Canada ranks as one of the most diverse and appealing destinations in the world, and yet we often look abroad first when thinking of a vacation.  In honour of Canada Day, I am showcasing some of the best that Canada has to offer!  

British Columbia - Sea to sky and everything in between: They are preparing to welcome the world for the Winter Olympics in 2010, but B.C. has always been known for it’s epic, rugged beauty, it’s sense of adventure, and it’s and welcoming spirit.  Rollerblade in Stanley Park, shop on Granville island, do the ‘Grouse Grind’, or take a train ride through the Rockies.  There is so much to do and explore, but if you are looking for even more of a reason to visit, check out the Festival and Event Calendar and Tourism British Columbia.  Read the rest of this entry »

WestJet has been the darling of the travel industry in Canada.  They are friendly, easy to work with, have video screens in the back of each seat, and recently came out with their CARE-antee.   ALSO, they have been paying commissions to Travel Agents, building loyalty and stealing market share from Air Canada as a direct result.  Air Canada, on the other hand, decided to cut out all commissions years ago.

Air Canada seems to have woken up and realized that if they want to stay in business, they need Travel Agents on their side.  They are now paying commission on domestic flights, and hopefully they will expand this initiative as they experiene the positive effects. This means that I can book your Air Canada and WestJet flights at no cost to you.  I can handle research, changes, questions, and more… and it costs you nothing.  Also, as always, I can find great rates on international flights, often saving you hundreds of dollars.

Need a flight!?  Contact me today!

Princess Cruises is offering free upgrades to Balcony cabins on select Winter and Spring 2010 sailings to Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and South America!  View the flyer for more details.

I am also an Accredited Cruise Counsellor and can help you plan your ideal cruise!

Family travel is exploding in popularity.  Here are some tips for keeping it fun for all:

1. Get the kids involved by including them in the trip planning, which can be a big part of the fun of travel.  Consider their wish lists , and when they get older you can even involve them in budget decisions. Read the rest of this entry »

Please enjoy this diverse and inspiring compilation of travel quotes.  I encourage you to put aside some time to read them all.  You’ll see why - there are gems all the way down the list.  I promise that you won’t be disappointed!  You may even find something that speaks to you and even moves you. 

Wise words have a way of touching us when we least expect it:

1. “When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” -Walt Disney

2. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” - Seneca

3. “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” - Jawaharial Nehru

Read the rest of this entry »

When I started this blog I wasn’t sure where it would go or what kind of legs it would have.  Now, almost a year later I am writing my 100th post!   That may seem like a lot or a little depending on your perspective, however it is a milestone in any case, and I thought I’d pause from regular scheduled programming to acknowledge it.   

THANKS to the the thousands of visitors that have checked in, and thanks especially for your feedback, your support, and and for sharing links from this page with friends.   If you are new to this site, then feel free to explore - you have some catching up to do!  :)

If you enjoy the content and don’t want to have to remember to stop in, then please sign up for my monthly newsletter in the top right of the page!  Most posts aren’t very long, but I have tried to mix it up so that there is something for everyone.

Thanks again, and feel free to contact me anytime with your comments and your travel questions.

- Kevin

Dream of having the beach to yourself?  Head to Mexico now! 

Canadian Foreign Affairs has lifted it’s travel warning for Mexico, and most Canadian tour operators are adding it back into their programs throughout the month of June.  It will take a while for the tourist traffic to reach the pre-H1N1 levels, so for the time being you will find incredible pricing and lots of elbow room!  The virus has barely affected the tourist regions and many areas have reported zero cases. 

This is a GREAT opportunity to take that trip you thought you couldn’t afford, or to try out a higher level of accommodation that you are used to.  Contact me for recommendations and to book your getaway.  I spent a week on the Mayan Riviera recently, and my pricing is the same or better than on-line.  Travelonly also has it’s own booking engine, featuring the best pricing available.

Remember that anything can happen while you are away from home, so be PREPARED.  This is most important where your health is concerned, and could save your vacation… or even your life!

Here is what you need to know to TRAVEL HEALTHY :

Read the rest of this entry »

It wasn’t long ago that Canadians could travel to the United States freely without a passport.  Those with modest travel plans who never expected to venture beyond North Amerca had no real need for one.   Well, those times are over.

A couple of years ago, the U.S. started to require passports for Canadians arriving by air, and as of June 1 2009 they will be required for all methods of entry, including by car.   More info HERE.

The fact is that your Canadian passport is the best document to prove your Canadian citizenship and your right to return to Canada. If you don’t have a passport or yours expires in the next 6 months, then it’s time to apply.  All the info you need to get a passport is provided by Passport Canada.

Imagine a vacation with fresh air, plenty of exercise, open vistas and hearty meals. Imagine galloping across fields and gullies, feeling utterly alive. Dude ranch vacations offer all this and more. You can discover wilderness that can only be seen by horseback, and the the men and women who are the stewards of this land. Read the rest of this entry »