Mexico confirms passports needed as of March 1, 2010

Canadian citizens travelling to Mexico will need valid passports as of March 1, the Mexico Tourism Board announced yesterday. Permanent residents in this country, in turn, will be required to present either a permanent resident card or certificate of identity or refugee travel document. The tourism board says the move aligns Mexico with all the security measures established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Visas won’t be required for either Canadian citizens or permanent residents of this country. Meanwhile, the tourism board said that the move isn’t likely to affect many people as out of the 1.2 million Canadian tourists that visited Mexico in 2009, only 10,000 didn’t have a passport.
 

WestJet Inaugurates YYZ-FPO Service

November 03, 2009

 

WestJet launched its new seasonal non-stop Toronto - Freeport, Bahamas service on Monday a.m.

"Freeport is one of the most popular destinations in the Bahamas, second only to WestJet's other Bahamian destination, Nassau," said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Strategy and Planning. "Just a little bit less populated than its neighbour, Freeport has quiet beaches just waiting for WestJet guests to claim for themselves. Sounds like the perfect way to escape a Canadian winter!"

The carrier will fly between Toronto and Freeport twice per week from now until April 30, 2010.

One-way fares, available in both directions on non-stop flights only, are available from $99, plus applicable taxes and fees. WestJet Vacations offers packages to Freeport starting at $869, plus applicable fees and taxes, for a seven-night stay.

 

No exceptions for the sick, travel firms say on rebookings

Globe and Mail - October 29, 2009

No-show passengers crying the H1N1 blues won't be getting a break from major travel companies. Airlines, tour operators, BC Ferries and Greyhound Canada are standing pat on their rebooking policies for consumers, despite Ottawa's suggestion that cancellation rules be eased in cases of H1N1 influenza. Federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq released travel guidelines yesterday, urging consumers sick with the flu to postpone their trips, while also recommending that the tourism industry smooth the way for journeys to be rescheduled. The Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed in a statement that it's "encouraging conveyance operators to develop policies that make it easy for Canadians to rebook travel for reasons of illness," noting that many corporations already have cancellation rules in place. Leading Canadian transport companies, however, are strongly recommending that consumers buy travel insurance to protect themselves from losing their money if they are forced by H1N1, or any other illness, to bow out of a vacation or business trip. "The underlying implication from Ottawa is that it's difficult to rebook, and from our perspective, we don't think it is," said WestJet Airlines spokesman Richard Bartrem.WestJet's vacations division, for instance, will still charge a $75 change fee if a tour package is cancelled 21 days or longer before the vacation begins. If the holiday is cancelled within 21 days of the start, WestJet is on the hook for hotels and other costs, so consumers will forfeit their money unless they obtain travel insurance, Mr. Bartrem cautioned. Air Canada isn't budging, either. "At this point, we have not implemented rebooking policy changes," Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said. "However, we continue to monitor the situation closely and will respond appropriately to developments." On the West Coast, customers who reserve in advance but don't show up for their sailing on BC Ferries will forfeit their fare, but for a standard $9 change fee, they can book different dates and preserve the ticket, said spokeswoman Deborah Marshall. "How can we prove that somebody didn't take a trip because it's H1N1 versus deciding not to travel because of the common cold?" she said. Tour operator Transat and online travel site FlightNetwork.com both stressed that trip insurance remains the best route to go for financial protection against cancelled journeys due to sickness.

 

Royal Caribbean International
Canada Visa Requirements - Mexico and Czech Republic Citizens                                                                                       

As of July 13, the government of Canada requires that citizens of Mexico and the Czech Republic have a visa in order to enter the country. This new requirement was made effective immediately. Canadian government officials will only allow entry to Mexican and Czech citizens with a valid Canadian visa. Mexicans with a valid U.S. green card are not required to have a visa to enter Canada.

In Flight Yoga...

January 14, 2009

Qatar Airways is introducing an in-flight yoga program with a four-page “Fly Healthy, Fly Fit” guide, prepared in association with “The Chopra Center for Wellbeing” and its co-founder, Deepak Chopra. It is a simple range of relaxation techniques for air passengers will help them feel more balanced and relaxed during long flights.

Space Mountain at Disney Shuts Down for Refurbishment
Friday, January 09, 2009

Space Mountain Closing for Renovations Space Mountain — one of Walt Disney World's most iconic attractions — will be closing this spring for a makeover. Disney said Wednesday the ride in Orlando, Florida, will close April 19 so the 34-year-old attraction can be refurbished. Park officials expect the ride to reopen later in the year, but no date has been set. Workers will replace the track, but the track layout won't change. A new enclosure will be added to the ride's waiting area, along with a new ceiling inside its prominent, white dome.

 

New Online Booking Engine for Budget Travellers
Monday, January 05, 2009

For those of you that are out there roaming the world and looking for budget accommodation, I have the perfect solution for you! You can now book your hostel, budget hotel, guest house and even some campsites here online.

 
Just pay a 10% deposit online to make the reservation and pay the balance upon check in.
 
 
Air Canada Vacations Launches Gay & Lesbian Travel Arm
Thursday, November 13, 2008 
Thursday, October 30, 2008 Air Canada Vacations is taking the growing Gay and Lesbian Market into their mainstream product line-up. Phase 1 of the launch is working with their existing partners.  Phase 2 is expected to roll out with new partnership and relationships for gay and lesbians.
Have a look at their new micro website below and call me to confirm your booking or to get your travel advice.

More Info: http://www.aircanadavacations.com/en/ideas/activities/interests/Gay-and-lesbian-travel

 

Upcoming Passport Surge - Don't wait to Renew
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The Federal Government is predicting the largest ever surge in passport renewals coming in next year.  It is anticipated they will receive a whopping 5.2 million passport applications between April 2008 and March 31, 2009.

Don't get caught in the winter crunch and delays - if you need to renew your passport get your application in early!

Passport applications are available online here in the Travel Tools Section

Watch for a new 10 year passport coming around 2011 with improved security features.  And remember as of June 01, 2009 all Canadians will need a valid passport even if you are driving to the United States.


Security measures for liquids, gels and aerosols
August 19, 2008
Travellers should be aware that they may take with them in their cabin bag limited quantities of liquids, gels and aerosols, including travel-size toiletries such as shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray. Containers holding liquids, gels and aerosols must not exceed 100ml/100grams/3 ounces, and must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre/1 quart. Only one plastic bag per passenger is permitted. At the security checkpoint, the plastic bag must be removed from the cabin bag for individual screening. Travellers carrying liquids, gels and aerosols may be subject to secondary searches before boarding.

Several countries allow passengers to carry only limited quantities of liquids with them for their flight. Please check the website of your airport of departure and connecting airport(s) for specific restrictions. Please be aware that even if the airport of departure has procedures to place duty free goods in special bags, the merchandise may be confiscated at the next transfer airport for security reasons.

Travel tips:
• Be prepared before you arrive at the airport.
• Allow yourself sufficient time for processing at check-in and security.
• Pack only essential items in your cabin baggage and place other liquids, gels, and aerosols in your checked luggage.
• In Europe and other countries that use a tamper-evident bag for duty-free purchases of liquids, gels and aerosols, the bag must remain sealed until the passenger has passed their final security checkpoint; otherwise the items may be confiscated.
• When arriving on an international flight into Canada and making a connection, use your time in customs to place any duty-free liquid, gel and aerosol items in your checked bags.

Your advance preparation and cooperation with these important processes will help to ensure a seamless travel experience for you and your travelling companions, wherever your final destination may be.
 

Travel and Leisure Magazine Create Port Guide
Thursday, July 17, 2008

The well known and respected Travel and Leisure Magazine have created an excellent Port Guide to 38 different ports around the world. Cruise lovers may want to have a look - click on the link below.

More Info: http://www.travelandleisure.com/portguides/

 

Save up to 15% at Park'n Fly courtesy of TPI
Thursday, April 17, 2008

I am happy to announce that I have a special offer to all my clients in conjunction with Park'n Fly across Canada.  

Click on the Traveller Tools in the menu and then click on the link Park'n Fly Coupon.  This will open up a window that will allow you to print off the coupon and redeem it at your local Park'n Fly Airport Location. Click Here

 

Give The Gift Of Travel

Looking for a unique gift idea that you know won't be the wrong color of size? Give the gift of travel! TPI Gift Certificates are great for any occasion. TPI Gift Certificates can be purchased in quantities of $25.00.

Contact Us to receive your gift certificates

 

Travel Insurance Before You Travel, Consider Health Issues
A little preparation considering your health will insure that you will have a more enjoyable trip. Here are some important tips to keep in mind before you travel. Make sure that you have enough medication to last the whole trip. Consider purchasing trip insurance that offers protection for your property.

Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases. The following link will provide you with a list of travel clinics geared to preparing you for your trip. Click Here

Good planning is essential to the success of any journey. That’s why, as a wise traveler, you have consulted a professional: your Travel Agent. Knowledgeable, and dedicated to the success of your vacation or business trip, your Travel Agent recommends travel insurance from RBC Travel Insurance Company for worry-free travel, worldwide. From baggage protection to hospital and medical, we can provide you with insurance coverage that is right for you.

Why would I need Cancellation & Interruption Insurance?
Emergencies happen when you least expect it. You could become sick, lose your job or a family member could have a medical emergency. Cancellation and Interruption insurance covers you for those circumstances and protects the financial investment you've made in your trip.
It also protects you if you need to go back home because of an emergency such as a family member becoming seriously ill at home, or while you are away.

For more information on travel insurance, Contact us for a free quote today.

...In The News

Check out recent articles published about our "Vet Nurses In The Wild" expeditions. Click here