This is a beautiful video about Africa. If you've ever thought you'd like to visit Africa, please contact me. I've been there and going on safari is such a wonderful, exciting experience!
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Get ready for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights
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Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Monday, June 25, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
How to follow the Tour de France
The Tour de France is an exciting annual cycling event, starting in Belgium and ending Paris. There are about 200 cyclists in the race, and after the prologue, there are 20 stages in the race. The race begins on June 30 and finishes on July 22 (see Tour de France map below).
photo courtesy of About-France.com
While all the stages will be exciting, if you are planning on going to France to view any of the race, the latter stages will allow for longer viewing time. The reason for this is that in the first few stages the riders will be riding more closely, while in the latter stages they will be more spread out and won't pass you by in the blink of an eye. There are 22 teams in the race, with 18 of them being professional teams. Representing the United States are the Garmin-Barracuda Team and the BMC Racing Team.
Many accommodations are already sold out or close to being sold out since most reservations have been made months in advance, so if you have waited until the last minute to plan a trip to the Tour de France, act quickly to secure your accommodations or you may find yourself sleeping on a park bench (believe me, it's been done!). Some adventurous spectators will simply pitch a tent but if you like a nice mattress to sleep on and can't find an available hotel, you might try finding a cottage or Bed and Breakfast with space available.
If you choose to be there for the end of the race, Paris will have more options as far as where to stay.
Some things to keep in mind if you are going to the Tour:
- You want to keep out of the way of the cyclists. Don't be the cause of a crash, keep your personal items out of the roadway, and if you bring your children, don't let them stray into the roadway.
- You might want to rent a car to travel between stages, but keep in mind that some of the mountain passes may be closed to car traffic.
- While waiting for the cyclists to pass by, you will have an idea that they are getting closer when you see the caravan of cars and sponsors' trucks pass through about 45 minutes before the cyclists. They often throw out candy, small souvenirs, etc but beware if there is a crowd where you are. People can get very aggressive over the littlest of things and you don't want to get hurt in the excitement.
- And finally, if the weather doesn't cooperate or you've had it with the crowds, find a nice little bar with a television and sit back, relax, and watch the Tour on the television.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Shark Cage Diving
Just one of the many things to do while visiting South Africa ~ Shark Cage Diving!
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Monday, April 16, 2012
Escape to the Cook Islands
If you are looking for a peaceful and laid back atmosphere for your island vacation, why not escape to the Cook Islands? You can reconnect with your loved one and relax in this idyllic setting, while forgetting the rest of the world! It is only a 9-1/2 hour flight from the West Coast. The people are very friendly, the setting romantic and exotic, and the food is world-class.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tips for Traveling with Children
Traveling with children can be tough, especially when on an airplane for several hours. Here are a few tried and true travel tips:
• Schedule your flight for the kids’ naptime, and try to keep the kids awake until you get on the plane. The flight is so much more relaxing for everyone when the kids sleep through it.
• If you're traveling with small children, pack a complete outfit in a zip-lock bag. This will make it so much easier if your little one needs a change of clothing while you are traveling.
• Traveling with your child's only special blankie or stuffed animal can be trouble if it gets lost. You might want to cut a small piece off of the blankie and use it for travel. Take your child shopping to buy a new stuffed animal and call it your child's travel buddy.
• Stow-away strollers - Strollers and infant carriers can be taken to the gate and checked as you board the plane, which eliminates carrying your toddler and diaper bag, etc, through the terminals. When you disembark, your items will be waiting for you as you leave the plane.
• As your trip approaches, have your child make a calendar to mark off each day, as a countdown to the vacation. This makes the anticipation even more fun.
• When traveling with kids bring "throw aways", such as disposable bibs, wipes, plastic eating utensils. Then you can just use and throw them away.
• When traveling with children, especially if one parent only may accompany the children out of the country - make sure that you have a signed and notarized letter from both parents stating that permission is given to the accompanying parent (or temporary guardian) to take the child out of the country. Make sure also that the accompanying parent or guardian also has the necessary medical release forms for said children.
• Discuss the security clearance process with your children so they will not be frightened or surprised. Don't travel with toys that could be mistaken for weapons. And don't forget, children, even newborns, need a passport to leave the country.
• Airline food is not geared to young children so make sure to bring along things they like to eat.
• Coloring books and crayons are an easy way to pass the time on a plane, plus they are light to carry. Have your child prepare their own carry on bag and include fun things for them to do inside the bag.
• Make a bag for each child and tell them they can't open it til they are on the plane. This gives them something to look forward to. If the flight is a long one, pack a few things, wrapped if you can, and have them open the bags throughout the flight. You don't necessarily have to buy new items, as there are probably toys they have that haven't been used in a while.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
News from Windstar Cruises
What's New at Windstar Cruises
New, Stylish Look on Windstar!
This past December, Wind Surf's staterooms, suites, bridge suites, corridors were renovated as part of Windstar's previously announced $18 million fleet refurbishment plan. The vision for the renovations is classic, stylish yacht luxury that dramatizes Windstar's brand position of a "boutique yacht vacation" that is "180 Degrees from Ordinary." Each yacht will receive new furniture, upholstery, art, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings. New furnishings complete the look in keeping with the chic, private yacht scheme. The design palette combines sand and marine colors contrasting elegantly with the warmth of wood finishes, elevating the look and feel to stylish luxury at sea.
Windstar's Sail & Stay Hotel Packages
Set sail for an intimate journey of Europe - Windstar style. Windstar is currently offering Sail & Stay Packages which provide an extraordinary value on European voyages with 2-for-1 Cruise Fares plus 2 Free Hotel Nights on select sailings. With the package, enjoy an extended stay in Windstar cruise ports such as Rome, Barcelona, Athens and Istanbul. Windstar's Hotel Collection in their Sail & Stay Promotions include two complimentary nights in a Windstar-select hotel, complimentary transfer to or from your yacht, hotel tips, gratuities, taxes and luggage handling fees.
Windstar Beverages Update
Windstar now provides complimentary soft beverages on all voyages. Complimentary soft beverages include bottled water, sparkling water, sodas, fresh juices, milk, fruit smoothies, tea, coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and espresso. Windstar also offers a Premium Beverage Package*, an excellent value and an effortless way to add enjoyment to your cruise vacation at only $48 per person, per day, plus standard 15% beverage service charge. Included in the package is: unlimited premium cocktails; unlimited wine by the glass from the per glass wine menu; unlimited house champagne, beer and soft drinks; mini-bar selections; and beverages provided through room service.
2013 Caribbean and Costa Rica Sailings
Windstar's collection of 2013 Caribbean and Costa Rica voyages are open for booking at early booking savings fares. Three diverse Caribbean itineraries and two exotic Costa Rica itineraries comprise the collection which is offered December 2012 through March 2013. Hot Tip: If you are interested in their 7-day Passage Through Panama voyage - book early, since it is popular! Each voyage sold out this season.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Your own personalized romance novel - starring you!
For a unique romantic gift idea, why not try your hand at writing a romance novel? Well, you really don't have to write the novel, but you can have one written for you. At www.yournovel.com you provide the information and they put it together in a romance novel.
How does it work? You first have to choose a category:
- beaches
- cruises
- abroad
- outdoors
- America
- unusual e.g. vampires, etc
Then you choose whether you would like hardcover, paperback, or eBook and choose your version of "wild" or "mild". Send a picture for the cover and answer some questions about yourselves individually and as a couple, and voila, the book is ready to be written. You can personalize the book even more, if youlike, by adding some pages with your won message. If you choose an eBook, it will be ready within hours, otherwise it takes 7-10 days to be completed. There is even a dedication page where you can write a personal note to the person receiving the book.
Want to propose on Valentine's Day? Why not ask her in a romantic novel?
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Sunday, November 13, 2011
3-1-1 Rule for Liquids in Your Carry-on
What do you do when you forget you have something such as perfume or lotion in your carry-on bag and it's over 3.4 ounces? Read on
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Power your gadgets with your own suitcase
This is a handy tool for powering your electronic gadgets while on the road. It's powered luggage that doubles as a charger for your phone, ipod, etc! Power your gadgets with your own suitcase
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Sunday, November 06, 2011
Letter of Parental Consent to Travel
Don't let this happen to you: You and your child are at Newark Airport and are ready to board a flight to Europe. You are asked for a letter from your child's father indicating that he has given permission for the child to travel out of the country with you and you don't have one. What now?
This is just one scenario. Maybe your child is going to travel with grandparents, a school group, a sports team, or a friend, without either parent or guardian. What documentation is needed?
While there are exceptions, travel out of the country will require a passport, even for a child. You will also need a notarized Letter of Parental Consent to Travel for the child. The letter should include the dates of travel, the name of the adult traveling with the child, contact information for the parent(s) not traveling, and if the child is traveling without either parent or guardian, both parent's signatures must be on the form and notarized.
If the minor child has only one parent/guardian, as in the case of divorce, death, or adoption, then bringing a copy of the divorce decree, death certificate, or adoption papers or a letter from your lawyer, will be required. And if the parents/guardians have different last names, such as the mother keeping her maiden name, bring along the child's birth certificate so authorities can see the parents' names.
A second form for authorization of medical treatment is also important. A Medical Treatment Authorization Letter will give permission for the adult accompanying the child to be responsible for medical treatment in case of emergency.
Some cruise lines have their own letters which they require for minor children so make sure you have the proper documentation with you. For example, in Carnival's case, without the Letter of Parental Consent to Travel the child will not be able to leave the ship in Mexico, even for a shore excursion.
Give yourself enough time to obtain a passport (especially if this is the first time applying for one) and to complete the letters and have them notarized. And while you are getting them notarized, have a couple of the letters notarized in case you need them.
Here are some government links to check out:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of State
Country Specific Information
If you need a copy of a Letter of Parental Consent to Travel or a Medical Treatment Authorization Letter, please contact me and I will send it to you.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Ritz-Carlton and Clarisonic Help Support Breast Cancer Patients
Ritz-Carlton Hotels are contributing to Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a new program at its spas. The program, in partnership with skincare company Clarisonic, will donate $10 for each facial that is purchased at participating U.S. Ritz-Carltons. Read more
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Don't Miss the Boat (or Transfer, Flight, Train...)
You're all excited about your vacation. Your bags are packed, pets are taken care of, you have your passport, and so on. What about your travel documents? Oh yeah, you have those also. But did you read them CAREFULLY? There is very important information in those documents, information regarding your transportation, whether it is for your flights, transfers, train, bus, tour, etc.
For your flights, you will most likely have e-tickets. You simply use the confirmation number on your paperwork to check in. In many cases, you can check in up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled flight and print your boarding pass. Make sure you check the flights at this time for any last minute changes the airline may have made. Also check their baggage rules, since they can change often; make sure to check the airport's check in regulations. It is best to be at the airport about 2 hours prior to a domestic flight and 3 hours prior to an international flight. There are regulations as to how late you can check in. One airport may say it is 45 minutes prior to flying while another may only be a half hour. If you miss the cutoff time, you will be out of luck.
For transfers that have been arranged for you, remember the driver will be there to greet you at the arranged time. Please check your vouchers for the time that you will need to meet with your driver. If you are going to be delayed, it is important to call ahead as early as possible so that you can reschedule the meeting time. If you miss the transfer and have not called ahead, you will lose the money spent on the transfer plus you will have to pay for another one.
For trains and buses in the States, you need to have purchased your ticket early enough before the train arrives. For international travel, there are different ways of validating tickets, etc, so please familiarize yourself with the rules before traveling.
Finally, for tours, your tour guide will tell you what time and where to meet for the tour. If you are not there for the scheduled time, you may end up missing the entire tour and losing your money which you paid for the tour.
Remember, when traveling, you need to schedule your time well so that you don't miss your transportation and most importantly, you don't lose the money you already paid for the services.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
For your flights, you will most likely have e-tickets. You simply use the confirmation number on your paperwork to check in. In many cases, you can check in up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled flight and print your boarding pass. Make sure you check the flights at this time for any last minute changes the airline may have made. Also check their baggage rules, since they can change often; make sure to check the airport's check in regulations. It is best to be at the airport about 2 hours prior to a domestic flight and 3 hours prior to an international flight. There are regulations as to how late you can check in. One airport may say it is 45 minutes prior to flying while another may only be a half hour. If you miss the cutoff time, you will be out of luck.
For transfers that have been arranged for you, remember the driver will be there to greet you at the arranged time. Please check your vouchers for the time that you will need to meet with your driver. If you are going to be delayed, it is important to call ahead as early as possible so that you can reschedule the meeting time. If you miss the transfer and have not called ahead, you will lose the money spent on the transfer plus you will have to pay for another one.
For trains and buses in the States, you need to have purchased your ticket early enough before the train arrives. For international travel, there are different ways of validating tickets, etc, so please familiarize yourself with the rules before traveling.
Finally, for tours, your tour guide will tell you what time and where to meet for the tour. If you are not there for the scheduled time, you may end up missing the entire tour and losing your money which you paid for the tour.
Remember, when traveling, you need to schedule your time well so that you don't miss your transportation and most importantly, you don't lose the money you already paid for the services.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
World's Largest Cruise Sale
Welcome Aboard the World's Largest Cruise Sale! This is a great time to book your next cruise. Click here for a sneak peek.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Disney's Newest Resort: Disney's Art of Animation
DisneyWorld will be opening the first phase of rooms at its newest resort, Disney's Art of Animation, next May. This phase of the hotel is themed after the movie, "Finding Nemo", and the remaining three phases are themed after the movies "Cars", "Lion King", and "Little Mermaid". The remaining phases will open in stages through the end of 2012 and there will be 1,120 family suites, comprised of three-room units, in total.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
DisneyWorld has a new promotion for late 2011 and early 2012. Call to book early while the inventory is still available!
Dates in 2011: 10/30-11/18 and 11/26-12/23
15% off All Star Movies Resort and Port Orleans French Quarter
20% off other Value and Moderate Resorts
25% off Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
30% off Deluxe and Villa Resorts
Book by 11/19/11
Dates in 2012: Most nights 1/2-2/20
20% off All Star Movies Resort
25% off Other Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter
30% off Moderate Resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
35% off Deluxe and Villa Resorts
Book by 12/21/11
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Dates in 2011: 10/30-11/18 and 11/26-12/23
15% off All Star Movies Resort and Port Orleans French Quarter
20% off other Value and Moderate Resorts
25% off Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
30% off Deluxe and Villa Resorts
Book by 11/19/11
Dates in 2012: Most nights 1/2-2/20
20% off All Star Movies Resort
25% off Other Value Resorts and Port Orleans French Quarter
30% off Moderate Resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Resort
35% off Deluxe and Villa Resorts
Book by 12/21/11
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Disney's Aulani Resort Now Open in Oahu
Save up to $800 in airfare for your family - receive an airfare credit of $200 per person for a family of 4 with a stay at Aulani, Disney's newest resort on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Monday, August 15, 2011
Restaurant Week in France from September 19-25, 2011
Take a look at the happenings which will be going on during France's Restaurant Week: France launches a new nation-wide event celebrating French food
This fall, France will be celebrating local cuisine with a brand-new food-centric festival.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
This fall, France will be celebrating local cuisine with a brand-new food-centric festival.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
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