Japan suffers fresh quake

On April 7, 2011 at 11:32pm Japan time, the ravaged northeastern coast of Japan experienced a magnitude 7.4 aftershock, the first major quake in the three weeks since Japan's most devasting disaster in decades. This is the biggest aftershock since the March 11 earthquake. Immediately after, a tsunami alert was issued. According to TEPCO, there has been no changes in radiation levels around the nuclear plants. No trouble has been reported at the plants. Power has been lost in some areas and some injuries have been reported. As of 12:55am Japan time (11:55am EST), all tsunami alerts and advisories have been lifted. For the full story from CNN, click here.

Globus update on Japan

Japan Update March 21, 2011
The Globus family of brands top priority is the well-being and safety of our customers. We continue to monitor the situation in Japan and will continue to provide updates accordingly. Due to the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and the related U.S Government Travel Warning for Japan, we are cancelling departures through April 19, 2011. Customers booked on upcoming Japan tours or packages through April 19, 2011 can rebook their vacation without penalty or choose to receive a refund. We are recommending that future travel is rescheduled for later in the summer.

If your client’s are scheduled on an upcoming tour or package and you have any questions, email us at travelagentservice@globusfamily.com or call our information line at 800-221-0090.

Information about the U.S. Travel Warning for Japan can be found at:http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5398.html

Japan Update March 17, 2011

Due to the very unfortunate circumstances in Japan and the related Travel Warning, we have made the determination that cancelling our close-in departures to Japan is the safest course of action for our passengers. Specifically, the April 5 departure of the Globus “Discover Japan” tour and the April 6 departure of the Monograms “Highlights of China with the Japan extension” are both cancelled, and we’re in the process of contacting all affected agents and customers at this time.

We continue to monitor the fluid situation very closely, and will advise of any future departures affected by these conditions. Our hearts go out to those impacted by this situation, and we will keep our attention focused on the situation.

Support for Japan

As you may recall, we had a campaign to raise money for the American Red Cross for earthquake relief in Japan. Sand & C Travel said that we would match up to a total of $500 contributions that we received. Well, I am thrilled to announce that through the generosity of our staff, clients and suppliers we raised $1777.00! Although we agreed to match up to $500.00, we have raised our donation to $600.00 due to exceeding our goals for a total donation of $2377.00! We are truly thrilled with these results. Thank you to all who donated!!!!

We are following the terrible news that has been coming out of Japan over the last few days. The loss of life and destruction is tragic, and the potenital radiation leaks is truly frightening. For Cathy and I, this tragedy hits home, as we are concerned about her cousin who lives in Tokyo with his wife and children.

In order to support the humanitarian efforts that are taking place, we are starting a drive to support the Red Cross' efforts in Japan. For every dollar that we raise, Sand & C Travel will match the donations up to a total of $500.00. If you would like to help out, please send us a tax deductable check, made payable to the American Red Cross by the end of this week. You can either drop it off or mail it to our office, and then we will forward it to the Red Cross. Please mail the check payable to the American Red Cross to:

Sand & C Travel

Attn: Donations to Red Cross

9851 S. Military Trail

Suite F

Boynton Beach, FL 33436

We appreciate your support in this effort.

Travel Alert: Japan

Japan Travel Update: Airlines Concessions, State Department Alert and Reminder for Travelers to Register at STEP

On March 13, the Department of State issued a travel alert for Japan because of issues related to the recent earthquake in Japan. The alert requests that all non-emergency official U.S. government personnel defer travel to Japan and urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Japan. The alert notes that temporary shortages of water and food supply may occur in affected areas due to power and transportation disruptions.

Most airlines have indicated that they have resumed normal schedules to and from Japan and are offering limited concessions for travelers needing to modify their plans. According to the State Department, all airports are operating except Sendai, Sado, Iwate-Hanamaki, and Misawa Airports. Travelers, however, should be made aware that rolling power outages are scheduled for the Tokyo Metropolitan area and in northern and central Honshu, which may result in flight delays at some airports. In addition, these outages may cause disruptions of public transportation to/from airports. Travelers are, therefore, encouraged to plan accordingly and check their flight status frequently prior to traveling.

Travelers currently in Japan and those anticipating travel to/from Japan are encouraged to periodically review the State Department’s website for up-to-date conditions. In addition, travel agents should encourage all international travelers to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to make it easier for the Embassy/Consulate to communicate with travelers when unanticipated events occur.

Weird holidays around the world

These holiday traditions range from weird to down right strange-- from cockroach races in Brisbane to monster hunts in Gambia. Read on to discover how your counterparts around the world spend their holidays.

*Bathing in Beaujolais- Hakone, Japan
Enjoy a dip in a mix of wine, sake, green tea, and coffee while your own sommelier pours wine all over you and into your mouth.

*Cockroach Race- Brisbane, Australia
Watch as hundreds of roaches scuttle about while sipping a cold beer, tasty food off the barbie, live music, and an enthusiastic crowd.

*Sourtoe Cocktail- Dawson City, Yukon, Canada
This stomach-churning tradition has its roots in an honest mistake. Once you've participated in this odd tradition, you're officially welcomed into the Sourtoe Cocktail Club.

*Ramen Noodles Bath- The Yunessan Spa, Kaone, Japan
Visit the Yunessan Spa and take a relaxing bath in a 2m-wide pot of steaming broth. The chef dips and stirs the noodles around you while you bob up and down around them. Although awkward, this unusual spa bath is supposed to have cleansing properties.

*Ayahusaca Healing- Brazil, South America
Participate in a few hours of shamanic healing that experts have equated to 5 years of psychotherapy or 20 years of meditation. You're sure to experience a whole new level of enlightenment.

*'Ninki-nanka' Monster Hunts- Jungles of Gambia
Join expert cryptozoologists from The Centre for Fortean Zoology on a quest to prove the existence of the 'Ninki-nanka', a monster which these experts are convinced roams freely throughout the jungle-clad mountains chomping on unsuspecting people like bar snacks.

*Dracula Tour- Transylvania
Follow the same path as Jonathon Harker on this scary tour as you travel through the remote Carpathian Mountains. You'll stay at Hotel Castle Dracula, attend the Vampire Ball, and stop off at UNESCO-listed villages. If you like vampires and getting seriously spooked, this is for you.

*Alien Tours- Roswell, New Mexico
At this hub for alien addicts, visit and experience the musical parades, BBQs, alien crash-site tours, and the 'Alien Costume Contest'. Whether you're a believer or not, this makes for great family fun.


Read the full article here: Weird Holidays Around the World