Sunday, April 22, 2012

Shark Cage Diving

Just one of the many things to do while visiting South Africa ~ Shark Cage Diving!



Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information

Monday, April 16, 2012

Escape to the Cook Islands

If you are looking for a peaceful and laid back atmosphere for your island vacation, why not escape to the Cook Islands?  You can reconnect with your loved one and relax in this idyllic setting, while forgetting the rest of the world!  It is only a 9-1/2 hour flight from the West Coast.  The people are very friendly, the setting romantic and exotic, and the food is world-class.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Tips for Traveling with Children

Traveling with children can be tough, especially when on an airplane for several hours.  Here are a few tried and true travel tips:

• Schedule your flight for the kids’ naptime, and try to keep the kids awake until you get on the plane. The flight is so much more relaxing for everyone when the kids sleep through it. 

• If you're traveling with small children, pack a complete outfit in a zip-lock bag. This will make it so much easier if your little one needs a change of clothing while you are traveling.

• Traveling with your child's only special blankie or stuffed animal can be trouble if it gets lost. You might want to cut a small piece off of the blankie and use it for travel. Take your child shopping to buy a new stuffed animal and call it your child's travel buddy.

• Stow-away strollers - Strollers and infant carriers can be taken to the gate and checked as you board the plane, which eliminates carrying your toddler and diaper bag, etc, through the terminals. When you disembark, your items will be waiting for you as you leave the plane.  

• As your trip approaches, have your child make a calendar to mark off each day, as a countdown to the vacation.  This makes the anticipation even more fun. 

• When traveling with kids bring "throw aways", such as disposable bibs, wipes, plastic eating utensils. Then you can just use and throw them away.

• When traveling with children, especially if one parent only may accompany the children out of the country - make sure that you have a signed and notarized letter from both parents stating that permission is given to the accompanying parent (or temporary guardian) to take the child out of the country. Make sure also that the accompanying parent or guardian also has the necessary medical release forms for said children. 

• Discuss the security clearance process with your children so they will not be frightened or surprised. Don't travel with toys that could be mistaken for weapons. And don't forget, children, even newborns, need a passport to leave the country.

• Airline food is not geared to young children so make sure to bring along things they like to eat.

• Coloring books and crayons are an easy way to pass the time on a plane, plus they are light to carry.  Have your child prepare their own carry on bag and include fun things for them to do inside the bag.

• Make a bag for each child and tell them they can't open it til they are on the plane.  This gives them something to look forward to.  If the flight is a long one, pack a few things, wrapped if you can, and have them open the bags throughout the flight. You don't necessarily have to buy new items, as there are probably toys they have that haven't been used in a while.  


Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

A limited number of spaces have become available for the football game between Notre Dame vs Navy game in Dublin this September.  If interested, please contact me asap before they're gone!

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

News from Windstar Cruises


 What's New at Windstar Cruises


New, Stylish Look on Windstar!

This past December, Wind Surf's staterooms, suites, bridge suites, corridors were renovated as part of Windstar's previously announced $18 million fleet refurbishment plan. The vision for the renovations is classic, stylish yacht luxury that dramatizes Windstar's brand position of a "boutique yacht vacation" that is "180 Degrees from Ordinary." Each yacht will receive new furniture, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings.  New furnishings complete the look in keeping with the chic, private yacht scheme.  The design palette combines sand and marine colors contrasting elegantly with the warmth of wood finishes, elevating the look and feel to stylish luxury at sea.


Windstar's Sail & Stay Hotel Packages

Set sail for an intimate journey of Europe - Windstar style. Windstar is currently offering Sail & Stay Packages which provide an extraordinary value on European voyages with 2-for-1 Cruise Fares plus 2 Free Hotel Nights on select sailings. With the package, enjoy an extended stay in Windstar cruise ports such as Rome, Barcelona, Athens and Istanbul. Windstar's Hotel Collection in their Sail & Stay Promotions include two complimentary nights in a Windstar-select hotel, complimentary transfer to or from your yacht, hotel tips, gratuities, taxes and luggage handling fees.


Windstar Beverages Update

Windstar now provides complimentary soft beverages on all voyages. Complimentary soft beverages include bottled water, sparkling water, sodas, fresh juices, milk, fruit smoothies, tea, coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and espresso. Windstar also offers a Premium Beverage Package*, an excellent value and an effortless way to add enjoyment to your cruise vacation at only $48 per person, per day, plus standard 15% beverage service charge. Included in the package is: unlimited premium cocktails; unlimited wine by the glass from the per glass wine menu; unlimited house champagne, beer and soft drinks; mini-bar selections; and beverages provided through room service.


2013 Caribbean and Costa Rica Sailings

Windstar's collection of 2013 Caribbean and Costa Rica voyages are open for booking at early booking savings fares. Three diverse Caribbean itineraries and two exotic Costa Rica itineraries comprise the collection which is offered December 2012 through March 2013.  Hot Tip: If you are interested in their 7-day Passage Through Panama voyage - book early, since it is popular! Each voyage sold out this season.


Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Your own personalized romance novel - starring you!


For a unique romantic gift idea, why not try your hand at writing a romance novel?  Well, you really don't have to write the novel, but you can have one written for you.  At www.yournovel.com you provide the information and they put it together in a romance novel.

How does it work?  You first have to choose a category:

  • beaches
  • cruises
  • abroad
  • outdoors
  • America
  • unusual e.g. vampires, etc
Then you choose whether you would like hardcover, paperback, or eBook and choose your version of "wild" or "mild". Send a picture for the cover and answer some questions about yourselves individually and as a couple, and voila, the book is ready to be written.  You can personalize the book even more, if youlike, by adding some pages with your won message.  If you choose an eBook, it will be ready within hours, otherwise it takes 7-10 days to be completed.  There is even a dedication page where you can write a personal note to the person receiving the book.  

Want to propose on Valentine's Day?  Why not ask her in a romantic novel?


Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information

Sunday, November 13, 2011

3-1-1 Rule for Liquids in Your Carry-on

What do you do when you forget you have something such as perfume or lotion in your carry-on bag and it's over 3.4 ounces? Read on

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information