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
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
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
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Lion World's Royal Treatment in South Africa
The Royal Treatment
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch D = Dinner
INCLUDES:
EXCLUDES:
|
|
* Prices are in US Dollars and are per person based on double occupancy accommodations and include fuel surcharges. Government taxes, departure fees and September 11th Security Fee of $190 are additional and payable prior to departure.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
MSNBC Travel Tips: & ways to keep your stuff safe when you fly
7 ways to keep your stuff safe when you fly
You don't have to be paranoid and suspicious every moment of your trip; start out by trusting everyone, but don't make it easy for anyone. Read on...
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
You don't have to be paranoid and suspicious every moment of your trip; start out by trusting everyone, but don't make it easy for anyone. Read on...
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Friday, April 08, 2011
Cape Town Hotels and Tours
 |
| View of Table Mountain |
 |
| Table Bay Hotel |
 |
| Bread & Wine Restaurant |
 |
| Penguins at Boulders Beach
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
|
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Why Tahiti?
Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport is under 8 hours by air from LAX airport
Daily nonstop flights from LAX airport
On the same side of the International Date Line as North America
In the same time zone as Hawaii – now only three hours behind California!
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Paris With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay & Family Travel Tips!
Interesting article about traveling to Paris with kids: Paris With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay & Family Travel Tips!
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, March 23, 2011
Cape Town, South Africa
Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa
After flying from JFK to Johannesburg, then on to Cape Town, I am here at 15 on Orange, the hotel I will be staying at for the next four nights. Even though the flight from JFK is long, South African Airways has comfortable seating with a lot of leg room in coach so you aren't too cramped. We were served a hot lunch, sandwich platter for dinner, and a hot breakfast. Soft drinks, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are included. The airline also provides an eye mask, socks, and a toothbrush with toothpaste.
15 on Orange is part of African Pride Hotels, and is located right in the heart of Cape Town. On a clear day there is a magnificent view of Table Mountain from the hotel. You are greeted by the hotel staff upon entering, and after checking in, a staff member personally escorts you to your room. The decor is modern and the Deluxe Suite is very large and comfortable with two flat screen TVs, a soaking tub, rain shower, king bed, sofa, DVD selection, and Ipod docking and charging station.
After flying from JFK to Johannesburg, then on to Cape Town, I am here at 15 on Orange, the hotel I will be staying at for the next four nights. Even though the flight from JFK is long, South African Airways has comfortable seating with a lot of leg room in coach so you aren't too cramped. We were served a hot lunch, sandwich platter for dinner, and a hot breakfast. Soft drinks, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are included. The airline also provides an eye mask, socks, and a toothbrush with toothpaste.
15 on Orange is part of African Pride Hotels, and is located right in the heart of Cape Town. On a clear day there is a magnificent view of Table Mountain from the hotel. You are greeted by the hotel staff upon entering, and after checking in, a staff member personally escorts you to your room. The decor is modern and the Deluxe Suite is very large and comfortable with two flat screen TVs, a soaking tub, rain shower, king bed, sofa, DVD selection, and Ipod docking and charging station.
 |
| Deluxe suite at 15 on Orange Hotel |
 |
| Deluxe suite - living area |
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Monday, March 14, 2011
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Temporarily Closed
As a result of high storm surge from the earthquake-generated tsunami, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai sustained some debris-related damage in certain areas. As a result, the resort has temporarily closed and relocated in-house guests while while they begin clean-up efforts to restore the Resort to its pristine condition.
Ensuring the safety and comfort of its guests is their foremost concern, and in order to do so it was determined best to close while these efforts take place. The Four Seasons Hualalai plans to reopen the Resort on March 21, 2011. Overall, the Resort sustained minimal damage caused by water and sand from the storm surge, primarily to landscaped areas and the beach. All guests with reservations prior to this date are being contacted and given help in making alternate arrangements.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Ensuring the safety and comfort of its guests is their foremost concern, and in order to do so it was determined best to close while these efforts take place. The Four Seasons Hualalai plans to reopen the Resort on March 21, 2011. Overall, the Resort sustained minimal damage caused by water and sand from the storm surge, primarily to landscaped areas and the beach. All guests with reservations prior to this date are being contacted and given help in making alternate arrangements.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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
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
Saturday, February 12, 2011
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
Friday, February 11, 2011
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
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
Friday, February 04, 2011
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
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 for your cruise planning
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Dinner at Bloody Mary's - Not to be Missed on the Island of Bora Bora
 |
©Mary McGrath |
 |
| ©Mary McGrath |
Bloody Mary's is not the most elegant dining on the island but it is the most fun!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)