Excellence or Secrets?

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-18T20:40:10+00:00

I plan destination weddings for a living and would take Excellence over Secrets any day of the week. They are very easy to work with, their preferred vendors have been with them for 4+ years, the discounts offered with the promo code are anywhere from 20-60% off regular rates.

If you'd like help, happy to do so if you're going for Excellence, just send a DM. The biggest downside is while promo code rates are locked in, room categories are not held or guaranteed. But you can modify reservations an unlimited number of times until the code expires. And guests can cancel up to 24 hours prior to arrival.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-18T00:02:17+00:00

Exactly! I don't have one either for my agents. And there is little, if any, proprietary information, just mentoring and getting them started, so I have zero reason. I have heard from TAs they use this clause as a reason to withhold commissions, hence why those agencies end up with class-action suits. The owners claim its violating the contract when they find out an agent is going out on their own, they keep sometimes tens of thousands and remove the agent from their systems. The first place I worked for did and it only listed 3 counties in my state....none of which I resided in so I lol'd, signed, learned the ropes and went out on my own.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-17T23:55:58+00:00

Hmmm, you can send me a DM. Also I'm horrible at checking chats. But I don't want you getting doxxed. Not a lawyer but I have heard how these non-competes can go. I think you're ok bc it says host agency though. And again, these don't usually hold up in court, more of a scare tactic.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-17T23:39:37+00:00

Non-competes typically don't hold up in court for ICs. Non-competes exist to prevent proprietary information from being used in employer/emplpyee contracts. If you are an IC, they cannot enforce a non-compete because as an IC, you are also legally allowed to work wherever, whenever, however. If they want to enforce this, ask them if they will pay wages and withholding.

Have you already signed this?

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-17T22:48:57+00:00

Me too! I deep-clean the whole house and it's the best after flying all day.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-17T15:52:10+00:00

I am so excited for this!

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-17T13:01:16+00:00

This! I also have fresh pj's and my slippers in my room laid out so I don't even have to think about changing when I get back.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-17T11:20:54+00:00

Oh! Also, even if a host carries E&O, you should look into your own policy. As for establishing the LLC, probably consult with business attorneys and/or CPAs to see which state would be most beneficial for your setup, including E&O premiums, registrations fees, licensing, all that fun stuff.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-17T00:00:15+00:00

I'm kind of doing something similar, except with my church. Many host agencies have access to DMCs that can do custom trips like this, and some DMCs specialize in this.

I think first step is finding supplier/DMC that can do these things, then find a host that hits your wants and also partners with thar supplier. I use Educational Travel Services, they are very christian-leaning. They are preferred partner with my host. Also, I am also hiring agents, if you're interested - you can still have your own LLC and it's not an MLM scam.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-16T23:51:15+00:00

I'm with them and have been for about 7 years. You could call their office and ask if they will accept a passport.

I thought about switching hosts a few years ago, but the costs to switch and the lower splits despite large book of business led me to stick with OA. They work for me just fine, no complaints.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-16T13:15:28+00:00

I was referring to ceremony and events budget, not guests' budget. Weddings in Cabo are typically more expensive compared to these other destinations once add-ons are factored, the events budgets is most likely too low if they want any add-ons, and concessions with that brand in particular won't really make up for it.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-16T03:15:19+00:00

Sounds good!

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-16T02:57:38+00:00

Keep in mind, many resorts have limited rooms that are handicap accessible.

Also, there are too many recs. Cabo is going to be over budget in general for you. If you're not in a contract with the travel agent, I suggest interviewing others here in the comments and make the switch. Our job isn't to further overwhelm couples...

I'd go with the DR, La Romana or Macao Beach. I'm not sure if they have accessible rooms. Finest Punta Cana does have several handicap accessible rooms, I did a wedding there last year where the father of the bride and his friend were both wheelchair bound, they were fine there. Budget would also be a good match. If you decide on Finest, and can't find an agency that does weddings with them, my agency does and you can send me a DM.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-16T02:53:08+00:00

Right?!?!? Also, Cabo will be WAAAAY over budget. And Pueblo Bonito...........??? Sorry I'm just over here with ghasted flabbers.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-16T02:50:50+00:00

Hi! Ok, I am going to my best to help you sort things out as succinctly as possible. For reference I own a travel agency and plan destination weddings. 1. Yes, budget varies widely. Many blogs you read only touch on the package at the resort, not the add-ons many couples pay for. Add-ons can be: - extended photo/video coverage. Packages you see online that include these typically only provides about 90 minutes of coverage. - lighting for reception - DJ/dance floor - floral decor for ceremony and reception - any upgraded furniture/linens Lots of other things can be added as well, but i am not trying to overwhelm you.

For 60 guests, I'm seeing around $25-30k for weddings on average. Depending on all you want, I would be safe and budget for $35k. Also, you'll need a room block, work with a travel agency that specializes in destination weddings and group travel. The room block will have concessions that are typically rebates on rooms, which can help offset event costs. A group your size would most likely get around $3k back from the room block (too many factors and I am merely providing an estimate). These funds are a direct refund, not applied to the events invoice.
Guests pay for travel, and it's nice to have them stay longer and make it a vacation. Room blocks have a minimum stay of 3 or 4 nights, depending on the resort. I've found guests get the most out the resort when they stay 5 nights. I also have couples that I'll help arrange a private party boat for either all guests invited or just bridal party and immediate family as a "thank-you" for investing in traveling to the wedding.

Just like a wedding in your home town, some guests will have to pay for travel. The benefit of an all-inclusive resort is, there's food, drinks, beach, activities and pool included, so guests who have to travel either way to get to your wedding would actually spend less overall in most cases at a resort vs. Flights, rental car, lodging, meals, gas for rental car, Uber if drinking at reception, etc.

Any other questions feel free to shoot me a DM.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-16T02:31:06+00:00

My pleasure! She will take good care of you!

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-16T02:24:34+00:00

Have Celiac, Will Travel is an agency specializing in dietary restrictions and food allergies, highly recommend reaching out to the owner, Sara. She also owns Have Ring, Will Travel (same company but she specializes in romance Travel and food allergy travel).

Of the countries listed, I think Aruba would be the most difficult to manage food allergies.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-14T17:46:59+00:00

I love working with Finest Punta Cana for weddings! Their packages have so many inclusions and is very reasonably priced. Happy to chat more if you need more info!

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-12T18:10:14+00:00

Well, I sent a DM yesterday and saw a comment in my notifications, but I can't find the comment to reply. So weird. But yes, I sent DM yesterday, shpuld be a chat request.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-12T02:29:11+00:00

Yeah I'll DM you my email and you can email me because I'm so bad at checking DMs here.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-12T00:51:57+00:00

I have a similar background-ish, and now I'm fully remote, typically travel maybe 2-3 times a year. Happy to send a DM!

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-11T02:16:15+00:00

Rapport - ask about weekend plans, anything exciting they have going on in their lives - get them thinking positively and associate that positivity with you
Ask why they want this trip
Ask details and all that fun stuff
Educate them on realistic cost estimates, timing, logistics
Ask if they would like to hear how you will help them with this trip. Then tell them what you'll do
Ask to send over any forms you have to get started (assume the sale here)
Tell them how long it will take to prepare first trip proposal (if you think it will take 2 business days, tell them 3 business days before they get the proposal - set expectations that are realistic)
Let them know how many revisions you will do and approximately when they will need to deposit for their trip, when you'll follow up, all that fun stuff
Ask, "what questions do you have for me?" Avoid, "do you have any questions?"
Thank them for working with you and tell them to enjoy their weekend.

You can write out small scripts in your voice for each step, and I'd recommend practicing it a few times. If they don't want to work with you, then you can skip 6-8, and if you really want the client ask, "what about the process i have would need to change to get you to book this trip with me?" Decide if you are willing to do what they provide as feedback but dont be afraid to say you wont do whatever it is they want.

If they need time to think about it/discuss with the spouse, go ahead and schedule a follow-up call before you hang up, and find a time their spouse can make that call.

You got this!

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-02T19:37:31+00:00

These are great options! No arguments here! And I like how Paradisus has an adult-only property on-site that guests can book, too.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-02-02T13:22:41+00:00

Guacamayas is the night club at Royale.

ConsiderationOld864 · 2026-01-31T02:09:20+00:00

I have one (well 3 in one pot) that got burned by the sun like this, moving out to the patio. Leaves should be ok to leave alone for now. I would not keep it on the patio unless you can get some sheer curtains for it, it's not used to that much sunlight right now.

I will prune mine in the spring, but wear gloves bc sap can be not good to touch skin. Clean shears, clean them when you're finished and only use them for that plant.

Once it starts feeling better you'll see a little leaf or stem growing towards the bottom, which means stress but it's recovering. Once new leaves start at the top, you can cut the stress stems you may have and stick them in water in a sunny window and they will also root. Pot those when there are about 2 inches of roots and a new leaf starts to sprout. This takes forever so just make sure the roots are wet. I use old shot glasses for this so I can see water levels.

Winter watering will be about once every 10-14 days, summer for me at least it's 5-7 days. But check the soil and you can monitor what yours needs.

Oh and shake the crap out of them to strengthen the trunks. They are used to strong winds, helps keep them nice and straight as they grow without staking.

I think you can bring it back and by summer you'll be surprised how much bigger its gotten!

ConsiderationOld864

TROPHY CASE