Say “I do” on an Alaska Cruise

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Aimee

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular as formal traditions begin to fade, paving the way for exciting and adventurous ways to tie the knot. usually when I ask what people think of when they think of destination weddings, they give me the “sunset on the beach” type of answer. Don’t get me wrong, that sounds incredible!

But there are lots of other cool places to get hitched. Ever thought about an Alaska cruise?

First, you can have a destination wedding and still have family and friends there for the ceremony without breaking the bank. Many couples are having the actual ceremony aboard the cruise ship while it’s still in port, rather than when it sets sail, so there’s no need to purchase cruise tickets for everyone. In fact, some cruise ships, like HAL, only perform weddings before the ship sets sail or when they are in port of call, so an Alaska cruise gives you the ability to share your ceremony with the ones you love, then set sail to experience the glaciers like never before.

Picture it, you’re stunning (of course!), in your strapless gown, your hair in a partial up do with soft ringlets framing your face, gently tousled by the crisp summer breeze. Your sun-kissed cheeks glow as you smile, and the reflection of the clear blue waters dance and sparkle in your eyes. Now imagine the love of your life as he stands strong and proud in the foreground of this spectacular scenery:

Photo courtesy of Lawrence Chan Photography

Breathtaking doesn’t begin to describe it. Personally, I can’t think of a more uniquely memorable destination wedding that aboard an Alaska cruise ship.

Cruise ships really are a great way to travel and see the world. Many travel experts say that you get the best bang for your buck on a cruise ship. An Alaska cruise on Holland America Lines, for example, gives you the all-inclusive experience paired with the ability to visit multiple destinations. And let’s not forget the stunning scenery on the open waters, the on-shore excursions, and lots of fun activities aboard the cruise ship.

An Alaska cruise (or any cruise for that matter) is truly a unique travel experience. Have you been on a cruise lately? Share your experience with us here on Trip Sense!

What’s Left on Your Travel Bucket List?

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Aimee

You’ve probably talked about certain things you’d like to see and do while you’re able to travel — you know, the “bucket list.” Are any of these top 10 travel plans on your bucket list? Check off the ones that are, and feel free to add in any we didn’t think of!

33 Funny Questions posed to Travel Agents

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Aimee

It’s true not everyone is as worldly wise as someone who’s travelled to all four corners. And it’s also true that there are no stupid questions.

Still, there are some questions that you should avoid asking travel agents. Sometimes, if given just an extra moment of thought, one of two things will happen — either you’ll answer the question yourself, or you’ll realize it’s a silly question.

Our vacation experts have heard it all — and some of the questions they get are truly funny. Here are 33 funny questions posed to travel agents on a semi-regular basis:

Can you guarantee weather?
What is the safest seat on a plane if it crashes?
What would the cost be for a car rental to drive to Australia?
How much does the bus cost to get from here to Africa?
do you have cruises from toronto to china pls?
Is this Tim Hortons?
Is it safe to drink the bath water in Mexico?
Can you watch my groceries while I do some more shopping in the mall?
Can I take my cats on the cruiseship?
Are there sharks in that ocean?
Does the sun set there?
How far do planes go?
How do planes fly at night when it’s so dark?
Am I speaking to a live agent?
Do I have to bring my own bedding?
Does the ship have lifeboats?
Are there icebergs in the Caribbean?
Can I get a refund if it rains?
Is food included in an all-inclusive?
Does “ocean-view” mean I’ll have a view of the ocean?
Are there kids at the adult-only resort?
Do I have to use my real name to buy the ticket?
Is there a walking tour on the cruise?
Do you have any resorts with a pool?
Can you get me tickets for the Picadilly circus?
Can I carry weapons on the plane?
Does the time difference mean we’ll get there faster?
Will there be noisy guests at the hotel?
Is it windy on the beach?
What time does the sun come up in Australia?
What language do they speak in Spain?
Can you give me a list of all the ATMs in Paris?
Can we pet the lions on an African safari?

Have you asked a silly travel question you wish you could take back? Are you an agent who’s heard a funny question or two in your day? Tell us all about it! We’re not laughing at you, we’re laughing with you … honest!

WestJet Vacations Travel News Update

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Aimee

WestJet Vacations has been creating quite a buzz in the news lately, so I wanted to take a moment to give you the travel news and highlights on what what may or may not affect your WestJet vacations.

On May 1st, WestJet Vacations announced that it has selected Montreal-based Bombardier Inc. to supply aircraft for its new regional airline, which is expected to launch in Q2 of 2013. Air travellers will now fly aboard the Bombardier Q400 NextGen.
If you’ve been wondering when you’d be able to plan WestJet vacations from Toronto to Kingston, Jamaica, now you finally can! On April 30th, the airline announced the launch of new, non-stop service between the two Toronto & Kingston, Jamaica. It will fly three times per week, Monday, Friday & Sunday, departing from Pearson’s terminal three.
It isn’t just about WestJet vacations anymore. On April 25th the company launched a new stand-alone website, westjetcargo.com, allowing customers to use its cargo shipping services more efficiently. Users can book and track cargo shipments in real time, stay up to date on shipping restrictions and embargoes, and can request waybills and make claims online.
On April 1st, the airline announced Kargo Kids — book your WestJet vacations and enjoy child-free cabins! Just watch the video! http://bit.ly/HI7ay0
WestJet Vacations reports record high earnings. On May 1st, WestJet reported Q1 net earnings of $68.3 million, up 42% year over year. This record marks the airline’s 28th consecutive quarter of profitability.

That wraps up today’s travel news. If you have any questions about WestJet Vacations, just give us a call: 1-800-665-4981.

5 Reasons to Stop Planning & Start Travelling Today!

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Aimee

How long have you been planning your vacation? A few months? A year? As long as you can remember? Life can get in the way, that’s for sure, and it’s easy to put vacation plans on the back burner for what seems like an eternity. Here are 5 really great reasons you should STOP planning your vacation, and start travelling now! Tomorrow never comes, after all.

HANG WITH THE LOCALS

TASTE FOREIGN DELICACIES

SEE THE SIGHTS

Novgorod, Russia

Sightseeing in Greece

GET SOME MEMORABLE PICS!

CHILL OUT & RELAX

Air Transat Unveils $50M Redesign of the A330

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Aimee

Air Transat rolled out the red carpet this past Tuesday, May 15^th inside a Toronto Pearson International Airport hanger, welcoming more than 500 travel VIPs to view the first of many redesigned A330 planes.

Over the next two years, Air Transat will continue to roll out planes in the fleet, one by one, featuring new cabins, which are said to be much roomier and more comfortable. Three planes are set to take flight between Canada and Europe this summer.

After gutting the interior of the planes, they’ve installed a truly amazing lighting system that changes to give visual cues you aren’t aware of—to help lessen jet lag on long flights. In keeping up with the competition, they’ve now installed touch screen TVs on the backs of all seats—9-inch screens in Economy Class and 12-inch in its new Club Class. They also provide multi-lingual content to accommodate passengers flying from Europe to Canada.

Richard Vanderlubbe, tripcentral.ca’s president, was there Tuesday to witness the big reveal.

“The seat pitch and width in economy is excellent,” he said. “I am 6’3” with long legs and I fit just fine, and the seat design gave a bit more width than they currently have.” He also told us that the headrest is quite flexible on height and positioning, which lets you to rest your neck while sitting or sleeping.

By eliminating bulkheads and widening the aisles, the cabin is now much more spacious. The exit row seats have tons of legroom, and they’re all made of Italian leather – very luxurious. In Club Class, the sides of the seats drop down to make it easier for passengers with less mobility. The floors at the entrance to the aircraft and in the lavatories have a flank-wood look to them. They are brighter and more spacious than before.

The new Air Transat planes will now include a Service Director on all flights. The Service Director will be responsible for maintaining the highest level of in-flight customer service. They are highly trained professionals empowered to make decisions and solve challenges in the moment.

“This is a dramatic improvement in the quality of the interior of the cabin,” Richard said. “Combined with a wide body comfort of the A330, it is a great way to travel.”

The newly designed cabins make the plane 2 tonnes lighter, which is a fantastic improvement in terms of fuel costs and savings. Unfortunately, you never know when or where one of these new Air Transat planes will show up. You can’t book a specific aircraft. But the good news is that within the next 2 years, they’ll all be redesigned and in the air.

Things to Do Victoria Day Long Weekend 2012

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Aimee

It’s almost May two-four long weekend – a longtime Canadian tradition to officially launch the start of summer! Are you psyched? Big plans to venture up north, dig in your tent poles and roast some marshmallows over the fire? Awesome!

Maybe you’re still searching for something to do this Victoria Day. Maybe something a little closer to home, something for the whole family. No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here are some great ideas to keep you entertained this Victoria Day / May two-four weekend.

VANCOUVER

Vancouver Aquarium African Penguin Exhibit

When: Opens May 18th, 2012, 9:30am – 5pm
Where: 845 Avison Way, Stanley Park
How Much: $16 for youth 13-18 and students; $21 for adults

TORONTO

Toronto Fireworks Cruises

The Jubilee Queen cruise ship offers an up-close and personal Victoria Day view of brilliant Toronto fireworks, choreographed to music from around the world.

OTTAWA

Victoria Day Festival in Ottawa.

Family events this Victoria Day include midway rides, petting zoo, food, drinks, and delicious dessert concessions, children’s activities, and live music. The festival goes out with a bang on Monday as it shows off its spectacular Fireworks display.

What are some of your favourite Victoria Day / May two-four celebrations? Tell us where you’re planning to go and what you’re planning to see this long weekend!

Orlando Vacations for the Whole Family

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Aimee

If you’ve travelled with children, or in a large group, you know how tricky it can be to find the right package to suit everyone’s fancy. That’s why our very own travel agent, Fiona, books her Orlando vacations in combination with a Disney cruise. The diversity of the trip elated everyone – all 11 of them!

Fiona told us that the 3-night cruise ship portion of the [Orlando] vacation gave them the R&R needed to balance out the excitement of their time ashore, where they visited Universal Studios. She wasn’t as keen on that attraction, calling it, “so-so.” She said, “It’s no Disney, but the Harry Potter part was great!”

Still in port, the family discovered The Animators Palate restaurant that “had a cute Finding Nemo theme, which was fun and interactive for the kids.” Additionally, The Grills restaurant, she said, “is a must when staying at Port Canaveral.” After their dinner, some of the local fishermen appeared with their fresh catch and let the kids have a taste!

At sea, the family was pampered with the simple pleasures of charming staterooms and friendly service, great food and entertainment. The kids were free to roam about the ship playing basketball, visiting the Kids Club, or just hanging out in the cabin. “Disney gives you phones to use on board – the kids had one and we had one. That gave us peace of mind, and also allowed us to enjoy adult time,” she said. She also raved about the Cruise’s day trip to a private island, Castaway Cay, where they disembarked the ship to enjoy a sun-kissed day in the sand, complete with a beach BBQ lunch.

If you’re in the market for an action-packed adventure mixed with some grown-up R&R, add a Disney Cruise to your Orlando vacation! “Highly recommended!” Fiona said, telling us she continues to suggest it to many of her cruising clients—especially those who are travelling in large groups with kids under 10 years old.

Have more questions about Orlando vacations? Ask Fiona personally! Call 1-800-665-4981 Ext. 7293.

Save Money on Travel this Summer

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Aimee

Ahh, summer vacation is just around the corner. We keep hearing about how gas prices are continually on the rise, and how people are stretching the dollar further now than ever before. But let’s face it — you work hard all year round, and you certainly deserve a little R&R. The good news is that you can afford to travel and experience a wonderful summer vacation.

How can you save money on travel this summer? Glad you asked!

Flexibility goes a long way when you want to save money on travel. If you’re open to different departure and return dates, you may be able to get a better deal on already cheap flights, hotels and vacation packages.

Insider’s Tip: Flying midweek on Tues/Wed can save you a bundle. Wait til later in the afternoon, too, to find out which airlines are slashing prices to compete.

Creativity can also help you save money on travel this summer. For example, flying from Toronto to Colorado roundtrip can cost about $800. But if you take a train, bus or drive across the border to Buffalo, you could fly to Colorado for about $500 or less.

Insider’s Tip: You can save even more when you use a travel agent to book everything at once – car rental, flight, hotel, etc.

Luggage: Travelling light helps when you’re flying. To save money of travel expenses at the airport, try to check as few bags as possible, and keep them light. Overweight bags can really put a dent in your wallet. Even carry-on bags can cost, so be sure to check if your airline lets you carry-on for free or not.

Insider’s Tip: Read “9 Things you Didn’t need to Pack for the Cruise” to get some packing tips on how to travel light.

Sensibility: avoid getting sucked into buying things you don’t need! A friend of mine recently travelled to a sunny destination all-inclusive resort and before she even left the airport she was reeled in by time-share sales people who managed to fandangle $75 bucks out of her. How? They offered an “amazing deal” on a trip to the local attraction, combined with breakfast, mimosas, the whole nine yards. And all you have to do is “listen” to a spiel.

Insider’s Tip: What they fail to mention is that you have to get to this location at your own expense (at 6am tomorrow, btw), and the finer details state that you must sit there for an 8-hour presentation, pay for your food after the free breakfast, and then you have to sign your life away in blood to get the tickets they promised you to swim with the dolphins. OK, not literally, but you get the idea