May 25, 2009

Hi Everyone,

June 1 marks the date for the new travel rules for those of you planning to travel out of the country. I've copied this info right from the government website. Although there are a few circumstances when you don't need a passport, the very best documentation is a passport.

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirements.

Just a note: Did you know that some countries will not honor a passport that is due to expire within 6 months of your travel date?

Tours
Globus, a leader in tours, has started a Family Travel program. They have two very interesting programs in the United States. The first is an 8 day family adventure that includes the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Zion National Park and more. It includes a Navajo Cookout, a float trip on the Colorado River and horseback riding in Bryce Canyon
The second is also an 8 day trip that includes Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Cody, and Mt. Rushmore. It includes a float trip on the Snake River, a guided tour of Yellowstone, and reserved seats at the Cody Rodeo. Book now and save $100 per person. (v.c)
Disney also has a family tour program. As with all things Disney, it is topnotch. They have programs here in the United States and in Europe.

All Inclusives

Excellence Riviera Cancun, Mexico: 3 night, all-inclusive for $519 per person
Excellence Playa Mujeres on the Riviera Maya: 3 nights, all-inclusive for $525
Book by 6/18
Superclubs: Super Summer Stimulus Sale: up to 55% off. Book by 6/3/09
Secrets: Get one free night for every night booked at Secrets Silvesands Riviera Cancun plus enjoy $200 in resort coupons. Book by 6/15

Cruise Lines
Princess is promoting their Fall Caribbean Cruises. Cruise on a 7 nt. sailing for as little as $499
Royal Caribbean: 5 night Caribbean Cruise in June from $329; 7 night Alaska Sawyer Glacier from $449 in July
Carnival: 7 nt. cruises as low as $459 for the Fall.



Royal Caribbean
This week we take a look at Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean is a leading, innovative cruise line. Guests can experience a variety of onboard activities including rock climbing, surfing, and ice skating. Royal Caribbean prides itself on friendly, engaging personal service called Gold Anchor Service. The goal is to deliver the WOW. Royal Caribbean has begun to implement My Time Dining which allows passengers to dine whenever they want instead of just being able to choose early or late seating. Royal Caribbean sails to over 150 destinations all over the world.

Fuller Travel Service, Inc. Group Tours

Branson: September 13-18 Join us for a motorcoach trip to Branson. We'll make a stop in St. Louis and then spend time enjoying the scenery and shows in Branson. Six days, five nights include shows, winery visit, Ride the Ducks tour, Titanic museum, shopping and much more. $960 per person double occupancy. (Don't worry, football fans. This is a Sunday-Friday trip.)

Danube River Cruise October 25-November 2: This ten day cruise begins in Vienna and ends in Nuremberg. Still a few cabins remaining.

Italy April 8-18: Visit Rome, Florence, Milan, Turin, Verona, Venice, Bologna, and Assisi. Land price has just been reduced: $2100 per person, double occupancy.

Canyon Country: September 23, 2010: Visit Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce and Zion National Parks and finish your trip with a visit to Las Vegas. Call for more info.

Have a great week!

Lynn

Weekly Travel Specials

Hi Everyone,
I have finally returned home after several weeks of running around. We just finished two great trips to DC and now it's on to other adventures.

Here are some of the specials I found this week:

All Inclusives
Sandals and Beaches: Enjoy up to 60% savings on select room at select Sandals Resorts. Sandals is a luxury all-inclusive for couples. No children allowed. Beaches is the family brand and they are offering up to 65% off at their resorts. They have just opened a new phase of their Turks and Caicos property and by all accounts, it is really something to see.
Iberostar Punta Cana: 4 nts from $299 per adult. (fv)
SuperClubs: 3 nt. air/hotel package for as little as $429 per person plus buy one tour, get one free. (fjv)
Barcelo: Save up to $200 at Barcelo Hotels and Resorts. Book by 6/13 for travel 5/24-12/18. (CV10408)

Cruises
Disney: Book a verandah stateroom and receive up to $700 in onboard credits. Good for most sailings June 25-August 6. Offer good for categories 3-7 subject to availability.
Crystal Cruises: One day sale (May 28) on Crystal Symphony sailing on a 7 day Northern Europe itinerary. $1000 shipboard credit per cabin. (v.c)
Norwegian Star will provide shipboard accommodations in port during the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Princess: Free double upgrades on select. Fall European cruises. Pay for an inside cabin, get a balcony. Also, up to 2 for 1 on Fall Canada New England select cruises.

Resorts:
Atlantis: Stay 3 nights for the price of 3. Kids stay free. Must book by 5/31 for travel through 7/1/09.
Marriott: Global Rate Break: Take 20% off weekend stays between 5/21/ and 9/7 Book by 6/2.
Seralogo Hotel and Suites Main Gate East: A great family hotel near Disney. 4 nts from $169 per adult. (fv)
Orlando World Center Marriott: Rates from $129 per night through 10/3. Advance booking required.

Fuller Travel Service, Inc. Group Tours

Branson: September 13-18 Join us for a motorcoach trip to Branson. We'll make a stop in St. Louis and then spend time enjoying the scenery and shows in Branson. Six days, five nights include shows, winery visit, Ride the Ducks tour, Titanic museum, shopping and much more. $960 per person double occupancy. (Don't worry, football fans. This is a Sunday-Friday trip.)

Danube River Cruise October 25-November 2: This ten day cruise begins in Vienna and ends in Nuremberg. Still a few cabins remaining.

Italy April 8-18: Visit Rome, Florence, Milan, Turin, Verona, Venice, Bologna, and Assisi. Land price has just been reduced: $2100 per person, double occupancy.

Canyon Country: September 23, 2010: Visit Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce and Zion National Parks and finish your trip with a visit to Las Vegas. Call for more info.

Cruise Line Profiles
This week we take a look at Princess Cruise Line. Princess operates a fleet of 17 ships on nearly 100 different itineraries calling at close to 280 ports around the globe. Princess is known for its Personal Choice Cruising Program , a fleet wide dedication to providing passengers with a wide variety of options which which to customize their vacations. Princess itineraries span the globe with cruises ranging from 7-102 days in length. Princess is one of the leaders in Alaska Cruisetour vacations, and owns five wilderness lodges plus a fleet of Ultra Dome railcars and luxury motorcoaches. Princess pioneered movies under the stars, an activity being added by several different cruise lines. Princess' newest ship, the Ruby Princess was built in 2008 and carries 3,070 passengers. Source-CLIA

Have a great week.

Lynn

Weekly Specials, May 18

Hi Everyone,
I am back in DC this week with middle school students from Sacred Heart in Hudson. We are enjoying all the sights and even saw the President's motorcade this evening. The kids were excited at the Newseum today because they saw Ben Stiller while they were there. I think it made their trip.

The CDC has removed its recommendations that US travelers avoid Mexico. Cruise lines are beginning to schedule Mexico again, and some of the all-inclusives that had closed are planning to reopen. The Mexican tourism industry has been devastated by this crisis and there are numerous specials to encourage people to once again travel to Mexico.

Resorts
Funjet Vacations and Superclubs: Book 5 nights and get 2 free.
Future Vacations: Save $100 instantly on Caribbean getaways of 5 nights or more.
Grand Lido: Every 3rd night free.
Orlando Universal: Stay at least 4 nights and kids 3-9 get free admission plus save up to 30% on hotel rates. When you stay at an on-site hotel at Universal you can skip the regular lines.
Orlando World Center Marriott: Summer rates from $129 per night.

Cruises
Holland America: Book a cruise by 5/29 and receive an onboard coupon value book worth $354. These coupons can be used for spa treatments, merchandise, and some recreation.
Princess: Summer Alaskan Cruises from $399. Holiday 2009 cruises from $799
Carnival: May is Military Month Promo: Save up to 25% on select cruises through 4/30/10 and you may book two additional cabins at the reduced rate.

Next week I'll start profiling each cruise line. Yes, there are some differences between lines!

Las Vegas
MGM Grand: Room rates from $59 and includes $25 free slot play, 25% off spa services, and 2 admissions to Studio 54.
Excalibur and Monte Carlo: Save up to 30% this summer
Luxor: rates from $42 (LDRATE3)

Fuller Travel Group Tours

Call for further information or to deposit:

September 13-18 Branson Motorcoach Trip

October 25-November 3 Danube River Cruise, Vienna to Nuremburg

April 8-18, 2010 Italy

Have a great week!

Lynn

Weekly Specials for May 10

Hi Everyone,
As I write this, I am in Washington DC with St. Gerard's eighth graders. There are almost 100 of us and we are having a good time. The weather has been picture perfect so far and we are seeing everything.

This week there are many, many specials for all inclusives.
Most of the major all inclusives are offering deep discounts for the summer season. This includes name brands such as Sandals, Beaches, Riu. If you are looking for a getaway, consider a quick trip to the Caribbean and enjoy the savings.

The Swine Flu outbreak has been devastating to Mexico's tourism industry. The signs are pointing to a lessening of the cases so as soon as you are comfortable traveling, know that the beaches are not crowded and they will be very happy to see you there.

Cruises
Norwegian: 50% reduced deposits fleetwide beginning today.
Princess: If you can travel at the last minute, they are offering 7 day cruises to Alaska from $299! These itineraries sail from Anchorage to Vancouver.

If you have ever dreamt of crossing the ocean on a legendary ocean liner, this might be the summer. Cunard is offering crossings starting at $799 on the Queen Mary 2.

Airfare: There is a mini air war occuring for flights out of Detroit right now. If you search for flights, make sure you check the "my dates are flexible" for the best pricing.

Fuller Travel Service Group Travel

Branson, September 13-18 This trip includes all bus, hotel, breakfasts as well as dinners, shows and sightseeing while in Branson. Deposit now as space is limited.

Danube River Cruise, October 25-Nov. 2 Sail from Vienna to Nuremburg. Sightseeing and all meals are included on this wonderful trip. We have a few cabins left.

Italy, April 8-18 Rome, Florence, Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Assisi. Deposit Now.

Have a great week!

Lynn

Weekly Specials, Week of May 3, 2009

Hi Everyone,
Ireland was fantastic. The scenery was beautiful, the people friendly, and the food delicious. I've included a few of the pictures we took at the end of this blog.

Much of the talk this week has centered around the Swine Flu. Even though we are starting to debate whether or not this is as serious as first thought, travel companies are rewriting some of their rules. Cruise lines, resorts, and even travel insurance providers have all taken steps to help those with reservations. Most cruise lines that are scheduled to travel to Mexico have changed their routes. Most resorts are allowing people to cancel and rebook without penalty. Many of the tour operators are doing the same.

The U.S. Department of State has issued the following Travel Alert:

"The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens of the health risks of travel to Mexico at this time due to an outbreak of H1N1 "swine flu." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an April 27 notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. CDC's notice also suggests precautions that travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection while in Mexico. CDC provides recommendations for those who must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu, and recommends measures to take following return from an area that has reported cases of swine flu. The complete CDC notice can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/. Please check this site frequently for updates..."


Cruises
Under new CLIA member cruise line health screening procedures, All passengers scheduled to board CLIA member line cruise ships will be required to complete the new public health questionnaire prior to boarding at any port. Under the enhanced screening protocols, CLIA member lines will perform a secondary screening if a passenger reports on the questionnaire flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat, or contact with a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case. Medical personnel at each cruise line will make case by case decisions regarding the boarding of these passengers. Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza-like-illness or meet the suspect case conditions for swine flu as defined by CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/casedef_swineflu.htm). All other passengers will be permitted to travel.

Royal Caribbean: 2 day sale. Book on May 5 or 6 for any sailing after August 1 and receive up to $200 in onboard credit and take 50% off your deposit.
Crystal Cruises: This is a luxury line. Get up to $2000 in onboard credit per couple for most 2009 voyages and all 2010 voyages. They are also offering reduced fares of up to $3000 per couple on most 2009 Europe voyages and all 2010 Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages.
Princess Cruises: 7 day Caribbean and Mexican Riviera from $499.

Las Vegas
Las Vegas has a ton of summer promotions. The following are just a sampling:
Luxor: From $49 per night
Excalibur: From $26 per night. Book by 5/13
MGM Summer Splash: From $79. Includes $35 dining credit, 2 for 1 spa passes, 2 poolside cocktails, $25 slot play (INB258)
New York, New York and Monte Carlo: From $55. Includes 2 for 1 Buffet, 2 for 1 breakfast, 2 for 1 drinks at Brand Steakhouse, 2 for 1 roller coaster tickets, 2 for 1 Lance Burton

Disney
Many tour companies either discourage children or have a minimum age for children. Disney has a wonderful program called Adventures by Disney that allows families to tour together. Disney provides activities for all participants and it is a truly wonderful option. They have just added a new option: The Gateway Collection. This tour to London and Paris includes all the
"Disney Differences" but also allows a bit more free time for families to explore these wonderful cities on their own.

Scenes from Ireland:













Fuller Travel Service, Inc. Group Travel

Sept. 13-18 Branson Motorcoach Trip. 6 days, 5 nts. Call for details: 819-8442.
October 25 Danube River Cruise. Time to deposit.
April 8, 2010 Italian Discovery: Rome, Florence, Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Assisi.
Deposit now.

Have a great week!
Lynn