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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Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.

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!

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

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

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

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

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

TSA Secure Flight

The TSA is introducing their new program, Secure Flight. The effect this has on travelers is that you now must make sure you have booked your airline ticket in the exact name that appears on your government ID, either your driver's license (only for domestic flights) or your passport which can be used for domestic flights and must be used for international flights. So, for example, if you are using your license and your middle name or middle initial appears on the license, you must include this on your ticket. The airlines are gradually adding this to their online bookings. Your date of birth and gender will also need to be included. If your passport is different from your license, e.g. full middle name rather than initial, you must use this if your passport will be your government ID. This will also affect your frequent flyer numbers - you will need to contact the airlines and have them adjust your name so that it matches your ID.

Please see the top FAQ below:


Q. What is Secure Flight and what does it do?

A. Secure Flight is a behind the scenes program that streamlines the watch list matching process. It will improve the travel experience for all passengers, including those who have been misidentified in the past.

Q. Are all airlines participating in the Secure Flight program at this time?

A. No. Secure Flight will be phased-in and each airline will be incorporating the necessary changes into their systems over the coming months. Passengers shouldn't be concerned if particular airlines don't ask them to provide the additional information right away; it should not impact their travel. Each airline will request this information as their capability to capture it is integrated into their individual systems.

Q. The name printed on my boarding is different than what appears on my government ID, will I still be able to fly?

A. Boarding passes may not always display the exact name you provided when booking your travel. The name you provide is used to perform the watch list matching before a boarding pass is ever issued, so small differences should not impact your travel. Secure Flight is a behind-the-scenes process that TSA and airlines collaborate on to compare the information you provide against government watch lists. The additional data elements that you may be asked to provide, such as date of birth and gender, serve to better differentiate you from individuals on the government watch list.

Q. What if my name and I.D. do not exactly match when I arrive at security? Will I be turned away and unable to fly?

A. No. Secure Flight will not impact the process at the security checkpoint in any way. At the security checkpoint, TSA strives to ensure you are who you say you are. TSA performs travel document checking to see that you, your identification, and your boarding pass match and are valid. TSA performs this function because identity matters and it is critical to security to ensure that individuals with hostile intent do not board aircraft. Secure Flight is a behind-the-scenes process that TSA and airlines collaborate on to compare the information you provide against government watch lists. The additional data elements that you may be asked to provide, such as date of birth and gender, serve to better differentiate you from individuals on the government watch list. Secure Flight will not impact the security checkpoint experience. While Secure Flight and travel document checking are both critical security functions, they serve different purposes at different points in the security process.

Q. Does the name on all of my IDs have to match? What if my driver's license has only my middle initial, but my passport has my full name? Should I change my driver's license to match my passport?

A. Secure Flight does not require that the names on all of your IDs be identical. Passengers should provide their name as it appears on their government-issued ID they plan to use when traveling. This provides TSA the best information possible to use when performing watch list matching. This will result in a better process for travelers and greatly reduces the number of misidentifications. By adding date of birth and gender, the number of misidentifications is reduced further and can more readily identify passengers who do not pose a threat.