There's still time to purchase your NCL All-Inclusive Package

Get more than you ever dreamed of with Norwegian Cruise Line's All-InclusivePackage. Worth over $2,400 per stateroom, you can purchase it today for at a greatly reduced rate. Plus, you'll also receive 10% off your cruise fare! 

Must be purchased by August 29, 2014 and valid for most 2015 sailings, exclusions apply.  

Purchase this package today and receive:

• Ultimate Dining Package
• Ultimate Beverage Package (including gratuities)
• Up to 6 Bottles of Water (including gratuities)
• Shore Excursion Credit of up to $200 per guest
• 20 Photos, any size
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• Bottle of Wine
• 1 Bingo Session (3 Games)
• 250 Minute Internet Package
• Gratuities associated with package and Service Charges
• PLUS - 10% off your cruise fare

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

Tourist card for the Dominican Republic

Did you know that Dominican Republic requires a fee to enter the country which is not included in the price of your ticket? Upon arrival to the airport you must wait in a line to purchase a tourist card for $10USD per person. (CASH ONLY!)

Travelers can purchase the tourist card (via credit card) online prior to departure and bypass the line when they arrive at the airport by using this link, following these steps:

1. Select" Buy your tourist card"
2. Translate to English
3. If you are not a citizen of one of the listed countries press "Select and Continue"
4. Fill in all applicable information
5. Accept the terms and conditions
6. Confirm your purchase using a credit card
7. Be sure to print out both portions of the tourist card and present them when you go through the Punta Cana airport.

Whether you would like to pre-purchase your entry card online with a credit card or bring with you $10.00 USD CASH ONLY for purchase at the airport is your choice.

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

More on our Italy 2015 trip

WE'RE GOING TO ITALY IN 2015!

ROME, FLORENCE, BIELLA, AND SORDEVELO JUNE 11-20, 2015
Join The Travel Bugs, Tom and Mary, on a trip to Italy! You'll be glad you did!

​Our trip includes a once-in-a-lifetime attendance at the Passion Play, "La Passione", in the town of Sordevelo, Italy. This magnificent event is held once every ​five years by the local townspeople of Sordevelo.

ITINERARY:
​June 11
depart for Rome

Jun 12
arrive in Rome – 3 nights with breakfast
Balance of day at leisure. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening is included.

Jun 13
Rome
This morning we will enjoy a private tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel and end with St. Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon at leisure.

Jun 14
Rome
​Morning tour of Imperial Rome, where we will view the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, Roman Forum and visit to the Colosseum. Afternoon at leisure.

Jun 15
Rome / Florence - 2 nights Florence with breakfast
Depart for Florence and drive through the Tuscan hills where our will stop for a wine tasting and light lunch.

June 16
Florence
Morning walking tour of Florence, we’ll stroll through the historic streets of the city to arrive in the Square of the Duomo, here we will learn the secrets of Giotto’s Bell Tower, and discover the beauty of the Baptistery with its golden, bronze doors. Then we will visit the Accademia Gallery famous for its David by Michelangelo. Afternoon is free to explore this beautiful city on our own. Dinner will be included at a local restaurant this evening.

June 17
Florence / Biella – 3 nights Biella with breakfast
This morning we will make our way to Biella. Balance of day at leisure. Dinner included tonight at a local restaurant.

Jun 18
Biella /Turin / Biella
Today’s excursion will bring us to Turin to explore the city’s major monuments and Piazza Castello with its beautiful buildings. A highlight of the day will be the Cathedral and museum of the Holy Shroud, whose last public display was April-May 2010. There will be time at leisure to shop and explore on our own. In the afternoon return to our hotel. This evening is at leisure.

Jun 19
Biella/Sordevolo/Biella
Our morning tour will begin with Piedmont’s countryside and the historical center of Sordevolo, including the church and museum of Santa Marta, and museum of Santa Marta. Sordevolo is the village where, every 5 years, a Passion Play is performed, with all the actors being local village people. Dinner will be at a local restaurant in Sordevolo before we attend this remarkable performance of La Passione, “The Passion of Christ”.

​Jun 20
​Biella / Milan
This morning we will transfer from our hotel to Milan for our return flight home.

Please call for details and to reserve your seat!

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

Trip to Rome, Florence, Biella, and Sordevelo 2015

Join The Travel Bug on a trip to Italy!

June 11-20, 2015

Our trip includes a once-in-a-lifetime attendance at “Passion of the Christ”, La Passione, in the town of Sordevelo, Italy.  This magnificent event is held once every five years by the local townspeople of Sordevelo.

Our trip includes:

3 nights in Rome (private tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica;  tour ancient Rome and visit the Colosseum)

2 nights in Florence (visit the Square of the Duomo,   Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery and the Accademia Gallery, famous for the David by Michelangelo)

3 nights in Biella (Turin, Piazza Castello, the Cathedral and museum of the Holy Shroud,  Sacred Mountain of Oropa, and the 12 chapels devoted to the life of the Virgin Mary)  On our last night, our tour culminates with the Passion Play before returning home on June 20.

Please call Mary McGrath (732-747-8187) for pricing and more information.

Featured local business: Top of the Line Training

Free personal training session at Top of the Line Training when you book your next vacation with The Travel Bug!

The Travel Bug will be featuring local businesses. Our first business we are featuring is Top of the Line Training. Top of the Line Training is owned by Personal Trainer Sean Ryan. Sean has been a certified personal trainer for 10 years and his certifications include the National Academy of Sports Medicine; Expert Elite Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor; and hold a current CPR certification. He also has a background in boxing and martial arts.

    

Sean's 1,100 square foot studio is located right in Red Bank, at 30 Hudson Ave. Top of the Line Training offers small group and private training such as: weight loss and conditioning; athletic training; injury rehabilitation; boxing/kickboxing lessons. In-home training is also available.

There are no contracts or membership required, just the desire to work toward being in your best shape! So give us a call for your next vacation and receive a free session (in studio) with Sean Ryan, owner of Top of the Line Personal Training.


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

Book this Grand Bahamas special offer by February 11 to receive a $250 air credit

EXCLUSIVE NON-STOP FLIGHTS FROM NEWARK WITH LOW $100 DEPOSIT

Grand Bahama Island Vacation Package Deals with Non-Stop Flights from New York Newark EWR

Heard of Nassau and the Bahamas? Meet Grand Bahama Island. Book your next vacation with Vacation Express from New York to Grand Bahama Island today. Vacation packages and all-inclusive deals to Grand Bahama Island include non-stop flight, hotel, local representative and all taxes. When you book an all-inclusive package with us, you will also enjoy ALL meals, unlimited drinks and much more. Travelers looking for the perfect getaway to beautiful beaches with great duty free shopping and sunset cruises will find Grand Bahama Island to be a paradise in the Caribbean. Limited Time Special - $250 Air Instant Air Credit.TTT Receive a $250 Instant Savings per room on stays of 3 consecutive nights or longer when booking an air-inclusive vacation package! Valid for travel through August 31, 2014. Transfers not included. Meal plans vary. TTTGrand Bahama Island prices include $250 per room Air Credit. Please call for more details.

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

Media attacks the cruise lines again

The media just can't get enough of sensationalizing the cruise industry.  It's a shame when passengers get the norovirus on a ship, but the media makes it seem that this happens because the cruise ship is harboring this illness.

The number one problem is not the ship, but the passenger who embarks on their cruise and lies when they complete the mandatory form which asks if the passenger has been sick, especially with vomiting or diarrhea, in the 3 days prior to the sail date.

What needs to be pointed out is that the cruise ships are always promoting proper washing of the hands, and they are there hand sanitizers at the entrance to all the restaurants.  If passengers took care to keep their hands clean their chances of getting sick from the norovirus diminishes greatly.

How many times do you see someone who does not wash their hands after using a public restroom?  Cruise ships even have signs in the restrooms with instructions as to how long you should wash your hands to ensure they are clean.  The CDC has compiled handwashing instructions as well.

Theresa Norton Masek has written a great article for Travel Pulse regarding this topic.  Please read and remember, it's not the cruise ship, it's the passengers, just as it would be at a school, hospital, mall, etc.


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

Canonization of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII

Be part of the Canonization of 

Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII 

April 24 - 29, 2014
$2295 per person

TOUR FEATURES Round trip air on Alitalia from JFK to Rome 4 nights accommodation at Eurostar International Palace (4 star centrally located in Rome) Buffet breakfast daily Private arrival and departure transfer Transfer to the Canonization Ceremony with English speaking assistance Half day Panoramic guided tour of Rome Porterage at hotel Hotel taxes and service charges Call 732-747-8187 to plan your trip today!

Conditions: * Above prices are per person, based on double occupancy and a minimum of  15 passengers traveling together. There is a €4 per person per night city stay  tax that must be paid directly to hotel on check out. Price includes airfare, fuel  surcharges and air taxes. Terms and conditions apply..

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email travel8187@gmail.com for more information

Trip to Dubai May 2014

May 15-22, 2014, starting at $1899* per person
Includes:
Round trip airfare from Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. (IAD).
First-class hotel accommodations for 5 nights.
Superb dining with 8 included meals and bottled water at each meal.
Guided sightseeing:

• Dubai 
• Iconic Burj Kalifa Tower
• Abu Dhabi  
• Wild desert safari on board a 4x4 jeep 
• More optional tours available!

Assistance of a dedicated professional host during tours and transfers.
Travel by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoaches.
Complimentary baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport.
Included local taxes and service charges.

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, for a minimum of 4 passengers traveling together.  Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, and air taxes.

If you have a group of 15 or more, please contact us for pricing.


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

Sordevolo Passion Play 2015

The Sordevolo Passion Play takes place in Italy every five years. The next one is scheduled for June through September of 2015. Here is a peak at the last Passion Play that took place. Please contact me at 732-747-8187 if you are interested or if you have a church group interested in visiting Italy and seeing the Passion Play.

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

Catholic pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes March 2014

Fatima and Lourdes
March 11-18, 2014

$1,998

Fatima is a peaceful village in Portugal. It is here Our Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children. Lourdes is located in the Pyranees Mountains of France. Here Our Lady visited Bernadette 18 times.

Includes:

• Round trip airfare from a New York Area gateway
• Superior class tourist hotels
• Breakfast and Dinner daily
• Sightseeing
• Touring by Private Motorcoach
• Services of a Professional Regina Tours Guide
• Daily Mass

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

Touring Asia with a photojournalist

ASIA BEHIND THE LENS Southeast Asia is full of intrigue...and best explored with a guide who knows all about getting behind the scenes to the heart of each destination.  Meet Thierry Falise, a freelance Belgian photojournalist who's been covering the region for 25 years for such publications as Le Figaro, Paris Match, Time, Newsweek and more.   Thierry will be leading  Phoenix Voyages' extraordinary photojournalistic journey. departing 22 Oct 2013.    Travelers on board this exquisite jaunt will begin with a Ho Chih Minh city exploration and then move on to learning about daily life along the Mekong River as they stop along a cruise and interact with locals while exploring villages on bike, interact with local chefs in cooking classes, explore impressive architectural masterpieces and spiritual temples.  Each day,  Thierry will share fundamental lessons of photography techniques including framing, angles and lessons on lighting.  Throughout the journey, during various evening sessions, the group will meet with Thierry to showcase their photos captured each day during workshops that promote discussion and commentary.   Contact us at travel8187@gmail.com for the full detailed itinerary.

Destination wedding in the Cook Islands

Looking for one of the most romantic place to start your new lives together?  The Cook Islands are the perfect place for a destination wedding or honeymoon.

Weddings in the Cook Islands are legally recognized internationally and the couple only needs to be in the country for three business days prior to their wedding to obtain their marriage license.  There are exceptions which can be made to the residency requirement if given advanced notice.  The only documents required are passports and birth certificates, plus divorce decree or death of spouse papers, if applicable.  There are wedding coordinators available at many of the properties as well.

Locations available for weddings range from an ancient limestone church to a barefoot ceremony on a beautiful white sand beach.

For honeymooners, there are plenty of secluded places to explore.  The couple can enjoy candlelit dinners on the beach, have a picnic on a private island called a motu, stay in a luxury resort on both Rarotonga and Aitutaki in a luxury villa or hut on the beach.  The possibilities are endless!

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

Destination: Cook Islands

Many couples dream of an exotic honeymoon on a tropical island.  For some, this could be Tahiti, St Lucia, or Hawaii.  But today's destination I am suggesting is the Cook Islands.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Vacation.com conference in Orlando and I participated in the Travel 2 seminar which featured the Cook Islands.  After returning from the conference I completed the Cook Islands Specialist program and am excited to share some information with you.

The Cook Islands are what Hawaii used to be about 50 years ago.  The Cook Islands, comprised of 15 islands, are located in the South Pacific and have a warm, welcoming climate.  They are in the same time zone as the Hawaiian Islands, which means they are east of the International Dateline.  The islanders speak English in addition to their native Maori, so when visiting make sure to greet the locals with "Kia Orana!" which means, "May you live on".

The Cook Islands do not have any chain hotels or high-rise buildings. In fact, no building can be higher than a coconut palm tree.  There are a variety of accommodations available, from simple backpackers' hostels, to luxury hotels.  An interesting option is to stay with a local family.  Called their Home-Stay program on the island of Mitiaro, local families have constructed traditional thatched huts next to their homes. Visitors stay in these huts and enjoy the delicious local food prepared by the host families.

Check back for the more on the Cook Islands...

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

Sneak peak at Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas

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

African Horseback Safari

'THE ULTIMATE AFRICAN HORSEBACK SAFARI'
 

 

Kenya's, Masai Mara & Botswana's, Okavango Delta, with professional safari guides, Gordie Church & John Sobey throughout.

 

19th July to 1st August 2014

 

The first ever of its kind where the very best of Africa's riding outfitters and guides join forces for the ride of a lifetime.

Five nights under mobile canvas in the Mara during the onset of the wildebeest migration, followed by two nights at the iconic Victoria Falls and a further five nights in the Okavango Delta during the 'flood season'.

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

Cruise News

Princess Cruises says its new ship, Royal Princess, whose Godmother is Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, will offer more casual dining options, including an Ocean Terrace seafood bar, a crab shack, a fondue restaurant, and a pastry shop.  The line will also offer Caribbean voyages next summer (2014) for the first time in four years, with the Caribbean Princess based in Ft Lauderdale to operate 3 to 7 day sailings from May to September.  Plus Princess added a new level - "Medallion" - to its Captain's Circle guest loyalty program which kicks in on the fourth cruise or on the 31st cruise day.  Finally, Princess will move the Sapphire Princess to Singapore late next year for a four month schedule of 15 round-trip voyages in the region, with each voyage lasting 3 to 11 days.

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

New law regarding minors traveling to Mexico - delayed until 2014

UPDATED: Changes in Mexico Entry Requirements

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

Minors traveling to Mexico

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

If the minor is traveling with only one parent:

• A valid passport
• A tourist card (to be issued by the airline or cruise before arriving in Mexico)
• A notarized letter of permission (including dates and destination) from the other legal parent, in both English and Spanish.  Both letters must be notarized.
• If the other parent is absent or deceased, provide evidence of sole custody or single-parent status (e.g. death certificate, sole custody document, or "father unknown" document)

If the child's last name is different from the last name of the accompanying parent, an original document as proof of parentage is required (photocopied documents are not acceptable).  Parents' name changes must be documented (e.g. original notarized copy of marriage certificate).

If the minor is traveling unaccompanied, or accompanied by an adult other than a legal parent or guardian:

• A valid passport
• A tourist card (to be issued by the airline or cruise before arriving in Mexico)
• A notarized letter of permission (including dates and destination) from the other legal parent, in both English and Spanish.
• For unaccompanied minors, the letter should include the name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the minor upon arrival.
• For minors traveling with an adult of legal age, the letter should include the name, address, and phone number of the person with whom the child is traveling.
• A photo ID is required for adults dropping off and picking up the minor.

Minors without the proper paperwork will be detained by immigration authorities at the border, and will be deported on the next available flight.

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

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

Jazz Fest New Orleans 2013

PLAN: 3A

Arrive: 1st Weekend - Arrive April 25 or 26, 2013 for 3 nights - (Fest days: 26, 27, 28) 2nd Weekend - Arrive May 2 or 3, 2013 for 3 nights - (Fest days: 3, 4, 5) STAY: 3 Nights HOTEL: Monteleone, Omni Royal Orleans or Sheraton New Orleans FEATURES: 3 Nights hotel; tax (Extra Night rates are available); 3 days admission (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival; 3 days transfers to the Jazz Fest site (New Orleans Fairgrounds). NOTE: Second Weekend has a 4th day of performances; rates available on request. RATES PER PERSON: SGL DBL TPL QD Monteleone $1765 1125 945 875 Extra Nights 280 140 99 85 Maison Dupuy $1695 1095 925 855 Extra Nights 270 135 96 80 Sheraton New Orleans $1495 985 865 795 Extra Nights 240 120 90 75 PLAN 3B - Add 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast at Brennan's and 1 Dinner Jazz Cruise, to Plan 3A features, for an additional $199 per person. ADDITIONAL DAYS OF JAZZ FEST: The three included performances are Friday, Saturday, Sunday for both weekends. The First Weekend, there are only 3 performance days. For the Second Weekend rates for a 4th day of performances (Thursday), with transfers and an additional night at the hotel are available on request. ABOUT JAZZ FEST: Performers and guests alike come from all over the world to be a part of this great event. Jazz and Dixieland are the focal points, but many different kinds of music are performed. At the Jazz Fest site, there are about 10 stages and show areas and the included admission ticket allows the guest to roam between each venue at their own pace on an open-seating basis. The New Orleans Fairgrounds site is a short distance from the French Quarter.

YOUR HOTELS  MAISON DUPUY 1001 Toulouse Street Recently chosen as one of the top 172 hotels in the entire nation - and one of just four Louisiana hotels selected. Located only two blocks from the heart of Bourbon Street on the city's geographical center, this luxurious hotel beckons you to relax and escape the hustle of modern life. As one of the few hotels set inside the city's historic Vieux Carré district, this hotel offers guests a distinct mixture of historical and luxury unlike any other. First-class dining at Le Meritage or more casual dining at the French Quarter Bistreaux and Bar. MONTELEONE 214 Royal Street 568 comfortable guest rooms and suites. A perfect place to rejuvenate from a busy day or night exploring New Orleans. The elegance of old New Orleans with the modern conveniences of today. Rooftop pool, fitness area, room service, business center, and multi-lingual concierge. Near many art galleries and great restaurants. SHERATON NEW ORLEANS 500 Canal Street This deluxe hotel is across from the French Quarter. Convenient to the Superdome, Earnest Morial Convention Center, and the downtown business district. The hotel recently completed a 25 million dollar renovation, infusing the hotel with graciousness and luxury. Guests will find themselves surrounded by comfort, served with Southern charm and hospitality.

To book your package, please contact Mary at 732-747-8187
or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information

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

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

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

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