Tuesday, January 29, 2013

New law regarding minors traveling to Mexico - delayed until 2014


UPDATED: Changes in Mexico Entry Requirements

The new entry requirements that the Mexico government was set to put into place on Feb 15, 2013, have BEEN DELAYED until January 2014. Laws and regulations regarding entry requirements often change, so be sure to check the Entry Requirements each time before traveling to an international destination.

Minors traveling to Mexico

Effective January 16, 2013, Mexican immigration policy requires that children under the age of 18 must provide the following documentation when traveling to Mexico:

If the minor is traveling with only one parent:

  • A valid passport
  • A tourist card (to be issued by the airline or cruise before arriving in Mexico)
  • A notarized letter of permission (including dates and destination) from the other legal parent, in both English and Spanish.  Both letters must be notarized.
  • If the other parent is absent or deceased, provide evidence of sole custody or single-parent status (e.g. death certificate, sole custody document, or "father unknown" document)
If the child's last name is different from the last name of the accompanying parent, an original document as proof of parentage is required (photocopied documents are not acceptable).  Parents' name changes must be documented (e.g. original notarized copy of marriage certificate).

If the minor is traveling unaccompanied, or accompanied by an adult other than a legal parent or guardian:
  • A valid passport
  • A tourist card (to be issued by the airline or cruise before arriving in Mexico)
  • A notarized letter of permission (including dates and destination) from the other legal parent, in both English and Spanish.
  • For unaccompanied minors, the letter should include the name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the minor upon arrival.
  • For minors traveling with an adult of legal age, the letter should include the name, address, and phone number of the person with whom the child is traveling.
  • A photo ID is required for adults dropping off and picking up the minor.
Minors without the proper paperwork will be detained by immigration authorities at the border, and will be deported on the next available flight.

Exception:  Mexican children that have a stamp on their passports that reads, "El titular del presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente," can travel round-trip with only one parent and without a notarized letter.  

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

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Jazz Fest New Orleans 2013

PLAN: 3A
Arrive:
1st Weekend - Arrive April 25 or 26, 2013 for 3 nights - (Fest days: 26, 27, 28)

2nd Weekend - Arrive May 2 or 3, 2013 for 3 nights - (Fest days: 3, 4, 5)
STAY: 3 Nights
HOTEL: Monteleone, Omni Royal Orleans or Sheraton New Orleans
FEATURES: 3 Nights hotel; tax (Extra Night rates are available); 3 days admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival; 3 days transfers to the Jazz Fest site (New Orleans Fairgrounds).

NOTE: Second Weekend has a 4th day of performances; rates available on request.

RATES PER PERSON:SGLDBLTPLQD
Monteleone$17651125945875
Extra Nights2801409985
Maison Dupuy$16951095925855
Extra Nights2701359680
Sheraton New Orleans$1495985865795
Extra Nights2401209075

PLAN 3B - Add 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast at Brennan's and 1 Dinner Jazz Cruise, to Plan 3A features, for an additional $199 per person.

ADDITIONAL DAYS OF JAZZ FEST: The three included performances are Friday, Saturday, Sunday for both weekends. The First Weekend, there are only 3 performance days. For the Second Weekend rates for a 4th day of performances (Thursday), with transfers and an additional night at the hotel are available on request.

ABOUT JAZZ FEST: Performers and guests alike come from all over the world to be a part of this great event. Jazz and Dixieland are the focal points, but many different kinds of music are performed. At the Jazz Fest site, there are about 10 stages and show areas and the included admission ticket allows the guest to roam between each venue at their own pace on an open-seating basis. The New Orleans Fairgrounds site is a short distance from the French Quarter.
YOUR HOTELS 
Essence Music Festival - Bienville House HotelMAISON DUPUY
1001 Toulouse Street
Recently chosen as one of the top 172 hotels in the entire nation - and one of just four Louisiana hotels selected. Located only two blocks from the heart of Bourbon Street on the city's geographical center, this luxurious hotel beckons you to relax and escape the hustle of modern life. As one of the few hotels set inside the city's historic Vieux Carré district, this hotel offers guests a distinct mixture of historical and luxury unlike any other. First-class dining at Le Meritage or more casual dining at the French Quarter Bistreaux and Bar.

MONTELEONE
214 Royal Street
568 comfortable guest rooms and suites. A perfect place to rejuvenate from a busy day or night exploring New Orleans. The elegance of old New Orleans with the modern conveniences of today. Rooftop pool, fitness area, room service, business center, and multi-lingual concierge. Near many art galleries and great restaurants.

Essence Music Festival - Bienville House HotelSHERATON NEW ORLEANS
500 Canal Street
This deluxe hotel is across from the French Quarter. Convenient to the Superdome, Earnest Morial Convention Center, and the downtown business district. The hotel recently completed a 25 million dollar renovation, infusing the hotel with graciousness and luxury. Guests will find themselves surrounded by comfort, served with Southern charm and hospitality.
To book your package, please contact Mary at 732-747-8187
or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information

Monday, January 14, 2013

12 nights in the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Hawaii

Spend 12 nights total, with air from Los Angeles, from only $2299 per person, double occupancy.  Fly Air New Zealand to Rarotonga and spend 5 nights in the Cook Islands (includes one free night), with transfers and breakfast included, 2 nights in Auckland, New Zealand, and 5 nights in Honolulu.

Prices are for travel 4/1-6/8 2013 in economy class on Air New Zealand.  Seasonal surcharges may apply.  Price includes airline taxes and fees.  For departures from alternate cities or date, please inquire.  All prices, itineraries, and routings are subject to change and availability.  Hurry - book by 1/22/13.  

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