tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29658493553647500232024-03-13T12:04:24.050-07:00with Carey onEverything travel! We'll talk about destinations, travel styles, travel trends, q & a, adventures, food, customs...who knows where this may lead!Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-719008176712311352022-12-29T13:07:00.003-08:002022-12-30T09:16:27.353-08:00Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful<p><span style="color: white;"><span>W</span><span>here to begin with the brutal delays and disappointing cancellations that have hit this holiday season? So much "news" and social media has been swirling and tempers flaring over the unfathomable number of travel disruptions that have been experienced over the past 8 days.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: white;">Would-be travellers were so looking forward to once again being able to board planes and whisk off to exciting destinations for the holiday season or travelling home to see family and friends for what should have been one of the first Christmas gatherings in the past few years due to pandemic restrictions. Then, WHAM-O! </span></p><p><span style="color: white;">Environment Canada is predicting extreme snow fall warnings for the west coast which materialize and cripple not just the the City of Vancouver but much of the province. Keep in mind that while Vancouver often does experience snow, never is it the icy, heavy, wet, volumes that fell this past week. It left people all throughout the lower mainland grappling.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIe_fJ4COI8xIoISwXS68VwqmDs75XGr9WTCNXr9R7FUA0AgGOx62iDnL65brv2jx3IsAkNUjmBvY2uZXT7rk67hmnF0Sw4MW2XTju8lkkD3_Xzd14nqb1Qod3VkJDcKROPg-QLxz1Bl0szYxBZqaEvXQ5dpKTJSkGmmaVwTiZwlUEyLYykJHz7eXww/s1024/traveller-flight-board-1024x345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="1024" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIe_fJ4COI8xIoISwXS68VwqmDs75XGr9WTCNXr9R7FUA0AgGOx62iDnL65brv2jx3IsAkNUjmBvY2uZXT7rk67hmnF0Sw4MW2XTju8lkkD3_Xzd14nqb1Qod3VkJDcKROPg-QLxz1Bl0szYxBZqaEvXQ5dpKTJSkGmmaVwTiZwlUEyLYykJHz7eXww/w408-h138/traveller-flight-board-1024x345.jpg" width="408" /></span></a></div><p><span style="color: white;">This was the start of a downward spiral throughout the country and it triggered massive airline cancellations and delays which eventually led to all inbound and outbound flights in YVR being at a complete standstill. In some areas, roads were impassable. Airline crew could not make it to the airport to work at the check-in counters, or to board flights. Incoming crew that were to continue on to further destinations were stranded, just like passengers, at mid way points on route. Airport staff such as cleaning crew, food vendors, baggage handlers faced the same fate. And, just as there were signs of recovery at the YVR airport, Environment Canada again predicted more severe weather to sweep across the country into Ontario and Quebec.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: white;">Freezing rain and high winds, downed trees and power lines gripped much of eastern Canada. The Niagara region had declared a State of Emergency with blizzard conditions and zero visibility. 50,000 Ontario customers were without power. Via Rail trains were halted due to the unsafe conditions. An additional 151,000 in Quebec were without hydro for 2 days and longer. New Brunswick contended with one of the largest power outages in a a decade with 70,000 customers in the dark. Essentially, the only provinces <u>without</u> weather warnings or special weather statements were Nova Scotia, Nunavet and Manitoba which lead to disbelief for travellers departing from those areas. </span></p><p><span style="color: white;">And these extreme weather events were not only in Canada. Oh no! Mother Nature asserted her authority elsewhere too! Much of the USA experienced a similar fate wreaking havoc with Southwest Airlines at major gateways from Denver, Chicago, Phoenix creating a domino affect across the country and a major computer failure due to the antiquated software not being able to manage the endless volume of changes. Delta Airlines, American Airlines and United all saw a higher than usual number of cancellations.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgng8ljhuZgBOyeRRSlUoTAP4v6Ttt52t_PdLpIWtLQhsVniN8MWcKhQisMiiRsoV46VxXzlSnnWau_KNgEcRVjrio-xn_-l0yjqgkeZxQprX3196db9b480sj1WhZA0nqIeCBnUnFulLpRA34kJH5SyLz5NsMoxaU1etdY5vriQSDlzdN35nztA5DbwA/s650/20221223031252-3b974fb901b0892966d1295206ae8a663ca55c41ed040751ba525a51388be555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgng8ljhuZgBOyeRRSlUoTAP4v6Ttt52t_PdLpIWtLQhsVniN8MWcKhQisMiiRsoV46VxXzlSnnWau_KNgEcRVjrio-xn_-l0yjqgkeZxQprX3196db9b480sj1WhZA0nqIeCBnUnFulLpRA34kJH5SyLz5NsMoxaU1etdY5vriQSDlzdN35nztA5DbwA/s320/20221223031252-3b974fb901b0892966d1295206ae8a663ca55c41ed040751ba525a51388be555.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: white;">Here in Canada, Westjet, at last count, cancelled more than 1400 flights. To add insult to injury, the baggage belt at Toronto Pearson Terminal 3 broke down and has been causing a mountain of displaced luggage mostly for Sunwing passengers. The baggage loading equipment is frozen (literally encrusted in ice). The issue compounded and all culminate into one massive &@!%show across the country giving a new definition to #ThePerfectStorm.</span></p><p><span style="color: white;"><span>I </span><span>truly feel for those passengers who have been misplaced and find themselves with delay after delay or cancelled travel plans. It's a busy time of year and this is the very last thing anyone would hope for. The disappointment would be terrible but this is a unique situation that no one has control over. Anyone who knows me would understand the lengths I will go through to support and assist a client. Christmas morning I was trying to do just that. In this case, I do feel there is an education piece that is missing. Rarely do I side with an airline or tour operator but these are extreme weather events hitting <u>3 of the major hubs</u> in the country and very much out of the control of the airline. There! I said it! Not what the travelling public wants to hear but I'm nothing if not a straight shooter. Allow me to slightly temper that with the fact that I'm speaking in general. Some situations across Canada are not attributed to the weather but the large majority are.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: white;">From an travel agency stand point, we proactively reached out to all clients with travel planned up to the 27 Dec to advise about likely delays. We handled frustrated, disappointed and in some cases, tearful clients when the calls, emails and text messages began arriving on Christmas Eve, in the middle of the night, Christmas Day, and beyond. We did out absolute best to re-accommodate were possible, reschedule, cancel, process refunds, and rebook. There were some success stories but not nearly as many as I would have liked. While it was far from perfect for so many of our clients, I'm proud of my team and their efforts to make it the best it could be and ease just a little bit of the stress.</span></p><p><span style="color: white;"> All of this does not negate in any way the crushing disappointment in missing out on the planned travel experience - be that a European adventure, a multi-generational beach vacation with family, travelling to the next door province to spend the Holidays with loved ones. Many had planned and booked well in advance so to have the rug pulled out from under them was devastating. Many drove to alternate airports to re-unite with loved ones and while inconvenient and terrible winter driving conditions prevailed, they were the lucky ones. Thankfully, cancellation and interruption insurance is designed for these exact kind of situations. No, it doesn't give you the holiday you had planned but it does protect your financial investment and if you were one of those in destination unable to return as scheduled, it pays for your additional hotel nights, food and transfer expenses. Rather than camping out on the floor at the Cancun airport, they could be sitting beachside with a margarita in hand trying to make the best of a bad situation. Of course, it's never quite as simple as it sounds but it's these very situations that interruption insurance was designed for. Insurance is a very important aspect of any travel itinerary and while one may think they don't need it, we urge you to consider the events of the past week+ (or the pandemic itself) and the many ways it could have helped. Who would think any of this could happen? No one plans to take ill, for there to be road closures, for a death in the family, for a fire to your home or any number of other causes for cancellation, but they do happen. </span></p><p><span style="color: white;">Now, that said, refunds are being processed by the airlines and tour operators even for those without insurance coverage but let's be clear...this is not a given. Airlines <u>do not have to</u> refund in many cases such as weather related delays/cancellations, but they have done so and I commend them for that. I'm fairly certain that saying they don't need to do refund will be an unpopular statement but the fact of the matter is it's true.</span></p><p><span style="color: white;">While the Winnipeg weather may have been nothing like what was experienced elsewhere in Canada, flight crew could not "commute" to their starting points. For example, a flight attendant or pilot may live in Calgary but be scheduled to start their assignment in Saskatoon. They would board a flight in Calgary and move within the system network to get to Saskatoon. When the flights are grounded in some locations, it's impossible for the crew to get were they need to be. Then, with the delays, often they would time out after sitting in cities for longer durations that had been intended. Add to that, reservation and customer service staff at the airlines and throughout the airports could not make it to work due to treacherous road conditions or their home being without power and facing possibly freezing pipes. Many crew were also stranded in airports missing the Holidays with their own families too because they too could not get back home or where they were intended to go or possibly timed out of their duty making then un able to continue on. Those checks and balances are in place for safety reasons.</span></p><p><span style="color: white;">I would be remiss if I didn't address the lack of communication from the airlines to the travelling public. Yes, it was a complete shmozzle! No other way to say it. Passengers had no idea when they were getting home or departing, flight times kept changing and it was long hold time to contact the airlines. All of this is true and contributed to the chaos and confusion. Airlines need to do better, of that I have no doubt. That said, Mother Nature didn't exactly pin point a time that her wrath and fury would subside either so it's slightly more complex than just saying there is a need for communication and updating passengers. </span></p><p><span style="color: white;">Christmas has come and gone - a disappointment for far too many. Some are still awaiting return flights to Canada from various destinations and while the network is improving, we know we sit on pins and needles awaiting the next shoe to drop. A rainfall warning which may leave to ongoing flood hazards is very much a real possibility in BC and parts of Ontario, so we are not yet out of the woods, although we are in much better shape than a week ago.</span></p><p><span style="color: white;">From this blog, my hope is that the travelling public can be a bit more understanding of the devastating cascading effect that a weather event has on an airline and cast the blame where it belongs in this specific case - Mother Nature.</span></p><p><br /></p>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-61022180371564793812021-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:002021-03-03T08:58:22.838-08:00<p>Here we are...basically at the one year anniversary before everything shut down and still no resumption of travel and no roadmap as to how things may look as we move forward. But, despite that lack of clarity, I do see many emerging trends for when the world starts moving again. Some of the trends are based on surveys of both Canadian and American travellers, others purely from conversations from my clients and others have no "scientific" backing but rather just things that seem to make sense to me with my 30 years in the industry. Like everything relating to Covid, take this with a grain of salt because the situation is constantly evolving!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBD0UPWTjzQKSV7-4DSVENbU99PftyS9c0QKPgtyfYhvxXYlhm3OnapMeGSfbH-0_Jx86ytJjuuwAz0xAOfjuoUwQLYeqgOw6T2aZEL9T5V1-xmE-aFqkmONIBOszC-hi2x6sTGZMEhlC/s297/begin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBD0UPWTjzQKSV7-4DSVENbU99PftyS9c0QKPgtyfYhvxXYlhm3OnapMeGSfbH-0_Jx86ytJjuuwAz0xAOfjuoUwQLYeqgOw6T2aZEL9T5V1-xmE-aFqkmONIBOszC-hi2x6sTGZMEhlC/s0/begin.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ok, so, everyone is saying that they can't wait to travel but what does that really mean? Is it a plane ride a couple of provinces next door to see family and friends? Maybe it's recharging on a beach in the Caribbean? Or maybe it's setting off on a long awaited bucket-list trip? My point is that "travel" looks very different from one person to the next and while I'm anxious for ALL of it to return, I don't think we are going to get a green light from government and then with the flick of a switch everyone is heading out in all different directions! I believe it will be a slow and gradual build and if "they" (whomever "they" are) are correct, it will be well into 2023 before we see all of the flights, routes, destinations, and volume of travellers back to pre-covid levels. Let that sink in for a moment. That means more than 3 years to regain the business that I had in February 2020. If you could actually see me know, you'd know that I'm shaking my head in disbelief. Even though I'm living it every single day, I still can hardly believe it. Anyway....I digress (as I often do).<p></p><p>So let's break this down. <b>WHO</b> is going to travel? It seems those between the ages of 18 and 31 are first up as are those 45 - 55 and then followed by the 66 - 72 age categories. There are many reasons these demographics are trending to be the first to resume travel. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The youngest have a desire to travel and have been one of the least affected age groups by Covid. Yes, they have maybe done their university courses online and limited their social circle, missed out on family gatherings but many have been able to carry on a relatively normal routine. </li><li>The second age bracket has either continued to go to work as usual or had to transition to a work from home routine. Either way, their life has involved making sacrifices, like so many others, all while trying to help their kids with schooling, while trying to keep a balance. </li><li>For the oldest demographic of the group, it could be that they have many things they want to see and do while they are able and after a year of limitations, they want to be bold and start doing! Being housebound was not their vision for retirement.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV2TrcOSazQDTSkwfRvU0RKwfBi5NoqUXYPCaE7vKfx5tUJEG05Aj7PDedfJAo-VpYqDiLF01YhJKJ1mQvZRauTiF5ebjjmUT8VEF2JMxXb2U7-UdHGXfJ5_iAyWK-57JGVWTD45ccf7u/s474/travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV2TrcOSazQDTSkwfRvU0RKwfBi5NoqUXYPCaE7vKfx5tUJEG05Aj7PDedfJAo-VpYqDiLF01YhJKJ1mQvZRauTiF5ebjjmUT8VEF2JMxXb2U7-UdHGXfJ5_iAyWK-57JGVWTD45ccf7u/s320/travel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>WHEN/HOW/WHERE</b> For this, much depends on the roll out of the vaccine itself and the restrictions and protocols for specific countries. Either way it will be a slow and steady climb a we rebound. Once provincial borders open and any requirement for self-isolation is gone, Canadians in general will be exploring closer to home for the bulk of 2021. This may be extended self drive holidays, or flying for example to one locations, renting a car or motorhome and then exploring on their own. Also trending is the idea of vacation homes for a week at a time.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>For our younger travellers, their focus may be on more authentic experiences and depending just how things progress with Covid or any variants, this group may start to be on the move as early as January 2022. They tend to see life as an adventure - be that the destination itself or the style in which they choose to travel.</li><li>For the middle group, I feel they may be more inclined to resume All-Inclusive style holidays but at resorts that may be smaller, possibly boutique style resorts, that are adults only properties. These resorts will have a high focus on new protocols and customer care and may be more upmarket than perhaps they may have gone to in the past. Again, depending how these next months go, they might be ready to holiday in this upcoming winter season. This group of travellers also seem to be looking for a longer duration when it comes to holidays and many are siting 11 days or more as their preference.</li><li>For the oldest group, IF they have been vaccinated, I think we will see their return to travel in the second quarter 2022. There will be some comfort knowing they have been vaccinated and that specific destinations are well set to welcome tourists. It seems there is an interest in longer trips (ie: 16 days or longer). Travel for this demographic may be in the form of river cruises and escorted holidays where the number of travellers is limited and within a confined group. Multi-generational family travel is likely to surge as well as everyone has the desire to be together an make up for all these lost months. </li></ul></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>WHAT</b> kind of travel do we see as the hottest trend? </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The market with the highest uptick is definitely river cruising. The ships are smaller, more intimate and have a high degree of attention to the details. No other industry has made such strides in their cleaning protocols and healthy and safety as the travel industry. </li><li>Bubble or pod travel is all the buzz as well. This works well for the escorted holidays, multigenerational travel and even for the youngest demographic looking for local, socially conscious options. </li><li>Adults only all inclusive holidays will remain popular but only with the resorts that have done the work to ensure their standards have gone above and beyond to ensure guests wellbeing.</li><li>Ocean cruising will see a spike in 2023 with many looking to cruise for durations of 14 days or more.</li><li>Self-drive holidays - whether this means here in Canada or renting a car in Ireland and exploring on their own, there is a sense that travellers can be in control of their own safety when driving and in many respects that is true.</li><li>Bucket-list travel will be on the climb. No longer will travellers be ok to put off their dream safari in Africa or that epic Italian adventure. Too much has been given up and now is the time to reclaim the dreams.</li><li>Wellness travel is another huge trend. After all the months of being cooped up, we see the importance of self-care for mind, body and soul.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgpOvDYQNOoq1SsMghT1Z0Q6tuRQVdahLt-R1PiX1j_GLAwIhAJEK12fDSYnRSwME8UYGSuBIotbiACGIdLgcbbwBoz9g0SFiPB0oBaz3TlkjZpjkAIr23Z13k26YDd_uI1rgHJ9yzKqm/s1600/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgpOvDYQNOoq1SsMghT1Z0Q6tuRQVdahLt-R1PiX1j_GLAwIhAJEK12fDSYnRSwME8UYGSuBIotbiACGIdLgcbbwBoz9g0SFiPB0oBaz3TlkjZpjkAIr23Z13k26YDd_uI1rgHJ9yzKqm/s320/river.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li></ul><div>As I said at the start of this post, there is no roadmap. We're all just figuring things out as we go but as we do that, trends begin to emerge and we see the potential in what may have been hidden only months ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever your travel plans look like, we know one thing for sure and that is more and more will want to work with a travel professional. If this past year of experiences has taught us anything it is that we need someone in our corner when things take a turn. Someone who understands the ins and outs, who will work their tail off to get your home, to ensure you're safety and who will fight for credits and refunds and be there to answer your questions. Travel is not simple and even less so now and into the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will travel again and although things may look different, there is still an amazing world full of incredible experiences just waiting for you when you're ready!</div><p></p>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-8701663536233851262020-09-11T08:26:00.003-07:002020-09-17T10:19:36.905-07:00Looking Back<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">Like everyone else, I know where I was when I heard the news. On
the morning of September 11, 2001, shortly after 8 am, I was getting ready for
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t just an ordinary day –
it was more than that. It was an exciting day as it was officially the first
day that I was the owner of my travel agency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">On the other hand, I can’t say the same for Coronavirus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was on my radar (albeit in the background
only) as I had clients who had been or were to travel to Asia and the virus had
already been making its mark in that corner of the globe. Even though I knew of
Covid-19, I truly had no idea the impact it would have or still be making so
many months later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">9/11 was an unforgettable tragedy that left 2,977 people dead
and that event forever changed the travel industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of this morning (11 Sept 2020), Covid has
killed over 900,000 and counting globally. Every life is precious, every loss is
devastating and yet, I can’t help but draw comparisons and differences to these
2 catastrophic events.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">With 9/11 the impact was instant and gut wrenching and it
unfolded before our very eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat
glued to the TV and saw the footage of those planes crashing into the towers,
we saw the explosions, we saw the towers collapse, the smoke, the ash, the
people fleeing the buildings. Later, we saw dazed people searching for their
loved ones, signs and pictures of the missing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We saw the tears and perhaps we even shed
them. We saw the first responders using their training they hoped they would
never need, we heard the wail of sirens and we saw everyday people become heros.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A 3<sup>rd</sup> plane had hit the Pentagon,
and a 4<sup>th</sup> had crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you knew no one on those planes or in
those towers, you could feel the horror and anguish unfolding in front of you. US
airports began to close, airspace shut down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Flights were diverted – many to Canada where the passengers and crew
were welcomed with kindness and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we hadn’t heard it before, the word ‘Al-Qaeda’
became common in nearly every household. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">In 2001 there was somewhere
between 36,000 to 40,000 flights taking off each and every day in the USA. All these
planes were grounded and no flights were allowed into US airspace. Many Canadian
and global flights were also grounded. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl38SvVbj-cEATKu9N4MHE4w4EIHMBOi70mIbieeRd4YUdsuAzYGs9hRw6kU-8FsSZ-JKFvxLkELW4cZeP-P-eVVStXyQYrj4leZWD7ArDi7vHnJZ1x6-a99YMCJQ55fp3pBPopm7k8Q7/s843/154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #073763; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl38SvVbj-cEATKu9N4MHE4w4EIHMBOi70mIbieeRd4YUdsuAzYGs9hRw6kU-8FsSZ-JKFvxLkELW4cZeP-P-eVVStXyQYrj4leZWD7ArDi7vHnJZ1x6-a99YMCJQ55fp3pBPopm7k8Q7/s320/154.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></span><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="text-align: right;">A short 2 </span><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="text-align: right;">days later, on </span><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="text-align: right;">September 13th, air traffic resumed. Airport security w</span><span style="text-align: right;">as stricter, screening had new benchmarks and as time went on, we saw many new safety and security regulations be added a</span></span><span style="text-align: right;">nd enforced.</span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">Travel and Tourism was hard hit. Demand dropped due to fear and
the winter (traditionally high season) of 2001 was a washout. The years that
immediately followed saw many companies involved in travel – wholesale, retail
or aviation, being sold, consolidated or closed. It was not the best of times
but we persevered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9/11 was not the only
blow to the Travel and Tourism sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">SARS quickly followed it – a
big issue especially in Canada for the 2002-03 winter season although some what
more of a regionalized issue in the east. In 2008 there was a global financial
crisis, then along came the H1N1 Swine Flu, followed by Ebola, MERS and the Zika
scare. In the midst of all this, Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted
shutting down European airspace for several days and affecting approximately 10
million passengers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">Despite it all, the industry
survived, coming back stronger as people’s desire and need to travel, both for
business and pleasure, outweighed the issues of cramped seating, higher prices,
surcharges for fuel, currency fluctuations, extra baggage costs, and the inconvenient
security screening procedures. Whatever came our way did not deter the
wanderlust.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">And then, along came COVID-19.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">COVID crept up on us. A strange
flu in Wuhan that was hugely contagious and was spreading to other countries.
Not all countries reacted the same way. Some responded immediately instituting
various travel protocols, warning citizens to return home, and advising social
distancing, the wearing of masks and washing of hands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">Once again, we watched this
unfold on TV news coverage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tragic
scenes of those on respirators, sobbing relatives, exhausted front-line health
care workers, bodies being loaded into vans. But the impact – while initially
shocking – was different. As tragic as these scenes were and still are, as
horrific as the news is, unless we know someone, unless we are personally
impacted, we often seem to be somewhat removed from the reality and truth of it
all.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">Many of us wear masks, we keep
6 feet apart in our attempt to social distance, but we are also more casual
about it all. Sure, maybe we are not going to wild parties, or political
rallies, or crowded beaches but many of us seem to have relaxed somewhat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">We do meet friends on patios or
head to the cottage with a few friends for weekend fun. We visit family without
wearing masks, schools have re-opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are human and as such, we need human connection and interaction and so, we
assess the risk and decide for ourselves what we are comfortable with and what
we’re not.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #073763;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">So, the big question is, are we ready to travel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps some are while others may not
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As an industry, 1 in every 10 jobs
around the globe are related to Travel and Tourism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, we do hope travel bounces back
quickly but realistically, it’s going to be a slow recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This industry was the first (and hardest) to
be hit and we will be the last to recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But make no mistake…We Will Recover!</span></div><p></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">Even if you’re not ready at this moment to travel, we encourage
you to keep the dream alive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many tour
operators, airlines and travel providers have stepped up to provide safer travel
options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From small “travel bubbles”
with a limited number of travellers, to flexibly changes to $99 low risk deposits,
they are doing all they can to make travel possible in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">For those of us in Travel and
Tourism it has been a devastating year. For the airlines, the cruise lines, the
tour operators, hotels, transportation companies, the theme parks and attractions,
the destinations, and travel agencies who represent them all – it has been
brutal. There have been massive layoffs many with no recall dates on the
horizon, a continued workload for months on end with no compensation all to
ensure clients make it home safe and sound, refunds get processed, ever
changing credits are tracked. To my industry friends and colleagues, I tip my
hat to you and understand the incredible stress that has been our lives for
many, many months. No one can possibly understand unless they too have lived
this reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Travel isn’t what we do –
it’s who we are.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 27pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; transform: translateY(0.4145em); widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;">So, as I reflect on the tragedy
that was 19 years ago, I can’t help but also give some serious contemplation to
the time we are living in right now. Let’s be considerate of the people around
us. If we are going to travel, go to the bank, or buy groceries, please, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif">please</span></em>,
do your part by to physically distancing, and continuing to follow health recommendations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 12pt 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><span face=""Univers",sans-serif">When the time comes and you’re ready to travel again, please
book with an ACTA certified travel consultant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Find one in your area: </span><span style="mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.acta.ca/">https://www.acta.ca/</a></span><span face=""Univers",sans-serif" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 12pt 0in 27pt; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86jM29bjIVC9zBayyO1TbFT6T-mRJqmO2OT7h29b46qc5LaPX1szeSlE8rm9uQVNJB2F6cIgefvxznr9Th9pmgvLZvxG3jB2MLPzW2twgpM4x7W9oGjAcSyQpYxcMX9VA2tBJil6is-Rd/s800/111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #073763; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86jM29bjIVC9zBayyO1TbFT6T-mRJqmO2OT7h29b46qc5LaPX1szeSlE8rm9uQVNJB2F6cIgefvxznr9Th9pmgvLZvxG3jB2MLPzW2twgpM4x7W9oGjAcSyQpYxcMX9VA2tBJil6is-Rd/s320/111.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: #073763;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com140 E Saskatchewan Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0L2, Canada49.9733059 -98.290288449.970545836207911 -98.294579934423822 49.976065963792088 -98.285996865576166tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-18882843654312303562020-03-24T13:58:00.004-07:002020-03-28T07:46:22.480-07:00We Are Here For You<span style="color: #0b0599; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"></span><span style="color: green; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 22.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I feel exhausted; both emotionally and mentally -
uncertain, grateful, fearful, anxious, and hopeful. Yes, all of these emotions have been swirling
around and come in waves. If there’s
one thing I have learned from the rapid spread of the Corona-19 virus is that this
job is not for the faint of heart. For
the nay-sayers who feel our job description has been replaced by impersonal
online giants or that we’ve gone the way of the dinosaur, I’m here to say
otherwise. My role as a Travel
Agent/Consultant/Advisor (use whichever term you prefer – I will answer to any)
is more important than ever in these difficult days. I know my undeniable value
and thankfully so many of my amazing clients do as well. In the span of a couple weeks we have seen
the world take an unprecedented turn our industry has not experienced since
9/11. Even that isn’t a true statement
as this is undeniably more impactful and far reaching. We’ve never before seen this.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"></span><br />
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">Everyone has heard the stories or seen on social
media about the unimaginably long hold times to try and reach the airlines,
tour operators and online travel agencies like Expedia or Booking.com. Endless stories circulate about the hold
times for hours on end only to be disconnected.
Travellers scheduled to be departing for fun-filled destinations in a
matter of days were unable to get through and unleashed their fury when there
were unable to speak with anyone to process their cancellations, refunds or
future travel credits.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bWO8D01AVbL-Z1uNKaH106UhG7pELCPVTYqBhSJVMnxSD59P9ulG0L_Mbt4vrGd-kkSD_99oSgglGIYP_2COIWZwH56_B7zPGS_ZDDkadBtMUK8bNwtt4tGxeK0tcJpn0SotYU1bwt5y/s1600/plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bWO8D01AVbL-Z1uNKaH106UhG7pELCPVTYqBhSJVMnxSD59P9ulG0L_Mbt4vrGd-kkSD_99oSgglGIYP_2COIWZwH56_B7zPGS_ZDDkadBtMUK8bNwtt4tGxeK0tcJpn0SotYU1bwt5y/s320/plane.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">Que the Travel Consultants and immediately we were
in springing into action by prioritizing those clients with the most immediate
travel plans and those who need to return home.
Sure, we might be traditional and Mom and Pop storefronts but we were
reaching out to clients (not sitting back waiting for them to call us). It was the agents advising clients of the
options for refunds, credits or rescheduling.
This is a service and human connection not a single online travel
provider is able to duplicate. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPRzybPfpUgT6fsFo4iDfdK66SCQuqn5ChRB_bZDWls4F1mpXgMYcIDC8-XWXNvAZ0xD0gekhwjTv6eAmT80yEVAGVVnUskU4R-wGTuzQl_V9O9Yb9RYsfTp_Wf_oZruR57U5thKYCobp/s1600/advisor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #b00000;"></span><br /></a><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">The impact of the pandemic is hard hitting and
immediate for everyone in the industry and I suspect it will be for many months
to come. Just how long is the question. For my own agency, it isn’t just the half a
million dollars worth of travel that has been cancelled in a matter of days
(sales that originally took months to build throughout the sales cycle) , nor
the 20+ hour days that we dedicated to getting our clients home safely, the
sleepless nights, the late night text messages from clients and their concerned
families, DMs and facebook conversations (on personal accounts not just work)
but also the fear of how the future looks for travel in general and for my
agency, my staff and myself. I feel a
personal obligation toward clients to ensure that each and every one who are
currently in destinations from Scotland to Mexico to Thailand and Peru, know
that we are here for them, ready and able to assist in repatriation back to
Canadian soil. There is the concern for
our team members who may be facing lays offs in light of the growing economic
impact and immediate loss of revenue. The uncertainty of my own financial
stability also weighs heavy. Despite all
of that, we work diligently to assist in this time of crisis with little regard
for the extra work load for no additional pay. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763;">
</span></span></span>
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</div>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763;">
</span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">We had many people contacting us who hadn’t even
booked with us in the first place but needed help. Some we were able to assist while others
because of the very nature of the privacy policies in place, we were unable to
access their reservations. That doesn’t
mean we didn’t want to help or that we wouldn’t have lent a hand in their time
of need. We have been here, doing what
we can, as quickly as possible and doing a damn fine job of it!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">But
here’s the thing. We continue to do everything we can for our clients,
regardless of our own losses (and don’t think for a single moment that they
aren’t staggering figures) but arguably most importantly, we’re answering our
phones. You can reach us! You can’t say that about an online travel
agency!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #0b0599;"></span><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">There
is a common misconception out there that travel agents are just for those who
can “afford it”. It’s thought that our
fees can be avoided by taking advantage of online options like the big dogs
such Travelocity or FlightHub or by going directly to the airlines. The fact of the matter is that it is more
likely we don’t have any fees associated at all because in many cases we are
paid a commission that comes directly from the supplier (airline, cruiseline or
tour operator </span></span></span><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">for example). There are
some products or fare levels that do not pay us commission and to those, yes,
we add a fee, for which we are unapologetic because with that comes experience,
knowledge, guidance, personal connections and a responsibility to YOU – our
valued client. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">Frankly,
we are middlemen (actually mostly women) that provide customized personal
service that the giants like Expedia simply can not. Have you ever heard of an online provider
calling with a genuine interest in how your trip went? Hint, call-bots just
don’t do that. We provide all of this
and more at little to no added cost to you.
Seems almost too good to be true, but it isn’t!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">As
travel agents, we are trained in the art of crisis management. Goodness knows we’ve seen more than enough of
it! From SARS, Ebola, 9/11, Zika, H1N1....we’ve
handled everything that gets thrown our way.
More often is the phone calls from destinations with emergencies on a much
smaller scale such as a broken bone, a missed connection, or a lost passport
but the point is that we go above and beyond for our clients. This is simply the standards that we all
adhere to.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">Now,
how about this one? Picture having
booked a $10,000 vacation. Wham!
Coronavirus hits and you make the tough decision to cancel. You first call the
cruise line to inquire about your options. After a long hold, they tell you to
call the big-market online wholesaler because that’s who you booked it through. So, you call the number provided. Three hours
of terrible music later there’s a click and then nothing. You’ve just been cut
off. You finally get through after repeated attempts and the person on the
phone — someone who you have never spoken to before — informs you that there is
no insurance on the package so it’s non-refundable. You opted out of the
insurance because there wasn’t someone personally explaining its importance.
It’s easier to click no when you don’t fully understand what it is all about.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">In
all these ramblings... (yes, I’m well aware I’m off in many directions but at
this point it’s really more for my own mental health)... there are a few major
points I’d like to highlight in all of this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Find
a travel consultant you are comfortable working with and use them. Small fee or no or no fee at all, they have
your back when the unforeseen and unthinkable may happen.</span></span></span></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Take
travel insurance!! Of course no one could have predicted a pandemic, nor the
death of family member, nor sickness of a child, a broken leg before you’re to
leave on vacation, a gall bladder attack, the loss of a job or that your home
may burn. This is precisely why you need insurance! </span></span></span></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #d0e0e3;"></span><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">During any crisis there is bound to be mass
hysteria. With that comes mass confusion
and it’s so vital to have someone there to give you peace of mind, especially
in times like these. Use an agent! A
real, live, trusted agent – they are worth their weight in gold.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #d0e0e3;">In a do-it-yourself world that frequently leans more towards independence, automation and instant gratification, it could take an event like this outbreak to make us realize that customer service is still alive and well. We're still out here ready to tackle these major travel issues with our clients' best interests in mind. My fear is that the value of the travel consultant will be top of mind right now because of the uncertainty and unknown at the present time but how quickly we soon forget. We've seen it before - agents "save the day" for someone but a year later that same person who needed "saving", is back clicking and mouse-ing around on the internet thinking they can do our job just as well as we can. My hope is that the travellers learn from this and allow those who have the skills, knowledge and training to do what they do best.</span></span></span><br />
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reached every corner of the globe it’s become apparent that it’s more than just
the travel industry being attacked. The
economic fallout is already apparent in the stock markets and current investments. While some surge with additional demand and
business such as the producers of hand sanitizer, don’t forget the others that
are not so fortunate. Remember our
frontline health care workers putting on a brave face when danger is staring
right back at them. Think of those airline crew who volunteered to rescue flights to bring Canadians home. Keep in mind the amazing people who are ensuring
that the food supply is still intact
from the farmer to processors to the delivery folks and the people you see
every time you go to the grocery store.
This pandemic has made superheroes out of everyone who is doing their
part to fight this virus. </span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #073763;"></span>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-56137245618500388482019-03-24T12:14:00.001-07:002019-03-25T10:01:50.830-07:00Canada's North - a true gem!<span style="color: #002000; font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: #002000; font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: #002000; font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: #002000; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy-E_pZxhvdn7atlNVjCKqxaY3cpQ_tzrH0P-YnI_uvaHA7jTZZIbA_mC5gJ3HECO8KrXt3k6qsH7ODdreoLJ0K780TN4r2knF2RUHsYUrY6fbq3OwyVvn5nMBSQprwAGdZIvUTUNsqad/s1600/Bear2C20Mimi2C20and20Lindsay-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSy-E_pZxhvdn7atlNVjCKqxaY3cpQ_tzrH0P-YnI_uvaHA7jTZZIbA_mC5gJ3HECO8KrXt3k6qsH7ODdreoLJ0K780TN4r2knF2RUHsYUrY6fbq3OwyVvn5nMBSQprwAGdZIvUTUNsqad/s320/Bear2C20Mimi2C20and20Lindsay-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;">The entire concept of this “cool” adventure all started back
at the annual </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;">Ensemble Travel Group </span></i></b><span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"> conference that
took place in Nassau, Bahamas in October 2018.
Each year Ensemble, works with many very generous suppliers and partners
who donate prizes that are then featured at the Circle of Excellence dinner and
charity auction to benefit the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Children’s Make-a-Wish Foundation</i></b>. As part of the evening Ensemble invites a
Make-a-Wish child and their family to tell their story at the gala event. This year was a very courageous and
incredible eloquent 12 year girl. As she
shared her story it was easy to see that this girl had something special – you
could sense her ambition and her gratitude and excitement. By the time she was done, there was hardly a
dry eye in the house. The charity auction
raised over $272,000 that evening which pushed the 8 year total to almost 1.15
million dollars. I can’t help but think
it was this incredible girl, her ambition and ability to tell her story that
made everyone want to open their wallets!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I will admit that the
only vacation thoughts on my mind at this time were ones that involved
sunshine, sand and tropical umbrella drinks but as the auctioneer was
announcing the details of the next item up for bid, my excitement and need for
a different adventure grew. The trip was
to Yellowknife! Sure, it might be sunny,
but that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind when I was thinking sunshine. Suddenly out of nowhere, my hand was flying
up to bid. It was as though it wasn’t
even an extension of my own body. At one
point, Ken leaned over and asked if was “just bidding up the auction item or if
I really wanted to buy it?”. It seemed like the kind of trip that was
very much out of the ordinary, at least for me...and just like that I was
awarded the honor of the highest bidder. Yeah me!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This Yellowknife
experience was put together and donated by <i>T</i><b><i>ouch the Arctic Tours, NWT Tourism,
Canadian North, The Explorer Hotel, My Backyard Tours, Bluefish Services</i>,</b> and
<b><i>RCO Tourism Marketing Services</i></b></span>. We embarked on this
adventure with no real expectations. My one goal was to get at least 1
decent photo of the aurora dancing across the sky and we certainly succeeded!
(more on that later)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we boarded our flight in Edmonton on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Canadian North</i></b>, it was
the first glimpse of “northern hospitality”. What a delightful surprise
to be served a full hot breakfast during our short 1hour, 51 minute flight into
Yellowknife. You certainly never get to enjoy that sort of service much
anymore unless on long haul international flights. The plane itself is
not very roomy, especially if you’re travelling with your bulky winter coat or
parka but that said, it’s comfortable enough for the short duration and the
surprise of the meal and free luggage, easily made the squishy quarters all
seem worthwhile. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon landing, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Backyard Tours</i></b> was there waiting
for us and just as soon as we had collected our luggage we embarked on our
introduction to Yellowknife with a city tour, which helped us get the lay of the land
for the days ahead. We were driven past and/or stopped for photo ops at iconic things such as the Welcome to Yellowknife, the Wildcat Cafe, stopped
at the Pilots Monument, Prince of Wales Museum, Mining Heritage Museum, the
famous Snow Castle, legendary Bullock’s Bistro, Legislative Assembly,
Yellowknife’s answer to Starbucks – the Birchwood Cafe, drove the Dettah ice
road, regaled with stories and the history of the area. It was the
perfect introduction to a new city! My Backyard Tours also provided us
with our arctic gear. Of the 4 of us, 3 had good fits overall however I
always have to be the fly in the ointment. One call to Amanda and a time
was set to meet the next morning to try some alternate options. What a doll
– she came to the hotel loaded down with different makes and styles for me to
try on and seemed more than happy accommodate me on my quest for the best
fit! We did find a gem and I was toasty warm the entire time!</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbj_cYRQp2oExvKRNW75_8rqjbxBSiUSgiwDksQ_9VQUpO2hedZQeqUxlvVRxCcosQZvYxHKypqECaKKTlxQ_DDBKICEb6vWEaPjM5LrsgQBJvQQ9POKV5ls5eQ50dFY8BnVd_o9HJQYg/s1600/IMG_2477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We arrived at the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Explorer Hotel</i></b> around 12:30pm with
the intent to just leave out bags and gear but, as luck would have it, were
able to check in right away. We
were accommodated in the new section of the hotel. The rooms were great –
new, of course, but very comfortable beds, crisp sheets, fluffy duvet,
contemporary furnishings and everything we could need. The Explorer is well located and within a 5
minute walk to many things like the Prince of Wales Museum (great lunch spot by
the way), the Legislative Assembly, Black Knight Pub, Shoppers, NWT Diamond
Centre, etc.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b6dde8; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvthFVHaYQZvJxX9ghcsNoDbz1ChGhPwMWLOOQOdCesMTpWP3CNqguTbWah79BGMgNKOWxXT6aFPOh9Sr0cHRybCdl_WAElo7JWCJIUOZA2S13Fi62_NQkLQWPaA4CQ1yPY_2D9hDuUnM/s1600/IMG_2514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA0ZCuCfYtBx9iTezFsGun8RIgftsS8-V5hSR7fv8Gc3t3RDGKODAXsaqqNK6PxKA7fESJ0AeQpx05kkxExBy61rC0cl54ZIssyyq41SxR2F50GbLNUrel6dUEzEJo7xIbr6V339WAGvj/s1600/o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #b00000; font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br /></a>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;">Queue the
dog sledding with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tugah Northern Experience</i></b> - this was probably my second most anticipated excursion. I love wildlife and animals of all kinds but
in particular dogs</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvthFVHaYQZvJxX9ghcsNoDbz1ChGhPwMWLOOQOdCesMTpWP3CNqguTbWah79BGMgNKOWxXT6aFPOh9Sr0cHRybCdl_WAElo7JWCJIUOZA2S13Fi62_NQkLQWPaA4CQ1yPY_2D9hDuUnM/s1600/IMG_2514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvthFVHaYQZvJxX9ghcsNoDbz1ChGhPwMWLOOQOdCesMTpWP3CNqguTbWah79BGMgNKOWxXT6aFPOh9Sr0cHRybCdl_WAElo7JWCJIUOZA2S13Fi62_NQkLQWPaA4CQ1yPY_2D9hDuUnM/s320/IMG_2514.jpg" width="240" /></a> so it was very exciting to see these 'fellas' in
action. Tolson and his team were ready and waiting when we arrived.
They did a brief tour, showed us how to harness up the dogs and then, just like
that, we were off and running. Literally! Now, I'm going to be
honest...as a prairie girl, I've always had this vision of sled dogs being more
husky-like...thick fur coats with the distinctive markings and coloring, maybe
at least one blue eye...but these guys...well, they were built for speed.
They were a little mix of everything and everything but clearly they possessed
the most important characteristic needed in a sled dog - they loved to run! After the dog sledding we enjoyed hot
chocolate, bannock and some tales in the cabin. All in all, a great time
but next time, I want to learn how to be the musher!<br />
<br />
All this fresh air has our tummy growling and thankfully had called ahead to
make a dinner reservation. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bullock’s Bistro</i></b> had been highly
recommended and it did not disappoint – what a treat! So fresh and
tasty! This is a must visit and as a self proclaimed foodie, it was quite
amazing watching as the one lone cook was banging out dish after dish, all the
while chatting with patrons in a very relaxed way from behind the counter of
the open concept kitchen. <br />
<br />
For the aurora viewing, it initially felt like we may not see anything at
all. We tried to temper what would be our disappointment and kept
reminding ourselves that you can not control the weather or the solar
flares. If clouds rolled in or the sky decided not the put on a show,
we’d still enjoy the experience of sitting out on the hilltop watching the
night unfold, the dogs yipping and barking in the distance, shooting stars
darting across the sky. By 11:45 at <b><i>Aurora Village</i></b>, we were
rewarded for our patience as the faintest white shadows began to appear.
That haze was very quickly replaced with an amazing sky filled with a 360
degree view of choreographed lights that ever so slowly grew with intensity.
Aurora is nothing new for me being from Manitoba. Often we will see the
white and green dance at the horizon. This experience was different
because it started at the horizon and went straight up and all the way across
to the opposite horizon. Of course, when you take photos, you’re able to
capture even more color intensity than is visible to the naked eye. So,
yes, we did manage to get a few really great shots of the beautiful aurora.<br />
<br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Ice fishing in the comfort of the snowbear with Greg of <b><i>Bluefish Services</i></b>
was such a fantastic afternoon! It was so relaxed and comfortable and
Greg was just delightful telling stories of the lake and fishing </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;">and OHH
his excitement at seeing a lake trout on the camera!! Sorry to disappoint
you Greg but we’ just couldn’t convince that trout to jump into the frying
pan. We each did have some nibbles on
our lines (apparently I may have been able to actually </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;">catch a fish had I
listened more/talked less!) but in the end, no one was able land anything.
It didn’t matter though – ½ the fun of fishing was the time spent with friends
and the fish tales! Greg even arranged for one of his buddies to bring
out a special delivery by snowmobile – Tim Horton’s coffee and donuts.
What could possibly be more Canadian than delivering Tim Horton’s on snowmobile
to a group of people ice fishing in the middle of the lake! Love it! :)<br />
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The temperatures during our stay were perfect!
We had daytime highs of around -12C and the nights were -20C.
Again, being from the prairies, I’m no stranger to the cold but this was
actually at least 10 degrees warmer than I had been thinking we’d
experience. The challenge was figuring out the optimum clothing and
outdoor gear to wear for the different activities. It’s hard to know how
many layers and what the right combination is in order to be not too hot but
not too cold. I felt like Goldie Locks trying on multiple options before
settling on my “regular Manitoba jacket” for our next excursion, “Shopping
in the Birch Grove”.<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxM2LVgdGsEsq8aRFIK9MWt5aJGhyRrg0vnZQczw1Bzjmt-YAkzib98tFwfA3oAa8lUvmyDuXGID0K1NR2qhAzx9w6XGHKqgYwb3cA4JtRJXWcv273b_U1_bydVlkGtbnxtETSnevGUjJ/s1600/54522321_1012866215569620_2036580789189083136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxM2LVgdGsEsq8aRFIK9MWt5aJGhyRrg0vnZQczw1Bzjmt-YAkzib98tFwfA3oAa8lUvmyDuXGID0K1NR2qhAzx9w6XGHKqgYwb3cA4JtRJXWcv273b_U1_bydVlkGtbnxtETSnevGUjJ/s400/54522321_1012866215569620_2036580789189083136_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What an incredible afternoon spent with Rosie of <b><i>Strong Interpretation</i></b>!
We snow-shoed approximately 3 kms on mostly unbroken or semi-broken trail
through the boreal forest. Rosie would point out specific animal tracks,
plants indigenous to the area and explain the various uses for medicine or for
cooking, baking and even in martinis. (she had me at martini!) She carried with her a bag of “visual aids” –
a rabbit foot, candied pine needles and birch syrup to taste, and anything else she needed to
help us interpret her stories. At the end of the trek we settled in for a
winter picnic in a small hut used when the birch trees are being tapped. Before us were her tasty homemade offerings (some of which we had
already heard rave reviews of from Greg during our fishing trip).
Everything she had prepared incorporated many of the forest items she had
harvested in the fall from cranberries to mint and rosehips. It was a
delicious reward after a wonderful outing! Interestingly enough, Rosie
was originally from Manitoba!<br />
<br />
For dinner we took a cab over to Old Town to try out the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Woodyard/NWT Brewhouse</i></b>,
Canada's most northern brewery. Great food, fantastic service and we
almost had to roll out of there after several flights of brew! This is
sure to be a place for a few casual beverages and a great dinner. Try
their in-house brews made with Canadian grain and the freshest, clearest water
in the country. </span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
annually built <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Snowking Castle</i></b> seemed to always have some sort of activity
happen day and night. Saturday was the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Royal
Ball</i></b> and having no idea what to expect, we were blown away by the
talented musicians. It was such a fun event and in a very unique
setting! Those in attendance made dancing in winter gear look easy but
I'm thinking that only comes with practice!
We even saw the ‘Snow King’ himself!</span></span><br />
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little bling! Canada (and NWT in particular) is one of the world's
leading producers of the 'girls best friend'. A visit to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">NWT
Diamond Centre</i></b> was interesting and informative to see how the diamonds
are mined and the process to take it from its rough form to the polished and
dazzling brilliant stone in the finished state. I even tried my hand at
polishing a diamond and held in my own hand a 4.02 carat diamond priced at
$175,000. Needless to say, that little bobble did not come home with us! </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQwNxnR5vSR6gLYoT2SlNuQKW96XPz5RAgFkRQfQ3VaiGHU_PNggb3iLEcP8Qg6Yx6k4J4M_RcCYMXlnXq6rtBwz77NnSjA89B-N-jYL-KyYiyQ7V-RMNNHv5gwCOhtk-x9hldyJqYUht/s1600/IMG_2600+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXec1TXwCjZLSfOF8aJeMoUTg7Y7KKhzwwa_GtNuDP3ZZVKeA6Mvp39kjM_Nyo9pFlduFmdaiGb9w0m1WaAXkLeXdRpQtumefXZoA4u0GQiZh6LjXtAqqZbyUGoCCKdJTc3Swk4E81k9oF/s1600/IMG_2589+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="640" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXec1TXwCjZLSfOF8aJeMoUTg7Y7KKhzwwa_GtNuDP3ZZVKeA6Mvp39kjM_Nyo9pFlduFmdaiGb9w0m1WaAXkLeXdRpQtumefXZoA4u0GQiZh6LjXtAqqZbyUGoCCKdJTc3Swk4E81k9oF/s200/IMG_2589+-+Copy.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQwNxnR5vSR6gLYoT2SlNuQKW96XPz5RAgFkRQfQ3VaiGHU_PNggb3iLEcP8Qg6Yx6k4J4M_RcCYMXlnXq6rtBwz77NnSjA89B-N-jYL-KyYiyQ7V-RMNNHv5gwCOhtk-x9hldyJqYUht/s1600/IMG_2600+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="624" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQwNxnR5vSR6gLYoT2SlNuQKW96XPz5RAgFkRQfQ3VaiGHU_PNggb3iLEcP8Qg6Yx6k4J4M_RcCYMXlnXq6rtBwz77NnSjA89B-N-jYL-KyYiyQ7V-RMNNHv5gwCOhtk-x9hldyJqYUht/s200/IMG_2600+-+Copy.jpg" width="195" /></a></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMecDwph5MzyZPmAtOBjhPkISAG-VF84Ntk_oH25ZqXv2XRjOeb4qTXc_11a-gvGZTEcwwXloOy3dQV6q-mPUQ_qjXeNRDv5dWA8uVsqNM9Ao9gjecu1FohVUjj97OxxVq_FSP3Lmx_5sN/s1600/IMG_2594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our final event before we headed to the airport was taking in the Sugar Shack Brunch, again held at the Snowking Castle. We suited up one last time in our warm artic gear and enjoyed not just a tasty meal but some toe tapping entertainment too!</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themetint: 102;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #b6dde8; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I feel truly fortunate to have experienced this part of Canada that is so often
overlooked as a destination in itself. This little part of Canada's Great
White North is not just a northern gem but certainly a Canadian gem!
I’d like to extend my sincere thank you to Antje and Susan of Touch
the Arctic for their part in helping us experience Yellowknife and this
fabulous adventure and to our good friends, Garry & Alanna for being game
to try something new and out of the box!</span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-89194080245828973892019-02-24T14:03:00.000-08:002019-02-26T09:39:42.512-08:00Agent vs Online<h3>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Book Your Travel Online.</span></h3>
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: cyan;"></span><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Huh? Did I really just say that? Not only say it out loud but actually put it in writing? Me... someone who has dedicated their career to upholding the benefits of using a travel consultant? Yup, I sure did! You have to know that I'm not going to just leave it at that simple statement. I need to explain <u>WHY</u> I'm saying go ahead and book your own travel online.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b0114; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How many times have you heard someone say to you any of the following:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: cyan;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh you should go to XYZ, it's amazing and you'd love it!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We stayed at the ABC hotel and it was the best ever!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don't fly with that airline. They delayed our travel for 2 hours and they are the worst.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is a great cruiseline. The kids has so much fun ziplining across the pool and trying the flo-rider.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Everyone seems to think they can research the best experience or that they know better. Opinions and experiences from friends and family or random unknown people on sites such as tripadvisor are really great to give you some direction. Truly they great to give an overview and set you on a path BUT...that's where it ends. There is so much more to crafting the perfect holiday and checking off boxes (known as aggregates) can not possibly replace the human connection and intuition. My new favorite mantra is:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><div style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline; float: none; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"Please don't think that your google search will ever replace my 30 years of education, knowledge and experience."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "verdana";"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In this current day and age when everything is available at your fingertips or news is spread like wildfire through social media, an incredible <i>(read: overwhelming)</i> amount of information is right there with a few key strokes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: cyan;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSmPrbVZ-RnWtIMC2GRqMNYbe3ybdD25NRYoNnOwXaWuj0wixr22vWkUC9Av_KiOYs2TJimi62X6Ti4B9vUwCzuJIekRlo0xFuUV8BAkMuilKVzv_jpZ-NPOEBZMuLFH45HOrRKWJMy3O/s1600/google.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="640" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSmPrbVZ-RnWtIMC2GRqMNYbe3ybdD25NRYoNnOwXaWuj0wixr22vWkUC9Av_KiOYs2TJimi62X6Ti4B9vUwCzuJIekRlo0xFuUV8BAkMuilKVzv_jpZ-NPOEBZMuLFH45HOrRKWJMy3O/s320/google.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSmPrbVZ-RnWtIMC2GRqMNYbe3ybdD25NRYoNnOwXaWuj0wixr22vWkUC9Av_KiOYs2TJimi62X6Ti4B9vUwCzuJIekRlo0xFuUV8BAkMuilKVzv_jpZ-NPOEBZMuLFH45HOrRKWJMy3O/s1600/google.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's say as an example, that you are thinking about going on an all-inclusive holiday. You do a google search typing in "the best all inclusive resorts". Google proceeds to do it's thing and comes up with <b>121 MILLION</b> options (<i>no exaggeration</i>) for suggestions of "the best all inclusive resorts". Don't believe me about the 121 Million results? Try it for yourself but I've also included a screenshot for the nay sayers.</span><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "verdana";"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b0114; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seriously? 121,000,000 - how can there possibly be <b>THAT</b> many of <b>THE</b> best? Who has time to go through all those options and start weeding through the seemingly limitless possibilities? Certainly not your average traveler and I'd venture to say not even an extraordinary traveler! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana";">Que the experienced travel consultant to the rescue! It's our job to filter through the noise and by working with the client, by asking questions that lend us insight we begin to narrow the options to ones that are geared to fit that particular client. We can help define what your ideal vacation looks like and then find the appropriate solutions. With a simple conversation we are able to quickly garner what it is you want from your holiday. Is it relaxation or do you want non-stop nightlife? Maybe there is a focus on well-being? Do you want adventure, are you looking for exceptional culinary experiences or are you a history buff? Maybe you have a love for architecture or are celebrating a milestone life event? There is no one perfect holiday that is suited to everyone. No one size fits all vacation package. What your friend said was the worst, may very well be an ideal option based on your own needs. Or, that cruiseline your co-worker's sister-in-law went with may have been great for her family with teenage boys but may not be something the next person would enjoy when their image is of a smaller, more intimate ship with casual but elegant service as they celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. The point is that everyone has a different vision, different needs, different expectations and it is our job to provide options based on all this criteria. Our goal is to offer a much more manageable number of ideas rather than 121 million that google suggests as <b>THE best</b> for your holiday.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can you book your own travel online? Sure - of course you can... and you may very well have a wonderful vacation! By the same token you can also google your medical symptoms! WebMD may take that ache or pain, turn it into full blown doom and gloom and will have you quickly getting your affairs in order as it suggests you have a serious, life ending condition. Is your google search really a replacement for seeking medical advise and attention? Or what about doing your own taxes? Can you do those yourself? Certainly, by all means you can do your own taxes and you may even net a decent refund in the end! Is there any possibility that you might actually miss out on what could have been an even greater refund? Absolutely! There is no way that someone who does a handful of taxes each year can possibly know as much as a professional who deals with this on a daily basis. It is very unlikely that you know all the tax benefits, loopholes, credits etc. On all accounts, I think it's best left to the pros!</span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now I can hear it already! Someone will say</span><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="color: #007680; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"<b>But I can get a better deal online"</b></i></span>. </span><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well ...actually you can't! The price, is the price, is the price. The airline, cruiseline, tour operator, hotel/resort, car rental provides the pricing to us, the travel agent. We sell the product at exactly the same rates you would find online. <b><i><gasp></i></b> Really? How can that be? How ever would you stay in business? Well, it's simple system and on as old as time. They pay us a commission to sell their product. To elaborate further, that commission whether paid to us or not, would not change the selling price to you, the client, regardless of where or how you book (directly with the tour operator, airline, online, storefront travel agency, or home based agent) the pricing will all be the same. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #007680; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not to keep beating the same drum but..... if a Sunwing package to Mexico is $1249 including taxes per person through any online travel agency (more on that later) or directly on the tour operator website then you can be 100% assured that this is the price a travel agency will also sell it to the client for. Most people do not realize that the Big Dogs - the Expedias or Redtags of the world - are simply travel agencies...online versions... but still travel agencies all the same. Yes, they are "online" rather than storefront or homebased but all that means is that you have to do everything online and you can never have a face-to-face conversation even if you wanted to. They, like every other travel agency, sell the packages that are provided by the tour operators at the price the tour operators set. Again, don't believe me? The proof is in the pudding!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #007680; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As travel consultants, we have not just our own extensive personal travel experience from which to draw on but also feedback from thousands of clients. We are also able to utilize a variety of tools that are not always available to the average consumer. We bring added value by being able to plan activities in destination, knowing the better seat on the aircraft, or maybe even being able to arrange a special upgrade or surprise during that cruise or resort stay. Travel agents are trained to examine the fine details, to look for gaps and provide solutions that fit. Travel is unique and there should be nothing cookie cutter about your buying experience.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And how many times have you had something go off the rails with your travel plans? A missed connection, a flight delay, cancellation due to weather, an emergency? Yes, that's life and life isn't always perfect. Things do happen that are sometimes out of our control (out of your control as a traveler as well as mine as an agent). That said, would you prefer to go it alone because you did your own arrangements or know that there is someone in your corner helping out as best they can? As I type this on a Sunday afternoon, I chuckle to myself - not because I find flight cancellations or problems entertaining - it's the exact opposite actually! I'm grinning to myself because in the span of the past 24 hours I've had 3 different clients contact me because they have hit a road block and needed help. For me, I'd far rather the client reach out to me for assistance than work themselves into a frenzy or loose precious holiday time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #007680; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Client 1 - Is having such a great time they decided they wanted to </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #007680; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">stay a little longer in their destination so would I make the necessary arrangements to extend their air, accommodation and car rental. </span></span></div>
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<ul><span style="color: #007680; font-family: "verdana";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OIkxQicnC1i_Bfyy_bCCI28ghMsGSZWnS4XdwxOjd8flOaNflnE-mR_HZ0g_vXKGmnLgk6SuSXQ3qW84NYWKcomrQF4xTckhn1Vz6XSVWemwCNJG5UaO0prPJ_9deX6lNRhiWqpFj_TY/s1600/check+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; float: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="55" data-original-width="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OIkxQicnC1i_Bfyy_bCCI28ghMsGSZWnS4XdwxOjd8flOaNflnE-mR_HZ0g_vXKGmnLgk6SuSXQ3qW84NYWKcomrQF4xTckhn1Vz6XSVWemwCNJG5UaO0prPJ_9deX6lNRhiWqpFj_TY/s1600/check+2.png" /></span></a>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All of the above is done and communicated with the client, documentation delivered and the client lost only 3 minutes of their vacation by reaching out to ask me to look after the arrangements.</span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Client 2 - Her husband is currently in the Emergency Room and they are to depart for their 1 week vacation in just a matter of hours. She was unclear on her cancellation coverage and didn't want </span><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">read through all the insurance options but wondered what to do, are the covered if they need to cancel and how to make a claim</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A quick phone conversation and the client now understands the various options available to them and can focus on her husband and not worry about what to do next.</span></li>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Client 3 - There is a terrible weather system moved in and the client's flight home for today has been cancelled. The airline is telling them they will have to wait and extra 48 hours and take a routing that has them flying here, there and everywhere. </span><br />
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<li><span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few text messages later, and the client has been rebooked without them having to be on hold for over an hour with the airline. They are now on a direct non stop flight that has them home earlier than what the airline provided.</span></li>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In each of these cases, I ask you, what was it worth to the client to know that they were able to just make a phone call or send a text to have this looked after without loosing valuable time and without added stress?</span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On a weekly basis travel agents continue their education by upgrading knowledge and professional development. Our experience along with the vast network of suppliers around the globe make an agent the best investment in corporate travel, complex around the world airfare, all inclusive destinations, customized holidays from an African safari to a honeymoon in the South Pacific, to the adventurous trek in Nepal. We have a wealth of experience in destination weddings and family holidays from Disney to Harry Potter tours. The value and multitude of positives that working with an agent can bring to the overall travel experience is second to none. A travel professional continues to learn and never stops developing their skills and training to assist their clients. We develop relationships with hoteliers and tour operators so that wh<span style="color: cyan;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>en we don't know the answer to your questions, we can reach out to the person who does.</span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">I am local. I am available to answer your questions or meet with you. I'm one of the many local businesses who support various initiatives in your community that you enjoy. I am supporting the local charities, services, sporting events and more that help make your community a great place to live in! You are my neighbor and friend. Can you say the same about your online booking engine? Do you know their names or how to reach them like the clients above?</span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">So, do you still feel travel is best looked after in your own hands? If so, then very likely nothing I say will change your opinion. If you are of that belief the please, by all means, go ahead and book online! Happy travels.</span></div>
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Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-1153543089954041492018-10-05T10:34:00.003-07:002018-10-05T10:34:41.789-07:00The Great Migration - Kenya & Tanzania<div style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 33px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bEnte1abL8eczhijwpV9hDOzzHNy5_zFYJB3STeiTIVILlSB5KRg838ZanGOZPqohx3AB_gJ-u-S89EA0-XJJpjUascDQzys_aohYT_PzvT1cP0UktnXSQNKxXiedn7tot5BXKfXid4k/s1600/Tanzania_NorthNgorongoro_AsiliaTheHighlandsWildlifeFlamingoZebraWildebeest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1560" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bEnte1abL8eczhijwpV9hDOzzHNy5_zFYJB3STeiTIVILlSB5KRg838ZanGOZPqohx3AB_gJ-u-S89EA0-XJJpjUascDQzys_aohYT_PzvT1cP0UktnXSQNKxXiedn7tot5BXKfXid4k/s400/Tanzania_NorthNgorongoro_AsiliaTheHighlandsWildlifeFlamingoZebraWildebeest.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufEKKE8RlnZMkvGwyCAhCwvUejZyy6gnCn7ozfi2qrsPqRuQWsJvLp_e3yKlnhrLI8aEE_wNzOF7iGJ9kL3bjTxwl8ZZtFWSyizYDbu_6-PcXd45vMby_cb5e7HWJwNFWT8SFRJkrmK3s/s1600/Tanzania_NorthNgorongoro_AsiliaTheHighlandsWildlifeFlamingoZebraWildebeest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; float: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #b00000;"></span><br /></a><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you dream of witnessing the greatest show on Earth? Of hearing the sheer power of millions of thundering hooves? Of coming face-to-face with mighty predators? Of losing yourself in the wild savannas of <a href="https://www.indus.travel/tour/classic-kenya-safari/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition-delay: 0s; transition-duration: 0.3s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.58, 1);">Kenya</a> and <a href="https://www.indus.travel/tour/simba-safari/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition-delay: 0s; transition-duration: 0.3s; transition-property: all; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.58, 1);">Tanzania</a>? If so, the welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth! No, I don't mean the Calgary Stampede (although it's a spectacle to behold!) I'm talking about the phenomenal sight of the Great Migration through Kenya and Tanzania. 1.5 million wildebeest thundering and snorting their way across the annual 1,200 mile circular path. This is the origin of safari - the ultimate safari experience and an awesome sprint of survival.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No one can explain the highlights, sites and sounds more than an article I read recently by Sky Blue Vickie (Vickie Paget):</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Where does t</span><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">he Great Migration take place?</span></span></strong></h4>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In <a href="https://www.indus.travel/tour/simba-safari/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.3s cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.58, 1);">Tanzania</a> the wildebeest move through the Serengeti; while in <a href="https://www.indus.travel/tour/classic-kenya-safari/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.3s cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.58, 1);">Kenya</a>, they pass through the Masai Mara. Both landscapes provide a truly dramatic backdrop to the greatest show on Earth.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What wildlife can you expect to see during the Great Migration?</span></strong></h4>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The wildebeest are joined by approximately 200,000 zebra and 35,000 gazelle. A whole host of hungry predators follow in their wake: lion, vulture, cheetah and crocodiles—all drooling at the thought of picking off a tasty tired migrator or two. Only the strongest survive this brutal journey, and it’s estimated that some 250,000 wildebeest don’t make it each year.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why is the Great Migration such a sight to behold?</span></strong></h4>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Witnessing nature at her most raw and powerful is a truly humbling experience—some would even say it’s life-changing. You will never forget the frenetic sound of millions of hooves trampling across the savanna, kicking up dust storms as they race towards survival. It’s a heart-thumping, ground-trembling, primal display of the overwhelming power of Mother Nature.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When does the Great Migration begin?</span></strong></h4>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nature likes to keep us on our toes, so the exact timing of the migration changes from year to year, as it depends upon rainfall patterns. However, experience shows that this incredible endurance race usually begins when the herd reaches <a href="https://www.indus.travel/tour/east-african-explorer/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.3s cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.58, 1);">Tanzania</a>’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south Serengeti to graze in November/December. Wildebeest calving season takes place there between January and March, which brings with it a lot of hungry predators, all hoping to chow-down on some wildebeest babies.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do the wildebeest leave Ngorongoro?</span></strong></h4>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rainy season in Ngorongoro comes to an end in April/May and the wildebeest begin their epic journey across the Serengeti to the greener grass plains of <a href="https://www.indus.travel/tour/east-african-explorer/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: 0.3s cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.58, 1);">Kenya</a>’s Masai Mara to the north. May is also mating season for the wildebeest, so the males begin to fight fiercely for female attention—adding even more staggering, stomping showmanship to the spectacle that is the Great Migration.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are the most dramatic stages of the Great Migration?</span></strong></h4>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watching the wildebeest attempt to cross the two rivers on the Great Migration route are undoubtedly the most dramatic stages of this heart-in-your-throat journey. In June, the herd reaches the Grumeti River in Serengeti National Park. For many of these already-exhausted animals, this is a river too far, and they fall fowl to the river’s hungry crocodiles. Those who <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">do</em> make it then have to go on and cross the Mara River, where they’re faced with strong currents and even more crocodiles that are eagerly awaiting their annual wildebeest feast. As Mother Nature picks off the weakest in the herd, you witness a brutal, literal display of the survival of the fittest.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When do the wildebeest reach Masai Mara?</span></strong></h4>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having fought their way along the treacherous migration route, the strongest of the herd finally hit the luscious plains of the Masai Mara some time in August/September. But the battle for survival doesn’t stop there. The plains may be overflowing with herds of grazing wildebeest, zebra and gazelle, but wherever these animals go, they are hotly pursued by a whole host of predators, and there are always lions and hyenas lurking in the shadows, waiting for their next meal.</span></div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When do the herds return to Ngorongoro?</span></strong></h4>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the rains return south around October/November, the herd continues on its circular route back down to their calving grounds in Tanzania. When calving season kicks off again between January and March, the circle of life is complete and yet another Great Migration gets underway.</span></div>
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Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-76168155519964349862016-04-13T09:35:00.000-07:002016-04-13T09:35:09.145-07:00U.S. Invasion<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past winter season saw an upswing in the sale of vacation packages to Cuba. In my own opinion, it was largely due to the announcement that soon, Americans will be able to travel freely to and from Cuba. March 20, 2016, was the first visit by a US president to Cuba in 88 years marking the beginning of the end!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several U.S. air carriers, including United, Delta and American Airlines have submitted applications to approval to fly directly from the States into Cuba and service may begin as early as fall of 2016. Cruiselines such as Carnival have also began the necessary steps for approval to offer a seven day 'cultural exchange'. The work around for the current travel restrictions is that Americans must spend at least eight hours each day involved in some type of cultural experience. This is not to say that sitting at an all-inclusive resort chatting up the bar tender over mojitos would qualify as a 'cultural experience'!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the influx of American tourists wanting to taste the forbidden fruit, so to speak, it will suddenly increase the demand for accommodations and other amenities on the island. For the most part these have been in short supply and notably lacking the luxurious amenities and services many of the other Caribbean destinations and resorts. Many hotel chains are scrambling to get out in front and begin renovations and rebranding to bring experiences more in line with that of their brands in locations such as Mexico and Dominican Republic. This sort of undertaking does not happen overnight however hoteliers such as Starwood have already begun the task set before them with hopes of completion before the end of 2016.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For American tourists, this all sounds well and good, but one can't help but wonder what it all means for Canadian travelers. For many years, Canadians have been accustomed to essentially having Cuba all to ourselves so exactly how the "new" Americanized Cuba will look remains to be seen. Certainly increased demand will mean a boost to the local Cuban economy and enhanced infrastructure but it's a double edged sword for the budget conscious traveler. Hotel companies will want to maximize their return on their investments so an upward pressure on overall rates would be expected causing an increased cost for Canadian travelers. In addition to rising vacation prices, Canadians can also expect that in time, a more 'Americanized' look and feel to the island and it's cities will be inevitable. The prospect of having McDonald's golden arches and Starbucks on every corner seems to have Canadians flocking to Cuba to get in one last visit before the transformation takes place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No one can be certain what the new Cuba will look like or ultimately cost in the long run but one thing most Canadian travelers seem to agree on is that change is coming. I for one, hope Cuba is able to maintain it's authenticity and charm.</span><br />
Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-62641498690686216052015-09-14T12:12:00.001-07:002015-09-14T12:14:16.791-07:00Visit Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Winnipeg, at the heart of Canada, has a lot to offer and to give you a brief overview of some of the fantastic things to experience, here is a sampling!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VOul_sZ4VKQ" width="480"></iframe><a class="kd-button bg-primary" href="javascript:void(0)" id="publishButton" onclick="if (this.className.indexOf("ubtn-disabled") == -1) {var e = document['postingForm'].publish;(e.length) ? e[0].click() : e.click(); if (window.event) window.event.cancelBubble = true; return false;}" target="">Publish Post</a>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-10649825537778809292015-05-13T12:42:00.000-07:002015-05-13T12:44:16.488-07:00<h4 style="text-align: center;">
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</a><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">Safe Destinations for Solo Female Travellers</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">As a travel consultant, I'm often asked where it's safe for women to travel on there own or with one or two other women. Here are 10 of what I consider to be some of the safest destinations for female travelers!</span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1. ICELAND</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though Iceland’s nickname of “The Land of Fire & Ice” sounds intimidating, solo travel is totally comfortable and easy here. The city of Reykjavik is famous for its music scene and nightlife, so you’ll have no problem meeting locals and fellow travelers. There are countless </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">reasons to visit Iceland</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> but it’s her natural beauty that steals the show for most everyone.</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. SCANDINAVIA</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The countries of Denmark, Norway and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweden</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are filled with amazing architecture and beautiful sights. Forget about Disneyland, Norway and Denmark have even been ranked as the #1 and #2 </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">happiest places in the world</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>3. NEW ZEALAND</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adventure awaits in the glaciers, beaches and fiords of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">New Zealand</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. In New Zealand, you’ll come across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. With 2 very different islands to discover, there is something for all women travelling in New Zealand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>4. COSTA RICA</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sandy beaches and rainforests of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Costa Rica</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are the perfect scenery for a solo trip in the sun. Whether you’re looking for a surf safari down the Nicoya Peninsula or a yoga retreat in </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nosara</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, there’s something for every type of solo female traveler.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cCubxZtYjslbArgwJS2KyZ7g-2YcOpYUYt-CeJgIzddP8A6wSxl6SEXwon8mNzvbLxUpVihB2fsOeLhCakWbrLTeJ0PwwzEI2tKzYjQFJ4-WpYYg_WL3Zi01k7MNFfKV09Jr6-bPlaYv/s1600/guin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cCubxZtYjslbArgwJS2KyZ7g-2YcOpYUYt-CeJgIzddP8A6wSxl6SEXwon8mNzvbLxUpVihB2fsOeLhCakWbrLTeJ0PwwzEI2tKzYjQFJ4-WpYYg_WL3Zi01k7MNFfKV09Jr6-bPlaYv/s1600/guin.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="color: cyan;"> </span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. IRELAND</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ireland</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> may not be known for the best weather, but the Emerald Isle is a place of happiness and beer. Cozy up in a local pub, catch a football game or head out to the countryside for an incredible Irish experience.</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. SOUTHEAST ASIA</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Southeast Asia</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> will never be lacking in awesome things to do. Going to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thailand on your own</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> will give you so many opportunities to explore beautiful beaches, enjoy delicious street food and take in the unbelievable scenery of the mainland. It’s a great destination for both budget and luxury travelers, with inexpensive accommodation as well as 5-star resorts.</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. CRUISE</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While it’s not a specific destination, a cruise in any part of the world is a great travel experience for solo female travelers. Enjoy the convenience of an itinerary and secure accommodation. Unpack once and arrive at multiple destinations without having to book flights or accommodation.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. AMSTERDAM</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Known around the world for its liberal lifestyle and super chilled out vibe, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amsterdam</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is an amazing place to hang out on your own. The canals are yours to explore as you discover the unique culture and nightlife of the city. Rent a bike and run into (not literally of course) some friendly and laid back Dutch locals.</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. BALI</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VNr7iEu9cH1hKzJKpCn5hjkZS6wbMLqbNLKzP8r5b2GpYh-CbviWmb6P-y7uLWK36Y9xal8Lxyr65RuemKxJIIxfJU21PtmdVUrOWD6RXjpozTsokb1oWchaYnVOJB2uFsM76dOIxNID/s1600/bali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VNr7iEu9cH1hKzJKpCn5hjkZS6wbMLqbNLKzP8r5b2GpYh-CbviWmb6P-y7uLWK36Y9xal8Lxyr65RuemKxJIIxfJU21PtmdVUrOWD6RXjpozTsokb1oWchaYnVOJB2uFsM76dOIxNID/s320/bali.jpg" width="213" /></span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Temples, yoga, relaxing beaches and inexpensive food & accommodation are just a few reasons why </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bali</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is the ultimate solo female travel destination. With a great backpacking culture for young people, budget travelers will always find someone to hang out with. And with all those beautiful beaches, you bet there are some incredible resorts for a little bit of luxe if that's what you'd rather.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>10. CANADA</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nearly everywhere you go in Canada, you’ll be surrounded by multiculturalism and some of the most breathtaking landscapes your eyes have ever seen. Canadians have a reputation for being friendly so strick up a conversation and you'll see for yourself!</span></div>
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<img height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgTcCB1t0BZbNMnMF2yrhJuYUE8uI0iSNFYpOk6u5aO0s1pqWivrn3Kjbl2Ojv_TcDSWSlVQ2J_vYsWwutu83farrOoFqcC6DwYghkDVUJZmBICa0Pxqv6VogEnz_UjDbmHFGDgJISFhk/s1600/solo.jpg" style="left: 90.06px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 43.67px;" width="96" />Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com040 East Saskatchewan Avenue, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0L2, Canada49.9731988 -98.29063029999997549.9731588 -98.290709299999975 49.9732388 -98.290551299999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-77544643316596792752015-04-21T11:19:00.000-07:002015-04-21T11:19:05.153-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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#WPGWhiteout #GoJetsGo</h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The excitement and energy at the MTS Centre for the 3rd game of round one of the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs had fans showing their true colors! It is precisely this pride that is putting Winnipeg on the map as a city to visit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of my professional time is spent sending clients to other destinations outside of this wonderful province of Manitoba but this most recent #JetsFever has me realizing just how much we have to offer, not only within Winnipeg but throughout the province. Everywhere you look right now, the province is displaying their belief in their team. We even took part here at Travel Quest, as did the town of Gimli! Perfect strangers have united to rally behind this hockey club and in my opinion, what could be better than bringing people together to celebrate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the great arctic safari's of Churchill to the diverse culture of Folklorama, the historic Forks or the sand dunes of Spruce Woods, this province has incredible offerings for everyone! Visit the Human Rights Museum, a world class and an architectural marvel, or experience the fall migration at Oak Hammock Marsh. Try golfing, fishing, Portage Potato Festival, camping, Blue Bomber game, Morden Corn and Apple Festival, dragon boating, Assiniboine Park, a picnic, Folkfest or maybe the Prairie Ripples Art tour! It's all right here...in Manitoba...a province packed with pride! And to think, it all started with a #GoJetsGo!!</span>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-1367214551935871052015-02-11T16:24:00.004-08:002015-02-11T16:29:16.788-08:00Destination Weddings<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Congratulations! You've chosen each other and will be tying the knot! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToRnrcht2oCwMNFyBFAEqvuQH_WvbCMO52ClsenhZBGf25qMwBP2AIym1NLZw6UQHTyumvsJa0tg1teowskxdBPjonaRKg6vFhddx1lDyPRrR4kzItk2CGP_AXQKVxf5gUQ7uKGHRc1by/s1600/destination-wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToRnrcht2oCwMNFyBFAEqvuQH_WvbCMO52ClsenhZBGf25qMwBP2AIym1NLZw6UQHTyumvsJa0tg1teowskxdBPjonaRKg6vFhddx1lDyPRrR4kzItk2CGP_AXQKVxf5gUQ7uKGHRc1by/s1600/destination-wedding.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Live an unforgettable day in an absolutely magic setting surrounded by those who mean the most to you. If that sounds wonderful but you're beginning to feel overwhelmed by the endless array of destinations, documentation, flower choices and so on, that's were you need the help of an expert! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A Destination Wedding Specialist will be able to sit down and speak with you about the many options available to couples these days. Together, we will be able to focus in on a few key destinations that have the vibe and feel you're after for your dream day and weigh the pros and cons of each. A DWS has planned and worked with resorts and venues literally around the world so the ability to remain impartial and realistic is paramount. You are able to benefit from their knowledge, expertise and relationships that have been built throughout the industry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A Destination Wedding Specialist does differ somewhat from a Travel Consultant in that every aspect of your wedding from airfare, accommodation, documents, the wedding ceremony, decorations and often even right down to the menu. Specialists do charge an additional fee to arrange and manage all of these details but it's certainly worth it to ensure all is seamlessly cared for. In our opinion, it's well worth it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE4aOCjDR95hflqATKFVtQrW9U4vZNAj9Wsl5ZiuAjsWF6CAMty7APfboXsUELMJAMwlFtb8iKHBp9KEHq2IDKLLs7Y5Vfb8Jx8sYmiPBkwOENDyFYqEPth56vWKLDl9SEgI59T9-9VZE/s1600/Weddings-and-Honeymoons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE4aOCjDR95hflqATKFVtQrW9U4vZNAj9Wsl5ZiuAjsWF6CAMty7APfboXsUELMJAMwlFtb8iKHBp9KEHq2IDKLLs7Y5Vfb8Jx8sYmiPBkwOENDyFYqEPth56vWKLDl9SEgI59T9-9VZE/s1600/Weddings-and-Honeymoons.jpg" height="149" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And speaking of budgets and money matters, let's do some math. Couples are often spending thousands and thousands of dollars creating their magical day and find themselves exhausted with the process. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana;">Cost</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Home - Average cost: $25,000</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Destination - Average cost: $5,000</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana;">Venue</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Home - Ceremony, photos and celebration typically at different locations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Destination - Everything typically takes place at one location</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana;">Duration</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Home - One day celebration</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Destination - Week- long celebration</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana;">Planning</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Home - Stressful and time consuming especially as it leads up to the big day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Destination - Wedding coordinators, destination wedding specialists and consultants manage all of the details</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana;">Honeymoon</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Home - Additional savings and planning required</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Destination - Begins upon your arrival</span><br />
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Ultimately, if you decide a destination wedding is right for you, it's important to work with a professional you feel comfortable with. The options are only limited by imagination but your travel professional is there to make everything you dream about, come true!</span> </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-8942021608894796662014-10-28T17:22:00.000-07:002014-11-14T08:55:20.223-08:00Desert Oasis of Palm Springs<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">"Think warm and sunny thoughts" is what I kept
telling myself as I sat in the Calgary airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was awaiting a connecting flight back to Winnipeg where reports from
earlier in the week had snowflakes swirling around back on the prairies. I was
returning from a 5 day travel conference in sunny Palm Springs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsUAJM2BLK7UB18HHNop1OIXAeFTpArDNiXs9vETFn_qVmQI3DSjm8jwCf2FS2BEfIeafwkEFPFzjtVhu9OYZEGqp7K2W0UByg7QCGe6Yd9QDV8dvdyeTnH1xuMvmf3TVlTjfO0HwqKjC/s1600/2014-10-26+15.55.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsUAJM2BLK7UB18HHNop1OIXAeFTpArDNiXs9vETFn_qVmQI3DSjm8jwCf2FS2BEfIeafwkEFPFzjtVhu9OYZEGqp7K2W0UByg7QCGe6Yd9QDV8dvdyeTnH1xuMvmf3TVlTjfO0HwqKjC/s1600/2014-10-26+15.55.14.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was not my first visit to Palm Springs but it was
great to see how some things had changed and some had remained very much the
same over the years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>P.S. is a desert
oasis and really took off back in the era of the “Rat Pack”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the 50’s it was the playground of the rich
and famous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, it’s golf courses,
excellent restaurants, incredible shopping, luxury resorts and even the second home
to many Canadian Snowbirds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the airport I hopped a shuttle to take me to the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells where my conference would overtake the resort as well as the neighboring Renaissance Esmeralda. The transfer, about 25 minutes long, allowed me to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the views out the window. One view in particular was of El Paseo which is affectionately referred to as the Rodeo Drive of Palm Springs. The street is lined with high end stores and designer brand names plus plenty of restaurants to encourage taking a rest from shopping.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RNksSv0bqwfAI8MDHOSw1ESPFpAx76tcFNX_vs8hU0ppG7953yoXjADKI51NcTHEC60LnSnKstL-KO-6sZWEfZUiI1OalikVpFejPZBQ3WM-6tbsPd7-RUaeRJMWrPd0DY9n9rd7fR9E/s1600/2014-10-27+07.06.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RNksSv0bqwfAI8MDHOSw1ESPFpAx76tcFNX_vs8hU0ppG7953yoXjADKI51NcTHEC60LnSnKstL-KO-6sZWEfZUiI1OalikVpFejPZBQ3WM-6tbsPd7-RUaeRJMWrPd0DY9n9rd7fR9E/s1600/2014-10-27+07.06.40.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palm Springs
is fairly spread out and although the driving is generally quite easy, you don’t
realize as you leave one city and enter another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 7 cities that make up the
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the most western side is Palm
Springs where the airport is located and the original mecca centre in the 1950s.
As you move east you find Cathedral City which was booming in the 80s with new
condo builds at the time, then Rancho Mirage came along in the 90s with their
country club atmosphere, Palm Desert, a golfer’s paradise, La Quinta, Indio and
finally Indian Wells.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYLLACv-GDRpuDibDn0nbV8PbZ1BH_QDfZkWMOTymcBjKQAKymrwfNoSLiKf1eEfuu5U7G8x1pLRIfZqC1rlb5aFfjf2MnXG2DTwD2bD1IWf2XCrNG-39dsHyk_P0WDJm-5lQfNae1B5Z/s1600/2014-10-27+07.06.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYLLACv-GDRpuDibDn0nbV8PbZ1BH_QDfZkWMOTymcBjKQAKymrwfNoSLiKf1eEfuu5U7G8x1pLRIfZqC1rlb5aFfjf2MnXG2DTwD2bD1IWf2XCrNG-39dsHyk_P0WDJm-5lQfNae1B5Z/s1600/2014-10-27+07.06.58.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although
this trip did not allow any free time to shop <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><insert disappointment here>, I highly
recommend going just a bit further west of the airport to the premium outlet
mall of Cabazon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here you will find a mid
to high end range of stores with every brand you can imagine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a shopper’s dream for sure!</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The summers
are extremely hot...it is after all a desert area!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As winter approaches the day time
temperatures become much more mild and moderate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout my time spent in Palm Springs this
October, each day was 29 to 32 degrees and evenings only dipped enough to maybe
require a light sweater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the
perfect recipe for a morning of golf, afternoon by the pool and a fantastic
dinner out in the evening.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Palms
Springs is also a great place to use a launching point to visit other places
like Los Angeles (2 hour drive), San Diego (2.5 hour drive), Joshua Tree
National Park (30 minute drive) or even to take in some skiing or snowboarding
in the near by Summit and Bear mountains (1.5 hour drive).</span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">It had been
many years since I had visited the Palm Springs area but it certainly will not
be my last!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until then....<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0Palm Springs, CA, USA33.8302961 -116.5452920999999833.4079206 -117.19073909999999 34.2526716 -115.89984509999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-21395275663721894262013-12-07T07:14:00.000-08:002014-01-10T07:16:25.045-08:00To Book Now or To Wait...that is the questionSo often we as travel agents are asked "when is the best time to book my sunny beach vacation?" The truth of the matter is that there is no one answer to this as so much depends on the travelers expectations and flexibility. <br />
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If you have to request your holiday schedule well in advance, maybe even looking a whole year ahead as some do, then you're best to book as early as possible. Take advantage of the early booking discounts that are typically offered through the summer months and into the fall. It may require full payment several months before you even intend to travel but the savings is worth it!<br />
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If you have several options as to when you can go (ie: say a 5 or 6 day window to departure) and you're not set on any one destination or resort then you're a prime candidate to wait it out for the last minute sell offs. Deep discounts are often available when tour operators have not been able to sell all the air seats or fill the hotel rooms. With this option you need to be ever mindful that there is never any guarantee that your "first holiday choice" will still be available or that it will be the perfect resort for you. It's a gamble but if you're so inclined, then why not save!<br />
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Now, that said, here is my own personal prediction for how the 2013/14 winter season is going to play out. The tour operators have secured their contracts with the hoteliers nearly a year in advance and have negotiated prices based on the US dollar. This is very advantageous with our current strong Canadian dollar. All of the banking experts have been long suggesting that our Canadian dollar will weaken and if that happens the tour operators will be forced to add a currency surcharge to recoup their costs. Add to that the ever increasing price of fuel and it's the perfect storm! I anticipate seeing prices taking a sharp turn upward to cover the increased fuel costs and the stronger US dollar. <br />
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So, what does all this mean? Simply put, the sooner you book, the more likely you are to get a better price. If there is an early booking discount, take it! If you have the option to secure your vacation well in advance, seize the opportunity because my best guess is that prices will continue to soar once we hit the peak of the winter selling season.<br />
<br />Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-51094503321997046392013-10-08T15:30:00.003-07:002013-10-08T15:34:05.298-07:00SXM<br />
This past winter I travelled to St Maarten/Saint Martin and without a doubt one of the highlights was the amazing cuisine! With it's deeply routed French and Dutch tradition, every meal was presented with a true European flare making it a feast for the eyes before even having a single bite.<br />
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Our home base was the Beach Plaza in Marigot, on a very swimmable beach, a short stroll to the Marina or the downtown area. Having a car rental for our entire vacation certainly made getting out to try the many incredible restaurants around the island easy! Following you'll find a few of our favorites based on the various locations:<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Marigot:</span></u></strong><br />
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<strong>Tropicana</strong> - located along the inner marina it was just a 4 minute walk from the hotel. Reservations are a must and well worth any effort to find an opening! The Tropicana came highly recommended to us by several long time vacationers to the island and it did not disappoint. The proprietor is quite the character!<br />
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For a quick lunch or to pick up items to take to the beach for a picnic, there is <strong>Sarafina's</strong> directly across from the fresh foods market. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ4-YxYekGSsDXEzIgPtx7Uy9VbPBMp-5xH2L6K-Lpmsw12CKC5f0s7HZTU7EPI3aIP-gFQsWyIgRZBR47C-qhyphenhyphenYOuMASzJIRey3ty7aX5Tw5oGA_FwsfOeW1cnMZHL-wxQ_jH7ZO7Xp5/s1600/dreams1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJ4-YxYekGSsDXEzIgPtx7Uy9VbPBMp-5xH2L6K-Lpmsw12CKC5f0s7HZTU7EPI3aIP-gFQsWyIgRZBR47C-qhyphenhyphenYOuMASzJIRey3ty7aX5Tw5oGA_FwsfOeW1cnMZHL-wxQ_jH7ZO7Xp5/s320/dreams1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><u><strong>Nettle Baie:</strong></u></span><br />
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Unless you're very ambitious, you'll want to hope in the car and drive to Nettle Baie, home of the <strong>Dreams Beach Club</strong>. Opened in the winter of 2012/13, this club offers beach chair rentals, double loungers and an extensive lunch menu including sushi. The whole setting of the Dreams Beach Club is a Miami sort of vibe - very modern and sleek! The beach and waves were great so plan to enjoy the day in this location rather than just stopping in for lunch or dinner.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgz3Ef-R8JnbdRfYKBAAgqhhBSFcXUo2tGoRyKg-qRqh1ZBp7IXt8v9tm_FwDK0iIiAieb0xGagjmy00HcE7ax0_5PIF4L0WFNrmpyAIiWntKblyMByfSGRTKZG2Tp3RprdpN3gPRRS_8/s1600/dreams+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgz3Ef-R8JnbdRfYKBAAgqhhBSFcXUo2tGoRyKg-qRqh1ZBp7IXt8v9tm_FwDK0iIiAieb0xGagjmy00HcE7ax0_5PIF4L0WFNrmpyAIiWntKblyMByfSGRTKZG2Tp3RprdpN3gPRRS_8/s320/dreams+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Grand Case:</u></strong></span><br />
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Here you'll find everything and anything for food! From the five star, seaside restaurants to the local BBQ pits, it's a sure bet for a fantastic and authentic island experience! Once per week the entire main street area is closed off to traffic and becomes a pedestrian only street fair corridor. Both sides of the street a lined with small boutiques, local arts, crafts and restaurants by the dozen! Again, reservations on the street fair night are recommended but as you continue to walk I have no doubt you'll find something amazing and with a table just for you!<br />
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Unfortunately, poor forethought on my part meant we were not able to be seated at <strong>L'Estament</strong> at a reasonable hour but we did try 3 other incredible options that week. <strong>Spiga, Le Tastevin</strong> and <strong>Ocean 82</strong> - each are highly rated and offer their own style and charm.<br />
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Grand Case also offers a unique gathering place for locals and tourists alike sitting at covered picnic tables enjoying a casual and inexpensive option.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Simpson Bay:</span></u></strong><br />
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Being the Winnipeg Jets fans that we are, we HAD to find a place that would be airing the game! <strong>SPN Sports Bar</strong> in Simpson Bay was exactly what we had in mind! Owned and operated by a fellow from Montreal, it was warm, welcoming, and so much fun! Catering mainly to American travelers, usually the big screens are of NFL but they were more than happy to accommodate hockey crowd and switch it over. <br />
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On almost any beach you visit regardless of the French or Dutch side, you're sure to find a BBQ shack offering up tasty delights sure to keep your tank topped up until the next food adventure begins!<br />
<br />Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0Netherlands Antilles, Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands18.055039868544927 -63.0862426757812517.934251368544928 -63.247604175781248 18.175828368544927 -62.924881175781252tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-40281782730075126092012-07-05T13:06:00.001-07:002012-07-05T13:06:44.216-07:00Waves and Cycles<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like everything, cruising seems to come in
waves (no pun intended!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cycle
changes from year to year and what is new and fresh one season is old news the
next. Popular cruise destinations are no exception.</span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
more than a year ago when we were seeing cruise lines introduce new ships to
their fleets and an added capacity (more than ever before) deployed for
European sailings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was gamble on part
of the cruiselines but one that paid off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Part of the success may have been contributed to the strong Canadian
dollar and the weakening Euro making it an advantageous time for European
travel by land and sea.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here we are in the middle of summer 2012
and the story that unfolds this cruising this season is drastically different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
Europe, what seems to be the emerging trend this year is that cruise prices are
being slashed, cabin upgrades are being offered to repeat and first time cruisers
alike and bonus credits toward the airfare are being applied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does all this mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it’s simple….INCREDIBLE savings on
European cruises including the Mediterranean for 2012!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alaska seems to be the cruise vacation of
choice this summer and from the increased interest I’ve noticed in my own agency
I would agree that Alaska is much in demand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Cruiselines follow the trends and will move their ships to compete in
high demand markets from one season to the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oceania for example, has already indicated
that they will reduce the number of sailings in Europe and concentrate more on
Alaskan itineraries for the 2013 season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fast forward 12 months from now and no one can say for sure if it was a
risk worth taking but one thing is guaranteed;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>a constant ebb and flow, or waves if you will of popularity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes the cruiselines get it right but
sometimes not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they don’t, it is leaving
excellent opportunity for a cruise destination that is offering fantastic
deals!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, make a list of the places you’d
like to visit and then speak with a qualified travel consultant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That agent can see emerging trends, sales and
bonus offers and is there to help you plan an unforgettable cruise experience!</span></span></div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-45679697161034576602012-05-03T14:33:00.004-07:002014-11-10T17:33:49.555-08:00Lexi's Adventure<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've ever walked through the doors of the Travel Quest office you will, without a doubt, have met the friendly mascot, Lexi! Yes, Lexi is a dog! She's a loveable 7 year old cast away whom we adopted about 5 years ago and she is now in the habit of accompanying me to work every day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had been talking about just doing a quick getaway for a change of scenery and while we debated the pros and cons of flying to a destination, based on the amount of time we had, we decided we'd head to the Fargo, ND for a couple of nights. Exotic? Well, not exactly but really all we wanted was change so it seemed like a good choice. Another pro was that I found a hotel in Fargo...<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">and they accepted pets!</span></em> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having never taken a pet across the border, I did my due diligence and researched exactly what paperwork etc would be required to take her. Fortunately there wasn't much required other than her most current record of inoculations to prove all was up to date and that the rabies vaccine has been administered. Wouldn't you know it - US customs didn't even ask to see any paperwork on the dog at all when we crossed over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stayed at the Country Inn and Suites on 13th in Fargo and I have to give a shout out to the hotel staff! Everyone was fantastic, helpful, friendly, professional and thrilled to see Lexi upon arrival! The rooms were spacious, very clean and aside from restricting us to the main floor because we had a dog, there wasn't really anything more we could have asked for at that price! The rooms had a mini fridge, in-room coffee as well as microwave and not only did they include a hot and cold complimentary breakfast that offered everything from cereal to waffles, fruit and bagels to eggs and sausage but they also had 24 hour coffee, tea and cookies in the lobby. Best of all was happy hour in the breakfast room turned lounge! Every night featured a different drink special and complimentary snacks from 5 - 7pm. Was it 5 star dining? No, but the breakfast and snacks were tasty enough and was all included in the cost of the hotel room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pool on the Sunday morning was well used by plenty of kids swimming before the mall and box stores opened at noon but the rest of the time there was maybe 2 or 4 kids or maybe even none at all. The hot tub was more like a hot bathwater but even that was ok by us...after all, <em><span style="color: #cc0000;">they accepted pets!</span> </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apparently the hotel also offered a complimentary shuttle to the West Acres Mall as well but we did not utilize that service. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, while taking your pet on vacation isn't always an option, nor is it always sensible, our first experience with pets and hotels was very favourable and for short getaways I would consider doing this again. Wouldn't you know as we crossed back into our country, even Canadian customs did not ask for any paperwork for Lexi! Murphy's Law I suppose: had we not brought the papers, they would have wanted to see everything and turned us away without a doubt! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If/when our plans take us to Fargo again, we'll be sure to stay at the Country Inn and Suites because they made a great impression on us with their service levels...<em>and they accept pets!</em></span>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-12783559379764219172012-04-23T11:32:00.001-07:002012-04-23T11:32:30.810-07:00Playing Favorites<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a travel advisor, I am often asked by
clients “<em>What is your favorite vacation you’ve ever done?”</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My answer is always the same:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<em>I really can’t say I have one clear favorite</em>.”</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The reason I can’t, or won’t, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pin point one specific holiday is this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people, myself included, go on holidays
they generally have different needs, wants and wishes depending on where they
are in their life and what has been going on leading up to the holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There just isn’t one vacation that is a perfect fit
for every individual. Each of us is unique so shouldn't we have the option to customize what we do or don't do based on our personal interests?</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The definition of holiday or vacation can have
various translations for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
my experience it also depends as well on who you’re travelling with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this a family holiday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it just you and your significant other?
Are you getting away with your friends?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are those you are travelling with like minded and do they share similar
interests?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the destination familiar
or brand new for you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have planned
itinerary or will you be fully independent and able to go when and where you
please?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These and so many other factors
contribute to understanding what makes a great holiday.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For most of us, when we think about
relaxing and rejuvenating, we can picture a seaside retreat with a warm, tropical
breeze swaying the hammock we’re lounging in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For some, that exact scenario would spell boredom beyond belief! For
those individuals, a relaxing time might be a golf vacation or driving through
the back roads of Europe while for others recharge their batteries might mean
trekking to base camp of Mount Everest!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ok, so maybe Everest is slightly more energetic than most would ever imagine
but my point is that each of us has different expectations from our holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we’re game for a little adventure,
romance, maybe we’re looking to get off the beaten track and reconnect with
nature or who knows, maybe we want a taste of the exotic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, all this is not to say that I don’t
have some holidays that stand out in my mind above others. Don’t get me wrong - there
have been a number of vacations that will forever be right up there - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vacations that have left a lasting impact on
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had the
opportunity to travel the world and although I’m still chipping away at it, every
holiday (past and present) will be approached in the same manner:</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Embrace the destination for
what it is.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Open your mind to a new
experience; be it people, food, culture.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Expect things to be different
than they are at home. (if it was the same, what’s the point in leaving in the
first place?)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really do believe that every holiday has the
potential to be a “favorite vacation”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
potential is there every time you step on a plane, ship, car or whatever other mode
of transportation you choose to take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
key is understanding what your expectations are for that particular holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Translate this insight to your travel professional
and work together utilizing their knowledge to define your wish list and you'll be jetting off to your favorite vacation too! </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-62083113606732778722012-03-12T15:30:00.001-07:002012-03-12T15:51:01.358-07:00Web vs. Agent<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>A question was submitted to me via email this past week: It was from Jan H. and was about booking online versus through a travel agency. Specifically she wondered:</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> <em>A) Could I offer them the same rate? </em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><em> B) What's the difference?</em> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An excellent question and a very popular one I might add! I love being given the opportunity to answer questions like this so here goes:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you book online through a travel website, typically you're still dealing with a travel agency however it's an online version rather than a store front office such as mine. The "deals" and options offered by the online agency is identical to what other agencies are able to offer. One thing that you need to understand is that we all have access to the exact same information so whether you choose to sit in front of your computer and wade through the multitude of options on a travel website, go directly to a tour operator site (or call them) or contact a traditional bricks and mortar agency, the pricing is the same when you compare the identical product.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bigger, and to me, the more important question is the second one! What's the difference between an online travel site or working with a travel agent? My answer to that is an entire world of difference! A website can not begin to get to know your personal preferences - flying preferences, type of accommodation, special interests or activities you like to do. Sure, websites have little boxes you can click here and there to say you like an all inclusive, 4.5 star or would rather depart in the morning but are they really asking the important questions that truly offer insight? Insight such as which destination or resort would be best for your multi-generational family of 12, or which hotel is more likely to be able to cater to specific dietary needs such as gluten free meals. These are just a small sampling of how our experience can help. I believe it's about building relationships, not about finalizing just that one-time sale. If an agent just takes the information on what you've been looking at, essentially they are an order taker and absolutely that can be done on line! Our value is in the questions we ask and our own personal travel experiences. We need to ask questions to qualify your needs and to work on getting to know you, our valued client. These are things that a website, no matter how technologically advanced it is, can not do! Websites are fantastic tools for educating yourself and doing research but it does not replace a great agent who is working for YOU! We work as your value interpreter offering unbiased travel advise that is geared to create the best possible selections for you and those you're travelling with. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Navigating through the countless sites can become overwhelming for sure. At our office we are finding that more and more clients are using the internet and various websites to gain knowledge about things to see and do and then are contacting us to weave all the finishing details together into one seemless package.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have often said to potential clients that it's really about working with someone who is able to listen and understand your needs. If you feel that a website offers that then by all means, maybe it's the best choice for you but if you want someone to be able to interact with, to call upon when you have questions and who will go above and beyond to make great holiday memories, then my vote will always be to work with a travel professional.</span>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965849355364750023.post-36606523639417296932012-03-03T10:19:00.004-08:002012-03-03T10:41:04.881-08:00In the begining<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Although I'm brand new to blogging, I'm certainly not new to bringing the world and all it has to offer to my clients. Everyone keep telling me that I need to be blogging and so...if you're willing to read what I post, I'm willing to give it a try!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, here's how it all began: My love of travel began very early on for me and like many young adults, fresh out of school, I decided to "see the world" and "spread my wings". That adventure took me for the first time to Australia. Yup, the land Downunder with it's magnificent beaches, dynamic and cosmopolitan cities, red desert centre, sheep dotted pastures, Foster's Lager and the friendliest people! Oh believe me when I say there is so much more to Australia than these few points however it was a start remember!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Upon returning home after nomadic wandering the continent I knew that travel was in my blood. For nearly 25 years now I have been working as a Certified Travel Consultant with the previous 11 years of that also being the owner of an independent agency called Travel Quest. Each and every day I enjoy what I do...yes...even still! I think I must have hit the nail on the head with that choice in life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For me, my career has evolved and I realize that it's truly about forging relationships with my clients and getting to know who they are and what makes for a "perfect getaway" to them. I'm thrilled to share my stories of personal travel, ideas and hints I've learned both from experience and feed back I receive from client.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And so, for my first blog post, I hope you've found something interesting that will entice you to check back periodically for another chapter of "with Carey on".</span></div>Careyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14800201351263750434noreply@blogger.com0