the ultimate island experience. Marilyn introduces us to the different resorts they offer around the Caribbean. Just by hearing this episode, you'll be able to experience the fun that these resorts have to offer. Episode HighlightsThe Nickelodeon Hotels & Resort Riviera Maya is officially open. It has 21 slides, a bistro restaurant, 4 different gourmet corners, cabanas and suites that have oceanfront views. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resort is located on the stretch of beach that incorporates many of the Karisma Hotels. It is a destination in Mexico for families. Margaritaville St. Somewhere by Karisma Punta Coco is opening up soon in Punta Coco, Holbox Island. Margaritaville St. Somewhere is a destination resort that is hidden away from the masses. It's a place to relax and disconnect. Azul Beach Resort Negril in Jamaica offers dreamy accommodations, impeccable service and food that will show you what the country offers. The original and legacy of Karisma Hotels is the El Dorado Spa Resorts in Mexico. Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comLaMaccia travel agencyTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comSunsational Beach Vacations

We are living in interesting times. Covid, masks, vaccinations, stress, anxiety, job related stuff…. You want to have the freedom to go on trips, but at the same time, you have to be cautious. If all of those ugly and bad things are impacting you and you want to escape reality, listen to some tips and find out about some good destinations. And do not let anybody force you to make decisions you do not want to make. Consult a professional and be smart. Episode Highlights- If your passport is expiring in the next twelve months, you should start the application process now. The turnaround time is about 18 weeks. - There's a new airline starting up service in Milwaukee with flights across the country. - If your flight gets canceled or you're inconvenienced by a major schedule change you can get a refund from the airlines for that ticket if that's based on the airline's change. If you make the changes, you're not eligible. - Nickelodeon Resort Riviera Maya is opening. It is huge, and they have an unbelievable water park. And it is located next to some other excellent destinations. - Hawaii – there are three different ways to be able to get in and out of the country, three different ways for you to download and upload your vaccination card or negative test. Use a travel agent to help with this. Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comLaMaccia travel agencyTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comSunsational Beach Vacations

Can you believe it? It was a hell of year and we are still here!Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

Think going on vacation is all about Swim-up bars, sight-seeing and surf? Think again as there is much more to picture when it comes to responsible and sustainable tourism as we learned from our guest Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares.

James Beard nominated chef Daniel Bonanno translates food into travel, we guaranty your mouth will be watering when completed.Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

Who's Got your back when you travelNational Consumer advocate, travel author and journalist Chris Elliott joins TTTT.Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

Today, Cassidy Karnes from Delta Vacations joins her father and Tom bringing a new (younger) perspective to the show. Tell us what you think.Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

On this episode two Toms talk about tourism in Mexico. Tom Carnes shares about visiting two beautiful, but different sites: Planet Hollywood Cancun in Costa Mujeres, and Holbox Island. Their guest, Juan Carlos Del Rio from EPIC DMC Los Cabos, shared about the EPIC company and more about tourism in Los Cabos. EPIC, which stands for Everything´s Possible In Cabos is a top performance Destination Management Company Group servicing Los Cabos, Cancun - Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Costa Rica with more than 29 years of proven impeccable records.Episode HighlightsGrand opening of the hotel Planet Hollywood Cancun in Costa Mujeres Visiting the Holbox IslandJuan Carlos shared about the company and services they provideJuan Carlos shared about tourism in Los Cabos; sunny days, golf courses, sports fishing and other things tourists can enjoyThe difference between San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas Princess Cruises app for sports wagering Contact informationhttps://epicloscabosdmc.comConnect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

On this episode the Tom's interview Peter Wells, Founder and CEO of Dragonslayer, a revolutionary travel app and service that delivers the right information at the right time to facilitate safer travel decisions.Episode HighlightsDragonslayer app is updated daily140 countries tracked on a daily basisYou can filter through 50 states and 124 countries down to what is open to you as a traveler now without a quarantineApp enables easy access to testing locations on destination14 day free trial on dragonslayertravel.com websiteContact Informationwww.dragonslayertravel.comTom Karnesmailto:tom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.com Tom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.com www.RomanceTravelDesigners.com

Joel Peterson from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority shares what new and what's developing in Las Vegas.Connect With the Tom'sTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.com Tom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.com www.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

On today's episode we Hang Ten with Robyn Basso of the Hawaiian Visitor & Convention Bureau, the Seas have opened up and it's time to get you cruise on, and hurricane Zeta was no match for the Two Tom's.Connect With the Tom'sTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.com www.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

On this episode Toms talk about safety-wise updates, updates regarding the airports and on the travel industry in general. The Who's Flying This Plane Guest is an actual pilot, First Officer Scott who has 20 years of flying experience. They discuss the current situation in the airline industry and Scott shares some funny job situations he found himself in.Listen to this fun and informative episode to find out more about the current situation in the travel industry.Did you know?: Alaska is the only state where all the letters in the name of the state are in the same row on the keyboardEpisode Highlights02:30 - Toms' recommendation - Alaska, a beautiful domestic state worth visiting.06:00 - CDC extended cruise ban until the end of October15:28 - Travel agents are offering cancel for any reason option which is worth considering in situations like pandemic16:49 - Jamaica is instituting the in-destination insurance as of November 1st41:15 - Airline industry is in the crisis from the economical perspectiveConnect With the Tom'sTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.com Tom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.com www.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

Toms are back and they are keeping you updated with the latest news in the travel industry. Did you know some of the top destinations that might be in your “bucket list” could be shut down or changed during your lifetime? Visit those destinations before it's too late and have your travel agent find you the best offer matching your needs and budget. Today's guest on “Who's flying this plane” is Ash Tembe, Vice President of North America Sales for AIC Hotel Group. AIC Hotel Group is a sales and marketing company offering unique services and energetic experiences to their customers. Learn more about AIC, what they offer and enjoy this episode.Episode Highlights01:50 - “Pioneer travelers” have returned from Mexico and the reports coming back are very positive. 03:30 - Automatic travel insurance is covered by Dominican Republic for tourists purchasing a hotel package15:00 - If you're looking for fun, energetic and unique experiences, consider AIC Hotel Group offers39:30 - There's a destination out there for you. Even if you don't know what it is, contact your travel agent and they'll work with you to help you find it.Connect With the Tom'sTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.comAIC Hotel Grouphttp://aichotelgroup.com

Expect to hear some great news on this episode. From Airline change fees to quarantine recommendation removal, Toms are making sure to fill you up with the most important and up-to-date information in the traveling industry. Who's Flying This Plane guest is John Diorio, Vice President of Sales at Virgin Voyages. Virgin Voyages is a new up-and-coming cruise line product focusing on adults only. Enjoy this episode and start planning your trip!Episode Highlights04:00 - Airline change fees are eliminated. 07:15 - CDS has removed 14 day quarantine recommendation11:25 - Timeshare agents are more aggressive than usual in Dominican Republic and Mexico.22:55 - Virgin Voyage ships are restricted to adults only. 31:45 - Virgin Voyage fare is an all-inclusive fare including food (regardless of the restaurant), tips, free wifi, group fitness class, wellness and moreConnect With the Tom's Tom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.com Tom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.com www.SunsationalBeachVacations.com

On this episode Toms are podcasting from Cancun, Mexico. While they're enjoying their very first trip since the pandemic, they're also doing a research so they can provide our listeners with some useful tips. Since this is a special episode, there are two guests on the episode. The first guest is Kevin Froemming, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Playa Hotels & Resorts, who is also former boss of both Toms. In the second part of the show Toms talk to Monica Karnes, Tom Karnes' wife, partner and owner at LaMacchia Travel Agency. It's a fun episode with plenty of first-hand experiences on traveling since the pandemic and updates in the industry.Episode Highlights07:40 - If you're interested in luxurious all inclusive packages in oceanfront resorts in the Caribbean, Jamaica and Mexico, Playa Hotels & Resorts should be your first pick: https://www.playaresorts.com 13:40 - Playa Resorts have been working hard for the last three months to provide the same excellent experience with phenomenal pricing for consumers 16:50 - Concept of home office at the beach 25:20 - First-hand vacation experiences from Cancun, Mexico 27:20 - Masks are mandatory outside the resort. You can enjoy the resort as you normally would.Tom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.RomanceTravelDesigners.com

On this episode Toms talk to Sarah Q, an Executive at Apple Leisure Group, about the differences between booking a trip through tour operator and booking a trip on your own. Toms talk about hidden gems when it comes to destinations. And as a final thought, a tip from Tom Karnes: If you're a Disney fan and you've never visited Disney World before, don't go now. It's not time to go. Episode Highlights01:24 - Disney World opened on July 11 after its four-month closure during the coronavirus shutdown 08:55 - Respect Flight Attendants. Toms urge people not to snap their fingers to call Flight Attendants. Also, call button is for emergencies or important things only. 17:45 - Consumers should book their trips through travel agents. Their experience, first hand knowledge and confidence will guarantee a remarkable traveling adventure. Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.RomanceTravelDesigners.com

On this episode Toms are talking to their very first guest on 2TTT Michelle Payette, Playa Resorts Business Development Manager, about Mexico and Caribbeans opening for business. As of July 1st, Playa Resorts have opened their doors for tourists on 8 of their destinations following by 10 more shortly after. In the rest of the episode, Toms are talking about current situation with the pandemic and how it relates to tourism and traveling. They mention the interest for traveling is developing which means things are slowly returning to what we've used to call normal. Also, you'll learn how a stereotypical American tourist looks like.Episode Highlights01:25 - Mexico and Caribbean are open for business since July 1st 202004:15 - EU opens the borders on July 1st 2020, but not yet for American tourists. British Isles and Island are still open for American Tourists10:30 - If you're a “foodie”, Playa Resorts might be your top pick. They have something for everybody and cuisines from all around the world17:00 - Toms recommend taking a travel insurance - cancelling for any reason. People who don't have an insurance have a lot to lose25:55 - Thought of the day: Be a good guest, be respectful. Don't be the person that portrays a negative image. There are so many beautiful things out there and even if you have to go through a situation you're uncomfortable with, you're going to be a better person by the end of that experience.Connect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.com Tom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.RomanceTravelDesigners.com

The very first episode of this new wonderful traveling podcast. Tom Brussow, Owner and President of Sunsational Beach Vacations and Tom Karnes, Owner and President of LaMacchia Travel are your hosts. Both of them have years and years of traveling experience so you can receive valuable information about top destinations you can visit and be prepared for what's waiting for you once you arrive. Join us on this journey!Episode Highlights10:50 - The number one google search destination is Las Vegas. Vegas is a unique destination offering something for everybody19:45 - They assume the traveling prices are going to be higher in 2021 for Mexico and Caribbean29:15 - Australia is going to be closed for tourists for the rest of the 202049:45 - In times of distress like we're having right now, it's even more important to travel and experience other places, cultures and it makes you appreciate people and yourself betterConnect with the TomsTom Karnestom@lamacchiatravel.comwww.lamacchiatravel.comTom Brussowtom@SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.SunsationalBeachVacations.comwww.RomanceTravelDesigners.com

Welcome to the Two Toms Talkin'Welcome to the Two Toms Talkin' travel podcast! travel podcast!