“We are the Magic”

Young love. There’s nothing like it. I met Mark when I was 18 years old, and we got married when I was 22. Yes, 22!   I had just graduated from Ball State University with a degree in departmental English. Twenty-two years old with an English degree – the recipe for young marriage and grad school.  I had no idea what I wanted in life, but I knew who I loved–and it was him. He had graduated the year before, and he spent that year saving money for my engagement ring and for law school. I spent my last semester of
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A Cultural Adventure at Hotel Xcaret Arte

The following is a guest post by Passport and Pen client, Natalie, who chronicles her week at the new Hotel Xcaret Arte in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Hotel Xcaret Arte opened its doors July 2, 2021, and Natalie and her husband were among its first guests. This adults-only property all-inclusive property has 900 guest suites and is dedicated to paying homage to the art, hospitality and sustainability of Mexico. A sister resort to the original Hotel Xcaret, the new Hotel Xcaret Arte has 9 restaurants, also known as gastronomic experiences, and boasts some of the most distinguished chefs in Latin America.
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National Plan for a Vacation Day is January 26

National Plan for Vacation Day: Looking Ahead to Brighter Days The Passport and Pen is excited to announce it is supporting National Plan for Vacation Day (NPVD), the annual day for Americans to plan their vacation for the entire year at the start of the year, on January 26. Though many Americans are not ready or able to take a trip just yet, there is a wealth of information that says simply planning a vacation can increase happiness. In fact, 97% of survey respondents say having a trip planned makes them happier—and that’s exactly what we will encourage Americans to
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Romance and Relaxation at Jamaica’s Couples Resorts

Are you looking for a secluded hideaway for your honeymoon or anniversary? Consider Couples Resorts, Jamaica’s original all-inclusive resort. With two locations in Negril and two in Ocho Rios, Couples offers four luxury, all-inclusive properties as the setting for your next romantic beach vacation: Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away, Couples San Souci and Couples Tower Isle. Two weeks ago, I visited all four Couples Resorts to get firsthand experience and all the latest updates about room categories, wedding venues, group space and, of course, the world-famous beaches. I also learned about the most recent safety protocols Couples Resorts is implementing
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A Classy Getaway at Nashville’s Historic Hermitage Hotel

Maybe you’re not ready to hop on a plane yet. I understand. But there’s no reason you can’t have a travel experience in your own hometown. I live in a suburb of Nashville, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Over 100 people move to Nashville every day, and it’s one of the most popular destinations for bachelorette parties. I hardly recognize the downtown area anymore. Whenever my friends come to Nashville, they rave about touring the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, Belle Meade Plantation, the Carnton Mansion, Hatch Show Print or the Frist Art Museum. I’d always feel
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Mother’s Day Staycation at Harpeth Hotel

For Mother’s Day, my husband gifted me with a stay at the new Harpeth Hotel in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tennessee. This luxury property is part of the Hilton Collection and is located on the banks of the Harpeth River at 130 N. 2nd Avenue. We live only two miles down the road, but the charming exterior of this establishment has been beckoning me since it opened in 2019. Why would I want to stay at a hotel that is within walking distance of my front door? The Harpeth Hotel is the first hotel to be built in the historic downtown.
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