2011 Vacation Trends

2011 vacation trends have increased in numbers since last year.  This year has started off with an increase in vacation bookings for my agency.  For couples planning their honeymoons, I have found an increase in the wish for exotic and adventure travel.  More couples are looking for the "wow" factor, bragging rights, for their honeymoon travel.

I have found that South Africa, in particular, is growing more and more in popularity.  Many couples who plan to go to South Africa add on another destination such as the Seychelles, Mozambique, or Mauritius.  They want to spend time in South Africa's wine country and seek adventure in Kruger Park on safari, then follow that with some R&R on a beautiful island setting.



Planning ahead is very important especially when it comes to the safari lodges.  The lodges are generally smaller, more intimate, than hotels in the cities, such as Capetown, so they may not have the space if the planning is last minute.  Pricing is about the same as last year, but airfare has been getting more and more expensive, and probably will continue that trend for a while.

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

Cunard Raises Fuel Surcharges

Due to the continued escalation of fuel prices, Cunard Line will increase their fuel supplement from $6.00 (USD) to $9.00 (USD) per person per day. This supplement will not exceed $300.00 per person, per voyage. The supplement applies to each paying guest travelling, including 3rd and 4th person fares and paid children's accommodations.

The new fuel supplement will apply to all new bookings made on or after 28 February 2011 for voyages departing on or after 14 April 2011.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for more information

Oahu - The Gathering Place

Of all the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is probably the most well-known.   Oahu is known as "The Gathering Place" and for good reason.  Honolulu Airport is the starting point for many visitors to Hawaii, whether they plan to stay only on the island of Oahu or venture to the other islands of Hawaii.

Oahu has many things to see and do.  Honolulu offers culture and museums, galleries, botanical gardens, Chinatown, and an array of dining options available.  The University of Hawaii is located in Honolulu.  Waikiki is a popular hotspot for clubs, crafts, even hula lessons.  Every Friday the Hilton Hawaiian Village has a fireworks display.  And don't forget to visit Diamond Head!

Along the Windward Coast are some of the best beaches such as Waimanalo Beach, Lanikai and Kailua Beach.  The North Shore is home to legendary surf beaches and to the Polynesian Cultural Center.  In central Oahu visitors can explore Pearl Harbor or why not try the Pineapple Garden Maze at the Dole Plantation, which is the world's largest maze, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.  These are just a few of what visitors can see and do on the island of Oahu, The Gathering Place.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for more information

Why Use a Certified CLIA Travel Agent?

CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association, Inc, shows how using a travel professional for your cruise planning has its benefits. Don't trust your vacation planning to just anyone. Watch this video to see how important it is to contact a professional.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for your cruise planning

Dinner at Bloody Mary's - Not to be Missed on the Island of Bora Bora

©Mary McGrath

©Mary McGrath

One of the most popular attractions on the island of Bora Bora is Bloody Mary's restaurant and bar. The local fishermen bring their fresh catch each day (except Sunday) and the fish is displayed on ice. Fish is not the only choice for those meat lovers out there - there is also a selection of beef on display. Patrons come up and choose their dinner which is then prepared and served along with a salad, vegetable, and a choice of sauces on the side. The soft, white sand floor and coconut palm tables add to the relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Bloody Mary's is not the most elegant dining on the island but it is the most fun!

Contact Mary at 742-747-8187 for more information

Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa

 

The Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa resort is one of my favorite resorts in Bora Bora.  By far, they have the best spa on the island.  When a spa treatment is scheduled, you are entitled to use the rest of the spa areas for the day.  The spa has a relaxing Pearl Rain Massage, Deep Sea Hydromassage Bath, Deep Chiller Walk (you walk through a narrow canal of water with jets aimed at your calves, stimulating blood flow), jacuzzi, steam room, and the Arctic Plunge (go from the steam room to the Arctic Plunge and feel the exhilaration!).  The wonderful thing about the massage tables is when you are face down on the massage table and looking through the opening in the table, you are looking through a glass floor and watching the colorful fish swim by.  What could be more relaxing?

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for more information

Give the Gift of a Day at the Spa

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, have you thought about what you might want to give your significant other as a gift?  With the way this winter has been, with all the snow here in NJ, why not give the gift of a day at the spa? What is better than being treated to a hot stone massage, a mani/pedi, maybe a seaweed wrap?  Or how about a couples' massage?  Now you both get the royal treatment!

Bernadette Smith, a Health and Spa Travel Specialist, reminds us of the basic spa etiquette that should be followed, such as arriving early to your appointment, turning off your cell phone, and more.  So check out some spas in your area and pick up a gift certificate or schedule that special day for your loved one.  It makes a great Valentine's Day gift.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for more information

Cruise News

The Norwegian Dawn and the Norwegian Spirit will be going into dry dock for refurbishment in May and September, respectively.  The Norwegian Sun is back in business after having her 33 suites and public areas upgraded.  One of the changes is that the Pacific Heights restaurant was replaced with Moderno Churrascaria, a Brazilian barbecue restaurant.  The Norwegian Epic has the same restaurant and it has been a very popular venue on the ship.

Royal Caribbean will be adding solo passenger cabins in the spring when the Radiance of the Seas goes into dry dock.  There will only be three such cabins, all inside.  The Norwegian Epic has inside studio cabins for solo passengers.  These studios have a common area, living room style, where the solo passengers can meet and get to know each other.

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for further information

Bridal Show at the Buttonwood Manor this Week

Please come visit The Travel Bug Vacation Planners at the Buttonwood Manor this Thursday, January 27th!

Contact Mary at 732-747-8187

Getting Married in Tahiti

Now that weddings in Tahiti are recognized as legal in the United States, what could be a more romantic setting than on the beautiful warm, sandy beaches of Tahiti.  Some of the resorts you might consider are the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and Spa, the Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa, and the Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort.  The ceremonies can be as elaborate or as simple as the bride and groom would like. 

The ceremony usually takes place on the beach, with tiki torches, Polynesian dancers, and musicians playing their music.  One tradition is the blowing of the conch shell.  Someone blows into the shell three times at the start of the ceremony.  This represents the presence of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and is based on a Christian influence.  The couple may dress in wedding pareos with vibrant flower prints on them.  The women wear theirs as a dress and the men tie their wraps as a skirt.  The bride may also wear a haku lei, which is a small circle of flowers, around her head for the ceremony.

The bride and groom may choose to exchange leis with each other during the ceremony as a sign of their everlasting love. The bride and groom traditionally kiss after the leis are placed around their necks. After the ceremony, the bride and groom are wrapped in a wedding quilt called a tifaifai, which is decorated in traditional Polynesian style.   

Photo © Mary McGrath
For more information:
Mary@thetravelbugonline.com
732-747-8187
http://www.thetravelbugonline.com/

Overwater Bungalow or Beach Bungalow?

Last March I spent 8 days in the islands of French Polynesia, visiting the islands of Tahiti, Tikehau, Taha'a, Moorea, and Bora Bora.  I stayed in overwater bungalows in all but one resort.  These bungalows are beautiful - he rooms are large, the view spectacular, and there are "Tahitian televisions" in the rooms.  The Tahitian televisions are either glass in the floors or in a table which gives you a view beneath the bungalow where you can see the coral and watch the colorful fish swim by. You also have a private deck with steps leading down to the turquoise water below.  I think everyone who goes to these islands should make sure to spend a few nights in an overwater bungalow. 

There is a benefit, however, to staying in a beach bungalow.  If you would like to be able to go outside your bungalow and lounge on the beach, this might be the option for you.  Your beach area is private to you only, there are usually lounge chairs set up for your bungalow, and you can walk right in to the water from your private beach.  Since many people visit more than one island in French Polynesia, maybe your best bet is to stay in a beach bungalow at one resort and follow it with an overwater bungalow at the other resort. 

Photo  © Mary McGrath

What to See and Do in Tahiti

Many visitors to French Polynesia only use the island of Tahiti as a stepping stone to the other islands.  This is fine if you only have a week or so to spend in French Polynesia, and during that time, most people will visit Bora Bora and Moorea.  However if your plans include a longer stay, say two weeks, why not include two nights in Tahiti so you can see what the island has to offer.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

There are many things to see and do in Tahiti.  In addition to all the sunbathing and water sports that are available, there are many other things to do on the island of Tahiti.  Here is a short list:

• Visit the Black Pearl Museum, which is the only museum in the world dedicated to pearls.  
• Explore the Paul Gauguin Museum and learn about the life of the famous French painter who spent his final years in French Polynesia
• Go shopping in the market, Le Marche, in Pape'ete where you will find black pearl jewelry, colorful pareos, handcrafted items, and vanilla
• Go on a whale watching expedition
• Take a helicopter tour of the island
• Explore the lava tubes
• Watch an outrigger canoe race (especially popular during the celebration of Bastille Day)
• See the Tiki statues which are religious statues made of wood and stone

I feel that this island is often overlooked and undervalued, but as you can see, there are plenty of things to see and do if you plan to stay a couple of days.

Why Not Plan a Trip to French Polynesia

Tiare Flower
© Mary McGrath

French Polynesia, commonly referred to as Tahiti, is comprised of over 400  islands in the South Pacific, with the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea being the most visited.  They are part of the Society Islands and they are not as far away as many people might think.  The flight from Los Angeles is only 8 hours, and by flying Air Tahiti Nui, the flight becomes part of the fun.  After taking off, the flight attendants, dressed in traditional uniforms, change into flowered shirts and casual clothes.  All your food and drinks are included in the flight and you have your own personal tv set with many options from movies, tv shows, games (which you can also play against others on the plane), or just watch the course of the plane ride while listening to music.  The flight attendants are so accommodating and make sure you keep well hydrated by passing around glasses of water throughout the flight.  On your return, you will take a red eye flight back to Los Angeles.  If you are flying to another destination after Los Angeles, you might want to spend a few days there first.  Same goes for the flight to Tahiti.  If you are flying from the east coast, why not break up your flights by an overnight stay in Los Angeles and then continuing on to paradise, the Islands of French Polynesia.

Coming next ---what to see and do in Tahiti

Please contact me for your trip to Paradise! 
Mary McGrath
732-747-8187

Adding Another Dimension

I have recently become a writer for the examiner.com.  You can read my posts and comment on them by clicking this link.  I hope you enjoy reading my posts - I have been assigned to write romance travel articles.  If you have any thoughts as to articles you would like to read, or if you have any questions you would like answered, just post them here or on the examiner site and I will be happy to answer you.   


  

Cunard Raising Fuel Surcharges - Is this just the beginning?

Cunard announced that they are raising fuel supplements from $3.85 to $6.00 per person, per day.  The supplement will be capped at $200 per person, per voyage. 

This supplement will be applied to each guest, including 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom whether an adult or child. 

The increased supplement will apply to all new bookings made on or after 12/31/10 for sailings departing on or after 4/14/11. 

This is the first cruise line to increase their fuel supplement.  Will this be just the start of having to pay increased fuel supplements for all cruise lines?

Celtic Tours Classic College Football - Notre Dame vs Navy in Dublin 2012

Updated October 18, 2011
Notre Dame and Navy have played each other since 1927.  In 1996 Notre Dame and Navy faced off in Dublin, Ireland. Over 12,000 Notre Dame and Navy fans traveled from the US to be a part of the game.  They will play each other again in 2012 - call 732-747-8187 now to reserve your spot!  Please ask for Mary.

Here are sample itineraries, although we can customize your trip as well - just ask.

New Itinerary 

Portmarnock, Co Dublin, Killarney, Louth  8 Days/ 6 Nights

SAMPLE INCLUSION COSTS

• 6 Nights 1st Class/Superior Hotels(includes 3 nights in Portmarnock, Co Dublin, 2 Nights Killarney and 1 Night Louth)
• 6 Full Irish Breakfasts
• 3 Hotel dinners
• 1 Dinner with Traditional Irish Entertainment
• Game Ticket
• Boxed Lunch at Game
• Deluxe touring motorcoach with Driver/Guide for all transfers and sightseeing
• Service Charges, Flight Bag and Travel Documents
• Services of Celtic Tours Representative in Ireland

ADMISSION TO

Guinness Brewery Storehouse, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Cobh Heritage Center, plus Blarney Woollen Mills

COST

From $2488 LAND PP Sharing

$798 Single Room Supplement

______________________________________________________
Almost Sold Out 
Dublin, Galway   6 Days/ 4 Nights

SAMPLE INCLUSION COSTS

• 4 Nights 1st Class/Superior Hotels(includes 3 Nights Dublin, 1 Night Galway)
• 4 Full Irish Breakfasts
• 1 Hotel dinner
• 1 Dinner with Traditional Irish Entertainment
• Game Ticket
• Boxed Lunch at Game
• Deluxe touring motorcoach with Driver/Guide for all transfers and sightseeing
• Service Charges, Flight Bag and Travel Documents
• Services of Celtic Tours Representative in Ireland

ADMISSION TO

Trinity College and the Book of Kells
 

COST

From $1678 LAND PP Sharing

$269 Single Room Supplement


________________________________________________


Sold Out. Please call for details 
Limerick, Galway, Dublin   8 Days/ 6 Nights

SAMPLE INCLUSION COSTS

• 6 Nights 1st Class/Superior Hotels(includes 1 Night Limerick, 2 Nights Galway and 3 Nights Dublin)
• 6 Full Irish Breakfasts
• 3 Hotel dinners
• 1 Dinner with Traditional Irish Entertainment
• Game Ticket
• Boxed Lunch at Game
• Deluxe touring motorcoach with Driver/Guide for all transfers and sightseeing
• Service Charges, Flight Bag and Travel Documents
• Services of Celtic Tours Representative in Ireland

ADMISSION TO

Guinness Brewery Storehouse, Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey
 

COST

From $2035 LAND PP Sharing

$429 Single Room Supplement



___________________________________________________


PLEASE NOTE:

AIRFARE

Inclusive Air rates will be advised at a later date including scheduled air and charter air where available.
 

OPTIONAL GOLF TOURS

Optional golf tours available with a minimum of 3 golf days

NOTE

Tips to the Driver/Guide is considered personal and is not included. 

Current Irish taxes are included as of July 2010 and are subject to change.


These can also be arranged:
Chauffeur Driven Tours
Golf Tour Packages
Self-Drive Tour Options
We can also arrange for an extended stay in Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy or other European Destinations.

Optional Sightseeing:
Tour the Ring of Kerry
Kiss the Blarney Stone
Exclusive parties for your groups can be arranged at any Irish Venue.
Hop on/Hop off tour of Dublin

Individual Policies
LAND TOUR INDIVIDUAL DEPOSITS
Up To April 04, 2011: $50 Deposit Required to Hold Space
From April 05-September 01, 2011: Additional $100 PP Due
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: Additional $100 PP Due
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: Additional $200 PP Due
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: Additional $200 PP Due
Final Payment due May 24, 2012
*Insurance due at time of deposit. Those already deposited will have up to April 04, 2011 to purchase insurance.
**Air: Once airfares and schedules become available, we will advise you of the airline policy for deposits due, changes, cancellations and ticketing deadlines.

LAND TOUR NAME CHANGE or REPLACEMENT FEES
Up To April 04, 2011: No Charge
From April 05-September 01, 2011: No Charge
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: No Charge
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: $50 Per Change
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: $100 Per Change
From May 24, 2012-June 29, 2012: $200 Per Change
From June 30, 2012 Onward: No Replacement/Change Allowed

LAND TOUR CANCELLATION FEE
Up to April 04, 2011: $50 Per Person
From April 05-September 01, 2011: $100 Per Person Booked
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: $200 Per Person Booked
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: $400 Per Person Booked
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: 70% of Land Tour Cost
From May 24, 2012 Onward: 100% of Land Tour Cost
Group Policies

LAND TOUR GROUP DEPOSITS
Up To April 04, 2011: $250 Deposit Required to Hold Space
From April 05-September 01, 2011: Additional $100 PP Due For All Seats Sold
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: Additional $100 PP Due For All Seats Sold
From November 01, 2011: All sold seats must be advised with names
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: Additional $200 PP Due For All Seats Sold-Release of 90% of unsold seats
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: Additional $200 PP Due For All Seats Sold-Release of 90% of unsold seats
Final Payment due May 24, 2012-Release of all unsold seats
*Insurance due at time of deposit. Those already deposited will have up to April 04, 2011 to purchase insurance.
**Air: Once airfares and schedules become available, we will advise you of the airline policy for deposits due, changes, cancellations and ticketing deadlines.


LAND TOUR NAME CHANGE or REPLACEMENT FEES
Up To April 04, 2011: No Charge
From April 05-September 01, 2011: No Charge
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: No Charge
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: $50 Per Change
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: $100 Per Change
From May 24, 2012-June 29, 2012: $200 Per Change
From June 30, 2012 Onward: No Replacement/Change Allowed

LAND TOUR CANCELLATION FEE
Up to April 04, 2011: $200 Per Group
From April 05-September 01, 2011: $100 Per Person Booked
From September 02, 2011-February 07, 2012: $200 Per Person Booked
From February 08, 2012-March 30, 2012: $400 Per Person Booked
From March 31, 2012-May 23, 2012: 70% of Land Tour Cost
From May 24, 2012 Onward: 100% of Land Tour Cost


Call Mary McGrath at 732-747-8187 for details and reservations

Cycling on the Seas - Norwegian Epic - November 5, 2011

Come Join Us for 

Cycling on the Seas ~ November 5, 2011

on the New Norwegian Epic

Cruise to St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau  

Your cruise vacation includes: Four indoor cycling classes just for our group! ~ $50 onboard credit per cabin ~ Travel Bug Vacation Planners tote bag

Other highlights include: Aqua Park, bowling, bungee jumping, ice skating, rock climbing, rappelling, volleyball Blue Man Group, Second City Comedy, Cirque Dinner Show, Legends in Concert, Murder Mystery Lunch, & the first Ice Bar at Sea!

$50 per person deposit will hold your spot! 

*prices are per person, based on double occupancy; other categories on a space available basis   3^rd & 4^th person rates are also available

For details contact Mary McGrath 732-747-8187 or email mary@thetravelbugonline.com 

Click here to read more about the New Norwegian Epic!

*Fares shown in U.S. dollars. Offers apply to select sailing. Fares are cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy.  Additional categories available as well as 3^rd and 4^th  person pricing.  Government taxes and fees of $121.23 additional per person. Onboard service charges are additional and will be automatically added to your onboard account, and is subject to your discretion. See ncl.com for details. IMPORTANT NOTICE: NCL is suspending the company’s fuel supplement for all voyages at this time. The Company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $65 per barrel. NCL may collect any fuel supplement charge in effect at the time of sailing, even if the cruise fare has been paid in full. Offers are based on availability, capacity controlled, not combinable with other offers, subject to change or cancellation without notice, and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions apply. NCL is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships’ Registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2010 NCL Corporation Ltd. Travel Agency disclaimer: Pricing subject to change and availability

 

TSA New Requirements as of November 1, 2010

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will require a full name (as it appears on the government issued ID they will use when traveling), date of birth and gender for all passengers traveling on or after November 1, 2010 regardless of when the reservation was booked. Failure to provide this information could result in a reservation being refused by the airline.

All reservations traveling or returning on November 1, 2010 and after, must include the following information, regardless of when the reservation was booked, in order to be in compliance with Transportation Security Administration requirements.

• - Full Name -first, middle name or initial*, and last, as it appears on the valid, government-issued photo ID that the passenger will present at the airport)
•- Date of Birth
•- Gender

Airlines may cancel any reservation which does not contain this information at least 72 hours prior to travel.

The spelling of the middle name or initial must exactly match the government issue ID used when traveling. Not entering this information at the time of booking could result in additional fees and delays at the airport.

Please visit http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm for full details from the TSA.

US Dollars in Mexico

The Mexican Government has passed a new anti-money laundering law which went into effect September 14, 2010. With this new law, the use of American Dollars (CASH) to make purchases in Mexico will change. Other payment methods such as credit cards of all types and all issuing banks, Travelers Checks, Mexican pesos and non-American foreign currencies (such as Euros or Canadian Dollars) are NOT affected in any way by this new law.

The most noticeable differences will be: Hotels,Exchange Booths, and local banks will only be able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD CASH per person per month into Mexican Pesos. Previously there was no limit. Businesses (including restaurants and shops) will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 USD CASH per transaction - but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted. Certain businesses may not be able to, or may choose not to accept US Dollars for any purchase at all (this may include shops, etc), however still accepting Mexican Pesos.

If a customer wants to purchase an excursion (for example) that costs $150 US dollars per person, customers will only be able to pay $100 of this amount in USD CASH and the remainder will need to be in another form of payment (credit card, Mexican pesos, etc). Airlines are advising that within Mexico, they will only accept Mexican Pesos and credit cards for any fees (including baggage fees). Vacationers should never carry large amounts of American dollars with them abroad, but instead they should consider either using a credit card or ATM card to withdraw Mexican Pesos.

The New "Queen Elizabeth" Christening Scheduled for October 11

Cunard took delivery of its new ship, the Queen Elizabeth, September 30 during a ceremony at a shipyard in Italy. The ship will hold 2,092 passengers. Queen Elizabeth II will christen the ship in Southampton on October 11. The ship will take her maiden voyage to Lisbon and Seville following the christening.