Airlines tend to be the major culprits on this one, advertising their “low, low fares” to various destinations and only adding in (often considerable) taxes and surcharges once you book. I totally appreciate the frustration people feel when pricing out their travel. I strongly believe that the advertised pricing should include all taxes. Unfortunately, for as long as people have been travelling it has been priced this way, with only the base fare advertised and taxes and surcharges additional.
As confusing and sometimes downright misleading as this is , it will take government intervention to mandate this across the board before anyone starts to list the total price including those nasty additional fees. The warning also applies to “all-inclusive” vacations, which are often not as all-inclusive as you may think. Some resorts or cruises may charge extra for alcoholic drinks or for using certain restaurants, and as with airfare taxes and fees these come at an additional cost. So, always, read the fine print carefully to ensure that you understand exactly what you are paying for.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
E = Expect the unexpected
O = Organization is essential
P = Preperation is key
So you have finally decided to take the plunge and take that vacation you've been forever dreaming about. But wait, now your thinking where on earth do I start!
STOP! Take a deep breath, exhale and relax. Here are the 3 important questions you NEED to ask yourself as you begin you're planning.
1 - Priorotize your wish list for the vacation. Are you looking to/for:
O = Organization is essential
P = Preperation is key
So you have finally decided to take the plunge and take that vacation you've been forever dreaming about. But wait, now your thinking where on earth do I start!
STOP! Take a deep breath, exhale and relax. Here are the 3 important questions you NEED to ask yourself as you begin you're planning.
1 - Priorotize your wish list for the vacation. Are you looking to/for:
- relax and rejuvenate
- culture and adventure
- a beach vacation
- family time or couple time
2 - Choosing the length of your vacation and the best time to go. This will be a very important step for you as there may be many factors that determine your final decision. Factors such as work schedules and school schedules tend to be the determine these choices in most households.
3 - Cram in the sightseeing and activities. Once you have decided on what you're going to do on vacation and when you are going, the excitement begins to set in. Often we become overwhelmed with all the sightseeing and activities available and tend to OVERSCHEDULE . This can cause allot of STRESS and EXHAUSTION that can take the joy right out of your vacation. You will enjoy your vacation much more if you're not racing from one place to the next. It is important to schedule some down days so everyone can regroup and appreciate the experience. The first day after you arrive at your destination and the last day before you depart are two KEY days that should be chosen as easy days.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Will Americans Be Soon Travelling to Cuba?
Canadians wanting to travel to Cuba for the first time may want to put their plan in action and those who have been there and want to go back should do the same.
A mere 140 kilometres from Florida, the Americans have been prohibited from travelling to Cuba without special authorization since 1963, nearly five decades. This month president Obama ended limits on family travel and money transfers to their homeland by Cubans in the United States and will allow American telecommunications firms to start providing service for Cubans. Now this by no means opens the flood gate for tourists however it is a significant move towards ending the embargo in the future.
American tourists will dramatically change the landscape of Cuba. That authentic Cuban experience may be replaced by Mc Donalds, Starbucks, and Walmart. The Cuban government is already preparing for the future by making plans for more hotels that currently will not support such an increase in tourism. Besides more hotels and resorts, the cruise lines are also waiting in the wings for the day they can dock in Havana. All this change is not necessarily all bad, it will create thousands of jobs for Cubans and bring in money to upgrade infrastructure and the standard of living for many.
The top supplier of tourism to Cuba is Canada with approximately 660,000 visitors each year followed by Europe. This is one destination untouched by the hands of Americans. Americans tend to demand high quality and this may improve the offerings in Cuba, however some people don't want this, they want a place with warts and all.
Regardless of how we feel as Canadians on the changes coming to Cuba, we should embrace what Cuba has to offer today before it's changed forever.
A mere 140 kilometres from Florida, the Americans have been prohibited from travelling to Cuba without special authorization since 1963, nearly five decades. This month president Obama ended limits on family travel and money transfers to their homeland by Cubans in the United States and will allow American telecommunications firms to start providing service for Cubans. Now this by no means opens the flood gate for tourists however it is a significant move towards ending the embargo in the future.
American tourists will dramatically change the landscape of Cuba. That authentic Cuban experience may be replaced by Mc Donalds, Starbucks, and Walmart. The Cuban government is already preparing for the future by making plans for more hotels that currently will not support such an increase in tourism. Besides more hotels and resorts, the cruise lines are also waiting in the wings for the day they can dock in Havana. All this change is not necessarily all bad, it will create thousands of jobs for Cubans and bring in money to upgrade infrastructure and the standard of living for many.
The top supplier of tourism to Cuba is Canada with approximately 660,000 visitors each year followed by Europe. This is one destination untouched by the hands of Americans. Americans tend to demand high quality and this may improve the offerings in Cuba, however some people don't want this, they want a place with warts and all.
Regardless of how we feel as Canadians on the changes coming to Cuba, we should embrace what Cuba has to offer today before it's changed forever.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Recession Impacts Travel Industry
Well we have heard it happening in the U.S. and other parts if the world but now it has happened here at home. Signs of the troubling times has caused the falling of our first tour company here in Canada. Today Conquest Vacations one of Canada's largest and oldest tour operators has ceased operations and closed it's doors, claiming price wars among other tour companies, the current credit squeeze and economic problems in the recent months have contributed to it's demise.
People who have booked a vacation and paid with cash or cheque should contact their travel agent for assistance in getting a refund or making a claim. Those who booked with a credit card are told to contact their credit card company and those who booked direct are told to contact Conquest at directcustomers@conquestvacations.com with a booking reference number.
It's really a shame to see this happen, but not a total surprise. If your worried about booking a vacation in case something may happen to other tour operators, don't be. There are just some precautions that need to be taken to protect yourself. Here are two things you need to do when booking your vacation.
1) Use your credit card when you book. Most credit card companies will be able to get your money back due to the fact you paid for services that you never got.
2) Get travel insurance, most policies will have coverage for these kind of problems.
People who have booked a vacation and paid with cash or cheque should contact their travel agent for assistance in getting a refund or making a claim. Those who booked with a credit card are told to contact their credit card company and those who booked direct are told to contact Conquest at directcustomers@conquestvacations.com with a booking reference number.
It's really a shame to see this happen, but not a total surprise. If your worried about booking a vacation in case something may happen to other tour operators, don't be. There are just some precautions that need to be taken to protect yourself. Here are two things you need to do when booking your vacation.
1) Use your credit card when you book. Most credit card companies will be able to get your money back due to the fact you paid for services that you never got.
2) Get travel insurance, most policies will have coverage for these kind of problems.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Disney Ship to Call Los Angeles Home
Great news for Disney fans that live on the West Cost. Disney has announced that it will be moving the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship from Florida to Los Angeles in 2011. This gives West Coast families a new option to enjoy the Magic of Disney. Some of you may have had the chance to experience a Disney cruise from Los Angeles already during the summers of 2005 and 2008, but if you missed out, now is the time to start planning for your Disney cruise vacation. Disney has not yet released details of itineraries for 2011 so keep your eyes and ears open for more updates.
The reason for the Disney Wonder's new home comes on the heals of two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy which are expected to arrive in Florida for 2011 and 2012. These new ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line, each ship having 1,250 staterooms and of course living up to Disney's standards of providing a wonderful cruise experience for each member of the family. Also look for select cruises in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean for 2010.
The reason for the Disney Wonder's new home comes on the heals of two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy which are expected to arrive in Florida for 2011 and 2012. These new ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line, each ship having 1,250 staterooms and of course living up to Disney's standards of providing a wonderful cruise experience for each member of the family. Also look for select cruises in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean for 2010.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Review of Ohana Waikiki West, Honolulu
I recently took a trip to Hawaii, staying for 10 nights on the island of Oahu, most commonly know for Waikiki Beach. Our hotel was a great value, awesome location! I really cannot emphasis the location enough, right across from the International Market Place, two blocks to Waikiki Beach, restaurants and shops all withing easy walking distance.
The hotel itself was clean and staff was friendly and accommodating. It could use some updates as the t.v. looked like it was from the 70's, but as with most reno's comes a price increase as well and price is what makes this hotel a deal. I will be totally honest, if you are not looking for a budget hotel this is not the hotel for you. No flat screen t.v.'s, down comforters or large showers here. I can recommend some other hotel options if you want something a little more posh and are willing to pay a bit more.
Also please keep in mind there is quite a bit of noise, as you are in the middle of a city and within this area of Waikiki noise is pretty much part of the package. Noise level will vary depending on room location, our room was on the 4th floor and faced the street which was always busy, but after a few nights the noise never bothered us. It was also interesting to learn that the occupancy of the hotel while we were there was approx 85% Canadian. I actually had a store owner in the International Market Place thank us Canadians for coming as we are a very important part of their economy, nice to hear!
The hotel itself was clean and staff was friendly and accommodating. It could use some updates as the t.v. looked like it was from the 70's, but as with most reno's comes a price increase as well and price is what makes this hotel a deal. I will be totally honest, if you are not looking for a budget hotel this is not the hotel for you. No flat screen t.v.'s, down comforters or large showers here. I can recommend some other hotel options if you want something a little more posh and are willing to pay a bit more.
Also please keep in mind there is quite a bit of noise, as you are in the middle of a city and within this area of Waikiki noise is pretty much part of the package. Noise level will vary depending on room location, our room was on the 4th floor and faced the street which was always busy, but after a few nights the noise never bothered us. It was also interesting to learn that the occupancy of the hotel while we were there was approx 85% Canadian. I actually had a store owner in the International Market Place thank us Canadians for coming as we are a very important part of their economy, nice to hear!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Maps for Cancun and Riviera Maya
I'm excited to announce the arrival of some great maps. If your planning on vacationing in Cancun or the Riviera Maya anytime in the future these maps are a must have! Complete detailed maps that list resorts, restaurants, attractions, taxi fares and much much more... There are several maps available for this region and we have listed the details below. If you are interested in obtaining any of these please contact me.
Riviera Maya
This is actually a three in one map. Map 1 is a detail of Puerto Morelos on one side and Puerto Aventuras on the other side. Map 2 is a detailed map of Akumal on one side and Tulum on the other. Map 3 is a large map with one side showing all accommodations, and the other side is a combination of attractions and some restaurants that are not shown on maps 1 or 2.
A complete travel guide to the Riviera Maya (the coastline south of Cancun to the city of Tulum), including detailed maps of Akumal, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Tankah, Tulum and Xpu-Ha. Features over 450 hotels and attractions.
Cancun
A complete travel guide to Cancun including 163 places to dine, with a listing of our favorites. Also includes 143 places to stay, 27 nightclubs, 70 tours and attractions, airport ins and outs, taxi and bus know-how, and much, much, more!
Playa del Carmen
A complete guide to Playa del Carmen this set of 2 maps includes hundreds of hotels and rental properties, and features our favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as beach clubs, tours and watersports.
Cozumel
A complete guide to the island of Cozumel, including over 100 restaurants with personal reviews and recommendations. Also easily find 180 places to stay, beach clubs, eco parks and much, much more.
The Reefs of Cozumel
A detailed, waterproof reef map featuring snorkel and dive sites in the crystal turquoise water off the coast of Cozumel.
Isla Mujeres
A complete guide to Isla Mujeres including over 100 restaurants, with personal reviews and recommendations. Plus easily locate over 180+ places to stay, tours and much more!
We also have a Cancun airport guide that includes maps of terminal 2 and terminal 3 arrivals and departures, information on immigration, customs, baggage claim, and transportation to your hotel.
Riviera Maya
This is actually a three in one map. Map 1 is a detail of Puerto Morelos on one side and Puerto Aventuras on the other side. Map 2 is a detailed map of Akumal on one side and Tulum on the other. Map 3 is a large map with one side showing all accommodations, and the other side is a combination of attractions and some restaurants that are not shown on maps 1 or 2.
A complete travel guide to the Riviera Maya (the coastline south of Cancun to the city of Tulum), including detailed maps of Akumal, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Tankah, Tulum and Xpu-Ha. Features over 450 hotels and attractions.
Cancun
A complete travel guide to Cancun including 163 places to dine, with a listing of our favorites. Also includes 143 places to stay, 27 nightclubs, 70 tours and attractions, airport ins and outs, taxi and bus know-how, and much, much, more!
Playa del Carmen
A complete guide to Playa del Carmen this set of 2 maps includes hundreds of hotels and rental properties, and features our favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as beach clubs, tours and watersports.
Cozumel
A complete guide to the island of Cozumel, including over 100 restaurants with personal reviews and recommendations. Also easily find 180 places to stay, beach clubs, eco parks and much, much more.
The Reefs of Cozumel
A detailed, waterproof reef map featuring snorkel and dive sites in the crystal turquoise water off the coast of Cozumel.
Isla Mujeres
A complete guide to Isla Mujeres including over 100 restaurants, with personal reviews and recommendations. Plus easily locate over 180+ places to stay, tours and much more!
We also have a Cancun airport guide that includes maps of terminal 2 and terminal 3 arrivals and departures, information on immigration, customs, baggage claim, and transportation to your hotel.
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