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In mid March, a group of 60+ SURGE365 travel members from the U.S. and Canada were
welcomed and treated with first class service by Elite Voyages (Chinatour.com) and Balinese Tourism.

This was a journey of a lifetime for me.

Bali is known as the island of Gods, the island of a thousand temples, or Paradise Island. For some the mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise.

I have been blessed having traveled around the world for the last 40 years. I have seen some of the most beautiful places and have many favourites. But for some reason, Bali will always be different. I found it was more than a place, it was a mood, an inspiration, a spiritual awakening and I left feeling like I had found my vision of Shangrila.

It is a feeling that is difficult to understand unless experienced. Whether its Bali's beauty, the friendly people, or maybe even the influence from spirits that are in this place.

According to Wikapedia Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago. It is home to an ancient culture that is known for its warm hospitality as well as exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops.

Lonely Planet describes Bali as a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Decades of tourism haven't dampened Bali's, deep-rooted spirituality and natural charms. The rich and diverse culture of Bali plays out at all levels of life, from the exquisite flower-petal offerings placed everywhere, to the processions of joyfully garbed locals shutting down major roads as they march to one of the myriad temple ceremonies, to the otherworldly traditional music and dance performed island-wide. Almost everything has spiritual meaning"

My experience began with the aroma of orchids from the beautiful gardens at the arrival gate at the DPS Ngurah Rai International airport in Kuta. Our first three days were spent at the Risata Bali Resort and Spa, a traditional Balinese hotel near the beach. A small three-story shopping mall is nearby. And it is just a five-minute walk to the beach. However it might take longer because you walk through a local market with handicrafts, clothing and more.

Everywhere we went there was the essence of incense in the air from the daily floral offering for God as a thank you for a good life. Each home has its own temple and even the shops and hotels have this daily ritual.

A few of us took time to go snorkeling and visit a turtle sanctuary. Our group enjoyed an evening of Kecak dancing at Uluwat, a cliff top temple sitting on the edge off a steep cliff 70 metres above the Indian Ocean.

The next part of our journey was to Ubud, the heart of Bali. Ubud is a place where the
culture of the island is most accessible, and it shares the island's most beautiful rice fields and ancient monuments. It is also the art centre where you can see wood carvings, giant statues and artwork being made. We spent four nights at the new Sthals, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (Marriot).

We visited ancient temples, museums, art galleries, local villages, volcanoes, coffee plants, Royal temples and more. We dined in some of the most scenic restaurants and beautiful restaurants I have ever been in.

One of my favourite stops was the Tjrta Empul Temple, built in 960 B.C. The temple was built around natural springs and special bathing pools. The unstoppable waterflow is believed to be able to cure any kind of disease.

Another stop was to the sacred Ubud Monkey Forest. This ecological reserve strives to maintain the viability of the Balinese long-tailed macaque. About 1,000 monkeys live in this area. The monkey and its mythology is an important element is Balinese art tradition.

There are so many places our group didn't have time to see. Someone told me there are as many images of Bali as there are flowers on the island.

Yes, Bali has beaches, surfing, diving, scenic restaurants, golfing, waterfalls, hiking, and resorts great and small, but it is the essence of Bali and the Balinese that makes it so much more.

Whether you are going for a week or two or a winter destination, I am sure you too will be enchanted by this amazing island.

For more information on travelling to Bali, please contact me at bonnie.travelbug@gmail.com.

Good Afternoon Everyone:
Hope your day is going well: If not here is some great news: And I know more is yet to come:
Anna Kroupina, Open Jaw
01.05.20
The Quintana Roo Tourism Board has announced the reopening of the state for travel as of 01JUN, according to RivieraMayaNews.
The tourism board says that airline operations including Air Canada, Air Transat and Sunwing flights are also expected to recommence around that time, which is why they are preparing a special campaign aimed at reviving local tourism to be launched in late May.
Darío Flota Ocampo, director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, said that airlines from Canada, the United States and Europe have already confirmed their arrivals to the Mexican Caribbean, which initially is expected to consist mainly of convention and wedding tourism.
The announcement of the arrival of flights has also promoted the opening of online reservation systems for area hotels. The Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres said that 155 hotels are now accepting reservations for dates after 01JUN.
Area attractions including theme parks will also reopen. Last month, large attractions including Grupo Xcaret, Dolphin Discoveries, Coco Bongo locations and Ventura Amusement Park announced their temporary closures due to the virus.
In a news statement, the Quintana Roo Tourism Board said that restoring direct air connectivity to Quintana Roo's three international airports in Cancun, Cozumel and Chetumal will be among the top priorities.
"In parallel to this effort, all members of the industry will be made aware of the destination's readiness to receive visitors and the enhanced health and hygiene protocols in place across the state and the locations frequented by tourists," said the statement.
According to the release, discussions with local and international tourism stakeholders have revealed a "high degree of enthusiasm" for collaborating in a united promotional campaign for a speedy recovery, adding that they have all expressed confidence that both international and national tourists will consider the Mexican Caribbean a safe and attractive destination to visit once travel restrictions are lifted.

Good Afternoon Everyone:
Hope your day is going well: If not here is some great news: And I know more is yet to come:
Anna Kroupina, Open Jaw
01.05.20
The Quintana Roo Tourism Board has announced the reopening of the state for travel as of 01JUN, according to RivieraMayaNews.
The tourism board says that airline operations including Air Canada, Air Transat and Sunwing flights are also expected to recommence around that time, which is why they are preparing a special campaign aimed at reviving local tourism to be launched in late May.
Darío Flota Ocampo, director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, said that airlines from Canada, the United States and Europe have already confirmed their arrivals to the Mexican Caribbean, which initially is expected to consist mainly of convention and wedding tourism.
The announcement of the arrival of flights has also promoted the opening of online reservation systems for area hotels. The Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres said that 155 hotels are now accepting reservations for dates after 01JUN.
Area attractions including theme parks will also reopen. Last month, large attractions including Grupo Xcaret, Dolphin Discoveries, Coco Bongo locations and Ventura Amusement Park announced their temporary closures due to the virus.
In a news statement, the Quintana Roo Tourism Board said that restoring direct air connectivity to Quintana Roo's three international airports in Cancun, Cozumel and Chetumal will be among the top priorities.
"In parallel to this effort, all members of the industry will be made aware of the destination's readiness to receive visitors and the enhanced health and hygiene protocols in place across the state and the locations frequented by tourists," said the statement.
According to the release, discussions with local and international tourism stakeholders have revealed a "high degree of enthusiasm" for collaborating in a united promotional campaign for a speedy recovery, adding that they have all expressed confidence that both international and national tourists will consider the Mexican Caribbean a safe and attractive destination to visit once travel restrictions are lifted.

Good Afternoon Everyone:
Hope your day is going well: If not here is some great news: And I know more is yet to come:
Anna Kroupina, Open Jaw
01.05.20
The Quintana Roo Tourism Board has announced the reopening of the state for travel as of 01JUN, according to RivieraMayaNews.
The tourism board says that airline operations including Air Canada, Air Transat and Sunwing flights are also expected to recommence around that time, which is why they are preparing a special campaign aimed at reviving local tourism to be launched in late May.
Darío Flota Ocampo, director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Board, said that airlines from Canada, the United States and Europe have already confirmed their arrivals to the Mexican Caribbean, which initially is expected to consist mainly of convention and wedding tourism.
The announcement of the arrival of flights has also promoted the opening of online reservation systems for area hotels. The Hotel Association of Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres said that 155 hotels are now accepting reservations for dates after 01JUN.
Area attractions including theme parks will also reopen. Last month, large attractions including Grupo Xcaret, Dolphin Discoveries, Coco Bongo locations and Ventura Amusement Park announced their temporary closures due to the virus.
In a news statement, the Quintana Roo Tourism Board said that restoring direct air connectivity to Quintana Roo's three international airports in Cancun, Cozumel and Chetumal will be among the top priorities.
"In parallel to this effort, all members of the industry will be made aware of the destination's readiness to receive visitors and the enhanced health and hygiene protocols in place across the state and the locations frequented by tourists," said the statement.
According to the release, discussions with local and international tourism stakeholders have revealed a "high degree of enthusiasm" for collaborating in a united promotional campaign for a speedy recovery, adding that they have all expressed confidence that both international and national tourists will consider the Mexican Caribbean a safe and attractive destination to visit once travel restrictions are lifted.

Thank you to everyone for your concern about my safe return from Bali, Indonesia

On March 10, a group of 60+ SURGE365 travel members from the U.S. and Canada were welcomed and treated with first class service by Elite Voyages (Chinatour.com) and Balinese Tourism.

This was a journey of a lifetime for me. Bali is known as the island of Gods, the island of a thousand temples, or Paradise Island. For Bali, tourism is their #1 industry. Next month, I will share my experiences on this beautiful island.

For now, I would like to talk about the effect of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the travel industry and your future travel plans.

These are some of the most challenging times we have seen in the travel industry.

As the global impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) increases each day, we all have a part to play in slowing the spread of the virus. The health and safety of our clients, staff, and communities are our priority.

These are unprecedented situations. Travel has come to a crawl around the globe as airlines, cruise lines and hotels curtail services, and countries are closing down borders and imposing mandatory quarantine periods. We understand how these concerns are weighing heavily on your day-to-day life and impacting any thoughts you might have about your current or future travel plans.

I am proud to say that our advisors at Sunrise Travel have been working around the clock to navigate through the changes that are rapidly taking place. We continue to provide the information, guidance and assistance you need to re-route trips in progress, re-book planned travel over the next few months, and review future travel options.

Thank you for your messages of support and for your understanding and patience as you've been working with our advisors.

During a time when so many people are uncertain if they should continue with their future travel plans, having an expert travel advisor by your side is a MUST.

I am here to support you but need your help too.

Travel Bug is a local home-based business working on behalf of Sunrise Travel Services. When you are ready to start traveling again, I will need your support. Please contact me instead of booking online or calling the airline, hotel or cruise line directly when you are ready to make future vacation or business travel plans. I certainly appreciate your referral of friends and family as well.

I am available and here to help you now and will be here when you are ready to travel again. When this is behind us, we are all going to need a vacation!

We're in this together! Thank you for your support!