Advice: Packing

I have to pack for a trip multiple times a year, and somehow I still manage to over pack!
I was just looking around on eBay for some travel sized stuff, since I was pulling out my suitcase to start packing for the hospital! Taking a break, I decided to log on to my youtube account, and lo and behold, one of my subscriptions- Lanaindiana, a flight attendant- just posted a video on what to pack for a trip!
I'd be a horrible person if I didn't share her video with the world, so I'll go ahead and post the link for you guys below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2Dqkog9Hrs

Isn't she the cutest?!
Enjoy!

Happy Travels!

SEAT SALE: Air Canada

How does a $39.00 flight sound to you?
Book on http://www.aircanada.com by midnight on June 5th (tonight!) and get a one-way trip from and to the following destinations for under $40.00!
Flights must be between now and June 30th to be eligible.


Edmonton - Kelowna
Edmonton - Ft. McMurray
Edmonton - Grande Prairie
Edmonton - Saskatoon
Kamloops - Calgary
Kelowna - Vancouver
Kelowna - Calgary
Montreal - Toronto
Ottawa - Toronto
Quebec City - Toronto
Thunder Bay - Winnipeg
Saskatoon - Calgary

Now that's thinking recession!
Have a great flight!!

Happy Travels!

Travel Tip of the Day!

When you make a reservation for ANYTHING (Cruise, Flight, Hotel, Trail etc.) print off your confirmation! If anything were to happen with your reservation along the line that you didn't hear about, you have solid proof that you have infact booked.
It also helps you remember departure times, the address of the hotel and can come in handy if you lost your tickets.

Happy Travels!

Cruises: Your dream vacation...On Water!

Cruises always sound so luxurious to me. Think about it, sailing around on a large fancy boat with a swimming pool and fancy dinners, and the tans from lounging around- what sounds better than that?!
If you're tired of the airplane, train and car scene, maybe it's time for a cruise!

I'm going to be basing my research off of the fabulous Royal Caribbean Cruise line for this post.

First off, browse around cruise lines websites. They will tell you all the destinations available, so you can decide on where you want to go.
Royal Caribbean goes to:
Alaska
Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Nha Trang)
Australia/New Zealand
Bahamas
Bermuda
Canada/New England
Caribbean
Dubai/Emirates
Europe (Great Britain/Ireland, The Mediterranean, Scandinavia)
Hawaii
Mexico
Pacific Northwest (San Fransisco, British Columbia)
Panama Canal
South America (Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Chile)
Transatlantic (Canary Islands, Ireland, France, Portugal)

Once you choose one of the tours, you can decide if the activities on board (and on shore) are right for you.
Royal Caribbean Cruises feature On Board Activities such as:
Ice Skating
Rock Wall
Surf Simulator
Formal Dinners
Teen-Only Clubs
Mini Golf
Bingo Nights
Karaoke
Theme Nights
Parties
Spa Services
Scuba Diving
Running Track
Basketball (Half-Court)
Baseball (Half-Court)
Bars, Lounges and Night Clubs
Casinos
And the list goes on.

Once you've decided if you like that or not, check out other things that would be important on the cruise. For example, most cruises you must have Casual, Smart Casual, and Formal dinner clothing.
Check out this chart I copied from the Royal Caribbean Website, and the definitions of these outfits:

Dinner attire...Meals in the main dining room follow this schedule:
Cruise Length Casual Smart Casual Formal
3-night 2 0 1
4-night 3 0 1
5-night 3 1 1
6-night 3 1 2
7-night 4 1 2
8-night 4 2 2
9-night 5 2 2
10-night 6 2 2
11-night 7 2 2
12-night 6 3 3
13-night 9 2 2
14-night 8 3 3
15-night + Remaining 3 3

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women
Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women
Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

Finally, look at the prices. I won't give an example price for these because I would just be doing the price of one person, not a few. If you choose to book, doing so online is available, as well as over the phone and in person at specific travel agencies.

If you are interested in any of the cruises mentioned above go to the website http://www.royalcaribbean.com/

Happy Travels!

Travel Tip of the Day!

View websites like http://www.tripadvisor.com/ and http://www.expedia.com/ for reviews of places BEFORE you stay there! Get used to what other people think of your next surroundings. Take notes to see if negative things come up more than a few times and take them into consideration. Look at the reviews before you look at the rates!

Happy Travels!

Safety Tips: General

Safety is always a top priority no matter where your day will lead you.
Safety away from home is pretty much the same, no matter where you are, but being cautious never hurt.

Be Smart.
If you're travelling somewhere you don't know, don't draw attention to yourself. Don't stay in areas that make you feel uncomfortable or look shady. If you're travelling alone, avoid alleyways, dark streets and travelling at night. Do not pull out large amounts of cash, or hold large amounts of cash on you at one time. Avoid crowded areas like busy streets, strips, buses, trains etc. unless you absolutely have to. Only travel in marked transportation. Watch for pickpocketers. Keep important documents with you (passport, license, boarding passes etc.) as well as credit cards. Photocopy your passport in case it gets stolen or lost. Fill and label all medications before you go.
Lock up.
Lock your doors and windows at night. Locking your luggage, or hiding your valuables is also smart. Take advantage safes when they're available. Often they come so you set your own code. Also, don't put your home address on your luggage. Use the place you are sayings. Also, use covered luggage tags.

Dress Smart.
Don't dress provocatively, or unusual to that area. Don't bring valuable jewelery on trips, unless necessary. If uncomfortable with bringing wedding rings, get a cheap alternative at your local thrift store, or even Zellers or Wal*Mart. Not wearing rings at all is also an option. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring a money belt that goes under your pants, or a purse that goes across the body or hangs close to you. Do not bring larger than needed.

Eat Smart.
If you've never had something that doesn't sound good, or that has possible allergens in it, don't eat it. Drink bottled water, or canned drinks as often as you can. If tap water is necessary, boil it first. Check the internet to see if there is anything you should avoid at your destination (ie. Water in Mexico)

Here is a great article that has many of the same tips, as well as others. Be sure to read through each of them while planning your trip: http://ezinearticles.com/?33-Travel-Safety-Tips&id=31670

This may be very far fetched and not common, but reading these will make you think of a plan- just in case:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html

Happy [safe] Travels!

Tips for Beginners: Airline

Airline travel can be scary, and it's very understandable!
Going through security can be stressful, waiting on the tarmac can make you anxious, turbulence can cause fears and anxiety, initial take off and landing in general can be scary and unusual to anybody!
However, once you land, all your fears go away. Well, once you pick up your luggage that is!
We're going to get some tips all set up here, and hopefully your next flight will be a breeze!

Top Ten Safety Tips for Airlines:
(Inspired from http://www.airsafe.com/ten_tips.htm )

1. If you have a fear of crashing, pick direct flights. You'll only have to take off and decent once, which lowers your risk of an accident tremendously.
2. Choose large aircrafts. They have more specific certification rules to pass than smaller planes do.
3. Pay attention to the safety video at the beginning of your flight, and read the pamphlet in the seat pocket. It's easier to remember something you know!
4. Try to keep only light objects in overhead storage. If anything were to fall or loosen the latch, it would be healthier to be hit with something light!
5. When you're seated, opt to wear your seat belt.
6. Listen to the flight attendants. They've done this multiple times, and were specifically trained to.
7. Do not bring anything questionable or hazardous. Just don't.
8. If you're drinking something hot, let the Flight Attendant do it for you. They're trained for handling hot objects in crowded aisles.
9. Don't drink too much. The altitude is different in the air, meaning consumption can and will affect you a lot harder!
10. Think. If something were to happen, panicking isn't going to get you anywhere or save you!

Here is an example of the video you will be seeing on your flight. Just because you watched this one doesn't mean you shouldn't watch the one on the plane!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeyZwClZ15Q

Here is a comical safety video, just to lighten your mood :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFjVbiPzwpI

How to Stay Healthy on an Aircraft:
These simple tips will make your flight enjoyable and healthy!

1. When choosing a drink on board, choose water or juice. Caffeine or carbonated drinks are dehydrating, which can make you very uncomfortable.
2. Relax. Flying may be nerve racking, but millions of people fly each day and are safe.
3. Eat lightly. Take off, turbulence and landing often trigger upset stomachs, and can make jet lag worse than it is.
4. Avoid foods that give you gas. In the air, your body gasses expand by one-third!!
5. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
6. Take off your shoes while in the air. Ankles tend to swell up while flying. Wearing loose socks or 'airplane socks' help with the circulation (and keep your feet warm and are super comfy!)
7. Try to bring a airplane sized moisturizers for your hands and face. They'll make you feel and look a lot better!

For these tips and more, check out http://www.airtravelgenius.com/ar/healthy_flying.htm

Security Tips:

Pack your carry on bag neatly! If it is a mess, it is considered suspicious and is more than likely going to be searched.

Pack all electronics in your carry on. Here is procedure for bringing on a laptop: http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/simplifying_laptop_bag_procedures.shtm

Read this for rules on liquids. There is no better way I can word it than it has been worded here:http://www.tsa.gov/311/

The following can set off the metal detectors:
Keys, Money, Small Electronics (Cell Phones, PDA's, mp3 players etc), Jewelery, Metal Buttons on clothing, Metal hair pins/decorations (bobby pins, hair pins etc), Belts and Buckles, Underwire Bras, Shoes

When going through security, please remember to place all liquids into a 1 quart Ziploc Baggie. You may put jewelery/change in a separate baggie. Place baggies in bins provided.
Shoes must go in a separate bin, as well as sweaters, jackets, purses, laptops etc.

If you use crutches or a cane, these will have to go through the x-ray conveyor. A security officer will often help you through the metal detector if needed. You also cannot touch the sides of the metal detector.
If you have a cast/boot/sling etc, you will go through extra screening and bomb testing. (Can you tell I've been though all of that before?! :) )

Prohibited Items:
View here for the complete list: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Please note that eye lash curlers are often confiscated.
Also, gel insoles and inserts are not allowed on board, and will be discarded at security!

Happy Travels!
Comment if you would like more information!

Traveling With: Children

Family travel is perfect for making memories and silly moments, but you cannot forget the stress that whiny, bored, sleepy children can cause.
It really isn't all that fun hearing "Are we there yet?" on repeat from the back seat of a car, or going to an attraction only to have an embarrassing melt down in the middle of the park or show.
While children are unpredictable and melt downs can't always be avoided, here are some great ways to entertain your children for a memorable vacation!

Talk to your children about the trip, and get them excited. Tell them about all the fun thing's you'll be doing with them, and let them pick out a thing or two. Remember, fun surprises always win!

Car Trip:
*Purchase a portable DVD player if your car does not come with one. Take them to the store (or library, depending on the length of your trip) and let them pick out at least 4 new DVD's that they're excited to see! Bringing along an old favourite or two will also work wonders. Whatever you do, don't forget the headphones! (If travelling with more than one child, buy a headphone splitter which lets more than one set of headphones be plugged into the jack at the same time.)
Here's a link for a portable DVD player:
- http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B001BEX61Y/sr=1-8/qid=1243885531/ref=sr_1_8/190-0047162-7321863?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=397221011

* If your child is at the right age, or owns a portable gaming system like a PSP (geared towards teenagers and adults) or a Nintendo DS/DSi, bring it along! If you see a Blockbuster, EB Games or GameStop along the way, why not reward them of they're great behaviour and purchase them a second hand game (these can range from $4.99 upwards). You might want to bring headphones for this as well.
Here are links for a Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, and a PSP.
You can also get them used from game stores, so check out those for a better price.
Also, these three are rechargeable and you can get car adaptors for them, meaning no batteries!
- http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=3265167&cp=2567324.2583060.2583060&parentPage=family
- http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=3529262&cp=2567324.2583060.2583060&parentPage=family
- http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=3443844&cp=2567324.2664187.2664187&parentPage=family

* Music is a fabulous way to keep children entertained. The old disc-man we're used to isn't around anymore. Now it's things called mp3 players. These are great for children and can come really cheaply. It's recommended that you get one that does not require batteries, as these will be used quickly. One that comes with/you can purchase a car adaptor for is beneficial. All you need for these is a good computer that you can put music on (either taking it off CD's, downloading or purchasing online), then transfer the music into the mp3 player. Keep note that you may need to purchase a memory card, so talk with somebody at the store to see what's the best deal for you. iPods are expensive, as well as Zune's so you might not want to give them to teenagers, however they are the best working and value in my opinion.

* Snacks. Chewing mouths are quiet mouths. Bring along lots of munchies for when the children get hungry. You can bring homemade muffins or banana bread, pretzels, peanuts, cheesies, cheese strings, Licorice, Gum, Fresh Fruits, Animal Crackers, Goldfish etc. Bringing 'clean' foods are a lot easier on your car and on your mind, as well as bringing healthy foods. Watch out for choking hazards if your child is still young! Why not spend the day before you leave baking tasty travel treats for your kids?

*Travel games. You can purchase travel sized games at your local Zellers (or Target), Wal*Mart, Canadian Tire and Toys R Us. If you don't want to spend the money before the vacation, print off some game ideas online! If your kids are older printing off crossword puzzles, sudoku games, Logic Puzzles and stuff like that would be really handy. If they're younger, play games like I Spy! Check out your local bookstore for travel game books- those really are a ton of fun!

*Notebooks are my must-have for travelling, along with my fancy pens. You never know what you'll see or think of while driving down the road, and having a notebook is perfect for jotting things down. Drawing pictures or writing songs, or even playing tic-tac-toe or hangman in my notebook make the time fly by!

*Stop at rest stops or gas stations to stretch your legs! Nothing is worse than feeling all cooped and cramped up for hours, and it's tougher on your kids than it is for you. Stop every so often (hour and a half for younger kids, two for teens) just to stretch your legs, get food from the trunk and use the rest rooms. Breaking up the trip in increments makes the drive go by a lot faster!

* Bring Gravol. Car sickness can happen to anybody at any given time. Trust me, you'll regret leaving without it.

Airplane Trip:

* Try as hard as you can to get your children on window seats (not above the wing). Looking out the window is entertainment in itself!

*Bring little munchies for this as well (but no juice/water!) Little snack packs are easy to throw into your carry-on and are more filling/interesting for the kids than the airplane food will be.

* Bring the mp3 player or handheld game systems mentioned in Car Travel. Of course you'll have to wait until the plane is level to play them, but they're easy to pull out when the child gets fussy. Make sure you charged them prior to leaving the house, and packed the chargers to use when you land!

* Make a goody-bag. Pack little dollar store items like mini puzzles, mini notebooks, small candies, packs of gum, crayons, little colouring books, tiny games, little toys etc. Don't let them see it prior to boarding. When they're behaving- tada! What child doesn't like a surprise goody bag?!

* Get excited. Children are often nervous of air planes for their first time. Tell them with an excited tone how their ears might 'tickle' a little going up, but chewing gum helps stop this, and that they'll be bigger than birds and flying in the sky! Tell them about how they'll have to put their shoes in a bin before getting on the airplane, and that they'll have to walk through a funny looking doorway, but it's not a big deal. The more excited you get, the more excited they'll be and nervousness will go out the door.

*Walk the aisle for a few minutes if you have a long flight. Taking your kids to the back bathroom with you (if you have to go) will help them stretch out their little legs, and they'll be a little more calm once this happens. If you don't have to use the facilities, walk them after food has been handed out/garbage has been collected for a few minutes.

* Bring chewable Gravol. Liquid would be confiscated, and the tiny pills may be hard for children to swallow. This will settle their stomachs if they're feeling queasy, and put them into a nice little sleep.


Boat Trip:

* Gravol. This is a necessity for both you and your children.

*Bring a sweater if there is an open deck. It gets chilly and sometimes damp (maybe bring a raincoat as well) but kids always love being in the fresh air and watching the sea below them. Make sure to keep an eye on them!

General Planning Tips:

No matter where you go, bring chewable Gravol, Tissues, Wet Wipes, snacks and small toys.

Let the children have a part in planning. Tell them about all the fun places there are where your going, and see what they have the most interest in. Talk to them about it every few days, and especially when leaving for the trip.

Do not skip nap time. Plan your day around when your children takes naps. Disrupting their schedule will only cause havoc for you.

Bring spare socks and underwear as well as shirts. Children are messy, so spares are always necessary.

Bring bathing suits even if you're not staying at a hotel with a pool. The town may just so happen to have a public pool, or you may spot a water park! Don't forget towels!

Bring one comfort item from home. Usually this is a teddy bear or blankie. Your child will thank you.

Bring chargers/batteries for cameras, mp3 players and game systems. Make sure you have all of them before you leave!

BRING YOUR CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Travels!

How To: Rent a Car

Vehicles are a fabulous convenience, but they're also a pain to get. When renting a car, thousands of new concerns and rules apply; What happens if I get into a car accident? Are the roads different and more busy here? What happened to the speed limit? Whats the age to get your licence here- are there 14 year olds on the road?

First off, lets figure out where to rent a car from and where's cheapest!

For this example, we're renting a car in Hamilton, Ontario (YHM).
We will be picking it up on Wednesday August 5th at 10 AM and will be returning it on Saturday August 15th, 2009 at 11 AM.
For the sites that ask your age, I will be selecting ages 25 and up.
Prices are per week

Budget
With Budget, you get your first 2,200 KM free, then have to pay 12 cents per KM.
If you want the additional waiver so you're not liable if the car is damaged or stolen, an additional $19/a day will apply.
Economy 2 or 4 door-$420.76 CAD
Compact 2 or 4 door- $420.76 CAD
Intermediate 2 or 4 door-$435.14 CAD
Standard 2 or 4 door- $455.46 CAD
Full size 2 or 4 door- $456.46 CAD
http://www.budget.com

Avis
With Avis, your Loss/Damage waiver would cost $26.95/day. $4.99/day will get you Personal Accident Insurance, and $3.00/day will get you Personal Effects Insurance. Hidden surcharges include 83 cents/day for 'Energy Recovery', and 70 cents/day for Air Conditioning. Don't forget the licencing fee which is $1.15/day!
Subcompact-$291.84 CAD
Compact-$291.84 CAD
Intermediate- $307.13 CAD
Standard Size- $337.71 CAD
Full Size- $337.71 CAD
SUV- $574.49 CAD
Luxury- $495.98 CAD
Intermediate SUV- $558.48 CAD
http://www.avis.ca/

Enterprise
* Enterprise is not at the Hamilton Airport, so I will be picking another Hamilton Location*
Without signing in and putting in a license number, I cannot see extra charges.
Economy- $178.99 CAD
Compact- $183.99 CAD
Intermediate- $188.99 CAD
Standard- $198.99 CAD
Full Size- $208.99 CAD
Premium- $238.99 CAD
Minivan- $364.99 CAD
Small SUV- $297.99 CAD
SUV- $326.99 CAD
Pickup Truck- $278.99 CAD
Large Pickup- $308.99 CAD
http://www.enterprise.com/

Hertz
*Hertz is set up so that way you see the cars available at the location rather than what class they are*
http://www.hertz.ca/


I decided to select the Economy Car for each website to see what it would cost you for 10 days, 1 hour including all liability options.
Budget- $717.91
Avis- $765.53
Enterprise- ??
Hertz- $453.21

If you want selection, Avis was the best at my location, but obviously Hertz's price beat the other contenders.

Happy Travels!