Travel Cards: Worth it?

There are two main 'Travel Cards' or 'Rewards Cards' that I know for sure offer discounts on flights when you collect points. These two are Air Miles and Aeroplan! Let's get down to business and see what the hype is all about, and if these cards are worth it.

Air Miles

Air Miles is a collectors card that is blue in colour that lets you collect points from hundreds of retailers all across Canada. With these points, you can purchase stuff for your home like a blender, new dishes, pots and pans, a barbecue, sunglasses, movie vouchers, gift cards, hair dryers, magazine subscriptions, vacations, flights and much much more. There is never a limit on how many rewards miles you may collect, and your card will never go inactive. You may also donate your miles to certain charities if you choose to do so. You are able to get the card on its own, in a BMO MasterCard, or in a bank card with BMO. An American Express card is also available.
The best part about your card- it's free. (Single card only. Charges may apply to Credit cards or Bank cards) The only drawback is that you must be 18 to have your own card. Sign up is available online.

http://www.airmiles.ca

Aeroplan

With Aeroplan, there are also different types of cards. There is an American Express, a Visa card from CIBC as well as the single card its self. More charities are in contact with Aeroplan than they are with Air Miles if you choose to donate your miles. Your miles can also easily be exchanged for household items similar to the ones above, as well as vacations. Miles are just as easy to collect, and with Aeroplan your card is also free. The age for the Aeroplan card is also 18, and signing up is as simple as clicking the link below.

http://www.aeroplan.com

Overview:

Over all, both cards are equally as great and equally as free. If you just want a card to collect points on, both of these cards would be great as you could give your unwanted points to many different charities. You could also use your points towards vacations or Christmas presents. While rewards do take some time to add up, there is never a time limit or expiration date therefore you could save for years and celebrate a great retirement trip just by spending your rewards! They say things in life don't come for free. In this case, they're wrong.

Happy Travels!

Review: Hotwire.com

So I stated in an earlier post that I would review Hotwire.com for you guys. Since I've misplaced my list of sites to review, I completely forgot about it until rereading that post. I promised it, so here it is!

Hotwire.com
http://www.hotwire.com/



Above is what the page looks like.
As you can see, the homepage is very well laid out, and you can tell exactly what you want, and where to find it. Lets say I wanted a room in Toronto, Ontario for June 20th-June 22nd. I want one room for two adults (as seen below)



This information was very easy to put in, and I liked the calender that popped up for you automatically when you clicked the date.
This is an example of the next page that follows after clicking "find hotel":



As you can see, hotels are sorted by star and in the area. This may be okay for some people, but I personally would prefer to know where EXACTLY my hotel was located. I'd also like to know what currency these prices are in. I decided to click "Continue" in the first option, the $62 4-star hotel in Downtown East Toronto. My new screen featured:



We have my cost in the left, and my amenities, as well as what my hotel chain could possibly be, but nowhere on the page did it say what hotel I would be getting! I clicked 'Continue', then 'Continue as a guest' because I don't want to sign up for a website that I'm not liking so far. Even clicking this required me to fill out a lot of information! It also made me put in an E-mail address. What if I didn't have one? Now I'm fearing getting spammed. After doing all this, it expected me to pay and book my room.

Now, I know hotwire.com is made famous for "getting 4-star rooms at 2-star prices", or at least it says so on the commercial, which is great for your budget, but wouldn't you want to know what hotel you were staying at?
What if you had a child at Sick Kids hospital in Toronto, and booked your hotel with Hotwire, only to discover that it's 30 minutes away by car. Do you really want to be 30 minutes away from your ill child?

My Verdict:
In my opinion, Hotwire is great for their prices, however not so great for planning a trip. If you don't have a car, and are staying in a city with a great mall, how would you know you were getting a hotel within walking distance of the mall? Hotwire.com would probably be best for those who love surprise hotels (I don't! I love to look at every picture I can find online before choosing my hotel!) and who have secure transportation.
My star rating:
5/10.

Happy Travels!

Type of Travel: Bus

There are two main bus systems I know about in Canada. One of which being the Go system, which will not be reviewed, as the information would be the exact same as it is in the Train post (below), but I will be doing the Greyhound system.

The Greyhound system is not as cheap as the Go system (for example, if I wanted to go from Guelph to York University, Go would charge me $11.35 while Greyhound would charge me $21.50. This is without my student discount) but they do travel into the United States of America, and you can book your seats online.

On a general trip, each person gets one piece of checked baggage, no heavier than 50lbs, as well as one carry on which may be no heavier than 25lbs, and one personal item (purse).

You may check baggage that is no heavier than 50lbs, but may be 70lbs if using Greyhound Shipping services. You may check 2 pieces of baggage free, and may check up to a total of 7 pieces per person (paying for the 5 extras). Bicycles may be checked, and you will have to pay a fee for a 'Bicycle Box' which is $10. You will also be charged $30 for 'over sized articles'.

If choosing your times, knowing how long your ride will be, and being able to purchase tickets online, Greyhound Coachlines are for you!

http://www.greyhound.ca

Happy Travels!

Type of Travel: Train/Subway

It just struck me today, that I haven't done a single post about train travel. I'm not very experienced in this sector, though I have travelled underground style throughout Europe and above ground in Canada.

Trains:

Via Rail:

First lets start off with prices:

Types of Fares:
Regular- You may change your date/time without fees, and may purchase up to the time the train leaves.
Value- Available on select trains, must be purchased minimum of 1 day in advanced
Discounted- You may change your travel date/time for a charge each way, tickets must me purchased a minimum of 3 days in advance.
Supersaver- Lowest fare available, not allowed to change date/time, must purchase at least 3 days in advance
Special Fare- Not refundable/exchangeable, must be purchased at least 7 days in advance

-If you are between the ages of 18-25, you may receive a 25% discount on 'adult' fare in 'Comfort Class (economy)' , and a 10% discount on 'sleeper cab' fare. (Photo ID is required)

- Seniors get a 10% discount on 'Comfort Fare (economy)', however using Supersaver or Special Fare offers a cheaper price.

Baggage:
Certain trains have a baggage car, which you may have checked baggage.
If your train does, you may check 2 pieces (as I understand. This may not be correct, and it is advised you call Via Rail if you intend on using their services).
Like an airplane, there are fees for extra weight and extra bags.

The overall website is very confusing and hard to explain or generalize. If you would like to view the website, please follow the link: http://www.viarail.ca/

Go Transit (GoTrain)

Fare:
Like the Via Rail, fares depend on distance.
There are different types of fares however:
Adult (Ages 12-64, not full-time student)
Senior (65+, Half the adult cost for single-ride type)
Child (0-11, under the age of 1 ride free, 1 child between 1-4 may ride free with 1 adult)
Student (Elementary, Junior High and Secondary School, must show school's Student ID card)
Group (Max. 5 people. 1-2 must be over the age 18)
Children's Group (For elementary schools)
Large Group (15 or more people. Must contact GO minimum 24 hours in advance)

There are also different Ride types:
Single Ride
Two Ride
Day Pass
10-Ride
Monthly Pass
http://www.gotransit.com/PUBLIC/en/FARES/TICKETS.HTM

Visis http://www.gotransit.com for other information!

Happy Travels!

Travel Purchases

Your luggage are nearly as important as your plane tickets on air trips for more reasons that one. Of course when travelling by car it doesn't make a difference necessarily. Right now we're going to discuss types of luggage, and what is best for you. Only airline will be discussed, as there are no legal restrictions to packing luggage in cars.

[Airline]
Right now, it is very important to know your airlines luggage restrictions! Especially with the hefty price taken from your wallet! Last year, a airline charged me TEN DOLLARS to check my crutches. TEN DOLLARS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE WEIGHING LESS THAN 5 LBS?! It's crazy. Just so you guys have more pocket money for your trip, I'm going to give you the run-down on the regulations for most airlines:

- You get one carry-on per person. Ladies, your purse must fit in this carry on. Laptop's count as a carry on. Your carry on cannot be larger than 21 cm x 40 cm x 54 cm (8" x 16" x 21") and can be no heavier than around 40lbs usually. At the ticket counter for most airlines they have a little test basket where you can see if your carry on will fit.

- Some airlines will let you bring on one piece of checked luggage, while others will allow two. These usually cannot weigh more than 50lbs each, but I have been on airlines where the limit was 70lbs.

- Make your luggage recognizable by adding ribbons to the handle, or patches on the fabric. Buying colourful luggage will also make a difference while waiting at the carousal.

- I personally recommend Hard Top Luggage. It's really embarrassing when your high denier luggage tears and you see your shoes and underwear sprawled out on the carousal. It's obvious it's yours too when your bag is the only ripped one from the flight. The only con is that they are heavier than soft-luggage.
Here are a few hard top luggage sets:
1. http://shop.heys.ca/SearchResults.asp (These are by-far the best in my opinion, and are available at Sears, The Bay and other HBC Companies)
2. http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B001QDA6YK/sr=1-3/qid=1244566531/ref=sr_1_3/191-0386687-1564958?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=396482011
3. http://www.luggageonline.com/productlist.cfm?brand_ID=98&catID=2 (I personally own a yellow hardtop)

Other cool products:
1. http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B001RN5XB0/sr=1-64/qid=1244566531/ref=sr_1_64/191-0386687-1564958?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=396482011
2. http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Jewelry%5FBag My jewelry bag is a lifesaver!
3. http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PackingCube5 Packing Cubes are the neatest way to save space and keep everything clean!

Here is a cheaper website with tons of different suitcases/luggage sets and accessories all at a fabulous price! Enjoy! http://www.luggageonline.com/




Smart things to invest in:
-Suitcase scale, so you can pack accordingly.
-Vibrant or decorated luggage sets.
-Luggage sets with matching carry-on bags. (If you're standing at the luggage carousel and ask the person next to you if they could grab your luggage, and they ask what it looks like, you can literally point to your bag)
-Passport Cover or Travel organizer. They often hold your tickets and keep your passport on-hand
-Travel sized games
-U-Shaped neck pillow
-Small throw/travel sized blanket. Airlines do not have enough to provide for more than a few people.
- Eye masks if you use them. Your own personal one may be more comforting than the cheap one the airline *might* provide.
- Carry On Travel sets http://www.luggageonline.com/product.cfm?product_ID=13028

Happy Travels!

Flight Fears: Solved

It's a very very very common fear to have to be afraid of flying. In fact, I personally have to take a few anxiety pills before I fly because I too get nervous. Anybody who knows me knows that my biggest fear is water. My second biggest- flying over water!

With my disease, I don't sleep at night, leaving me plenty of television time, and a couple of weeks ago I was watching The View when I was inspired by Whoopi Goldberg for making the decision to go on a plane for the first time in one decade! Since I have to fly in a matter of weeks to get to my hospital, I decided I would try out the tips they provide on the show and then review them. I simply cannot wait however, and have decided that all of us are going to get over our fears of flying together!

I'm going to be giving you guys the link to the show (in two parts) below, as well as a few videos of planes taking off, so we all know that it's not a big deal! The take-off videos might cause a little motion sickness though, so don't watch them too long!

***

So the show guest stars Dr. Roger Callahan, who is using his technique called TFT- Thought Field Therapy- to help coax Whoopi over her fear of flying. I'm going to copy below his tips in general form. I'll also be adding his website in case anybody would like to contact him, or find out more about his tips!

- Tap on your eyebrows, fingers, and collar bone.

- Avoid smoking, fragrant stimulants (perfume, detergent etc.), and corn on the day of your flight.

Find part one of The View here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FOkEI4hKlc&feature=related

Find part two of The View here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TlIgaOFvfo

There are two links in the sidebar of the first video. I would type them out for you guys, but I personally did not find anything good from them, so it would be a waste of time to recommend them.

I've been researching around, and here are some other flying tips I have found:

1. Turbulence is okay. It may seem a little shaky or scary, but it's normal!

2. Remember, flying is what the plane is designed to do. It's what it will do.

3. Your captain is certified and trained for anything. Same with the rest of the crew.

4. If flying were not safe, it would not be available to you, and would never have been approved.

5. Flying is routine. If there were a lot of accidents, why would all terminals be lit up by those ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE boards showing positive flights?

6. Be optimistic!

7. Tense and release your muscles. (Also a great trick to try and sleep at night)

8. Your imagination is exactly that- your imagination.

9. Learn how to deal with your nervous feelings in a way that works for you. (Maybe the tapping technique above)

10. If you feel a panic attack coming on, you will be fine. It's your bodies way of calming you down.

All of these have been briefed from: http://www.airlinetraveladvice.com/fear.shtml

If you know you suffer from anxiety or nervousness, talk to your doctor about possible medications that help with stress, or anxiety when you're getting your prescriptions before the trip. Often a relaxant pill will be prescribed. I have Ativan, and let me tell you, you only need .5 mg before you're calm and breathing normally.

Now for flight videos!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDI1OR79uis&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl52FdVzK9U&feature=rec-HM-rev-rn

If they can take off like this, your take off will be a breeze! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhLULrLlGdk

If you are really really nervous about take off and landings, do not watch this video. It does however portray how impressive your pilot's skills are, and that you will be safe when you fly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4OxGkmvPng

Happy Travels!

Travel Goodies!

There's nothing worse than a seat on an airplane with a draft. Or one with the bathroom RIGHT behind you, where you can hear everything. I've had that one before, and trust me, there are some things in life you just really don't want to hear! What about if you have restless legs and can't stand crammed spaces, but end up with a seat that hardly leaves an inch to move?! Fear not travel junkies, I have the website of websites for you!

http://www.seatguru.com

Now, when you're booking your flight online and get to pick your seating, you go to Seat Guru, click your airline, choose which plane it is, and tada! You have a detailed overview of the good, the bad and the ugly of airline seating! How perfect is that?! Never get stuck in a bad seat again!

Also: Rumour has it that since airlines rarely serve real food these days, they are considering adding extra rows, and an extra seat in rows making the seats and aisles even smaller. As a disabled person who has to walk through them sideways with crutches, a cane or a boot this is outrageous! Looks like I'll never be taking my wheelchair on a place again! I wish I could get you the source for this information, but I totally forget who told me! I'll update this if I find it!


Happy Travels!

To my readers and followers!

Hey travel junkies!
I first off want to start with a mighty Thank You for you taking the time to read my posts, voting in my polls as well as the sweet comments I have received.

This post is dedicated to you!
I've lost my sheet which I had written a ton of topics for me to discuss, therefore I want you guys to tell me what it is that you would like me to discover, or websites to review, comment under this post and I'll get right to that!

Happy Travels!

TTOTD/Experience Travel

(TTOTD=Travel Tip of the Day)
Obviously travelling is gaining experience in new things discovered- the simpleness of taking a taxi, a first flight, seeing ancient statues etc., but one thing that isn't experienced enough during travels is culture.

Culture is a really easy thing to get in on, and this came to me this morning as I was making myself breakfast. I started making my mom and I some crepes, when I leaned against the stove, slightly burning my stomach. I looked down at my stomach to investigate the red mark, when I looked at my tattoo. Lo and behold, I'm making crepes and looking at my Eiffel tower tattoo.

Now, as I was mentioning, culture is really simple to get in on, but can be a completely life changing experience. We all know that there are McDonald's chains world wide, but doesn't that destroy culture? I'm not going to lie, when I was in France I ate lunch at McDonald's once, and I'm pretty sure I had Burger King in Germany before. I don't even want to remember what processed garbage I had in the UK! While I gobbled up my 6 piece nuggets, small fry, and my Carmel ice cream sundae (I actually think it was something called 'summer berry' in Paris) and sipped on my medium half Pepsi/half root beer (with no ice) I totally lost culture. Sure I'm sitting in Paris eating at a dainty little table, but I'm eating the food I can get anywhere in the world! Thankfully I only did this once, and the rest of the times I ate at cute little cafes and patios.

There were other ways that I experienced culture when I was there though. Every morning I got my coffee from the cafe down the street, and my breakfast from a family owned bakery. I also (being Canadian) was able to speak french to all that I came across. I shopped at the local businesses and went where the locals went. But think of even more culture that could have been experienced!

Here is my list of things for you to try to do on your next trip to get a true grasp of culture.

- If you're going to a European destination, try to stay at a Bed and Breakfast, or find a family willing to let you stay with them for a little bit. You'll eat traditional meals prepared by somebody with a passion for their culture, stay in a home that reflects the lifestyle, and live with people who will be willing to teach you anything. Maybe you could even ask them to teach you how to cook a signature dish or meal.

- Go where the locals go. If you're in your hotel room and you can hear various conversations and laughter, check out where it's coming from. You could come across a tiny little bar with live local bands playing!

- Eat at restaurants that are obviously family owned, or that have a menu that seems very traditional to the location. Why not try something you've never had before? Tell your waiter what you would like to eat (ie. "I'm in the mood for chicken) and ask them what they would suggest. If you don't like it, you'll know not to have it again. If you do, you've just experienced a positive response to culture! Remember, avoid McDonald's as much as possible!

- Try to learn at least a few phrases in the visiting language. This will give you a much more personable feel and you will feel proud of your accomplishments.

- Do something fun! Go on a picnic by a local lake or stream with a blanket and grocery store items. Or get some treats from a local bakery to enjoy! You're experiencing the culture the land gives.

Enjoy your surroundings, and take in new things. Don't forget to be a tourist, but don't be a tourist 24/7.

Happy Travels!

Healthy Travelling

Your trip is obviously going to be more enjoyable if you're healthy throughout your stay. Here are a few tips that might seem obvious to you, but might not be to everybody else.

1. Before you go, check around on the web and news to see if there are any health concerns going on in your destination.

2. Get all vaccinations needed at least a few weeks before you go!

3. Fill all prescriptions the week before you go, that way you have extra in case you lose any. Make sure to keep them in their original containers!! If you feel the need to get antibiotics just in case, ask your doctor for a prescription for general antibiotics for your trip. Don't forget to bring anti-acids, heartburn medications, allergy medicines, advil/tylonel, gravol, sleeping pills and other day-to-day medications.

4. When you are there, eat from the grocery stores. You have a much less chance of eating something you're allergic to, that is contaminated, or that is spoiled. You'll also be able to prepare it to your taste. This also saves you from the fat and grease that lives in fast food.

5. Drink as much water or REAL FRUIT JUICE (not Fruit Drink) as you can. Stay away from carbonated or extra sugary drinks that will reduce your energy level and make you feel over all sick.

6. Try to exercise on your trip if you can. This could be taking advantage of a hotel's pool or exercise room, or even walking around theme parks or other attractions. Renting bicycles is also a fun option.

7. Pack a little first-aid kit with essentials such as band aids, medicated creams, gauze, tensor bandages, wet wipes, medical scissors, tweezers, and medical tape. You can buy these cheaply from dollar stores, Zellers/Target, Wal*Mart, Canadian Tire ect. My personal favourite and recommendation are the Justin Case brand kits. Here's a link if you would like to purchase one of these, or look at them for inspiration for your own kits:
http://www.justincase.ca/default.cfm


8. Bring extras! Extra glasses, contact lenses, cases for contacts, glasses, retainers, extra toothbrush, extra underwear, extra socks, extra bathing suits etc. If you break or lose something, or even get something soaked a spare will come in handy!
Happy Travels!