Travelonly with Kevin Visser

10 of the Top Island Destinations

Kevin — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:15:35 +0000

1. MAUI – ‘The Magic Isle’ can be invigoratingly rugged, or outrageously luxurious. Readers of various travel magazines have consistently voted it the ‘Best Island in the World’. Maui is a gift for the eyes, and a treat for the soul. You may never want to leave
2. SANTORINI, GREECE – This is, quite simply, one of the most stunning places on earth. Few sights are more memorable than the dazzling whitewashed buildings that sit perched on the rim of black volcanic cliffs, terraced with ribbons of every hue.
3. HONG KONG – With spectacular architecture, a beautiful harbour, and great shopping, the Gateway to Asia has everything for those who enjoy the big city life.
4. BORA BORA – Picture a craggy, rain forested massif above a lagoon in a cobalt ocean. Bora Bora is a tropical paradise risen to the level of myth.
5. OAHU – It may be the most diverse of the Hawaiian Islands, providing an eclectic mix of activities and attractions.   There are the big city charms of Honolulu, the history at Pearl Harbour, the incredible beaches and underwater sights, the North Shore, the pineapple fields, and the mountains. There is truly something for everyone.
6. BERMUDA – With the islands lingering colonial atmosphere and bikes and beaches mentality, it hasn’t really changed in years… and that is a big part of its appeal! A cruise ship is the ideal way to visit.
7. VANCOUVER ISLAND - A vast green wilderness with interior forested peaks, and a 160-mile Pacific Coast.   There is so much to do and explore, and it is in our own backyard!
8. ST. THOMAS – Cruise ship passengers are in awe when they dock here, one of the most beautiful ports in the Caribbean. The white, sandy beaches are spectacular, and the shopping is fabulous.
9. CAYE CAULKER, BELIZE – This extremely laid back island is on the doorstep of some of the best Scuba diving in the world.   It is only 4 miles long and 1 mile wide, and its sandy streets are navigated mainly by golf cart, which only adds to its charm.
10. SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND– It is characterized by incredible opportunities for adventure and breath-taking natural beauty.   You can be whale watching one day, climb a glacier the next, and go speed boating through rapids the day after that.

Thanks for voting me ‘Best Travel Agent in Burlington’!

Kevin — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:11:25 +0000

The Burlington Post recently published it’s Readers Choice Awards, and I was the winner of the Diamond Award (First Place) in the ’Best Travel Agent’ category.

I’d like to give a heartfelt thanks to all who voted for me, as well as to all of my loyal customers! It feels great to place so well against the large and well known agencies in the community. I really appreciate your voting support, and of course your ongoing business and referrals.

Thanks again!!

Sign up for Travelonly’s Top 10 Deals!

Kevin — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:01:09 +0000

Travelonly publishes their Top 10 Deals monthly, and as an added bonus we are now giving away a $100 Travel Voucher to subscribers every month! Click the title to view the whole post, and then click HERE to sign up to receive info on the latest travel tips, hot destinations, promos, and special offers, and you will automatically be entered to win the Travel Vouchers.

BEWARE of these 10 Travel Scams

Kevin — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:39:16 +0000

Travel is one of life’s great pleasures, so it is little wonder travellers are more interested in researching which sites to see and which restaurants to visit than finding out what scams they have to watch out for.

In a foreign country or city people let their guard down, relax, and often behave in a way they never would back home, leaving them open to highly organized tourist scams.

These scams often play on the traveller’s kind and trusting nature, desire to save on holiday purchases, and lack of local knowledge. It is difficult to say how many of us have been fooled by these scams as victims often don’t realize they’ve been caught until it is too late and many are simply too embarrassed to admit being taken in by a simple con.

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 travel scams to watch out for around the world. The key piece of advice: Keep your wits about you and learn from past travelers’ mistakes. And, most importantly, always find the local number for the police and, if in doubt, call them.

Fake Police

If, as a traveller, you find yourself being accused of a crime you didn’t commit, chances are you’re dealing with a counterfeit cop. For example, fake police might charge an over-the-top, on-the-spot fine for putting out a cigarette in public. Always check the officer’s ID and contact the real police if you have any doubts.

Faux Gems

En route to their official destination, dodgy tuk-tuk or taxi drivers take travellers to stores where they are offered deals that are literally too good to be true. The so-called ‘Gem Scam’ can actually involve any high-priced or desirable item such as leather goods or “authentic” carpets. Victims soon discover their “jewels” may be nothing more than polished glass and those larger items, well, they never make it back home.

Distraction

This can be anything from a child waving a newspaper in your face to an old woman needing assistance or a local helping you wipe a mess off your shirt. While you are distracted, a second crook comes in and swipes your stuff. The key to making it out with all your valuables intact is to pay careful attention to your belongings and others around you.

Bar Scams

These can take a variety of forms, but the basics involve a traveller, usually male, being approached by local women (sometimes a group of seemingly friendly men) who invite him for a round of drinks at a local bar. After a few beverages the locals are gone and the traveller is left with a ridiculously large bill!

Tricky Taxi Drivers

Unfortunately for all the good ones, cab drivers have a bad rep for ripping off travellers, but they do have a lot of tricks associated with their profession. Some of the most common cons are inflating fares or telling passengers their selected hotel/bar/restaurant is closed, but never fear, they know a better one just down the road. Always travel in licensed cabs and, if possible, agree on a fixed fare. Also, insist on going to your original destination and see if it is actually closed for yourself.

The Struggling Musician

They can pop up anywhere, but are most often found around New York City’s Times Square or on the Las Vegas Strip. CD bullies approach passers-by asking them to check out their music, handing over what appears to be a free copy of their CD. However, once the disc is in your hands, the aspiring superstar (often surrounded by friends) refuses to take it back and expects you to pay for the pleasure of listening to their unsigned gem. Try to ignore these guys, but if one of the ‘musicians’ does manage to get a CD in your hand and refuses to take it back, gently put it on the ground and walk away.

Photo Ops

You’ve just arrived at an amazing site and are happily snapping away, trying to get that winning shot, when a local in costume or with an intriguing prop shows up and offers to pose for a photo. This person isn’t just doing this for a bit of fun. The costumed conman is after your cash. Once the photo has been taken her or she will demand a crazy amount of money from you. Even worse, if the person in the costume has a partner who took the picture, he might not return your camera until you’ve paid up big time.

Packed Trains

All ideas of personal space are thrown out the window when riding a train crowded with people. You tend to ignore passengers bumping and knocking into you and it’s in this environment where you have to pay extra attention to your belongings – was that an accident or someone going for your wallet?

The busy public transport networks of New York, Paris and London are particular hotspots, but light-fingered thieves can be found around the world.

One particular scam is common in certain parts of Italy. Your train pulls into the station so you jump aboard, but there are a few minutes to wait until it is due to depart. In this time, dozens of what seem like passengers squeeze their way into the carriage but, just before the doors close and the train leaves the platform, they jump off taking the valuables of unsuspecting travellers with them.

Where Are You From?

When wandering through an exotic marketplace, you know there’s going to be haggling in store. However, what you might not know is that store keepers start working out how much to charge you from the moment you open your mouth.

Almost every shop owner will start a conversation with ‘Where are you from?’ and you need to be careful with your answer. If you say something obvious like England, America or Canada, they will assume you have a lot of money and, as a result, will instantly push up the price of their stock.

The best answer to give is something a little obscure such as the name of your city or suburb. This will throw off the seller and leave you to haggle on a level playing field.

Bracelet Scheme

A charming person comes up to you offering directions or sightseeing advice when, suddenly, he or she ties a woven bracelet around your wrist in a double knot then demands payment. If you refuse, the scammer starts yelling that you’re stealing the bracelet. Victims are often so shaken by the experience that they end up paying the perpetrator.

Be wary of overly friendly people offering services you neither want nor need and tell them to remove the bracelet before you call the police.

12 Safety Tips for Women Travellers

Kevin — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:40:29 +0000

Don’t stand out – Looking timid, disheveled, lost, etc. is a magnet for thugs.
Insist on safe accommodation – no ground floor rooms, ability to lock from inside, and bringing a rubber door stop is not a bad idea either
Carry a local shopping bag – thieves are less likely top target a local
Watch what you wear – form fitting clothes can attract extra (good and bad) attention
Choose early morning exploring – touring in day light is always safer
Leave expensive jewelry at home – they will always be a hindrance to your safety.
Watch for pickpockets – they can be everywhere, but especially in busy areas
Drink responsibly – i.e. in moderation and in an pub or established hotel
Make lots of noise – don’t be afraid to shout if your personal space is invaded.
Don’t divulge personal information – it can be used against you.
Keep emergency money well hidden – you never know when you will need it.
Check global travel alerts – the best site for Canadians is www.travel.gc.ca

Top 10 Hidden Mexican Treasures

Kevin — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 04:27:09 +0000

Mexico is much more than beaches and margaritas. Here are 10 amazing Mexican experiences :

Cancun Underwater Museum – This monumental installation consists life-size figurative underwater sculpture installations found in the crystal clear waters of Quintana Roo. Snorkelers and divers can admire more than 400 sculptures. The depths range from 9 to 20 feet.
Caves of Yucatán – A complex system of breathtaking underwater caves found along the Yucatán Peninsula are where many ancient Mayan artifacts have been discovered. Grab your snorkel gear and explore the exotic wildlife that live in these beautiful caverns.
Tortugranja of Isla Mujeres – This small island surrounded by turquoise waters houses Tortugranja, a centre dedicated to marine tortoises. Thousands of baby tortoises are hatched and raised here every year until they are strong enough to be released into the ocean.
Ruins of Tulum – These special ruins, built by the Mayans, sit on the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. This site is home to 60 ancient buildings.
Cosala, Sinaloa – Take a winding dirt road through the Sinaloan mountains until you reach the arch welcoming you in to this legendary town located between Culiacan and Mazatlan. Admire the colourful colonial buildings, meet the friendly locals, and taste the native cuisine.
La Quebrada – These Acapulco cliffs are known for its “plungers of death” who leap off of the 45-metre high cliff for fun. Divers must calculate the precise moment to catch an incoming wave to avoid serious injury or death.
Monarch Paradise – From November to April, thousands of monarch butterflies flutter to the Michoacan State. Some come from as far as Canada! El Rosario in Ixtapa is home to the largest butterfly sanctuary.
Chichen Itza - One of the best preserved pre-Columbian archaeological sites in the country is situated in the Yucatán Peninsula. The El Castillo structure once served served as a temple to the god Kukulkan, a Feathered Serpent deity of the Mayan people.
The island of Cozumel – The spectacular Palancar reef is home to a myriad of sea life. Sea turtles, parrotfish and sand ocean sunfish are some of the exotic marine life found here.
Copper Canyon – Seven times larger than the Grand Canyon, it makes up nearly a third of the state of Chihuahua. The train is the most popular mode of site-seeing this glorious wonder, or you can hike it, bike it or horseback ride.

From the lively city of Cabo San Lucas to the charming streets of Puerto Vallarta to the laid back vibe of Tulum, there is a special place in Mexico for everyone. Let us help you get there!

Canada’s Consular Services Offers a Wealth of Travel Resources

Kevin — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:39:08 +0000

Canadian travellers have a fantastic Government resource at their disposal, and after it’s recent revamp it is even better: www.travel.gc.ca

Some of the tools you will find there:

A new Mobile Web App
Border Wait Times
Travel Health info
A registration service for Canadians travelling abroad, to make it easier for you to be contacted in case of an emergency in the foreign country, or inform you of a family emergency back home.
A traveller’s checklist to refer to when preparing for your next trip.
Baggage and Airport Security Info.
Info on Travel Documents, including Passports, Visas and MORE
Many tips for travelling with children.
Prepare for the unexpected when living, working, or studying abroad.
Info on returning to Canada.
Travel Reports on countries around the world, including Warnings, Entry/Exit Requirements, Travel Health, Currency, Laws and Customs, and Canadian Government Contacts.
Canadian Goverment Offices abroad
Some helpful publications with much more detailed information.
- and MUCH More!

Be sure to check out www.travel.gc.ca before your next trip!

How to combat Jet Lag

Kevin — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:00:31 +0000

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:

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.
Stay hydrated. Airplanes are low on humidity and high on recycled air, so drink lots of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine
Exercise Sitting for long periods of time causes backaches, swollen legs and feet, and general discomfort. Stretch and walk the aisles of the plane at regular intervals to keep the blood flowing.
Eat well. Rich or exotic foods require a lot of the body’s energy to digest. Eat lightly so you have the energy to adjust to your new surroundings.
Go local. Set your clock to the time of your destination when you get on the plane and eat and sleep like you are there already.
Stay up. If you arrive during the day, stay awake until normal bedtime. Take a shower, and get some sun and fresh air. The sooner you get on local time, the sooner you will feel like normal.

Now, I have to go – I have a plane to catch…

7 Cruise Misconceptions

Kevin — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:58:15 +0000

Cruising is really a great way to vacation, and more and more people are catching ‘cruising fever’, as it continues to be the fastest growing segment of the travel industy. From the questions I’ve been asked, it’s seems that there are still many misconceptions about cruising, held by those who haven’t yet cruised.

Do many really get sea sick on cruises? On most cruises, very few passengers get sea sick, even those who are prone to motion sickness in cars or airplanes. Generally cruise ships are large, and all have stabilizers to minimize their rocking motion. If you’re prone to motion sickness, or are traveling through seas known to be rough, use preventative measures. Some cruisers wear anti-seasickness wrist bands and swear by them, others use patches.

Does it make sense to consider those expensive, luxury, all inclusive cruise lines? It makes sense to look at all cruising options. You need to compare pricing, and you’ve got to be careful doing so when contrasting a cruise on which “everything” is included, versus a non-inclusive cruise. You must determine if and what is not included in the “all inclusive” cruise. For example, some special excursions aren’t included, and dinners in “specialty” restaurants may incur a small extra charge. Add up all the separate fees and charges you will incur on the non-inclusive cruise: gratuities, excursions, alcohol, soda, etc. You need to then compare the cruises’ bottom lines for the final determination of their costs.

Is there anything for our kids to do on a cruise ship? Major cruise lines have highly organized programs and camps for children and teens, and kids generally LOVE cruises. Kids can participate all day, or only part of the day in these programs. They not only give children a chance to have fun away from their parents, they give parents a chance to be alone themselves. Before choosing a particular cruise, carefully check what services are offered for teens and children.

It looks like cruising can be very boring with lots of days at sea! For some, the cruise ship itself is their destination. With the variety of available activities and enrichment, especially on some of the larger ships, I can understand that. There are ship’s tours, cooking classes, wine tasting, gambling, shopping, swimming, movies, and on some ships, even ice skating, rock climbing walls, surfing, and all sorts of other activities. There are also plenty of cruises available which maximize your time in port, if that is what you prefer. You have to plan cruises as carefully as any trip.

Is it true that on most cruises many passengers are sickened by the norovirus? It’s important to realize that while norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships get a lot of publicity, they’re not alone with norovirus problems. In fact, the virus was originally named “Norwalk,” for an outbreak in the Bronson Elementary School, in Norwalk, Ohio. Ships take considerable steps in their kitchens and other areas to prevent the spread of the virus. Most cruisers are never sickened by the norovirus, and each cruiser can take important steps to prevent their infection. Every cruiser should wash their hands with soap and water often, especially after using the toilet, and always before eating. Ships have alcohol-based hand sanitizers available. Use them, but remember, they’re not a substitute for good hand washing with soap and water.

I hear that only old people cruise. It’s true that many “seniors” have found cruising an easy, fun way to travel, but typically you’ll find cruisers of all ages. Today, cruise lines are pointedly catering to younger cruisers, offering more and more variety, and options. One only has to look at the activities available on newly launched ships to see that’s true.

Is it true that cruising is highly regimented? In a word, “No.” I think many have this impression because, in years past, most cruise lines had strict dress codes and one or two formal nights, even on short cruises, but as the world has generally become less formal, so have the cruise lines. More and more ships are no longer requiring cruisers to sign up for dinner sittings in the main dining room, and many ships have multiple dining options. During the day, there are many activity options of all kinds, at different times, plus, unless it’s cold, there’s always the pool and other outdoor choices. At night, most ships have a slew of activities for passengers to enjoy at different times of the evening.

Free Dining is Back at Disney!

Kevin — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 15:00:30 +0000

Free Dining at Disney

Disney has brought back it’s amazing Free Dining Promotion for Fall of 2012! Book a Value Hotel to receive the Quick Service Dining Plan, and a Moderate or Deluxe Hotel booking will get you the Standard Dining Plan. Arrival date must be any time between September 30 – October 4, October 19 – November 1, November 9-15, November 23-29, and December 10-13, 2012.

With the wide variety of Character meals and unique dining experiences available to you at Disney, the Dining Plan is essential, and this promotion will save the average family of four well over $100 per day.

Space allocated to the promotion is limited and availability will not last! Also, the sooner you book your Disney vacation, the sooner we can secure your dining reservations – the most popular dining experiences and times do book up early.

Contact Kevin at kvisser@travelonly.com or 877-335-1781 to book – he is a Disney Expert and helps you plan every aspect of your trip! Kevin will give you a daily plan, tons of tips, and will even suggest restaurants and make your Disney Dining reservations for the week.