Check out my adventure Feb 13-20: Cycle Cuba with Revatours and Gap Adventures:

Day 1 Arrive Havana

Arrive in Havana at any time.

Day 2 Pinar del Rio / Vinales (B,L,D)

Travel west to Pinar del Rio, the Garden Province of Cuba. This is cigar country, so a visit to a tobacco factory as well as the local rum distillery is a must. Spend the afternoon cycling around the pincushion hills and lush tobacco fields of Vinales.

Day 3 Cayo Jutias (B,L,D)

Cycle to Cayo Jutias on the North coast. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you cycle past dramatic mountain vistas, stopping en route for a picnic lunch. This coastal route ends at a beautiful unspoiled white beach with crystal blue water.

Day 4 La Palma (B,L,D)

Cycle the Jagua Vieja road to La Palma and later make your way back to Valle de Ancon.

Day 5 Cueva de los Portales / Soroa (B,L,D)

Follow in the footsteps of Che Guevara as you visit the historic Cueva de los Portales. Stop en route for a picnic lunch, then continue cycling the Carretera Central to Soroa. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of Soroa’s famed rainbows. This region is endowed with rivers, clear water, tall trees, and it features Cuba’s most complete orchid garden.

Day 6 Las Terrazas (B,L,D)

Take a morning ride past majestic mountains and beautiful scenery to Las Terrazas, Cuba’s first UNESCO-sanctioned biosphere reserve. Visit the 19th century coffee plantation ruins. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional Cuban Creole meal at a typical farmhouse.

Day 7 Havana (B,L,D)

A short trip east takes us back to the capital to soak up some city culture. Enjoy a walking tour of old and modern Havana for a full appreciation of this vibrant city. Delight in some Cuban cuisine for dinner, and enjoy one last night on the town with the group.

Day 8 Depart Havana (B)

Cycling days range from 10km to 98 km, with a support vehicle always at hand for those who wish to rest their legs.

Contact Janet for more details. info@janetlovestotravel.com

Thank you for making me a part of your vacation planning. Here are some tips and comments to make your vacation enjoyable. If you have purchased an all-inclusive package, you are looked after from the point of departure until you return to your home-city airport.

Pre departure:
Call the airline 48, 24 and 12 hours prior to your departure, and then just before you leave the house to ensure that there have been no last minute changes to the flight times. The number is on your ticket.
Arrive at the checkin counter approximately 3 hours prior to departure. Charter airlines still process each traveller manually, so the line will move slowly.More… Seats are assigned on a first-come/first served basis, unless you have paid for advance seat selection. You are allowed a maximum of 20kgs total checked baggage per person, and your carryon bag cannot be more than 5 kg. Luggage will be weighed and the excess baggage charge is $5 per kilo. Be sure to have all essentials in your carry-on: medications, contacts/glasses, swimwear, sunscreen, and lighter clothing. That way you are ready to enjoy your first day even if your luggage is delayed or your room is not ready. Hint: if you are each taking a bag, pack a change of clothes in the other person’s bag so that if yours is lost, you are not stuck wearing the same thing for days.

When you arrive at your destination, you will go through customs/immigration at the airport, then claim your luggage. Outside you will be met by representatives from the various vacation companies. Look for the representative in a uniform or golf shirt with the company logo. (Transat, Signature, etc) They will ask your name and the name of your resort, then will point you to the correct bus to board for transfer to your resort. At the time of checkin you may be asked for a credit card imprint and/or a deposit for your beach towel. You should receive a map of the resort. You will be taken to your room with your luggage – the bellboy may expect a tip so have a few US singles handy, or local currency. There should be a binder in your room outlining the features of the resort, hours of operation of the facilities and how to make reservations for any service or restaurant if necessary. The binder usually lists all services which are included in your package. Most non motorized water sports, beach and pool activities and entertainment, as well as meals and drinks are included.

Drink only bottled water. If you have any sensitivity to different water, drink bottled water at home for about 2 weeks prior to your trip, and be very careful to use bottled water for teeth-brushing while away. Eat only fruit which has to be peeled (bananas, oranges etc) and do not eat salad-type foods which may have been washed in tap water – regardless of what the resort employees tell you. Canadians often over-indulge in delicious fresh fruit while on tropical vacations. Be conscious of this, as the increased fibre in your diet may affect you more than the water! Cultivate a taste for the beer, rather than drinks with ice cubes. (Ice cubes are usually made from tap water).

Take a stronger sunscreen than you typically use here, and use it diligently for the first 3 or 4 days. Then downgrade to your usual strength. You have a whole week (or 2) to enjoy the weather! Limit your exposure to direct sunlight, especially at the beginning of the week – even if it is cloudy. Be sure to cover areas like your toes, top of feet, nose and tips of the ears with adequate sunscreen- it is too easy to overlook them when covered in sand and the resulting sunburn will be uncomfortable and inconvenient for the remainder of the week. A t-shirt or long -sleeved cotton shirt is a handy thing to have near the water, so you can cover up the sensitive areas without getting hot.

Be sure to pack insect repellant. A combination moisturizer/bug repellant is a good choice for evenings. (Avon Skin-so-Soft works very well). You may be sitting outside and not notice the little critters feasting on your ankles while you enjoy your meal! A light sweater or fleece will be a terrific addition to your wardrobe. After a day of 30 degrees, an evening of 20 degrees feels downright cool! You may also find the air conditioning in buses and some indoor restaurants cold enough that you will want to cover up.

Take a zippered beach bag or knapsack for use on day trips. Make and take with you a photocopy of your passport, and email a scan of it to yourself. That way you will have all of the details you might need in an emergency. Be sure to lock all valuables- including your wallet and passport- in the safe provided by the hotel.
Advise your credit card company of your travel dates and destination so that you do not encounter any unnecessary holds on transactions.
Check the details on your home insurance and arrange to have a neighbour or family member check the house – electricity on, heat on and no broken water lines- often enough during your absence if the house will be empty. Arrange for someone to shovel your drive, or park their car in your drive while you are away. If there is anyone in your family/neighbourhood who might contact me about an emergency or to confirm arrival details for pickup up at the airport, I need to be advised and put that on your file so that I can give them the information. Otherwise, even if it is your family member, I am legally prevented from acknowledging that you are away and from divulging any details of your itinerary. Conversely, if you would like me to have any emergency contacts, please let me know.

Packing: Plan to coordinate. Lay it out, put half away
For the plane you will want long pants and a sweater. Pants which become shorts are perfect, and a t-shirt under the fleece will be appropriate when you arrive. You really are unlikely to wear as much as you think, so pack lightly. You may want to pack a small umbrella – just in case of a shower. ( I haven’t needed one yet!!) Remember a hat. Put shampoos etc in ziplock bags in case of leaks- take smaller containers if possible. Check the electric current if you are planning to take any appliances .

Learn a few phrases of the local language- you will get a long way with please, thank you, hello, and toilets?

HAVE FUN!

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Getting you there and back in the best shape possible.

 

Dawn McNevin Joseph, of The Right Fit Fitness, offers these tips to help you feel good when traveling.

 

Here are a few fitness tips to keep you feeling well (energized and pain free) throughout your flight and upon arrival at your destination. For those of you who fear doing arm circles and lunges down the aisles, these are for you. They are subtle but effective.

 

DRINK WATER

Before – During – After your flight.

The recycled air on a plane is very dry with little humidity (10-20%). Dehydration can lead to discomforts (dry mouth, throat, eyes and skin), and fatigue.

Drink 8 ounces of water for every hour you are onboard a plane.

When choosing a drink from the cart, keep in mind that alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body.

 

 WALK AROUND

Before. During. After. your flight.

Why sit in the waiting room when you know you will be sitting for an indefinite amount of time once you board. Walk around the airport terminals.

While flying, don’t feel guilty about asking someone to move so you can get up and walk around. Prolonged sitting in cramped quarters causes pooling of blood in deep veins of the lower limbs, resulting in leg swelling, so try to move once every hour to hour and a half.

*Remember to plan your walk around in-flight meal services.

Upon arrival, get your leg joints moving after the flight (more than just to your taxi!). Use the stairs, not the escalator and walk around the baggage claim area while you are waiting for your luggage.

 

In Flight Exercises:

Ball Rolling

 Bring a tennis ball. Roll it under your feet (shoes off).? This relaxes the fascia and increases circulation.

You can also place it under your glute (butt cheek) to release glute tension.

 

 Pectoral (chest) Stretch

Stand parallel to the corner of a wall. Place one arm at a 90 angle on the wall (at the rear of the plane there is usually room).? Keep elbow and forearm supported. Step the same foot forward as arm that you are stretching. Lean your body gently forward as you rotate away from wall. The stretch should be felt across your chest and into the front of your shoulder.

 

 Glute (butt) Stretch

Sitting in your seat, cross one ankle over the opposite knee. Sit up tall through your spine. If you need an additional stretch, pike straight forward at your waist, keeping your low back straight. Hold for 1-3 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

Sit up straight in your seat and cross arms across shoulders. Rotate gently as far as you can to one side, side bend to that side, unbend and rotate a little further. Repeat 3 times each side. Your upper back rotation should improve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep in mind that some airports have gyms. Bring your gym clothes or at least a pair of running shoes and make the best of a layover or delayed flight.

 

For a list of gyms in and near Canadian and US airports, check out:

http://www.airportgyms.com/

 

Don’t Just Do it, Do it Right.

Are travellers getting leery of Internet arrangements?

 

12 AUG 2009: Just one in three US online travellers feel that travel websites do a good job presenting travel choices  that’s down from 39% in 2008. Travellers believe they are taken for granted says a new study that suggests consumers aren�t pleased with the complicated process of planning and booking a trip online, and are exasperated to find they are expected to have the skills of travel agents.

A Forrester Research study, chronicled the dissatisfaction with do-it-yourself online travel in the US.? There are 15% fewer travellers who enjoy using the web in 2009 than there were in 2007, said the report.

“What we’ve seen is growing frustration,” said Henry Harteveldt, a Forrester travel analyst.

Consumers see other websites becoming easier to use  retail websites, banking websites, media websites. But travel is treading water as a category. There are very few travel companies that are really looking to improve the planning and booking process.

Instead customers are forced to figure out extra fees, wade through fine print and understand industry terms like the difference between a deluxe and a standard room, in addition to educating themselves about destinations, flights and hotels.

“Travel companies expect the consumer to behave like a travel agent,” said Hartveldt. “The question I always ask these guys is, Could your mother-in-law use your Web site without having to call you for help? The answer is always no.”

Harteveldt said a growing number of consumers appeared to be interested in using an offline travel agency, if they could find one.

“The fact that there are more people now who would consider using a good offline travel agent is telling me people are saying, Enough already,” he said.

 

Janet McKelvie adds… “So call your travel agent and avoid the frustration”.

?

Irish Highlights 2009

Day 1 – Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Dublin.

Day 2 – Arrive Dublin
Welcome to Ireland! After check-in, time to relax. Later an included sightseeing tour with a local guide visits Trinity College, to admire the ancient Book of Kells, and views St. Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedral. Then on to Phoenix Park and the Wellington Memorial. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink.?

Hotel: Camden Court / Maldron

Day 3 – Dublin – Waterford
We have a walking tour of the Irish National Stud Farm and visit the Japanese Garden. Our Tour Director shows us a Hidden Treasure today! Next to Kilkenny to see the castle before an included visit to the Waterford Crystal Factory. ? (Full breakfast / Dinner)?

Hotel: The Belfry

Day 4 – Waterford – Kenmare (2 nights)
This morning we drive to the fishing village of Youghal where Moby Dick was filmed and on to Cork. Then to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Later via Macroom where we see the remains of its castle before travelling to Kenmare.? (Full breakfast)

Hotel: Kenmare Bay / Eviston House (2 nights)

Day 5 – Ring of Kerry
Enjoy a drive around the Ring of Kerry through Moll’s Gap and down over the Black Valley to Ladies View. Next is Killorglin to Cahirciveen with the memorial to St. Brendan, the Navigator, and views of Dingle Bay and the South Kerry Mountains. We see Charlie Chaplin’s hideaway, Waterville and Derrynane, home of Ireland’s liberator Daniel O’Connell. Later we return to our hotel in Kenmare.? (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Day 6 – Kenmare – Cliffs of Moher – Limerick
First across the Shannon by ferry and to County Clare to see the magical Cliffs of Moher where we visit the new Visitors’ Centre. Then we drive to our hotel in Limerick. (Full breakfast)

Hotel: Radisson SAS

Day 7 – Limerick – Dublin
This morning we visit Bunratty Castle before we travel via Ennis and across County Clare to Galway Bay for panoramic views, stopping at Galway Cathedral before driving to Dublin. We also visit a whiskey distillery on our journey. We enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight with our Tour Director and new-found friends.? (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)?

Hotel: Camden Court / Maldron

Day 8 – Dublin – Canada
Time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and fellow travelers as our tour comes to an end.? (Full breakfast)

3 days independently in Dublin and area, followed by a 7 day Irish Highlights First Class coach tour.

8 Days in Length Starting at: $1,270.00 CAD land only Just $158.75 per day.?

? We cycle along quiet country roads through quintessential Provencale scenery enjoying great food and wine along the way. The route is mainly undulating but with several hillier sections, thus you should be a regular cyclist and/or be physically active to get the most from the tour. You can ride independently or with group members. 95% on tarmac and 5% on gravel/clay. The only day that has the gravel/clay section is on the last optional day ride onto the Camargue.?

Description:

• Cycle through the evocative plains of the Camargue • Our route takes us to the very heart of Provence • Explore the region’s amazing heritage including Roman remains? ? Winelands of Provence We start our explorations from Roman Orange with a ride south to the celebrated vineyards of Chateuneuf du Pape, where there is time to enjoy a tasting of this famous wine. Returning via the rampart-encircled village of Caderouse, you may decide to visit Orange’s famous theatre and triumphal arch. Next we head through more vineyards towards Carpentras which allows an opportunity to take in Gigondas for outstanding views and a chance to enjoy its Grenache wines. The Luberon: Heart of Provence Our time in Carpentras gives several options. For those that would like a further ride we can recommend cycling to the east of town where you will find quintessential Provence in the Les Plus Belles Villages. From here it’s not far to Senanque to see the Cistercian abbey. Alternatively Avignon is close by, its famous bridge just one of many attractions. Leaving Carpentras we now head southeast through pretty Pernes le Fontaine, where more than 40 ancient fountains can be found, then over the Durance river to the narrow streets of Noves and on to St Remy de Provence. Into the Carmargue From St Remy we ride as ever along our favoured minor backroads this time around the base of the Chaines des Alpilles where many orchards are planted. We can pause at the remarkable 2nd century Barbegal Mill and wander through the stunning Montmajour Abbey before we reach Arles, onetime home of Van Gogh. South of the town the Rhone delta forms the wild lands of the Camargue, famous for their pink flamingos, black bulls and wild horses. A fabulous ride takes us southwest through the wetlands to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer – the perfect end to a week discovering the many different faces of Provence.

Map:

?

Activities:

Cycling

Countries Visited:

France

Itinerary:

1 Join Orange. 2 Cycle Chateauneuf du Pape for included winetasting; return to Orange via Caderouse. 3 Cycle to Cameret sur Aigues to Seguret; short detour to Gigondas for views of limestone pinnacles. 4 Free in Carpentras; optional trip to Avignon or various optional cycle rides. 5 Cycle to St Remy en Provence via Pernes le Fontaine. 6 Continue to Arles via Alpilles; option to visit Barbegal Mill Montmajour Abbey. 7 Optional ride into the Carmargue to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. 8 End Arles.

Group Size:

Approx. 12 to 16.

Type of Accommodation:

Hotels

Comments:

Explore Tour Leader/driver to assist, advise and co-ordinate.Activities: b grading culture on foot cycle nonflights

Trip Dates

start:? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? end:? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? cost:

contact Janet McKelvie for details

operated by:?

? Janet’s pick of the month! Fantastic value! 10 Days in Length Starting at: $635.00 CAD land only Just $63.50 per day.? Operated By: Description: This tour offers a snapshot of one of Central America’s friendliest and most beautiful countries. With twenty five percent of the country devoted to national parks and reserves, this is a nature lover’s paradise and the sheer quantity and diversity of wildlife is staggering. Mix this in with some stunning Caribbean beaches and some impressive volcanoes and you are in for a sensational holiday.? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Map: ? Activities: Walks & Rambles History & Culture Nature & Wildlife Countries Visited: Costa Rica Itinerary: Day 1 San Jose Our trip starts on Tuesday with your arrival in San Jose. There’s no activities planned for day one, so you can arrive at any time. There will be a pre-departure meeting at the joining hotel with your leader at 6.30pm this evening. Your leader will collect your local payment at the meeting. Please check the notice board in the foyer of the joining hotel for details of this meeting and for any messages from your leader. Please bring your passport and travel insurance to the briefing.Day 2 San Jose To-day is your own for exploring San Jose, the cosmopolitan capital of Costa Rica, and the centre of Costa Rica’s theatre and art world. The beautiful National Theatre is a ‘must-see’. San Jose’s most impressive public building, the National Theatre, is the centre of Costa Rican culture, with its superb interiors of marble staircases, gilded ceilings and local hardwood parquetry floors. The city boasts some excellent museums; among the most famous is the Jade Museum housing the world’s largest collection of American jade. Pre-Columbian gold, Costa Rican art and collections of live snakes and native reptiles are among some of the other museum offerings. The friendliness of the people, breathtaking flora and fauna, ancient artefacts, and its central market with all you can imagine make this city a fascinating and memorable cultural experience.Day 3 – 4 Monteverde We climb up the mountains to the village of Monteverde, or ‘Green Mountain’, in the northwest of Costa Rica. Here we set foot upon the outstanding Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. This preserved dense forest is just to the east of the community of Monteverde, a small village founded by North American Quakers in the 1950s. Experiencing the mystical and fragile environment here is a highlight of Costa Rica, with the constant cloud cover enveloping the top of the mountains and providing a misty magical tropical atmosphere in a place that is home to more than 2500 recorded species of plants, 400 birds and 100 species of mammals alone! As well as unexceeded bird-watching opportunities, we also have the option of taking the giant ‘Sky Walk’. Traversing the rope ladders and fixed rope bridges on a series of suspension bridges in the jungle canopy over 40 metres above ground, we can view a veritable spectrum of birdlife, marvel at other breathtaking fauna and flora and maybe glimpse the elusive, brilliant quetzal. Travelling from the cool highland cloud forest to the dense rainforest reveals to us the rich diversity of Costa Rica’s ecological highlights.? Day 5 – 6 La Fortuna – Arenal Our next stop is the town of La Fortuna, whose main attraction is the nearby spectacular Arenal Volcano (1633 metres). This active volcano? with its almost perfect conical shape is a spectacular sight, especially at night as red-hot molten lava can often be seen flowing from the crater. During our two-day stay we enjoy a hike around the volcano and absorb the stunning scenery that surrounds its base. There are also some great options for white-water rafting and horse riding. An optional night trek to the volcano is also recommended as there is often a display of molten lava and luminous rocks flying through the sky. We also get to enjoy a dip at the beautiful local waterfalls of La Catarata de Fortuna.Day 7 – 9 Puerto Viejo & Cahuita We spend the next three nights in the beautiful beach town of Puerto Viejo which is located on the Caribbean Sea and offers a wide range of activities including hiking, mountain biking , kayaking , diving, and snorkelling. Or you may prefer to soak up some of the local culture, discover the local reggae or sample the indigenous handicrafts on offer. On Day 8 we take a day trip to Cahuita which has a relaxed ambience while its authentic Creole culture remains evident in the country’s food and music. We also visit the Cahuita national park, wildlife abounds and there are good opportunities for sightings of coatis, sloths, armadillos, iguanas, howler and capuchin monkeys, as well as scores of other animals. Cahuita National Park is also renowned for its attractive unspoiled beaches, with long stretches of pristine white sand, coral reef and coastal rainforest, making it a haven for both swimming and snorkelling. Day 10 San Jose On our final day we return by bus back to San Jose, where our short Costa Rican journey comes to an end. It is possible to book additional accommodation in San Jose, if you intend on staying on after the tour. If you are departing San Jose today, please do not book to depart until after 19:00 hrs. Group Size: Maximum 15 Type of Accommodation: Hotels Comments: Highlights: San Jose Monteverde Cloud Forest La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Cahuita Beach Puerto ViejoGrade: Moderate – A moderate level of fitness is required. These trips generally involve some physical activities and occasional long travelling days. Accommodation and travel conditions may be more basic.Included: An experienced Local Leader plus there will be the services of local guides at some sites. entrance fee to Arenal volcano, All transport, accommodation, sightseeing as indicated.Not Included: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, meals, entrance fees, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.Other: Public Holiday Inconveniences Please be prepared for the inconvenience of sights such as museums and churches being closed to tourists on public holidays (ie. Christmas Day and New Years Day). Throughout Latin America, most museums also tend to be closed on Mondays.Local Payment: Local Payment of US$200The local payment is the final part of your overall tour cost. It MUST be paid in cash, in the currency indicated, to your tour leader at the start of your trip. Having a local payment helps us to pass cost savings on to you. Please note that the Local Payment is non-refundable. Single Traveller: Most of our travellers are single and like the thought of travelling with a few like-minded souls. As part of Gecko’s core philosophy, we do not charge a single supplement. You’ll probably be sharing your accommodation with a travelling companion of the same gender, but even if you do get your own room, you won’t be charged extra, unless the tour has a minimum of one person. Because many of our travellers come on their own, your tour will probably have a strong social element and you’ll almost certainly come home with some great new friends. ? Start Date? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? End Date 24/03/2009 02/04/2009 ? ? ? ? 14/04/2009 23/04/2009 ? ? ? 05/05/2009 14/05/2009 ? ? ? 26/05/2009 04/06/2009 ? ? ? ? 23/06/2009 02/07/2009 ? ? ? 07/07/2009 16/07/2009 ? ? ? 21/07/2009 30/07/2009 ? ? ? ? 18/08/2009 27/08/2009 ? ? ? ? 15/09/2009 24/09/2009 ? ? ? 13/10/2009 22/10/2009 ? ? ? 10/11/2009 19/11/2009 ? ? ? 08/12/2009 17/12/2009 ? ? ? 22/12/2009 31/12/2009 ? ? ? 05/01/2010 14/01/2010 ? ? ? 02/02/2010 11/02/2010 ? ? ? 02/03/2010 11/03/2010 ? ? ? ? 16/03/2010 25/03/2010 ? ? ? ? 30/03/2010 08/04/2010 ? ? ? 13/04/2010 22/04/2010 ? ? ? 27/04/2010 06/05/2010 ? ? ? 25/05/2010 03/06/2010 ? ? ? 22/06/2010 01/07/2010 ? ? ? ? 20/07/2010 29/07/2010 ?

Contact Janet McKelvie for details, availability and airfares.