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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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.

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  In their traditional paper version, they are also bulky, certainly not eco-friendly, and they quickly become out of date and obsolete.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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The more confined the space, the more aware and considerate we need to be of those around us.  Well, a plane is about as about as close we will get to a large amount of strangers for an extended period of time, so please consider this excellent list the next time you fly: 10 Unwritten Rules of Plane Etiquette

YOU KNOW YOU’VE BOOKED A CHEAP FLIGHT WHEN…

As you board the plane, you notice the co-pilot is frowning and wearing an “I’m with Stupid” T-Shirt.

The Captain announces over the intercom the Flight is delayed while he looks for his keys.

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Jet lag from long distance flights sometimes make us wish we never left home!  It is caused by a mismatch between the time zone you are in, and the time zone your body thinks it’s in, essentially a disruption of the body’s circadian rhythmns.  Jet lag affects us all differently, but there are some things we can do to minimize the effects and get on with enyoying our trip. 

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Rest Up.  Sleep well and gets lots of rest in the days leading up to your trip.  This will help you adapt much more quickly.
2. Stay hydrated.   Airplanes are low on humidity and high on recycled air, so drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine (more…)

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.  (more…)

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!

The recent failure of a major Canadian tour operator has left some feeling nervous about travelling.  Here are three reasons to keep your plans to get away:

There are successful Canadian travel companies who care for their customers, and show it.  CASE IN POINT - WestJet CARE-antee.

You can book with a solid company that and your travel agent have confidence in.  CASE IN POINT - Sunquest says ‘TRUST US’.

There are some amazing deals to be had.  CASE IN POINT - Carnival Cruiselines CASH BACK OFFER for summer.