Are you considering taking a cruise but aren’t sure if cruising is really for you?  Let’s address 10 common questions about cruising:

1. Is Cruising Expensive?  Depending on your departure point and the itinerary you choose, the price of your cruise may seem high at first glance, but take into account that your cruise fare includes accommodation, meals, entertainment and activities for you and your children. Compared to the costs of a land vacation, a cruise will quite often be a more economical choice.  Also, if you haven’t looked lately, some of the prices out these days are very low, and the value is exceptional. Read the rest of this entry »

A reminder from Mexico for all Canadians planning to travel to Mexico - March 1, brings new entry requirements into Mexico.  Most notably:  CANADIAN CITIZENS will be required to present a valid passport.

This change will align Mexico to all the security measures established by the ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization.  There is a good chance that this won’t even affect you - of the 1.2 million Canadian tourists that visited Mexico in 2009 only 10,000 did not have a passport as form of ID.  Many didn’t even know it wasn’t required!

Your Canadian passport is the best document for proving 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.

Even a short trip can do wonders for your well-being! Here are some of the health benefits of traveling:

1. REDUCE STRESS – Travel gives you an opportunity to relax and de-stress, and stress reduction is always healthy!

2. AVOID MONOTONY – As the saying goes, “A Change is as Good as a Rest”. Changing your daily routine prevents your mind and your body from stagnating.

3. GET OUTDOORS – When you are traveling, you are more likely to be outside, getting fresh air and enjoying the outdoors.

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Most of you are likely familiar with the limitations on taking liquids through airport security as carry on.  With each new security breach, travelling to the United States becomes more and more difficult.  To ensure that you have a smooth start to your trip, make sure to head to the airport very early, and check in with the Canadian Air Transport Authority for the latest news on what you can take through airport security.  Currently, carry-on baggage is not being accepted for flights to the U.S., however there are a number of items that are not being counted as carry-on.  Check with your travel agent of you need further guidance! 

*** Update January 20, 2010: 1 carry on allowed for flights to US.

Get up to a $750 Disney Gift Card FREE when you buy a minimum 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way package at select Disney Resort Hotels!

Eat, play and shop with the Disney Gift Card. Use the card to cover vacation expenses: dining at your choice of Walt Disney World® restaurants, special event tickets, sports, recreation, tours and more—all this in addition to shopping! With your gift card in hand, the world is yours!

Receive a $750 Gift Card when you stay at a Deluxe Resort, $500 at a Moderate Resort, and $300 for staying at a Value resort.

Contact me for more details or to book your Disney Vacation!

All Inclusive Caribbean resorts are an extremely popular vacation option for Canadians.  Here are just a few of the reasons that YOU should consider one this winter:

1. Escape to the heat - probably the #1 reason to head south this winter.
2. Convenience - flight, transfers, hotel, activities, food, and drinks all for one price.  No surprises, and very easy.
3. Enjoy time with family - Many resorts offer excellent kids facilities and programs, and all inclusives are perfect for multi generational vacations, which have never been more popular.  Read the rest of this entry »

If there is one universal at this time of year, it’s Christmas lights. During the last month of the year, there is never an energy crisis, only an opportunity to dazzle in the most ostentatious manner possible.   

There is a house around the corner from us in Burlington that is quite famous for it’s Christmas light display.  Yes, we visit and stand in awe every December. 

But now, we will look much further… assembled below you will find videos of some of the most remarkable Christmas displays from around the world.  Accuse them of being wasteful, call them garish, but you have to hand it to them in one respect… they know how to put on a show, and we all love to be entertained!  Festive is truly in the eye of the beholder, as you will see if you click on the following merry links:

Read the rest of this entry »

Sunquest is offering a great deal every day until Christmas on their Advent Calendar!  E-mail me or check HERE to see the Calendar and the daily deal.  

Many of the top tour operators are offering fantastic deals for 2010, and it is a great time to book.  Don’t count on better pricing and availablity last minute - the best selection, and in most cases the best pricing is availble at least 6-8 weeks ahead of time.

Travel brochures are packed with useful information and pictures, and can be a great help when planning a trip.  In their traditional paper version, they are also bulky, certainly not eco-friendly, and they quickly become out of date and obsolete.   Many of my trusted travel suppliers actually produce electronic versions of their brochures, and so I added a section on my blog site to list them for you.  Just click on ‘E-brochures’ tab!

Airline passengers are losing 1000’s of bags daily.  Airlines can misplace them, and they can be stolen by professional ‘airport thieves’.  Take these precautions, and you will drastically increase your odds of arriving WITH your luggage:  

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