The Urban Traveler

02/14/2025

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**Air Canada to Cut US-Bound Flights in March; WestJet Could Follow**

Air Canada says it will reduce capacity to Florida, Las Vegas and Arizona as the U.S.-Canada tariff dispute simmers and the Canadian dollar continues to struggle. And WestJet might be next in line.

Speaking on a conference call to discuss Air Canada’s fourth quarter and yearly earnings for 2024, Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue & Network Planning and President, Cargo, said it’s too early to know how Canadian currency issues and the U.S.-Canada tariff dispute will play out. But he said Air Canada will be reducing capacity to such U.S. destinations beginning in March.

It wasn’t immediately clear how much capacity will be taken off the market, but it’s a huge change in Air Canada’s transborder focus, and the strongest signal yet that Canadians are truly angry at how the U.S. government has been treating its neighbour to the north.

"At this point they are still looking at it," an Air Canada spokesperson said in an email to Open Jaw. "As you know it is very fluid, so I do not have any numbers to share."

😳WestJet’s chief executive officer, Alexis von Hoensbroech, says interest in flying to the U.S. has dropped 25% in recent weeks. He didn’t say the Calgary-based company would match Air Canada by reducing capacity, but he suggested that changes are in the offing.

WestJet said demand for travel to the United States has been “soft” over the last few weeks since a possible trade war started brewing between Canada and its biggest trading partner.

“What we have seen though, since the tariff announcements, is that our sales from Canada into the U.S. have actually dropped very significantly,” von Hoensbroech said, adding that the exchange rate likely has something do with the falling demand as well.

As reported, a Leger poll conducted from 31JAN - 03FEB 2025 with 1,553 Canadians found that nearly half (48%) say they’re less likely to visit the U.S. this year versus in 2024. That’s nearly double the 29% of Canadians who said the same thing in a Narrative poll taken in mid-January.

And an even more recent (07-10FEB) Léger poll reported in the National Post indicates the number has increased substantially in just one week to 56% of Canadians who are willing to cancel or avoid U.S. travel.

Leger stated that domestic Canadian travel is the top alternative for those avoiding U.S. trips. Six-in-ten (61%) of those less likely to visit the U.S. plan to explore Canada instead – 30% will travel within their home province, while 31% will visit another province within Canada.

01/24/2025

Travel Advisors...advise!

Ontario based agents are bound by provincial laws to protect the consumer.
These protections can be outlined by visiting TICO - Travel Industry Council of Ontario

Advisors can help you book or research a vacation but they can also ensure things are booked PROPERLY.

According to paxnews.com these are the top mistakes people make when booking travel online:
-Flights booked too close together- 13%
-Incorrect travel dates - 10%
-Missed visa or entry requirements- 9%
-Wrong passenger details -8%
-Wrong accommodation- 7%
-Wrong destination entirely- 2%
-Gen Z and Millennials 42% errors, Boomers 24% errors, men 37% errors, women 27% errors.

Advisors can help reduce mistakes, and flag things you should be considering.
They can find you trips at the same price you can, lower or some charge a fee if there are specialized needs (custom trips).

12/10/2024

✨Have An Unmissable New Year’s Eve with Virgin Voyages!✨
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2025 has to be better, so let’s toast to a New Year filled with endless possibilities, surrounded by the beauty of the Caribbean!
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While the onboard vibe is “come as you are” all year long, New Year’s Eve is your chance to elevate the allure. Dress to impress — whether that’s sequins, sleek suits, or your signature style — and make the celebration unforgettable.
🍾🥂
With just a few spots left, time is running out to secure your place for this glamorous night. Don’t wait to step into the new year in style.

✨ Book now to make it yours. ✨

8 Nights | Caribbean | Ocean View ONLY (5 cabins left) | Scarlet Lady - $2,898.96 per person
https://bookca.cruisedesk.com/web//cruises/details.aspx?source=swift&pid=1454973&siid=1024819&lang=1&CurrId=CAD&officeId=4098&slgenuid=NDQ1MTIxMQ&skipdetails=true&op=0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c%2c%2c0%2c0&res=CA%2cON%2c&tt=29&p1=2&p2=40%2c40&clonebkg=VW%7cCANADADEAL%7cVW

4 Nights | Caribbean | Balcony ONLY (9 cabins left) | Dec 30 | Valiant Lady - $1,950.97 per person

https://bookca.cruisedesk.com/web//cruises/details.aspx?source=swift&pid=1454979&siid=1024819&lang=1&CurrId=CAD&officeId=4098&slgenuid=NDQ1MTIxMQ&skipdetails=true&op=0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c0%2c%2c%2c0%2c0&res=CA%2cON%2c&tt=29&p1=2&p2=40%2c40&clonebkg=VW%7cCANADADEAL%7cVW

12/06/2024

PARIS FRANCE x NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL

If you remember 5 years ago, back on April 15, 2019, a major fire badly damaged the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, a reopening ceremony will be held before Notre-Dame reopens its doors to the public on Dec. 8 after a complete restoration. Back in 2019, while renovation work was under way to celebrate then Cathedral’s 850th anniversary, the fire destroyed the spire, the roofs, the nave and transept, and the roof structure.

On Dec. 7, a reopening ceremony will be held attended by French President Emmanuel Macron before the Cathedral is open for visits by individuals, visitors and the faithful on Dec. 8. Admission to the Cathedral will continue to be free and visitors will be able to reserve a time slot in advance.
Reservations will not be required to enter but are strongly recommended to reduce waiting times.
Nearly 15 million worshippers and visitors from all over the world are expected to rediscover Notre-Dame.

12/06/2024

CRUISES X ANNUAL PASS X Virgin Voyages

Sir Richard Branson announced the new, first of its kind annual all-inclusive pass, which allows a passenger and its guest to hop on and off from any ship in their fleet worldwide!

If you remember, earlier this year I wrote a blog post about Virgin Voyages’ Season Pass with their WFS (work from sea) program which was a take on WFH (work from home) where you could sail o…

12/06/2024

TRAVEL TIP X TIPPING

Minimum wage is going up in Mexico in 2025 (by 12%).

This means that minimum wage for an 8 hour day (NOT per hour, per DAY) is 278.80MXN or approximately $13USD per DAY.

REMEMBER TO TIP!

12/02/2024

My newest blog post is about traveling to the ONE place we thought we've never be able to visit...until now!!

https://theurbantraveler.net/experience/space-perspective/

Ask me about this new and exciting opportunity!!

The opportunity to travel to space is here! “We are on the cusp of a staggering shift – not only in the way we humans experience space, but also what we conjure in our minds when we think of …

11/21/2024

Mexico x all inclusive x Hotel Xcaret México

Who doesn’t love Hotel Xcaret in Mexico?
Well things just got better!
They have made new additions! This is not a new hotel, they are just adding inventory and they are increasing the experiences at the property. Please see all the details below:

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

• New section opening summer 2025. Everything is expected to open at the same time.

• 900 more suites

• 9 restaurants (20 restaurants total)

• 8 new pools (16 total)

• 5 new water slides

• New areas for events, new convention center for large groups and wedding

• Family wellness area

• 5 new casas (buildings)-Luna, Vida, Sol, Eclipse, Cielo (inspired by Mayan cosmovision)

• There ages below are where the experiences are for each of the age categories, not necessarily that they will stay in those buildings.

• Casa Luna-best for kids 0-9, garden and river view suites. Rooftop with kitchen and bar, kids pool, Xiquit Inn (little hotel within the hotel for kids to play)

• Casa Vida-best for kids 10-12, garden and river view suites. Rooftop kitchen and bar, Xinema, Bar, Xental restaurant (buffet) and coffee shop, bus central to the parks, water slides

• Casa Sol-best for kids 13-17, 3 pools, rooftop with kitchen and bar, nightclub for teens and place for teen entrainment

• Casa Eclipse-adults only, views of garden and river, rooftop and arriba baja restaurant

• Casa Cielo-biggest casa for multigenerational families with most suite and restaurants as well as convention center

• Asian with teppanyaki, Mongolian grill, ramen and dim sum

• Chi-Yucatecan cuisine

• Costero-Veracruz cuisine, a lot of seafood

• Monarca-Michoacan food

• Azul Nogada-Pueblan food

• No ac at the restaurants above, open to the jungle and river below

• Arriba Baja-adults only-also open air

• La Xentral-market style buffet

• Xinema-fast food and snack experience, open 24/7 for snacks

• EL Xorbete-ice cream and sorbets

• Cafeteca-coffee shop close to where the buses depart

• Xupes-nightclub disco open until 4am

• Tacos Pava Jarla-open from 10pm to 4am

• Bar Decadas-family bar with arcade games, pool table, air hockey, etc.

• La Paxangueria-disco for teenagers with video wall, 3d mapping, neon lights, etc

• Distrito 1317-3 levels for teens, wrestling entertainment, collages of urban art, interactive, etc

• Lunateca for kids 0-4 where they can explore and learn accompanied by their parents

• Xiquit Inn for ages 5-9 it’s a mini fake hotel where they can be a driver, receptionist, chef, etc

• Muluk Spa will have adult and kids sections

• New convention center that can be broken into many options

• In terms of connecting rooms-they will be External connecting door like the current hotel, No way to guarantee connecting rooms but there will be more inventory so it will be easier to do this. Make the request through guest services

• Still no rooms for 5 except the Presidential suites.

• Adding 5 presidential suites will have 2 bedrooms, up to 6 guests

• This is already available to book-Room categories are the same as hotel xcaret Mexico, so you cannot guarantee that you will be in the new section, just a request. They will have river view, garden view, swim up suites and junior suites in the new section

11/16/2024

The Vessel has re-opened!

Free to NYC residents and those who book in advance. $10 if you walk up.

It is quite the vision!

11/01/2024

Discover one of Peru's most breathtaking secrets: a journey that blends thrilling treks through some of the world's most spectacular mountain ranges with unparalleled biodiversity!
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Explore the Huaraz White Cordillera: Discover the exhilarating trekking options that await you on these soaring summits. From challenging hikes with panoramic views of crystal-clear lagoons to more accessible trails that reveal hidden gems, these treks offer something for every adventurer.
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Dive into the Biodiversity of Madre de Dios: Learn about the region's rich biodiversity, home to the renowned Tambopata National Reserve and the Sandoval Lake. This area is a treasure trove of wildlife, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists.

Let me know if you want to learn more about Peru!



cc: PromPerú Oficial

10/21/2024

Is it too early to think about 💘 Valentine's Day 💘?
🧜‍♀️
Valentine’s Day is coming! For some, that means days of frantically searching for the perfect gift. For others, it means flipping through cookbooks to find the best romantic meal for the occasion. Adding spice to Valentine’s Day can be tough when you’re entrenched in the same traditions and routines. Well, why not switch it up this year with a Valentine's Day getaway? After all, what better way to celebrate love than sharing a memorable, eye-opening travel experience together? Even if you’ve never traveled as a couple before, taking a trip can be the perfect way to inject some adventure, as well as added romance, into the relationship.
🧜‍♀️
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💘 Resilient Valentine's Voyage ⭐️
📆 Date: February 8th through 15th 2025 (7 nights)
🛳 Ports: San Juan • Tortola • Bridgetown • Castries • St. John's • Philipsburg • San Juan
💵 Starting from: $4,452.96 🇨🇦 per cabin, based on double occupancy
🧜‍♀️
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💘 Scarlet Valentine’s Voyage ⭐️
📆 Date: February 8th through 16th 2025 (8 nights)
🛳 Ports: Miami, Florida • Puerto Plata • San Juan • St. Croix • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami, Florida
💵 Starting from: $3,971.65🇨🇦 per cabin, based on double occupancy
🧜‍♀️
🧜‍♀️
💘Valiant Valentine’s Voyage ⭐️
📆 Date: February 14th through 19th 2025 (5 nights)
🛳 Ports: Miami, Florida • Puerto Plata • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami, Florida
💵 Starting from: $3,152.74 🇨🇦 per cabin, based on double occupancy
🧜‍♀️
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Contact me, your First Mate at Virgin Voyages, to reserve this amazing voyage before October 31st and to secure your 2025 Valentine’s Voyage escape while receiving 70% off your second Sailor, up to 5% off with the pay-in-full promotion and complimentary upgrades from a Sea View to Limited View Sea Terrace!
🧜‍♀️
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For even more information and to see available itineraries, click here https://bit.ly/VVheartday or DM me!
🧜‍♀️
I can't wait to help you 'Set Sail the Virgin Voyages' way!
🧜‍♀️
About Virgin Voyages
Explore over 100 gorgeous destinations. Featuring 20+ eateries with Michelin star chef-curated menus. Relax in our exclusive-to-us, Virgin-red balcony hammocks. Sea why everyone is getting on board our luxuriously designed, exclusively adult cruises.

(without the kids lol)

Book Cruises with Fare & Flexible fares, plan your dream luxury cruise vacation. Booking cruises with us is easy — get ready to sail on a truly epic voyage.

10/20/2024

are here!
🌎
Jordan & Egypt in 16 Days, 14 Nights in Destination
Hashemite Kingdom, Pyramids & Nile Cruise
starting at $4,499/pp CAD including flights!
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Itinerary
Travel to magical Jordan, discover Amman and the Greco-Roman city of Jerash and see the Castle of Ajloun. Relax in the waters of the Dead Sea, admire the ancient wonders of Petra and sleep under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert. Next, head to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids in Cairo and enjoy a 4-night Full-Board Nile Cruise through iconic Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
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A well-rounded trip where you’ll discover two mystical countries that each house a World Wonder! Perfect for the cultural connoisseurs and history enthusiasts.
🌎
Trip Highlights:
-Aswan
-Cairo
-Giza
-Luxor
-Nile River
-Ajloun Castle
-Amman
-Dead Sea
-Jerash
-Mount Nebo
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Included:
-All flights (!!!)
-Accommodation
-All transfers
-Activities
-Some meals
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Departures: Thursday and Friday departures from Toronto from November 2024 into 2025!

10/20/2024

- the TICO Travel Compensation Fund

I was recently looking through Facebook group where someone made the comment that they would never fly a low-cost carrier because they had a fear of being stranded, should the airline go out of business.

I replied "If you book with a TICO licensed travel agent, you are protected against airline and cruiseline failures. There is a fund available to help you get home!"

I backed it up with the following:

This is from the TICO website: https://www.tico.ca/blog/tico-help-consumers

***Travel Industry Compensation Fund***
In Ontario, there is a Travel Industry Compensation Fund that helps consumers who are impacted by the failure of an Ontario travel agency or website, Ontario tour operator or any airline or cruise line.

***How can consumers protect themselves?***
To receive the protection of the Compensation Fund, travel must be purchased from a TICO-registered travel agency or website. By purchasing from a TICO-registered travel agency or website, you are automatically covered. You do not need to reside in Ontario to book with an Ontario based agent.

***What does the Compensation Fund cover?***
The Compensation Fund covers up to $5,000 per passenger for travel services that were not received because of the failure of an Ontario travel agency or website, Ontario tour operator or any airline or cruise line. There are certain caps on how much can be paid out for the entire failure.

***What if passengers are stranded in destination?***
If the failure is due to an Ontario travel agency, website or tour operator, and passengers are stranded in destination, TICO will work to bring passengers home.

***The beauty is, you don't have to be from Ontario to benefit from TICO! Book that flight!***

If you are looking to book a trip and need assistance, let's set up a free 15min consultation call:
https://calendly.com/theurbantraveler/15min

10/17/2024

Did you know about the Sunflower Program?

In support of the program, Air Canada is training and building awareness amongst all customer-facing employees to recognize and respond appropriately to participating customers.

The lanyard is available at check-in counters at Hidden Disability Sunflower member airports in Canada and on board all flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express.

cc: Air Canada Air Canada Vacations

10/16/2024

GREAT NEWS!

Egypt will cancel its pre-entry visa requirement for Canadian citizens, effective Dec. 1, 2024, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry revealed in a statement on Monday (Oct. 14).

Canadian travellers will once again have the option of obtaining a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports of entry, or an electronic visa (e-visa), which will be reactivated, the statement added.

The procedures are scheduled to take effect on Dec. 1, 2024 for all Canadian citizens arriving in Egyptian territories, starting from that date.

The decision follows a recent meeting between Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, and Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, held during the United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

10/15/2024

Have kids in your life?

Want to give “the gift of all gifts” over the holidays, and vacation in 2025?

Send me a message and let’s discuss your family’s Disney vacation!

10/07/2024

🧜🏽‍♀️ Travel Agent Deal 🧜🏽‍♀️

Want to try an adults only cruise and you are good to travel on Christmas Day?

If you've wanted to try Virgin Voyages, I have a deal for you! 🚢⚓️🧜🏽‍♀️

I just booked my clients on a round-trip flight from Toronto to Miami, one night hotel pre-Cruise in Miami (with free breakfast & shuttles) and a sailing with Virgin Voyages for $2050.00CADpp!!

Set up a call with me here: https://calendly.com/theurbantraveler/15min

Email me [email protected]

Or DM me