Engagement Season!

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It’s that time of year…shiny new engagement rings are popping up all over the place and giddy couples are starting to think about 2010 and 2011 weddings.

What does that mean for Annie’s Escapes? It means that honeymoon season is not that far behind!  Of course, the honeymoon is often the very last thing the couple thinks about, but I like to get out there ahead of the curve and at least plant the seed that I’m here, ready and waiting to help whenever they get to that point in their plans.

To that end, I’ll be taking part in La Bella Bride Magazine’s Newport Wedding Showcase next weekend (Sunday, January 10th)  It’s an intimate little boutique-style show at the Hotel Viking in Newport, and it showcases some of the best wedding vendors in southern New England.

If you want to come and check it out, just let me know — I have a limited number of free passes that I’m happy to share.  And I’m very excited about my booth! I’m working with some of my friends in the Rhode Island Wedding Group, and will have beautiful linens from The Perfect Setting at Felicia’s and gorgeous tropical flowers from Conceptual Image Designs.

I’ll be sure to post some photos after the fact!

Off-Season Bargain

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I just spent the weekend in Newport, Rhode Island — not your usual January destination, especially in the middle of a snowstorm — but it was fantastic!

Hotel Viking entrance

Hotel Viking entrance

The Hotel Viking, a 1926 gem and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, was offering an amazing $89 midwinter rate, so we snapped it up. We stayed in a luxurious (recently renovated) “Manor Room” with a partial water view, king bed, and spa quality bathroom (LOVED the rain shower head!) The best part, though, was the service. From the second we walked in the door and were greeted by the bell captain, to the moment we walked back out to find that the valet had cleared the snow off the car, we felt special. As my husband pointed out, we were very fortunate to get to experience five-star service at a roadside motel price.

So what’s my point (besides making you jealous about my weekend in Newport)? It’s to remind you that even the most popular destinations and resorts have off-seasons, during which it’s possible to experience a vacation you normally might not be able to afford.  I checked, and the room we stayed in would have cost upwards of $400/night for a Saturday in June.  I didn’t mind giving up the summer crowds and saving that much money!

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS
"It was truly magical, and the logistics were seamless. We cannot thank you enough for setting it all up in such a way that we really did not have to worry about transportation whatsoever. It gave us all the more time to enjoy the sun, ocean and culture. All the honeymoon amenities were such a great surprise too – and made us feel so special."
French PolynesiaNathan & Jackie
"The vacation was all we could have ever asked for or imagined. We even got engaged!!Thank you for all your help, we had an amazing time and will be contacting you again for our next trip and our honeymoon! We couldn’t be more satisfied with all of your suggestions and assistance"
Punta CanaKyle & Keith
"We had a great time on the adventure as always. Thank you once again for your help. Our trips wouldn’t be half as good and planning would be more than twice as stressful without your wisdom!"
Alaska Lydia & Tim
"Thank you for doing such a great job for us! It really was flawless. You will hear from us again. I am hoping to plan another European vacation next year -- I’m not getting any younger! LOL Recommending you to everyone I know!"
ItalyCynthia
"Hope you had a great weekend. Just wanting to get back to you with feedback from our Hawaiian honeymoon!! We truly couldn’t have had a better time & are so appreciative of all you did in putting together such a wonderful trip we’ll remember forever!"
HawaiiJoanna & Joe
"Thank you for everything :) :) we absolutely LOVED our trip!! Moorea is the definition of Paradise! The lush vegetation and the crystal clear lagoon had me staring at the views in awe every single day. I must have said a million times that the views just do not get old!"
MooreaMeagan & Cameron
"it was AMAZING! Kudos to Thad for picking Rovos and Sindabezi Island and then you helped the two seamlessly come together with transfers and your Private Safari Connections. We will definitely chat! I also have about a thousand pictures to share! THIS was truly a once in a lifetime trip!!!"
South AfricaRosemarie
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You provided excellent guidance for us. I appreciated that you really had us think about what was most important to us when we were selecting the right cruise – and not to totally focus on what other people had to say. THANK YOU for helping to make this a memorable trip for our family! It really was a trip of a lifetime!

– Clare and Mark (family cruise to Alaska)

The level of service we experienced was out of this world (and we did NOT make it easy on Ann). We weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go, when we would be able to go, or what “vibe” we were going for. After asking us some key questions (what we liked, didn’t like, why, etc.) Ann helped us narrow down our trip details and planned the honeymoon of our dreams. She helped book some of our excursions, answered some emergency questions while abroad and was always available/willing to help. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be using anyone else for future travel planning – Ann is a rockstar!

– Carli (Italy and Spain)