A recognized and well-published lifestyle writer, Parmjit (Parm) Parmar specializes in Travel and Food. Her articles can be found on the web, in print, and on her blog - Planet Blue Adventure.
What to Know About Hyatt’s "Inclusive Collection" as the Brand Continues to Grow
Luxury travel is on the rise, with guests booking more extended stays at all-inclusive resorts and multi-generational travel increasing in leaps and bounds. In December 2022, AMR Collection, a favorite amongst travelers and travel advisors, was rebranded under the World of Hyatt "Inclusive Collection.”
The "Inclusive Collection" roll-out in 2023 will continue with new resorts added to the roster. In addition, travel advisors can expect extensive marketing campaigns for each brand throughout t...
Bean to Bar: Chocolate Tourism Flourishes in Saint Lucia
Pound, pound, pound those nibs,” says our instructor Merle, from Hotel Chocolat’s Project Chocolat. Merle takes over my colleague’s chocolate pounding because he’s slow, and we need to turn these cocoa nibs into liquid pronto. The mortar and pestle is hot, and eventually even after switching hands, our arms hurt. Eventually, liquid is achieved, and we add cocoa butter and castor sugar (so it blends smoothly). How much sugar you add determines how sweet your chocolate is. The liquid is then poured into a mould for setting and creating a 60 per cent cocoa chocolate bar to take home.
Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana hosts AMR Collection’s ‘Amazing Agent Celebration’
PUNTA CANA — AMR Collection held its third annual ‘Amazing Agent Celebration’ at the 500-room Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana this past weekend. Over 130 agents, with 15 hailing from Canada, gathered to be honoured for top sales performances.
Dreams Macao Beach opened in 2020 and then shut down during the pandemic. After re-opening last year, the resort continues to thrive.
There are 18 two-bedroom private villas ideal for families with children. There are 16 room categories in all, of which 12...
Spotlight on Treviso, Italy
A gateway to medieval churches, gothic architecture, hilltop towns with incredible views, Venetian-inspired canals, and, of course, sparkling Prosecco.
Each year, thousands of visitors tour Venice without exploring further afield. Just 30 kilometres north is a well-kept secret, the province of Treviso, a region steeped in history, palaces, vineyards, and markets.
The town of Treviso features some of the most richly frescoed churches, first-class shopping, and a vibrant dining scene. Medieval ...
Dreaming of a Girlfriends’ Getaway to Universal Studios Florida
There comes a time when you need to grab a friend and getaway. Yes, I mean leave the family behind. No more meals, laundry, and everyday humdrum chores. It’s “me” time – but with a partner in crime. You could go solo, but why not share the adventure with a girlfriend?
I’m Not Making My Bed
Before the pandemic was even on the horizon, I escaped to Universal Studios Florida & Universal’s Islands of Adventure (Jurassic Park) with my pal Where to Lady. My inner child was thrilled and looking forw...
Great things to do in West Maui and Ka’anapali Hawaii
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When it comes to Hawaii travel and specifically travel to the island of Maui, Ka’anapali is one of West Maui’s most popular resort areas. It’s a small town on Maui’s Western coast, very close to the historic town of Lahaina. Once an ancient Hawaiian fishing community, Ka’anapali is now home to resorts, restaurants, shopping, condominiums and outdoor activities, including watersports, golf courses, picturesque mountain views, and whale watching.
Here is ou...
Things to See and Do In Anaheim, California
Anaheim’s claim to fame has been Disneyland, but within a short drive, there’s access to world-class food, entertainment, adventure, shopping, and beaches. On your next trip to California, make sure you take a few days to check out Anaheim, see what all the buzz is about.
Anaheim was founded by German immigrants in 1857 as a suitable area to grow grapes – it was one of the top wine-producing areas until a disease killed all the crops. It remained primarily agricultural until the mid-century w...
Nantes: What to See, Do And Eat
Nantes, a city on the Loire River (Upper Brittany region in western France), is filled with a rich history. The gateway to the Nantes Atlantic Loire Valley has been home to many famous people, including author Jules Verne, who was born in Nantes.
It’s a vibrant city steeped in culture and art – seamlessly blending centuries-old architecture with modern art installations, great food, and shopping.
Here are my recommendations for Things to do while in this culturally rich city.
Follow The Green...
Top Things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Explore Lake Charles’s Past and Present
Lake Charles, once the wild west of Louisiana, is located in the Southwest part of state. It’s storied past includes the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. With no bounty on his head he was free to run black marketed goods needed by the early settlers, mostly from plundered Spanish galleons. Think Amazon or UPS guy who could bring you anything for a price. Lafitte’s pirate ship ran the flag of Cartagena – and he was untouchable. At the time this was no mans...
Spotlight on Columbia's Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias, the jewel of Colombia, is a city of adventure, charm, wonderful cuisine, vibrant colours and history - which included marauding pirates necessitating the constructing of walled compounds and castles – all waiting to be explored.
San Mateo California – a Spectacular Coastal Drive from San Francisco
Just 10 miles south of San Francisco you’ll find the quiet, unspoiled coastline of San Mateo County.
It is a stark contrast from the bustling technology hubs of Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Cupertino, and Mountain View.
What to see, do and eat on this route, featuring wild coastlines, enchanting wineries and small towns
On this southerly route, the urban landscape gives way to farms and forests ringed by mountain peaks.
As you take in the breathtaking views, the ocean breezes seem to ...
What to pack for Alaska Cruise
Going on an Alaskan cruise can be life-changing. From the majestic snow-capped mountain vistas to the cold icy waters, this picture-perfect experience should be top of any adventurer’s bucket list. It was certainly on mine.
My cruise ship was called the Wilderness Explorer, and that’s precisely what we did. Because of the size of the ship, on the smaller size, we were able to get up close and personal with nature. The wildlife, flora, and fauna add the invigorating freshness in the air – it w...
11 of The Best Things to Do in Chicago
Parm Parmar of Blue Planet Adventure went on assignment for The Planet D and rounded up the very best things to do in Chicago.
There are few cities more spectacular than Chicago. Nestled on the banks of Lake Michigan, Chicago has everything from sandy beaches to a vibrant cultural scene.
From fancy shops like Tiffany & Company on Michigan Avenue to the quiet neighborhoods like Andersonville, this is where you’ll find an unequaled travel experience.
Things to do in Chicago
Yes, the Windy City ...
Travel Advisor Summer 2019 : Page 26
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INSIDE TRACK By Parm Parmar HOLIDAY TRAVEL PLANNING Mary Kleen, Travel Edge, a Virtuoso Agency, New York City. Kleen has been in the Travel Industry since 1987. Her first role began as marketing planning manager with the Cunard Line. TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR CLIENTS TO BOOK EARLY – how many clients are booking in advance these days? We’re finding booking trends about nine months prior to departure as opposed to six months in the past. These trends are breaking further out across all categor...