Wednesday, January 31, 2007

PASSPORT NOT REQUIRED TO MEXICO

Canadian citizens do not need a passport if traveling on a direct flight to or from Mexico, but a birth certificate and valid photo ID is required to enter Mexico. Canadian residents (landed immigrants) must travel with a valid passport from their country of origin, a Canadian resident card, round-trip tickets and proof of economic solvency (credit card, traveler’s cheques, etc.).

However, for flights via the U.S., as of January 23, 2007, the United States Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires that all AIR travelers, including Canadians, carry a valid passport or a Nexus Air Card when traveling to the United States from within the Western Hemisphere. This means that Canadians whose flights stop in the United States en route to or from Mexico (and any other country in the Western Hemisphere) must now travel with a valid passport or a Nexus Air Card.

For further information on Canadian passports, please visit Passport Canada at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade: http://www.ppt.gc.ca/

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

FREE MEAL PLAN IN MOOREA!
Book a minimum of 4 nights at the Hotel Intercontinental Moorea (French Polynesia - Tahiti) and receive a FREE meal plan per person!
Book before May 31, 2007
Travel Window: Feb. 1 - May 31/07, Nov. 16 - Dec. 30/07
Valid on all room categories except Lanai room, single of double adult occupancy. Rates cannot be combined with any other offer and is valid on new bookings only.
Please have your travel agent contact Romantic Planet Vacations for more details.
Spectacular SALE to Barbados!
5 STAR HILTON BARBADOS RESORT
SAVE 35%!
Book before February 15, 2007
Travel Window: Feb. 25 - Mar. 30, 2007
Oceanview Room:
Regular: $279 SALE: $158
One Bedroon Suite:
Regular: $370 SALE: $240
Rates are per person, per night, in CAD$, inclusive of services & VAT, based on double occupancy, are valid on new bookings only, prices are subject to change and based on availability.
Please have your travel agent contact Romantic Planet Vacations for more details.
SECRET RENDEZVOUS SPECIAL AT COUPLES RESORTS

You can now enjoy an unforgettable vacation at one of Couples’ award-winning Resorts. The “SECRET” is that you will not know which resort you will stayat until 7 days prior to arrival!Since each of the four resorts offers similar high quality experience and inclusions, you will never be disappointed!

Travel dates:
MARCH 1 – 31, 2007

Couples Ocho Rios
Couples Negril
Couples Sweptaway
Couples Sans Souci
$194 pp

Rates include taxes, are per person, per night, in CAD$ and are based on double occupancy, land only.
Please call for prices on additional room categories and/or air and hotel transfer packages.
Please have your travel agent contact Romantic Planet Vacations for more details.
www.romanticplanet.ca

REAL SAVINGS AT REAL PLAYA DEL CARMEN RESORT!

Book before February 25, 2007

Travel Window: Jan. 20 - Feb. 11/07 standard room: $84
Travel Window: Feb. 12 - Apr. 4/07 standard room: $108
Travel Window: Apr. 5 - Apr. 9/07 standard room: $127

*Rates are all-inclusive, per person, per night, land only, in CAD$.

Monday, January 29, 2007

TripAdvisor Honors Couples Swept Away Resort as “Best in Romance”

Negril, Jamaica – January 2007 – Couples Swept Away has been honored as one of the winners of TripAdvisor’s 2006 Travellers’ Choice Awards for “Best in Romance” throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Unlike many other hotel awards programs, the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners are exclusively selected by the millions of travelers from around the world who provide their unbiased reviews or opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com. As the leading travel community in the world, covering more than 220,000 hotels and attractions, and with more than 20 million unique monthly visitors worldwide, TripAdvisor features real advice from travelers and easy access to major online travel sites.

“Romance is our middle name,” stated Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing Randy Russell, who also happens to be the Chief Romance Officer. “Our goal is to provide a setting that allows people to reconnect with their loved ones. I’m glad that our loyal guests believe we are succeeding in that mission and have voiced their opinions on TripAdvisor to say so.”

With acres of breathtaking white sand beaches, a bounty of tropical gardens and an ambiance drenched in romance and escape, Couples Swept Away redefines the idea of paradise. In an idyllic setting that is as invigorating as it is inviting, guests will uncover the tranquility of an intimate all-inclusive hideaway, making this resort the ultimate setting for a romantic getaway.

Couples Resorts, headquartered in Montego Bay, Jamaica, owns and operates four properties in Jamaica, West Indies - Couples Ocho Rios, the first-ever couples only, all-inclusive resort, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril. Pioneered by the legendary Abe Issa – "father of Jamaican tourism" – each Couples Resort is an unsurpassed model of the all-inclusive concept, boldly designed with local inspiration to create a harmonic sense of nature and authentic Caribbean spirit. For over 29 years, Couples has delighted guests and refined the Caribbean all-inclusive resort experience by providing unparalleled service, exceptional dining experiences and exclusive added value inclusions. For further information, please visit http://www.romanticplanet.ca/jamaica/couples.htm

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

HOT CARIBBEAN DEALS!

TURKS & CAICOS
The Sands at Grace Bay EP 5th Night FREE
for travel now through 5-Feb-07 (for 1 Bd Oceanview Suite) now through 10-Feb-07 (for 2 Bd Oceanview Suite)

ST LUCIA
Anse Chastanet EP 6th Night FREE & $150 Food & Beverage Credit
(per person per stay, deducted at check-out)for travel now through 30-Sep-07book now through 28-Feb-07

St. Lucian by rex resorts Reduced rates starting at $118 (EP)$207 (AI)
for travel now through 10-Mar-07, 26-Mar-07 through 21-Apr-07, 27-Apr-07 through 3-May-07 & 14-May-07 through 15-Dec-07book now through 11-Feb-07

BARBADOS
The Crane Cheapest Night FREE
for travel now through 28-Feb-07book now through 10-Feb-07

Coconut Court EP Reduced rates starting at $112
for travel 30-Jan-07 through 7-Apr-07book now through 28-Feb-07categories: Beachfront Superior & Deluxe Oceanview

Almond Beach Club AI Reduced rates starting at $233
for travel now through 30-Apr-07book now through 8-Feb -07category: Standard* per person double room

PUERTO RICO
Paradisus Puerto Rico Reduced rates starting at $296
for travel now through 8-Apr-07

For more details, please have your travel agent contact Romantic Planet Vacations - www.romanticplanet.ca
FREE Le Reve Tickets - LAS VEGAS
Added Value Over US$230

Book Wynn Las Vegas 26-Jan-07 through 28-Jan-07 and receive Two FREE Tickets to Le Reve 10:30 p.m. show

Valid for booking:Now through 24-Jan-07
Valid for travel and show dates:26-Jan-07 through 28-Jan-07
Valid only to guests of Wynn Las Vegas.

For more details, please have your travel agent contact Romantic Planet Vacations - www.romanticplanet.ca

Monday, January 22, 2007


BLUE LAGOON CRUISES
PAY 3 STAY 6’ GOLD CLUB Cruise


**** Special Offer ****


Offer: Book a cabin on a Blue Lagoon 7 day/6 night GOLD Club cruise and pay only the 4 day/ 3 night GOLD Club cruise cabin rate.

Sales Period: 22 JAN 2007 to 02 APR 2007

Travel Period: Departures from 01 February 2007 to 30 April 2007.
Black out dates applies to 02 and 09 April Easter Sailings.

Conditions:
· pay 4 day/ 3 night GOLD Club cruise rate and book a 7 day/6 night GOLD Club cruise.
· The offer applies to all 7 day/6 night GOLD cruises departing from 01 February 2007 to 30 April 2007.
· Confirmation will be provided at time of booking subject to availability at time of request.
· Offer may not be sold in conjunction with any other offer available in the market.
For more details: Please have your travel agent contact Romantic Planet Vacations - www.romanticplanet.ca
Romantic Planet Vacations and The Beach Boys!

Romantic Planet Vacations attended the CHA Marketplace in Aruba this January. The CHA Marketplace provides the opportunity to meet various hoteliers and other travel companies located in the Caribbean and Mayan Riviera, and learn about their product and services.

For the closing ceremonies, the attendees were awarded with an excellent performance by the Beach Boys. With barefeet in the sand, sipping on a pina colada, underneath the stars above, the crowd was wowed by Mike Love, Bruce Johnston and the rest of the newest members of the band.

To view some video clips of the performance, please visit:
http://www.romanticplanet.ca/5beachboys.mpg
http://www.romanticplanet.ca/6beachboys.mpg
http://www.romanticplanet.ca/7beachboys.mpg
BOOK 5 NIGHTS AT THE SONAISALI ISLAND RESORT AND RECEIVE FREE MEALS!

BOOK BEFORE: 30 April 07

INCLUDES:
Full American Buffet Breakfast daily
FREE Welcome Cocktail per person
FREE Jungle Cruise per person
Special invitation to General Manager’s Cocktail Party
on Monday evenings (FREE 1hr of drinks)
Free SCUBA Pool Splash per person
FREE Meals for Children under 12 yrs
FREE Kids Club (supervised children’s activities – not crèche or
babysitting/child minding).
FREE Non motorised water sports

MEAL BONUS:
* *2 Course Lunch, Afternoon Tea, 3 Course Dinner or Themed Buffet per person per day
dining at Sunset Terrace Restaurant. (valued at $69 pp)

HONEYMOONERS: Free bottle of Sparkling Wine and fruit basket upon check in
Min 5 night stay applies / Honeymooners only

TRAVEL: 14 January 07– 31 March 08

BLACKOUT: July to Oct 07 & 24 Dec 07 – 10 Jan 08

This special may not be combined with any other special.

Please contact your travel agency and be sure they contact Romantic Planet Vacations.
NEW WAIKIKI BEACH WALK

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII - Local residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy the all-new Waikiki Beach Walk Ohana Concerts held nightly at sunset on the plaza at Waikiki Beach Walk. Local artists interact with their audience as they circulate through the common area of Waikiki Beach Walk. Visitors and residents alike can listen to a sampling of Hawaii's up and coming talent as well as well-seasoned island musicians while they enjoy Waikiki Beach Walk's collection of brand new retailers.

About Waikiki Beach Walk: Waikiki Beach Walk is the largest development project ever to be undertaken in Waikiki's history. The 7.9 acre area, bordered by Kalakaua Avenue, LewersS treet, Kalia Road, Beach Walk and Saratoga Road, has been completely rebuilt and has emerged as a vibrant showcase and gathering place in the new Waikiki. With a total construction cost of $535 million, it features an outdoor entertainment plaza, 41 new retailers, six great restaurants, and five hotels. Incorporating a design theme that celebrates Hawaii's voyaging and ocean heritage and takes advantage of the island's cooling trade winds and year-round excellent weather, Waikiki Beach Walk is the consummate expression of Hawaii today -- a place where people come to be enlivened with warm hospitality, a rich confluence of cultures, and nature's precious giftsfrom land and sea. For more information, visit www.waikikibeachwalk.com.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

YOU'RE INVITED!
Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Presentation
Host: Romantic Planet Vacations Inc.
Location: ONE UP RESTAURANT, 130 Dundas West, Toronto, ON
When: this Friday, January 19, 5:00pm OR 7:00pm
Phone: 1-866-247-8123

Not sure what to do for your honeymoon?
Want to learn more about your travel options?
Is a destination wedding right for you?

You are invited to attend a honeymoon and destination wedding presentation this Friday at 5 PM OR 7 PM. This is the only presentation of it's kind so if you're planning a honeymoon and/or destination wedding, this is for YOU!

***FREE TRIP GIVEAWAY AS DOOR PRIZE***

For more details, please visit http://www.romanticplanet.ca/invitations.pdf
Please RSVP at travel@romanticplanet.ca or 1-866-247-8123

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

ROMANCE IN FRANCE...and Save!
Book your winter getaway to France and receive;
BOOK 4 nights, PAY only 3 nights!
Valid on select properties in Paris and Provence.
Travel to some properties before Feb. 28 and others by Mar. 31, 2007
Please have your travel agent contact Romantic Planet Vacations for further details.

CRUISE WITH CRUISEWEST AND SAVE!
Book on an enchanting Americas cruise by Friday, January 19, 2007 and
SAVE UP TO $150 per person!
Northwest
British Columbia
Columbia & Snakes and Rivers
Central America
Mexico
Costa Rica and Panama
South Atlantic Coast
Cradle of Colonial America
Historic Chesapeake Bay
The Northeast
Cape Cod & the Islands of New England
Coastal Maine & the Fall Colors of Maine
Fall Foliage on the Hudson River
Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway
St. Lawrence Seaway and Thousand Islands
French Canada & the Great Lakes
*based on availability. subject to change. Blackout periods may apply.
Contact your travel agent today and have them book with Romantic Planet Vacations.
Lodging Tax increase in Nayarit, Mexico
Please take note that Congress of the State of Nayarit has applied an increase of 1% in Lodging Tax efective January 1st 2007 and therefore increasing it from 2% to 3%. This increase authorized by the government and was publised as an oficial Law in the “Diario Oficial” (Oficial Government Diary where Laws are published).

Tuesday, January 09, 2007


BOOK WITH ROMANTIC PLANET VACATIONS INC. AND
RECEIVE A FREE UPGRADE AT THE ROYAL in CANCUN


For new bookings arriving Jan. 25 to Feb. 18, 2007

Book a Junior Suite Ocean View and receive a Royal Junior Suite
Ocean Front with enhanced Royal Service


For new bookings arriving Feb. 25 to Dec. 22, 2007

Book a Junior Suite Ocean View and receive a Royal Junior Suite
Ocean View with enhanced Royal Service

*Valid on regular rates, not combinable with any other offer.

For more information, please contact your local travel agency.
Hotel Le Meridien Tahiti Special Offer

January and February 2007

Regular Gardenview rate..............$169
Special Gardenview rate..........$150
Regular Lagoon rate....................$191
Special Lagoon rate................$170

BONUS! Book a minimum 3 night stay and receive all meals, soft drinks, mineral water and beer!

*Valid on Garden and Lagoon View rooms only
*no minimum stay required
*Valid until February 28th, 2007 only
AM RESORT'S BEST RATES OF THE YEAR!

Shhhhh....
Book Secrets, Dreams and Sunscape with Romantic Planet Vacations
by February 9th for THE BEST RATES THIS YEAR!

*15% off at Secrets Resorts & Spas
*20% off at Dreams and Sunscape Resorts & Spas
*Plus get a $50 spa credit per room

Secrets, the adults-only resort locations, offer an extra measure of romance and sensuality in exquisite luxury settings. Dreams provides the same high level of luxury and ambience for couples, families and friends. Sunscape puts the accent on family fun with first class accommodations and exciting activities in spectacular locations.

SECRETS: Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun, coming soon.....Secrets Maroma Riviera Cancun, Secrets Punta Cana, Secrets Casa del Mar La Romana, Secrets Montego Bay Jamaica

DREAMS: Dreams Cancun, Dreams Tulum, Dreams Puerto Vallarta, Dreams Los Cabos, coming soon.....Dreams Riviera Cancun

SUNSCAPE: Sunscape Casa del Mar, Sunscape The Beach, Sunscape Puerto Aventuras

Romantic Planet Vacations Inc.
Wholesale specialists in Romance Travel
Tel: 1-866-247-8123
Email: travel@romanticplanet.ca
Web: www.romanticplanet.ca

Friday, January 05, 2007

2007 BORA BORA BLUES OFFER

"BORA BORA BLUES" OFFER
For Travel Dates: January 5, 2007 - June 30, 2007

Hotel Bora Bora Nui Resort & SPA
Complimentary MAP (half board)
Roundtrip Airport Transfers
Only available on the Overwater Villas and Horizon Overwater Villa
Added Value: With a minimum 5 night stay in the category above, receive a 50-minute SPA treatment for 1 or 2 pax.
Valid on new bookings only. No name changes. Based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and blackout periods may apply.
Valid on Combo Rates, Honeymoon Rates, Long Stay Rates (except no free MAP during the free night)

Hotel St. Regis Resort Bora Bora
Complimentary MAP (half board)
Roundtrip Airport Transfers
Only available on the Overwater Villas
Added Value: Stay 5 nights/Pay 4 nights
Valid on new bookings only. No name changes. Based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and blackout periods may apply.
Valid on Combo Rates, Long Stay Rates (except no free MAP during the free night)

RESERVATIONS OR TAHITI QUOTE REQUESTS:

1-866-247-8123

travel@romanticplanet.ca

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Blue Lagoon Cruises first to refund VAT payments

Following the Fijian government’s decision today (03 January 2007) to withdraw the additional 2.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) introduced last November, Blue Lagoon Cruises has announced it will refund all monies to passengers previously charged at the increased tax level.

This applies to all bookings made from 07 November 2006 with travel taking place from 01 January 2007.

The boutique island cruising specialist is the first Fiji property to announce its decision to refund those passengers originally affected by the VAT hike. Romantic Planet Vacations, wholesale specialist in romance travel packages to Fiji, believe many other properties will soon follow suit. Romantic Planet Vacations will ensure that all available refunds will be applied to any Fiji bookings made with them during this time-frame.

For more details, please contact Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

FIJI UPDATE

Dear Valued Travel Agents and Clients;

We have recently received this letter from one of our partners in Fiji:

Dear Partners;

This is intended as an update and reassurance on recent political events within Fiji.
Essentially the President has dissolved Parliament and the army are in interim control of the country. The army say they will appoint civilian managers for Government ministries and hold free elections when practicable. The background is complex but involves lengthy unresolved disputes between the Government and Military over certain contentious proposed legislation.
The actions leading to the President dissolving Parliament today have been well telegraphed and largely anticipated. Throughout the process all parties have been very careful to ensure minimum disruption to the country and the safety and security of citizens and tourists.


So we appear to have a rather soft coup.

Naturally, this is a difficult and uncertain time for the citizens of Fiji. International relations and the Fiji economy are both likely to suffer some damage. Domestically there are strongly held views both for and against the Army’s action.

However, our visitors should know that there are no private firearms in Fiji, there have been no demonstrations in the streets, all services such as power, water, and transport are operating normally, and there are no curfew or travel restrictions.

Today Fiji is as safe and friendly as it has always been, and the tourists visiting from all parts of the world are enjoying Fiji, as they always have.

If the situation should ever change for the worse we would advise you and would never knowingly risk the safety of any visitors.

In addition, to our knowledge, there have not been any travel advisories issued for Fiji to date, so we will be continuing our efforts to promote and sell Fiji as a romantic destination to you and your clients.

If you have any further questions, concerns, or would like a quote, please do not hesitate to contact us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sincerely;
Laurie Keith
Romantic Planet Vacations Inc.
7A 1235 64th Avenue S.E.Calgary AB. T2H 2J7
Tel: 403-255-2173
Fax: 403-255-2187
Res: 866-247-8123
Web-site: www.romanticplanet.ca
Blog: http://romanticplanet.blogspot.com/
laurie@romanticplanet.ca