“This is a significant recognition for our company,” said Allen B. Graham, president of both Transat Canada and Air Transat. “We have earned this distinction in large part because of the engagement of all our employees in the area of corporate responsibility, and especially because of our team effort to protect the environment.”The ICI ON RECYCLE! recognition program, created by the Quebec government in 2003 and managed by RECYC-QUEBEC, aims to acknowledge the efforts of industries, commerces and institutions that have established exemplary waste-management measures. Air Transat has attained the program’s most stringent level (Level 3 – Performance), for having implemented measures to reduce, re-use, recycle and recover waste. This has allowed the company to achieve an overall recovery rate of over 80%.

from TravelPress, 09Jan2012

Starting April 30, Canadians will be required to present a valid passport to visit the Dominican Republic. Until then, Canadians entering the Dominican Republic by direct air travel are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver’s license) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). Canadian tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.

Go to www.voyage.gc.ca for more information on these advisories or call 1-800-267-6788 in Canada and United States.

courtesy of Travelinfo.ca

 Tourism is a viable industry for Cuba. Currently most  visitors to the island are from Latin America, Europe, and Canada.

Cuba’s average temperature is 77°F. Compared to most countries, Cuba experiences little variation, although July and August can be hot and humid. Hurricane season is from June-November. Spanish is the official language of Cuba. The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso.

The country-wide literacy rate is 99.8 percent ,according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations’ Institute for Statistics. This is the 2nd highest literacy rate in the world. The Cuban government spends ten percent of their central budget on education, making it free for all at every level, inclusive of all materials such as books and uniforms.

The main industries of Cuba are food production and industrial products and their main exports are sugar, nickel, seafood, citrus, tobacco products and rum.  Over half the population considers themselves Catholic. Santeria also plays a large role in the nation’s self-identity. Santeria was brought over to Cuba by Africans and the most common form of Santeria combines Catholicism with Yoruba beliefs.Cuba is the most populous island in the Caribbean and home to over 11 million residents. Due to the free education system, the cities are becoming filled with people pursuing higher education.

Cuba is the only country in the world that met the World Wildlife Fund criteria for sustainable development in 2006, making it one of the “greenest” nations due to its low environmental impact.

According to tour operator Camino Travel from Costa Rica, this increase is due to a new charge for scanning and X-ray baggage inspection and it applies to all those who leave the country by air, according to Costa Rican Law 7664 (Ley de Protección Fitosanitaria).  The departure tax is to be paid at the following airports:  Juan Santamaría International Airport (San Jose – SJO), Daniel Oduber International Airport (Liberia – LIR), and Tobías Bolaños Airport (local flights and flights to Nicaragua – SYQ)

from TravelInfo.ca

As Canadians travel south of the border, almost half (44%) between the ages of 18 and 34 say they rarely or never purchase travel insurance when travelling to the United States, according to a recent RBC Insurance survey, conducted by Ipsos Reid.  More than half (56%) of young travellers don’ take the time to understand what their travel insurance covers before they leave on their trip.

Young travellers often forget about travel insurance in the excitement of planning a trip, said Tim Bzowey, vice-president, Travel, RBC Insurance. Travelling without insurance can have some serious consequences and since this age group tends to be more active when they travel, their chances of needing emergency medical care may be increasedOther misconceptions young travellers have include more than a third (34%) of young Canadians say that they don’t need travel insurance if they’re only travelling to the United States because their provincial health plan will cover their medical costs. However, RBC says a two-day hospital stay for a broken leg in California can cost up to $8,000 per day, and the average provincial health plan would pay only $200 daily, leaving the individual responsible for the $7,800 difference. In comparison, a 30-year-old travelling for eight days in the US could buy full emergency medical travel insurance for just $33.

Surprisingly, the survey finds that 84% of young travellers believe that they don’ need to buy travel insurance if they are travelling to another province. However, government health insurance plans (GHIP) may limit the reimbursement of emergency medical expenses once travellers leave their home province. For example, an air ambulance with a full medical team travelling from Calgary to Toronto can cost $24,000 and is not covered by GHIP.

Young Canadians also assume that they are covered through existing travel insurance plans; 57% believe that they don’t need to buy travel insurance because they have sufficient coverage through their work or credit card. But these plans may have limits or restrictions on claim amounts, the number of travel days, age and certain types of medical emergencies.

“There is often confusion and misconceptions around the different types of insurance available,’” added Bzowey. “It’s important to understand what your needs are and the different types of travel insurance available to ensure financial protection against any unexpected travel situations.”

courtesy of Travel|Press.com

Transat Distribution Canada, the largest Canadian retail travel network, is proud to announce that it has reached another important milestone: 500 agencies in the country. With the addition of 42 outlets over the past year, the TDC network is now counting 162 members in Ontario, 115 in the West, 10 in the Maritimes and 213 in Québec. The network includes over 2,500 consultants and employees and it has a presence in about 400 communities across Canada.

“It has been an incredible year for us and this major new step for the network further strengthens our position as the leading retail distributor in the Canadian holiday travel market. In the past three months, we have focused our efforts on acquisitions and developing our network, and we are very pleased with the results. Our primary goal unquestionably remains our members’ financial health, and the various marketing options and flexible solutions in our service offering mean that each agency can find something suitable,” mentioned Yves Lalumière, President of TDC.

The network plans to continue its growth in the coming years, and to pursue its commitment toward its members by offering them the best assistance and programs as well as the best products and services to customers.

About Transat Distribution Canada

Transat Distribution Canada is Canada’s leading retail distributor of holiday travel, with approximately 500 outlets. The distribution network, which is affiliated with Transat A.T. Inc., includes the Marlin Travel, TravelPlus, Club Voyages and Voyages en Liberté banners as well as other affiliate members. Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries and that distributes products in over 50 countries.

Janet works through a Marlin agency which is one of the Transat Distribution brands.

When you travel on Air Canada or Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz only), your complimentary baggage allowance is determined by your fare, destination, date of travel and frequent flyer status.

Economy class passengers now pay $25 for the first checked bag* and $35 for a second bag**… per direction.
*Tickets issued before September 7 or travel before October 11, 2011: Check a 1st bag free
**Tickets issued before June 1, 2011: Check a 2nd bag for only $30 CAD (per direction)

Max. weight per bag:
23kg (50lb)
Max. linear dimensions per bag:
158cm (62in)

But if you are Aeroplan Super Elite Elite, Prestige, or Star Alliance Gold these chargees do not apply.

Are you confused yet? 

Passengers who purchase travel on a codeshare flight or a flight with another airline may be subject to the baggage policy and other rules of the airline operating the first flight in their itinerary..

Good news, though… for infants not occupying a seat (just your lap), + 1 car seat to be transported as checked baggage
+ 1 stroller to be checked at the gate during boarding
are allowed free. Checked baggage IS allowed for infants at the usual costs.

For all of the details, go to   http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/checked.html

Best tip from Janet: pack light and travel only with carry-on.

June 15, 2011 in Travel by Ellen Klein | No comments

Its summer vacation time! As many of us travel this summer, we see longer lines, airline cut backs and fees, not to mention unpredictable weather. Here are a few simple tips to make your trip a wonderful adventure to remember.

Attitude is key! If you start with a good attitude, others you encounter will mirror that, and you can handle anything that happens. 

Be flexible. Sometimes things happen, good or bad, changing your plans in an instant. If you are willing to just smile and “go with the flow,” you will certainly have an adventure, and it may even be better than the original plan.

Pack light. This can’t be emphasized enough. If you plan carefully, you’ll have everything you need and you can carry it on the plane, avoiding luggage fees. Pack layers instead of bulky items for cold weather. Pick a color scheme and pack mix- and-match items you can wear in many combinations. Have a master packing list on your computer. Before each trip, print it out, modifying it for the length of the trip and the weather.

Pack chargers for your iPod, cell phone, camera battery, computers, etc. Also pack an extension cord. This way, if the outlets in a hotel room are limited, you can plug three things on one cord, and if you need a voltage converter or adapter, you need carry only one. Pack loose batteries in a plastic bag in your carry-on. Since January 1, 2008, lithium batteries are permitted in checked luggage only if installed in the electronic device.

Pack everything in a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, in neat layers. Stow your carry-on in the overhead bin and your backpack under the seat (ladies, put your handbag in the backpack!). Make sure any liquids or gels are 3 oz. or under, and stored in one quart-sized zip-lock bag that is easy for airport security to inspect. Also, take some twist ties. These are great for securing zippers on luggage when you are on the move and can be taken off easily at security.

If you must check luggage, make sure you have your toiletries, medications, electronics and chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Lost luggage can put a real damper on a trip. Pack an extra bag that packs flat, for those once-in-a-lifetime purchases and souvenirs. Check this bag on the way home. Many airport luggage shops sell them. Check your airline’s website for any specific luggage restrictions.

Time your airport arrival to give yourself enough time to get through security, but don’t arrive so early that you spend hours sitting around. Check to see which carriers fly from the same terminal. A lot of short-haul airlines usually mean a longer security line. Check your airline’s website for flight status updates which send text or voice messages to your cell phone advising you of your gate number, and changes, delays, etc. Since most U.S. domestic flights no longer provide meals, we like to get to the airport for a morning flight in time to get through security, then sit down and have a nice breakfast.

Speaking of food, if you are flying domestically in coach, bring your favorite snacks. Although airlines sell a variety of items, you’ll save money and have healthier snacks you enjoy. For flights during mealtimes, buy a sandwich and drink after going through security. If you buy them in advance, be careful about liquids—salad dressing, drinks, sauces, etc. may be confiscated.

Our packing essentials for any trip: bathing suit, hand sanitizer pads, or gel (in your quart-sized plastic bag), bandana (has many uses), extension cord, head lamp (great for reading), plastic bags, twist ties, small tripod for camera, small rolls of toilet paper, and most important, a good attitude and a smile.

Summer is also a good time to book your trips for the Fall. Check out all of our exciting vacation destinations.

Janet recommends the California Native . They were pleasant, easy to deal with, accessible for me and my clients , and most importantly, offered a TERRIFIC package to the Copper Canyon which my clients really enjoyed.