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

Visit Africa

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

Get ready for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights

It’s Never Too Soon to Start Panicking! Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando® Resort Universal's Halloween Horror Nights events have a more than a 20-year history of creating incredibly entertaining, horrifying Halloween experiences that are consistently rated the nation's best.  On select nights in September and October, Universal Studios Florida® theme park is transformed into a nightmarish labyrinth of terrifying haunted houses, outrageous live shows, and electrifying scare zones while an army of mutants, monsters and maniacs roam the darkened studio streets. And this year, Universal Orlando Resort is joining forces with AMC's "The Walking Dead" for their Halloween Horror Nights events. Visitors to the theme park will be able to experience the horror of AMC's blockbuster original series, "The Walking Dead," in elaborately themed, haunted mazes.  © 2012 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.

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

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

This little baby elephant thought he was hot stuff and tried to charge us until he tripped over his own feet!


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

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:

1. 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.  
2. 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.  
3. 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.
4. 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

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

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.

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.  

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

A limited number of spaces have become available for the football game between Notre Dame vs Navy game in Dublin this September.  If interested, please contact me asap before they're gone!

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

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

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

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