The Travel Bug Vacation Planners

Your own personalized romance novel - starring you!

2012-01-24T21:21:00.000-05:00

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

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

2011-11-13T19:17:00.001-05:00

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

Power your gadgets with your own suitcase

2011-11-09T18:08:00.000-05:00

This is a handy tool for powering your electronic gadgets while on the road. It's powered luggage that doubles as a charger for your phone, ipod, etc! Power your gadgets with your own suitcase

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

Letter of Parental Consent to Travel

2011-11-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

Don't let this happen to you: You and your child are at Newark Airport and are ready to board a flight to Europe. You are asked for a letter from your child's father indicating that he has given permission for the child to travel out of the country with you and you don't have one. What now?

This is just one scenario. Maybe your child is going to travel with grandparents, a school group, a sports team, or a friend, without either parent or guardian. What documentation is needed?

While there are exceptions, travel out of the country will require a passport, even for a child. You will also need a notarized Letter of Parental Consent to Travel for the child. The letter should include the dates of travel, the name of the adult traveling with the child, contact information for the parent(s) not traveling, and if the child is traveling without either parent or guardian, both parent's signatures must be on the form and notarized.

If the minor child has only one parent/guardian, as in the case of divorce, death, or adoption, then bringing a copy of the divorce decree, death certificate, or adoption papers or a letter from your lawyer, will be required. And if the parents/guardians have different last names, such as the mother keeping her maiden name, bring along the child's birth certificate so authorities can see the parents' names.

A second form for authorization of medical treatment is also important. A Medical Treatment Authorization Letter will give permission for the adult accompanying the child to be responsible for medical treatment in case of emergency.

Some cruise lines have their own letters which they require for minor children so make sure you have the proper documentation with you. For example, in Carnival's case, without the Letter of Parental Consent to Travel the child will not be able to leave the ship in Mexico, even for a shore excursion.

Give yourself enough time to obtain a passport (especially if this is the first time applying for one) and to complete the letters and have them notarized. And while you are getting them notarized, have a couple of the letters notarized in case you need them.

Here are some government links to check out:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of State
Country Specific Information

If you need a copy of a Letter of Parental Consent to Travel or a Medical Treatment Authorization Letter, please contact me and I will send it to you.

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

Ritz-Carlton and Clarisonic Help Support Breast Cancer Patients

2011-10-26T18:39:00.000-05:00

Ritz-Carlton Hotels are contributing to Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a new program at its spas. The program, in partnership with skincare company Clarisonic, will donate $10 for each facial that is purchased at participating U.S. Ritz-Carltons. Read more

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

Don't Miss the Boat (or Transfer, Flight, Train...)

2011-10-20T14:18:00.001-05:00

You're all excited about your vacation. Your bags are packed, pets are taken care of, you have your passport, and so on. What about your travel documents? Oh yeah, you have those also. But did you read them CAREFULLY? There is very important information in those documents, information regarding your transportation, whether it is for your flights, transfers, train, bus, tour, etc.

For your flights, you will most likely have e-tickets. You simply use the confirmation number on your paperwork to check in. In many cases, you can check in up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled flight and print your boarding pass. Make sure you check the flights at this time for any last minute changes the airline may have made. Also check their baggage rules, since they can change often; make sure to check the airport's check in regulations. It is best to be at the airport about 2 hours prior to a domestic flight and 3 hours prior to an international flight. There are regulations as to how late you can check in. One airport may say it is 45 minutes prior to flying while another may only be a half hour. If you miss the cutoff time, you will be out of luck.

For transfers that have been arranged for you, remember the driver will be there to greet you at the arranged time. Please check your vouchers for the time that you will need to meet with your driver. If you are going to be delayed, it is important to call ahead as early as possible so that you can reschedule the meeting time. If you miss the transfer and have not called ahead, you will lose the money spent on the transfer plus you will have to pay for another one.

For trains and buses in the States, you need to have purchased your ticket early enough before the train arrives. For international travel, there are different ways of validating tickets, etc, so please familiarize yourself with the rules before traveling.

Finally, for tours, your tour guide will tell you what time and where to meet for the tour. If you are not there for the scheduled time, you may end up missing the entire tour and losing your money which you paid for the tour.

Remember, when traveling, you need to schedule your time well so that you don't miss your transportation and most importantly, you don't lose the money you already paid for the services.

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

World's Largest Cruise Sale

2011-10-19T14:10:00.001-05:00

Welcome Aboard the World's Largest Cruise Sale! This is a great time to book your next cruise. Click here for a sneak peek.

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

Disney's Newest Resort: Disney's Art of Animation

2011-10-13T08:27:00.001-05:00

DisneyWorld will be opening the first phase of rooms at its newest resort, Disney's Art of Animation, next May. This phase of the hotel is themed after the movie, "Finding Nemo", and the remaining three phases are themed after the movies "Cars", "Lion King", and "Little Mermaid". The remaining phases will open in stages through the end of 2012 and there will be 1,120 family suites, comprised of three-room units, in total.

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

2011-10-05T08:48:00.001-05:00

DisneyWorld has a new promotion for late 2011 and early 2012. Call to book early while the inventory is still available!

Dates in 2011: 10/30-11/18 and 11/26-12/23
15% off All Star Movies Resort and Port Orleans French Quarter
20% off other Value and Moderate Resorts
25% off Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
30% off Deluxe and Villa Resorts
Book by 11/19/11

Dates in 2012: Most nights 1/2-2/20
20% off All Star Movies Resort
25% off Other Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter
30% off Moderate Resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
35% off Deluxe and Villa Resorts
Book by 12/21/11

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

Disney's Aulani Resort Now Open in Oahu

2011-09-07T09:46:00.001-05:00

Save up to $800 in airfare for your family - receive an airfare credit of $200 per person for a family of 4 with a stay at Aulani, Disney's newest resort on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

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

Restaurant Week in France from September 19-25, 2011

2011-08-15T09:42:00.001-05:00

Take a look at the happenings which will be going on during France's Restaurant Week: France launches a new nation-wide event celebrating French food
This fall, France will be celebrating local cuisine with a brand-new food-centric festival.

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

Lion World's Royal Treatment in South Africa

2011-04-20T15:23:00.002-05:00

The Royal Treatment

STARTING FROM USD 8,769* + $190 TAXES & FEES (restrictions apply)

B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

INCLUDES:

International Airfare Washington or New York to Cape Town via Johannesburg
Domestic flights as indicated in itinerary
All services as specified
10 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
Game drives as specified in itinerary
Accommodation in standard rooms
Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers
Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English speaking guide
Half-day winery tour
Complimentary half hour back/neck massage at Royal Malewane
Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated
Lion World Tours representative Platinum Meet and Greet upon arrival

EXCLUDES:

Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc.
All other services not mentioned
Gratuities/Tips for game rangers, tour guides, and drivers
Costs of obtaining passports and/or visas
Trip cancellation insurance

Day 1

Depart from New York or Washington, DC for your flight to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg on South African Airways.

Day 2

Upon arrival at Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport a security approved representative will meet you at the aircraft, and escort and assist you through customs and immigration and then to the baggage carousel where you will be assisted with your luggage. You will be accompanied into the arrival hall where a Lion World Tours representative will welcome you and escort you to the Domestic Departure Hall for your flight to Cape Town.

On arrival in Cape Town a Lion World Tours representative will meet you and hand over your travel documentation. They will answer any questions you may have regarding your travel arrangements in South Africa and then assist you to your onward transfer to hotel.

The luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa lies where earth, sea and sky meet, poised above Atlantic rollers and flanked by majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles Mountain Range in glorious Cape Town. This intimate 5-star hotel fully lives up to its stunning location, with exceptional standards of service and relaxed Cape hospitality, providing the perfect counterpoint to its dramatic backdrop. Deluxe guest rooms and spacious suites, two breathtaking pool gardens magically perched above the ocean, the glorious Azure Restaurant accompanying exquisite cuisine, wonderful friendly service with endlessly seductive sea views. All barely ten minutes from the bustling heat of the city, with nearby attractions including prime diving spots, nature trails, and seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.

Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

Day 3

Today is a day to enjoy the wonderful city of Cape Town at your leisure. Cape Town is a city with a diverse range of attractions, sights and activities to offer and has something for everyone. From the landmark beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay to the vibrant V&A Waterfront and Cape Town city center - time spent in Cape Town will not be forgotten. Cape Town is a sophisticated city at the gateway to a majestic continent. The Mother City is a place where old and new harmoniously converge in history, architecture, cultural pursuits and the essence of its people. Warmed by the African sun, the city is dominated by a towering, table-shaped mountain, set on a peninsula of soaring, rocky heights and lush valleys, where two oceans converge - Indian and Atlantic. Immense natural beauty and the fast pace and bright lights of a great urban center meld effortlessly here. Firmly positioned on the international map, Cape Town offers a myriad of things to do and places to see, whatever your tastes, inclinations or budget.

Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (B)

Day 4

You will depart on your full-day Cape Peninsula tour after breakfast. See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the 'Fairest Cape'. Drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno - currently the hottest real estate in the world - to Hout Bay, a functioning harbor and heart of the local crayfish industry (optional Seal Island cruise, time permitting). After a stop for lunch (your own account), it's on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where you are able to ride the Funicular to the scenic viewing point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 66km/41mile trip from Cape Town. Amid the rocky landscape - home to mountain zebra, eland and ostriches - blooms magnificent Cape flora. Continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. Our last stop is the naval port of Simon's Town, the country's third oldest European settlement. Return to the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (B)

Day 5

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa to La Residence in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands.

This most sought-after boutique hotel stands on a private 30-acre wine and olive estate in the picture-perfect Franschhoek Valley. This private hotel is considered a work of art by its discerning guests. The brand new villa houses eleven ultra-luxurious suites, each boasting restful views over the vineyards, olive orchards and lavender fields.

Explore the beautiful village of Franschhoek finding amazing arts, crafts, antique shops and galleries. The main streets are lined with coffee shops. Eight of the "Top Ten" restaurants are situated in Franschhoek which is probably why it is often referred to as the gourmet capital of South Africa. Most of the wine farms still bear their original French names, and have Cape Dutch homes, oak trees and sweeping vineyards. The area also boasts a wide selection of wine cellars, from small wineries to large cellars.

Accommodation: La Residence (B)

Day 6

Today you will be taken on a half-day tour in Stellenbosch, the second oldest European settlement in South Africa, which has some of the best preserved historical buildings. The tour includes a visit to the Taal Monument, a walking tour of Stellenbosch, as well as a wine tasting and cellar tour. Historical Stellenbosch, with its Cape Dutch architecture is the heart of the beautiful Winelands, surrounded by stunning wine estates. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Winelands as you explore Stellenbosch, tour a wine cellar and enjoy wine-tasting with an opportunity to buy wine. You will also see fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

Accommodation: La Residence (B)

Day 7

You will be transferred from Franschhoek to Birkenhead House in Hermanus.

Birkenhead House is perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking the whale watchers paradise of Walker Bay, and accommodates guests in the utmost luxury. This is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living.

Accommodation is arranged to deliver the utmost comfort, with a collection of inspired artwork, spectacular mountain and sea views and breathtaking beaches and pools. World-class seafood delicacies, international spa treatments and hospitality are of the highest standard.

Accommodation: Birkenhead House (B, L, D)

Day 8

This will be a leisure day. Some optional activities to choose from are:

Dyer Island Cruises - A unique whale watching experience in season. Dyer Island cruises invite you on an unforgettable journey to the domain of the Southern Right Whale with their accomplished skipper and trained guides.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - This internationally recognized Nature Reserve is the largest private fynbos conservation area in the world. Day trips are offered to enjoy this very special environment.

Local Wine Tour - The Hemel-and-Aarde Valley is one of South Africa's best kept secrets. The valley boasts four amazing wine vineyards, award winning wines and breathtaking scenery. Meet the wine makers, taste the wines, tour the cellars and learn a few things about the South African wine industry.

Accommodation: Birkenhead House (B, L, D)

Day 9

Today you will be transferred from Hermanus to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit. On arrival in Hoedspruit you will be transferred to Royal Malewane Safari Lodge and Spa. Arrive in time for a late lunch and afternoon open vehicle game drive.

Resplendent in a Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane Safari Lodge and Spa redefines the concept of comfort. With interiors inspired by the elegance of colonial simplicity, rich wood terraces and private pools, luxury finds easy residence in the uncompromising African bush.

Each of the eight freestanding and private suites features a palatial air-conditioned bedroom/sitting room with a fireplace, antique furniture and canopied king-size bed, as well as an extravagant bathroom with a window-side Victorian bath and indoor and outdoor showers. Elevated walkways link the suites to the main camp with the African sky your ceiling. The main camp complex consists of the library, shop, dining and reception areas. Furnished with rich antiques and Persian carpets, every fitting creates the feel of original colonial elegance resting in harmony with its magnificent surroundings. There is a wonderful new gym and spa facility. Guests may enjoy spa treatments at the luxurious spa or in the complete privacy of their own suite.

Accommodation: Royal Malewane (B, L, D)

Day 10

Enjoy a morning game viewing activity in this spectacular wildlife kingdom in an open vehicle. Spend the hottest part of the day relaxing around the pool or perhaps take a siesta to make up for the early morning wake-up call. In the late afternoon, you will be taken on another unforgettable safari through the unspoiled African bush.

Accommodation: Royal Malewane (B, L, D)

Day 11

Spend another day in the bush with a similar schedule to the previous day, however every game drive is a different and exciting experience. Relaxation by the pool or at the spa is rejuvenating between game drives.

Accommodation: Royal Malewane (B, L, D)

Day 12

After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will connect for your ongoing flight back to the USA on South African Airways.

(B)

Day 13

Arrive home with a lifetime of memories!

THE ROYAL TREATMENT -
* Prices are in US Dollars and are per person based on double occupancy accommodations and include fuel surcharges. Government taxes, departure fees and September 11th Security Fee of $190 are additional and payable prior to departure.

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

MSNBC Travel Tips: & ways to keep your stuff safe when you fly

2011-04-12T12:44:00.001-05:00

7 ways to keep your stuff safe when you fly
You don't have to be paranoid and suspicious every moment of your trip; start out by trusting everyone, but don't make it easy for anyone. Read on...

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

Cape Town Hotels and Tours

2011-04-08T12:18:00.001-05:00

View of Table Mountain

Table Bay Hotel

Cape Town was beautiful! I was there with a group of travel agents and we stayed four nights. 10 of us stayed at 15 on Orange Hotel which is in the center of the city. Beautiful hotel, large rooms, perfect for business travel. Others in our group stayed at three other hotels: The Commodore, Table Bay, and the Twelve Apostles. The Commodore was very nice, perfect for groups, and very close to the V&A Waterfront. Table Bay is right on the Waterfront and 5 star. Perfect for someone who wants to be right in the middle of the action and also have luxurious accommodations. And for those that want over the top, the Twelve Apostles was ultra luxury with a beautiful view of the water and a shuttle that takes their guests down to the waterfront.

Bread & Wine Restaurant

We took the cable car up to Table Mountain (hiking up the mountain was not for me but we did see others doing it). I have great pictures from the top of the mountain and the day was very clear, mid 70s. We also took the Cape Peninsula tour and the tour of the Winelands. Had lunch at the Bread and Wine at Le Quartier Francais which is a pretty little boutique hotel. Lots of pics of penguins at Boulders Beach! We also visited the Amy Biehl Foundation where they are providing a program for kids to learn to play musical instruments (they take donations of instruments as well and will arrange for the shipping) and they also learn dance. We joined in and had a great afternoon.

Penguins at Boulders Beach

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

Why Tahiti?

2011-04-05T14:43:00.001-05:00

Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport is under 8 hours by air from LAX airport

Daily nonstop flights from LAX airport

On the same side of the International Date Line as North America

In the same time zone as Hawaii – now only three hours behind California!

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

Paris With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay & Family Travel Tips!

2011-04-05T11:42:00.002-05:00

Interesting article about traveling to Paris with kids: Paris With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay & Family Travel Tips!

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

Cape Town, South Africa

2011-03-23T10:07:00.001-05:00

Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa
After flying from JFK to Johannesburg, then on to Cape Town, I am here at 15 on Orange, the hotel I will be staying at for the next four nights. Even though the flight from JFK is long, South African Airways has comfortable seating with a lot of leg room in coach so you aren't too cramped. We were served a hot lunch, sandwich platter for dinner, and a hot breakfast. Soft drinks, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are included. The airline also provides an eye mask, socks, and a toothbrush with toothpaste.

15 on Orange is part of African Pride Hotels, and is located right in the heart of Cape Town. On a clear day there is a magnificent view of Table Mountain from the hotel. You are greeted by the hotel staff upon entering, and after checking in, a staff member personally escorts you to your room. The decor is modern and the Deluxe Suite is very large and comfortable with two flat screen TVs, a soaking tub, rain shower, king bed, sofa, DVD selection, and Ipod docking and charging station.

Deluxe suite at 15 on Orange Hotel

Deluxe suite - living area

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

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Temporarily Closed

2011-03-14T12:56:00.001-05:00

As a result of high storm surge from the earthquake-generated tsunami, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai sustained some debris-related damage in certain areas. As a result, the resort has temporarily closed and relocated in-house guests while while they begin clean-up efforts to restore the Resort to its pristine condition.

Ensuring the safety and comfort of its guests is their foremost concern, and in order to do so it was determined best to close while these efforts take place. The Four Seasons Hualalai plans to reopen the Resort on March 21, 2011. Overall, the Resort sustained minimal damage caused by water and sand from the storm surge, primarily to landscaped areas and the beach. All guests with reservations prior to this date are being contacted and given help in making alternate arrangements.

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

2011 Vacation Trends

2011-02-23T17:45:00.002-05:00

2011 vacation trends have increased in numbers since last year. This year has started off with an increase in vacation bookings for my agency. For couples planning their honeymoons, I have found an increase in the wish for exotic and adventure travel. More couples are looking for the "wow" factor, bragging rights, for their honeymoon travel.

I have found that South Africa, in particular, is growing more and more in popularity. Many couples who plan to go to South Africa add on another destination such as the Seychelles, Mozambique, or Mauritius. They want to spend time in South Africa's wine country and seek adventure in Kruger Park on safari, then follow that with some R&R on a beautiful island setting.

Planning ahead is very important especially when it comes to the safari lodges. The lodges are generally smaller, more intimate, than hotels in the cities, such as Capetown, so they may not have the space if the planning is last minute. Pricing is about the same as last year, but airfare has been getting more and more expensive, and probably will continue that trend for a while.

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

Cunard Raises Fuel Surcharges

2011-02-12T18:31:00.001-05:00

Due to the continued escalation of fuel prices, Cunard Line will increase their fuel supplement from $6.00 (USD) to $9.00 (USD) per person per day. This supplement will not exceed $300.00 per person, per voyage. The supplement applies to each paying guest travelling, including 3rd and 4th person fares and paid children's accommodations.

The new fuel supplement will apply to all new bookings made on or after 28 February 2011 for voyages departing on or after 14 April 2011.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for more information

Oahu - The Gathering Place

2011-02-11T12:43:00.001-05:00

Of all the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is probably the most well-known. Oahu is known as "The Gathering Place" and for good reason. Honolulu Airport is the starting point for many visitors to Hawaii, whether they plan to stay only on the island of Oahu or venture to the other islands of Hawaii.

Oahu has many things to see and do. Honolulu offers culture and museums, galleries, botanical gardens, Chinatown, and an array of dining options available. The University of Hawaii is located in Honolulu. Waikiki is a popular hotspot for clubs, crafts, even hula lessons. Every Friday the Hilton Hawaiian Village has a fireworks display. And don't forget to visit Diamond Head!

Along the Windward Coast are some of the best beaches such as Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai and Kailua Beach. The North Shore is home to legendary surf beaches and to the Polynesian Cultural Center. In central Oahu visitors can explore Pearl Harbor or why not try the Pineapple Garden Maze at the Dole Plantation, which is the world's largest maze, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. These are just a few of what visitors can see and do on the island of Oahu, The Gathering Place.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for more information

Why Use a Certified CLIA Travel Agent?

2011-02-04T13:41:00.001-05:00

CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association, Inc, shows how using a travel professional for your cruise planning has its benefits. Don't trust your vacation planning to just anyone. Watch this video to see how important it is to contact a professional.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for your cruise planning

Dinner at Bloody Mary's - Not to be Missed on the Island of Bora Bora

2011-02-01T09:46:00.000-05:00

©Mary McGrath

One of the most popular attractions on the island of Bora Bora is Bloody Mary's restaurant and bar. The local fishermen bring their fresh catch each day (except Sunday) and the fish is displayed on ice. Fish is not the only choice for those meat lovers out there - there is also a selection of beef on display. Patrons come up and choose their dinner which is then prepared and served along with a salad, vegetable, and a choice of sauces on the side. The soft, white sand floor and coconut palm tables add to the relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Bloody Mary's is not the most elegant dining on the island but it is the most fun!

Contact Mary at 742-747-8187 for more information

Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa

2011-01-30T10:26:00.002-05:00

The Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa resort is one of my favorite resorts in Bora Bora. By far, they have the best spa on the island. When a spa treatment is scheduled, you are entitled to use the rest of the spa areas for the day. The spa has a relaxing Pearl Rain Massage, Deep Sea Hydromassage Bath, Deep Chiller Walk (you walk through a narrow canal of water with jets aimed at your calves, stimulating blood flow), jacuzzi, steam room, and the Arctic Plunge (go from the steam room to the Arctic Plunge and feel the exhilaration!). The wonderful thing about the massage tables is when you are face down on the massage table and looking through the opening in the table, you are looking through a glass floor and watching the colorful fish swim by. What could be more relaxing?

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for more information

Give the Gift of a Day at the Spa

2011-01-28T21:40:00.001-05:00

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, have you thought about what you might want to give your significant other as a gift? With the way this winter has been, with all the snow here in NJ, why not give the gift of a day at the spa? What is better than being treated to a hot stone massage, a mani/pedi, maybe a seaweed wrap? Or how about a couples' massage? Now you both get the royal treatment!

Bernadette Smith, a Health and Spa Travel Specialist, reminds us of the basic spa etiquette that should be followed, such as arriving early to your appointment, turning off your cell phone, and more. So check out some spas in your area and pick up a gift certificate or schedule that special day for your loved one. It makes a great Valentine's Day gift.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for more information

Cruise News

2011-01-26T10:11:00.001-05:00

The Norwegian Dawn and the Norwegian Spirit will be going into dry dock for refurbishment in May and September, respectively. The Norwegian Sun is back in business after having her 33 suites and public areas upgraded. One of the changes is that the Pacific Heights restaurant was replaced with Moderno Churrascaria, a Brazilian barbecue restaurant. The Norwegian Epic has the same restaurant and it has been a very popular venue on the ship.

Royal Caribbean will be adding solo passenger cabins in the spring when the Radiance of the Seas goes into dry dock. There will only be three such cabins, all inside. The Norwegian Epic has inside studio cabins for solo passengers. These studios have a common area, living room style, where the solo passengers can meet and get to know each other.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for further information

Bridal Show at the Buttonwood Manor this Week

2011-01-22T21:25:00.001-05:00

Please come visit The Travel Bug Vacation Planners at the Buttonwood Manor this Thursday, January 27th!

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187

Getting Married in Tahiti

2011-01-20T13:04:00.002-05:00

Now that weddings in Tahiti are recognized as legal in the United States, what could be a more romantic setting than on the beautiful warm, sandy beaches of Tahiti. Some of the resorts you might consider are the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and Spa, the Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa, and the Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort. The ceremonies can be as elaborate or as simple as the bride and groom would like.

The ceremony usually takes place on the beach, with tiki torches, Polynesian dancers, and musicians playing their music. One tradition is the blowing of the conch shell. Someone blows into the shell three times at the start of the ceremony. This represents the presence of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and is based on a Christian influence. The couple may dress in wedding pareos with vibrant flower prints on them. The women wear theirs as a dress and the men tie their wraps as a skirt. The bride may also wear a haku lei, which is a small circle of flowers, around her head for the ceremony.

The bride and groom may choose to exchange leis with each other during the ceremony as a sign of their everlasting love. The bride and groom traditionally kiss after the leis are placed around their necks. After the ceremony, the bride and groom are wrapped in a wedding quilt called a tifaifai, which is decorated in traditional Polynesian style.

Photo © Mary McGrath
For more information:
Mary@thetravelbugonline.com
732-747-8187
http://www.thetravelbugonline.com/

Overwater Bungalow or Beach Bungalow?

2011-01-15T22:40:00.000-05:00

Last March I spent 8 days in the islands of French Polynesia, visiting the islands of Tahiti, Tikehau, Taha'a, Moorea, and Bora Bora. I stayed in overwater bungalows in all but one resort. These bungalows are beautiful - he rooms are large, the view spectacular, and there are "Tahitian televisions" in the rooms. The Tahitian televisions are either glass in the floors or in a table which gives you a view beneath the bungalow where you can see the coral and watch the colorful fish swim by. You also have a private deck with steps leading down to the turquoise water below. I think everyone who goes to these islands should make sure to spend a few nights in an overwater bungalow.

There is a benefit, however, to staying in a beach bungalow. If you would like to be able to go outside your bungalow and lounge on the beach, this might be the option for you. Your beach area is private to you only, there are usually lounge chairs set up for your bungalow, and you can walk right in to the water from your private beach. Since many people visit more than one island in French Polynesia, maybe your best bet is to stay in a beach bungalow at one resort and follow it with an overwater bungalow at the other resort.

Photo © Mary McGrath

What to See and Do in Tahiti

2011-01-12T22:58:00.001-05:00

Many visitors to French Polynesia only use the island of Tahiti as a stepping stone to the other islands. This is fine if you only have a week or so to spend in French Polynesia, and during that time, most people will visit Bora Bora and Moorea. However if your plans include a longer stay, say two weeks, why not include two nights in Tahiti so you can see what the island has to offer.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

There are many things to see and do in Tahiti. In addition to all the sunbathing and water sports that are available, there are many other things to do on the island of Tahiti. Here is a short list:

Visit the Black Pearl Museum, which is the only museum in the world dedicated to pearls.
Explore the Paul Gauguin Museum and learn about the life of the famous French painter who spent his final years in French Polynesia
Go shopping in the market, Le Marche, in Pape'ete where you will find black pearl jewelry, colorful pareos, handcrafted items, and vanilla
Go on a whale watching expedition
Take a helicopter tour of the island
Explore the lava tubes
Watch an outrigger canoe race (especially popular during the celebration of Bastille Day)
See the Tiki statues which are religious statues made of wood and stone

I feel that this island is often overlooked and undervalued, but as you can see, there are plenty of things to see and do if you plan to stay a couple of days.

Why Not Plan a Trip to French Polynesia

2011-01-10T18:46:00.001-05:00

Tiare Flower
© Mary McGrath

French Polynesia, commonly referred to as Tahiti, is comprised of over 400 islands in the South Pacific, with the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea being the most visited. They are part of the Society Islands and they are not as far away as many people might think. The flight from Los Angeles is only 8 hours, and by flying Air Tahiti Nui, the flight becomes part of the fun. After taking off, the flight attendants, dressed in traditional uniforms, change into flowered shirts and casual clothes. All your food and drinks are included in the flight and you have your own personal tv set with many options from movies, tv shows, games (which you can also play against others on the plane), or just watch the course of the plane ride while listening to music. The flight attendants are so accommodating and make sure you keep well hydrated by passing around glasses of water throughout the flight. On your return, you will take a red eye flight back to Los Angeles. If you are flying to another destination after Los Angeles, you might want to spend a few days there first. Same goes for the flight to Tahiti. If you are flying from the east coast, why not break up your flights by an overnight stay in Los Angeles and then continuing on to paradise, the Islands of French Polynesia.

Coming next ---what to see and do in Tahiti

Please contact me for your trip to Paradise!
Mary McGrath
732-747-8187

Adding Another Dimension

2011-01-09T19:44:00.004-05:00

I have recently become a writer for the examiner.com. You can read my posts and comment on them by clicking this link. I hope you enjoy reading my posts - I have been assigned to write romance travel articles. If you have any thoughts as to articles you would like to read, or if you have any questions you would like answered, just post them here or on the examiner site and I will be happy to answer you.

Cunard Raising Fuel Surcharges - Is this just the beginning?

2010-12-27T14:36:00.000-05:00

Cunard announced that they are raising fuel supplements from $3.85 to $6.00 per person, per day. The supplement will be capped at $200 per person, per voyage.

This supplement will be applied to each guest, including 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom whether an adult or child.

The increased supplement will apply to all new bookings made on or after 12/31/10 for sailings departing on or after 4/14/11.

This is the first cruise line to increase their fuel supplement. Will this be just the start of having to pay increased fuel supplements for all cruise lines?

Celtic Tours Classic College Football - Notre Dame vs Navy in Dublin 2012

2010-11-29T16:40:00.001-05:00

Updated October 18, 2011
Notre Dame and Navy have played each other since 1927. In 1996 Notre Dame and Navy faced off in Dublin, Ireland. Over 12,000 Notre Dame and Navy fans traveled from the US to be a part of the game. They will play each other again in 2012 - call 732-747-8187 now to reserve your spot! Please ask for Mary.

Here are sample itineraries, although we can customize your trip as well - just ask.

New Itinerary

Portmarnock, Co Dublin, Killarney, Louth 8 Days/ 6 Nights

SAMPLE INCLUSION COSTS

6 Nights 1st Class/Superior Hotels(includes 3 nights in Portmarnock, Co Dublin, 2 Nights Killarney and 1 Night Louth)
6 Full Irish Breakfasts
3 Hotel dinners
1 Dinner with Traditional Irish Entertainment
Game Ticket
Boxed Lunch at Game
Deluxe touring motorcoach with Driver/Guide for all transfers and sightseeing
Service Charges, Flight Bag and Travel Documents
Services of Celtic Tours Representative in Ireland

ADMISSION TO

Guinness Brewery Storehouse, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Cobh Heritage Center, plus Blarney Woollen Mills

COST

From $2488 LAND PP Sharing

$798 Single Room Supplement

______________________________________________________
Almost Sold Out
Dublin, Galway 6 Days/ 4 Nights

SAMPLE INCLUSION COSTS

4 Nights 1st Class/Superior Hotels(includes 3 Nights Dublin, 1 Night Galway)
4 Full Irish Breakfasts
1 Hotel dinner
1 Dinner with Traditional Irish Entertainment
Game Ticket
Boxed Lunch at Game
Deluxe touring motorcoach with Driver/Guide for all transfers and sightseeing
Service Charges, Flight Bag and Travel Documents
Services of Celtic Tours Representative in Ireland

ADMISSION TO

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

COST

From $1678 LAND PP Sharing

$269 Single Room Supplement

________________________________________________

Sold Out. Please call for details
Limerick, Galway, Dublin 8 Days/ 6 Nights

SAMPLE INCLUSION COSTS

6 Nights 1st Class/Superior Hotels(includes 1 Night Limerick, 2 Nights Galway and 3 Nights Dublin)
6 Full Irish Breakfasts
3 Hotel dinners
1 Dinner with Traditional Irish Entertainment
Game Ticket
Boxed Lunch at Game
Deluxe touring motorcoach with Driver/Guide for all transfers and sightseeing
Service Charges, Flight Bag and Travel Documents
Services of Celtic Tours Representative in Ireland

ADMISSION TO

Guinness Brewery Storehouse, Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey

COST

From $2035 LAND PP Sharing

$429 Single Room Supplement

___________________________________________________

PLEASE NOTE:

AIRFARE

Inclusive Air rates will be advised at a later date including scheduled air and charter air where available.

OPTIONAL GOLF TOURS

Optional golf tours available with a minimum of 3 golf days

NOTE

Tips to the Driver/Guide is considered personal and is not included.

Current Irish taxes are included as of July 2010 and are subject to change.

These can also be arranged:
Chauffeur Driven Tours
Golf Tour Packages
Self-Drive Tour Options
We can also arrange for an extended stay in Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy or other European Destinations.

Optional Sightseeing:
Tour the Ring of Kerry
Kiss the Blarney Stone
Exclusive parties for your groups can be arranged at any Irish Venue.
Hop on/Hop off tour of Dublin

Individual Policies
LAND TOUR INDIVIDUAL DEPOSITS
Up To April 04, 2011: $50 Deposit Required to Hold Space
From April 05-September 01, 2011: Additional $100 PP Due
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: Additional $100 PP Due
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: Additional $200 PP Due
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: Additional $200 PP Due
Final Payment due May 24, 2012
*Insurance due at time of deposit. Those already deposited will have up to April 04, 2011 to purchase insurance.
**Air: Once airfares and schedules become available, we will advise you of the airline policy for deposits due, changes, cancellations and ticketing deadlines.

LAND TOUR NAME CHANGE or REPLACEMENT FEES
Up To April 04, 2011: No Charge
From April 05-September 01, 2011: No Charge
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: No Charge
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: $50 Per Change
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: $100 Per Change
From May 24, 2012-June 29, 2012: $200 Per Change
From June 30, 2012 Onward: No Replacement/Change Allowed

LAND TOUR CANCELLATION FEE
Up to April 04, 2011: $50 Per Person
From April 05-September 01, 2011: $100 Per Person Booked
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: $200 Per Person Booked
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: $400 Per Person Booked
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: 70% of Land Tour Cost
From May 24, 2012 Onward: 100% of Land Tour Cost
Group Policies

LAND TOUR GROUP DEPOSITS
Up To April 04, 2011: $250 Deposit Required to Hold Space
From April 05-September 01, 2011: Additional $100 PP Due For All Seats Sold
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: Additional $100 PP Due For All Seats Sold
From November 01, 2011: All sold seats must be advised with names
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: Additional $200 PP Due For All Seats Sold-Release of 90% of unsold seats
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: Additional $200 PP Due For All Seats Sold-Release of 90% of unsold seats
Final Payment due May 24, 2012-Release of all unsold seats
*Insurance due at time of deposit. Those already deposited will have up to April 04, 2011 to purchase insurance.
**Air: Once airfares and schedules become available, we will advise you of the airline policy for deposits due, changes, cancellations and ticketing deadlines.

LAND TOUR NAME CHANGE or REPLACEMENT FEES
Up To April 04, 2011: No Charge
From April 05-September 01, 2011: No Charge
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: No Charge
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: $50 Per Change
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: $100 Per Change
From May 24, 2012-June 29, 2012: $200 Per Change
From June 30, 2012 Onward: No Replacement/Change Allowed

LAND TOUR CANCELLATION FEE
Up to April 04, 2011: $200 Per Group
From April 05-September 01, 2011: $100 Per Person Booked
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: $200 Per Person Booked
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: $400 Per Person Booked
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: 70% of Land Tour Cost
From May 24, 2012 Onward: 100% of Land Tour Cost

Call Mary McGrath at 732-747-8187 for details and reservations

Cycling on the Seas - Norwegian Epic - November 5, 2011

2010-11-20T15:05:00.006-05:00

Come Join Us for

Cycling on the Seas ~ November 5, 2011

on the New Norwegian Epic

Cruise to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau

Your cruise vacation includes: Four indoor cycling classes just for our group! ~ $50 onboard credit per cabin ~ Travel Bug Vacation Planners tote bag

Other highlights include: Aqua Park, bowling, bungee jumping, ice skating, rock climbing, rappelling, volleyball Blue Man Group, Second City Comedy, Cirque Dinner Show, Legends in Concert, Murder Mystery Lunch, & the first Ice Bar at Sea!

$50 per person deposit will hold your spot!

*prices are per person, based on double occupancy; other categories on a space available basis 3^rd & 4^th person rates are also available

For details contact Mary McGrath 732-747-8187 or email mary@thetravelbugonline.com

Click here to read more about the New Norwegian Epic!

*Fares shown in U.S. dollars. Offers apply to select sailing. Fares are cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy. Additional categories available as well as 3^rd and 4^th person pricing. Government taxes and fees of $121.23 additional per person. Onboard service charges are additional and will be automatically added to your onboard account, and is subject to your discretion. See ncl.com for details. IMPORTANT NOTICE: NCL is suspending the company’s fuel supplement for all voyages at this time. The Company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $65 per barrel. NCL may collect any fuel supplement charge in effect at the time of sailing, even if the cruise fare has been paid in full. Offers are based on availability, capacity controlled, not combinable with other offers, subject to change or cancellation without notice, and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions apply. NCL is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships’ Registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2010 NCL Corporation Ltd. Travel Agency disclaimer: Pricing subject to change and availability

TSA New Requirements as of November 1, 2010

2010-11-10T19:51:00.000-05:00

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will require a full name (as it appears on the government issued ID they will use when traveling), date of birth and gender for all passengers traveling on or after November 1, 2010 regardless of when the reservation was booked. Failure to provide this information could result in a reservation being refused by the airline.

All reservations traveling or returning on November 1, 2010 and after, must include the following information, regardless of when the reservation was booked, in order to be in compliance with Transportation Security Administration requirements.

• - Full Name -first, middle name or initial*, and last, as it appears on the valid, government-issued photo ID that the passenger will present at the airport)
•- Date of Birth
•- Gender

Airlines may cancel any reservation which does not contain this information at least 72 hours prior to travel.

The spelling of the middle name or initial must exactly match the government issue ID used when traveling. Not entering this information at the time of booking could result in additional fees and delays at the airport.

Please visit http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm for full details from the TSA.

US Dollars in Mexico

2010-10-27T21:47:00.000-05:00

The Mexican Government has passed a new anti-money laundering law which went into effect September 14, 2010. With this new law, the use of American Dollars (CASH) to make purchases in Mexico will change. Other payment methods such as credit cards of all types and all issuing banks, Travelers Checks, Mexican pesos and non-American foreign currencies (such as Euros or Canadian Dollars) are NOT affected in any way by this new law.

The most noticeable differences will be: Hotels,Exchange Booths, and local banks will only be able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD CASH per person per month into Mexican Pesos. Previously there was no limit. Businesses (including restaurants and shops) will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 USD CASH per transaction - but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted. Certain businesses may not be able to, or may choose not to accept US Dollars for any purchase at all (this may include shops, etc), however still accepting Mexican Pesos.

If a customer wants to purchase an excursion (for example) that costs $150 US dollars per person, customers will only be able to pay $100 of this amount in USD CASH and the remainder will need to be in another form of payment (credit card, Mexican pesos, etc). Airlines are advising that within Mexico, they will only accept Mexican Pesos and credit cards for any fees (including baggage fees). Vacationers should never carry large amounts of American dollars with them abroad, but instead they should consider either using a credit card or ATM card to withdraw Mexican Pesos.

The New "Queen Elizabeth" Christening Scheduled for October 11

2010-10-01T09:24:00.001-05:00

Cunard took delivery of its new ship, the Queen Elizabeth, September 30 during a ceremony at a shipyard in Italy. The ship will hold 2,092 passengers. Queen Elizabeth II will christen the ship in Southampton on October 11. The ship will take her maiden voyage to Lisbon and Seville following the christening.

Travel advice: Ten tips to avoid travel rip-offs - Telegraph

2010-09-19T11:26:00.001-05:00

Great advice to protect yourself from being ripped off while traveling

Travel advice: Ten tips to avoid travel rip-offs - Telegraph

News from Princess Cruise LInes and Tahiti Tourism

2010-09-04T08:08:00.002-05:00

Princess Cruises recently announced that one of its bigger ships, the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess, will sail a 28-day roundtrip voyage to Tahiti from Los Angeles in late 2011.

The sailing will also include stops in Hawaii and Samoa. “It's the first time Princess has offered a roundtrip sailing from Los Angeles to Tahiti in at least 20 years,” spokeswoman Susanne Ferrull told USA TODAY.

Scheduled to kick off on Oct. 22, 2011, the 28-day South Pacific sailing will include calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Pago Pago, Apia, Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti, as well as two crossings of the Equator.

Sapphire Princess is joining Golden Princess in sailing to the Pacific out of Los Angeles. The Golden Princess offers 14-day roundtrip cruises to Hawaii from the city's port.

Summer Bed Bug Advice while on Vacation

2010-08-26T13:31:00.000-05:00

Expert Offers Summer Vacationers Travel Tips for Keeping Bed Bugs Out of Your Home

HEALTH CARE AND TRAVEL TIPS - TheCypressTimes

2010-08-24T10:56:00.000-05:00

HEALTH CARE AND TRAVEL TIPS - TheCypressTimes

This is an excellent article regarding your health while traveling as well as information on pet travel and kids/teens traveling.

American To Upsell Premium Coach Seats At Checkin Kiosks

2010-08-19T12:04:00.001-05:00

Business Travel - Airline News - American To Upsell Premium Coach Seats At Checkin Kiosks - Business Travel News

How far will they go? When will the additional fees add up to more than the cost of the airline ticket itself? It seems that the airlines really like to antagonize their passengers and what better way to do so than keep adding fees upon fees for things that used to be free?

Hurricane Season Travel Tips from AmadeusShare

2010-08-17T15:03:00.001-05:00

10 HURRICANE-PROOF TRAVEL TIPS

Safety first, then relaxation

Hurricane season doesn’t have to hamper tropical trips.

Baby, it’s windy outside … and rainy.

Bad beach weather could be the fate of some of your customers visiting “hurricane belt” destinations—areas bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

Between June 1 and November 30 each year, these regions are prone to “tropical disturbances,” ranging from brief episodes of heavy rain to tropical storms to full-fledged hurricanes.

That doesn’t mean Florida, the Caribbean and other tropical destinations should be off-limits during what also just so happens to be peak vacation season.

But a few planning tips can help you keep your customers happy and protected as they enjoy a vacation that’s hopefully soaked with sunshine rather than rain.

1. Safety first
Equip your customers with helpful hurricane safety tips—just in case. Make sure they’re aware of evacuation routes, and provide them with the emergency map for the hotel or resort where they are staying. Strongly suggest that your customers leave their detailed itinerary and contact information with friends or family staying behind.

2. Bottled water & batteries
Tell hurricane belt bound travelers to pack a few survival kit essentials in their suitcases, whether they are flying or driving to their destination. The American Red Cross recommends a flashlight, batteries, bottled water or water tablets, nonperishable snacks and a can opener. You might also suggest they keep cash on hand in whatever currency is accepted.

3. Go the refundable route
Purchasing refundable tickets doesn’t have to mean sky-high rates, especially through low-cost carriers. And since airline fees for changing tickets have skyrocketed in recent months, your customers may be better off with a refundable ticket—especially if the weather is going to be a factor.

4. Encourage insurance
You gotta love travel insurance. It’s relatively inexpensive to your customer, yet comes with a big commission for your travel agency—and in certain cases, it will ensure even non-refundable trips are “hurricane proof.” (Check individual policies for coverage information.) Amadeus Insurance is easy to add with one click from Amadeus Selling Platform. “Your customers will thank you in the event of an emergency, weather-related or otherwise,” advises Ronan Fradin, a product manager for Amadeus North America.

5. Avoid the higher ground
Mountainous and hilly regions in the hurricane belt are more likely to turn into danger zones when hurricanes strike, according to Forbes. The Dominican Republic has four mountain areas—and with them, a history of devastating mudslides. Whereas the Bahamas are smack in the middle of the hurricane belt, but with their relatively flat topography, aren’t hit nearly as hard as hillier destinations. Of course it’s impossible to say for certain whether one region will be safer than another during any given hurricane season, but odds will be on your side in flatter terrains.

6. Know your ABCs
The ABC islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—may be the best-known, low-hurricane-risk Caribbean islands. Stick with smaller destinations and your customers are statistically less likely to be stuck in the eye of a storm. But be pre-warned, if a hurricane does hit, it will be harder to leave a smaller island rather than a larger one.

7. Focus on the fall
No one knows for sure when Mother Nature will strike, but hurricane season tends to hit its peak in late summer. October and November can still host bad weather, but the odds are in your customers’ favor that they’ll be out of the woods by then.

8. Seek the “sunshine guarantee”
SuperClubs offers a “sunshine guarantee” for its all-inclusive properties in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Curacao. Vacationers are given a full credit for each day that isn’t sunny—good for a future stay. Hyatt has a similar policy at several of its Caribbean resorts.

9. Wild, wild west
If your customers are extremely anxious about tropical storms, this probably isn’t the best time of year to book a vacation in the hurricane belt. Hurricane forecasters at Colorado State University forecasted that the East Coast of the US and the Caribbean will get quite a battering during the 2010 hurricane season. Talk up Napa Valley or pretty Portland, Oregon, instead.

10. Don’t forget to have fun!
Leisure travel is supposed to be about letting go and enjoying life. Remind your customers that although bad weather is always a possibility, they should relax and enjoy their vacation. And if it’s too stormy to hit the beach, staying at a resort with a fabulous spa is the perfect silver lining to possible rain clouds!

TSA Guidelines Update

2010-08-04T15:11:00.001-05:00

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will require full name (as it appears on their government issued ID), date of birth and gender for all passengers traveling on or after November 1, 2010 regardless of when the reservation was booked. Failure to provide this information could result in a reservation being refused by the airline.

Free or Inexpensive City Tours Offered by Locals

2010-08-02T10:33:00.000-05:00

This is from an article written by by Christine Sarkis of SmarterTravel.com

Discovering New Cities With Friendly Locals

Finding a local to show you around is a great way to get to know a new city or rediscover an old favorite. But most travelers don't have friends in every city they visit, which is what makes the greeter programs that have cropped up in recent years so genius. Locals volunteer to show visitors around their neighborhood or city, offering travelers the chance at a resident's-eye-view, often for free! Here are some of the larger greeter programs:

U.S.

New York City: Big Apple Greeter has more than 300 volunteers and offers tours in 22 languages. To reserve a tour, fill out a visit request form at least three weeks in advance.
Chicago: Chicago Greeter is run by the Chicago Office of Tourism. Tours of more than 25 neighborhoods and 40 themes are available in any of 15 languages. To reserve a tour, register at least seven business days in advance.
Houston: Houston Greeters don't just offer tours, but also the chance to hang out with a Houstonian and get the inside scoop while jogging, watching a sports game, exploring a museum, or another activity. Register online.
San Francisco: Guests staying at any Joie de Vivre hotel in San Francisco can sign up for a free neighborhood tour with a local. The Golden Gate Greeter program is available to hotel guests who sign up in advance.

International

Adelaide, Australia: Adelaide Greeters pairs visitors and local volunteers with similar interests for city orientations. To book, fill out a visitor request form at least three days in advance.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: Cicerones de Buenos Aires offers tours of both popular and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. These two- to three-hour tours are free, but visitors are expected to cover any transportation, meal, or admission costs for the guide. Sign up online to book a visit.

Paris: Paris Greeter is slightly different from other greeter programs because it costs 10 euros to cover the cost of pairing visitors with volunteers. Two- and three-hour walks are led by locals keen to share their favorite parts of Paris. To request a walk, book online at least two weeks in advance.

Toronto: TAP, or the Toronto Ambassador Program, offers visitors two- to three-hour tours of some of the city's popular neighborhoods. To book a tour, sign up online.

Luggage Shipping Services

2010-07-30T10:10:00.003-05:00

Losing your luggage can potentially ruin your vacation. Peter Greenberg wrote a great article on his blog which gives the reader alternatives to checking your luggage with the airline. Yes, it will probably cost a bit more than checking the bags at the airport, but think about the time and trouble you will avoid.

You can print your boarding pass at home and go directly to the gate (after passing through security, of course). You won't have to wait on line to check the luggage and you won't have to wait to pick it up when you return to your departure airport. I know we have waited over an hour at Newark airport for our luggage to come through the turnstile. And you won't have to wade through the crowded airport with your luggage in tow.

Here are a few services that will deliver your luggage for you:

Luggage Forward www.luggageforward.com

Sports Express www.sportsexpress.com

Luggage Free http://www.luggagefree.com

FedEx www.fedex.com

UPS www.ups.com
Luggage Concierge http://www.luggageconcierge.com/

Watch a video from Peter Greenberg

Dublin Named UNESCO City of Literature

2010-07-26T20:20:00.000-05:00

Dublin Named UNESCO City of Literature

5 Things Not To Do When Shopping For Travel

2010-07-26T17:22:00.019-05:00

Here is a review of an article written by Nina Slawek:

Highlights:

1. Don't get "deal obsessed"
2. Don't assume the airlines are out to "getcha"
3. Don't get a travel agent to map out a full vacation itinerary...and then book it all yourself on the web
4. Don't believe everything you read
5. Don't try this at home (DIY travel planning)

It still amazes me when a potential client will contact me and ask me to plan his or her vacation, then "steal" what I have spent hours of work on in preparing a proposed trip and book the trip on their own. What does this accomplish? Do they think they will get a better deal by booking on their own? If they have found a better price I am usually able to match it. Who will they call when there is a problem, a concern, or a simple question? Would they call a lawyer, an accountant, a doctor and ask them to do work for free? I don't think they would get very far if they tried.

I have not charged for my travel planning in the past and there are other agents who keep telling me I should at least ask for a retainer, a "planning fee", which would be non-refundable if the trip is canceled or not booked at all. I am at the point that I believe I will have to do this.

I used to feel that I could trust a new client to work with me and book their trip with me. But that is not always the case. At least with a "planning fee" which would be applied to the final payment, the work that I have done will not be wasted should the client decide not to book the trip. I believe if the client is serious about booking the trip in the first place, they wouldn't mind paying the planning fee. If not, they probably were the ones who would have "stolen" the trip anyway.

Any thoughts?

Engaged Couples - Visit Me on July 21 at Jacques Caterers, Plan It Expo Bridal Show

2010-07-13T21:27:00.000-05:00

I will be displaying at Plan It Expo's Bridal Show on Wednesday, July 21st, at Jacques' Caterers, from 6-9 pm.
Please come by and say hi!

Address:
500 Palmer Ave
North Middletown, NJ
732-787-2830

Why You Need to Take a Vacation

2010-07-11T13:52:00.001-05:00

I read an article by Brian Tracy entitled "Four Essentials For Happiness". His four steps are:

"The key to happiness" in which you desire to have happy relationships in your life.
"Enjoy your work". You spend a major portion of your life working, so your job should be something you look forward to, that challenges you.
"Become financially independent". Money is often the biggest worry in someone's life. By managing your money, you will be able to enjoy the niceties of life and free yourself from worry.
"Enjoy excellent health". Without your health, the other three become unimportant. Take care of yourself; don't take it for granted.

Brian Tracy has suggestions as to how to achieve each of the above "four essentials". His first suggestion is to take stock of what would make you really happy in each of the four areas and to think about this on a regular basis, because some things may change over time.

Secondly, he says to set specific, measurable goals for improvement in each of the four areas.

And lastly, and I think most important of all, he says to "resolve to do something every day to increase the quality of some area of your life - and then keep your resolution." This last one can apply to your need to take time off and relax. Take a vacation - you deserve it. How many people have vacation time accrued but are afraid to take it because they don't want to take the time off from work. They feel there is too much to do, things won't get done while they are away. Or maybe a person is self-employed. I can relate to that. In this case, it may be that if you don't work, you don't get paid. You don't want to take that time off because of that. But think of the last time you did take a vacation. How did it feel when you went back to work? In most cases, the answer would be that the person is rejuvenated, ready to get back to work, and feeling good to do so.

Many Americans are workaholics and America itself is known for burnt out workers. In an article written by Eve Tahmincioglu, of msnbc.com, it is stated that "Companies are beginning to realize the benefits of vacations for their weary workers — fewer sick days, smaller health care bills and a more motivated workforce. Unfortunately, not all employers get this, and sometimes it’s the workers themselves that don’t get this, either. They have a perverted view that not taking time off and keeping their nose to the grindstone will advance their career, or keep their jobs from ending up on the chopping block.
But in fact, it could lead to burnout, emotional and physical illness, and end up jeopardizing their careers, their lives. So take vacation, people!"

“Taking a vacation is not a luxury — it’s a necessity,” says Kathleen Hall, founder of The Stress Institute in Atlanta. “If you don’t have the opportunity to relax and reflect you get stressed, and chronic stress is the driver of most diseases — heart disease, obesity, insomnia.”

"It is important for people to take their vacations — meaning vacations of a week or two long. Taking a day or two doesn't do as much good," explains Wallace Huffman, economics professor at Iowa State University. "Productivity could increase by up to 60 percent for employees in the month or two following a good vacation."

And don't think that you can take a vacation and keep up with work at the same time. You are doing yourself (and your family) a disservice and you are allowing your job to rule your life. Disconnect your cell phone, your IPad, your Kindle, your Blackberry. Have someone cover for you at work. Leave the laptop at home. Your vacation is a time to relax, not just work from a different locale.

“In order to have a successful long-term career, you need to manage your career, plan to take time off regularly to allow your body to regenerate so not to suffer from burnout, exhaustion, depression,” Huffman advises. “This becomes even more important as people live longer.”

Workplace legal expert Robin Bond offered these vacation tips:

Inform others in advance. Let co-workers and clients know of your vacation time as soon as you plan it, and send a reminder of your absence as the dates approach. Advise clients whom they can contact when you are away.
Have a buddy system in place. Get projects to a good stopping place before you leave, and ask a trusted colleague to serve as a backup in case any urgent problems arise in your absence. Be sure to return the favor.
Schedule around busy business cycles.
And relax!

After all, why are you working in the first place? Hopefully, as in essential # 2, because you enjoy it. You are also trying to accomplish #3, which is financial stability, and along with that, set up a savings plan as you would for anything else, and put the money aside for your yearly (or more often) vacation where you can relax, recharge, rejuvenate, and stay healthy (#4 above).

And when you are at your destination, close your eyes, take a deep breath in, blow it out, and congratulate yourself! You did it, you let go!

Who Will Help You When You Encounter a Problem?

2010-07-10T16:02:00.000-05:00

Another reason to contact a travel consultant for your vacation planning - who will help you if you book online at one of the large internet sites? What happens if you need to change your plans? What if you want suggestions for places to visit, restaurants, things for the kids to do, etc? Some people (perhaps many) believe they will save money by booking their vacations on their own. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It is good to do some research on your own but why would you invest thousands of your hard-earned dollars in an online booking site, without being able to have a dedicated travel consultant in whom you can trust?

Your consultant can help you choose the right destination based on your wishes and needs. Let's face it. Everyone wants to save some money. But when it comes to your vacation which you have waited sometimes an entire year to come, make sure you treat yourself nicely. Would you rather come home and say, "I saved $600 by booking the cheapest room at the resort, but when I saw some of the other rooms, I wish I had spent the money on that" or would you want to come home and say, "I am so glad we went with the oceanfront room with the concierge services. We had such a great time and we deserved it!"

Your travel consultant has contacts with the various suppliers, whether cruise, resort, city packages, and can guide you to making the perfect choice for your trip.

Do you think you will get this help from an online agency? Have you ever called with a question? And what happens when you call again? Do you get the same person? Probably not. Do yourself a favor and call your travel consultant.

Tips for Taking Great Vacation Photos

2010-07-07T07:51:00.003-05:00

Taking pictures while on vacation is a great way to keep the memories alive. Taking GREAT pictures while on vacation is something many of us strive to do, but often fail. Here is an article I found on taking vacation photos. It has a lot of useful information and maybe next time your vacation photos will have that WOW factor.

Disney Dining Plan Extended Through December 21, 2010

2010-07-06T09:28:00.002-05:00

Combine Disney hotel and theme park tickets and get Disney Dining Plan Free

Requirements:
5-night stay at a Disney Value or Moderate Resort
Value Resort guests receive the Quick Service Dining Plan
Moderate Resort guests receive the standard dining plan
6-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket is required

Booking and Travel Window:

Booking Window: May 3 – Aug. 14, 2010
Travel Window: Valid for stays most nights Aug. 15 – Oct. 7, 2010, Oct. 22 – Oct. 28, 2010, Nov. 12 - Nov. 18, 2010, Nov. 27 – Dec. 2, 2010 and Dec. 10 – Dec. 21, 2010

Sample Pricing:

$1,843 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Moderate Resort. That’s like paying $77 per person, per day!
$1,440 for a family of four*, staying in a standard room at a select Disney Value Resort. That’s like paying $60 per person, per day!

Restrictions apply and this offer is subject to availability at the time of booking. Please call 732-747-8187 for details.

Norwegian Epic Inaugural

2010-07-04T18:16:00.001-05:00

We are back home from the two-night Inaugural of the Norwegian Epic. Thank you to NCL for the invitation and for your hospitality. We had a wonderful time on the ship and the Epic is absolutely beautiful.
To view my photos, click here.

There is so much to do while on the ship. For sports fun there is the Aqua Park, the Epic Plunge, bowling, bungee jumping, ice skating, rock climbing and rappelling, climbing in the Spider Web, volleyball, batting cage, squash court, basketball, hockey, soccer, and dodge ball on the multi-use sports deck. The Pulse fitness center is large and has yoga, stretch classes, total body conditioning, Gravity Blast, seminars, TRX (stretching with bands), and spinning. There are 18 bikes in the spin room and they are set up with Activio Heart Rate monitors. Each person chooses how hard they want their workout to be and the monitor will calculate their target heart rate. Each individual's heart rate will show up on the screen at the front of the room but it is shown as a percentage so only the student knows what their training level is.

For entertainment, don't miss the Blue Man Group, Second City, Cirque Dinner Show, Legends in Concert, Howl at the Moon (dueling pianos), and Slam Allen's Blues Band (playing at Fat Cats), and the Murder Mystery Lunch. For shows that require reserved tickets, make sure to get there about a half hour prior to get a good seat. Because they were setting up for NBC's coverage of the Macy's fireworks, we didn't get to go to Spice H2O's nightclub but that is where the Spice H2O beach club is by day and at night the pool is covered with a dance floor. Sounds like lots of fun! We did go to the Bliss Lounge late at night where they had a great DJ and lots of dancing.

The Spa is 34, 000 square feet with 24 treatment rooms. There are even Spa Suites available which gives quick access to the spa area along with other perks.

You could compare the entertainment onboard to Vegas, but the value is much better on the ship. In Vegas, you would pay $100 per person for the Blue Man Group; $68 per person for Cirque Dreams; $35 per person to go to a water park. You get all this on the ship and pay as low as $49.90 per person per day for your trip. That includes your food, accommodations, and fun! And don't forget, NCL offers union, military, teacher, and veteran discounts.

There is also the first Ice Bar at sea where you will put on a lined and hooded parka and gloves (provided by NCL) and go inside the ice bar for a maximum of 20 minutes. You will be provided with two drinks (more like shots than full size drinks).

There are twenty dining options onboard, including 24 hour room service. Many of these options are included at no charge while others do have a cover. Three are private for Villa occupants only. We ate at O'Sheehan's, which has an Irish pub atmosphere, at Taste, which is one of the main dining rooms, and at Moderno, which is a Brazilian steakhouse. If you have never eaten at a Brazilian steakhouse, don't miss this one! We loved the look of La Cucina, an Italian restaurant that looked like it was set outdoors in a courtyard. There is even "pizza anywhere" where you can order pizza from wherever you are and it will be delivered to you.

The casino is nice and roomy (I only hope that one day all cruise ships will go smoke free, at least indoors!), and the Garden Cafe, which is their indoor buffet, is also nicely set up where the stations are set apart and there are no long lines with which to contend. There are plenty of intimate lounges where you can sit and relax and listen to someone entertain you.

The kids program is great, with the breakdown as follows: ages 2-5, ages 6-9, ages 10-12, and ages 13-17. The programs are complimentary. Kids can get a backpack and soda package for $39.50. In the backpack are a T-shirt, baseball cap, sunglasses, and a wristband for the soda package. The Youth Counselors are well trained and your children will be in good hands. The ship has Nickelodeon at Sea, which is exclusive to NCL. The Aqua Park has lots of slides (too scary for me!) and the kids that were on the ship had a lot of fun there.

The villas are beautiful and come with special benefits. Courtyard villa occupants receive butler and concierge service; 24 hr room service from a special menu; access to a private Courtyard area complete with pool, sundeck, hot tub and their own fitness area; breakfast and lunch at a specialty restaurant; champagne, hors d'oeuvres, bottled water and soda; in room espresso/cappuccino machine; priority embarkation and disembarkation. In addition to all these, Garden Villa occupants also receive six bottles of liquor of choice and limo service from the pier to the airport.

We stayed in cabin 10171, which is a deluxe balcony. I liked the way the room was set up - the beds are rounded at the edges and there really are no straight lines in the room. The toilet has its own sliding door (opaque glass which some people commented that they didn't like, but it was fine with me) and the shower also had a sliding door with opaque glass. The shower was nice and strong, there was plenty of room, but I do wish they had a little place to put your foot when shaving your legs. The only amenities provided are shower gel and shampoo so bring your own conditioner, lotions, and shower cap if needed. One thing to note: if you are on the 8th deck the balconies do not have a cover over them, so we could look down on those balconies. You wouldn't be able to sit out on the balcony if it were raining or if you wanted privacy.

The whole look of the ship was elegant and open. There were beautiful paintings on the walls, mostly with a flower motif. The interior of the ship was not dark, but cheerful and very welcoming. The crew was wonderful. We met many of the team from Miami and the one thing we noticed among all of them was how happy they were with their jobs and how much they admired Kevin Sheehan, the CEO of NCL. Trivia - Kevin Sheehan was once a NYC cab driver.

We had a wonderful time on the ship, wished it could have been for a week. The food was great, the crew friendly, the cabin comfortable, the entertainment outstanding, and the decorations pretty. There are some promotions going on now, not just for the Epic, but for all of NCL's ships, such as their "Hello Balcony" promo where if you book an oceanview cabin you will be upgraded to a balcony. In the case of the Epic where there are no "oceanview" cabins, you would be upgraded from a balcony to a deluxe balcony. There is also a promotion for reduced air plus an onboard credit. These promos won't last long, so act now to avoid being disappointed.

Get Your Passport Now

2010-06-29T12:33:00.000-05:00

The U.S. State Dept has announced new fees for passports and consular services effective July 13, 2010. The new fees are shown below. Currently the fee for an adult passport is $75.

There are also reputable companies you can use to expedite a passport and visa. A Briggs is one of them and if you need a passport in a hurry, they are quite helpful.

Please check the State Department site for more information regarding passports and visa.

State Department Fees (July 13, 2010)	Execution	State	Expedite	State Dept
	Fee	Dept	Fee	Totals
Lost/Stolen Passport Book	$ 25	$ 110	$ 60	$ 195
Mutilated/Damaged Passport Book	$ 25	$ 110	$ 60	$ 195
New Passport Book (16+ years)	$ 25	$ 110	$ 60	$ 195
New Passport Book (Under 16 years)	$ 25	$ 80	$ 60	$ 165
Name Change (1+ year since issuance)	$ -	$ 110	$ 60	$ 170
Renewal Passport Book	$ -	$ 110	$ 60	$ 170
Secondary Passport Book	$ -	$ 110	$ 60	$ 170
Add Visa Pages to existing Passport Book	$ -	$ 82	$ 60	$ 142
Name Change (less than 1 year since issuance)	$ -	$ -	$ 60	$ 60

New York City: 3 harbor-area experiences

2010-06-28T18:58:00.000-05:00

Fun ways to spend a day or afternoon in the city

New York City: 3 harbor-area experiences

More Hawaii Specials

2010-06-28T14:59:00.000-05:00

Here are more specials for Hawaii but act fast. This is a 48 hour sale, good for bookings made only tomorrow and Wednesday (6/29 & 6/30/2010). Click to learn more: http://tinyurl.com/2fhc9ba

Great pricing for Maui vacations

2010-06-26T00:15:00.000-05:00

Maui for less than $2000 per person, double occupancy

Valid for Monday-Thursday departures in United T Class of Service 8/21 - 11/17/10; travel must be completed within time period listed. Airline baggage fees are not included and payable directly to airline. Subject to availability at time of booking. Conditions, restrictions and blackout dates may apply. Subject to change without notice.

http://www.allabouthawaii.com/aat-h.br?gid=21176&t=specials&m=land&l=http://www.allabouthawaii.com/specials/10oggkaa/oggkaa.htm

Spa Etiquette

2010-06-19T12:20:00.000-05:00

Whether it is your first time at a spa, or 100th, it is sometimes good to go over the rules of spa etiquette.

If you have a particular date and time in mind, make the appointment early so as not to be disappointed. This is especially true when you are on vacation. Many resorts and cruise lines allow their clients to book the spa treatments prior to arrival. If this is so, great. If not, go and book as soon as your check in. While on a cruise, the sea days are, of course, more popular. But the days while you are in port there are usually discounts being offered for the spa treatments. Either way, book early to be on the safe side.
Arrive about 30 minutes early. There is usually paperwork to complete before you meet your massage therapist. Many times you are offered use of the steam room, etc, prior to the treatment. Take advantage of that!
While drinking water is good for you, don't overdo it before your treatment. You wouldn't want to have to interrupt your treatment because you have to use the bathroom.
Be comfortable in your skin. If this is your first spa treatment, you may not want to be completely nude under the sheet. You can keep on your underwear if this is the case. Once you get used to massages, you will probably give up those inhibitions. However, even if you are nude, your body is almost completely covered at any given time, except for the specific area being treated.
Don't be embarrassed if you fall asleep and snore! It happens all the time and the therapists are used to it. It is actually a compliment that you were able to totally relax!
Ask if the tip is included in the cost. You don't want to shortchange the therapist, but on the other hand, if the tip is already included, you don't want to pay more than you have to.

And remember, most of all, relax, enjoy, and drink that water after the massage, not before!

The smartest decision I made for my vacation… A review from PK, a client who traveled to Costa Rica and Jamaica

2010-06-17T15:06:00.002-05:00

The smartest decision I made for my vacation…

Mary did an absolutely superb job coordinating my travel plans between Costa Rica and Jamaica. From the minor logistical difficulties of traveling from the NYC area to Costa Rica, to arranging for meetings with surf professionals, to guiding me to Jamaica with all the proper paperwork, she made it incredibly easy.

The resort receptionists I met once I arrived in said countries provided first-class treatment once they saw the thoroughness and authority of her itinerary. These resorts treated me with white glove service, to the point of providing upgrades and amenities not generally offered to the typical traveler.

Mary covered every base, met with me to discuss my plans before I left, and delivered a packet of documents containing every detail necessary to make my vacation a true luxury. (The Costa Ricans even invited me back, they were so happy to have me.)

Mary is that rare professional who can roll out the red carpet when you want it. Whether I’m going to Central America again, or to visit relatives on the West Coast, Mary will arrange my trips.

(Red Bank, NJ)

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Apprentice Trips

2010-06-17T10:49:00.000-05:00

Fairmont Hotels (a favorite of mine) has put together several "Apprentice Trips" where guests can acquire or enhance a particular skill. Here is just one package being offered by Fairmont:

Samuel Adams Behind the Scene Boston Brewery Package
Included in the package:
Overnight accommodations at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
Private behind the scenes Samuel Adams brewery tour
Private tasting of Samuel Adams Boston Lager and limited edition brews, including Utopias, and other experimental beer varieties in the brewery’s barrel room
Three-course beer pairing dinner (at the hotel)prepared by Chef Stefan Jarausch in the hotel’s celebrated Oak Room with a Samuel Adams beer expert
In-room Samuel Adams “Bucket of Cheer” amenity including a collection of Samuel Adams Boston Lager Pint Glasses and apparel
Good for bookings September-December, rates start at $429 per night.

Other destinations include:
FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA (Riviera Maya, Mexico) - Green Adventure Package
FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE and THE FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS - Tees to Greens
FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC - “Parlez-vous français?” French Immersion Package
THE FAIRMONT MONTE CARLO - Magic of Aromachology package
THE FAIRMONT WASHINGTON, D.C. - How to Pass a Bill In Washington Package
THE FAIRMONT MONTE CARLO - Magic of Aromachology package
THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE - Mountain Adventure package
FAIRMONT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH - Surf’s Up Montreal
THE FAIRMONT KEA LANI, MAUI - Eco-Learning Package
THE FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA - Sommelier Experiential Package
FAIRMONT TURNBERRY ISLE - Gal Pal Experience
THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER - Higher Learning
All Apprentice Trips by Fairmont packages are subject to availability, priced per room, per night, exclude taxes and are based on double occupancy unless noted otherwise.

Women's Travel Safety

2010-06-09T18:04:00.000-05:00

It can't be said enough...ladies, be careful while on vacation. It is a shame what has happened in Peru with Joran van der Sloot and the young woman, Stephany Flores, he killed. The only good thing that hopefully will come from this is he will be convicted of killing her and spend time in jail. After what happened with Natalie Holloway, this will hopefully give her family a little peace of mind, but only if he is convicted of 1st degree murder. If 2nd degree, the time spent in jail will not be long enough.

This article, Joran van der Sloot confesses: 10 critical tips for women for travel safety is well written and has important tips for women who are traveling, although many can be applied to everyday life. Read all the way down to the comments, because some additional points were made by readers. You can never be too careful and being overly cautious is better than the result of what happened to two unfortunate young women who trusted Joran van der Sloot.

Monday's Travel Specials from Newark

2010-06-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

New! Save up to $100 at Catalonia Hotels in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic...Book by 6/19/10 for travel between 6/13/10 - 9/30/10

New! Save up to 50% on a stay at Couples Resorts in Jamaica...Book by 6/30/10 for travel between 6/8/10 - 12/25/10

New! El Cid Resorts savings of up to $100 in Cozumel, Mazatlán, and Riviera Maya, Mexico...Book by 6/19/10 for travel between 6/13/10 - 9/30/10

New! Save up to $250 at Venetian and Palazzo Resorts in Las Vegas...Book by 7/10/10 for travel between 6/13/10 - 10/31/10

Kids get complimentary tours in Jamaica and stay at no cost at Riu Ocho Rios and Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Resorts...Book by 6/30/10 for travel between 6/8/10 - 9/30/10

Save up to $200 to Jamaica, plus receive resort and spa credits, complimentary greens fees, and more...Book by 6/30/10 for travel through 11/30/10

Save $75 to Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica...Book by 6/19/10 for travel through 9/30/10

Security Tips for Travelers

2010-06-04T22:12:00.002-05:00

Security Tips for Travelers

Ondrej Krehel, information security officer at Identity Theft 911, recommends that travel agents remind their clients of the following tips:

[1] Scan important travel documents and store them in your e-mail account — This allows you to easily access your passport, passport photos, visa, airline tickets, itinerary, etc., securely via e-mail.

[2] Pack only one or two credit cards — Decide on one or two credit cards that are accepted worldwide and leave all other cards at
home. Call the credit-card vendors and let them know which countries you will be going to and also the timeframe of your travel.

[3] Don’t pack your Social Security card or bank checkbook — A Social Security number (SSN)and address are the only information needed to steal an identity, and a stolen check is a gateway to a banking account. Leave behind any other cards or documents you may routinely carry that contain your SSN.

[4] Store valuables in the hotel safe — Valuables include your cash, credit cards and, especially, your passport. After all, what could be more valuable than your ability to return home?

[5] Avoid free wireless networks — Do not check your financial information, such as online banking activities, from street cafe computers or free wireless networks. There could be malicious software installed, and your account could be compromised.

[6] Safeguard documents not traveling with you — Leave the following documents in a safe deposit box or in a fireproof safe at home: Social Security card, birth certificate, copy of your passport, checkbook and deposit slips, bills and statements, medical cards, extra credit and ATM/debit cards and any other financial or identifiable documents.

Explorer of the Seas Tips

2010-05-24T09:20:00.000-05:00

Just a few tips for making the most of your cruise ~

Entertainment

Ice Show
Please make sure you don’t miss the ice show on the ship! You will be amazed that they can put on such a show at sea. Tickets are free but must be picked up in order to attend. You can pick up the tickets on your first day aboard the ship (there is usually a table set up in the Promenade where you can get your tickets) or tickets are available at set times throughout the cruise. There were 4 sessions but you need tickets in advance. Check the cruise compass for the times that the tickets are distributed. I suggest arriving at least a half hour prior to the showtime so you can have your choice of seats. As long as you are not sitting behind a pole, the view is pretty good from all seats.

Parades
There are 3 parades. Try to get a seat in front of the bars for the best views. They were a lot of fun.

Other things to do are bingo, Trivia contests, napkin folding, towel folding, cooking classes, arts & crafts and more. There were so many that we couldn’t do everything.

SPA and Fitness Center
Remember, make your spa appointments as soon as you board the ship! There is a really nice and large indoor Jacuzzi in the fitness center.

Pool deck
In addition to the main pool, there is a lovely adults-only solarium. It is near the spa and has really comfortable lounges. Although it is not covered, it was partially enclosed so was not as cold as the main pool area.

Promenade
This is a great people or gathering place. In addition to 2 bars and the café, there are the usual stores. During the week, there will be sales on watches, jewelry, pocket books and jewelry. This is also the location of the parades and the cooking demonstrations. For those who haven’t sailed on this class of ship before, the promenade is a great place to just hang out. One of the nice features was that the captain had his party in the promenade. The captain’s staff was introduced and they all stood on one of the bridges that over looked the promenade. It was a nice touch.

Entertainment Staff

Our cruise director, Allan, was great. The guy could have done stand-up comedy. He had us rolling at the newlywed game and the quest game. I didn’t see him around the ship much but on a ship this size, you rarely expect to see the cruise director.

His staff was good, mostly young, energetic people from all over the world. Bingo Spice, from London, handled Bingo and the napkin folding. She has an adorable British accent and had guests trying to mimic her throughout the napkin folding class. Trivia was handled by a number of the entertainment staff members. The entertainment staff had a lot of energy and it showed in everything they did.

Food

Café Promenade on deck 5. This is a great choice for fast bites and snacks. At the front of the Café, there is a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream stand (for an extra fee). They also offer Seattle’s Best Coffee. There was no fee for coffee and snacks unless you ordered specialty drinks. Please check before ordering.

The Café is open until the wee hours of the morning for those late owls. In the AM, there are pastries and such for breakfast. For lunch and later, there are small sandwiches (changes daily), pizza, cookies and pastries. The chocolate chip cookies are great. Coffee, tea and iced water are always available, as is fruit such as bananas, kiwi and oranges. The café is great for snacks when coming back from excursions.

Johnnie Rockets- on deck 12 is lots of FUN.
It is very small and there is a $3.95 cover charge to get in. This was implemented as part of crowd control so that the kids and teens don’t make this their hangout. Crown and Anchor members get 1 free admission per person with the coupon book that is in the cabin upon arrival.

Upon entering, you get a grand HELLO from the staff and fellow diners and are promptly given a plate of onion rings and a ranch dressing, and fries with a plate of ketchup designed in a smiley face. The menu consists of malts (extra fee for those but great), burgers and sandwiches as well as desserts. The staff would dance and sing at set intervals and it was a blast. It is a must do on the cruise!

Portofinos
This is well worth the $20 pp surcharge. The food was spectacular and so was the service.

General Comments

Although this ship was full, it didn’t really seems crowded. The sports deck was fully utilized for a staff vs. guest dodge ball contest and there were lots of people doing inline skating and watching the rock climbers. The promenade was bustling but there really wasn’t much in terms of crowded areas.

Being such a large ship, there were plenty of space for guests to find for themselves. Since part of the cruise was heading into cold weather, the indoor activities were very heavily attended. We found that we needed to arrive at each activity at least ½ hour before it started in order to get seats. Normally, guests would be spread out all over the ship but due to the cold weather, everyone was indoors and getting seats at the activities was difficult.

There are shows each night, whether a song/dance act, comedian, ventriloquist, etc.

The best of the entertainment was the newlywed game and Quest, a scavenger type game held in Studio B. Don’t miss either- since they are both hysterical.

You can keep track of your onboard bill on the interactive TV.

Tahiti Legends Trip -Tahiti

2010-05-18T18:18:00.001-05:00

Tahiti, French Polynesia

I had the opportunity to visit Tahiti and many of the other islands of French Polynesia. I traveled with a group of travel agents and the trip was arranged by Tahiti Legends. We visited 15 resorts on the islands of Tahiti, Tikehau, Moorea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. The islands are so authentically beautiful, not at all overbuilt and touristy, and the people of French Polynesia are so friendly.

French Polynesia comprises over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos. Tahiti is the largest of the islands and is the island where you will arrive on your international flight.

Tahiti's Faa'a Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles airport. South of the equator, Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii - (only three hours behind California April-October and two hours behind California November-March).

The island of Tahiti is located in the Society Islands, which includes the high-rising islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora.

For U.S. citizens a valid passport and a roundtrip or return ticket are required for all visitors entering Tahiti. Visas are not required for North American citizens for stays of less than one month.

Tahiti is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations and is also a wonderful destination for any romantic escape.

I will break down the resorts I visited by island, starting with Tahiti.

TAHITI ~ We arrived on the island of Tahiti in the evening, having flown non stop from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui. The service on this airline was extraordinary. We were offered wine, beer, and champagne and had a hot meal for lunch and dinner. Always available are soup, coffee, and water. Our flight attendants brought us candy, pillows, blankets, eye covers, ear plugs, etc. We had a variety of movies and games available on our individual tv screens.

We stayed overnight at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort which is just a few minutes from the airport. We had arrived late because of a storm delay so we missed our dinner and show which we were supposed to see. However, the manager had put cold plates of fruit, cheese, and cold cuts in our rooms for us. The hotel was fine for the night, a bit dated but clean, comfortable, and welcoming.

We also visited the Manava Suite Resort which I loved. Only about a 10 minute ride from the airport, this is a modern resort with an Asian influence. This is a four-star resort made up of five separate buildings, with the first building being composed of the reception area, restaurant, meetings rooms and 12 guest rooms, and the additional four housing 109 guest rooms between two floors. All rooms are suites and are very roomy and all but the superior rooms have a kitchen and terrace. The furniture has beautiful inlaid pearl and abalone.

The bar and restaurant are open until midnight. There is another bar by the pool, which is the largest infinity pool on Tahiti island, and the pool faces Moorea Island. I highly recommend this resort.

Tahiti Legends Trip - Tikehau

2010-05-18T17:45:00.002-05:00

Tikehau

TIKEHAU ~ We took a 55 minute flight from Tahiti to the island of Tikehau with its pink sand beaches and we transferred by water taxi to the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort and Spa. Tikehau is part of the Tuamotu Islands. This resort is perfect for someone looking for something a bit rustic and remote. There is only one restaurant and bar on site. It is very quiet and secluded. Our overwater bungalow was very spacious. Only some of the rooms have air conditioning, others just have ceiling fans. Our room needed some work, especially since we were in one that did not have A/C and our ceiling fan was broken. We were given a standing floor fan which worked just fine. This resort has 8 Beach Bungalows, 6 Premium Beach Bungalows, 8 Overwater Bungalows, 8 Premium Overwater Bungalows and 8 Overwater Suites. Diving is the main attraction of the island. Of all the islands and resorts we visited, Tikehau had the most fish to be seen in the water.

Tahiti Legends Trip - Taha'a

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Taha'a ~ The leeward island of Taha'a is known as Tahiti's Vanilla Island for its plantations. It now produces more vanilla than anywhere else in Polynesia -there is the scent of vanilla in the air! We flew from Moorea back to Tahiti, then took another flight to Raiatea. Once on Raiatea, we took a boat ride to the private Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa, which opened in 2002. It is 5 minutes by boat from main island of Taha'a and 35 min by boat from Raiatea Island . Private helicopter service is also available. The resort offers 48 overwater suites & 12 beach suites more than a hundred square meters in size. The 12 Beach Villas have a private swimming pool, tropical gardens, and are surrounded by rock walls, offering complete privacy. There is a king size bed (or twins), TV and living room with sofa and a large terrace opening onto private pool and fare pote (dining table & chairs with ceiling fan).

The public areas are built in the trees, making the resort that much more beautiful. The resort faces the island of Taha'a on the lagoon side and Bora Bora island on the ocean side. Activities include Jet skis, water ski, 1lighted tennis court, Bacci ball, volleyball court, beach, and Jacuzzi. There is a full range of excursions to discover the wonders of the island of Taha'a by sea or by land which includes a vanilla plantation and the black pearl farms. There are two different boutiques: one which offers every day conveniences as well as a large sample of local handicrafts, and the other one features the natural jewels of the Pacific lagoons, the world famous black pearls. Also available are helicopter tours from Taha’a and Bora Bora, daily shuttle service (am/pm) and islands discovery excursions. There is a new gym, new library/lounge area and a new dive center near the beach.

We stayed in an overwater bungalow with a sunset view. The water was beautiful and there was very little coral in the swim area by the bungalows. All garden bungalows have a plunge pool and are supplied with snorkel equipment. They sleep 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults and one child.

There are three restaurants, two bars, freshwater swimming pool, tennis court, spa and an on-site dive center on the property. La Plage restaurant is located by the pool and beachside; Vanille (main restaurant) & Ohiri (fine dining) restaurants are located in the heart of the resort among the trees. After dinner, we saws a Polynesian show (see picture to right).

***Taha'a ~ This resort the picture of luxury and my favorite of all the resorts we visited.

Tahiti Legends Trip - Moorea

2010-05-18T17:41:00.003-05:00

Moorea

MOOREA ~ Moorea is often thought to be the subject of James Michener's "Bali Hai". It is just a quick 7 minute flight from Tahiti. It can also be accessed by a 35 minute ferry.

We stayed two nights at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort. This resort has a beautiful view of the island of Tahiti. There are 49 Deluxe garden bungalows, 8 Superior beach bungalows, 15 Deluxe beach bungalows, 20 Overwater bungalows and 19 Deluxe overwater bungalows. Each bungalow is air-conditioned, has a plasma TV, safe, minibar, rain-shower bathroom, separate toilets and an extremely comfortable Sofitel ‘MyBed’. We stayed in overwater bungalow #111 which was a beautiful room.

Activities include tennis and volleyball, safari tours, swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Quest Park, deep sea fishing, ray and fish feeding excursions, island tours, an outdoor freshwater pool, sea kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, pedal boats, catamaran, Tahitian canoe picnic excursions, outriggers, petanque and 4 themed evenings per week followed by Polynesian shows. Le Spa is also on site so you can enjoy all that the spa has to offer.

The resort offers various meal plans and there is a specialty restaurant called "K" which is an open air, sand floor restaurant overlooking the lagoon. If you are on the meal plan this restaurant is not included, but it you only pay an extra surcharge to dine here.

I highly recommend this resort.

We also visited the Moorea Pearl Resort, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, and Legends Resort Moorea.

Moorea Pearl Resort ~ There are 28 overwater bungalows, 9 beach bungalows, 28 garden bungalows and 30 garden rooms & family rooms. All rooms except the overwater bungalows are air-conditioned. Overwater bungalows have ceiling fans and gentle sea breezes and have bathtubs rather than showers. The garden bungalows have plunge pools, some with a low and deep end. Activities include snorkeling and diving, jeep safaris, helicopter rides, motu picnics, island tours by canoe with shark and ray feeding, and more. All non-motorized water sports are free of charge.

There are two restaurants, one located poolside. Wednesday evenings there is a traditional Polynesian show and fire dances and on Saturdays there is also a Polynesian show. The resort is lovely. The spa was wonderful as well.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa ~ We had a wonderful cocktail party followed by dinner at the water's edge here at the Hilton Moorea. They couldn't have been more hospitable!

There is a 4 star Michelin rated restaurant on site, called Arii Vahine. The Rotui Bar and Grill is by the pool and beach and along the pontoon leading to the overwater bungalows there is Toata Bar which offers happy hour each afternoon. They also make fresh crepes for the guests. At the end of the pontoon are seats where guests can relax and enjoy the view. The Eimeo Bar serves cocktails, wines and champagnes nightly from 5:30 until 11:30.

The resort offers 24-hour room service and a boutique. The Mandara Spa provides spa treatments unique to Polynesia. You can schedule a sunset massage in your own bungalow, or a moonlight massage in the lagoon. Spa staff uses indigenous ingredients like monoï oil, grapefruit, vanilla, sea salt, coconut and plumeria to create a beautiful and healthful experience. There is a pretty Koi pond on site as well.

The Hilton has 57 overwater and 49 garden and beachfront air-conditioned bungalows. The location of the resort allows for both sunrise and sunset views. The garden bungalows have plunge pools with a privacy screen. There are some that have been connected which makes it nice for families traveling together. There are one bedroom garden suites available. Suites have butler service. Disabled access rooms are available in the Garden and Beachfront categories. Room service is offered, including canoe breakfasts for overwater bungalow guests.

The water was the cleanest of all that we saw because the resort is located between two lagoons. The beach is very clean and large, probably the nicest beach area in Moorea. Free activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boats, tennis & volleyball. A wide range of island activities can be organized through the activities desk.

***Hilton Moorea ~ Best beach in Moorea

Legends Resort Moorea ~ We had a nice lunch at Legends Resort, a member of Preferred Hotels, which opened in December 2008. After our lunch, we were offered to go for a swim in the infinity pool. What a welcome relief to the heat!

Although not located directly on the beach, this resort has the most beautiful view because it is set up in the mountainside. There are 46 private 2 or 3 bedroom villas featuring a spacious deck with spa tub, fully equipped kitchen, living room with satellite TV and DVD player, air conditioned bedrooms, fully-equipped laundry facilities, and WiFi internet access. The 2 bedroom villa sleeps 4 and the 3 bedroom villa, which has a washer/dryer, sleeps 6. Although only the bedrooms are air conditioned, the design of the villas is such that there is a perfect flow of air throughout the villa. If you call ahead, they will stock your kitchen with food that you request. Guests have the feeling of being right at home. The resort has an International deli food & wine market, catering services, a pool restaurant, a boutique,and in-villa spa services.

There is an infinity pool suspended above the lagoon. The resort provides a complimentary shuttle to the beach throughout the day. It is just a 6 minute private boat ride to the resort's private beach, located on a Motu (islet). Hiking is available with a private guide up the mountainside. Bring your trail shoes! This is not an easy climb. The on-site restaurant, La Villa Des Sens, serves a gourmet fusion with an extensive selection of wines in the wine cellar; room service is also available. Complimentary activities also include a tennis court and a fitness center. The Moorea Dolphin Center is nearby and the center offers a variety of dolphin interaction programs including special honeymoon packages and family programs.

This was a lovely resort and the manager, Jean Pierre, was most accommodating.

***Legends ~ Best view of any resort

Tahiti Legends Trip - Bora Bora

2010-05-14T23:27:00.284-05:00

BORA BORA ~ Probably most famous for the musical South Pacific, Bora Bora was also home to more than 5,000 American G.I.s during World War II. Mount Otemanu rises out of the lagoon and is seen in the opening scene of the movie Couples' Retreat.

Bora Bora, Pearl of the Pacific: The island was once called Vavau. Some attribute its change in name (perhaps wrongly) to Captain James Cook, the first European visitor to the island in 1769. Because he often heard people use the word "apooraa" (assembly), he understood "borabora" and gave this name to Vavau. A more ancient legend gives a better account for the origin of the Tahitian word pora pora or popora: mai te po ra (emerge from the night, from the world of the gods).

This land was the first to rise from the oceans, before the creation of Raiatea. Thus, Bora Bora is the oldest of the islands. Bora Bora is located 167 miles northwest of Tahiti, 45 minutes by plane. With its volcano and lagoon circled by islets of white sand, it unites all the characteristics of a high Polynesian island. Coral attached itself to the outer volcanic crown, creating an immense lagoon (48 sq. miles) enclosed by a very large barrier reef.

We took a boat from Taha'a to the airport for a flight to Bora Bora, then transferred by boat to the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa which is a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World. This was a lovely resort with 50 deluxe overwater bungalows which featured a lagoon viewing glass coffee table, 10 luxury beach suites featuring an indoor/outdoor bathroom and private garden with Jacuzzi and sundeck, and 20 deluxe garden pool suite bungalows.

The spa manager is an American from Arizona (her husband manages the spa at the Bora Bora Nui). They offer outdoor massages as well as the traditional indoor treatments. The spa has a very "green", very natural atmosphere.

Complimentary activities include snorkeling equipment, outrigger canoes, fresh water swimming pool, tennis, windsurfing, bocce, badminton, pareo show, coconut show, Tahitian dance show, billiards, games, movies, transfer to the main island and village, mini golf. I liked this resort and would recommend it.

Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa ~ Another boat ride and we arrived at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui. We spent one night at this resort which is very large and in need of some refurbishment. Our overwater bungalow was large. The shower was nice - you had the choice of rainfall or an adjustable showerhead. The shower door and door to the toilet are separate, but the toilet handle was broken. This was the largest bathroom we had with two sinks, all amenities, marble floor. The bedroom is separate from the living area. There is a sofabed and plasma tv in the living area as well as a tv in the bedroom. Cedar closets were a nice touch.

The deck from the bungalow where we were led down to deeper water than we had at any of the other resorts. There was quite a current which made it a bit harder to swim back, but we just went in closer to shore and walked most of the way back to our bungalow. The pool is nice and large. Breakfast and lunch are served at the beach restaurant while dinner was served upstairs. The food was good and the service was excellent.

This resort is a bit large for me. Depending on where you are located the walk to the beach, etc can be quite long. You are given a beach towel card and it must be returned upon check out or you will be charged for the towel. Same for a snorkel card. I can understand the card for snorkel equipment, but I think the card for towels is tacky. Along the bridge to the bungalows some of the boards were missing and some tiles were missing from the walkways. You can call for a ride to your bungalow if you wish. If you stay here, you would want to be in the rooms with the 200 numbers; these are closest to reception, the pool, restaurants, etc. We were in #307 which was a long walk for us. The Presidential and Royal bungalows were very nice and larger than my house!

On our way to our next resort, we made a visit to Bloody Mary's which is a restaurant and bar and pretty much the hot spot on Bora Bora. The bar opens around 9:30 AM,

lunch is from 11.00AM- 3PM, and dinner is from 6:30PM- 9PM. They also have great merchandise for sale to bring home as souvenirs.

The next day we were on a boat to Vaitape, then transferred by bus to the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort. There are 64 thatched-roof bungalows scattered in the tropical gardens, on the white sand beach and over the lagoon, each with air-conditioning, terrace, ceiling fan, direct-dial phone and mini-bar. We had a short inspection of this resort then traveled across the water (by boat, of course!) to the Sofitel Motu Bora Bora, which is on its own private motu, or islet. The complimentary boat runs all day (10 am - 11 pm) between the resorts and guests can use the amenities at both properties. This is an intimate property with only 20 overwater bungalows and 10 deluxe hillside bungalows. The thatched-roof bungalows have air-conditioning, satellite television, video and mini-bar. A hilltop restaurant and lounge offers panoramic views of Bora Bora and its incredible lagoon. I liked both resorts but if I had my choice, I would stay at the Motu Bora Bora over the Marara.

Our next resort we visited was the Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana and we had a lovely lunch while there. We ate in the outdoor restaurant on a sand floor. Beware - those who have the type of skin which attracts bugs, you might want to use some bug spray first. And ask for a citronella candle if available. I was fortunate and the bugs did not bite me, but it was a problem for some.

Forty-eight over water bungalows have glass topped coffee tables in room (for lagoon viewing!), and 12 air-conditioned beach bungalows are nestled on the most beautiful beach in Tahiti. Activities include shark/ray feeding excursions, motu (islet) picnics, outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, windsurfing, engine-powered Hobie cat, jet skiing, 4x4 safariing, horseback riding, and deep-sea fishing. On Tuesday evenings, the resort has a barbecue on the beach for guests' enjoyment.

This is a lovely, intimate resort with beautiful accommodations and I very highly recommend it.

We were then on our way (by private boat that goes between the two Intercontinental resorts) to the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa where we spent the night. We had the afternoon to ourselves before meeting as a group for dinner. The spa (absolutely wonderful!) had a two-for-one special so of course we took advantage of that. If you have a spa treatment, you also have privileges to partake of the rest that the spa has to offer. The spa has a Relaxing Pearl Rain Massage, Deep Sea Hydromassage Bath, Deep Chiller Walk, Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Arctic Plunge, and more. The greatest thing about the massage --- while you are lying face down with your head in the opening of the table, there is a glass floor where you can watch the fish swim by! How relaxing is that? I actually started to fall asleep and tried my hardest to stay awake so I could savor the experience. After my massage, the therapist suggested going in to the Steam Room for no more than 15 minutes and follow this with a dip in the Arctic Plunge (ice water!!!). Well, we did just that and when you jump into the Arctic Plunge you actually lose your breath! But it feels so good afterward. We then used the Deep Sea Hydromassage and turned on all the forceful showers and jets. What fun!! Following this we took a walk in the Deep Chiller Walk where the jets hit your leg muscles. This helps get the circulation going in your legs and helps tone the leg muscles. Lastly we spent time in the Jacuzzi until the spa closed. We were there for 3-1/2 hours!

The lounge area in the resort has more of a modern Asian decor.

We had a large overwater bungalow which included a large living room with sliding doors to the deck. There is also a door from the bedroom that opened on to the deck. The bathroom was very large as well.

Dinner was, once again, wonderful. The only odd thing about the restaurant is that the chairs are very heavy. They pulled out te chairs for us to sit, but forget trying to get up out of your chair. They must weigh a couple hundred pounds each! There was a small band that played from 5 pm until around 8 pm.

Breakfast the next day was inside at the same restaurant and then we were on our way to the next resort.

This resort had the best spa by far!

We transferred by boat to the Le Meridien Bora Bora and arrived with plenty of time to view the turtle feeding at 10:15 am.

Built on the southern point of "Motu Piti Aau", a 6-mile long islet on the coral reef, the hotel offers an unsurpassed view of the world renowned Mount Otemanu (have you seen the opening credits of "Couples Retreat"?). The hotel is 20 minutes by private launch from the airport and 5 minutes by boat from the main island of Bora Bora.

There are 17 air-conditioned, beachfront and 81 overwater bungalows (with glass lagoon-viewing floor area). A restaurant designed like a Tahitian village, beachside pool, spa, and a host of island activities, including the Turtle Care Sanctuary, make for a true Polynesian paradise.

When we went to our room, we were pleasantly surprised to see a bottle of champagne chilling on the table, along with snacks. We brought the champagne to the beach that afternoon. The beach was beautiful and the turtles were swimming with us in the water.

We were in the very last premium overwater bungalow which had a large glass floor over which the room attendant placed a rug at night time. This room had the best view of the fish below. When you first turn on the tv in your room there is a message from the front desk welcoming you by name (although ours said "Welcome Mrs Jan and Mrs Mary Mauer Grath - but it gave us a laugh!).

The suites have a bedroom, living room large deck and graduated plunge pool. Villas have 2 or more bedrooms. For these, two beach bungalows were joined by a common living area. The beachfront rooms were also very nice. Also available are rooms for those who are physically handicapped.

There is a beautiful little wedding chapel here with a great view of the mountain (picture on the right).

Le Miki Miki bar is shaped like the prow of a ship pointing toward Mount Otemanu.

Free activities include snorkeling (masks, snorkels and fins), kayaks and Polynesian canoes. windsurfing, pedal boats, swim with the turtles in the interior lagoon and discover the turtle's sanctuary. For a fee you can enjoy shark and ray feeding, scuba dive, Tupuna Mountain Safari by 4WD, Taxi Boat, Jet Ski, Circle Island Tour, Boat Rentas,
Horseback riding, Deep Sea Fishing, Parasailing above the lagoon, Picnic, Lagoonarium: swim in the midst of turtles, sharks and tropical fish, Water-skiing (all levels), helicopter, Aquascope (glass bottom boat), Spa with massages and body treatments (for relaxation), Taxi (to/from Vaitape), Hobie cat 14' and 16'

Denis, the manager, was very nice and had a great sense of humor. He really made us feel at home. We had a wonderful dinner here and were treated to a Polynesian show afterward.

Best view of the fish from an overwater bungalow. Loved this resort - highly recommend it!

We have now arrived at our last day in paradise. We transferred by boat to the Four Seasons Bora Bora. Although we were not staying overnight, we were all given rooms to use for the day. We first had a tour of the resort followed by breakfast. We were free to enjoy the resort before we had to leave for the airport at 4:30 pm.

Some of the nice touches this resort has are sachets on hangers in the closet, a laundry basket and tote bag in the closet. The bed was very comfortable. They offer a canoe breakfast where the couple gets a short ride on the canoe while the wait staff sets the table for breakfast at their bungalow. There are two small glass areas to see the fish.

There is a marine biologist on site, Oliver, who can arrange for tours on and off the island. There is a coral nursery and 100 types of fish in this area. In the family villa there is a master bedroom with a king bed, large tub and a bidet, two closets, a rain shower, access to private beach, a kids room with two queen beds, indoor and outdoor showers, dining room, large pool and separate jacuzzi. There are also four lounge chairs, as well as a table with four chairs. There is a separate room service kitchen as well.

The chapel has a beautiful view of the mountain and lagoon. There are two changing rooms there as well. The spa has 9 treatment rooms with a vitality pool and a relaxation area by the changing room. Even if you are not having a massage you can still use the spa facility. The fitness center is open 24 hours per day and has a Technogym (like Cybex), cardio machines, and all have TV. In the kids area, the bathrooms are id sized. It is open 8 am to 5:30 pm, and babysitting is available after hours.

The resort provides transportation (for a fee) to town and to the airport, but the transfers are like having a tour of the island. This resort opened in September of 2008.

There are 100 spacious overwater villas and 7 beachfront villas with private pools spread over 70 acres of white sand beaches and private lagoons. Set at the edge of the lagoon, the spa offers five spa pavilions, an overwater treatment cabana, three secluded couple’s pavilions and a full service fitness centre with an overwater sunrise yoga platform. To accommodate both families and couples, the resort features the Kids for All Seasons club with a kids pool, and a separate teens’ island with a Young Adult Centre and separate beach area. The resort also includes an events pavilion, wedding chapel, black pearl boutique, tennis courts and of course, the highly personalized Four Seasons service standards.

Activities include: Fitness center, Outdoor pools, Scuba diving, Spa, Steam Room, Tennis.

Children ages 4-12 have complimentary access to the Kids For All Seasons program. Run by trained staff, activities include: radio-controlled boat races, swimming, kite-surfing, snorkeling with a Marine biologist, and treasure hunts, plus many more.

Older children aged from 13-18 have complimentary access to the Young Adult Center and private beach. They can do everything from beach volleyball to windsurfing competitions. There is also a unique program of beach and lagoon activities inspired by ancestral Polynesian sports and cultural traditions.

This is the best resort for kids' activities

We left by boat for the airport in Bora Bora and then flew to Pape'ete, Tahiti, for our return flight on Air Tahiti Nui. We waited 70 minutes for the customs agent to come and stamp our purchases at the airport. Keep in mind the airports are not air conditioned, so wear appropriate clothing! I wore my shorts, etc, and when I landed in LA, I changed to the clothes I wanted to wear home.

This was the most amazing place to visit. The people, scenery, and the resorts are all so authentic. I would definitely recommend French Polynesia to anyone who is going on their honeymoon, to those who want a romantic vacation, and to those who want to do something different, especially if you enjoy water sports.

AmadeusShare

2010-04-24T11:34:00.001-05:00

AmadeusShare

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Icelandair Update

2010-04-23T10:47:00.002-05:00

Icelandair Revised Flight Schedule

Flight disruptions due to the recent volcanic eruption near
Eyjafjallajökull (A-ya-fyat-la-yo-coolt) in Iceland continue and in
addition to some other European airports Keflavík International airport is
temporarily closed.

All flights from the U.S. will still operate today however, to accommodate
travelers, Icelandair will be re-routing U.S. originating Trans-Atlantic
passengers to their final destination via Glasgow. Icelandair will operate
a direct flight between Glasgow to Copenhagen and Oslo.

Trans-Atlantic Icelandair passengers originating in Europe will be
re-routed to their final destination via Glasgow. Icelandair will operate
direct flights between Glasgow to Boston and New York.

Passengers traveling to and from Iceland will have the option of being
re-routed through Glasgow to/from Akureyri airport, which is located within
4 hours driving distance from Reykjavik. Icelandair will arrange for
complimentary bus transportation between Akureyri airport and Reykjavik Bus
Terminal.

Busses will operate between Reykjavik and Akureyri.
Busses from Reykjavik to Akureyri will be leaving the BSI Bus Terminal (
http://www.re.is/bsimap)
Busses from Akureyri to Reykjavik will be leaving Akureyri Airport 40
minutes after the flights arrive.
All busses will make a stop at Staðarskáli (
http://www.stadarskali.is/english/) on their routes between Reykjavik and
Akureyri.

For a comprehensive bus schedule between Reykjavik and Akureyri please
visit www.flybus.is

We continue to monitor the situation along with aviation safety guidelines
and will not operate flights unless cleared by Air Traffic Authorities.

The Icelandair Group has set up a link for the most up-to-date information
on the current status of the volcanic activity and its affects on air
travel at the following link http://www.icelandairgroup.is/volcano/.

Please be advised that passengers wishing to accept travel arrangements to
an alternate destination will be responsible for all costs and personal
travel arrangements associated with getting to their final destination
beyond that point.

Affected passengers should contact their travel agent, or for direct
bookings only, call our customer line +354 5050100 or 1-800-223-5500.

It is Icelandair's intention to carry passengers to their destination at
the earliest opportunity when our regular flight schedule has fully
resumed.

The following alternative options are therefore also available to
passengers scheduled to travel through April 25, 2010:

A full refund of unused flights, If travel has not commenced. Passengers
requesting a refund may do so online at:
http://www.icelandair.us/specials/pages/global/ticket-refund/

Due to the circumstances, once you have notified the airport of your
intention not to use your ticket, you may request your refund at a later
date.

Re-book to a later date. Take an Icelandair flight to your destination at a
later date convenient to you, subject to availability in the same service
class/cabin. Re-booking must be made within 2 weeks of original flight.
Travel must commence within one month from original travel date.

Re-book on an Icelandair flight to/from another destination than originally
booked. Re-booking is subject to availability in the same booking class.
Any additional fare cost will be charged. Re-booking must be made within 2
weeks of original flight.

General Conditions
• Travel must commence within one month from original travel date.
• The return flight, if applicable, can be re-booked at the same time.
• Passengers on through tickets involving other carriers must notify us
before travel commences. Passengers with connecting flights issued on
separate tickets must make their own arrangements with the other carrier
including the payment of any additional costs and amendment fees.
• Passengers on package holidays must refer to their tour operators who
may not operate the same policy. Passengers should also be aware that any
applicable refund would only relate to the airfare portion of the inclusive
package and not the whole cost of the holiday.
Passengers on Icelandair Holidays package holidays will be offered a full
refund with no penalty.
Please contact 1-800-223-5500.

We apologize for the inconvenience this situation has caused and will
continue to update our websites as more information becomes available.
Please visit www.icelandair.us or www.icelandair.ca for the most up-to-date
information.

Best regards,
Your Icelandair Team

Virgin Atlantic Flight Update

2010-04-22T17:19:00.002-05:00

From Virgin Atlantic 4/22/10:

Travel Disruptions Update
New Bookings on flights prior to May 1st

Due to the exceptional circumstances arising from the closure of UK airspace, Virgin Atlantic took the decision earlier this week to put a hold on any new bookings on travel prior to May 1st, in order to accommodate stranded passengers. As our flying program is now gradually returning to schedule, and a significant number of our passengers have now been repatriated, we will be lifting this embargo as of 12pm today.

Bookings cancelled between 6:00am on April 20th and 12:00pm on April 22 will not be reinstated.

To protect the integrity of our bookings during this period of high demand, we will be enforcing a 24hr Ticketing Time Limit on all new bookings for travel prior to May 1st.

While we will make every effort to accommodate all of your customer needs, availability may be limited on outbound flights to the UK over the next few days, as our top priority is the repatriation of any stranded passengers.

Hyatt Specials in Hawaii

2010-04-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

Please click the link below to view the offers available from Hyatt

Package includes:
5 Days Alamo Mid Size rental car for the price at Economy Prices

5 Nights hotel accommodations
1000 Gold Passport Points per night
50% off Valet or Self Parking only on Waikiki (please memo for discounted parking rate)

Five (5) Hyatt Gold Passport Points for every eligible US dollar spend for eligible incidental charges.
*Last day to book is 4/30/10. Additional categories are available. Resort fees not included in Maui and Kauai packages.

http://www.allabouthawaii.com/aat-h.br?gid=21176&t=specials&m=land&l=http://www.allabouthawaii.com/specials/10hyatt/10hyatt10.htm

Mexico Travel Warning Update

2010-02-26T18:04:00.000-05:00

Mexico Travel Warning Update posted today by Cruise Line Industry Association
February 23rd, 2010

Overview:
The US Department of State has extended a travel alert to Mexico. The text of the alert has remained virtually unchanged, with a few additional border areas being added to the list of those where extra caution is recommended.

The travel alert expresses no concern whatsoever regarding Mexican beach resorts and key tourist and business destinations. Tourist areas are safe to travel to, which means that the vast majority of U.S. citizens visiting Mexico should not have any hesitation in doing so.

Mexico’s tourist destinations and resort properties remain fun, safe, affordable and popular vacation destinations. Indeed, Mexico remains the number one international destination for U.S. tourists.

Regarding the alert renewal, here are a few points that we consider is important to know, in case your costumers or partners ask about it:
This is not a new alert. It is an extension of an alert already in place.

What has been extended is a travel alert, not a warning. Travel warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable, and/or when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.

A travel alert, on the other hand, disseminates information about short-term conditions of which U.S. citizens abroad should be aware to maximize their safety.

The alert for Mexico does not discourage U.S. citizens from traveling to the country’s tourist destinations.

The main tourist destinations for U.S. citizens are geographically far from the very specific areas included in the alert. For example, Cancun and Acapulco are at least a two-hour flight away from the main areas identified in the alert. The distance from Cancun to Ciudad Juarez is 1,312 miles – approximately the same distance between New York and Miami (1,290 miles), Chicago and Laredo, Texas (1,395 miles), or Los Angeles to Oklahoma City (1,328 miles).

More than 21.5 million international tourists visited Mexico in 2009. Air arrivals from the U.S. in December 2009 were up approximately 6.2% from December 2008, demonstrating that U.S. travelers view Mexico’s unique vacation destinations and attractions as safe and violence in northern Mexico as unrelated to Mexico’s principal tourist destinations.
More than one million Americans reside in Mexico.

Please feel free to contact the Mexico Tourism Board if you have any questions or doubts.

Kayak teams up with Yapta to let you track fare changes

2010-02-18T14:28:00.000-05:00

Kayak teams up with Yapta to let you track fare changes

A Word on Trip Insurance

2010-02-17T19:39:00.001-05:00

You're going on a long-awaited family vacation! You've got your airfare booked, your resort booked, and many excursions are already booked as well. Your trip can add up to quite a lot of money, sometimes as much as buying a car! If it were a car, what would you do if you drove that car out of the lot but didn't have insurance on it yet? (although the car dealer would make sure you did have insurance) And suppose your car was hit as you pulled out, totalling the car! Let's hope this doesn't happen, but it could.

Well, the same goes for your vacation. You've invested a lot of your hard-earned money in your vacation. Now what happens if you are in a car accident on your way to the airport, or your mother is very ill and admitted to the hospital the day before your trip. Or perhaps your flight is cancelled because of a blizzard (we've seen that happen a lot this winter!)and the next flight out is two days later. What happens to your vacation? If you are not insured, you may lose all of your money, or end up spending more money just to get to your vacation spot while having lost two nights' worth of your prepaid room.

Many people think this won't happen to them. Or they'll say they'll never cancel their trip so they don't need insurance. Or many will say their credit card will cover them. Do you know that for sure? Will they cover you for the canceling your trip because of an illness of a family member not traveling with you? And what about medical expenses, especially while out of the country? Medicare will not cover these expenses. And while your health insurance company may say they will cover the expenses, most times you have to pay out of pocket first, then submit the bills to the insurance company. How expensive is it to be flown home to the U.S. to get your medical care at home? Your medical insurance may not pay this at all.

There was an excellent article in USA Today's Travel section by Linda Burbank. The article is titled "Traveler's Aide: Why you should always buy trip insurance for a cruise". Click here to read it.

Travelers' Reviews: Let the Reader Beware!

2010-02-16T11:50:00.002-05:00

I have always told my customers to beware of online travelers' reviews, such as those in the widely-read online site, TripAdvisor. I do admit I check the site as well just so I can see what my clients will be reading. If every review is negative, or positive, I will go with it and assume, hopefully correctly, that the reviews are true.

But this is why I say to beware of the reviews.
1. People like to complain. How many times will someone call or write to complain vs the number of times people call or write to compliment? It is refreshing to receive a compliment. The times I have called a travel supplier with a compliment either from myself or one that I pass along from a satisfied customer, the person on the receiving end is pleasantly surprised. So put that same philosophy into reading the reviews. Take what you read with a grain of salt. Maybe take a look at the other reviews the particular reviewer has also written. Are they all negative?

2. There are reviews out there that have been planted. Planted either positively by the hotel itself or negatively by one hotel having someone write a bad review about one of their nearby competitors. TripAdvisor knows about this and has taken action to correct it but these reviews are still out there. Case in point: I was recently approached by a company asking me to put hotel reviews on my website for which I would be paid per review. This is another way these fraudulent reviews are being put online. Did I do it - absolutely not! I did not even reply to their request. I will not put anything on my site from an unknown and, most likely unreliable, source.

3. It's better to get a more professional review than that of an occasional traveler. For example, the occasional American traveler who takes a trip to Rome may complain that the hotels are old and the rooms are small. European hotel rooms are usually small and the hotels are much older than the ones to which we are accustomed in the United States. This adds to the appeal of being in another country and experiencing another culture. Take the time to learn about the places you will be visiting. I provide information to my customers about the country they will be visiting so they know what to expect. If I don't have information about a particular hotel, I will contact other travel consultants and suppliers who do have first-hand knowledge so I can pass that information on to my customers. I like to use suppliers who have their employees personally visit the hotels and resorts they sell so they can pass on that knowledge.

This is a good reason why you should contact a travel agent for your vacation. It's fine to research and find a place you would like to visit, but then give your agent a call and discuss with them what you would like to do, where you would like to go, what type of accommodations you are interested in, and so on. You will develop a personal relationship with your agent and your agent will be able use your preferences to find the hotel or resort that will be the best match.

Will one of the large online agencies do that for you? More on that to come...

Airline News

2010-02-08T15:22:00.001-05:00

Air France has extended its special fares to Europe for passengers who are looking to plan a quick trip this winter or getaway for the spring. Travelers have until February 11 to take advantage of these prices, with the option of flying from 15 Air France U.S. gateways to over 20 European destinations.

AirTran Airlines will begin new nonstop service between Baltimore-Washington International(BWI)in Baltimore and Jacksonville International Airport in Jacksonville, Fla. The airline will offer two daily nonstop flights between the two cities beginning May 4th.

American Airlines has installed a new Pet Relief Area at the JFK Airport in New York. Passengers with pets can give their traveling pets a final chance to relieve themselves before packing them away in their kennels for the flight.

Delta Air Lines announced new non-stop service from JFK to the Cayman Islands. Effective June 12, 2010, flights will operate once a week on Saturdays.

Beaches BFF Girls' Getaway

2010-01-28T19:53:00.002-05:00

NEW Beaches BFF Girls' Getaways

Whether single, married, or simply looking to get away with the girls, the BFF Girls Getaway will be sure to deliver fun, sun and the ultimate girls bonding experience!

Details as follows:

Beaches Turks & Caicos Spring BFF Girls Getaway

Must book by April 27, 2010 for 2010 travel dates(travel between April 29 - May 3, 2010) and by May 10, 2011 for 2011 travel dates (travel between May 12 - May 16, 2011)

From $1199 per person, based on double occupancy (single rate $1649)

Beaches Turks & Caicos Fall BFF Girls Getaway
Must book by October 12, 2010 (for travel between October 14 18, 2010) and by October 11, 2011 (for travel between October 13 - 17,2011)

From $1199 per person, based on double occupancy

Included in this offer:
Cocktail Party, Sunset Catamaran sail-away, beach yoga, skincare classes, island dance classes, Confessions PJ Bonfire Party much, more!

Also as an added value we are tossing in a slew of goodies and welcome gifts: a 10% discount at the gift shop, a free 5 X 7 photograph, plus a $200 Red Lane® Spa voucher.

Subject to availability at the time of booking, so don't wait!

HAITI EARTHQUAKE- STATEMENT BY THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (DR) MINISTRY OF TOURISM

2010-01-15T14:35:00.000-05:00

SANTO DOMINGO, Jan. 13, 2010 -- The Dominican Republic (DR) Ministry of Tourism is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and extensive earthquake damage to the people of Haiti, its neighboring country. The Dominican government is providing a relief staging area at some of the international airports located on the Island.

The DR experienced no damage from the earthquake and all transportation systems, communication systems, tourism businesses and medical facilities are operating smoothly, making the country available to offer support to the relief effort in any way needed.

“The DR is making available its medical facilities for earthquake victims and is providing international relief organizations access to Haiti through the airport and seaports. Our transportation systems, communications systems, hotels, resorts, beaches and natural environment suffered no damage here. We are grateful and with deep concern open our hearts to our neighbors and will continue to do everything we can to help them and reassure global travelers that the DR is receiving visitors.”

The DR shares the eastern third of the Island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Punta Cana, the major global tourism destination in the DR is located approximately 400 miles (633 kilometers) east of Haiti’s capital, or a 10-12 hour drive, with numerous mountain ranges separating the two countries.
DR Tourism Update: All of the DR’s eight international airports are open and receiving flights. All of the DR’s cruise terminals and seaports are open and receiving ships. All of the DR’s beaches, hotels, resorts and tourism businesses are conducting normal business operations. At this time, no flights or group tours to the DR have been cancelled.

For more information, please visit: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com or www.DomincanToday.com. To learn how you can help Haiti, visit: http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/.

Why Not?

2010-01-13T23:17:00.001-05:00

Why Not?

Posted using ShareThis

Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.

2010-01-05T20:35:00.001-05:00

It's the Year to Volunteer!
Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.

This year, you can celebrate the spirit of helping others! Disney Parks wants to inspire one million people to perform a day of volunteer service for a participating organization in their community by giving them a free, one-day admission ticket to a Theme Park at the Disneyland® Resort or the Walt Disney World® Resort. Restrictions apply so call me at 732-747-8187 today to find out more!

2009-12-22T12:07:00.001-05:00

Watch what happens when taking the stairs becomes an exercise in fun

Important Travel Tips from the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State

2009-12-19T09:51:00.003-05:00

Brought to you by the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State
December 18, 2009

Whether you are packing your bags for the sunny beaches of the Caribbean or headed to the snowy slopes of Switzerland, we hope you will read the following tips to help make your holiday travels safe, smooth and stress-free:

Sign up so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency:
Record your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov . This will help us contact you if there is a family emergency in the United States, or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. You'll also receive updated travel information for countries you plan to visit. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.

Sign your passport, and fill in the emergency information:
Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport. Most passports are valid for ten years. Write the contact information in pencil so you can change it as needed over time.

Leave copies of itinerary, passport data page, and credit card:
What happens if there's an emergency back home? Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends so you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Leave a copy of your credit card too; in an emergency, the credit card company can help your family locate you.

Check your overseas medical insurance coverage:
Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance. Medical treatment and evacuations can cost thousands of dollars - some countries won't allow you in through customs unless you can show proof of medical insurance!

Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws:
While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.

Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime:
To avoid being a target of crime, practice the same safety tips you would in any place you aren't familiar with: do not wear clothing or jewelry that would attract attention and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

Contact us in an emergency:
We are here to help you. Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the United States are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov, or you can call the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747 (if calling from the U.S. or Canada), or 202-501-4444 (if calling from overseas).

Universal Orlando Special

2009-12-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

Buy 3 Nights, Enjoy 2 More Nights FREE!

With this special offer when you purchase a 3 night Universal Orlando® vacation package, you'll enjoy 2 MORE nights FREE! You'll also receive 2-Park Unlimited Admission tickets for everyone in your vacation booking. Enjoy hotel accommodations PLUS admission to Orlando's most exciting thrills and entertainment, all for one low price!

5-NIGHT GETAWAYS STARTING FROM $217* PER ADULT
5-Night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
Park-to-park unlimited admission to both Universal Studios® AND Universal's Islands of Adventure® theme parks
Access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk®
Complimentary scheduled transportation between hotel and Universal Orlando®

5-NIGHT ON-SITE GETAWAYS STARTING FROM $477† PER ADULT
That's 5 Nights for the Price of 3 at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel®, Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
Receive the inclusions outlined above plus:
As an on-site hotel guest you'll SKIP THE REGULAR LINES†† in both Universal Orlando® theme parks at participating rides and attractions – A FREE BENEFIT WORTH AT LEAST $70** PER PERSON, PER DAY!
Also, enjoy complimentary resort-wide transportation via water taxi and shuttle bus and more exclusive on-site guest benefits!

*All prices, package inclusions&options; subject to change without notice and additional restrictions may apply.
Please contact The Travel Bug Vacation Planners at 732-747-8187 for more details.

British Airways Cabin Crew Strike - Called Off

2009-12-15T20:48:00.005-05:00

Update on December 17, 2009

British Airways has succeeded in winning an injunction to prevent a strike from going ahead over the Christmas and New Year period.

We are delighted for our customers that the court has lifted the threat of a Christmas strike. It is a decision that will be welcomed by hundreds of thousands of families in the UK and around the world.

Star Clippers ~ Mega-Yacht Sailing Experience

2009-12-15T15:42:00.003-05:00

• Authentic sailing adventure.
• Just 170 or 227 pampered guests.
• All the modern amenities of a private Mega-Yacht.
• International cuisine complimented by fine wines.
• Dine with whomever and whenever you want.
• Casual, relaxed ambience - no need to dress up.
• Visit special ports that larger cruise ships can't.
• Full range of water sports.
• Sail in full harmony with the environment.
• No crowds or long lines.

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Caribbean - Set sail this winter for Star Clippers Caribbean and save up to 50% OFF brochure rates on 7-night sailings. You will sail on our flagship, Royal Clipper, and enjoy all the amenities and activities that you would expect on a private yacht and with only 227 guests, you won't be part of a crowd on your vacation. Reserve early for best cabins.
50% Off STAR CLIPPERS
Caribbean Sailings
Nov. 2009 through
Apr. 2010

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Far East - As Asia popularity as a tourist destination continues to rise, so does the popularity of Star Clippers Far East cruises. Guests flying to the Orient often look to enhance their cruise vacation with a post-cruise land excursion, and Star Clippers has answered the demand by offering a special 11-night package that combines a seven-night cruise aboard Star Clipper with four-night post-cruise land tour and discounted round-trip airfare from Los Angeles.
Far East Cruise Tour!
FREE 4-nights Land Tour & $395 Air From
Los Angeles.

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Ocean Crossing For 2010 - Aboard Star Clippers' ships, you can know the thrill of traversing a great ocean under sail, without any skills or effort on your part. Make this your year for the ultimate in sailing: A Transatlantic, Transpacific, Panama Canal or Indian Ocean crossing aboard Star Clippers.
Ocean Crossings
From Only
$87 Per day!
Save up to 20% Off!

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We've Got The Mediterranean Covered - It's been a while since our three tall ships were together in the Mediterranean, and for the summer 2010 sailing season we are reuniting them with an extraordinary variety of cruise lengths and itineraries throughout the region. Whichever Mediterranean sailing you select, you will be pampered on board with our Mega-Yacht Sailing Experience and all of the activities and amenities you would expect to find on a private yacht. Don't forget to book early to take advantage of our excellent Advance Purchase Discounts and to reserve the cabin of your choice.
8 Different Mediterranean Sailing Adventures!
Save up to 35% Off!

From Star Clippers Promotions

News from Delta Airlines

2009-11-10T17:15:00.000-05:00

Delta Goes Cashless on North American Flights Starting Dec. 1

(November 10, 2009) - Delta Air Lines is switching to “plastic only” to expedite our onboard payment process. Beginning December 1, 2009, Delta will only accept credit cards – no cash – on Delta and Northwest flights in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Customers may swipe their cards to purchase selections from our EATS menu, a refreshing signature cocktail, premium Delta on Demand entertainment and other in-flight amenities.

Delta will continue to accept cash and credit on all trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and South American flights as well as for all duty-free items.

DisneyWorld and Disney Magic Review, Part III, Beach Club Villas

2009-09-29T21:25:00.008-05:00

On our return from the cruise, we took the Disney shuttle back to DisneyWorld and stayed for two nights in a one bedroom villa at the Beach Club. The Beach Club shares a pool with the Yacht Club and this is, by far, the best pool on Disney property. There is sand all around giving the illusion of being on a beach, there is a lazy river in the pool, and the whole feeling is that you are at some sort of tropical beach.

The villa was a bit of a disappointment. We have stayed there in the past, but this time the sleeper sofa in the living room was stained and worn. The whole villa needed new furniture, a paint job, and a good dusting. Certainly not up to Disney standards. We had leftover no expiration park hoppers so we headed off the Epcot and enjoyed ourselves there.

Polynesian Resort and Luau Cove

We had dinner at the Polynesian luau on the first night and enjoyed that. Our seats were good and close to the stage but there was a pole that blocked our view just a little bit. It is all you can eat, but they bring so much out the first time that I don't know how people could eat any more than that. The second night we ate at the Captain's Grille at our resort, but to be honest, I wouldn't recommend this restaurant.

A great amenity offered by Disney is their Magical Express transportation to and from Orlando airport. As long as you are staying on Disney property you are offered this at no cost. It is so convenient and certainly a cost savings.

Would I stay at the Beach Club again? Yes, without a doubt, but I might ask to have one of the villas that has been refurbished. I hope the one we were in is being refurbished as I write this!

DisneyWorld and Disney Magic Review, Part II, Disney Magic

2009-09-29T20:59:00.009-05:00

Our cruise on the Disney Magic took us to St Thomas, Tortola, and Castaway Cay, which is Disney's private island in the Bahamas. We stayed in an oceanview cabin with a navigator's veranda. The navigator's veranda is a balcony that is not fully open-air because there is a porthole on top of the balcony railing. We weren't sure if we would like this, but we were very pleased with this and it had more of a private feeling to the balcony.

Check in at the port was very smooth and when you check in you receive a number. They board the ship by group numbers which makes for an easy boarding experience. We had made reservations for Palo, which is the adult only restaurant onboard, but decided to cancel the reservation since our dining room staff was so great and the food was the best of all the Disney cruises we had taken. A word about the pre-reservations - you can book these in advance and even by going on to the site the day we could start booking, the brunch at Palo was sold out as was the afternoon tea.

Navigator's Veranda

We purchased a week pass for the Rainforest Room, which used to be $75 per person but was not $90 per person. The Rainforest Room is a thermal suite with an Arabian theme. Inside are two steam rooms, one which incorporates aromatherapy; a sauna; tropical rain showers; and the best part of all, heated tile lounge chairs. There is a fountain in the center of the room and spa music plays softly in the background. We have always loved this part of our cruise experience but this time we were disappointed. It seems as though there are people using this room without paying. There is no one to check on this. You are supposed to leave your room key at the front desk but you end up waiting a long time to do so. We finally gave up on doing this. The spa area was short staffed and it showed. The one sauna was not hot at all and we, along with others, asked all week about it being repaired, but it never was. The music was not playing and the aroma shower had no "aroma". I had made a reservation for Tommy to have a massage the first day we were on the ship.
As Disney Vacation Club members we received more lanyards (these were a bit nicer), more pins, and a really nice Captain’s Log scrapbook. We also had a Castaway Club reception as well as a DVC member reception during the week.

Also located at the Vista Spa is the fitness center. The fitness center has been enlarged, but it is still small compared to other cruise lines.

Dining: There are three early dining times (5:30, 5:45, and 6:00) and three late dining times (8:00, 8:15, and 8:30) and three restaurants through which you rotate during the week. We started at Lumiere’s restaurant which would be considered the fanciest of the three. On Monday we went on to Animator’s Palate and Tuesday we were at Parrot Cay, my favorite of the three. Animator’s Palate starts out in black and white and by the end of your dining time, the room is in full color. Color is “magically” added to the walls and to the waiter’s vests. There are tv screens on the walls and they first show the old black and white cartoons then the color cartoons. Parrot Cay has a colorful tropical theme to it. Your wait staff also follows you to the various restaurants throughout your week. The food was very good to excellent, especially when you ordered one of the waiter’s suggestions. There were various themes, such as Pirate’s night and International night. The lobster tail dinner at the Captain’s dinner was great. Pirate's night has gotten extremely popular! Our tablemates, as well as many of the guests, went all-out with their pirate costumes, to the point of having a Mickey and Pooh dressed as pirates as well.

There are not a lot of late night things to do even though the one bar stays open late. It seems that most people leave around midnight. The staff does a good job of getting people involved and dancing and just having a good time. One thing I miss is the casino. Disney does not have one onboard, even though they do have bingo. Who knows, maybe they will add them to their new ships they are building. It would also be nice to have some things like miniature golf onboard as well.

As for our ports of call, we grabbed a taxi and headed to Magen's Bay in St Thomas. This is our favorite thing to do and is quite economical compared to booking this through the cruise line. In Tortola, we took an excursion to a beach club and enjoyed our time there. The island is the most mountainous I have been on and it made for an exciting ride. And of course, Castaway Cay is the best. We were off the ship bright and early and headed off to the adult only beach. It started raining, then lightning started so we had to move off the beach and take cover. This only lasted about 20 minutes and the rest of the day was great. We had our buffet lunch right there at the beach and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

Overall, the Disney Magic is a great ship and I would recommend it to any age group.

DisneyWorld and Disney Magic Review, Part I, Kidani Village

2009-09-29T20:28:00.012-05:00

We took a cruise on the Disney Magic the end of July. We flew down a day early and stayed at the new Kidani Village at the Animal Kingdom Villas, part of the Disney Vacation Club Villas, then followed our cruise with a two night stay at the Beach Club Villas.

Kidani Village

We chose to stay in a Savanna View one bedroom villa. The village opened May 1, 2009 and was such a great place to be that we only wished we were going to be there a few more nights. A map of the Animal Kingdom Lodge is below. The rooms are larger in the Kidani Village than in the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

One bedroom villa

The one bedroom villa (807 square feet) has two balconies, one from the living room and the other is from the bedroom. The bedroom has a king bed and a flat screen tv. The bathroom has a very comfortable jacuzzi tub with shutters that open up to the bedroom to watch tv if you are so inclined. There is also a separate shower which is quite large and a separate toilet area (the lighting was on the dark side here, mostly because they have energy-saving lightbulbs in use).

There is a stackable washer/dryer combo, and you are provided with one box of detergent. More detergent is available for purchase. The kitchen is fully stocked with dishes, etc, although the wine corkscrew was missing as was the dishwasher detergent. There is a table and chairs in the living/dining area as well as another flat screen tv. There is a queen sleeper sofa as well as a sleeper chair. Being new, it was extremely clean and comfortable.

The most wonderful part of the location was the view from our balcony. We saw zebras, giraffes, Ankole Cattle, Roan Antelope, Okapi, Nyala, Thompson's Gazelle, White-Bearded Wildebeest, Cranes, Flamingos, Ostriches, Vultures. We looked out at 11 pm and saw zebra laying down on the ground, sound asleep, and an hour later they were up again, eating and playing.

We ate at Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge where they serve traditional African specialties along with other choices for the less adventurous. The entire Animal Kingdom area is beautifully decorated. The lobby in the Lodge showcases hand-made crafts from various tribes throughout Africa.

This is definitely a place we will visit again.

Disney Specials BOGO and New Experiences

2009-09-29T17:04:00.005-05:00

Disney is now offering free nights and tickets with purchase.

Buy a 4-night vacation package at a MODERATE, DELUXE or DELUXE VILLA resort, get a 7-night.

Buy a 5-night vacation package at a VALUE resort, get a 7-night package.

Both packages include tickets in to the parks.

This vacation package offer is valid for stays November 1 - December 24, 2009 and January 3 March 27, 2010.

On Sept. 12, 2009, Disney announced detailed plans for these future attractions and adventures:

First, a new 3-D version of the tremendously popular "Star Tours" attraction will debut in 2011 at both Disneyland® Park at the Disneyland® Resort and Disney's Hollywood Studios™ at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The attraction will include new immersive and interactive elements that will take guests to familiar places in the Star Wars galaxy.
Plans were announced for the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom® Park at the Walt Disney World® Resort, nearly doubling the size of the Fantasyland® Area by 2013. Guests soon will be able to:
Visit their favorite Disney princess in her castle, cottage or chateau to share a dance with Cinderella
Celebrate Sleeping Beauty's birthday with the Good Fairies
Join Belle in an enchanting story performance in the Beast's castle library.
"Be Our Guest" and dine in one of three enchanted rooms inside the Beast's castle.
Fly with Dumbo high above brand new circus grounds, twice the size of the existing attraction with a new interactive, three-ring circus tent.
Journey under the sea with Ariel (from Disney’s "The Little Mermaid") in her very own attraction.
Meet Tinker Bell and her friends in the magical world of Pixie Hollow.
In addition, Disney has a multi-year expansion of Disney's California Adventure® Park. Projects include The Little Mermaid attraction scheduled to open in 2011; the new "World of Color" show slated to open in the spring of 2010, and the addition of the 12-acre Cars Land scheduled to open in 2012, where Guests will literally step into the town of Radiator Springs and its six acres of hand-carved rockwork.

Call Mary at 732-747-8187 for details

Carnival Fantasy to Sail from Charleston in 2010

2009-09-17T13:45:00.001-05:00

Starting on May 18, 2010, the Carnival Fantasy will sail year-round cruise from Charleston, S.C. Carnival Fantasy will operate from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston. Charleston's centralized location within the southeastern U.S., as well as the city's strong appeal as a tourist destination, were key factors in the decision to launch year-round service. The Carnival Fantasy is expected to carry more than 140,000 passengers annually from the port.

Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages on a variety of different departure days. Five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.Replacing the Carnival Fantasy in Mobile will be her sister ship, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which will reposition from San Diego to launch year-round service from that port May 15, 2010.

Carnival Introduces Laser Show at Sea

2009-09-08T12:27:00.003-05:00

Carnival Cruise Line will have a laser show at sea on the new Carnival Dream which debuts September 21. The show lasts 15 minutes and will project blue, red, and green lasers in to the sky at night time. The show will be choreagraphed to rock music by Styx, Rush, Van Halen, Boston, and Pink Floyd.

The lasers will be situated on the top of the Lido deck and the "Seaside Theatre" screen will display graphics and the artists' music videos during the show.

The Dream will be sailing in the Mediterranean before coming to New York in November to debut in North America. The 3,646 passenger ship will then be sailing the Caribbean round-trip from Port Canaveral beginning in December.

Yoga Tour to India with Devin Morgan

2009-09-03T13:43:00.002-05:00

14 Day Itinerary:

Nov 12 Thu: Los Angeles-Singapore-Delhi by SQ Depart the west coast this evening on board Singapore Airlines

Nov 13 Fri: Across International Dateline

Nov 14 Sat: Arrive Singapore Arrive Singapore and connect with your flight to Delhi. Early morning arrive India's capital city of Delhi You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the TAJ PALACE HOTEL (Superior Rooms). Overnight at the hotel.

Nov 15 Sun: Delhi This morning, a Yoga session could be arranged at a local Public park in Delhi (at no extra charge). Enjoy a full day tour of Old and New Delhi today. Among your stops are the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. Afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (BD)

Nov 16 Mon: Delhi This morning, a Yoga session could be arranged at a local Public park in Delhi (at no extra charge). This morning drive along Rajpath to view the Parliament House, the President's House and India Gate. Visit the Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple. Afternoon at leisure for shopping etc. Overnight at the hotel. (B)

Nov 17 Tue: Delhi / Varanasi by flight Today fly to Varanasi (India's holiest city), located on the sacred Ganges River. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to TAJ GATEWAY HOTEL (Superior Rooms). In the afternoon visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, scene of Buddha's first sermon.

Nov 18 Wed: VaranasiEarly morning enjoy, the sunrise on the Ganges River with a boat ride. After the boat ride, you may wish to attend a Yoga session at the hotel (gardens at no extra charge). Later, enjoy a city tour and in the evening you will meet with a Numerologist. (B)

Nov 19 Thu: Varanasi / Khajuraho Morning you may wish to attend your Yoga session at the hotel (gardens at no extra charge). Later in the day enjoy a walking tour of the old city. Afternoon fly to Khajuraho, capital of the 9th to 13th century Chandela Dynasty. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to TAJ CHANDELA HOTEL (Superior Rooms). Visit the Western group of temples containing the largest and loveliest temples, including Kandariya Mahadev (representing Chandela art at its best). (B)

Nov 20 Fri: Khajuraho / Agra This morning visit the principal Eastern group of temples, modest and less ornate than the Western Group. These temples reflect the simplicity inherent in Jainism. Later, drive to Jhansi to board the train to Agra, en route visiting Orcha, a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing to this day as it must have in the 17th century. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to TAJ GATEWAY HOTEL (Superior Rooms). (B) TAJ MAHAL IS CLOSED ON FRIDAYS FOR PUBLIC.

Nov 21 Sat: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri After breakfast proceed on an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar during the 16th century, this city is perfectly preserved although it was abandoned due to a lack of water. Later this afternoon enjoy a city tour of Agra visiting the Fort and the Taj Mahal. (B)

Nov 22 Sun: Agra / Jaipur drive This morning you have the option to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal for a sunrise view. After breakfast depart for Jaipur. Check in upon arrival at TAJ JAI MAHAL PALACE HOTEL (Luxury Rooms). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Nov 23 Mon: Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing Morning you will visit the mountain fortress of Amber, riding royally atop regally painted and decorated elephants. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or the "Palace of Winds," City Palace and the ancient observatory. (B)

Nov 24 Tue: Jaipur/Delhi drive / Delhi - Singapore by SQMorning at leisure. Afternoon drive to Delhi's international airport for flight to Singapore. (B)

Nov 25 Wed: Singapore - Los Angeles by SQ Arrive Home

If interested, please contact Mary McGrath at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com

Royal Caribbean Improves Customer's Air Choices

2009-07-28T14:51:00.000-05:00

Now you have a new "choice" in booking air with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Cruises. ChoiceAir is the cruise company's new way for guests to purchase air transportation to and from their cruise. The service allows guests to enjoy greater peace of mind; be able to select preferred airlines and a specific itinerary; and shop for the best prices among published fares and exclusive ChoiceAir specials. Guests will also be able to know their airline itinerary as soon as they are ready to choose it. ChoiceAir will be available to guests from the U.S. and Canada beginning August 3.

A cost of $15 per person for domestic and $25 per person for international air travel will apply to ChoiceAir bookings, and will include access to the ChoiceAir support desk, aid in cases of flight delays, and assistance in making alternative flight arrangements in the event of missed embarkation.

Jet Blue to Start St Lucia Service

2009-06-06T10:10:00.001-05:00

JetBlue will launch service between New York and St. Lucia’s Hewanorra Airport on Oct. 26.

The airline will operate three weekly flights on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays.

Introductory roundtrip fares for travel through Nov. 14 are $198; fares must be booked by June 17.