ATTENTION EVERYONE!  PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT BELOW RIGHT AWAY IF YOU HAVE REPLIED "YES" TO OUR WEDDING INVITATIONS...

Jody Strauss submitted the following statement for everyone to review...
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Guests of the Martin-Kozley Wedding,

My apologizes as I realized late this afternoon that deposits for the Jamaica wedding need to be made by Monday, October 21st the very latest. I apologize for this, but I read our contract wrong and thought we could wait till the 31st of October. Please understand that it is totally my fault and not Joanne's in any way.
Any spots on hold (we have 30) will be released Tuesday morning to the public for those that have not yet contacted me.
As well, due to processing time I will need full information and the 'yes' from you to complete your booking by the 24th of October as it takes about a week to get the rooms organized and payments made to make our due date of October 31, 2013. After October 31st, you can still book the trip BUT your price will be higher. Right now the price has gone up just over $100 per person but we are still committed to our original quote.
Due to me not reading the contract the right way I will be able to lower the deposit to $150.00 per person for the Monday due date. This fee is also applied to your balance.
Joanne has sent out the booking sheet for you to fill out with your info for the trip as well as all the prices. Please indicate on your form if you are wanting a gardenview or ocean view please. For those guests coming from B.C. and are booking extra flights - those don't need to be booked by Monday, they can wait till you are ready to book those.
You can reach me immediately thru email -
jodys@fareconnect.com or jodystraussfareconnect@live.ca
OR feel free to phone me -
work/cell - 780-554-8434 
home number is 780-418-2131 

Once again, I do apologize for the rush to get everyone booked. I would also like to assure everyone that the RIU OCHO RIOS in Jamaica is beyond beautiful. Joanne has picked a great resort to have the wedding at == the week in paradise will have lasting memories for all! 

Jody Polyzniuk-Strauss
Fareconnect Travel Business Owner
780-554-8434
www.fareconnect.com/jody
Check out my Facebook Page for daily deals
Jody Strauss Fareconnect Travel
Please remember ALL prices and packages can change at anytime.

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Thank you everyone for your understanding and I sincerely hope this doesn't deter you from joining us on our special day. I am very sorry to everyone for this misunderstanding  - I know this the last thing you all probably needed after the Thanksgiving holiday and I'm sad this change of events has been promptly dropped on you all....

Talk to you all later...

Joanne & Andrew

Hello everyone!

So it's time to fold up the ol' turkey pants and I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend with family and friends giving thanks for all that is important to us...


and we time to pull out those skeletons out of your closets - hahaha! 

Can you believe Halloween is around the corner?  Where has the time gone?  It seems like just last week I posted my first blog and now it's down to the wire...


There is only two weeks left....no really - TWO WEEKS LEFT to book with Jody and enjoy the great prices for our vacation she has locked in for us.  But NO WORRIES MON'...if you would prefer to book at a later time that's cool tool and it's strictly your choice.  She will still be available to help you make your arrangements anytime until we leave.

I just wanted to send everyone another quick reminder to everyone. 

Jody's information once again is:

Jody Polyzniuk-Strauss
Fareconnect Travel Business Owner
780-554-8434

jodystraussfareconnect@live.cawww.fareconnect.com/jody
Check out my Facebook Page for daily deals
Jody Strauss Fareconnect Travel
Please remember ALL prices and packages can change at any time.

 

 

Enjoy the last warm fall days while the trees are letting their leaves fall to the ground and I'll post again soon!  Hopefully we can all avoid that 'white' stuff as long as possible!!

 

Love and hugs from the bride and groom...

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate...that IS the question!!!!!

DO I???  DON'T I???


There have been quite few inquiries about whether or not anyone travelling to Jamaica has to be vaccinated, show proof of vaccinations, carry a Travel Record - here is the truth.  I contacted Capital Health Link (and you are invited to as well) and the bottom line is...

It is NOT REQUIRED to be fully vaccinated, although you may want to consult your doctor as they may RECOMMEND you get vaccinated - it is STRICTLY YOUR DECISION!

To help everyone out I have attached information directly from the Public Health Agency of Canada website for you to review.  There is ALOT of information below but I want everyone to know as much as they can.

Vaccines

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.

Measles

Measles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination.
 

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Risk	There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*	Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from a country where yellow fever occurs.
Recommendation	Vaccination is not recommended. Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care provider.

• About Yellow Fever
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Food/Water

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in the Caribbean, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Caribbean. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

• Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
• Risk of developing travellers’ diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
• The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insects

Insects and Illness

In some areas in the Caribbean, certain insects carry and spread diseases like dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

• Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.  
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue bite during the daytime. They breed in standing water and are often found in urban areas.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for dengue fever.

Malaria

• There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.
• Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against malaria.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in well-screened, air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net or pre-treating travel gear with insecticides.
• Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practice safer sex.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

Practise safe sex while travelling, and don’t share needles, razors, or other objects which could transmit infection.
Remember that HIV can also be spread through the use of unsterile medical equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing, body piercing or acupuncture. Diseases can also be spread though blood transfusions and organ transplantation if the blood or organs are not screened for HIV or other blood-borne pathogens.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

I'm SORRY everyone!!!!

I have been terrible at keeping up with my blog!  I hope you all will forgive me - the month of September has been a bit chaotic...but September came fast and....................


SOOOO...with less than 60 days left - don't fret everyone!  Anyone that would still like to join is more than welcome.  By Andrew and I putting down our deposits we safely secured 30 spots until the end of October.  It is your choice - you can drop your deposit now and pay the rest by the end of October or pay the WHOLE thing near the end of October - it's UP TO YOU!  But YOU can still come!!!

Once again her information is below:

Jody Polyzniuk-Strauss
Fareconnect Travel Business Owner
780-554-8434
www.fareconnect.com/jody

**Jody wanted me to extend a HUGE apology as well - for anyone that had left her a voice mail message and she didn't reply a short while ago - please know that she had been losing messages and experiencing a few problems on her phone...she has since replaced her phone so all should be fixed!  Please contact her - she's waiting to hear from you!!!**

 

Just remember....come March in 2014 where do YOU want to be.............

 

DOING THIS???????????

 

OR DOING THIS???????????

 

 

The decision seems pretty easy to me!!!

HMMMM...WHAT TO DO IN OCHO RIOS?!?!

UH OH................


 

I hope you all have received your formal invitation in the mail by now...if not - please let me know and I'd be happy to send off another one to you.  Be sure to send back your "Reply Card" portion which would be the third piece of the Boarding Pass invite - even if you are not able to join us we'd sure like to at least receive your response!

For those who are now thinking - hmmmm - what to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica...here's some ideas of the Top 10 Things to Do while in Ocho Rios:

· Enjoy the Beach, as well as water sports, world-class diving, sailing, and dolphin swims
 

· Get wet at Dunn’s River and Falls
 

· Have a picnic in Cranbrook Flower Forest
 

· Witness nature’s creation at Green Grotto Caves

· Take a Plantation Tour

· See the views at Shaw Park Botanical Gardens
 

· Visit Island Village for the best shopping and entertainment all in one place
 

· Dance the night away at Reggae Strip

· Play a round at Sandals’ Golf course, the most elite course in Jamaica

· Enjoy year-round festivals and activities

Hello my Phoenix friends...I didn't forget about you either...


To all my lovely "Snowbirds" that will be soaking up some sun already I've got a few details for you too...please know that more is to come in the next day or so...

Phoenix to Jamaica

- Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Montego Bay from Phoenix...you may have a slight pit stop in a place (such as Miami) and then carry on to Jamaica! 

March 24^th thru March 31st, 7 nights
-I've only got the quote for the Gardenview Room so far, but an Oceanview Room would be minimally higher if that is your preference. 

Gardenview Room
Double - $1043
Triple - $999

PLUS taxes - $?? per person - Still waiting for an answer on this one!

 

I felt no need to include fees for kids because, well heck - there IS none there! 

Jody advised me that you can expect the cost of the flights to be about $650 (that includes taxes) per person so you lucky sun-devils are getting a heck of a deal!!!

As soon as I know more I'll share it with you all - I promise.

Now don't forget I'll be calling almost everyone this weekend to remind them to get their deposits in because they're due immediately!  The balance, again, will be due 90 days thereafter or prior to October 30th.

Stay tuned for more and the invites are going out right away!

Joanne & Andrew
xo

For My BC Friends!



Hello All Our BC Friends and Family!

As of today I have some information for anyone that will be joining us from BC!

Vancouver to JamaicaMarch 23^th thru March 30st, 7 nights - PLEASE NOTE THE DATE IS ONE DAY EARLIER!!!!!!!
Gardenview RoomSingle - $2550Double - $2099Triple - $2055Child - (2-12 years) - $1703
 Oceanview RoomSingle - $2605Double - $2143
Triple - $2088
Child - (2-12 years) - $1736

PLUS taxes - $390 per person

 

Again, for any questions or concerns, please contact Jody at:

Jody Polyzniuk-Strauss
Fareconnect Travel Business Owner
780-554-8434
www.fareconnect.com/jody
Check out my Facebook Page for daily deals
Jody Strauss Fareconnect Travel
Please remember ALL prices and packages can change at any time.

The deposit of $250 is still required immediately and I now have the form that I'd be happy to email to those of you that will be joining us so you can get it in and taken care of right away!

**************************************************************** 

For anyone interested in departing from Prince George...unfortunately there are no direct flights, but Jody offered to quote a flight that would connect to Vancouver and then off to Jamaica 

Flights to Edmonton

Under $500

Flights to Vancouver

Under $400

Be sure to reply to my Save the Date card - if you already have then "Thank You!" - I need all responses in right away please!

Joanne & Andrew

xo

We Have Numbers From Edmonton!

Hello Everyone!

So I'm just about done all the invitations - but I am waiting to hear from all of you still!

I know you would love to get some numbers and more details so here goes...

I have information for departures from Edmonton to Jamaica - YES - it's direct!  There is the choice of a Gardenview or Oceanview room and I'm sure either is going to be amazing....

There is a non-refundable deposit of $250 due immediately for those of you that are joining us and the balance will be due within 90 days (or October 30th, 2013).  This deposit is applied to the final cost so getting a few bucks down sure makes the balance to pay it off much easier to handle!

Edmonton to Jamaica

March 24^th thru March 31st, 7 nights

Gardenview RoomSingle - $2176Double - $1725Triple - $1681Child - (2-12 years) - $1329
 Oceanview RoomSingle - $2231Double - $1769Triple - $1714Child - (2-12 years) - $1362
 PLUS taxes - $390 per person

The contact for all your travel information, questions or concerns is:

Jody Polyzniuk-Strauss
Fareconnect Travel Business Owner
780-554-8434
www.fareconnect.com/jody
Check out my Facebook Page for daily deals
Jody Strauss Fareconnect Travel
Please remember ALL prices and packages can change at any time.

I will have more information in the next day or two!

Please remember that if you cannot/do not wish to go we certainly will understand but please respond to me at josapeanut@yahoo.com so I'm aware.  I am intending on starting to call everyone that received the Save the Date cards this Friday to get the final count!

Joanne & Andrew

Here's the 4-1-1 for everyone!

Yahoo!!!  It looks like everyone has received their "Save the Date" cards in the mail...now the questions are rolling in so let's get started....but WAIT!!! Did you respond to either Joanne or Andrew as to whether or not you will be joining us - if not, please remember to do so PRIOR to July 25th so we can get the finally tally of ALL adults and children that are coming to Jamaica!

Now that we've got that out of the way - here's some information so your immediate questions/concerns can be taken care of...

WHEN:  We will be departing March 24th, 2014 and then you'll either return March 31st or April 07th, 2014. You will have two options for your vacation - a 7 or 14 day stay in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.    There will be three (3) departure options - Edmonton, Vancouver or Phoenix. 

Extra good news...from what I've been told it looks like it's a direct flight from Edmonton there and back - PLUS...we should arrive there early evening the day and we won't be leaving until around late afternoon so no silly departure/arrival times to deal with...phew!

One extra note to parents with children:  You'll be pleased to know these dates should correspond directly with your children/s school "Spring Break" so you won't have to worry about them missing any extra school - sorry kids!

WHERE:  The resort is Jamaica's newest - the beautiful ClubHotel RIU Ocho Rios - it's a 5-Star 24/7 ALL INCLUSIVE resort that is both kid & teen friendly.  There is more information at http://www.clubhotelriuochorios.com/ - please go on the website and take a peek at all the amazing things that will be offered to you while you stay there.

After I have received all the replies (or pretty close to it) I will be able to provide our Travel Agent a tentative count of all the guests that will be coming with us. 

I am currently working hard on finishing the formal invitations that will have ALL the details you'll need to book your trip, along with contact information and costs of the trip.  There will be a minimal deposit required initially but this will go towards the final costs of your booking so no extra hidden costs to concern yourself with.

FINALLY...this is the time to make sure your PASSPORT is current!!!  From what I've been told, the fees to renew are going to be increased shortly so you might as well get your documentation done and look into getting yourself/family the travel insurance you'll need while you're sippin' that Jamaican rum!

Until the next blog...

Joanne & Andrew

Let's fly away.........to Jamaica!!!

Welcome everyone....

By now you have received your Save the Date Postcard and I hope you are as excited as we are to fly away for an amazing vacation!

Be sure to respond by JULY 25th, 2013 so we can organize the details with our Travel Agent and find the best deals possible.

More to come...

Joanne & Andrew