Effective Feb 15, 2013, the Mexican government is changing the entry requirements for minors. Minors who are traveling with a person other than their parent or legal guardian or minors traveling with just one parent or legal guardian must have a notarized letter of authorization from both parents or guardians. The letter must also be legalized or have an apostille. (An apostille is an internationally recognized form of authentication and is a special seal applied by an authority to certify a document.) In addition, the letter must be translated into Spanish.

Written consent should be in the form of:

1) a notarized letter of consent signed by the non-traveling parent (dated within one year of travel)
2) a death certificate for the non-traveling parent or
3) proof that the parent traveling has sole custody of the minor(s).
4) Be in both English and Spanish

The parental consent letter should include: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and contact information for the absent parent(s).

Minors have long needed to have this notarized letter of consent, new this year is the requirement that the letter be translated into Spanish.  Be sure to get your paperwork together well in advance as any air carrier can ask for this documentation and deny boarding if you do not have it.   Contact your nearest Embassy if you have questions.

Looking for a country club casual cruise experience? Gourmet dining, medium size ships and unique itineraries? Then look no further than Oceania Cruises! As an Oceania Cruises Specialist, I am happy to answer any questions you have and to match you up with the perfect Oceania Cruise vacation! Contact me for more information.

*Offers expire August 31, 2013, except for the Free Pre-Paid Gratuities offer on 2014 summer voyages, which expires on May 31, 2013. All advertised fares, offers and any applicable shipboard credits, upgrades or special amenities shown are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise indicated, are subject to availability at time of booking, may not be combinable with other offers or loyalty program benefits, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without prior notice or remain in effect after the expiration date.

Only a few more days to take advantage of The Great Winter Sale Event from Boston! See updated sample air inclusive packages below.  Special winter rates are available from several US gateways. Contact me for more info and to your book your next escape.

The Associated Press, October 25, 2012

The Statue of Liberty is set to reopen to the public on Sunday, the U.S. landmark’s 126th anniversary.

The statue has been closed since last October for renovation to its interior, although the public has been allowed to visit its Liberty Island grounds in New York Harbor.

The $30 million renovation that began last year included replacing the stairs to the crown and making them less steep. There are now 393 steps, instead of 354.

For the first time, visitors using wheelchairs will be able to visit one of the observation decks at the top of the pedestal. National Parks Service spokeswoman Mindi Rambo said that is as high as it’s possible to provide wheelchair access while preserving the historic structure.

The statue, a gift from France, was dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886. It was conceived to symbolize the friendship between the two countries and their shared love of liberty.

About 3.5 million people visit the statue every year. Parks Service official said the renovations will allow an additional 26,000 people to visit inside the monument annually.

Every city in Spain has its unique festivals throughout the year. Here are just a few coming up for 2013, courtesy of the Tourist Office of Spain.

FEBRUARY: Carnival Festivities in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands)

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the most “Brazilian” of all the Spanish carnivals. Attendees should be sure to attend the gala to elect the Carnival Queen, one of the carnival’s main events, held on the Wednesday of the first week of festivities. Once the queen has been elected, the parade announcing the start of the Carnival takes place on the Friday: thousands of people and dozens of musical groups fill the streets for hours. Over the three next days, the city gives itself up to music and fun as the different carnival groups perform.

MARCH: Fallas, Valencia

The Fallas are Valencia’s most international festival, taking place over a week and ending on March 19, the day of Saint Joseph. During the week of Fallas, the city fills with gigantic cardboard monuments, called “fallas” that make an an impressive exhibition of art and color which will leave you speechless, specially once you realize that all this work is done with the sole purpose to be set on fire the last day of the festivities, the “nit de la cremá”

APRIL: Sevilla April Fair (Andalusia)

The April Fair is one of the most international and popular of Seville’s fiestas. For a week, more than a thousand “casetas” (tents) installed in the fairground area become the second home of the city’s inhabitants, a place where people gather to eat, drink and dance until the early hours of the morning. The fiesta officially begins at midnight on Monday with the “lighting test”, the illumination of the thousands of multi-colored light bulbs in the fairground and adorning the main gateway, which has a different motif every year. Inside, the casetas host “sevillanas”, the local version of flamenco dancing, and visitors dress up in traditional costumes (pictured).

JULY: San Fermín (the running of the Bulls), Pamplona (Navarra region)

“A spectacle capable of getting you out of bed at half past five in the morning for several days in a row.” These are the words of Ernest Hemingway about “San Fermín” festivities. During this event, the streets of Pamplona are a 24-hour party, where the bull is the star turn. Just before midday on July 6, the Square in front of the Town Hall in Pamplona is home base for nine days of non-stop celebrating through the streets of the city. Every morning, hundreds of people run through the old part of town in front of the bulls until they reach the bullring, where the animals will take part in the afternoon bullfight.

Miami, September 21, 2012

Dear Travel Agent,

Please be advised of an important change to the Reciprocity Fee’s policy for American, Canadian and Australian passport holders visiting Argentina.

Starting on September 1st , 2012, any passenger visiting Argentina with an American, Canadian or Australian passport will be required to pay in advance the Reciprocity Fee via online.

The new system will work parallel to the regular collection service performed at Ezeiza Airport until December 28th, 2012 and at Jorge Newbery Airport until October 31st, 2012. After the dates previously mentioned, the only method of collection would be online.

American, Canadian and Australian passport holders visiting Argentina will be required to pay the reciprocity fee online at the following site: https://virtual.provinciapagos.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/. They must register and pay with a credit card. Once the payment is received, an electronic receipt will be given and passenger would need to show it upon their arrival in Argentina.

The lack of such proof of payment will generate the denial of entry of the passenger and consequent returning to their departure city by the airline. We strongly urge passengers to take the necessary precautions so that those passengers who travel to the mentioned airports with a scheduled arrival starting on November 1st, 2012 (Jorge Newbery) and December 29th, 2012 (Ezeiza) have the electronic receipt with them.

Gradually, over the course of this year, control devices such as biometrics machines will be installed in all of the airports which operate international flights.

Regards,

LATAM Airlines Group

You can start preparing for an Italian epicurean adventure with this exclusive “Italian Touch” recipe from Uniworld’s Culinary Director, Bernhard Zorn, who has earned the prestigious title of Global Master Chef from the World Association of Chefs Societies after over 30 years of culinary experience.

Preparation:

Lightly crush the garlic cloves and heat with both oils in a large nonreactive sauté pan over medium heat until the garlic starts to sizzle. Adjust the heat so the garlic continues to cook evenly in the oil, releasing its own essential oils, and softens but does not brown for about 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and carefully blend with the oil. Season with salt.

Continue to cook slowly, stirring from time to time, until the squash is completely softened and starts to break apart but does not brown for about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest in the oil for 2 hours. Pour into a fine-mesh strainer, reserving the zucchini and oil separately. Keep the same pan, without cleaning, to cook the clams.

Heat the zucchini oil in the pan over medium heat until it starts to sizzle. Add the clams, cover the pan, and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook the clams, gently shaking the pan from time to time, until they start to open for 5 to 6 minutes. Cooking time will vary, depending on the size of the clams and the thickness of the shells. Add the reserved zucchini, hot pepper flakes, and parsley. Gently stir with the clams. Set aside.

Boil the linguine in an abundant amount of salted water until done to taste. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the linguine, adding a little of the pasta water so that the zucchini and pan liquid coat the pasta like a sauce.

Transfer to a warm serving platter or individual pasta bowls. Start with the pasta, then top with the clams and zucchini. Serve immediately—with extra hot pepper flakes on the side.

Now, imagine eating delicious meals like this one 3 times a day on your luxurious river cruise adventure! Book your 2013 Uniworld Boutique River Cruise (ranked one of the ”World’s Best Cruise Lines” by readers ofCondé Nast Traveler ) with me today for exclusive savings & perks!

Winter charters from Boston are now available to Cancun/Riviera Maya and Punta Cana on Virgin America!

Book by August 30 and save $100 instantly! Plus, you can reserve your holiday 2012 or winter 2013 vacation today for as little as  $50 per person!*

Now, you’ll find new non-stop service for 2013 to Cancun / Riviera Maya and Punta Cana for the following departures:

 • CANCUN / RIVIERA MAYA via Virgin America (7,14 Nights) 
• Saturday Departures 12/22/12 – 4/20/13

• PUNTA CANA via Virgin America (7, 14 Nights)
  • Sunday Departures 12/23/12 – 4/21/13

Here are just a few of the benefits of the Virgin America charter carrier that we know you’ll love:
•    Morning departures, evening returns
•    Amazing in-flight amenities
•    One FREE checked bag
•    145 comfortable seats on every flight

PLUS!  Virgin America offers an upgrade to First Class or VIP Express Service which includes:
•    Two FREE checked bags
•    Preferred seating with more leg room
•    Preferred check-in line
•    Preferred boarding
•    Complimentary meals, drinks and entertainment system
•    Preferred luggage handling

*Reduced deposit is per person and dependent on when the trip is booked in relation to your actual travel date.

Have kids in school? Book your February or April vacation now!

Contact me for available options.

The Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay are already on your list. But Paris is filled with wonderful, smaller museums that are not to be missed. They’re not exactly hidden, but they certainly are gems.

Musée Carnavalet

I love this funky, old museum housed in two beautiful, adjoining mansions, but if you don’t start at the beginning (in the basement), you could wander around in a daze. This place is a 3D-version of the story of Paris; like walking through a history book. It takes you step-by-step through the city’s development from prehistory, when it was the villageof Lutèce, through Roman times, the Renaissance, the French Revolution, the Belle Epoque, and on to today. After you’ve traveled through time, relax in the beautiful, courtyard gardens.

Details: Musée Carnavalet (23 rue de Sevignée; tel. 01/44-59-58-58; www.carnavalet.paris.fr; 3rd arrondissement, Metro: Chemin Vert orSaint Paul) Free; closed Mondays.

Musée Jacquemart-André

This sumptuously-decorated, 19th-century mansion is as much a work of art as the masterpieces it houses. Edouard André, from a prominent banking family, and his wife, artist Nélie Jacquemart, had a passion for art. They traveled extensively collecting paintings, sculpture, tapestries, furniture and objects d’art. Their collection includes works by Botticelli, Chardin, Fragonard, Mantegna, Rembrandt, and Van Dyck. There’s even a room devoted entirely to Renaissance paintings. Visiting this museum gives you a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Belle Epoque.

Details: Musée Jacquemart-André (158 Blvd Haussmann; tel. 01/45-62-11-59; www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com; 8th arrondissement, Metro: Miromesnil or Saint Philippe du Roule) Open daily.

Musée Bourdelle

Antoine Bourdelle’s colossal sculptures are on display in his former home, studio and garden, tucked away on a side street in the bustling Montparnassedistrict. Bourdelle studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Parisand in 1893 became an assistant to Rodin. The lovely garden is a great spot to repose after hours of sightseeing; bring a book and a snack.

Details: Musée Bourdelle (18 rue Antoine Bourdelle; tel. 01/49-54-73-73; www.bourdelle.paris.fr; 15th arrondissement, Metro: Montparnasse-Bienvenüe) Closed Mondays.

Musée Zadkine

Near the Jardin de Luxembourg, a little garden and the former atelier of sculpture Ossip Zadkine are hidden away. The Russian artist, who came to Parisin the early 1900s, lived and worked in this tranquil spot from 1928 to 1967. The collection features his abstract sculptures along with paintings, drawings and photos documenting the work.

Details: Musée Zadkine (100 bis, rue d’Assas; tel. 01/43-26-91-90; www.zadkine.paris.fr; 6th arrondissement, Metro: Vavin or Notre Dame des Champs) Closed Mondays.

Le Corbusier Buildings

If you love architecture or just modern design, it’s worth a trip to this cul-de-sac off Rue du Docteur Blanche. There are two houses, built in 1924, by the famous architect Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris): Maison La Roche (tel. 01/42-88-75-72; open to visitors) is a wonderfully-preserved example of Le Corbusier’s work. It was commissioned by Raoul La Roche, who wanted a house with a gallery to display his painting collection. Maison Jeanneret (library visits by appointment only) houses the Foundation.

Visit Le Corbusier’s apartment and studio on the top floors of Immeuble Molitor. He lived here from about 1934 until his death in 1965. This light-filled, vaulted space is still decorated with his personal belongings; a treat for Le Corbusier aficionados.

Details: Fondation Le Corbusier (8-10 Square du Docteur Blanche; tel. 01/42-88-41-53; www.fondationlecorbusier.fr; 16th arrondissement, Metro: Jasmin or Michel-Ange-Auteuil) Closed Sundays & Monday mornings. Appartement de Le Corbusier (24 rue Nungesser et Coli; tel. 01/42-88-75-72; 16th arrondissement, Metro: Michel-Ange-Molitor or Porte d’Auteuil) Open Saturdays only, one metro stop or a 20min. walk from the Foundation.

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The best way to experience Paris is to stay in a boutique hotel or rent an apartment if staying a week or more.  Contact me for ideas and complete travel planning assistance.

Located in the Guanxi Province of China, Club Med Guilin will be welcoming its first guests in Spring 2013. This 4-Trident resort caters to families and is set among one of China’s most breathtaking natural areas.

Set to open December 2012, Club Med Pragelato Via Lattea lies in the Piemont Region of Italy. This charming resort is comprised of clusters of chalets that line the Olympic slopes of Sestrieres, making for a one-of-a-kind ski vacation.

Explore the Turkish Riviera at Club Med Belek, scheduled to open in 2013. Located on an award-winning golf course and a mile long beach, this new 4-Trident village is a paradise of well)being and sports on the Mediterranean.

Discover & experience Club Med with The Club Med WOW Sale, going on now. 7-night all-inclusive getaways to over 60 resorts worldwide are up to 50% off when you book  by August 27th.

Contact me for more info!