Groupit Travel Blog

Living in a Vacation State of Mind

3/7/2018

In a world of “faster is better and bigger is best” at some point the true meaning of "living" can be lost. We are all so focused on what we have and what we still want to get, what we want to do and how quickly we can do it, where we want to go and how fast can we get there. 24 hours in a day isn’t enough, 7 days in a week isn’t enough...nothing can feel like enough anymore.

What if it was enough? Imagine a world where every minute, every moment, every instant truly mattered… a world where we appreciated every breath that was taken, every word that was spoken, every memory that was made… a world where different was the norm and the norm was different.

Imagine a world where the imperfect was perfect… a world that looked at a picture where a child colored outside of the lines not as something that is all wrong, but in fact something that is even more beautiful with colors that have no boundaries.

What if such a place really existed? A place where anyone can go. A place where reservations are not necessary, and everyone is welcome. A place that isn’t a place at all… it’s a “vacation state of mind”.

Let your mind wander… allow yourself to go back to those times in life where you had no worries and when the stresses of life were gone when you just wished you could hit the pause button on life. Do you remember the hot stone massage you received while at the resort in Mexico last summer? What about that time when you laughed so hard you cried at the sight of your brother’s bathing suit being ripped off from the power of the wave when he tried surfing on your family vacation to California? What about that trip to Hawaii where you swore you found love at first sight with the cute bartender working at the poolside tiki bar?

Don’t you find yourself smiling as you remember these memories? Do you wish you could be back there in those very spots doing the exact same things? When you came home from one of these vacations did you return with a whole new outlook on life? I'll bet that your mind and body felt like someone hit the recharge button…you found yourself waking up with more energy than normal, smiling for no reason, and you couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but you just felt good.

This is what I call "living in a vacation state of mind." Think about a world in which everyone is a bit more energetic, smiles more often, and feels less-stressed and significantly happier. And, maybe it’s not such a far-flung idea since you don’t have to actually go on vacation, because what I’m talking about is simply changing the way in which we view the world. It’s a mindset of looking at life from the perspective of the song, "I Can See Clearly Now" by Jimmy Cliff.

“I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day”

It all starts by taking the time to realize what truly matters in your life. If it’s your family, spend more time with them. If it’s trying new things, take the risk and try them. If it’s going to new places then just go. When that smile is hard to make, or that hug is hard to give, or laughing doesn’t come easily, just remember your last vacation… and allow yourself to be taken right back into that vacation state of mind.

Author

My name is Kevin Lowe and I’m the creator behind “Wanderlust Wednesdays”, a collection of thought provoking, interest-piquing, inspirational and motivating blog posts aimed at igniting your excitement to get out and experience the world.

This is the place for the person who wants to travel the world, but maybe lacks the confidence and knowledge to do so. This is the place for the couple in love who is trying to decide where is the right place for their honeymoon. This is the place for the person who is still left trying as much to discover themselves as they are the world.

As we begin this journey together I encourage you to open your mind to the possibilities, open your heart to your passions, and open the door to the world!

With a shot of inspiration, a splash of wonder, and a squeeze of romance you have yourself the perfect concoction which has come to be called Wanderlust Wednesdays.

Give it a shake, pour yourself a nice tall glass, and for goodness sakes don’t forget the little pink umbrella on the rim. It’s time to sit back, relax, and allow your worries to drift away…

You can reach Kevin, Sensory & Transformational Travel Specialist by email or by calling 919-578-9028, ext. 130.

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Kevin's Top 5 Tips For Planning Your Honeymoon

2/28/2018

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I’m not sure if anyone else realizes it or not, but today marks two weeks since Valentine’s Day. And yes, for the large majority of us the only significance this day holds is that the box of assorted chocolates is empty and the dozen roses are long past their prime. But believe it or not, for many people out there love is still in the air!

Valentine’s Day is what you make it and for many couples it is the perfect opportunity to share their love for one another. Whether it was a softly whispered “Yes” or an elated “I do” sealed with a kiss either way Cupid’s arrow hit its mark for many this Valentine’s Day.

That’s why today, with love in the air and couples everywhere daydreaming of their own romantic getaway I’m here to help make planning that dream honeymoon or destination wedding just a little bit easier.

My 5 simple tips for planning your honeymoon are sure to help you have the storybook, romantic rendezvous that you thought only existed in the movies!

Tip #1: Don't focus so much on the destination, but more on what you want to do when you get there!

The biggest question everyone asks is "where should I go on my honeymoon?" My best recommendation is that you stop worrying about the destination and start thinking about what you envision yourself doing once you're there.

Picture yourself on your honeymoon… What do you see? Are you enjoying the resort or are you out and about discovering the destination? Are you lounging by the pool or down on the beach taking surfing lessons? Are you dining at the resort or tasting your way around the city?

It’s your answers to simple questions like these that will lead you to your ideal destination.

Tip #2: Consider planning your honeymoon before focusing on your wedding!

I know this may seem like I’m putting the cart before the horse, or even counter-intuitive, but it makes sense. If you know you want to spend your honeymoon in Jamaica and plan to leave right after your wedding, you might want to consider not saying “I Do” during the height of hurricane season.

Tip #3: Stop listening to everyone who is trying to tell you where you should go on YOUR honeymoon!

Everyone is different and so is their vision for a perfect honeymoon. So yes, while your cousin Suzy may have had the most amazing time at the luxury ski resort in Vail, you don’t ski and you hate the cold weather. Please believe me when I tell you that this is when you need to put your guard up! By the time you get home from a full day of shopping for your wedding with Suzy, who has been going on and on about how wonderful Colorado was, suddenly you’ve just been brainwashed. “I mean the cold weather really isn’t that bad and come on, anyone can ski." Remember, this is about you and what you want!

Tip #4: Decide on your budget - but be flexible!

The last thing anyone wants to think about when planning their honeymoon is the financial end of it, but in fact it is one of the most important decisions for a couple to make. While you may have a budget in mind, is it realistic for what you want for your honeymoon? There are many ways to have the honeymoon of your dreams without breaking the bank - but if you want ten days in Bora Bora after you've flown first class to stay in an over-the-water bungalow, $3500 for two people won't cut it. Let me show you how you can have the honeymoon of your dreams - as long as you can be flexible.....and that might simply mean cutting a day from your itinerary.

Tip #5: Utilize the knowledge and expertise of a travel agent who specializes in honeymoons!

Okay, so maybe it’s a given that I would make this recommendation since I am a travel agent, but it truly is the smartest decision you can make when beginning the process of planning your honeymoon. If there’s ever a time to seek professional help with a vacation your honeymoon is that vacation!

The nice thing about working with a travel agent is that these tips I've shared can be made so simple with their guidance. I do recommend using a travel agent who specializes in honeymoons and destination weddings…look for a logo like this identifying the agent as a Certified Specialist with the Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialists Association.

If you don’t remember another thing I’ve said, just remember that this is your honeymoon and is quite possibly the most important trip that you as a couple will ever take so don’t stress out or become overwhelmed. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience… you’re planning your honeymoon!

Author

Click Here To Follow Wanderlust Wednesdays!

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Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright

2/21/2018

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Today I’m serving up my favorite Caribbean cocktail, made with a combination of a shot of sunshine, a shot of turquoise water, a pinch of sand, and a whole lot of love. This is one cocktail that you never have to worry about having too much of. It’s called Jamaica!

Just like the cocktail, the island of Jamaica never disappoints. With a landscape best described as a kaleidoscope of color and people every bit as vibrant, it's no surprise that the "Island of All Right" is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean. From thrilling adventures to laid back relaxation Jamaica truly has something for everyone.

It won’t take long to realize what your time in Jamaica is going to be like. In fact, you’ll get a pretty good idea as soon as you load into the van taking you from the airport to your resort. With the van bumping and swaying along as your driver cruises up and down the twisty-turny 2-lane roads with Reggae music blasting, you start to understand the Jamaican carefree, no-worries attitude.

Once at your resort things start to slow down a little…the stresses of traveling all day start to fade away, the tension in your neck and shoulders starts to relax, and you even realize that your body has begun to sway to the sounds of the music. You stop and stare, trying to take it all in as you stand looking out at the gorgeous lagoon style pool with the breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean Sea in the background. There’s people all around you, the Reggae band is playing, but the only thing you can hear is Bob Marley singing over and over again in your head, “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cause every little thing gonna be alright”. Welcome to Jamaica!

So, you’ve arrived at your resort and are starting to settle in, but what resort in Jamaica is right for you?

Jamaica is home to many of the very best resorts in all the Caribbean. And each of these resorts are unique in design and individualized for the specific traveler they are attracting. From family friendly to couples only, from quiet and relaxed to energetic and active… on the island of Jamaica variety is the spice of life.

With so many choices the decision on where to stay can be rather confusing so to help cut through the confusion here’s my top picks for the best all-inclusive resorts on the island:

*My favorite resort for Destination Weddings & Honeymooners: Couples Swept Away
*My favorite resort for the family: Moon Palace Jamaica Grande
*My favorite resort for a friends’ getaway: Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

I’ll admit that just about any resort you choose will be so amazing that you’ll be tempted to never leave, but I do highly encourage you to take at least one day to get out and experience Jamaica. A wide variety of tours can be arranged prior to your trip or at your resort’s excursion desk. These are my Top 3 Picks for Jamaica’s must-see attractions:

Mystic Mountain
Blue Lagoon
Dunn’s River Falls & Park

If I accomplished what I set out to do with this week’s blog, you’re already turning on some Bob Marley, fixing yourself a nice cold drink, and making the decision on which bathing suit to pack and which worries to leave behind… it’s time for a vacation state of mind!

Author

Click Here To Follow Wanderlust Wednesday!

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When Life Hands You Lemons

1/22/2018

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Once in a while, you have the opportunity to come in contact with someone special who can help you put things into perspective, pull on your heart strings, and breathe an air of hope and possibility into your lungs. Kevin Lowe is one of these amazing souls.

When life hands you lemons, you have to choose if you're going to just exist with the status quo, or perhaps, be brave enough to go for the gusto and live life to its fullest. Kevin, a young, millennial-aged entrepreneur has chosen the latter and we know you'll find his story to be awe-inspiring!

At the age of 17, Kevin's world was turned upside down when he learned that he had a severe brain tumor that without its removal would result in a life expectancy of no more than 6 months. On October 28, 2003, he underwent intensive surgery to remove the tumor which ultimately saved his life, but at a cost no one ever expected: Kevin awoke to a world gone dark. With damage to his optic nerve caused by the tumor, Lowe would be left completely blind. But, with a smile that never goes away and a laugh that is unmistakable, Kevin’s life is as bright as ever.

Residing in the small beachside community of Ormond Beach, Florida, Kevin is clearly a product of his coastal upbringing given his philosophy that no outfit goes wrong with a pair of boat shoes and sunglasses. He has turned one of his greatest joys, traveling, into a career, and is making a name for himself in the travel industry as a leisure Travel Specialist with Groupit Travel.

Kevin will tell you that he reached a point in his life where he was no longer satisfied to just keep existing, but wanted to start thriving and live the life of his dreams. He was no longer okay with allowing his life to be limited by his blindness any longer. “I will always have that hope that I will see again one day, but I came to a point where I decided that I would not allow that hope to keep me from making the most out of today.”

Kevin had been working as a travel agent for a few years before really being able to identify his own unique specialty: sensory and transformational travel. Through his own travels where he would encounter so many people who couldn’t understand why a blind person would go on a cruise or to some gorgeous Caribbean island when they couldn’t see it Kevin recognized a problem. As Kevin relates, “...everyone is so stuck on the visual that they end up missing out on so much more." It took some time, but he gained the ability to recognize life’s beauty from a different view. Kevin believes that "we are blessed with five senses and the ability to see is just one."

Although Kevin may not see the sunshine he can feel it’s heat on his face. While he may not see the ocean’s waves, but he can taste the salt in the air as the waves crash onto shore. Despite not seeing the sea gulls flying overhead, he can hear as they crow. And, while he may not see the white sandy beach, he loves the tactile experience of feeling the gritty sand in between his toes. (Want to hear how Kevin "sees" a babbling brook? Watch the quick video!)

It is this unique perspective that has enabled Kevin to be such an invaluable partner to his clients. He will be the first to tell you that he doesn’t book vacations; he creates one-of-a-kind travel experiences aimed at giving his clients the ability to use all of their senses to become fully immersed in their destination. With the philosophy that no one should ever return from a vacation as the same person they were when they left, Kevin’s primary goal is to equip his clients with the resources they need to enhance their senses and to ultimately leave them feeling transformed coupled with memories that will never leave their hearts.

Kevin urges everyone to allow themselves to take just a moment every once in a while to just stop, and be still. Allow yourself the opportunity to recognize the beauty that surrounds you in whatever form it may present itself. And most importantly, do not allow your life to be dictated by the lemons you are handed as there is always a way to keep thriving in life, even if it may be in a way you had never imagined before.

Working with Kevin Lowe

Kevin Lowe is a Sensory and Transformational Travel Specialist as well as a Certified Destination Weddings, Honeymoons & Romance Travel Specialist. If you would like to embark on a journey that will change your life forever, please contact him here.

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An Ode To Having No Regrets

11/10/2017

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How many people have you met that have said "We were going to go on a cruise but...." or "We always wanted to go to Paris but...." or "I thought about it and I wanted to but..."?

If I had a dollar for the times I've heard these and similar statements, I wouldn't need to work another day in my life. But this isn't about that - its about living a life with no regrets.

My husband, Michael Ray, died one week ago today. I'm devastated and it's hard. But - and it's a big "but" - I can honestly say I have no regrets. In 25 years, no regrets about things we did or didn't say and definitely about the things we did or didn't do.

My husband and I traveled to over 60 countries and sailed to various places around the world more than 60 times. We had adventures that most people only dream of. Did we sacrifice to do that? Actually no - because we knew that our number one passion was seeing the world. The accumulation of "stuff" meant nothing to us - we lived simply. We didn't need new cars, new furniture, or junk to fill up the house, because we were busy filling our hearts, minds and souls with the sights and sounds of people and places around the world. We did not allow ourselves to be caught up in the "we shouldn't" mentality - instead, we convinced ourselves why we should.

I want to challenge you to live a life of no regrets. I want you to have the peace that I do at this very moment knowing that your life was everything you wanted it to be. Do you want to travel? Don't let the "buts" get in your way. No excuses...no regrets. Make it happen because you can! Here is how you can do it and it will be so much easier than you think!

The next time you say you can't afford it, remember that you can. You can choose to not buy all of those things that are meaningless and put that money aside for your next travel adventure - even if its to a beach in the next state.

The next time you think the timing is off to travel because you have this or that to take care of, remember that your house can be painted or cleaned any time. We all have responsibilities - some of us far more than others, but where there's a will, there's a way.

The next time you look at your vacation days at work, save a few just for you and your travel adventures, even if its just one or two extra days for a 4-day weekend. Don't use them for "responsibilities" - be good to yourself because you've earned it!

Instead of lamenting the fact that you're alone and have no one to travel with, or your significant other doesn't like to travel, explore solo traveler opportunities. There are tons of them out there - and you'll be glad you did, especially because you just might make a new best friend.

You're afraid....of leaving home, of going to another country, of flying, of being on the water, and the list goes on and on. I'll let you in on a secret: everyone is afraid of something on that list. If you let your fears dominate your thinking and your life, you will exist - not live. Those fears are stopping you from having the most memorable times of your life and experiences that you dream of. As someone who has had to overcome many fears and phobias, I can tell you that the minute you do, you will be free - free of the chain around your neck that stops you from the real joy of living.

So here is a toast to you from me and Mike that you will start today on your quest to living a life of no regrets. You deserve it...its really that simple!

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Living in a Vacation State of Mind

Author

Kevin's Top 5 Tips For Planning Your Honeymoon

Tip #1: Don't focus so much on the destination, but more on what you want to do when you get there!

Tip #2: Consider planning your honeymoon before focusing on your wedding!

Tip #3: Stop listening to everyone who is trying to tell you where you should go on YOUR honeymoon!

Tip #4: Decide on your budget - but be flexible!

Tip #5: Utilize the knowledge and expertise of a travel agent who specializes in honeymoons!

Author

Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright

Author

When Life Hands You Lemons

Working with Kevin Lowe

An Ode To Having No Regrets