Gemini Travels

"The Girl from Ipanema"

2010-06-25T12:57:00.003-07:00

This spectacular beach that was made famous from a song written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes has been held in Brazilians hearts since. In 2008, Diana Krall rewrote the song as "The Boy From Ipanema" which again brought this Brazilian beach in Rio de Janerio into the forefront of our minds and our hearts. Sitting adjacent to Copacabana beach, Ipanema is one of the most expensive places to live in all of Rio.

Two mountains called the "Dois Irmaes" or in English, the Two Brothers, rise at the western end of the Beach and overlook all the sunbathers. Posto's or lifeguard towers dot the expanse of beach and divide the beach into different areas.

While Ipanema Beach was named the sexiest beach by the Travel Channel, there are a few different areas to that title.

By the Rua Farme de Amoedo, there is the 'gay beach' which is extremely gay friendly, and always has a rainbow flag flying. To the west, is an area called the Posto Nove which is infamous for it's long history of pot smoking (illegal in Brazil), police raids, and gatherings of left wing and alternative activists and groups. Posto Nove's tradition began around 1980 when the present senator, Fernando Gaberra returned from political exile in France, and was photographed in a thong on this stretch of beach. Since then, it is where the young and often beautiful 'Carioca' men and women hipsters congregate.

While surf can reach 9 feet in the winter, sunbathers and worshippers flock to the sandy shores in all weather.

What could be better than a getaway to the Brazilian beach of Ipanema, where you to can become a girl or boy from Ipanema.

Backroads of Bohemia

2010-06-14T13:34:00.003-07:00

See the backroads of Bohemia with this amazing self guided tour from Trek Holidays. From the tourist free heart of the Czech Republic, you will get to see what makes this country tick from a more indepth view. This tour starts at $1,825 per person for the land only portion, and departs quite regularly, so please speak to your local travel agent for more indepth information regarding booking at a specific time.

From the Trek Website:

“Explore the magnificent landscapes of the Czech Republic on foot on this incredible journey through Bohemia This superb self guided walk takes you into the diverse landscapes of Bohemia in the south of the Czech Republic where you’ll get off the beaten track and encounter historical villages, magical fairytale castles, magnificent medieval churches and monasteries as well as some of Europe’s most picturesque countryside. You will walk along the intricate network of pathways known as the Czech Greenways. This web of trails dates back over 100 years and connects walkers to the cultural heritage and natural beauty of this stunning country. As you crisscross colorful pastoral fields and vineyards and meander in and out of tiny villages you’ll discover places that for decades were hidden behind the Iron Curtain. This trip is perfect for recreational walkers looking to explore a unique part of Eastern Europe.”
Highlights of this tour are the Cesky Krumlov, the Charles Bridge in Prague, being able to explore the Lake District and Trebon’s medieval heart, while sampling Prague’s beers and wandering the Lednice.

Itinerary:

1: Arrive Breclav train station and transfer to hotel in Valtice.
2: Explore the Baroque Valtice chateau. Walk through fields, vineyards and forest to Lednice and explore the Gothic Revival Chateau of Lednice. Transfer to Mikulov (11km).
3: Walk along the Palava hills through the ruins of Divci hrady (Maiden's Castle). Continue on to the ruins of Sirotci hradek (Orphan castle) and climb Tabulova Hill. Descend through vineyards to castle town of Mikulov. Transfer to Vranov nad Dyji (10 km).
4: Tour the magnificient Baroque Chateau in Vranov. Explore the Podyji National Park and walk from the village of Cizov to Austrian village of Hardegg (14km).
5: Walk from the Landstejn castle to Nova Bystrice. Take the narrow-gauge railway to Jindrichuv Hradec (15km).
6: Visit the historic town and castle of Jindrichuv Hradec. Continue to Bohemia Lake District and visit medieval city of Trebon. Walk to Kojakovice then transfer to Cesky Krumlov (14km).
7: Transfer to Zlata Koruna and explore the monastery. Walk over Klet, the highest peak of the Blansky Forest. Hike back to Cesky Krumlov (16km).
8: Transfer by bus to Prague where trip ends.

For more details, check out the website.

Why use an agent?

2010-06-12T09:02:00.004-07:00

Old-Style Travel Agents Still Alive and Kicking, Despite Numerous Predictions of Their Demise

With so many online travel agencies, it became common to hear how the offline travel agent had gone the way of the dinosaur, amidst bankruptcy and downsizing. So why are these obsolete travel agents still selling 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotel stays?

It’s because they’re sentient human beings, they’re offline and frequently offer the best deals.

According to Fast Company:

As travel technology leaders have observed, when it comes to disappointing travelers, software is rarely the limiting factor. The technology powering Expedia, Orbitz, etc, is pretty advanced e-commerce stuff. However, what’s driving them is a strategy that invests in sophisticated margin logic and multi-level algorithms to get you to see, click, and buy what they want you to.

But this is where the rubber meets the road, literally — when the next volcano explodes and your shoes stay glued to the ground, stuck in whatever far-flung limbo you happen to be, no computer is gonna proactively re-book you or find you a hotel so you can avoid curling up indefinitely on the terminal carpet hoping to find a way to get home.

So what do brick-and-mortar travel agents have over their online counterparts?

The human element. Despite our attraction to electronics and gadgetry, computers still can’t replace human interaction, especially a human with years of experience dealing with airlines, cruise lines and tour operators. Unlike computers, they know the human pitfalls and loopholes the customer will be experiencing.

Customer loyalty. Offline travel agents make their living by keeping their customers satisfied with their services. Their one-on-one interactions create a customized itinerary based on their preferences and needs. At the opposite end of the spectrum, online travel agencies offer the lowest prices and have no loyal customer base because what they offer is essentially no different than any other OTA.

Education for the customer. Part of the travel agent’s job is to educate the customer on their choices, some of which they might not have realized. While many customers would pass up a packaged tour or cruise, a travel agent may be able to show why both options can be attractive.

Value. For those spending more than $1,000 a person on a trip this summer, a travel agent may be a sensible investment. With more expensive travel, customers are less likely to begrudge travel agent their fees in return for a painless vacation. And if there are problems on the trip, travel agents can make sure restitution is made.

When I used one last month to book a last-minute trip to Singapore, the travel agent bested every online travel agency by $400 and was able to get me two seats together (a seeming impossibility online). The entire process took a half-hour of calling and maneuvering but was surprisingly painless. When finished, my technophile husband turned to me and said, “Why would anyone not use a travel agent?”

2010-05-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

"For many travellers, Morocco might just be a short hop away by ferry or by one of the myriad budget airlines from Spain, but it’s a much further distance to travel culturally. The regular certainties of Europe are suddenly swept away by the arrival in full technicolour of Africa and Islam. It’s a complete sensory overload." - Quote from Lonely Planet.

Morocco has not been a place that many North Americans have ever thought to visit. We think about London with it's beer and cheap flights from home, we think of the Caribbean with it's long stretches of pristine beaches and cheap all inclusives, or we think further abroad to Australia and New Zealand with their promises of open deserts and amazing sights. Morocco is a hidden gem that exists a short hop, skip and a jump away from many of the destinations that we dream of visiting, with less of a tourist vibe. With it's different religion and sorid history, Morocco is just waiting to be explored.

Splendors of Morocco - 11 days - departs Saturday, returns on Thursday
Provided by Ambercrombie & Kent

Days 1-2: USA or Canada departure / arrival into Casablanca, Morocco
Upon arrival you will enjoy special VIP service to assist with customs and immigration formalities before you are transferred to your hotel. (Le Royal Mansour Meridien)

Day 3: Casablanca / Rabat / Fez
Visit the hassan II Mosque, the third-largest mosque in the world. This remarkable site has the world's tallest minaret and a glass floor suspended directly over the sea, inspired by a Koranic verse stating that "the throne of God was built on water." Continue to Rabat and explore the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower. Travel to Fez, where this evening's welcome dinner hosted by Ambercrombie & Kent provides the perfect setting to meet your fellow travelers. (Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai) BLD

Day 4: Fez
Fez is timeless and one of the most unspoiled cities in the world. Once the capital of Morocco, it remains one of the main religious, artistic and intellectual centres of the country. Explore some of the countless narrow lanes and alleys that make up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter. Visit the historic Nejjarine Fountain and madrasas (Koranic Schools) that are dotted throughout the city. This evening, enjoy a cocktail reception at Riad Alkantara and meet a guest speaker to hear his insights on Andalusian architecture and history. (Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai) BLD

Day 5: Fez / Volubilis / Meknes / Fez
Today, drive to the ruined Roman city of Volubilis. Its beautifully preserved mosaics from the second and third centuries led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site. Continue to Meknes, also a UNESCO site, where the monuments reflect the splendor of this 17th-century imperial city. (Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai) BL

Day 6: Fez / Erfoud / Merzouga
Travel by private charter flight to Errachidia, then continue by road to the Sahara Desert. Passing through the Ziz Valley, stop to visit the oasis city of Rissani, a typical southern agricultural city with modern developments and an ancient kasbah. Leave the oasis and its palm trees to enter the desert and the great sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi, the highest in the country. Set off on camel back to begin your explorations of the desert. Enjoy a romantic sunset over the sand dunes, followed by a traditional dinner served by the campfire. (Exclusive A&K Desert Tented Camp) BLD

Day 7: Merzouga / Ouarzazte
Drive to Ouarzazate, once a stopping point for African traders en route to the cities of Morocco and Europe. Stop at a comprehensive private museum showcasing the local culture and history. Travel on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" and view the amazing 17th-century Amerhidl Kasbah, one of the most grand in the region; its facade appears on the Moroccan 50-dirham note. (Le Berbere Palace) BLD

Day 8: Ouarzazate / Marrakech
This morning, visit the Taourirt Kasbah, from which the Glaoui family controlled the major caravan trading routes. Afterward, travel to one of the most spectacular Altas Villages, Ait Benhaddou. Some of the world's most decorative kasbahs are found here, with houses seeming to defy gravity as they cling to the steep slopes. Cross the Altas Mountains to Marrakech, sometimes known as the "Red City" for the distinctive hue of many of it's brick buildings. (Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial) BL

Day 9: Marrakech
Set out to discover the secrets of Marrakech, perhaps the most famous city in Morocco. Most of the city's architectural attractions are inside the medina, the old walled section of the town. The Koutoubia minaret is one of the most perfect Islamic religious structures in North Africa. This famous landmark dominates the local skyline and can easily be spotted from all of Marrakech. Visit the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of domestic architecture and perfect example of the privileged life in the 19th century. Explore Djemaa el-Fna, the main square of Marrakech, famous for its orange juice stalls and snake charmers. This evening, experience traditional Moroccan cuisine during your wonderful farewell dinner, which includes entertainment by a local gnaoua band. (Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial) BLD

Day 10: Marrakech
Enjoy the gardens of Marrakech, starting with the Menara Gardens, built in the 12th century and surrounded by lush orchards and olive groves. In your horse-drawn carriage, continue your journey with a visit to Majorelle Garden, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and opened to the public in 1947. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax or continue your exploration of this fascinating and lively city. (Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial) BL

Day 11: Marrakech / USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport for your international flight. B

Prices starting at $5,995 per person, based on double occupancy.

Eat Pray Love and Read

2010-05-21T12:21:00.001-07:00

I love reading. It’s been my constant companion for years now, whether it’s sitting on a warm comfy couch, with a warm fire blazing in the fireplace, on a window seat trying to grab some warmth from a wary sun, on a plane bound for yet another new adventure or sitting in the sun, basking in the suns glory, books have kept me company. I don’t travel with people very often. I don’t find that I can. I am a spontaneous type of person that loves to take things as they come, and not to plan too far in advance because I might miss something in the meantime.

Books make me cry, they make me laugh, and they make me think. But every so often, they make me revaluate the way that I see the world, and the way that I see myself. When I find a book that does this for me, I’m excited and want to share it with the world in the hopes that it does the same for everyone else, but I now realize that as much as I crave that, it doesn’t happen very often. A few people may enjoy it, a few may even pass it on to someone else, but only a select number of people, if any will get the same feeling from it that I do.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is one of those books. From the multitude of people that have read and fallen in love with this book, I know that there are many that feel my gratitude for such a remarkable story to be told. While it is not a story of great love and great loss, or wars and famine, or even vampires and werewolves, it is a story that heralds from all of our hearts – it’s just one that not all of us listen to. It’s a tale of letting go, letting go of the past, of the guilt, of the loves lost, and the loves unrequited. It’s a play by play of a woman who had everything that anyone should want, just to realize it’s not what everyone should want. And what do you do when you realize that everything you have ever worked for, is no longer making you happy, and is instead filling you with a constant source of dread and longing for what you do not have?

Enter one woman who left everything that any ‘sane and normal’ woman could ever asked for, and asked for what more of us should want – the opportunity to live and love without the guilt, without the baggage and without the cares that the modern world inflicts on us. And saying this, I recommend this book thoroughly for anyone who loves to travel – for in the love of travel is the inherent dream of something new, something different and something that we never knew we wanted.

Costa Rica - The Volcano Route Tour

2010-05-20T13:39:00.004-07:00

I know that Costa Rica has always been a must see stop for me. From it's colourful birdlife, amazing outdoor sights and incredible history - they just voted in the first female president - it is a great getaway, with a little bit of everything for everyone. My favorite tour so far is going to be this one, provided from Worldwide Ecolodges. The best thing, is that they will personalize any trip for anyone, so even if this isn't your ideal vacation, let them know and they will customize it for you.

The Volcano Route - Private tour, departs from Liberia

Day 1: Rincon de la Vieja
Today you'll be met at the airport by our representative and made welcome in Costa Rica. You will then be transferred to the Hacienda Guachipelin Mountain Ecolodge about 1.5 hours along highway and mountain roads. The hacienda borders Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Natural hot springs, virgin forests, jungle waterfalls and volcanic mud pots. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens with native trees, exotic flowers and many types of birds and it has views to both the volcano and the Pacific Ocean.

Day 2, 3: At Ecolodge
These days offer a host of different activities that you may optionally take. There are fun family friendly rafting trips along the Colorado river, ziplines, rainforest hikes and a crater tour to the volcano. These can be booked at the lodge at an additional cost. (B)

Day 4: To Arenal Volcano Area
Scenic drive with our driver to Arenal. Arenal Volcano National Park encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife. This evening you will be at Lomas del Volcan near the village of La Fortuna. (B)

Day 5: La Fortuna Sustainable Farm
Today we will be stopping to visit Mr. Juan Bautista on his sustainable farm. Mr. Bautista is a former teacher and principle living in La Fortuna. He is now a local farmer with a small five acre farm to show visitors how to live more closely with the nearby rainforest. He grows more than 60 crop species, including native and introduced plants, and medicinal plants such as Curcuma Ginger root. After harvesting fresh produce such as cassava root, lettuce, plaintains and more, the farm tour ends and you can try tortilla making and enjoy a typical lunch prepared by Mrs. Bautista. (B,L)

Day 6: Arenal Area
Today there are daily optional tours, such as the Hanging Bridges elevated walkway, visits to the Ecotermales Hotsprings, lava bed hikes, rafting on the Sarapiqui river, Cano Negro wetlands and wildlife tour and others. These can be booked at the lodge at an additional cost. The lodge also has a pool and is a great place to relax. (B)

Day 7: Transfer out
This morning you will be taken to the airport or to your choice of any beach resort along the Nicoya peninsula.

Includes 6 nights accomodation, transfers, tours and meals as noted, and taxes. Optional tours are not included.

Price per person - based on twin share - From $875

Freelance Writers? The profession is disappearing.

2010-04-27T14:05:00.005-07:00

As with many things, the reporter and journalists are going the way of the dinosaur. LA Times has the article.

Freelance writing's unfortunate new modelFreelance writing fees -- beginning with the Internet but extending to newspapers and magazines -- have been spiraling downward for a couple of years and reached what appears to be bottom in 2009. (Marc Russell)James Rainey With many outlets slashing pay scales, the well-written story is in danger of becoming scarce. The hustle is just beginning for new and seasoned freelancers.

By James Rainey
January 6, 2010

The list of freelance writing gigs on Craigslist goes on and on.Trails.com will pay $15 for articles about the outdoors. Livestrong.com wants 500-word pieces on health for $30, or less. In this mix, the 16 cents a word offered by Green Business Quarterly ends up sounding almost bounteous, amounting to more than $100 per submission. Other publishers pitch the grand opportunities they provide to "extend your personal brand" or to "showcase your work, influence others." That means working for nothing, just like the sailing magazine that offers its next editor-writer not a single doubloon but, instead, the opportunity to "participate in regattas all over the country.

"What's sailing away, a decade into the 21st century, is the common conception that writing is a profession -- or at least a skilled craft that should come not only with psychic rewards but with something resembling a living wage.

Freelance writing fees -- beginning with the Internet but extending to newspapers and magazines -- have been spiraling downward for a couple of years and reached what appears to be bottom in 2009.

The trend has gotten scant attention outside the trade. Maybe that's because we live in a culture that holds journalists in low esteem. Or it could be because so much focus has been put on the massive cutbacks in full-time journalism jobs. An estimated 31,000 writers, editors and others have been jettisoned by newspapers in just the last two years.

Today's reality is that much of freelancing has become all too free. Seasoned professionals have seen their income drop by 50% or more as publishers fill the Web's seemingly limitless news hole, drawing on the ever-expanding rank of under-employed writers.

Low compensation

The crumbling pay scales have not only hollowed out household budgets but accompanied a pervasive shift in journalism toward shorter stories, frothier subjects and an increasing emphasis on fast, rather than thorough.

"There are a lot of stories that are being missed, not just at legacy newspapers and TV stations but in the freelance world," said Nick Martin, 27, laid off a year ago by the East Valley Tribune in Mesa, Ariz., and now a freelancer. "A lot of publications used to be able to pay freelancers to do really solid investigations. There's just not much of that going on anymore."

Another writer, based in Los Angeles, said she has been troubled by the lighter fare that many websites prefer to drive up traffic. A new take on any youth obsessions ("Put 'Twilight' in the headline, get paid") has much more chance of winning editorial approval than more complex or substantive material.

The rank of stories unwritten -- like most errors of omission -- is hard to conceive. Even those inside journalism can only guess at what stories they might have paid for, if they had more money.

Media analyst and former newspaper editor Alan Mutter worried last month about the ongoing "journicide" -- the loss of much of a generation of professional journalists who turn to other professions.

Writers say they see stories getting shorter and the reporting that goes into some of them getting thinner.

A former staff writer for a national magazine told me that she has been disturbed not only by low fees (one site offered her $100 for an 800-word essay) but by the way some website editors accept "reporting" that really amounts to reworking previously published material. That's known in the trade as a "clip job" and on the Web as a "write around."

"The definition of reportage has become really loose," said the writer, also a book author, who didn't want to be named for fear of alienating employers. "In this economy, everyone is afraid to turn down any work and it has created this march to the bottom."

One Los Angeles woman who also requested anonymity writes frequently for women's magazines and fondly recalls the days when freelance pieces fetched $2, or even $3, a word. Though some publications still pay those rates, many have cut them at least in half. And story lengths have been reduced even more drastically.

The writer, who once could make $70,000 a year or more, said she is now working harder to bring in half that much. "It's just not a living wage anymore," she said.

Los Angeles freelancer Tina Dupuy gained acclaim last year when she posted a YouTube video to shame editors at the Tampa Tribune into paying her $75 for a humor column on the "birthers" -- the political activists who contest President Obama's U.S. citizenship.

Up for a challenge

She said many other papers have stopped paying for opinion columns altogether --narrowing op-ed contributions at some papers to those already in syndication or those with day jobs at chambers of commerce, corporations, think tanks and the like.

"These corporate-sponsored pieces threaten to push people like me out," Dupuy said.

That's not to say that she is getting out of the business. After an earlier career in stand-up comedy, Dupuy has learned to hustle and to be "psychologically very adept at rejection.

"It can be challenging, but Dupuy makes a living. "For someone who had to drive for hours to get to a gig -- to get $100 and a beer bottle thrown at them -- this is heaven," she said.

Indeed, relative newcomers like Dupuy or those who have spent their careers as freelancers -- like Matt Villano of Healdsburg, Calif. -- sound much more resilient about the revolutionary changes in publishing than the former staff writers and longtime freelancers.

The 34-year-old Villano -- whose outlets include the San Francisco Chronicle, Fodor's travel guides, Casino Player and Oceanus magazines -- said some writers struggle because they have fuzzy, arty notions about their work. They need to act more like small business people, Villano said, diversifying their skills and the outlets they write for.

Despite the endless hustle, Villano said he would not give up a career that has taken him from whale watching in Maui to the baccarat tables of Las Vegas. "I like the diversity," he said. "I like doing it on my own terms."

Villano strikes me as considerably more resilient, and sunny, than most people who write for a living. To make a go of it, the majority will require not only his flexibility, but a return of a more stable financial base for journalism.

With the advertising-driven income in a state of disarray, the source of future freelance dollars remains in doubt.

Philanthropic, nonprofit sites (ProPublica) will take up some of the slack, while other new models (Spot.Us) ask consumers to make micro-payments to put writers on specific local stories. Other websites (True/Slant) pay bonuses for stories and commentary, with writers getting paid more as they deliver bigger audiences.

It's hard to say if any, or all, will succeed. But the sooner they can take the free out of freelance, the better. Until they do, we can only imagine what we'll be missing.

james.rainey@latimes.com

Volcano No Longer Spewing as European Flights Resume

2010-04-21T08:53:00.004-07:00

Care of the LA times - full article here

Air traffic over Europe was on track to return to about 75% of normal capacity Wednesday, aviation officials said, but they warned that clearing the backlog of flights could take days.

The continent's biggest airports were expected to be open and running flights by the end of the day. That included London's Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest hubs, which the British aviation authority allowed to reopen late Tuesday.

Problems posed by the volcanic ash spewed by the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland had not entirely disappeared, however. A corner of Scottish airspace remained sealed off, with potential that the closure could spread further south.

The restoration of air service came as welcome news to thousands of passengers who have been stranded far from home since last Thursday. Airlines were also relieved at the lifting of the restrictions over Europe, which a trade group said cost the industry as much as $1.7 billion.

The regional aviation agency Eurocontrol said it expected 21,000 flights through European airspace would take place Wednesday, 75% of the usual tally of 28,000.

But a full return to normal will take days as airlines scramble to get grounded planes into position across the continent and to accommodate passengers whose flights were canceled. Eurocontrol said 100,000 flights have been canceled since Thursday.

The gradual easing of the lockdown of European airspace came amid heavy pressure by airlines to get their idled fleets back in the air. Aviation authorities said safety remains of paramount concern, but growing gaps in the ash cloud allowed for a rollback of some of the flight restrictions.

Eyjafjallajokull continues to erupt, belching dust and glass particles that could cause jet engines to seize up. More grit has been creeping south and east, and air traffic regulators say restrictions on airspace could be revived.

Meteorologists say, however, that the most recent plumes of ash are not reaching such high altitudes as before and that winds strong enough to disperse the ash could pick up in a few days.

Europe Flights to Start Taking Off Soon

2010-04-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

European officials carved up the sky Monday, creating three zones to more quickly break the flight deadlock caused by volcanic ash flowing from Iceland over Europe. Many more flights will be able to take off on Tuesday, the bloc said.

European countries can resume airline traffic in designated "caution zones" where the threat of ash is considered less dangerous, French officials said after a meeting of the bloc's 27 transport ministers.

Under the accord, one area — defined by the European air traffic control agency Eurocontrol — will remain entirely off limits to flights. Another area will be open to all flights and a third area will be a caution zone in which some flights will be allowed.

The EU said as of Tuesday morning "we should see more planes starting to fly."

Earlier, Germany's aviation authority granted Lufthansa an exemption to fly 50 long-haul planes carrying 15,000 passengers back home at a very low altitude and the British government sent Royal Navy warships to rescue those marooned across the Channel by flight cancelations.

Britain chimed in with more good news, saying flight restrictions over Scottish airspace will be lifted Tuesday morning at 7 a.m. (0600 GMT, 2 a.m. EDT) and other British airports could reopen later that day as well.

As airline losses spiraled over $1 billion, the aviation industry blasted European officials, claiming there was "no coordination and no leadership" in the crisis that shut down most European airports for a fifth day.

Eurocontrol, the air traffic agency in Brussels, said less than one-third of flights in Europe were taking off Monday — between 8,000 and 9,000 of the continent's 28,000 scheduled flights. Airports in southern Europe were open, however, and Spain offered to become an emergency hub for the whole continent.

More Here.

New Sandals Resort = New Flights to the Bahamas

2010-04-19T10:36:00.001-07:00

Following the grand opening of Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas, three airline carries have added flights to Exuma International Airport (GGT) in Great Exuma, Bahamas from major gateways in the US and Canada.

In addition to existing daily flights on American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Bahamas Air, new flights to Great Exuma include:

Air Canada: Launched March 7, 2010 with weekly non-stop service from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
AC 1764; YYZ to GGT, Sundays 7:20am – 10:45am
AC 1765; GGT to YYZ, Sundays, 11:45am – 3:15pm

American Airlines: Starting June 11, 2010 with one additional flight, twice a week from Miami International Airport (MIA)
AA 4901; MIA to GGT, Fridays & Saturdays, 7:00pm – 8:29pm
AA 4902; GGT to MIA, Saturdays & Sundays, 7:30am – 8:58am

Delta Airlines: Beginning June 13, 2010 with flights twice a week from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
DL 5607; ATL to GGT, Wednesdays & Sundays, 10:55am – 1:17pm
DL 5606; GGT to ATL, Wednesdays & Sundays, 2:00pm – 4:34pm

Sandals Emerald Bay, a 500-acre beachfront resort set on Great Exuma, one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful Out Islands, is the fourteenth Sandals Resort and, expanding on the company’s Luxury Included concept, the first to offer a championship, Greg Norman-designed golf course, world-class marina and professionally-trained butlers in all 183 plush rooms and suites. The new Sandals Emerald Bay also features gourmet dining in a choice of five à la carte restaurants, premium brand wine and spirits, land and watersports, including scuba diving for certified divers, gratuities and airport transfers. Additionally, the resort boasts an exclusive Red Lane Spa, featuring 17 treatment rooms, offering premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region.

Volcanic Ash Stops More Europe Flights

2010-04-16T15:36:00.002-07:00

Updated information from National Geographic regarding the continuing cancellation of flights to and from Europe, due to an Icelandic Volcano erupting.

First we have H1N1, then we have earthquakes and mudslides that have rocked the world, and now we have our second batch of cancelled flights due to volcanic eruptions, the first happening in the Pacific ocean, cancelling flights to Japan. What will happen next?

James Owen in London
for National Geographic News
Published April 15, 2010

Airline flights to, from, and within northern Europe have been cancelled today because of fears that a vast cloud of volcanic ash spreading from an Iceland volcano could bring down passenger planes (map of northern Europe).

British airports are completely closed to civilian aircraft following latest eruptions from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. (Pictures: Iceland Volcano Erupts, Under Ice This Time.)

Thousands of flights have likewise been cancelled to and from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark as affected countries close airspace in response to the volcanic cloud, which is currently drifting at altitudes of 25,000 to 30,000 feet (7,620 to 9,140 meters).

(See aerial pictures of the Iceland volcano's earlier eruption.)

To see the rest of the article, please click here.

Blast from the Past at Disney

2010-04-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

The musical that thrilled Disneyland guests from 1986 – 1997 is returning to the California amusement park. Twenty-three years ago, Michael Jackson joined forces with Disney, producer George Lucas and director Francis Ford Coppola to create a groundbreaking 17-minute 3-D film experience starring Jackson as Captain EO performing original songs. A new generation of visitors to Tomorrowland will have the opportunity to experience the original 3-D production, as well as a nostalgic look back for long-term fans wanting to see the “King of Pop” in a rare performance created for the big screen.

Flights to London Cancelled

2010-04-15T09:27:00.001-07:00

THE National Air Traffic Service (NATS) has imposed restrictions to UK airspace for Thursday morning due to volcanic ash drifting across the UK from Iceland. Volcanic ash represents a significant safety threat to aircraft.Air Canada and Jazz advise that flights to, from or connecting through London’s Heathrow (LHR) may be delayed or cancelled due to the volcanic activity in Iceland. This advisory is in effect for all day April 15.

Air Canada says 12 flights between London and Canadian destinations have been cancelled. Peter Fitzpatrick says the airline is waiving fees for those affected by the cancellations.
So far, only flights to London are affected, but Fitzpatrick said wind changes could affect flights to places like Frankfurt and Paris.

"It's unpredictable because of the nature of the situation," Fitzpatrick said, noting advisories would be posted on the Air Canada website.

Air Transat also issued a travel warning on Thursday for its passengers. The airline had one flight to Glasgow, Scotland, on Thursday morning that arrived on time, but the aircraft is now stuck at the airport until the ash passes. Another flight to London's Gatwick airport was also cancelled on Thursday, but the airline's others flights to France and elsewhere remain unaffected at this time, a spokesman for the airline said.

All British Airways UK domestic flights are cancelled today (15 April). Some flights from the USA (BA292/BA296/BA68) have been night-stopped and others already airborne may be diverted (BA228/BA192/BA264/BA188). Further disruption is likely as a second eruption has occurred in closer to Finland and Russia.

The following flights have been cancelled ex Canadian gateways:*BA0092 YYZ LHR 18h55 15 Apr*BA0093 LHR YYZ 12h00 15 Apr

Lufthansa confirms that several of its flights have either been cancelled or delayed into northern Europe.Airports throughout the United Kingdom and Scandinavia have closed. Passengers are strongly advised to contact their airline for further information.Weather forecasters said the ash plume could drift over British airspace during the night, causing significant disruption to services.

The movement of the plume, which has been drifting eastwards, is being monitored by Met Office, NATS, Eurocontrol and neighbouring countries.Volcanic ash, which consists of the pulverised rock and glass created by the eruptions, can jam aircraft machinery if a plane flies through the plume, shutting down the engines. Ash can also be can be sucked into the cabin itself, contaminating the passengers' environment as well as damaging the plane's electronic systems.

Forecasters also said the cloud could take a number of days to disperse. Reports indicate that the threat could run into Friday.

Olympic Spirit lives on at Whistler Fairmont

2010-04-14T18:06:00.002-07:00

The Olympic spirit lives on with the Fairmont Chateau Whistlers new Gold, Silver and Bronze package for winter and summer. The new lineup of packages will put guests on top of the mountain or top of the tee from the comfort of the Chateau Whistler.

A full day of heli-skiing tops off the three-night Gold package, which also features a complimentary room upgrade, gold-themed chocolate treat on arrival, “Gold Medal” spa treatment, breakfast daily and exclusive dinner in The Wine Room. Rates start at $3,978 based on double.

Visit the Galapagos

2010-04-13T12:17:00.003-07:00

Discovery adventures, the adventure travel brand developed by Gap Adventures in partnership with the Discovery Channel, is offering a trip to the Galapagos Islands led by the channels shark advisor and director of biological programs for Washington D.C’s National Aquarium, Andy Dehart. The tour takes place June 19 to 28 and will offer multiple snorkeling expeditions on a journey aboard a 16-passenger catamaran.

Discovery Adventures

Gap Adventures

The Great French Transition

2010-04-12T10:52:00.002-07:00

France. Wineries, Culture and romance – an amazing get away this summer. Need more of a reason to plan your next European getaway? Here are 10.

10) Gastronomy – amazing food, and lots of it. More info.
9) Antibes-Juan-les-Pins celebrates its 50th anniversary and is the longest running Jazz festival in Europe. More Info.
8) Nouveau Paris – Paris is evolving with new museums, fashion creators and centers, hotels, restaurants and areas to explore.
7) Woman’s Travel – The place for females to vacation
6) Centre Pompidou-Metz – the nation’s newest art museum. More Info.
5) Impressionist Normandy – first ever Impressionist art festival to be held in Normandy. More Info.
4) Wine – no other explanation is required!
3) Accessibility – air, coach, rail or rental car, nothing is out of reach.
2) Great air links from all major countries
1) The current exchange rate. More Info.

New Adventures to Tasmania

2010-04-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

Things have gotten a little crazy on my end here, with work that needed attending too, and family that needed attention, so my traveling had recently suffered. But seeing as the family has been satisfied, and the work has been completed, so I’m off and running and planning my next trip.

A love of mine, if anyone has yet to figure out, is food and wine, so my next large trip has been decided. I am headed off to go gallivanting around the wonderful island of Tasmania in Australia. About an hour and a half flight from Melbourne, it was one of the places that I missed the last two times that I toured the Outback.

The 2010 Taste Festival runs from December 28, 10 to January 3, 11 this year and is known as Tasmania’s largest food and wine festival that is right on the waterfront in Hobart. Accommodation and flights start filling up as early as May, and visitors flock from Australia and further abroad to experience the many food and wine booths that are set up to allow visitors to enjoy the fruits of Tasmania’s labor!

You can check out the website with more information here.

While the main reason for the trip is to experience this amazing event, we also intend to experience some of the history and adrenaline that Tasmania has to offer, with treetop walkways, cable hang gliders and of course, some of the most amazing walks that are to be found in the South Pacific.

If you have been to Tasmania, please give me your feedback on what to see and what to do! And if you are a tour operator, or accommodation owner, please feel free to give me your recommendations on what is a must see, or must stay, and what to stay away from! I look forward to hearing from you all!

Apologies...

2010-02-13T06:41:00.002-08:00

Well it seems like ages since I have filled this screen with travel bits and bites. As it always seems to happen, my life overran my life, and things got put on the back burner, this being one.

But a new chapter is about to begin, and new adventures about to be had. From the Galapagos, and Quito, to Vancouver and the Olympics, New York to Utah, there is no end to the changes that must occur for us to grow up, and move on.

This new year will bring new experiences, tastes, sounds and smells, but with the new, must the old go out, and I will be saying goodbye to some friends, family and places that have gotten me through the past three years of being here in Canada.

What does all this mean? Stay tuned to find out.

Til next time....

Forks, Washington - Twilight Obsession?

2009-11-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Forks, Washington as seen through the eyes of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen is an actual place? Did you know that the series of books, that show Bella, Edward and Jacob's love triangle is based on reality, at least in the actual locations?

La Push beach is situated on the coast, about an hour away from Seattle. Forks is inland, and hidden amongst the large forests that Bella gets lost in. Port Angeles is a little seaside town that Seattle inhabitants flock to, in order to run away from the city life.

And of course, the little town of Forks, Washington must be loving all the attention given to them through the extreme popularity of the Twilight series of books. Who wouldn't? A little town that was probably going to be extinct as people start traveling to far away places rather than in their own backyard has now received a new lease on life as it becomes a tourist destination for people, not just from North America.

Which tours are the best? What destinations are the ones that shouldn't be missed? I will tell you all soon. So keep watching this space - the must sees and misses are coming next!

Book Announcement

2009-11-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

GeminiTravels is proud to announce that we are currently putting together our first published book - "The Art of Traveling - How to get the best, without finding the worst".

In partnership with Wegotchaa Pty. Ltd., based out of Melbourne, Australia, our collection of tips and tricks discovered from our own experiences is set to be released in November 2010.

More information to follow shortly.

Pike's Place Market - Seattle, Washington

2009-11-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

When you think of Seattle, very rarely do people think or say "I really want to go there." More often than not, they tend to think about the fact that they don't need to go to yet another city that has a tall building as their claim to fame - the Space Needle. And while this unique structure deserves some attention, it is not Seattle's claim to fame, or it shouldn't be.

Seattle is a very unique, though not pretty from all angles, seaside city that has more hidden treasures than it is given credit for. One has to enjoy the fact that on their drive in and out of the downtown core, they are transported on a double decker freeway (not highways like they are in Canada) that give spectacular views of the old buildings that surround the newer high rises downtown.

But the real gem of Seattle is a little (well really not so little all things considered) Pike Place Market. Besides the fact that this is where a little company called Starbucks opened their first shoppe - to which it is still outfitted as it was to begin and will have the longest Starbucks line ever - there are numerous landmarks that make this an amazing stop.

Foodies will find gourmet delicacies for purchase and to sample, besides the little shoppes like the Market Shop that serve the most amazing Clam Chowder, and their prawns with blackened spice are to die for, that will all entice and make your taste-buds water. The Marketspice shop will allow you the chance to buy unique spices that are hard to find in many other places, as well as their cinnamon-orange tea that is one of my favorites.

For those people after entertainment, if watching fresh cheese being made at Beechers, or fish being thrown at the Fish Market, there are buskers, jugglers and many others waiting just for you. Antique bookstores with owners that are flabbergasted that you haven't read some of the oddest titles you swear you have ever heard, shoe museums, bead stores and more are all waiting to be discovered.

What are you waiting for?

The Origins of Halloween

2009-11-01T16:19:00.000-08:00

On this 'All Saint's Day' as the Catholic Church has dubbed November 1,09 (a day to celebrate all the Saint's that do not have a specific day of their own), I have thought that it is time to remember how All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween began, and why we celebrate the way we do.

While the United States and Canada use Halloween as a commercial excuse to spend money and make people dress in 'sexy' costumes, places like Ireland still celebrate Halloween in the true spirit of the day. Ireland is still considered the birthplace of Halloween, and it is still celebrated in the true feeling of the day. Instead of running around in skimpy costumes and asking everyone for candy, the Irish still light bonfires all throughout the countrysides, and celebrate the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter.

Halloween is typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain which is derived from old Irish to roughly mean "Summer's End". The Celts believed that the border between this world and the 'otherworld' became thin on Samhain which allowed both harmless and harmful spirits to pass through to the other side. Costumes and masks were worn to allow family spirits enter one's home, while warding off the harmful spirits.

Halloween is derived from All Hallows Even or e'en, which has evolved from old english. In the 800's when this was being celebrated and the tradition began, the Church measured the day as starting at Sunset, so in the past, All Hallows' Even and All Saint's Day were celebrated as one, not as two different and distinct days.

In traditional Celtic Halloween festivals, large turnips were hollowed out, carved with faces and placed in windows to ward off evil spirits. The carving of pumpkins began in North America was associated with harvest time for years, before it was finally associated with Halloween until the mid to late 1800's.

Keep reading and you will find out the main places to go to visit the best places to celebrate Halloween, All Hallows' Even and All Saint's Day.

Winter Wonderlands

2009-10-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

When it comes time to celebrate the snow, a few of us run for cover, and scarcely can be found outside our homes, where we are usually tucked under layers of blankets, and are nursing a glass of red wine, or a hot cup of cocoa. But there are a few things that can entice even those of us that hibernate for extended periods of time to emerge from our hideaways. This is a collection of some of those things:

The Hotel de Glace - Quebec

This unique hotel is made completely of ice. Before you spend the night, they invite you to come for a walkthrough, where they will take you for a guided tour of the hotel. When you decide that you are up to the challenge, you will find that the bed frame is made of solid ice, although the box spring and mattress are normal so to speak! When you are ready for bed, an artic sleeping bag is delivered to your room, for you to snuggle into for the night. Definitely a unique experience not to be missed.

Banff Springs Hotel - Alberta

This castle of the Rockies has long been a favorite of mine, with amazing service and a roaring fireplace around every corner in the depths of winter. This castle gets transformed into something out of the pages of a fairytale around winter, with garland strung from every staircase, and mistletoe hanging in quite a few doorways! An outdoor pool and large open concept lounge with floor to roof windows will help you get through those long winter days and nights.

Four Seasons - Whistler, BC

This 5 star resort is not quite like any other in Whistler. With sweeping walks and the hotel itself hidden among the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this is a hotel made for those that want to hide from winter, and those who want to revel in it. With some of the best skiing right outside your doorstep, and some of the most comfortable lodge like lounges and sitting rooms overlooking the mountains, this is a home away from home that you will never want to leave.

There are many more getaways that will beckon sun lovers out of their homes, but these are my favorite. If you have some that you feel I have missed, please let me know!

Snow in the Rockies

2009-10-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

After a fun filled, sun drenched holiday in Florida, I have returned to my 'home' of the moment in Calgary to find it covered in a thin layer of cold white frozen stuff. As much as I love the sun, I must say I do harbor a fair amount of the opposite emotion towards snow.

It makes things beautiful, but people forget how to drive in it, and it's just plain cold. If we could have the fun of snow, while enjoying the warmth of the sun and summer, I would enjoy it as much as any other person!

But sliding around in a car, avoiding icy patches that are staring you in the face, falling on my butt because it was plus 10 this morning, and icy rain is coating everything this evening type of days, do not actually do anything to win me any favor.

Seeing as winter is the option that we are stuck with on this part of the equator and world, I have decided to put together a list of the best places to go while it's snowing. Keep a look out, it will be posted soon, with some old favorites, and some new tidbits that might even have me smiling about the snow. Maybe.

Top 5 All Inclusive Destinations

2009-09-04T08:22:00.001-07:00

Well, it seems that the craziness of All Inclusive season has begun, and people are looking for deals that should be accompanying the recession that we are supposedly still a part of. The strange thing is, we are still traveling. En Masse. That has not changed. Flights are not empty, and although hotels aren't near capacity, they are still making enough to charge a decent rate.

Where are the hot destinations this year? Well it's hard to say. Hurricane season is still if full swing when it comes to the Mayan Riveria, as well as Cabo San Lucas. The weather has finally turned nice in Canada, as well as the United States (minus the West Coast where fires are burning uncontrollably with no real end in sight.) and people are wondering if it's too early to head down to the beach.

5. Bahamas

- Over rated and over priced - especially if you are coming from the Western part of Canada. A 7 day all inclusive package easily gets reduced to 5 when you figure that you have to spend two full days traveling. The resorts are few and far in between, unless you have the pocketbook to stay at a place like Sandals or Atlantis. I would suggest another destination for you 1 week sun seekers.

Varadero

4., Cuba

- The food, not so great. The resorts, can leave some people wondering where their money went. But the real reason that this destination is so low on the list? The lack of American influence. While Mexico may be too American, a little salt and pepper would go a long way to making this a top tier destination to visit.

3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

- Beautiful beaches and beautiful resorts. This is a laid back version of my number 1 pick. Still a great place to go, I just feel that it is overrated at the moment. Too many people are going, and too many resorts are dropping their prices to get the masses in. Leave it for a good three years and the budget seeking travelers will have found a new destination.

2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

- While I'm not struck on Mexico as a whole, this little gem is well worth the time and money to visit. Not a tourist trap, and focusing on the high end resorts that cater to those that want to be pampered, this is a great place to go to sit on the beach, eat good food and recharge the batteries before heading back to Canada, the land of snow and work.

1. Negril, Jamacia

- The land of the party, this is a great destination for everyone! Lacking the American influence that is so standard in most of resort laden Mexico, Negril has it all. Amazing beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, cliff jumping for the not so faint at heart. There is also zip lining, atv'ing, bartering with the locals, it has it all. But be warned, this place is not for the reserved. The Jamacians, although they are a fun loving people, are known to be loud and in your face and won't take no for an answer!

Summer in the Rockies.

2009-08-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would miss the Calgary Summers, and to tell you the truth, I still don't. What I do miss are the beautiful and majestic mountains that oversee us, bringing us their magnificence in a way that is completely understated and yet strangely powerful.

Escaping to them brings a sense of calm, and a sense of fulfillment, allowing oneself to enjoy the quiet peacefulness that being away from the city brings. Mind you if you never stray far from the highway, and are only on a hair brained trip to the next big city centre, you will probably find that these are just large obstacles that would be so much nicer if they weren't in your way. But take a step off the beaten path, and you will discover all that they offer.

From Canmore, in it's little town feel, sitting just over an hour from Calgary, and outside the National Park, with it's amazing pubs like the Rose and Crown, and quaint outdoor art galleries on the weekends, to Banff, with it's tourist pull and large 'Chinaman's Peak' overseeing it. (This peak has been a PC nightmare, and has been re-named, but for those localites that live and breathe the air here, it will forever be known as just this. Nothing else.) Banff has been slightly overrun by the chains, but still maintains it's small town charm with places like the rock and gem store and the candy store which is a must do whenever in town.

Following the road further out, we get into the heart of the rockies. From Jasper and Lake Louise, to further reaching places just over the border. Far enough away to be a holiday, but close enough that you don't need all month to enjoy.

I know that my travels will be taking me further into the rockies before the snow starts to fly, and brings me back to the city reality, but let's pray for an indian summer, and miles of open road in front of us.

Hotel Barcelona Princess - 5*

2009-07-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have to say, my recent stay in Barcelona was made amazing by the incredible staff at the Hotel Barcelona Princess. They were attentive, and helpful through everything, including setting me up with internet in my room, free of charge, as well as borrowing me an adapter so that I could charge my camera to keep taking my hundreds of photos as I toured through the city.

They even helped pay for my taxi when I arrived at the hotel, walletless after being pick-pocketed on La Ramblas. They were friendly and remembered me, even with the large conference that was going on in the hotel, making me feel right at home - no matter how many people had looked at me strange as I attempted to speak Spanish!

The food in the hot breakfast buffet was incredible, although slightly different from what we are used to over here! Cold cuts, cold toast (it's the way they eat it over there), fresh fruit (rather than fried breakfast items) and a large selection of juices were only a few of the things that were there, ready to tempt the taste buds and keep me going for my long days wandering.

The rooms were incredible, with comfortable beds, black out blinds that made sleeping incredibly easy, and some of the nicest showers that I have found through all my European trips. It even made my shower at home look weak in comparison!

I would highly recommend this hotel for anyone looking for a hotel in a quieter part of Barcelona with excellent metro access, and a fairly affordable taxi ride home. A 5* in my books all the way.

(As per other reviews on TripAdvisor, the hotels are remarkably slow, but this is a small price to pay for the incredible service and amazing accomodation.)

Barcelona

2009-07-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

Recently, I returned from a whirlwind holiday to Barcelona. I don't know if I can ultimately call it a holiday, as I was there to attend a conference, but it was an amazing glimpse into a completely different world. In North America, we are blessed to be able to speak English, no matter where we go, whether it is in Canada, America, or even Mexico.

In Europe, you can be speaking Portuguese in Portugal, Spanish in Spain, and French in France. And that's all in one day. In Canada, we can travel for days, weeks or even months and still not get out of Canada. In Europe or the United Kingdom, you can hop on a train and be in a different country in less than two hours.

And that's not even mentioning the other differences we will encounter. In Barcelona, the standard fare for breakfast was bacon, eggs and chips. (That's fries for those of you not versed in the British word for fries.) But don't think that obesity is an epidemic over there. With Bicycles for rent by the hour, day or week, you don't need a car to get around this city. And driving is not for the faint of heart, with one way streets with only inches to spare. As they used to say in London, an inch in between vehicles and another one can sneak in.

While I was blessed to visit the other sights, which I will touch on, in another blog to come, the differences are what makes traveling such a blessing. Learning what we admire about our own country, by experiencing others. What better way to discover a new way of appreciating all that is outside our own doorsteps.

Travel Agents and Their Expertise.

2009-06-01T09:37:00.001-07:00

I have a travel agent that I use. It's not that I can't do everything myself on the internet, it's that I enjoy having someone else's opinion on things. It's that I like having someone do some of my work for me. Again, this isn't saying that I can't do everything myself. It's that I have other things to do.

But seeing as my travel agent works for me, planning my trip and doing research, whether it's to book a $400.00 Westjet flight from Vancouver to Montreal, or a $4,000 holiday to Sandals, they do the work. And I realize that they have to get paid for this work.

Although we know this in the back of our minds (We all get paid for the work that we do as well), we still don't want to pay them for their hard work. I was sitting in Flight Centre the other day waiting for my consultant, and wondering where I was going next, and of course, over hearing the conversations that were going on in the office.

There was one lady on the phone, trying to explain to a client that the flight was booked, and non refundable, and that unfortunately, prices can change - which they can. If that client had booked her flight online one day, and then the prices went on sale the next day, she would have had to deal with it. But because she had a travel agent, she called to complain and ruin her day.

Another consultant was sitting with a couple for about 30 minutes going over the benefits of going to one all inclusive destination over another. Once the undecided couple had decided on their destination, the agent spent another 20 minutes going over resort options with the couple. At the end of all that, they stood up, and stated that they could find better prices online.

I couldn't believe it, and I still can not believe how well these agents deal with their clients antics. So in writing this blog, I hope to point out that if you want the cheapest price, do it yourself, but be prepared to deal with every little thing that goes wrong yourself. If you like having someone deal with all the little pain in the ass details that we usually screw up (I'm a master of booking wrong days it seems) then pay a little more, and be thankful for the exceptional service that a good travel agent will give you.

The Perfect Day

2009-05-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

I had the extreme pleasure to make it up into our beautiful Canadian Rockies the other day, and was left breathless by the beauty once more.

It wasn't necessarily the warmest of days, although the sun was enough to warm me when it broke through the tree tops that haven't quite had their leaf dressing break through just yet. The river along Johnston Canyon was keeping a brisk breeze flowing through the canyon, and it smelt like heaven. It smelt like it does after a spring rain, not quite freezing, but crisp and clean.

I walked along the still soggy trial - no matter how much they try to overcome nature to make it an 'easy' hike for those that aren't prepared, mother nature still finds a way to make it her own - and was enjoying the peace and serenity of nature, when two female hikers over took me.

We have all had our run-ins with these hikers. The ones that were all the trendy fashions, and carry cell phones, as well as water bottles and mitts that match the trim on their still new jackets. What flabbergasted me the most though, was that they were up and back from the falls before I had made it there. And on the way down, they weren't talking to each other, they weren't even walking together. They were both on their cell phones, walking one in front of the other for a good kilometer down the mountain.

Why rush through a beautiful hike such as Johnston's Canyon, let alone talk business on cell phones when you are with someone? These business women had fooled themselves into thinking that they had taken the day off, when in fact they were working even harder, on trying not to work. And failing miserably.

I know we need to stay connected, hell my publisher is in Australia, and I have family on three different continents, but that does not mean we should miss out on living, so that we can stay in touch.

By the way - the falls were stunning. Still half frozen in their glacial state, with water cascading down the falls into caverns and pools below. I visit often, but it never fails to take my breath away. (Without a cellular phone in my hand.)

How Cheap Is Cheap Enough?

2009-05-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

I know during this global recession, everyone is trying to get a good deal. No one wants to spend too much, and no one wants to spend more than they have to. My whole question is how much is too much?

After my last post, I received some emails regarding the swine flu (to which we are no longer supposed to be calling the swine flu because someone got offended?) and decided to investigate what this really is doing to our global travel economy.

While travel was down due to the recession to begin with, this really hasn't hit the industry yet. The one key think that I was noticing was the fact that everyone seemed to think that they would get to go to Mexico for nothing now.

Comments I heard were - "I bet we can get flights for $10 to Mexico now", "They must be giving trips away!"

But after speaking to a couple of the agents, they put these fallacies to rest, saying that only one airline was flying to Mexico, and that tickets were more expensive than ever, because some people still wanted to go on their holidays. Supply is down, and strangely enough, demand is up.

The same holds true with Europe. Airlines are struggling to fill their planes, Flight Centre is attempting to maintain their footing (with airline price guarantees for international flights) and still, people are waiting for prices to fall. The first time I went to Australia, almost a decade ago, I took the milk run, as there were no direct flights, and paid over $1800.00. Now, you can get a direct flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles for $1016.00. If you will take one stop in New Zealand, you can have it for $950. But still people are claiming that this is too much to pay.

My question is, how much is too much. When will it be cheap enough?

The airlines have to make sure that they can pay for the fuel, the upkeep and their staff to get us safely from one destination to another. After the recent scare that passengers had on a flight from Sydney to Vancouver, we would think that paying a little more to ensure our own safety would be better?

Swine Flu - Level 5 epidemic?

2009-04-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

Do we really think that this is causing the same level of mayhem that was afforded to the SARS epidemic? The facts of this flu are as follows.

As of April 30,09:

150 Confirmed deaths - all in Mexico except for one 23 year old Mexican boy who died in Texas after coming to visit family
No one outside of Mexico has been sick enough to be hospitalized (except the mexican boy listed above)
The UK, Canada and (hopefully the USA) have more than enough TamiFlu to vaccinate - and this has been shown to work against this strain of Swine Flu

There have been no mass deaths like there was with SARS.

The swine flu was reported and action has been taken - unlike with SARS.

The borders to Mexico are effectively getting closed down with many major tour operators, cruise lines and airlines canceling all flights, tours and ports of call effective immediately.

We are aware that this can become a global pandemic, but why make people paranoid?

One travel agent remarked that "I am getting calls from clients that haven't left yet, stating that they think they have this flu. They haven't been out of the country in over a year." **At this point in time, there were no confirmed cases in Canada.**

We can rest assured that this over-reaction to the swine flu (with travel to many destinations, not just Mexico being cancelled) our global recession is only going to worsen over the next couple of months - a situation that no one will be happy to see.

Viva Las Vegas!

2009-04-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time. Time for my trek down to the wonderful land that is known as Vegas! The city that never sleeps, and doesn't apologize for it.

While the last time I was here, I stayed at a shabby little place that had seen better days (whatever you do, DO NOT stay at Circus Circus) this time my luck has turned. After booking a regular luxury suite at the brand new Palazzo, I was lucky enough to get an upgrade (always remember to ask) to a Fortuna Concierge Suite.

The rooms are amazing, spacious and tastefully decorated, the beds rival those at the Whistler Four Seasons, and the choice of restaurants is obscene. Oh, and the concierge's work 24-7, and never once seem annoyed at my many calls, testing the fact.

After dinner at Wolfgang Puck's newest creation "CUT" a steakhouse in Palazzo, I'm off to go exploring. A viewing of O from the splash zone tonight, then off to the Playboy club to see if it's really all it's cracked up to be. (I think it might be from the boy's perspective, but I'm not so sure what it will be like for the ladies.)

Oh, and a must at the restaurant is the Maryland Blue Crab and Maine Lobster cocktail. Absolutely amazing, although $12 USD for a side of herbed fries was a little outrageous, even for this restaurant.

Hockeytown

2009-04-23T10:24:00.001-07:00

I have just spent the past week chilling out in Calgary, and enjoying the craziness that is known as playoff fever. There is no other city in Canada that embraces Playoff Fever like Calgary. With no other major teams to concentrate on, Calgary takes the Flames as their own, and will not let anything get in their way.

Unfortunately, the team almost let game 4 slip out of their grasp last night, but if you ever find yourself in Calgary, I would highly suggest a trip the Saddledome (a tribute to their cowboy roots that bring you the Calgary Stampede) for a game. And don't dispair if you can only get a nosebleed seat...(because you are so far up) as these seats are filled with the crazy and the fun, while down below is the rigid corporate types, and lots of empty seats. They don't know what they are missing!

For more information on the Flames, and how to get tickets, click here!

Next stop? Las Vegas!

My love/hate relationship

2009-04-14T06:41:00.000-07:00

While the snow continues to fall, I am reminded of my last two homes, in New Zealand and Australia, where the snow didn't find me. I had to go find it. And when I did see snow, it was a completely joyful reunion where I frolicked and played like a small child again! But the difference was that I didn't see it every day. It didn't plague me on my days off, taunting me with nice days when I am stuck inside working, and then snowing every chance it gets when I'm allowed to join the outside world.

Here we are, sitting at the half way point of April and we are still getting snow. A winter day in Melbourne means rain and wind. Same as a lot of the UK, save Scotland who gets their fair share of snow. A winter day in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand, means rain and cold winds. I can take the wind. I can stand the rain. What I'm a little sick of is this white stuff that is a cross between ice and rain, and brings with it freezing cold temperatures, and misery.

Why am I here? Why do I call Calgary home? I don't. That probably explains everything.

Ottawa, a city best viewed with the ugly lights off!

2009-04-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

As the title sounds, Ottawa is a city that is best viewed after twilight. The bright sunshine (when there is any) just brings to light the cruel harsh fact that ottawa is a boring and visually unattractive city (besides a select few buildings that once instilled the hope that this could be a great city) that houses a select few travelers, army personnel, Politicians and University students. What could be a better mix?

The shopping complex in the centre of town - the Rideau Centre - was once a stately and large shopping area. Now hooligans (students with nothing better to do) parade around after hours so that a large number of security guards have to guard the shops and the premises, in a not so behind the scenes fashion.

The streets are filthy (they should take a hint from Australia and start employing some of the unemployed in jobs meant to tidy their own filth, but hell, why would we want to create jobs?), the public spaces are devoid of any color other than dull browns, beiges and blacks, and even the Fairmont Chateau Laurier looks out of place. It actually looks more like a misplaced Disneyland castle, than something that should be sitting across the canal from our parliament buildings.

The parliament is great, although it sits on top of the hill as if too high and mighty to have real buildings surround it as they do in London, but the buildings themselves are quite a feature. They were rebuilt, and while stunning inside, still quite devoid of any real character.

Overall? Ottawa is not really worth the money it takes to get there. More on some of the better points of Ottawa to come soon.

On Days Like Today...

2009-03-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Once again the snow is falling outside and I am surrounded by the crazy white stuff. The only saving grace is the fact that it's not actually cold outside as well. But it does bring to mind the craziness that ensued when a girlfriend and I were still in Australia.

We had decided that in the wet and dreary winter, that is nothing compared to this I might add, that we were going to drive up to the mountains to get pictures of us with the snow.

Now these aren't Rocky Mountain type mountains, but they were more than our foothills, so we will continue calling them mountains for the time being.

I remember us driving up these crazy back roads, having no chains or supplies - kinda like we would have done in Canada - and finally getting to a point where we could go no further. (Well without paying that is) So we pulled over to a pullout, and got the camera out. But before we did, we put on our boardshorts, sandals and took off our jackets and posed! The pictures were great and got a whole pile of respect from those back in Canada, but man was it still freaking cold!

Great pictures, and great memories. Too bad this snow isn't like that snow. Instead of having to live in it, we got back in the car and went back to civilization - which didn't have any snow!

Most Amazing Place To Spend A Morning

2009-03-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

Although I must admit that it will take more than a morning to do.

When I was younger and more foolish, I took a Contiki tour of the South Island of New Zealand. It was a great way to party it up, see the sights and meet some people! The only problem was the majority of them were American. And while I don't necessarily have anything against the Americans - seeing as technically I am one - I did not want to see a scenic, beautiful island, with a pack of loud mouthed Yanks that could only continually tell us how 'everything was bigger and better in Texas'.

Thankfully, the night before was a hard drinking one, as there was nothing to do but drink on this small ship that we were stuck on. Where we were stuck was what made it the most amazing place to spend a morning.

We were on the incredible Milford Sound. It was November, the water was icy, which I can personally attest to after jumping in it repeatedly, and it was stunning! Snow capped mountains plunged into icy water. There were waterfalls cascading down cliff faces. There was peace and quiet. Except for on the boat that is!

When I awoke in the morning, at the crack of dawn (I don't know why, but I have this knack for doing it, even after spending the previous night getting to know a great bottle of Chardonnay with some great Australians) I stumbled (you can't gracefully climb those stairs) as quietly as I could to the main deck.

And it was peaceful, and quiet. The sun was just coming up over the mountains, and it's reflections was crystal clear in the sound. Cottony clouds hugged the cliffs like long lost lovers, and a pod of dolphins slowly slid through the water past the boat, close enough that I swear I could touch them.

It was like this for a moment - but what seemed like an eternity - before the boats motors were running, and people were awake. The moment was lost, but the memory will last an eternity.

The most amazing place to spend a morning by far.

Click here for more information on the tour I did!

When the Going Gets Snowy...

2009-03-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

It seems that March has gone in like a lamb and is going out like one hell of a lion here lately. And while the weather outside might be just a little bit frightening, it's bringing back memories of a place that doesn't seem so far away when some Katchafire is playing on the radio (or cd player) and I'm staring at my one picture (that takes up a full wall I swear) that depicts nothing but the ocean out a window.

And while I stare at that, my thoughts wander to the little town of Mount Maunganui, a small resort and surfing town where the populations swells by about four times it's regular amount during the summer months - that kiwis tend to think are still too short!

The Mount towers over the peninsula of population like an overbearing parent and provides shade in the heat, and an amazing playground for children of all ages. Climbing to the top gives those willing to bear the brunt of the climb with amazing 360 degree views, while for the less adventurous, there are the hot pools that are nestled at the base of the mount.

These hot pools are full all year round, from the winter months and those that have spent the day kayaking down white water rivers in frigid glacial water, to those of us who just want to soak up the heat, while glimpsing the stars when the wind picks up slightly - blowing the fog away for a moment.

With a beach that stretches for kilometers, that can be perfect for sea kayaking, wind surfing, sailing, boating or even surfing, and a small town centre that boasts a multitude of cafes overlooking the beach (where dolphins can be seen on perfect days), this is one reincarnation of heaven.

Long days spent with a coffee overlooking the beach, after a walk around the mount to break a sweat, with a soak in the hot pools later - what could be better?

Sometimes Travel Isn't Necessary

2009-03-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Please forgive my lack of posting the past couple days. But as the title suggests, sometimes you don't have to stray very far from your own back yard to find yourself in an exotic land.

And that is exactly what happened in Calgary for the past two days. A snowstorm blew in and was causing all sorts of commotion with close to 30cm of snow dropped in about 8 hours. It's amazing how drivers who have been living in a snowy wintery wonderland for years on end, can still forget how to drive after the snow disappearing for all of five days.

It was quite a scene, sitting on my balcony and watching the craziness slide by. And slide it did with the amount of people on the road who were a little too heavy on their brakes, as well as their petrol pedals! Cars going backwards, sliding sideways, and of course a fair number were stuck. Stuck in snowbanks, stuck after spinning their tires, it was quite a sight to behold!

And on days like that, it's nice to know that I can step outside my condo and see a sight so foreign (though it shouldn't be) that all I can do is laugh.

God bless the last snowstorm of the year. (And hopefully the last one that I will have to live through here in Canada!)

If you believe in love at first sight...

2009-03-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

Do you ever stop looking?

This is the age old question when it comes to everything. If you believe in love at first sight, you never stop looking. You are always looking for the next best thing. In very simple terms.

If you believe in something better, you never stop looking for what is better than what you have. No place will ever be good enough, no house will ever be big enough. You name it.

So I put the question to you. Is anything ever good enough, when nothing is ever good enough?

Go Straight to Jail?

2009-03-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

It has just come to my attention that hosteling International has some properties that are not for the faint hearted. The one main one that I a talking about, is a hostel that exists in the central business district of Ottawa. A few short blocks away from Parliament hill, there is an older building that has been converted from an old Jail to a hostel. (Yes you heard me correctly!)

And while it's no wonder that people say that this hostel is haunted, there are ghost and jail tours that leave at 7pm for those that want a little bit more proof!

Check it out the next time you are in Ottawa. Do not pass go, but go directly to jail!

How could I resist.

2009-03-19T22:04:00.001-07:00

When Americans and other tourists can't know the difference between where Mount Rushmore is, and where the Grand Canyon is (and to know that they are two different places completely) I thought that it was time to put the age old debate to rest.

What does Mount Rushmore look like from Canada?

We now know.

Time To Reflect

2009-03-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

With the passing of another St. Patrick's Day, I found my self looking at different things than I had in the past.

Whereas North American's celebrate St Patty's day as a day for drinking green beer and wearing green, in Ireland, this is not the case.

They do like a good reason to celebrate, and will have celebrations for the 6 days prior in Dublin, but they won't be seen wearing green any more than any other day. And they do wear a lot of green on an every day basis!

Instead, they will wear a bunch of irish shamrocks (not four leaf clovers) on the breast of their shirts or jackets to symbolize the teachings of the holy trinity by St. Patrick. And while he wasn't actually made a saint my the church, St Patrick is one of the most well known saints.

I bring this up due to the shift in my perception of culture and history. On my last trip over, I discovered that I had more than just ancestry that had come from Ireland - but that I still had family ties. Ties that I had never realized that I had until about three weeks ago.

And now I feel an unbelievable pull towards Ireland, it's cultures, history and traditions, as I feel like I have finally found something that gives me roots on this wonderful world. Where will this mean that I go next? I really have no idea. Only time will tell.

Happy St. Patrick's Day....

2009-03-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

And in tribute to St. Patricks Day, Dublin hosts a six day festival filled with Irish music, green beer for the tourists (real irish folk drink Guiness) and much much more.

But the place that holds a special place in my heart is a little place known as Galway. It was once a walled city, and while the interior of the main business district is a maze of crooked streets with houses that feel like they are going to fall over into the middle of these crooked streets, it is a true testament to the beauty of an older centre.

About ten minutes outside of the heart of the city centre, there is a beautiful little 'seaside resort' town called Galway that hosts a great selection of restaurants as well as nooks and crannies that crave to be explored. This little motorworks was found up the back alley, off of the main through-fare.

There were many little things that made Galway one of my favorite stops. One of the others is linked to my past, and so will be discussed at a later date and time. But until then, know that this is definitely one place worth the visit.

This Airline Is So Cheap...

2009-03-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

They are going to charge you a pound to use the toilet.

That's right, you understood me correctly. Which airline?

Ryan air!

This low cost airline is finding that they aren't making enough money selling fares for a pound plus tax, and they know that everyone hops onto a plane with at least a pound, so that is what they are going to charge you to use the loo.

Can companies quest to squeeze the last pound out of (literally) get any more desperate?

Why Some Things Change....

2009-03-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Henry Miller, a man that not many remember, once said that "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things."

This could be why some people thrive on traveling to return home. With travels, come a new way of seeing things, and understanding things. So that when you return home, one can never truly understand where one was before.

Family that you always fight with in my case, become a link to our past, in a place that you may never be. Friends either come along for the ride and put up with your incessant chatter about your next trip - which in essence is like your next fix. Travelers crave their next get away with about the same zest as a junkie craves his next hit. (Though it is a hard addiction to have.)

My greatest downfall, was my inability to keep my itchy feet to myself. I told everyone and anyone that I wanted to leave, and that I wanted to get out. This made even my best friends shy around me, and keep their distance, as they knew that I would soon leave.

And while when we return from our travels, we can not see things for what they were, so the people that we leave behind find it hard to find the people that we were before we left.

But still the traveler will travel. And those afraid will not.

Reflections

2009-03-14T23:16:00.000-07:00

I've been back in Canada for just over a week, and the itchy feet have begun already. But instead of wanting to wander where ever they may take me, they are craving a certain destination. Where, I'm not quite sure, but if it has a pile of Irish blokes with thick irish accents, I think I'll be as close as I could expect to be!

I was chatting to a girlfriend the other day, when it finally dawned on me. I've been single, and frustratingly enough, I've not necessarily wanted to be. Just recently, I took my own love life in my own hands and decided to chat to a sweet looking guy who I've been crushing on for quite some time. (They say that you grow out of crushing, but if anything, it just gets worse when you know it's not supposed to happen ;) )

And after asking him out and getting a yes, I was subjected to the add on - I think I should tell you that I do have a girlfriend, but I'd love to go out for a coffee. What the hell does a person say to that?

But in a round about way, it brought home the fact that I don't attract the dear boring Canadian boys, because I don't want to be here. I crave to be someplace else, and being with someone who finds this dreary humdrum, but beautiful country home would do nothing but drive me mad and fuel mad arguments about why we were still here.

So the feet are itching, and I feel it's time to move someplace that reminds me of home (not Canada unfortunately) so that maybe, just maybe I can join coupledom.

Maybe.

But that's a big maybe...

Long Live The Brits

2009-03-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that my last trip took me aback.

I had heard that the brits had become as politically correct as north america and I was, needless to say completely unprepared for the welcoming I received on the plane.

What has to be explained to begin with, is the fact that the one steward (flight attendant) was a homosexual. He was gay and wasn't hiding the fact.

That was what made what happened next so amusing.

After an announcement that duty free items would be available, the stewards began walking through the flight cabin offering cigarettes, alcohol and gifts to everyone. What this one flight attendant was saying took the cake though.

All I heard was "Gifts, alcohol or fags? Anyone want any gifts alcohol or fags?"

Recent Journeys

2009-03-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

I begin this tale, not at the beginning, nor at the end. Instead, I bring my experiences to you right in the middle of the most interesting part of the story. Will this make it easier to understand? I doubt that. Will it necessarily make sense? I think not. But that is not what this is about. In essence, this blog is about the obstacles that have been placed in my path, to help me develop into the person that I am slowly becoming.

I am slowly blossoming into an adult that understands what it is to be alive. What it means to take risks and fail, but always what this world demands of us to succeed. The road is not always easy, and it is not always what we expect or crave, but it is. And as long as that road exists, I will continue to walk it, in search of a place where I feel at home, a place that whispers sweet nothings in my ears every time I close my eyes, and gives me a brand new sight every time I open my eyes.

What is life, if not a series of beautiful moments that we enjoy, life and savor?

As Oscar Wilde once said, "memory is the diary that we all carry with us". When my journey is done, I dream of having a diary full of joy and happiness, and no wasted moments. Do you?