Check your Passport–it must be valid for 6 months from your date of travel!

Passport Validity Rule:  What Is the Passport 6 Month Validity Rule? There are a variety of different countries that you’ll have the opportunity to travel to that will require a passport that has an expiration date that is no less than six months from the date a person has decided to travel. For instance, before even leaving the gate, when traveling to another country, your passport will be checked to make sure that your expiration date is at least six months later than your current date of travel. If your expiration date falls anywhere within six months, you can be refused boarding. This will be an unexpected inconvenience for many individuals that have performed a great deal of planning, but neglected this one important area.

Which Countries Will Enforce This Rule? Now, before moving forward with the different countries that enforce this rule, it’ll be important to understand how this rule is actually enforced. Some countries will enforce the passport 6 month validity rule from the date you enter the country, while other countries will enforce the rule from the date of departure. Countries like Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, and Israel will utilize this rule from the date a person enters the country. Countries like Ecuador, Paraguay, Romania, and some countries in Africa will use the six-month rule from the date of departure. So, if the country you’re traveling to is not on this list, it’ll be important for you to check with that country and find out what their rules and regulations are when it comes to the passport 6 month validity rule.

How to Make Sure you’re covered: In order to make sure you’re covered, it’s always important for you to update your passport whenever possible. In addition, before you plan to travel to another country, it’ll be important to check your passport and find out what the expiration date is. If you do not perform this procedure, you could be turned away at the gate before leaving on that important vacation or business trip. Most seasoned travelers will not have this problem because they may have faced this issue a time or two. However, for those that haven’t, it’ll be important for you to make sure that your passport is up to date and has an expiration date that extends further than the date you plan to leave the country.

IMPORTANT:  This information is for your assistance only. Please check with your local consulate for exact requirements for your specific travel plans.

Christy@barediver.com

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Viceroy Anguilla Resort is Perfect for your next Luxury Vacation AND get your 5th Night FREE!

Viceroy Anguilla Resort & Residences represents the pinnacle of opulent resort living on Anguilla. Situated on 35 verdant acres, with over 3,200 feet of beachfront along both Barnes Bay and Meads Bay, this exclusive haven is home to brilliantly designed accommodations, an 8,000 square-foot ocean front spa, a bluff-top Sunset Lounge and a variety of restaurants ensuring guests a delightful culinary journey. With unparalleled personalized service and panoramic views, it is time to plan this Ultimate Caribbean Escape!

Exclusive! 5th Night Free + $250 Resort Credit

Luxury Vacation Includes:    

• Exclusive! Complimentary night + $250 Resort Credit (Value of up to $1,245)
• Complimentary use of non-motorized watersports 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi 
• Island Destinations complimentary post departure insurance
• Hotel Accommodations
• Concierge Travel Services
• Travel Documents
• Island Information

Price: 

• 5 nights in a Viceroy King Resort View from $1,580
• 5 nights in a Two Bedroom Residence Ocean View from $3,980

Specifics:

• Valid for new bookings and  travel by 12/5/12

• Rates are based on double occupancy per room and subject to availability. Rates are based on travel now - 10/31/12. ID Exclusive is valid on 5-night minimum bookings in all categories, except One, Two and Three Bedroom Ocean Front Villas. Resort credit is valid per room or villa, per stay and cannot be applied towards room rates or retail purchases. Subject to tax and service charges plus $1 Government levy per adult, per night.

Book your trip with us today! Christy@barediver.com  or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

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Couples Resorts offer you a Secret Rendezvous with savings up to 56%!

Book your secret rendezvous with Couples Resort and get up to 56% off by letting Couples Resorts pick the resorts that is just right for you!  Couples Resort will keep your final location a  'SECRET' until 7 days prior to your arrival so you can be pleasantly surprised.   Each resort offers exceptional settings and inclusions. You'll never be disappointed as all Couples Resorts are fabulous and geared toward romance and relaxation.

Secret Rendezvous details:

• 3 night minimum stay.
• Rates are per couple / per night.
• Participating resorts: Couples Tower Isle, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away.
• Complimentary wedding not available for Secret Rendezvous.
• Not available for Group Travel.

SECRET RENDEZVOUS PRICES:

August 1 – August 31, 2012
Published rate is $679 – you save 54% and pay only $313!

September 1 – September 30, 2012
Published rate is $658 – you save 56% and pay only $288!

BEST DEAL GUARANTEE

After you have made your booking, if Couples Resorts offers a better deal during your confirmed travel dates, we will authorize the better deal, without penalty. Request the change with your travel agent. Please note that changes must be made 46 days or more prior to your arrival. Changes made within 45 days will be subject to standard cancellation penalties. Best Deal is defined as the total value of nightly hotel only rate, plus added value offers.

These rates are for information only, promotional rates can change at any time without notice and in case of discrepancy Couples Resorts reservation center will take precedence.

Contact me today for your free personalized quote! christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

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Get up to $510 in Airfare Credit for your Breezes Resorts & Spa Getaways!

Book your Fall getaway to a Breezes Resort & Spa and receive an instant credit of up to $510. Our Airfare Credit promotion is available at Breezes Grand Resort & Spa in Jamaica and Breezes Resort & Spa in The Bahamas.
Take advantage of this great offer now! Valid on stays September 1 - December 21, 2012.
THIS SALE ENDS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 AT 11:59PM (ET)

At the Super-Inclusive® Breezes Resorts & Spas virtually everything you can eat, drink & do is included in one simple, upfront price with no tipping allowed. So leave your wallet behind and bring a healthy appetite for great food and endless fun. All on some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. At Breezes, you'll find an abundance of land and water sports. Everything from sailing, windsurfing and snorkeling to tennis and rock-climbing and some of the best Scuba diving in Jamaica - all with professional instruction.

• Tropically elegant accommodations
• Unlimited dining in up to 7 different restaurants
• Unlimited premium brand drinks & cocktails
• Scuba Diving*
• Endless list of other Land & Water Sports with Professional Instruction
• Daily activities
• Nightly entertainment
• Fully equipped fitness center & classes
• NO TIPPING ALLOWED
• So much more..

*Amenities, activities and inclusions vary by resort and some may be available at an additional charge.

Contact me today for a free personalized quote to Breezes Resorts!  Some Breezes Resorts are family friendly and others are adult-only. Which is best for you?

christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

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Come to Captain Don’s Habitat on Monday nights and meet Captain Don himself!

Monday nights at Captain Don’s Habitat in Bonaire is their weekly “Meet the Captain” party.  You can actually meet Captain Don himself, buy his books, and enjoy the festivities at both the bar and in the restaurant at Rum Runners.

Captain Don signed his book AND my boat flag for me!

Jason is always quick with a smile and a refreshing cold drink at the bar.

Moogie is guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your hips swaying!

Meet the fabulous Captain Don’s staff.

Mingle with fellow divers and Bon Photo staff as well!  Even if you are not staying at Captain Don’s Habitat, you should come by on Monday nights to enjoy the ambiance of this weekly party!  See you there!

For flight information or to book your trip to Bonaire, contact us at christy@barediver.com.

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Roatan - the definition of a “Tropical Island” vacation!

Roatan is one of the three main islands that compose the Bay Islands: Guanaja, Utila, and Roatan. The islands are located 30 miles off the Northern coast of Honduras (840 miles from Miami) and are situated on the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Just minutes from your resort, you find beautiful coral gardens, brightly colored sponges, caves, and wrecks; not to mention the many species of fish that thrive here! 

 

Roatan is 30 miles long and 4 miles wide. It is covered with tropical vegetation and the white sand beaches are bordered by countless coconut trees. The water off the coast of Roatan is crystal clear, so you won't have any difficulty enjoying the underwater splendor of this area.

Virtually idyllic weather prevails year-round. Temperatures hover between 77F and 84F with gentle trade winds from the southeast. Water temperatures vary between 78F and 82F. October to December are the wettest months, but rainfall is generally periodic and of short duration.

If this sounds tempting, contact us for package prices (airline tickets and land) or resort only prices to Roatan. I look forward to sending you to the fabulous island of Roatan, Honduras!

christy@barediver.com

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Captain Don’s Habitat is only a giant stride away from great scuba diving!

One of the very best part of staying at Captain Don’s Habitat in Bonaire is their “Freedom of Diving” philosophy.  With unlimited air (both regular and Nitrox) and the coral reef 20 feet from the foot of the pier all you need to do is gear up and take one giant stride and you are amongst the beautiful coral reef and abundance of sea life.

There are now direct flights on multiple airlines to Bonaire!  Contact me today for your free personalized quote to Captain Don’s Habitat and enjoy true “Freedom of Diving” in Bonaire!  christy@barediver.com

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There’s more to do in Bonaire than scuba diving!

If you read my blog you already know how much I love the island of Bonaire. I call it my ‘home away from home’ and am always thrilled when I can get back on the island for a visit. When people think of Bonaire they often think of scuba diving – and the scuba diving is amazing but there is so much more to do in Bonaire than just the diving!

Bonaire has a very interesting history of pirates, slavery, and salt harvesting.  While some of the history is not ‘happy’ (slaves and pirating) it does lend itself to great stories and historic sites. 

Bonaire is on of the islands I would recommend you rent a car and tour on your own. There are only a few roads so it is not likely you will get lost while sight seeing.  There are two main sections of slave huts still standing today – the White Slave huts and the Red Slave huts.  Travel to either or both of these historic monuments, read up on the sad stories of the slaves that had to live in these small structures and realize how much the world has changed and how very lucky we are all.

Bonaire continues to harvest an amazing amount of salt and these pink salt flats that often sparkle in the sunlight will entice you to stop and take photos – I guarantee it!  

The second largest sport on the island of Bonaire is windsurfing.  Lac Bay is home to international windsurfing contests, but you do not have to be an Olympian to try your skill at windsurfing – you can get an lesson from the staff (some of which are Olympians themselves!) and enjoy yourself on your windsurfing board or at the adjacent sandy beach.  All of my children have learned to do this while on Bonaire at the age of 10 – so I know you can do it too!

Kite boarding is also abundant on Bonaire. The constant ocean breeze and limited rain makes Bonaire the perfect place for kite boarding.

Washington Slagbaai National Park in Bonaire is the perfect location for bird watching or finding secluded sandy beaches.  Remember to heck in with the front gate early because the trip around the park takes about 2 – 3 hours and they will not let you start in the late afternoon (because there are not any street lights).

It’s time for me to log off, but I encourage everyone from snorkelers to divers, kite boarders to windsurfers, and even those that just want to enjoy the slow paced life of a small tropical island to come visit Bonaire. There is much more to do here than I listed (kayaking in the mangroves, Butterfly Farm, Cactus distillery, etc.) and definitely much more to do than scuba diving!

Contact me today for your free personalized quote.  Bonaire offers you great villas, resorts, and condo-style accommodations to choose from for your stay.  I can bundle your hotel and flights or just help you find the perfect lodging!  I look forward to hearing from you!  christy@barediver.com

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Harbour Village in Bonaire offers luxury for divers and non-divers alike

Are you thinking about visiting the Caribbean island of Bonaire?  If so, Harbour Village is your best option.  Harbour Village is a luxury resort with large suites, a beautiful beach, beachfront tiki bar, large swimming pool, kids club and walk-in diving ability.  Harbour Village goes above and beyond with their customer service which has earned them great customer service ratings.

Harbour Village is the perfect resort for couples or groups that have some non-divers within their group.  Most resorts on Bonaire cater to the divers, which often means the accommodations are nice but not luxurious.  Most resorts do not have a beach, nice size swimming pool or tiki bar but Harbour Village offers all of this to keep your non-divers busy and happy while the divers enjoy the amazing, protected marine life that surrounds this island.

Harbour Village is currently offering the following specials: Book 14 nights in a Beachfront 1 bedroom Suite pay only 12 nights  (14 = 12). When booking 8 nights in a Beachfront 1 bedroom Suite pay only 7 nights (8 = 7). The 2nd Diver sharing the suite in the Dive into Luxury package, pays the non-diver rate. These specials only apply during the 2012 summer season and cannot be combined with any other offer or with each other.

Contact me today for your discounted quote for Harbour Village. This is my favorite location on Bonaire and I would love to share my experience with you!  I look forward to hearing from you – we offer hotel-only packages as well as hotel & flight packages.  Contact us today at:  christy@barediver.com

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Beaches Resorts offering “Live it up and DIVE” program

Beaches Resorts is pleased to announce the 2012 Live It Up ‘N Dive Program, which offers guests exclusive discounts on dive courses, free equipment demonstrations, deep sea treasure hunts and more. Live It Up ‘N Dive is offered at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa and Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, and allows experienced scuba divers and amateurs alike to vacation in paradise with their friends and family all while enjoying unlimited diving*!

With this exciting program, guests can enjoy exclusive dive incentives as an added value when traveling this fall. Guests who book a minimum three-night stay now through October 25, 2012, will receive a 20 percent discount off all dive courses, a 20 percent discount off Nitrox at Beaches Turks & Caicos only, a 50 percent discount off resort certification courses for non-certified divers, a free PADI Boat Dive Specialty course, and a free SCUBAPRO equipment demonstration. Travel is valid for September 4, 2012 through October 31, 2012.

In addition to exclusive discounts and demonstrations, the Live It Up ‘N Dive programming features an array of events and activities. Guests are invited to kick off their “divecation” at a welcome cocktail party, attend a special beach bonfire party, and participate in a weekly dive treasure hunt, where guests can dive deep for treasures hidden by expert dive masters.

To book a Beaches Resorts’ Live It Up ‘N Dive Program , please contact us today at christy@barediver.com. We offer payment plans for hotel-only package as well as hotel & airline packages.

*Unlimited diving available for certified divers; Dive Courses and Night dives available at an additional cost. PADI Boat Dive Specialty Course available at no additional cost during Live it Up and Dive dates ONLY (9/4/2012 – 10/31/2012). Based on space availability and weather permitting. Live it Up N’ Dive activities and courses are subject to availability and schedule changes. No diving within 24 hours of arrival and flight departure. Dive courses with special discounts cannot be booked pre-travel or online; may only be booked on-site at the dive shops, discount applied at resort once courses are purchased.

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Belize is the perfect spot for your Destination Wedding!

Want to go somewhere unique and special for your Destination Wedding?  We recommend the Victoria House on Ambergris Caye off the coast of Belize!  The Victoria House offers the perfect romantic location for your wedding.

Whether an intimate family affair or a gathering of friends from around the world, they will make your special day a day to remember!  Chose from a variety of wedding packages.

The Victoria House is also perfect for honeymoons, renewal of vows, or a quiet and romantic getaway!  To get to the Victoria House you will need to catch a flight  into Belize City and then take a smaller airplane to the coast.  We can help you with all of the logistics of this trip so contact us today at christy@caribbeanjourney.com or christy@barediver.com.  We look forward to making your dreams come true!

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Sugar Ridge in Antigua offers chic luxury to their guests

Sugar Ridge is located on the lush, tropical island of Antigua.  Antigua is a mountainous island with beautiful fauna and crystal blue waters – exactly what every Caribbean traveler is looking for when touring the islands.  Sugar Ridge is not your standard resort as it is built on the side of a mountain offering it’s guests the very best view from their rooms as well as their mountain top restaurant.

 

Sugar Ridge’s rooms are fully inclusive of coffee pots, hair dryers, robes, slippers, in-room safes and all of those other amenities a discerning travel desires. 

Many rooms at Sugar Ridge offer you your own private plunge pool on your balcony but the resorts’ pool is not to be missed as the view from this pool is astounding with the lush mountain set beside it.

I just checked the cost of flights to Antigua and they are quite reasonable – contact me today for your free quote for a bundle package (air and hotel) or just your hotel stay. I am happy to share my personal photos with you of my stay at this amazing resort.

 

I look forward to hearing from you:  christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com

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Sandals Resorts is having a Memorial Day Sale–up to 65% off AND up to $555 Air Credit!

Book your Sandals Resort vacation by May 29, 2012 and you can save up to 65% off their regular resort prices AND receive up to $555 in credit for your airfare.  There are Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Antigua – each wonderful and unique.  The air credit is a great opportunity to save on costly flights to any of these Caribbean destinations.  Contact me today to get your free personalized Sandals quote! christy@barediver.com or christy@caribbeanjourney.com.

A chair is waiting for you.

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FREE Nights at select Breezes Resort–now through December 2012

Escape to the playful side of paradise now through December 21st and enjoy FREE nights during your stay. Every 2nd, 3rd or 4th nights absolutely free at select Breezes Resorts & Spas, but you must reserve your stay by July 4, 2012.

Nothing beats a Super-Inclusive getaway on some of the Caribbean's best beaches, and with this incredible free night offer, now is the time to book. Contact me today for your free personalized quote christy@barediver.com.  Flight & hotel packages are available or you can reserve your hotel only and use your points/miles for your airfare.

Choose from these  Breezes locations:

Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas

Breezes Grand Resort & Spa Negril, Jamaica

Jewel Runaway Bay in Jamaica

Breezes Resort, Spa & Casino Curacao

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Get your 5th night FREE at Galley Bay in Antigua plus additional great savings!

Reserve your trip to Antigua’s exotic Galley Bay by June 10, 2012 and you can get your 5th night for free! Galley Bay is an absolutely fabulous adult-only, all-inclusive resort that offers you a variety of unique room categories, multiple eateries to chose from, along with that ‘beach elegance’ couples are looking for when going on a romantic vacation for two.  With it’s own private bay you have the luxury of privacy and glamour all within a short flight ride from the US.

Galley Bay has been family-run for as long as I can remember which gives it that ‘bread and breakfast’ feeling with the perks of a larger resort (free water sports, tennis, multiple eateries, library, fitness center, etc.).

Chose an elegant room with an ocean view (top photo) or a Gauguin cottage (above photo) with your own private plunge pool and garden area.

Contact me today for your free personalized quote.  Christy@caribbeanjourney.com or chirsty@barediver.com.

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El Dorado Casitas is now 40% off and ALWAYS includes Gourmet Dining

El Dorado Casitas Royal offers you the option of private beachfront casita suites, infinity pools, swim up rooms, private Jacuzzi's, private plunge pools, and always at El Dorados Resorts, gourmet food!  This beautiful resort has 7 award wining restaurants, 4 gourmet corners, and 24 hour room service. They have their own organic garden and cooking classes for their guests.  Daily activities and nightly entertainment are available or you can chose to sit on your private balcony or relax in the ocean.  This resort is adult-only and all-inclusive and has my personal stamp of approval.

Book your trip by today to get 40% of their regular prices, but hurry, this is a limited time offer! 

Contact me today for your personalized quote:  christy@barediver.com

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