The Travel Angels Leisure and Group Travel Specialists

06/09/2024

When someone doesn’t know what I do for work
I’m pretty sure they are hackers right! So to my former clients trying to get a hold of me, please put in what trip I did for you. I can have peace of mind knowing I’m getting the real people.
Enjoy your weekends and

Don’t forget early booking advantages and discounts expire June 28 for Transat and June 30th for air Canada vacations. I’m already booking those Winter getaways. Talk soon

05/28/2024

Here”s another great travel offer. Transat is offering extra savings, price drop guarantee( up to $200 per adult) discounts up to 40% off on South travel packages for travel from Sep 1 2024 to April 30 2025.
And with additional discount on option Flex it is the perfect time to think about your Fall and winter getaways

Of course , as always, I’m ready to send you pricing if you have your tentative travel dates

Email me [email protected].
Let’s talk travel!

05/17/2024

Happy Victoria Day weekend everyone

Well as you enjoy the unofficial start of Summer I want to remind everyone that it's not too early to plan your Winter breaks.

Keep in mind, many operators have incentives and lower prices when you book in advance.

One example is ACV Air Canada Vacations which I just booked clients for 2025 already. (clients saved $350 per person with the incentives and they have a price drop in place). When paired with Careflex, it includes a price drop guarantee and seat selection.

Not to mention that Air Canada Vacations and Transat Holidays also still include your carry on plus 1 checked bag per person. When you know others charge for either of these services, the value speaks for itself.

So consider thinking ahead for your Winter packages going South.

AND, thinking of Europe travel? Well we have several options from bus tours to river cruising also including several incentives.

As always, I thank you for your support, your loyalty and, as your travel agent, I am so happy to be back after this pandemic. I hope to hear from many of you very very soon.

Happy Spring and Summer and safe travels

01/30/2024

Well another Airline failure to report today
While I did not offer Flair, people who may have booked Expedia and Flair their cheap rates will cost them more to replace.

01/19/2024

Another beautiful day at dreams natura

01/17/2024

Checking out Dreams Natura 21 minutes from the airport Tested out the private transfer with Cancun shuttle. $76 USD round trip just the two of us. not shared direct to the resort. They were there with our names at the exit of the airport even though our flight arrived 45 minutes late. ( thanks to freezing weather and de-icing in TO

Next test. Customs and Visitax. Did on -line and the automated systems in Cancun worked very well. Do those on-line and you won’t regret

So far we’re in our second day at the resort In Priviledge ocean view Jr suite. I’ll share photos and more about the experience. No bracelets heated pools and lots of food options in this easy to get around oceanfront resort

01/07/2024

Happy New Year everyone.

Blessed to have a whole new 2024. Yes 2023 was a difficult one losing both of my parents, selling my childhood home for them and the twists and turns that kept me both on my toes and exhausted at times.

News in 2024, Yes I am still selling travel and will be checking out a new build from 2022 Dreams Natura. I will be away for a week this month.

A few more vacation plans and I'm hoping to set up a group trip.
So I'm reaching out to all of you family, friends, clients for your dream trip idea. Now a group trip simply means we fly together, share the same resort or cruise or even a tour. We do not need to be together the entire trip LOL. All fun aside, a group does give extra benefits, special promotions and often better rates. (And you have your travel agent within reach LOL)

So email me: [email protected]
Subject line: Dreaming of " your trip wish" for year:
I'll be collecting ideas for a possible late 2024 to Spring 2025

Celebrating a Leap Year let's put the deadline for your ideas submitted at February 29th.

My own dream would be to organize a different group every year.
Thank you for sharing your ideas and keep traveling safely.

05/23/2023

Is Alaska Cruising on your list? Here's a great opportunity to do a round trip and get at Par pricing- Contact me for more details, I've got you covered.

THESE ARE ROUND TRIP VANCOUVER!​​​​​​
Applicable Sailings

🛳️NCL Spirit - 14 nights with departure between June 1 and September 1, 2023
🛳️NCL Jewel - 14 nights with departure between June 1 and October 1, 2023

NORWEGIAN JEWEL NORWEGIAN SPIRIT
Vancouver,British Columbia
Ketchikan (Ward Cove),Alaska
Juneau,Alaska
Skagway,Alaska
Hubbard Glacier,Alaska
Seward,Alaska
Hubbard Glacier,Alaska
Icy Strait Point,Alaska
Juneau,Alaska
Skagway,Alaska
Ketchikan (Ward Cove),Alaska
Vancouver,British Columbia Vancouver,British Columbia
Icy Strait Point,Alaska
Juneau,Alaska
Skagway,Alaska
Hubbard Glacier,Alaska
Keystone Canyon (Valdez),Alaska
Seward,Alaska
Keystone Canyon (Valdez),Alaska
Hubbard Glacier,Alaska
Skagway,Alaska
Juneau,Alaska
Ketchikan (Ward Cove),Alaska
Vancouver,British Columbia

04/23/2023

Do nothing: Do we underestimate and judge people who seem to do nothing?

Someone's lawn is not perfectly manicured; limited in the "outings" they take; or without a visible achievement list. We need to reflect.

Maybe that person is visiting the sick and elderly; maybe they go hold hands or talk with someone who needs mental support; maybe they are working behind the scenes and you can't see them focussed on people rather than things and achievements. Maybe they need us to value them for a change.

Sometimes we have to believe in what we don't see. And People, should always matter over things. Sometimes Volunteers don't get the recognition they deserve when they are behind the scenes. Sometimes, we don't see the contributions of others because we don't take the time to go over how they made others feel from the gestures of kindness.

While posting sale items recently I've come by some kind people who care to provide support without expectations. It's not balanced with others who don't value people's time or work.

Time to turn things around and let's give thanks to those who volunteer to simply be nice people. Hold a door open, say a kind thing to the elderly, drive with courtesy, and are simply willing to help. Those who drop everything they are doing to help someone. Mowing a seniors lawn, looking out for each other. Even in this day of technology, a virtual hug, a word of encouragement, a follow up to just touch base.

To those of us who don't tally their gestures of kindness, BRAVO!
To those who choose to add a little extra kindness to their work (I've seen many PSWs for instance who go beyond) BRAVO!
To those who put dusting off to visit a sick friend, send a card or have coffee with someone. BRAVO!

Remember you can't judge a book by it's cover but you need to open your eyes and read between the lines sometimes.

Cheers to the kind people I have met over the years.
BRAVO to kindness and caring.

04/11/2023

Another Sargassum update for you.

Thank you to all my supporting clients who have booked and are booking their vacations with me. This Winter was very hopeful that travel is resuming following the past 3 years. I truly appreciate your bookings and your referals. Happy Spring to all and cheers to letting yourself get to your favorite vacation spots this year!

Read up on this article below:

Travelers heading to Florida, Mexico and Caribbean destinations this summer should be prepared for the influx of sargassum expected to make landfall on beaches.
According to the Miami Herald, the University of South Florida’s (USF) Optical Oceanography Lab revealed that The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt contained an estimated 13 million tons of seaweed at the end of March, a new record for the period.

As the stinky seaweed continues to increase in size, officials said the massive bloom would reach its peak between June and July, with Weather.com experts revealing that major beaching events are “inevitable” in Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico throughout the summer.

“Given the complexity of its motion, growth, and decay, it is not possible to forecast the timing of beaching,” a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) spokesperson said. “However, given the size and number of the current Sargassum patches, there is a strong chance that Sargassum carried by the Florida Current may reach the Florida coast despite wind and wave conditions.”

In response to USF’s report, the Quintana Roo Sargassum Monitoring Network said the largest landfall this summer would measure an estimated 650,000 tons and impact beaches in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Cancun, Mahahual and Xcalak.

According to Reportur.com, the monitoring network’s director Esteban Amaro believes that only five percent will reach Mexican beaches, while another 90 percent would “continue on its way to the Sea of the Sargasso.”

Sargassum seaweed begins to release hydrogen sulfide as it rots, which can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, in addition to a rotten egg odor. Travelers are advised to avoid touching or swimming near the seaweed.

In March, Mexican Secretary of the Navy Jose Rafael Ojeda Duran announced the installation of 9,050 meters (around 29,691 feet) of anti-sargassum barriers, including 1,850 meters in Othon P. Blanco (Chetumal and Mahahual), 2,400 meters in Puerto Morelos, 2,500 meters in Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras) and 2,300 in Tulum.

03/20/2023

Wanted to share this with you all

03/20/2023

Here's an update on Sargassum Look over this growing concern for Caribbean and Florida Coasts

In 2011, 2014, 2015, and in 2018, thousands of tons of pelagic sargassum seaweed, referred to as sargassum influxes, have piled up to 3 metres thick on beac...

03/15/2023

An article I think helps enlighten passengers on the challenges at Pearson

Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has had a rocky restart as pandemic restrictions eased, especially during last holiday season. CBC’s Rosa Marchitelli went behind the scenes to see what it takes to operate the airport and find out if it’s ready for another busy travel season.

02/28/2023

Hello everyone. Time for a little travel tip and pandemic history. It will help explain much of what seems like continuous luggage concerns and airport/airline delays.

First, let's keep this in mind next time we are delayed or inconvenience because it applies to more industries than you may know.

Food for thought:

At the pandemic, many people in tourism (airport staff, agents, agencies, hotels, transportation of all types and, services like the food industry were left at a stand still. Many experienced people, who were near retirement, left their industries or closed shop. Others, who needed to support their young families left to persue other careers. And this left maybe 25% of people waited out, like myself, to try to recover.

When travel picked up, it didn't restart with full force. Many did not return to their previous roles for fear of part time hours, possible relapse into pandemic levels. Many others, with experience, those approximate 25%, may have returned with new roles. Some promoted to replace those who never returned.

What this causes is an imbalance in experienced people. Just think a small detail like an airport code - a baggage handler who may not yet have the experience to identify them could cause a delay in getting planes loaded, unloaded and misdirected.
New managers need time to gain their experience in their new roles. Even travel agents have new rules of travel to keep updated, new hotels that have changed hands, and new hotel employees to need to learn the ropes. Just as servers, new kitchen staff need more customers to gain their experience in faster services.

By keeping this in mind, and knowing we are still in a recovery phase, may help you understand some inconveniences we all experience and help us manage expectations.

And when you know, you'll find the rest of your vacation, hotel or restaurant experience will be smoother.

Yes, gone are the Deals we've enjoyed, the supermarket visit will remind us of that, but only by continued kindness and understanding will our respective industries be steadfast on the road to full recoveries.

11/18/2022

The snow is here and so is the time to plan your Winter travel.
The world is adjusting to new ways to travel safely. Let’s get out there

And with a new way to travel it’s important to connect with your travel professionals. We’ve got the lates t on what you need to know to enjoy vacations. Whether you want to explore Canada, head to the Caribbean, cruise or go international and tackle your bucket list, using a travel consultant means you have ongoing support from a real person.

On behalf of all agents-consultants, I want to thank you for supporting local. We’re all anxious to hear get back to looking after our clients. We are back and open for business!

Looking forward to hearing about your travel dreams.

Happy Fall everyone.

03/21/2022

03/17/2022

Great news travellers, April 1st rapid testing to return to Canada will end. Of course fully vaccinated that is. Announcements coming on the next 24 hrs.
And we are ready to book the Fall and Christmas Caribbean. Reach me with Whstsap too.

03/17/2022

01/17/2022

Good day everyone.

As you all watch the news, not much is moving with Omicron taking over travel concerns. While there is some travel options available, the need for pre and post travel tests is adding complexity and costs to those who want that vacation. Add re-entry limitations if testing comes back positive, and we've got another stall pattern for the travel industry.

On the news, companies like WestJet are pleading with government to eliminate the PCR testing for those who are fully vaccinated. ACTA, the Association for Canadian Travel Agents, is also hard at work trying to push for some kind of relief for independant travel agents (like myself) who have been very hard working at booking, unbooking, canceling clients since CRB benefits were discontinued. What many consumers do not realize is that agents/agencies do not get paid their commissions until people actually travel.

In order for our industry to get some recovery going, a combination of things need to happen. We persistently hear of the small retailers, the food and beverage, gyms, and similar businesses, but I've yet to hear about the travel industry individuals who have worked so hard but without renumeration. And, since October, no relief in sight.

However, I must give a big heartfelt HUGS and THANKS to our loyal clients, who have supported us over the years. And they continue to be there encouraging us with their comments, emails, texts etc. All wishing and hoping to travel with their favorite agents again very soon. I, certainly look forward to the days where we are too busy!!! Travel is a passion and a road to discovery. For those of us who want to learn about other places, other cultures, discover more than what's in our backyards, we miss it terribly.

From Sunbirds to cruisers and everything in between, let's all stay positive that travel will get going again hopefully sooner than later.
Keep planning for those special trips, those family and wedding groups, and maybe a romantic getaway without the need of the take out aps! Put out your favorite travel photos and relive those moments in the interim.

Be well, stay safe, be kind to each other until we meet again.

11/17/2021

Here's good news for the travel sector. For 21 months agents have struggled due to the pandemic. But what our clients may not realize is that we have been working in cancelations, voucher retrievals, and multiple requests for refunds which we are still chasing down. And often with no renumeration and at losses. It's important our clients realize that we value them and want to work again. Please shop local and use a travel agent. We all want to recover too.

This article will be welcomed by all in our industry. Time to recover safely!

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos told media Tuesday that PCR testing is “part of an order-in-council that will expire on Sunday” and that changes to border measures will be announced “very soon."

08/14/2021

Good day everyone. Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the outdoors while we can.

Travel News - I'm not judging people who choose not to be vaccinated, but the Government of Canada announced yesterday that it will be mandatory to be vaccinated to travel by air, rail, public transportation.
So with that said, at least for now, the answers to many many inquiries I've had regarding travel for the non-vaccinated pretty much ends. Basically, if you're not vaccinated, you won't be going far for a while. Given the world is not all in the safe vaccination stages, this could take years before travel without vaccines is even a possibility.
As far as the mixed vaccine situation, stay tuned, the forces are still working on all that.
So you may all want to transform your yards into your favorite travel destination. For me, I have my tropical garden. At least until Fall. LOL

For now, I'm not putting away my mask making materials yet, as we'll be needing them for some time. I will be supplying my own travel clients with 4 layer fabric, durable and washable masks to take on their travels. A new staple in your travel gear.

Here's a tip for Road Trips: Pack a Dine out bag with the following:

- Small trays, if you have a family, one larger carrying tray
- Washable plates - there are some nice melamine types out there, cutlery, straws, couple of large spoons, napkins, couple of reusable cups. Small bottle of dish soap and a drying towel or paper towels

My trays have come in handy when picking up breakfast at hotels who now encourage you to eat in your room; the items all come in handy and wash easily. We can also stop anywhere for take out and eat with proper plates and utensils. Great way to picnic on the go from the comfort of your car. And often, take out is actually faster than dine-in for some restaurants. It's all about adjusting.

Here's an article link below to read up on the vaccines.
Other than that, enjoy your backyards, and visit your loved ones while you can.

https://news.yahoo.com/canada-require-covid-vaccinations-public-171343476.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

‘We need to reach as many Canadians as we possibly can,’ says Transport Minister Omar Alghabra

07/24/2021

Hello everyone. Hope you're all well, and patiently waiting to plan your next vacation.

Here's a quick cruise update for you.

You may have heard, lawsuits, vaccine requirements and more in the news so I wanted to clarify.

The CDC - Center for Disease Control - has retained regulatory coverage of the cruise industry for now. This means they will continue to make the rules cruise lines will follow.

Vaccine requirements: Get used to it, as it is being adopted by countries all over the world. If you're not vaccinated or vaccinated according to guidelines, you can expect a long wait to when normal travel will resume. Especially if variants, and delays in vaccination rates for countries continue.

Cruise lines are accepting the following vaccination proofs at the moment.
“The US CDC will recognize the following as fully vaccinated:

1AZ + 2mRNA of same type
1AZ + 2mRNA (different types – one Pfizer, one Moderna)
2mRNA (different types)
2mRNA (same types)
“If guests have already received one single dose of a vector vaccine and one single dose of a mRNA vaccine, you may receive a 2nd dose of the mRNA vaccine and will then be considered fully vaccinated.”

Of course, in Canada, access to vaccines is not ‘on demand.’

So it appears that, until the CDC changes its policies – and that trickles down to adoption by cruise lines – Canadians who received mixed vaccines will not be cruising.

At least from U.S. homeports.

The problems will be the AZ vaccine combined with the RNAs
But two different RNA vaccines are acceptable.

Stay tuned, as I will be watching for updates. Believe me, I'm just as anxious to travel as everyone. But ultimately, I want to travel safely and where I won't worry about even getting a little sick from any exposures to any variants of Covid. That includes, trusting that the destinations I choose to visit, will have an acceptable rate of vaccinated individuals to minimize our health risks. I do, after all, want to come back home to Canada!

07/21/2021

Here's a glimpse into what we travel consultants are getting as far as requirements. But also keep in mind, most Covid tests will be at the guests costs no matter where you go. At least for now, caution is still required while many countries are still just starting their vaccination processes.

From Trafalgar/Globus:
We wanted to alert you that, effective immediately, we will require all guests booked to travel to European destinations with any of our guided brands (including Brendan FIT), are fully vaccinated. This policy will be in effect until September 30, 2021. We will continue to monitor the local requirements and will adjust accordingly.
Cultural and leisure venues such as museums and restaurants require proof of full vaccination to be eligible for entry (or near-daily negative PCR testing results for non-vaccinated visitors). If your clients are not vaccinated, they would be required to take multiple PCR tests to participate in many of our included activities.
We wish for guests across our brands to experience travel seamlessly and joyfully. When faced with having to exclude guests from activities and subject them to frequent out-of-pocket on-trip testing, we feel that requiring all guest to be vaccinated to be the most responsible choice.
Travellers must be capable of producing documented proof of vaccination. Their government-issued proof of vaccination is sufficient (digital and paper copies are recommended), but please be aware that certain destinations may require additional steps to upload this information into local passenger locator sites.
Thank you for your continued support as we work with European authorities to make travel a pleasurable and hassle-free experience.

Hope this article helps in understanding what travel could look like.

As we slowly get back to arranging travel, we hope you're all doing your parts, being safe and cautious.

Thanks for being patient as we all navigate the New Travel Rules together! The Travel Angels miss you all!

07/05/2021

Good day everyone. We hope you're all doing well and looking forward to traveling very soon.

We have begun to take bookings for end of 2021, Winter 2022 South. Also, travel to Europe, cruises etc are starting.

Few reminders: Ensure you have or are scheculed for your vaccines that will enable you to travel via air, cruise etc. Take a photo copy and phone picture - those thermal papers do tend to fade.

While the border has not yet reopened, some flights and re-entry into Canada for fully vaccinated people are becoming available so please check with us.

As updates become available for your particular needs, we will share that with our clients.

Thank you for all of you who have supported us and have started to connect again for your own future travels. We appreciate this very much and look forward to a positive Travel future.

Continue to be well, stay safe and we'll make it through this together.

07/05/2021

06/23/2021

Good day everyone. It's a beautiful day, summer is going well, we are outside and hopefully all working on our vaccines.

Quick update regarding Travel.

Double vaccination will be a key to international travel so PLEASE hang on to your confirmations and make a copy - Thermal papers often fade quickly. BUT do not laminate - many countries don't accept laminated documents so keep it pristine. Same as passports, torn, and faded items are not guaranteed to be accepted.

Canadian officials are working on what we have dubbed " Vaccine Passports". Proof of vaccinations are popping up as needed in many countries announcing reopenings. So let's be ready!

Yes, I am looking forward to taking care of you again. So far, 15 months and counting. The travel industry and the people working in it, anticipate it could take a few years to recover from what is looking like a 2 year absence of normal consumer habits.

Many of you may be hesitant to travel and I understand. But there are options to consider.

1- Cruise lovers, you may decide to do that River Cruise where there are smaller groups. I've heard many of you say, you'd be more comfortable and reassured to avoid larger ships and crowds.

2- Tours that you take at your own pace. Again, avoiding larger group environments. Car rentals are up - and yes We do book that too!

3- Smaller bus tours - You'll find many tour operators now mandating proof of double vaccination to ensure all passengers are safe.

As more tour operators open up, we watch our US neighbors as they navigate their own re-openings and the impacts of what we hope vaccines will accomplish. Let's stay positive, it's looking good!

Couple of more notes:
We still need to monitor how travel with non-vaccinated children, and adults will look like. I do want to remind anyone who is vaccine hesitant, or can't be vaccinated for medical reasons that vaccine conditional entry has always existed worldwide. And regardless of vaccines or not, every country in the world has the empowerment to refuse entry at any time for any reason.

Masks: If you have your reusable ones, do not discard. Airlines, and different resorts, destinations may require them for a bit. I have sewn 4 layer masks during the pandemic, and will include them for my clients going forward. Being they are so portable and weigh nothing, you may find yourself wanting it at some point. We've all had those flight experiences when someone near us wasn't well but now, it will be more acceptable to wear them.

Let me reassure you, that we will be working to assist you with the new complexities of travel. We may have more questions than usual, and take a little longer to double check the requirements, you may have to get to the airport earlier, but we, in travel, can't wait to get back to working for our valued clients. Please remember us as we treat our clients as people, not a number on-line. Personal service is something we all miss. Shop local works here too!

Here for you! Be well, stay safe and stay the course.

05/18/2021

Hi Everyone hope you're all being safe and staying well.

Although, I'm not bombarding people with travel information, we are still out a bit until regular travel or some sense of normal travel resumes. However I do have some tips to share today.

First: Refunds for Air Canada or Transat - yes requests done with agents must be administered by agents in charge of your file. Otherwise, people can go online at Transat.com to submit a refund request if they did it on their own directly with Transat. Same with Air Canada. BUT if you booked with an agent, contact them and avoid the long wait in the call line to answer questions.

Second: Start planning for your vacation. Yes, I meant planning.
What you can expect is that the tour operators will not be offering the full schedule of flight options as before. Think about the fact, with all the losses the travel industry has suffered, including, airlines, hotels, cruise lines, agencies, and Agents, nothing will pick up quickly. Factors such as consumer confidence will have to be evaluated based on demand when we can resume.

My travel agent advice if you plan to travel late 2021 or 2022
1- Plan your budget, and don't count on sales discounts because every element in travel has losses to make up for in some format.
Planning also includes getting familiar with your own travel insurance coverage/ benefits etc as different insurance suppliers may change their rules when it comes to pandemic coverage etc.
If you have work benefits or credit card coverage, better double check BEFORE you book a vacation. I've seen clients who were told they were covered and subsequently denied their Covid related cancelation coverage. By getting ready, your agent, can help you select the coverage or the extra coverage you may need.

2- Plan on spending a tad more because, incidentals could be a factor depending on the type of vacation and new protocols that will exist. And this includes travel insurance.

3- Disclosures and entry requirements will become a new normal. If you're not vaccinated, some countries can limit your entry. It's not new in the industry, but it will become more common post pandemic. Cruise lines are already planning to require proof of vaccination to board the ships, so be ready. Hang on to your vaccine receipts. You may even want to keep them with your passports.
And, not to cause concern, depending on the length between your doses, it's possible some will need a boost. We just don't know yet.

4- Choice availability - In my 18 -19 yrs of working in travel, I've seen a number of "undecideds". Not pointing fingers, you all know your habits. LOL However, expect that in post pandemic, I hear you all indicating that you can't wait to get out of town. With limited choices on departure dates, not a huge sale option, demand means a first come first serve basis. So you may not have the luxury of a few days to think about and get organized. Believe me, I hate disappointing people when a price goes up or a choice is no longer available. Just to put that into your minds.

5- Groups, if you plan to travel in a group, family reunions are going to be hot as will destination weddings - groups are anticipated to grow for the simple reason of all the missed gatherings over the pandemic. Groups start with a minimum of 8-10 people depending on the tour operator, so if you do plan a multiple family trip, please talk to me about that.

Lastly, remember please, your agents and agencies. When the pandemic started, those who used on-line services, had very few options for support. Agents and agencies make a difference. We've all become accustomed to shopping local and supporting our community businesses and travel is the same. Use your agents and agencies. I can't say enough, how I appreciate my clients and thank you all for your supporting words " we're planning a trip with you when this ends". And even if you're not my client, but have your own agent, please continue to support them.

With all that, I will wish you a good recovery wherever you may live, and a good safe Spring and Summer. Be well, stay safe, be kind to one another, and reach out to anyone who lives alone. A phone call, note, even a candy drop, can cheer someone without loved ones near them.

Until my next post!