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Spirit Airlines Takes Fees To An Insane New Level

D'Marie Chambliss — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:56:00 GMT

Spirit Airlines last week tried to put a positive spin on charging a fee for carry-ons by touting lower fares in return. Spirit, known for rock-bottom fares to domestic sun spots and points in the Caribbean and Latin America, is the first carrier in the U.S. to charge for using the overhead bins, rolling out a $30 fee for each overhead item, for flights departing on August 1st and beyond. Bags that fit under the seat will be carried for free.

Spirit claims this will speed up the check-in process but many predict that controlling the carry-on items and collecting the charges will be a mess. Spirit says that passengers can carry on a backpack if it fits under the seat, but what if someone throws their backpack into an overhead bin? Will flight attendants have to go up and down the aisle questioning whose backpack it is and then try to collect a fee from that passenger?

Purchase Best Airfare With Confidence

D'Marie Chambliss — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 06:45:00 GMT

When you purchase an airline ticket at BeachyLife Travel, our exclusive FareSecure™ system monitors your reservation every day until your departure.

If the price drops*, FareSecure™ alerts us and we will reissue your ticket at the new price (less the airline imposed change fees).

You can book with confidence on BeachyLife Travel knowing that you'll be protected even after the sale!

Example:
You've purchased a domestic ticket on American Airlines for $500.00. American Airlines has an airfare sale two weeks later and your price has dropped to $350.

FareSecure™ alerts us so we can reissue your ticket based on the rules of the fare, deduct the airline imposed fee of $100 and refund you the $50 difference in the form of a travel voucher to be used on your next American Airlines flight.
FareSecure Details

•   *The minimum fare decrease to activate FareSecure™ varies by carrier and is generally between $50.00 - $100.00 (USD).
•   FareSecure™ is a free service for BeachyLife Travel clients. All airline tickets purchased on BeachyLife Travel are automatically entered into the FareSecure system.
•   FareSecure checks reservations a minimum of once per day until the day of departure.
•   Most carriers charge a fee for the reissue of your ticket(s). This fee will be deducted from the fare difference.
•   Voucher is valid only on the airline that original ticket was issued on and is valid for 1 year from the date of reissue.

Passport Fees May Be Increasing

D'Marie Chambliss — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:08:00 GMT

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New Fees Proposed by State Department

The State Department has proposed new fees for many of its passport related products and services. The total proposed cost of a new passport will increase from $100 to $135 for adults and from $85 to $105 for minors. Renewals will increase from $75 to $110 for adults and from $60 to $80 for minors. Travelers needing extra visa pages will soon pay $82. Currently this service is free, so if you are a frequent traveler that may be in need of extra visa pages you should submit an application right away.

While no formal implementation date has been given for the changes, the State has indicated that it intends to implement the new fees once it has had time to consider public comments. The public comment period for the proposed fees ends on March 11, 2010.

Department of State's Proposed Fees of its Major Products and Services

Product / Service	Current Fee	Proposed New Fee	Percentage Increase
Adult Passport	$55	$70	27%
Minor Passport	$40	$40	0%
Passport Security Surcharge	$20	$40	100%
First Passport & Passport Card Application Processing	$25	$25	0%
Additional Passport Visa Pages	$0	$82	Undefined
Adult Passport Card Application	$20	$30	50%
Minor Passport Card Application	$10	$15	50%
File Search and Verification of US Citizenship	$60	$150	150%

The proposed rules and complete fee chart can be found at: www.regulations.gov

Los Cabos Resort Pampers Mothers During May

D'Marie Chambliss — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:50:00 GMT

Mom has been pampering you all your life, so now’s your chance to pamper her in return. Let her know how much she means to you with the gift of relaxation at the Marquis Los Cabos Resort. Marquis Los Cabos is a tranquil luxury resort in beautiful Los Cabos, where the glistening Sea of Cortés meets the Pacific Ocean and an enchanting desert on the southern point of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.

During the month of May, the Marquis Los Cabos Resort is pampering mothers with a Mother's Day offer that includes breakfast daily, a manicure, a pedicure and spa treatments.

Mothers start the day at the Vista Ballenas restaurant with an Anti-Aging Breakfast of an "anti-wrinkle" fruit salad; natural yogurt; detoxifying herbal juice; salmon omelet; organic, homemade bread; organic coffee; and herbal tea.

Following a bath infused with citrus oranges, tangerines and essential oils, the antioxidant-rich grapes spa treatment includes an exfoliating body scrub to activate blood circulation. A grape-based wrap with the scent of sandalwood and myrrh finishes off the treatment. Mothers receive a French manicure and pedicure.

The Mother's Day package is free for guests who book a minimum of four nights in a Junior Suite or a Private Pool Casita for stays in May.

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #1

D'Marie Chambliss — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:09:00 GMT

Reason #1:
BeachyLife Travel – lowest price guarantee!

Our travel professionals are dedicated to finding you the best deal out there. Nothing makes a vacation better than having peace of mind that your personal, experienced travel professional is there to ensure your travel plans are accurate, all appropriate documents are in-hand, and that everything goes smoothly as your every need has been handled.

Did you know... that BeachyLife Travel has exclusive rates on many departures that include bonus amenities such as wine, spa treatments, specialty restaurant reservations, photo credits and onboard credit?

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #2

D'Marie Chambliss — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:00:06 GMT

Reason #2:
Best Value

Cruises provide the ultimate in value. With all your onboard meals, accommodations, entertainment, and intercity transportation included in one low price, there is no better value in vacationing!

Did you know... that there are some cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas where even your airfare, gratuities and beverages are included in our price?

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #3

D'Marie Chambliss — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:06:00 GMT

Reason #3:
New Ships

This year is bringing about more new ships that are revolutionizing the cruise industry. Stroll through the first Central Park at sea, have a chilly cocktail in a real ice bar, or watch a movie under the stars.

Did you know... that Royal Caribbean’s new Oasis of the Seas has a zip line that spans the length of the ship, in addition to 24 dining options, and 4 pools?

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #4

D'Marie Chambliss — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:04:00 GMT

Reason #4:
Convenience

There really is no easier way to explore multiple destinations more conveniently. Unpack once and enjoy all the luxuries of these floating hotels, while you travel from destination to destination.

Did you know... that Norwegian Cruise Line has a Garden Villa that has three bedrooms and up to 5000 sq ft of space? Each Villa also features a private garden with hot tub, outdoor dining area and terrace. Perfect for families or friends traveling together!

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #5

D'Marie Chambliss — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:02:00 GMT

Reason #5:
Free Kids Programs

Many ships have FREE children’s programs that are run by professionally trained counselors. Your kids will be having so much fun finger painting, having dance parties, going on scavenger hunts, playing sports and even attending kids only private pool parties.

Did you know... that Carnival Cruise Line has three different children’s programs for kids 2-11, 12-14 and 15-17? There are even some shore excursions that are specially geared for your teens only!

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #6

D'Marie Chambliss — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Reason #6:
Celebration Packages

A cruise is the perfect setting to celebrate any occasion. From weddings to birthdays, the cruise staff will go out of their way to make your special event the best ever.

Did you know... that you can purchase special romance packages, including a champagne breakfast in bed, framed portraits, and even unique Honeymoon and Anniversary themed packages with Princess Cruises?

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #7

D'Marie Chambliss — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:58:00 GMT

Reason #7:
Unique Destinations

Discover River Cruises - a new way to cruise and a new way to explore exciting destinations. Enjoy quaint ships, small enough to pull right into the little towns along the rivers of Europe, Egypt and China. There is no other way to uncover the majestic treasures of another country than with the easy-going comfort and convenience of a river cruise.

Did you know... that with Uniworld River cruises you enjoy a FREE shore excursion in each port?

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #8

D'Marie Chambliss — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:56:00 GMT

Reason #8:
Increased Options

Not interested in schedules? The majority of cruise lines now have a wide variety of restaurants, onboard activities like rock climbing, water slides, and yoga classes, and some of the best Spa's on or off the water.

Did you know... that onboard the luxurious Regent Seven Seas ships, you will find a wide array of rejuvenating spa treatments, tailor made to your unique needs by the world-renowned Canyon Ranch spas?

Sea Kayak Tour Pairs Yoga With Whale Watching

D'Marie Chambliss — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:09:00 GMT

What do Kayaks, Yoga and Whales have in common? They are all part of Sea Kayak Adventures’ unique adventure tour April 11 to 16 in Loreto on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico

Each day begins with a yoga session on the beach, followed by whale-watching and kayaking outings led by naturalist guides. Each evening begins with a yoga session while the guides prepare dinner. No prior kayaking or yoga experience is necessary.

The tour departs from Loreto and includes airport transfer upon arrival; two nights' hotel stay in Loreto; three nights' camping on desert islands in the Sea of Cortes; four days easy kayaking; all meals while camping; daily yoga sessions; all sleeping, camping and kayaking equipment; paddling instruction; naturalist guides; ground transportation; and taxes. The price is $1,095 per person, double.

Mexico Celebrates Carnaval

D'Marie Chambliss — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:26:00 GMT

Throughout the Catholic world Mardi Gras is a big celebration with the purpose of getting all the craziness out of people's systems so they'll be ready for the solemnity of Lent. When you think of Mardi Gras, you usually think of New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro but Mexico’s “Carnaval” celebrations are some of the most exuberant you'll find anywhere.

Carnaval takes place the week before Ash Wednesday. This year it will take place from February 10 to 16, and if you'd like to experience the revelry of Mardi Gras, consider Mexico. Several Mexican destinations have exuberant celebrations featuring parades, concerts and fairs. Travel to Mexico during Carnaval can give you the chance to see how Mexicans party - and join in the fun! - plus you can sample food, see unique performances and listen to music.

Though celebrations vary by destination, the biggest Carnavals usually begin with the “Quema del Mal Humor”, or burning of ill humor. This is usually an effigy of an unpopular political figure and this symbolically represents the commencement of merriment, leaving behind everyday worries and concerns. This kicks off the festivities, including the crowning of the Carnival Queen, and the King - sometimes referred to as the “Rey Feo”, or "Ugly King." There are parades, live entertainment, dances, and carnival games. Festivities end on Mardi Gras, "Fat Tuesday," or “Martes de Carnaval”, when another effigy is burned, this one called "Juan Carnaval," which represents all the wanton revelry associated with Carnaval. This marks the end of the debauchery and return to temperance. On Ash Wednesday folks will go to church to receive ashes and the abstinence of Lent begin.

The biggest Carnaval celebrations take place in Veracruz and Mazatlan, but other celebrations take place throughout the country.

Mazatlan's Carnaval celebrates with costume parades, music, food, fireworks, art exhibits, beauty pageants and more. The event began over 100 years ago and is now one of the world's largest Mardi Gras celebrations, attracting hundreds of thousands of revelers to this beach resort town on Mexico’s northern Pacific coast.

Veracruz, on Mexico's Gulf coast is a bustling tropical port city with a rich history and a strong Afro-Caribbean feel. During Carnaval, the city comes to life with music, parades, dancing, food, and fireworks. This year's celebrations will include performances by big name musical artists such as: Yuri, Alejandro Fernandez, Eddy Santiago and Los Jaguares.

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #9

D'Marie Chambliss — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:53:00 GMT

Reason #9:
Better Entertainment

Gone are the days of shuffleboard and backgammon. Many cruise ships are now offering Las Vegas style entertainment and world-class casinos, onboard lectures, cooking demonstrations, and even wine tastings.

Did you know... that you can see the world-famous Blue Man Group on board the new Norwegian Epic?

Top 10 Reasons To Cruise in 2010 - Reason #10

D'Marie Chambliss — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:44:00 GMT

Reason #10:
Family Reunions

A cruise is the perfect place to get the WHOLE family together and spend some quality time building memories that will last a lifetime.

Did you know... that many cruise lines, like Holland America, offer special family reunion packages? If you can get enough people together, BeachyLifeTravel.com can put together a special package including FREE extras like T-shirts, cocktail parties, beverage cards, and upgrades.

Delta, Continental & United Raise Checked Bag Fees...Again!

D'Marie Chambliss — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 05:15:00 GMT

Continental and United now charge $25 for the first checked bag if itis checked at the airport, matching Delta’s recent price increase. Like Delta, Continental and United also raised the second-bag fee to $35. Those who check bags online save $2 on the first bag and $3 on thesecond. At both airlines, the fee increases apply to domestic flightsand flights between the U.S. and Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S.Virgin Islands.

United's fee increase takes effect Jan. 21 fortickets purchased on or after Jan. 14. Continental's fee increaseapplies to tickets purchased on or after Jan. 9 for travel startingJan. 16.

Elite-level frequent flyers, premium-classpassengers, purchasers of full-fare economy tickets and active U.S.military personnel are exempt from paying checked-bag fees at Unitedand Continental. Also, Continental waives the first-bag fee for holdersof the Continental Airlines Chase credit card.

Where does itend??? The airlines should be encouraging checked luggage to shortenthe check-in and boarding processes and give TSA a break. Instead,these fees encourage everyone to try to carry steamer trunks on. You'retraveling, you have baggage. It is part and parcel of providing travelservice and there should not be a separate charge for carrying yourbags. How about the seat? Yeah! The airlines should next create astanding room area, with straps like the subways, and offer those ofyou who want to sit a seat, for a fee, of course.

Bury Your Blackberry On A Mexican Getaway

D'Marie Chambliss — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 04:44:00 GMT

Love your smart phone but hate it too? The Marquis Los Cabos Resort in Los Cabos is recognizing the stress caused by its guests over-plugged-in lifestyles with a symbolic "BlackBerry Burial Ceremony" in which guests can abandon their mobile devices during their stay.

Guests are welcomed with a drink and cool towel upon arrival and are led to the beach for the ceremony, where they can bury their smart phone in a coffin-shaped case that keeps the grains of sand from infiltrating and damaging the device.

After the ceremony, guests receive a 10-minute hand massage for their weary fingers and then start their disconnected vacation. If the loss is too great for them to bear, guests are welcome to retrieve their devices after the massage. I'm imagining a frantic, sand-flinging scene and then you get your phone back again so you can tell everyone on Facebook or Twitter what you've done.

A note for the cautious! Now, the only thing that seems worse for an electronic device than sand burial is the dreaded toilet dunking, but luckily this ceremony is just a ritual. However, in general, you don’t want sand or other little particles near your delicate electronic equipment and cell phones are pieces of delicate electronic equipment. Any guest participating in this symbolic fun ritual would be smart to first put the phone in a ziplock baggie before putting it in its “coffin.”

Finding the Best Cruise Price

D'Marie Chambliss — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:49:00 GMT

Despite statements made by Expedia and Travelocity about the money they claim to be able to save you, can they really do so?

Check out this Cruise Comparison to see how booking with BeachyLife Travel (an affiliate of Montrose Travel) can save you an average of 13% over Expedia or Travelocity.

Cruise Comparison

Riviera Nayarit to Host Mexico Cup Regatta

D'Marie Chambliss — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:25:00 GMT

The Mexico Cup Regatta, a world class sailing event, is scheduled for Feb. 27 to March 13 in Bandera's Bay, in front of the Riviera Nayarit coast. It is part of Mexico's Bicentennial Independence celebrations and centennial of the Mexican Revolution.

This elite event is sponsored by Mexico's Ministry of Tourism, the Mexican Navy, the State of Nayarit, the Mexico Tourism Board, Fonatur (Mexico's National Trust for the Promotion of Tourism) and the Mexican Sailing Association. The organizers are hoping to position the regatta as one of the most prestigious events in the sailing world, similar to the America's Cup, Copa del Rey and Rolex Cup Racing. It will continue to position Mexico as the best destination for sail and sport fishing, and at the same time promote the country's tourism attractions on a national and international level.

Plans are for the Mexico Cup Regatta to be held on a biannual basis. The 2010 event is scheduled to include five classes of vessels: the Oceanic class, the J-24 class, the Windsurfing, the Kitesurfing and the Optimist.

The Kitesurfing event will take place in Bucerias near the shore enabling spectators easy access to view the event. There will also be beach volleyball and beach football tournaments in the area. For these events, a stadium will be placed on the beach with a capacity for 2,500 spectators