Janet Loves To Travel

? ? Janet went to Holguin, Cuba in October 2007.? ? It was lovely!!!! Very hot, lots of sun and gorgeous beach to enjoy. Travel in the off season is worth the risk of hurricanes, in Janet’s opinion.

I stayed at the Occidental? Grand Playa Turquesa. It is a? very large resort with all of the amenities. Golf carts were available to take you around if needed, and I could see why. Some folks would appreciate the walking to alleviate the effects of the terrific food, while others would find it too demanding.

The rooms were huge!! The section I was in contained? a series of buildings, each with 4 or 6 rooms set up above the ground. The rooms had 2 beparate beds plus a daybed? along the wall near the balcony doors. The shower stall was a little slow to drain, but certainly not the slowest I have seen! Large counter area in the bathroom and more than adequate shelving and hanging space in the closest.

The beach was delightful- white powdery sand, several large trees Read the rest of this entry »

Check out the information on this website from the Foreign Affairs and International Trade department of the federal government:

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/children_travel-en.asp

A brief overview:

-ensure that each child has a calid Canadian passport

-obtain a certified letter authorizing travel? (www.voyage.gc-ca/alt/letter.asp)

-seek advice from a lawyer if a custody dispute might develop while abroad

-never leave a young child unattended and keep some form of identification in the child’s pocket in case you are separated

-arrange in advance with airlines for unaccompanied minors

-use an approved safety seat for infants

-bring an adequate supply of baby products

Read the details on the website:

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/children_travel-en.asp? or contact the Consular Affairs Bureau:

1-800-267-6788 or 1-613-944-6788, TTY 1-800-394-3472 or 1-613-944-1310

email: voyage@international.gc.ca

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One of my favourite websites is the Adventurous Wench, and here is one? of the articles from the newsletter they send out.

Check it out for yourself or your special lady friend! www.adventurouswench.com

Don’t pack more than you can carry. If you can’t roll it, lift it, or lug it, you’ve packed too much!

Pack clothes that are versatile, comfortable and appropriate for your trip.? If you’re hiking through the Andes, then a strapless dress will probably go unworn.

Layer clothing for warmth and space.? Instead of packing single-use items, wear a T-shirt under a sweater, under a coat for multiple clothing options.

Bring tops and bottoms that you can mix and match.? If every top goes with every bottom, even with only a few pieces, your choices will be many.

Limit yourself to 3 pairs of shoes (including those you wear on the plane).? Depending on the trip, you could include hiking boots, walking shoes, something dressy, or flip-flops.? Make them all comfortable.

Good travel clothes are lightweight and wrinkle-resistant.? Keep them looking good by rolling items before packing (this fits more in your bag, too.)

Using the hotel laundry (or washing things in your bathroom) lets you pack less.? Instead of packing 21 pairs of socks, you could pack 7 and do laundry twice.

Is shampoo, soap, etc. taking up a lot of space in your bag?? Leave them behind and use the goodies the hotels supply, or buy small sample-sized products.

Security tips from the experts at FCS SecurityHappy Vacations can be spoiled if you return to a ransacked home. Unoccupied dwellings are a favourite target for a thief. Precautions for the safekeeping of your home while your family is away on vacation can provide the important factors of safety and peace of mind.  Read the rest of this entry »

In late August of 2006, Janet travelled into northern Idaho, Washington and British Columbia to enjoy the scenery, sunshine and cycling.

The weather was fantastic- hot and sunny every day, so the numerous lakes and waterways proved a refreshing treat.

Around Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, there are several miles of trails for all abilities. We prefer pavement, so the converted railway lines were a delight. A paved trail runs along Lake Coeur d’Alene through the city, so it is a terrific way to enjoy the water views, see the city and get some exercise. There are several small cafes downtown when it is time for a break, and the large public park at the beach was a perfect place to cool. Lots of shade on the grass, or tons of sun on the sandy beach. The water was clear and refreshing. Hard to leave! Read the rest of this entry »

Cuba Tryp Report? ? ?

No, it’s not a typo-we stayed at the lovely Tryp Peninsula resort in Varadero, Cuba for the week.? And oh, what a week…..

Typical daily temperature was 37 degrees C. Sun from dawn to dusk and cloudless, incredible blue skies above the hot white sand and turquoise ocean beckoned . Read the rest of this entry »