Travel ADVISORY - Update

Hi there! WoW what a busy week and back and forth on many fronts. Of course right now top among many 'concerns' is the ongoing matter of the 'H1N1' flu. While in Mexico it appears that the cases were over blown and the reported cases are declining, it does appear that in other parts of the world, 'cases' of apparent 'H1N1' are being reported.

This is why at this time, I am taking the time to post a travel advisory recently sent by our travel partner.

Shortly however I will be back to 'talk' about a great little, comfortable, and affordable family run hotel!

See you soon!By the way Seychelles Health Authorities continue to remain pro-active on the matter of 'H1N1' flu and together with Seychelles Tourism Authority are offering the Seychelles as the place to visit!

Travel Advisory:-

Please note the following:

1. There is NO official ban on travel to Mexico. Travelers may continue with their original travel plans.


2. Rovia's position is that safety is the utmost concern for our customers. It is our suggestion that customers follow the advice of the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC): The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued an advisory yesterday, urging Americans to cancel non-essential travel to Mexico.


Additionally, U.S. and Mexican officials have set up border checks to identify travelers who may have the flu, and airports across both countries have begun taking similar steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including passive screenings of passengers who appear to be ill.

The top health official in the European Union urged Europeans not to travel to the United States and other areas where the flu has been detected.


Our actions are as follows:

DreamTrips - The April 29th departure has been cancelled, and an email as well as a phone call, has been made today to all those impacted by the cancellation. Kari and Lisha Schneider, who were hosting this trip are planning to host another trip. Details will be released from the DreamTrips Department in the coming days. All future DreamTrips departures to Mexico will be handled on a case-by-case basis. You will be notified if your DreamTrip vacation is impacted in any way.

Rovia - Rovia will waive all refund and or cancellation fees associated with travel to and from Mexico from now until May 6, 2009.
Here is an overview of the actions taken by other members of the travel community as well as some of our key partners and suppliers:


Airlines - Nearly every U.S. airline with service to and from Mexico is now waiving cancellation fees and penalties, allowing passengers to rebook flights due to concerns about the virus. Restrictions vary widely, so check with individual carriers for their specific rules.

Cruise Lines - Major cruise lines have confirmed that, for now, they will continue with current itineraries that include port stops in Mexico. (Travel Weekly points out that 25 percent of all cruises include a port of call in Mexico.)


Tour Operators/Wholesalers - Several tour operators have taken steps to help agents work with clients who wish to change their vacations to Mexico.


Apple Vacations - will allow travelers to change their plans without penalty through May 6, 2009, receiving a full credit to switch to a different Apple destination (providing that the airline involved can also make the change).


Funjet Vacations - will waive penalties through May 6, 2009, for travel completed by April 30, 2010 (for moving an existing Mexico booking to a later date, or switching the booking to a different destination). Agents with questions may call: 800.558.3050


MLT Vacations - is offering several options. Travelers who bought a travel protection plan may cancel their Mexico trips between April 27 - May 6, 2009, up to the moment of departure. Those who did not buy the plan may request a refund. However, cancellation fees will apply and will be deducted from the refund amount.


Also, your clients may shift to a different destination without penalty within seven days of the original departure date, or they may cancel and receive a gift card refund that may be applied to a different destination within 60 days (less a $50 service fee per person).


Travel Impressions - has set up a toll-free hotline at 866.789.5384, to help you rebook clients by May 6, 2009, for travel scheduled through April 30, 2010. The company is waiving any internal change fees through May 12, 2009.

www.uniqueoffers.rovia.com recommends that you consider purchasing a travel insurance packet for future trips to safeguard and protect your purchase in the event of major disruption.

For our Friends in Europe, UK, Asia, Africa please do check with your travel agent prior to making plans to travel.