Thursday, August 09, 2007

The Travel Bug Tips and Trips for August

Resort News
SuperClubs' offers 'Passport Included' promotion through October
SuperClubs extended its Passport Included promotion for Caribbean bookings made and paid through Oct. 31 for travel through December.

Under this program, SuperClubs will pay the passport fees (up to $97 per person) for any four-night or longer booking at one of its nine properties in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Curacao or the Dominican Republic.

The total costs of new and renewed passports will be credited towards the all-inclusive vacation package.

Proof that new passports have been applied for or renewed is required.


Passport Readiness

Are you getting ready for a trip abroad? Is your passport about to expire within the next six months or less? In order to receive a visa or enter some countries, your passport must not be expiring in six months or less. If in doubt, check with the embassies of the countries you are about to visit. Remember processing time for USA passports is currently at about a two to four month delay.


Baggage Overweight?
Are you tired of paying overweight fines, because your luggage is overweight? Most airlines have started enforcing weight restrictions on luggage. The overweight fee is generally $25-$50 per piece of luggage, although fees could be as high as $350 for international travel. It may be time for you to purchase a Balanzza, the first digital scale for travelers.

The easy to use Balanzza weighs only 3/4 of a lb., is easy to use, easily fits in your suit case, and can read up to 100 lbs. / 44 Kg. No more overweight fines. Best of all, it only costs $24.95.
If interested, contact me for purchase information.

Hurricane Season
Many hotels and tour operators are offering trip cancellation policies during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through November. Some are listed below:

· The One&Only Ocean Club resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas, is offering a Travel Protection Plan, which provides trip cancellation protection at no additional cost, on bookings made by Aug. 31 for travel between Sept. 2 through Oct. 31, traditionally the peak season for hurricane activity in the Atlantic region.


· The Ritz-Carlton Caribbean properties in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas and San Juan offer a new hurricane contingency arrangement for groups holding bookings through Oct. 30.


· The Westin & Sheraton Grand Bahama Island Our Lucaya will waive all cancellation or no-show fees if Grand Bahama Island is under a hurricane warning and/or watch.

If guests are unable to travel due to closure of the resort or the Grand Bahama International Airport, they will receive a full refund or a one-room category upgrade on a next visit within one calendar year.

And don't forget the benefit of
trip insurance. This is invaluable when it comes to having to cancel your trip due to natural disaster.
Stay Connected while Traveling
Keep in touch with your famliy and friends with phone calling cards. You have a choice of cards and, in most cases, the per minute charge is less than what you would pay using a long distance operator or a cell phone. By the way,most cell phones don't work while overseas unless they are equipped with a GSM card. Always check with your cell phone carrier before you travel.

Riddle of the Month
I am Brittle
No sooner spoken than broken. What is it?
e-mail the answer to
Mary@thetravelbugonline.com . I will let you know if you are correct.

The answer to last month's riddle: The bus driver was walking

I hope you have enjoyed reading this newsletter. The goal of The Travel Bug Vacation Planners is to remove the stress from your vacation planning and allow you to relax, knowing that the details of your trip have been arranged for you.
We also provide concierge service including itinerary planning, show and concert tickets, dinner reservations, sporting events, and private transportation.