With the First Class cabin being phased out, Air New Zealand was looking for another way to offer extra comfort on its long haul flights for those willing to pay for it.  They have found a solution with the innovative SkyCouch, which will make their debut on Air New Zealand’s new fleet of Boeing 777-300s.  

Three adjoining seats will be re-configured into a couch where two passengers can stretch out comfortably and get some sleep.  For more info CLICK HERE.

The Bedbug Registry exists to give travelers and renters a reliable and neutral platform for reporting their encounters with bedbugs.  These retro pests are spreading extremely quickly across several North American cities!

Bed bugs are easy to transport in luggage and very hard to get rid of.  They have become a real nuisance for hotels, who are generally not publicizing their infestations.  You can’t tell whether a building or hotel room has them based on cleanliness - the bugs can thrive anywhere there are cracks and crevices to hide in.  Until a reliable, safe pesticide becomes available, avoiding bedbug encounters will be the only reliable way to ensure they don’t spread into your own home.

CALGARY, Alberta.  June 17, 2010. WestJet today introduced new ‘everyday value fares’ with an enhanced pricing structure which reduces the volatility that has been present in the airline industry by providing lower fares across the entire schedule, 330 days ahead of departure.  Guests can purchase with confidence when they’re ready to book rather than have to wait for a seat sale to find a low price. (more…)

Canada’s premier travel insurance provider is introducing an exciting new option!  For a cost of just $10, you can add a rider to your insurance package allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a benefit of up to $500.

Contact Kevin with any questions on travel insurance, or for a quote!

The Cuban government recently announced that beginning on May 1 of 2010, visitors will be required to show proof of emergency travel medical insurance from their home country. Travellers will need to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or travelling assistance card valid for insurance for the total duration of their stay in Cuba. (more…)

April 1 News Alert: WestJet introduces Clapper technology on board its fleet.  Transmitter technology allows guests to control aircraft functions like lights and live television by clapping.

WestJet today announced the introduction of Clapper technology on board its aircraft. This new feature will allow guests to operate controls at their seat, like lights and live seatback television, simply by clapping their hands. (more…)

As part of the 2010 Throne Speech, the Conservative Government has promised to continue with plans to develop and implement biomentric passports by 2011.  Read more in this Toronto Star Article.  Passports may also be valid for 10 years instead of 5.  It sounds like they still have a lot to figure out, so don’t hold your breath, and continue to renew your passport as needed!

04 MAR 2010:  Dad got more than a detention for this one. The Federal Aviation Administration suspended an air traffic controller and a supervisor after they permitted the controller’s elementary-school-aged child to direct air traffic at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Now it’s been learned that everybody had so much fun, a second child, was allowed the same privileges the following day.  An investigation is underway.

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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.

Disney Cruise Line’s much anticipated third ship will soon be open for booking!  Disney is already the premier cruise line for families, and the Disney Dream will only cement that reputation further.

Just a few of the amazing Family Innovations that we can look forward to when the Dream launches in January 2011:

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