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
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Friday, January 03, 2014
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
$2295 per person
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| 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
Friday, December 06, 2013
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:
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
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
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
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
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Thursday, August 15, 2013
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
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Touring Asia with a photojournalist
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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.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
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
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
Thursday, June 20, 2013
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
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
Friday, May 10, 2013
Sneak peak at Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Sunday, April 28, 2013
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'.
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
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
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
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Jazz Fest New Orleans 2013
PLAN: 3A
To book your package, please contact Mary at 732-747-8187
or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
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YOUR HOTELS
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or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Monday, January 14, 2013
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
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
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
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
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Sunday, September 09, 2012
Get ready for Universal's Halloween Horror Nights
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Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Monday, June 25, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
How to follow the Tour de France
The Tour de France is an exciting annual cycling event, starting in Belgium and ending Paris. There are about 200 cyclists in the race, and after the prologue, there are 20 stages in the race. The race begins on June 30 and finishes on July 22 (see Tour de France map below).
photo courtesy of About-France.com
While all the stages will be exciting, if you are planning on going to France to view any of the race, the latter stages will allow for longer viewing time. The reason for this is that in the first few stages the riders will be riding more closely, while in the latter stages they will be more spread out and won't pass you by in the blink of an eye. There are 22 teams in the race, with 18 of them being professional teams. Representing the United States are the Garmin-Barracuda Team and the BMC Racing Team.
Many accommodations are already sold out or close to being sold out since most reservations have been made months in advance, so if you have waited until the last minute to plan a trip to the Tour de France, act quickly to secure your accommodations or you may find yourself sleeping on a park bench (believe me, it's been done!). Some adventurous spectators will simply pitch a tent but if you like a nice mattress to sleep on and can't find an available hotel, you might try finding a cottage or Bed and Breakfast with space available.
If you choose to be there for the end of the race, Paris will have more options as far as where to stay.
Some things to keep in mind if you are going to the Tour:
- You want to keep out of the way of the cyclists. Don't be the cause of a crash, keep your personal items out of the roadway, and if you bring your children, don't let them stray into the roadway.
- You might want to rent a car to travel between stages, but keep in mind that some of the mountain passes may be closed to car traffic.
- While waiting for the cyclists to pass by, you will have an idea that they are getting closer when you see the caravan of cars and sponsors' trucks pass through about 45 minutes before the cyclists. They often throw out candy, small souvenirs, etc but beware if there is a crowd where you are. People can get very aggressive over the littlest of things and you don't want to get hurt in the excitement.
- And finally, if the weather doesn't cooperate or you've had it with the crowds, find a nice little bar with a television and sit back, relax, and watch the Tour on the television.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Shark Cage Diving
Just one of the many things to do while visiting South Africa ~ Shark Cage Diving!
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
Monday, April 16, 2012
Escape to the Cook Islands
If you are looking for a peaceful and laid back atmosphere for your island vacation, why not escape to the Cook Islands? You can reconnect with your loved one and relax in this idyllic setting, while forgetting the rest of the world! It is only a 9-1/2 hour flight from the West Coast. The people are very friendly, the setting romantic and exotic, and the food is world-class.
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