I have been advising my local Las Vegas and Henderson clients to utilize the “Secret Weapon” of passport applications and process- The Henderson City Clerk.
Apparently, y’all let everyone else know about it, and it is now craziness.
This week alone, I had two clients reach out to me to explain the process, because yes, there is now a process, in order to submit your passport application through the Henderson City Clerk.
New Process: — Call ahead and make sure you have all of the proper documents pertaining to your needs for your passport. This could be for a new passport, renewal, change of name, children’s passports, renewing expired passports. Call this number first: 702.267.1400 and make sure you have everything you need. — Next, arrive at 5am to 240 S. Water Street, Henderson, NV 89015, and be one of the 85 people to get an appointment for that day. Yes, 85 per day. And, yes, it fills up before their offices open at 7:30am. — If you make the cut, you will be given a ticket in line order. Typical wait time for your appointment is 1.5-2 hours. There are places nearby for coffee and lunch while you wait. — Money Orders is the preferred method of payment as checks will delay the processing system (most likely for account verification). — You can expidite your application with the Henderson City Clerk.
— It is suggested to have your passport photo taken there to avoid any rejections from the Passport office.
— Expired passports over 5 years, and children under 16 will need to go to the USPS.
What is my back-up?
If you know you have the time, then the US Post Office will be your next best bet. The USPS accepts appointments on-line 30-days in advance.
And, same with the Henderson City Clerk, it is best to have the Post Office take any photos, and come prepared with all of your docs pertaining to your passport needs, as well as a Money Order.
Of course, there are other services out there just for Passport Application expediting. I can assist you with finding a reputable company.
Passport Application Processing is now 8-11 weeks.
Makes sense since the City of Henderson is capping out at 85 people per day, Monday – Thursday. Obviously, the demand for international travel has not slowed down. Keep in mind back logged processing is partially due to the major layoffs during 2020, and many of these companies are struggling to hire and train employees fast enough. This is also something we, as Travel Agents, see with our suppliers, tour operators and hoteliers. Even though COVID is over, the effects of massive layoffs, are still being felt in a continuously booming industry. Make sure you are allowing yourself plenty of time to not only get your passports processed in a timely manner, but to plan your trips as well!
Contact me today for your 2019 Virtuoso promotions and amenities for Montage Los Cabos!
Every February, my husband and I use his birthday as an excuse to get out of town by ourselves for a few days. Typically, he can only get away from the J O B for a few days before he is back at the grind. I’m lucky if I can keep him off the phone for the short amount of time we are away. For the first few years after our twins were born (our last kiddos), we did Cabo. One stay at the One & Only Palmilla, another in a friend’s luxury villa complete with personal chef and pool. That was 6 years ago. That is so sad!
This year, I decided to surprise my guy by taking him away to Cabo San Lucas, as it has always been our happy place to relax, sun, drink and dine. I have to admit, the thoughts of, “Is Mexico safe?”, did cross my mind. But at the end of the day, the sea, sun and mezcal was calling our names- as was the brand new Montage Los Cabos- we couldn’t resist.
Sitting exclusively in its own private alcove on the Sea of Cortez in the Santa Maria Bay, is the newest Montage property. You may be somewhat familiar with this brand, with properties located in desirable destinations such as Laguna Beach, Deer Valley, Maui and Beverly Hills. The service and offerings at a Montage property are second to none. (And, we also love their sister company, Pendry Hotels!) The Los Cabos property boasts of 174 oceanview guest rooms, suites and residences, 3 signature dining options, a world-class spa, a killer pool and the most amazing staff.
February was definitely a perfect time to visit. We happened to be there right before the crowds started rolling in…we were leaving as they were coming. We had any spot to ourselves on the beach and pool. We watched the whales swim and play right in front of us- no need for a boat cruise! We had coffee on the beach in the morning, hand-crafted margaritas in the afternoon, the most delicious fresh-caught grilled lobster, and a Mezcal tasting experience to finish off our stay.
Morning coffee with coconut milk- like real coconut milk. Like from the coconut. Watching the whales swim in the sea in front of us…paraiso.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Being just the two of us, we chose the Oceanview King at 859 sq.ft., and it was perfect. The room itself is quite spacious, offering a morning wake-up view of the Santa Maria Bay. We enjoyed breakfast on our very spacious balcony each morning. The bathroom reminded us of our honeymoon in Bali complete with a stand alone soaking tub and an outdoor shower. The pillows on this bed were my absolute favorite, and I am still trying to find out if I can purchase them for my own bed!
The rooms are quite spacious for two, but would work well with 1-2 small children as well. The outdoor shower is not only relaxing, but can offer an additional shower for getting ready needs and rinsing off sand.Our balcony could hold this generous sized sofa, as well as a dining table on the other side where we ate breakfast daily.
The Oceanview King sleeps 3 comfortably, with a roll-away or crib. If we were to visit with our 4 children, we would have to look at the 2-bedroom suite or a connecting room option. Although, we may just keep this gem on the Cortez all to ourselves!
DINING
Every meal at Montage Los Cabos was fantastic. I truly cannot decide which to tell you about…the hand cut tortilla chips with salsa, guac and sea bass ceviche to the chicken enchiladas for breakfast? Maybe the fresh cut papaya served with lime wedges and a basket of Mexican pastries? Or the homemade paletas as a refreshing afternoon treat.
Marea by Day highlights the continuation of blues as sky meets sea against the contrast of the light brown sand, vignetted by the surrounding mountains forming the cove. The swim-up bar in the pool is also part of Marea.
The Swim-Up Bar at Marea
Marea by Night invites a more romantic ambiance with candlelit pathways and shelves looking out into the sea. Nightly entertainment secures the atmosphere.
Fresh caught grilled lobster….I’m still dreaming of it!
Mezcal is the restaurant that also provides the room service dining. The special Mezcal tasting with a Mezcal Master can be arranged by the concierge. This was a really cool experience, and quite educational. We learned all about Mezcal, the difference between Mezcal and Tequila and how to sip and enjoy. This was also the place where I tasted my first cricket salt. Yes. Crickets. They were actually good- though I don’t think my mind would let me try them again. Good thing the Mezcal Master told me after the fact.
Mezcal also provides the in-room dining menu.Mezcal looks out onto Santa Maria Bay while you dine on breakfast, lunch or dinner.Cricket Salt paired with an agave based beer at our Mezcal tasting.
WHAT TO DO
We did a whole lot of nothing, eating and drinking, which was our plan. There was a debate for a minute on whether or not we should ride camels. But it was fleeting. The whales swimming in the distance was enough entertainment for us.
The concierge at the Montage Los Cabos will provide you with very accurate and relevant suggestions like camel safaris, zip lining and deep sea fishing. There is plenty to do if you are looking for some adventure or to leave the resort. However, being that the Santa Maria Bay is one of the few swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, the Montage also offers complimentary use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, and SUPs to use in the bay. There is also the Twin Dolphins Golf Course, a Fred Couples Signature course.
Complimentary water sports equipment available to Montage Los Cabos guests: SUP, Kayak and snorkel gear
SPAAAHHH
The Spa at Montage Los Cabos deserves its own paragraph. It was that amazing. We enjoyed a couples massage, the Mezcal experience- some exfoliation, and smelly oils and one of the best head to toe massages I have had in a while. It ranks right up there with the Head, Body and Sole at Cavallo Point in the Bay Area.
There is an adult only pool located inside the spa. The spa facilities include sauna, steam and jacuzzis. Showers and lockers are available for personal use. There are also several relaxation areas for both separate male/female and co-ed sharing space.
Adult Only pool area
GETTING THERE
What happened to all the direct flights from Las Vegas to Cabo!? Hoping that this mini-boom of interest in the Southern Baja town brings back the direct flights from Las Vegas. There were many folks we chatted with on our flight coming and going from Vegas, through LAX. There is also a Phoenix option, but we preferred to fly Delta. American Airlines flies through Phoenix and SouthWest Airlines can get you there via Orange County, LAX, San Diego or Oakland.
Advice: Global Entry for an easier customs experience. American Express Card Platinum holders are given a credit towards Global Entry.
Once you get through customs, be prepared to walk the hustle of the city transports and timeshare traders. My advice is to arrange transport through your hotel or resort. We arranged for the Montage Los Cabos to pick us up- it was simple, comfortable, the driver spoke English very well, and we felt at ease.
To find your driver, you will have to walk through the airport, say, “No, Gracias,” a lot, and continue across the street to an area called The Beach. There you will see the organized transports through your hotel or arranged in advance.
GETTING AROUND
Though we set up a driver for transport to and from hotel to airport, we used the taxis to get us around to our destinations in Cabo. During our stay we visited the new Thompson Hotel The Cape, Edith’s Restaurant and Flora Farms. We took taxis to all of these locations. We felt safe every time. The cabs are much more affordable in Cabo, and Uber is not quite a thing there yet. Stick with the cabs.
FOR THE KIDS
The Montage is known for its children’s program, Paintbox, for children ages 5-12 years old. Fees and availability vary, and everything is listed on the website. There is also a Merits program, which works like a scavenger hunt offering ideas/activities for families throughout their stay.
ANY DOWNSIDE?
For us, there was no downside, but could see how there could be a few points of contention for some.
There is a bit of walking to and from the beach, but golf carts are available for an escort at any time.
We did speak to one gentleman who felt like he didn’t have enough privacy. If you are in need of absolute privacy, you may consider looking into one of the Residence options. With that being said, the resort does seem a bit secluded, and it was very quiet when we were there, but it could have been the time of year.
The food was magnificent, but with only two true dining options, I could see how this could be critical for an extended stay. We were there for 4 days and left the resort twice for dinner and once for brunch- but that was more for purpose of my work. I would have been very content to eat on property every meal for 4 days/3 nights.
The pool and hot tubs are somewhat limited and I could see if there resort was quite busy how that could possibly be cumbersome with a mix of couples and families.
WHO SHOULD COME HERE?
Anyone! It seemed perfect for couples, again, was quiet during our stay. Maybe consider that if you plan for a couples only trip as there is an adult-only pool at the spa, which we never had to use.
I would definitely recommend the Montage Los Cabos as a chic, luxury vibe with plenty of room for families, friends, and couples.
Roughly 30 miles northeast of San Diego is the iconic coastal beach town of Carlsbad, California. Surrounded by the beauty of Batiquitos Lagoon and the famous southern California coastline, Carlsbad offers easy access to endless amounts of fun.
WHERE TO STAY
Whether you want to explore the area with your family, spend the day at LEGOLand California or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, experience the excitement at the races in Del Mar, explore marine life at the Birch Scripps Aquarium in La Jolla, or enjoy a full day of boutique shopping, golfing at award-winning courses or relaxing at the spa, the Park Hyatt Aviara is the perfect home base for your stay.
HOW TO GET THERE
Now there’s an even easier way to get to Carlsbad. Beginning November 1, 2018, new airline, California Pacific, will begin daily flights into the McClellan-Palomar Airport, about 5 miles outside of Carlsbad. Currently, service is set to take place from Las Vegas (LAS), San Jose (SJC), Reno (RNO) and Phoenix (AZA). Flight time from Las Vegas into Carlsbad is roughly 1- hour.
California Pacific Airlines | Photo Cred: California Pacific Airlines
WHAT TO DO
October starts the Holiday season of travel for families as well, and LEGOLand is on the action. On select weekends throughout October, LEGOLand offers fun Halloween festivities for the whole family with Brick Or Treat Party Nights.
Brick or Treat at LEGOLand California | Photo Cred: Stefanie Van Aken
San Diego Safari Park is offering Kids FREE in October:
Throughout the month of October, kids ages 11 and younger receive free admission (with an adult). We’ve got special fun planned for the weekends, so go wild and join us over and over again! Kids Free admission in October 2018 includes the Africa Tram – no separate ticket needed! Kids can ride the Conservation Carousel for $6. Please purchase Carousel tickets at the Safari Park.
The holiday fun doesn’t end in October. You will find unique and entertaining options for Thanksgiving and the Festive season all the way to the end of the year, including New Years. So, if snow isn’t your thing this year- find yourhappy in Carlsbad at the Park Hyatt Aviara.
Exclusive to RSMLVTravel– enjoy your 4th night complimentary when you stay 3 at Park Hyatt Aviara, along with luxury amenities offered through Virtuoso: –Daily breakfast buffet for two –$100 resort credit per stay per room –Locally-inspired culinary welcome amenity –Upgrade day of arrival if available –Early check-in and late check-out if available –Complimentary access to Aviara Spa amenities
Call to book now 702.743.5196 or email: Stefanie@RSMLVTravel.com.
