Wanderlust Travel - Jeannie Law -Travel Best Bets Connected Agent

07/25/2024

TRAVEL PET PEEVES
This summer is shaping up to be a very busy one for travel. And it’s as good a time as any to brush up on your travel etiquette. A recent poll by Casino.ca asked 3000 Canadians and 3000 Americans about their expectations when it comes to travellers’ manners and behaviour.

- You might be surprised to learn British Columbians ranked highest in the nation when it came to travel etiquette standards.
- Folks on the East Coast are on the opposite end of the scale, with New Brunswick remarkably more relaxed and laidback.
- The survey found British Columbians are extremely inclined to show consideration for their travel companions.
94% stress the importance of consulting with their pals before extending invites to other friends or partners.
- Nearly the same number believe it’s inappropriate to raid a friend’s suitcase without their permission.
- But it’s not just about the people within the travel party we want to treat with respect - British Columbians are careful not to offend their fellow passengers’ senses either.
- 92% think it’s rude to eat smelly food on a plane - slightly above the national average.
- Still, one of the greatest debates remains – ‘to recline or not to recline’.
- Well, it seems, much like our American neighbours, overall Canadians are split.
58% say it is acceptable. While 42% disagree.
- As for warning the person seated behind you - it falls nearly along the same lines.

07/18/2024

Some good reminders when travelling

07/11/2024

TRAVEL PET PEEVES
This summer is shaping up to be a very busy one for travel.
And it’s as good a time as any to brush up on your travel etiquette.
A recent poll by Casino dot C-A asked 3000 Canadians and 3000 Americans about their expectations when it comes to travellers’ manners and behaviour.

- You might be surprised to learn British Columbians ranked highest in the nation when it came to travel etiquette standards.
- Folks on the east coast are on the opposite end of the scale, with New Brunswick remarkably more relaxed and laidback.
- The survey found British Columbians are extremely inclined to show consideration for their travel companions.
- 94% stress the importance of consulting with their pals before extending invites to other friends or partners.
- Nearly the same number believe it’s inappropriate to raid a friend’s suitcase without their permission.
- But it’s not just about the people within the travel party we want to treat with respect - British Columbians are careful not to offend their fellow passengers’ senses either.
- 92% think it’s rude to eat smelly food on a plane - slightly above the national average.
- Still, one of the greatest debates remains – ‘to recline or not to recline’.
- Well, it seems, much like our American neighbours, overall Canadians are split. 58% say it is acceptable. While 42% disagree.
- As for warning the person seated behind you - it falls nearly along the same lines.

07/03/2024

Get a Better Sleep in a Hotel Room
A good night's sleep is crucial for a pleasant and energized travel experience. To help you get a better sleep in a hotel room, consider the following tips:

Choose the Right Room:

-Request a room away from noisy areas such as elevators, ice machines, or high-traffic areas.
-Ask for a room on higher floors, as they tend to be quieter and away from street-level disturbances.

Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment:
-Use blackout curtains or shades to block out any external light that may interfere with your sleep.
-Use earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out any disruptive sounds in the hotel or outside.

Bring Comfort Items from Home:
-Bring your own pillow or a travel-sized pillowcase that has your preferred scent or familiar feel.
-Consider bringing a small portable fan for white noise and air circulation, if the hotel room lacks proper ventilation.

Establish a Bedtime Routine:
-Follow a regular bedtime routine, even while traveling. Engage in relaxing activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises.
-Avoid using electronic devices, especially before bed, as the blue light emitted can disrupt your sleep patterns.

Control the Room Temperature:
-Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable temperature that suits your preferences for sleeping.
-Use the provided blankets or adjust the layers to regulate your body temperature for optimal comfort.

Mind Your Eating & Drinking Habits:
-Avoid heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime, as they can cause discomfort and disrupt your sleep.
-Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as they can interfere with your sleep quality and make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.

06/27/2024

https://www.facebook.com/reel/454408180749993

06/20/2024

Great way to get away from the West Coast fall weather!

06/06/2024

Staggering Number of Canadians Travelled to Mexico Last Year

There’s a new number two for Mexico tourism. Visitor data released by Far Homes finds that Canadians have overtaken all of Europe as a source for tourism in Mexico, putting Canada behind only the US in terms of its impact on Mexico’s tourism and travel industry. The data showed that 4.2 million Canadians flew to Mexican destinations in 2023. That’s a shade ahead of the 4.1 million who visited from ALL of Europe and marks the first time that Europe has been eclipsed by Canada. Canadian visits to Mexico were up nearly 60% year over year and were nearly double pre-pandemic numbers. Tourism officials say international flights to Mexico were up 10% last year versus 2022 and were running 13.1% ahead of pre-pandemic numbers.
Mexico has long been a popular travel destination for Canadians, with endless beaches, outdoor activities, great food, and more. But the country also has been courting luxury travelers with high-end hotels and resorts along the Riviera Maya, as well as in Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. There's also an increasing airlift from major Canadian cities.

05/16/2024

CRUISE CHANGES
One of the world’s largest cruise lines is making significant changes to its dining arrangements aboard all its ships.
Princess Cruises is rolling out a new approach fleetwide to provide guests more flexibility.

Starting in mid-September, Princess will offer three table service options in its main dining rooms.
- First, there’s ‘Traditional’ - offering an early and a late seating every evening.
- Second, there is Reservable - allowing guests to plan ahead, but not commit to a specific seating each night.
- The third option will have open seating - providing guests the chance to Walk-in Anytime.

On each vessel, three separate dining rooms will be designated for each category - to accommodate guests' preferences.
- This initiative was first introduced on Sun Princess - and it has proven to be successful and popular with guests.
- This trio of dining room options will integrate with the cruise line’s so-called OceanNow service that gives guests the ability to order food from anywhere on the ship at any time, delivered directly to their location.
- And head’s up for cruise passengers departing from Vancouver this spring, summer, and fall. Guests traveling with Royal Caribbean International are required to check in using the cruise line’s mobile app.
- Checking in through Royal Caribbean’s website will not be an option. However, passengers will still have an opportunity to check in upon arrival at Canada Place.
- The app has a few features that aren’t offered on the website, like passport scanning, as well as taking and uploading a photo of yourself - which is a security requirement prior to boarding the ship.
- The check-in window will open 45 days before the sailing and cut off at 9 o’clock on the morning of departure.
This app-only check-in is just for the cruise line’s voyages leaving from Vancouver - other homeports are not impacted. It’s not clear if or when it could become standard practice across the fleet.

04/15/2024

AIRPORT SECURITY SELF SCREENING
We’re seeing more contactless options becoming the norm for air travellers’ experiences - like self-check-in and bag drop, and the use of biometrics in customs.
And a new pilot project at one of the busiest airports in the U-S is giving us a glimpse into which part of the journey could be streamlined next. The Transportation Security Administration is testing out self-screening at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for the next 6 months.
The do-it-yourself option allows passengers to pass through with little to no assistance from T-S-A officers.
An automated baggage screening system supplies bins for passengers to place their carry-on luggage in at their own pace. The device automatically sanitizes the bins between uses.
Travellers then step into a separate glass body scanning booth that’s equipped with a video display, indicating what position to stand in.
This special lane is open to passengers departing from Sin City - who have T-S-A PreCheck clearance.
Service is also only available in English.
The long term plan is not to reduce the number of T-S-A agents and replace them with automated processes.
Rather, officials say using this type of emerging technology will allow them to redeploy officers to other tasks.
So could we see this type of technology north of the border?
- The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has already created some significant efficiency at major Canadian airports, by providing regular updates on wait times.
- They’ve also introduced Express services - which allows passengers to reserve a screening time online. Passengers can visit their respective airport’s website to book their spot up to 72-hours before their flight.
- Several major Canadian airports also have the Verified Traveller screening lanes - which accommodate Nexus, Global Entry, military, RCMP, police, and air crew to use an expedited lane.
- Travellers using this option do not need to take their liquids or electronics out of their carry-on. They can also leave their shoes, belts, and light jackets on.

04/11/2024

SAVING ON TRAVEL
2024 is shaping up to be a big year for travel, with volumes rebounding to - and in many cases surpassing - pre-pandemic volumes in several regions already this year. Travel continues to be a priority for many Canadians.

- According to the latest Global Travel Trends report from American Express Travel, over a third of Canadians plan to spend more on travel this year compared to last year.
- But that doesn’t mean Canadians aren’t looking for ways to save.
- A strong majority are interested in finding flight deals so they can put more of their budget towards accommodations and upgrades.
- To get more bang for their buck, 44% of respondents say they will travel during off-peak seasons.
- 41% will use credit card points for hotels and flights.
- 20%will book through companies that offer hotel benefits - like room upgrades.
- Many Canadians are also seeking some spontaneity in their travels.
- Some look to pick their dates and destination spontaneously, while others like to leave some things up in the air and make plans once they get there.
- Last year - over a third of Canadians took a last-minute trip - and an even greater number want to do the same this year.
- And while at their destination - nearly two-thirds like to make dining plans on a whim, over a third choose activities and excursions and shop spontaneously.

04/06/2024

CANADIANS ARE BIG SPENDERS

Canadians aren’t holding back when it comes to travel this year. According to the latest Global Travel Trends Report from American Express Travel, 82 percent of Canadian travellers plan to spend the same or more in 2024.
- Globally, Canadian travellers are actually expected to spend the second highest on average for all leisure trips - at just over 88-hundred dollars.
- It’s partly because Canadians are taking more extended vacations.
- The most popular length of trips range from one to two weeks for Canadians versus week-long trips being the most common response from global respondents.
- So, how are people making use of that extra time?
- 1 in 3 Canadians who are planning to travel this year intend to take major trips or dream vacations.
- That includes expedition cruises to places like Antarctica, The Galapagos, and Alaska;
- Adventure travel in far flung destinations - like safaris, bucket list hikes, and remote wilderness treks;
- And wellness retreats to top spas and health focused resorts.
- However, the most common trend when it comes to dream vacations is visiting multiple countries in a region. Of those with multi-nation itineraries, 70% are bound for Europe.

04/03/2024

https://www.travelweek.ca/news/airlines/border-authorities-looking-to-hike-nexus-application-fee-to-us120-from-us50/?tw_brand=TW&tw_item=TWD&tw_product=Article&tw_client=Nexus&vgo_ee=16iaVqtiGU8uQISKtIyR3Ed0TEhHKQt5Vxy683gHE3YMcJD%2BVdaRB68NvxrnWg%3D%3D%3ASQIBnp%2BaMRCnuW4aBVGaO%2BkcazOS5Z3M

03/28/2024

Wahoo!!!

03/28/2024

WORKING ON VACATION
With more people maintaining remote or hybrid work models since the pandemic - we are seeing a real shift in the way Canadians are taking vacations.
Blurring the lines between business and leisure has become increasingly common - and workers from all types of industries are able complete their day-to-day tasks digitally from almost anywhere.

- According to a recent survey for insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance - nearly a third of Canadian professionals will work remotely from a vacation destination of their choice this year.
- Close to a quarter will tack on vacation days before or after a work trip.
- Younger adults lead the way when it comes to blending business and personal travel.
- Close to half of young professionals aged 18 to 34 are taking advantage of the flexibility in their positions and plan to work remotely while travelling this year.
- Nearly the same number of people with children are likely to blend work with vacation. Not surprising for parents who need to continue working during school breaks, but still want to take their families on trips.
- As for where people are going - beyond our borders the most popular destinations are Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States.
- And folks are looking to relax and stay a while.
A third of the workers taking a blended vacation plan to be away for three weeks or longer.

03/26/2024

https://inspires.to/experiences/cruise-with-norwegian-13opk

When you vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line®, every day is a new day. New places. New experiences. New memories to be made. Wherever the sea breeze takes you in Europe, Alaska, The Caribbean or beyond, you'll unpack once and wake up in a new destination nearly every morning. So come aboard and exp...

03/24/2024

HIGHER BAGGAGE FEES

Checking luggage on North America's biggest airlines is going to cost more this year.
Canada's two largest air carriers are raising fees for checked baggage - following in the steps of several major U-S airlines.
- Both Air Canada and WestJet have increased their charges in recent weeks.
- For Air Canada customers travelling on economy basic or standard fares within Canada, to the U-S, Caribbean, Mexico, or Central America - fees have gone up 5 dollars.
- So, for a first bag it now costs 35 dollars, and it’s 50 dollars for a second bag.
- Meanwhile, WestJet customers travelling on economy fares - who pay online for their checked baggage - will pay between 35 and 42 dollars for the first piece and 55 to 65 dollars for the second.
- This comes just a few months after the Calgary-based airline implemented a 10-dollar fee for passengers who opt to pay for their checked bag with an agent at the airport, rather than when they check-in online.
- South of the border, United Airlines is the most recent carrier to raise its checked baggage fees, following American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
- United economy passengers on domestic flights will pay 35 u-s dollars for the first bag - if they pay online 24 hours before their departure. The cost goes up to 40 to check it at the airport.
- A second checked piece will be 45 dollars in advance and 50 thereafter.
- If you want to figure out the costs ahead of time, United has a bag fee calculator on its website.

03/21/2024

WORKING ON VACATION

With more people maintaining remote or hybrid work models since the pandemic - we are seeing a real shift in the way Canadians are taking vacations.

Blurring the lines between business and leisure has become increasingly common - and workers from all types of industries are able to complete their day-to-day tasks digitally from almost anywhere.

- According to a recent survey for insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance - nearly a third of Canadian professionals will work remotely from a vacation destination of their choice this year.
- Close to a quarter will tack on vacation days before or after a work trip.
- Younger adults lead the way when it comes to blending business and personal travel.
- Close to half of young professionals aged 18 to 34 are taking advantage of the flexibility in their positions and plan to work remotely while travelling this year.
- Nearly the same number of people with children are likely to blend work with vacation. Not surprising for parents who need to continue working during school breaks, but still want to take their families on trips.
- As for where people are going - beyond our borders the most popular destinations are Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States.
- And folks are looking to relax and stay a while.
- A third of the workers taking a blended vacation plan to be away for three weeks or longer.

03/14/2024

AFFORDABLE DESTINATIONS
In the current economic climate, finding value in travel is more important than ever.
Around the world, savvy travellers are seeking ways to stretch their hard-earned dollars and get the most out of their trips without breaking their budget.
- Often that means picking places that aren’t necessarily on every bucket list.
- Online deal finder - WeThrift - recently released its ranking of most affordable global destinations.
- They analyzed and scored on several factors including: the number of direct flights, cost of tourist attractions, affordability of public transport, price of a meal, and the cost of a trip to a mini mart or convenience store.
- They also reviewed accommodations, looking at the cost of a hotel, bed and breakfast, and an entire Airbnb apartment rental for two people for the weekend.
- The top ten most affordable destinations are a mix of big sprawling capital cities and beach paradises that all offer inexpensive options for flights, accommodations, dining, and experiences.
- In top spot is India’s capital, New Delhi - scoring 69.2 out of a possible 80 points for affordability.
- Next is Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.
- Followed by Cairo, Egypt’s capital, which takes third spot.
- Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul - is fourth.
- The seaside city of Hurghada, Egypt is close behind, in fifth spot.
- Bali, Indonesia, Bangkok, Thailand, Marrakech, Morocco, Phuket, Thailand and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil round out the top 10 budget-friendly destinations.
- You can see the full rankings on Wethrift’s website - breaking down the average cost comparisons.

01/30/2024

01/23/2024

What is always-included when sailing on Virgin Voyages?
😋 Michelin-star curated food
💸 Crew gratuities
🥤 Soda & other essential bevvies
📶 Basic WiFi
🏋️ Group fitness classes
🎬 Award-winning entertainment

PS and NO KIDS!!!

01/23/2024

Now until Jan 31, you can ride the wave on Virgin Voyages’ most inclusive offer. Currently up to $600 USD Bar Tab (for drinks) included
Contact me for for details

01/15/2024

FYI - some of these itineraries are pretty cool!

01/05/2024

Or is cruising your jam instead?! I have those too! Ultimate Caribbean, Baha Peninsula & Sea of Cortez, Jewels of the Mediterranean, South Pacific, or if you have lots of time a World Cruise (10 countries). I have many other deals too.

Let me know if you have anywhere you would like to cruise.

01/05/2024

Looking for somewhere warm to go to this Spring? I have you covered! Bali, Rivera Maya or Anaheim?

12/14/2023

Holiday Travel Tips
Today I have a few holiday travel tips that will make travel during the busy holiday season easier. Of course, while no one can account for delays and weather, travelers can proactively make sure they are ready for situations they may face while under way. These rules come from years of winter-time travel:

- When buying tickets, make sure all names on tickets match up exactly with the IDs that will be provided at the airport, and that the dates, times and airports are correct before confirming your ticket purchase.
- Before you leave for the airport, check the status of your flight frequently, there’s a good chance you may face significant delays or cancellations. Even if there isn’t extreme winter weather where you are, there may be where your plane is coming from, or where you’re headed- so save yourself the hassle and check the status.
- If you can, try to get by with a single carry-on bag per passenger. This will save so much time at an overly-crowded baggage claim and save the chance of a lost bag full of holiday outfits and presents!
- Even better, just ship presents ahead of time or order online and have them shipped to your destination. Not only is there less of a chance they’ll be lost, it will also save you an overweight-baggage fee. If you are bringing presents with you though – remember do NOT wrap them- even if they’re in your checked bag.
- Be sure to bring a lot of entertainment and extra power, you never know how long you may get delayed for. I pack chargers for everything in my carry on, including a portable charger and a book- because those aren’t going to run out of power!
- Look into taking public transit out of the airport. Even if it doesn’t take you all the way to your destination- get off in a main area and catch a cab, call an Uber or have a friend pick you up from there. It will still be quicker than waiting in the taxi line at the airport!

12/14/2023

Air Canada has announced they will be the Canadian airline to offer service to the new Tulum airport, with flights from Toronto and Montreal to the newest airport in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Seats are now available for purchase at aircanada.com, via the Air Canada app, Air Canada's contact centres and through travel agents. Flights to Tulum will be available for sale on December 15 for flights beginning May 3.