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

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.

PK

(Red Bank, NJ)

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Apprentice Trips

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

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

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

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

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.

Trip to Tahiti

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.

Tikehau

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.

 

Taha'a

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.

Moorea

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

Bora Bora

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!

There is a beautiful little wedding chapel here with a great view of the mountain (pictured above)

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.

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.

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Icelandair Update

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

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

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

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

Kayak teams up with Yapta to let you track fare changes

A Word on Trip Insurance

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!

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

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

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

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?

Why Not?

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