The Travel Agent Next Door - Mary Pugh

23/09/2020

Thanks you to all of you for the Birthday Wishes🥰

01/07/2020

https://www.jacquielawson.com/ecard/pickup/r6a54b156af6f469199be3e7b30b2f288?source=jl999&utm_medium=pickup&utm_source=share&utm_campaign=receiver

Fireworks, flags and a stirring musical accompaniment!

30/06/2020

Tomorrow is Canada Day! While we are being given more freedom it is important to remember to still socially distance yourself. The risk of the spread of COVID-19 is lower outdoors, but if you are gathering with others at a BBQ encourage everyone to bring their own food and drinks to celebrations.

Make sure to still wash your hands and stay 2m apart!

29/06/2020

Plan Now
Travel 2021

17/06/2020

I keep hearing myself whining about wanting to go anywhere! And then I realize the only nation I may visit this year is “imagination”. So many people I speak to are saying, “ I just want to go somewhere” others add the word “safe”. Here are a couple of websites you can research the countries are opening for tourism and when.

Deciding if travel is safe is something that will be based on your risk comfort level, likely your age, your current health and your desire to get out of town! Many clients are saying “I’ll go again when there is a vaccine for Covid-19”, others realize there may never be a vaccine but are grabbing travel deals for next year on the premise they can cancel if they don’t feel it is a good idea. Always keep in mind that current travel insurance does not cover Covid related sickness.

It can be hard for travellers to collect the necessary COVID-19 trip rules and regulations for a single country or island, let alone to attempt to go country and island hopping. Each destination has the sovereignty to enforce its own rules and regulations for entering and leaving their jurisdiction during this health crisis. Fortunately, both the European Union and the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) have created online tools which are one-stop shopping for all COVID-19 travel regulations.

Of the two tools, the E.U.'s is more robust. A drop-down box allows for a choice one of 27 countries. A map of the chosen country is displayed with and interactive legend to the right. Icons for travel, services, and health and safety are clickable. Under each, there are more icons allowing for a deeper dive on any topic, and all of it is available in 24 languages. A disclaimer on the site explains that the information is not exhaustive. It is based on the most recent available data provided by EU Member States and collected from other publicly available and authoritative national sources. Also the tool currently relies on automatic machine language translations, so the content will need to be be checked by authorized translators soon. So while the Commission seeks to keep the information up to date, it warns it can take no responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information. To use the tool, visit reopen.europa.eu/en.

The same warning goes with the Caribbean Travel Advisories webpage, which lists the rules and regulations of the 31 countries of the Caribbean in a static scrollable grid. Although the page says its information is subject to change and that travellers should check with the individual destinations on their policies, the page is updated frequently and lists all the travel advisories thoroughly. To use the tool, visit the Caribbean Travel Advisories webpage.

08/06/2020

When the going gets tough, the tough get creative…..(excerpt from the diary of a grounded traveller)

On April 12, 2020, I stood in my closet staring at my cute but oh-so-comfortable walking shoes. It had taken me months to find just the right ones. My eyes then focused on my clever mix and match ‘capsule wardrobe’ that I had assembled after pinning hundreds of articles on Pinterest entitled 'How to Pack for (fill in the number of weeks here) in Just a Carry-On.’”
I began gazing at my new carry-on bag and backpack, in which I was planning on successfully accomplishing this packing feat. I was certain I could get all those clothes in those two pieces.

I had not solved the problem of transporting my various hair and skin products, but I was close to devising a plan that involved sneaking some of them into my husband's bag. Seriously, the number of products necessary for a gal my age cannot by downsized to three-ounce containers that fit into a Ziploc bag!

I allowed myself a sigh. I mean a deep, pitiful sigh. Our dream trip to Italy was scheduled to depart the next day. In all our planning, we, along with the rest of the world, could never have imagined a time when everything would shut down, fear would replace excitement, and worry would replace anticipation. I allowed myself another deep sigh. But that sigh had no sooner faded than an idea began to form in my quirky little brain. I left my closet with a smile.

On the morning of April 13, I jumped out of bed, traded my usual yoga pants for my duly designated ‘airplane clothes’ (carefully researched). I took a little extra time on my hair and makeup. Oh, who am I kidding? I brushed my hair and put on makeup. I mean, I had been in lockdown for a month.

I wore my cute-but-oh-so-comfy plane shoes, took my brand-new bag and backpack, and rolled into the living room to greet my husband. I handed him my phone and asked him to take my picture as I posed with my empty bags. After 43 years of marriage, he is either a saint or well trained, because other than a slight eye-twitch, he dutifully took the picture and calmly waited for what he hoped would be a rational explanation.

I started by reminding him we were due to go to Italy today. Since I didn't want him to call 911 or whatever the number is for nutty-as-a-fruitcake, I quickly shared my plan that we would tour Italy virtually!

Our travel advisor, chief miracle worker and most patient person in the world, had taken our wish list and turned it into a wonderful itinerary. Each day, using it as a guide, I would research the places we were to visit, and my husband would find YouTube videos for us to use as our tour. I assumed he agreed, but regardless, I pushed on. I mean, there was so much to do!

April 14: we ‘arrived.’ To capture authenticity, I wore the same airplane clothes. Well, not 100 percent authentic since I did not sleep in them. That morning I read everything I could find on Orvieto and Perugia, taking notes in my newly minted Italy notebook.
We cooked pasta and made our first meal in Italy special by toasting with Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, a favorite from our first trip to Italy three years ago. After dinner, we toured via video, talked about the sights we now knew were must-sees, and shared new facts that we found interesting.

Each day I dressed for the place listed on our itinerary, and one of us would announce our destination. Full disclosure: I quit dressing for the day when I started repeating clothes. You know, the whole capsule wardrobe, mix-and-match thing. Yoga pants once again became my friend. But I digress. I have never enjoyed research so much! We looked forward to viewing and discussing the videos, and we found ourselves gradually spending less time watching and reading the grim news.

We continued to worry about what was happening to the people in our world, of course, but we were more balanced and less anxious. We had something to look forward to each day, and when we went to bed each night, we discussed what we had ‘experienced,’ and what we anticipated for the next day. By the time we completed our final day of the tour, we were certain that our travel advisor had created the perfect itinerary, and we were prepared with immense background knowledge for whenever our trip would happen.

On April 29, the day we were scheduled to return home, there was a bit of a letdown. I felt at loose ends all day. Since there was no research to do, I began to think about the lessons learned.

A vacation is about a respite. Our pretend trip did not take us physically out of our home, but it provided a respite for our minds and some hope for our souls. Italy will survive. Other countries will survive. The world will survive.

I have found that hope produces optimism, and optimism produces strength. So, with hope, optimism and strength, we can get up each day, put on some makeup, get out of pajamas, and face the day with purpose, and comfy shoes, of course.

At 6 p.m., I remarked that we had just landed at DFW. With a gleam in his now steady eye, my husband, the saint, said: 'That was fun. Where will we go next?’ Indeed. I sat there with a glint in my own eyes wondering, where next? There is a whole world out there to explore and we will not let this disruption stop us.

28/05/2020

De-stress on the high seas.

I don't know about you but I just want to go somewhere! These last few months have taken a toll on almost everyone and while I know it's not possible just now, I've turned to thinking about what I would do when I can do it.

Although I've never really wanted to spend too many days at sea I found this article the other day and think I may have revised my thinking. Before people took to the skies to save time between Europe and North America, it was a given that you would travel by sea and if you had a few bucks extra, it could be an amazing trip in your floating country house complete with servants, housekeepers, chefs and your charming fellow guests. You weren't stalked by your cell phone, expected to post your activities every 30 seconds; you didn't comment on the food like a critic. You may have spent your afternoon, updating a diary of your trip or reading from the extensive ship's library and if you were feeling particularly energetic, a round of shuffleboard or tennis. Later in the day you would take particular pains with your appearance before showing up in the dining room at your appointed time to partake of a meal in company that warranted your undivided attention.

In other words, your trip was a vacation with no interruptions and providing a complete rest. Sounds dull, right?

Well, I think I will be quite ready to handle that kind of dull when we can move around again. I look forward to travelling again and will be definitely adding a trans-Atlantic sailing to my list of trips to take!

10/05/2020

04/05/2020

“Now more than ever, the travel industry needs to band together and donate our resources to help researchers find a vaccine and successfully end this pandemic,” said Oneil Khosa the CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL)

BPCL said it is now supporting the Folding@Home Project (FAH) by dedicating its unused computing power to help researchers find a cure for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It claims it is the first cruise line to officially participate in this innovative project and is calling on its industry partners and peers to lend their own resources, joining the fight against COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented global impact, and when we learned about the unique Folding@Home initiative, we immediately knew we had to help,” said Khosa.
“We have an enormous amount of idle computing power at hand, given our ships are currently restricted from their normal operations, and this program gives us a way to utilize those resources, helping researchers who are working around the clock to find a coronavirus cure. We’re proud to be part of this project, and we are asking our industry partners and peers to commit their resources to the effort, so we can help save lives, most importantly, while also putting the tourism industry on a path to recovery.”

27/04/2020

In these trying pandemic times, the city of Brussels has the love bus to bring joy and messages of love to their route.

"Since last week, Brussels’ public bus company STIB-MIVB has been calling on people to send in voice messages — and an address. Then, the special bus goes out in the early evening in a big loop to spread all the messages and leave a trail of happiness.
Yes, with smartphones and video calls, there is already a plethora of ways to communicate. But a love bus with the voices of children and dear ones?
The bus company has been inundated with requests, about 750 messages from the blowing of kisses to a request by a child for someone to become her godmother, spokeswoman An Van hamme said.
Public buses are continuing to run in Brussels, with passengers required to board and exit by the back door and adhere to social distancing while inside.
The “Voice of Brussels” program is even leaving a smile on the face of bus drivers, so often the target of abuse.
“They are very happy that we thought of them,” driver Alex Vandecasteele said. “They are suddenly surprised, by people, their family or friends who have thought of them.”
Just another example of how we are coming together creatively to stay connected in this time!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/brussels-love-bus-gives-loud-shoutout-during-pandemic-times/2020/04/23/8c99f3ee-8530-11ea-81a3-9690c9881111_story.html

24/04/2020

I came across this article and just had to share! I have loved watching the ways in which people are adapting and creating new ways to help people in this time.

As northern Italy, the origin of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe, prepares to return to real life as quarantine restrictions are about to be lifted, women in Venice are delivering groceries to elderly people in the best way they know how — by gondola. “Row Venice,” an all-female non-profit ...

21/04/2020

Velas resort has decided to put its 25 world-class chefs to good use during the pandemic by launching a What’s In Your Pantry portal on its website, which allows you to enter ingredients you already have in your kitchen and challenge the resort’s chefs to create individualized recipes based on what you have.

In order to get your own recipe, simply visit the What’s In Your Pantry website and enter your name, email, and ingredients you’d like to include (or take a photo of what you have), and wait for a recipe to be delivered to your inbox. Then, get cooking.

Velas Resorts also has a ton of pre-existing recipes that you can easily make at home, like different kinds of tacos or crab tostadas, as well as kid-friendly recipes and unique cocktail recipes.

More information can be found on the Velas Resorts website, https://magazine.velasresorts.com/better-together/more-easy-recipes-with-the-ingredients-in-your-pantry/ or on the resort’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

We are happy to keep receiving your lists of ingredients and contribute to put a smile of those you love with exquisite and easy-to-make culinary creations! Remember that if you want to receive the help of experienced chefs from Velas resorts, you can send your list here. Grilled Chicken Pita   H...

10/04/2020

The goats in this little town in Wales are not listening to the social distancing warnings!

Llandudno has been invaded by local goats! Usually they inhabit the nearby limestone bluffs but the quietness of the quarantined town has proven more welcoming to them than the bluffs!

Love to see how the moment we have been quieted nature takes over!!

04/04/2020

𝗧𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗹 – 𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘁

Changing the date of that booked holiday may be the kindest thing you do right now. Rather than seeking a refund, simply postponing plans is a greater help than you can imagine. Even though it likely doesn’t feel right thinking about travel just now, eventually we will still want to go.
And until we do, there are a lot of people out there whose income relies on travellers.

10% of the world workforce works in tourism. Right now most of those people have lost their jobs with no notice; not just the travel agents or flight attendants you see but thousands of others. From the Maasai guide, the Machu Picchu porter, the cinnamon stick seller in Sri Lanka to the site seeing bus driver in Barcelona – they all rely on tourism and may still be oblivious to the scale of the world’s turmoil. Soon they will have nothing.

By deferring that trip, we give hope to the suppliers and a promise for the future. When we finally do get away, the hosts in destination will be more eager than ever to welcome us.
When normal services resume, let’s be more mindful than ever of the power we hold as customers to help heal a post-COVID world. Let’s not scrabble around opportunistically for the cheapest bargains; instead think about every link in every supply chain that depends on our money. Consider how future trips can have a positive impact and help our hurting world to recover.

03/04/2020

April 3, 2021
Please note, if you use Zoom to stay in touch with family and friends there is a security breach and hackers may be sending crude messages and pictures to your contacts. Zoom are working on fixing it as fast as possible.

30/03/2020

Why you should put The Bahamas on your bucket list:

“The Bahamas overall has 700 islands, 16 of them populated and marketed for tourism. Grand Bahama Island is located just 55 miles east of Florida, and it’s the northernmost island in the chain, therefore making it the perfect gateway, offering travellers a perfectly balanced ‘taste of The Bahamas.’
A beautiful mix of boutique hotels, luxury resorts, secluded beaches, golf courses, a mix of elevated-fusion and down-home foodie culture and some of the friendliest people in the world are just some of the many reasons why Canadians make Grand Bahama Island their home away from home for the winter.

If that wasn’t enough, Grand Bahama Island is nestled among miles upon miles of powder-white sands, nature preserves and emerald-green seas. Our variety of cultural experiences and natural wonders makes us ideal for everything from kayaking, dolphin interactions, stingray educational experiences, bird watching and eco-adventures to scuba diving, bike tours and jeep safaris. We’re also the perfect location for destination weddings and honeymoons.”

Swimming with the stingrays with West End Eco Tours is one of the main attractions.

29/03/2020

Excerpt from a travel industry news letter March 26/20:

𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵

A team of researchers at Sunnybrook, McMaster University and the University of Toronto have isolated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the agent that is responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak. Thanks to what researchers call “nimble collaboration,” the team was able to culture the virus from two clinical specimens in a Level 3 containment facility. What this means is that the isolated virus will help researchers in Canada (and across the world) develop better diagnostic testing, treatments and vaccines, as well as a deeper understanding of other biological processes. Human trials of a potential vaccine for COVID-19 have also begun. All good news.

27/03/2020

Because the majority of my work is with cruising, someone asked me the other day what the cruise lines are doing with all the empty ships.

Well, they’re not, empty that is. Thousands of crew members from all over the world are living on board for the next couple of months (in some cases up to three months) So here’s a little catch up on what’s going on out there
Royal Caribbean re-deployed its China-based ships to Australia offering free cruises to the first responders who battled the country’s bush fires before having to port until the end of the voluntary cessation of operation.
Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise brand which includes Carnival, Princess Holland America and P&O have offered to turn their fleets into floating hospitals. Princess cruises sent out a positive message, one that was entirely crew-led, when workers onboard Sky Princess spelled out “We Will be Back” inn cabin lights. Now the entire brand will be lit up The line is also stopping at Princess Cays for crew to enjoy the private island and allowing all the cruise to use the main deck pools.
Holland America reported their five ships anchored around Grand Bahama Island along with numerous others sound their horns at 7:30p.m. together to let the world =know that they are strong, safe and healthy onboard and are thinking of everyone.

American Queen Cruise Ships has offered their fleet to house US military personnel who have been quarantined either on their way home from a foreign country or on their way to one.
Royal Caribbean (Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea) are giving their hard-working crew an opportunity to experience spaces usually reserved for guests. On Silhouette for example, the Hotel Director has ordered the crew mess to be changed to the Ocean View Café and opened the main deck pool for the crew use. On Celerity Edge, Captain Kate McCue told crew they would all be moving to balcony cabins and in some cases crew were upgrades to suites via a random lottery
Captain Jason Ikiadis of Marella Discovery 2 after dropping final passengers off in Jamaica, went back to sea to draw the Tui smile in the ocean, 12 nautical miles high and 16 nautical miles wide. They wanted to make both the customers and teams smile as a thank you for the support during these unprecedented times.
MSC Group has converted one of its ferries, MSC Splendid into a floating hospital. The crew of MSC Grandiosa lit up the side of the ship with the Italian words: “Andru Tutto Bene” –Everything will be fine
Saga Cruises (a u.k. based line) has offered its two ships, as medical centres from March 20.

25/03/2020

When we get to travel again, you may want to add this lovely natural garden in Belgium to your Garden Tour.

Believe it or not, the mystical and fairytale-like forest portrayed in these beautiful photos actually exists – it’s called Hallerbos (or Halle Forest), and it’s located in Belgium.

The reason this forest looks like it’s been lifted right out of a fairytale is its dense carpet of Bluebells. These flowers thrive and bloom in spring and early summer, and it is their characteristic explosion of blue and violet that attracts visitors (and photographers) to Hallerbos and to other forests like it in droves. Foggy conditions are especially good for photographers, giving the woods a mysterious and ghostly atmosphere.

Dense super bloom of bluebells on the forest floors are usually an indicator that the forest in question is very old. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the trees in the area are old, only that the area has consistently remained wooded for at least 300-400 years.

24/03/2020

We can't wait until you are back!!

23/03/2020

Today is International Day Of Happiness, which is something I think we all need especially lately!

Things I have read about this week: Mother Nature is recovering around the world as air pollution plummets due to
global quarantines. According to the Washington Post, a drastic decrease in major greenhouse gases over Europe has been recorded by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-5P satellite. Plus, the water in Venice’s canals, now free of boat traffic, is
clearer than it’s been in years. Dolphins have even been spotted swimming in Sardinia’s Cagliari’s port.

I am happy to have my health, to have been able to get some travelling in this year before all this happened and to know that there are brighter days ahead

What are you feeling happy about on this day?

19/03/2020

We do hear from time to time how it can be "cheaper and easier" to use some of the online booking services when it comes to travel. It is in these trying times that having someone who knows the ins and outs of the travel industry is invaluable. We are able to advocate on behalf of our clients and cancel and reschedule their trips, saving them all the headache and aggravation.

No matter the crisis, a travel agent always has your back.

16/03/2020

Things to do during mandatory or self-quarantine

This can be a very positive time.

You can lay on the couch eating bonbons and watching tv - a luxury most of us don't allow ourselves.

This is a time when you can try a recipe you've always wanted to, read a book you've never had time to. There is enough time in quarantine to learn the basics of a new hobby, skill or language and there is enough time to call that one person you never have time for and see that they are o.k.

This may be a time to take those walks you promised yourself and haven't done.

Being in self quarantine or isolation doesn't mean you can't do anything. All it means is to keep your distance, stay out of populous places and practice the recommended hygiene

Netflix has issued a list of things to watch:

Elite
Lovesick
The Circle Brazil
Episodes
Crashing
Crazyhead
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Derry Girls
Money Heist(La Casa De Papel) and many more

I would be doing all the above except I am a little busy cancelling peoples trips and trying to get others home. Take good care of yourselves during this time and we will plan your fabulous vacations again in the future.

Best wishes ~Mary

10/03/2020

So no cruise ship, no all inclusive, now what are you going to do?

How about a train trip!?

Fascination with trains has been around since they were invented in 1804. Nowadays, train travel is perfect for the independent traveller who wants experience a sense of freedom while discovering new destinations. You want to seek out unique and authentic experiences and different ways to see the world without the restrictions that come with a guided tour. Travel by rail is so much more than a mode of transportation. It is part of the vacation experience and growing steadily in popularity

At the moment there are over 3000 train packages visiting 690 cities across 51 countries. Many Canadians choose both in country and more exotic train experiences. Hence the fabulous Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada or the Venice Simplon Orient Express Paris to Istanbul. There are trains almost everywhere and most packages have a hop on hop off/hotel stay feature giving the traveller a few days here and there to enjoy the local history, cuisine culture and architecture.

Some of the more famous trains are the Train to the Clouds in Argentina/Chile, The Ghan in Australia (think Uluru) The Palace Train in India – literally a palace on wheels, the Orient Express Moscow to Vladivostok , or you could combine your desire for a safari and train trip with the Shongololo Express or the Blue Train South Africa. Since 1862, the Flying Scotsman has operated between Edinburgh and London. Trains are a comfortable alternative to airport waiting times and crowded flights.

06/03/2020

I found this and thought I would share today in honour of International Women's Day!

"At 7%, WestJet currently has the third-highest percentage of female pilots in North America as a global airline, compared to the industry average of 5%...In 2020, WestJet will focus on actively reducing the gender gap on its global leadership team and is launching a new Women in Leadership Program designed to facilitate the growth and development of managers."

Click the link to read more!

https://www.travelweek.ca/news/we-need-to-do-better-westjet-pushes-for-more-women-in-aviation/

CALGARY — WestJet is calling for more women in aviation and has released a new video to shed more light on the issue.

05/03/2020

Major tour operators Transat and Air Canada Vacations have taken steps to reassure hesitant travellers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Transat has created a new policy allowing travellers to change bookings up to 24 hours before departure without a fee. (Postponed travel must be completed within 12 months of the original travel date and if the price for the new booking is higher, customers must pay the difference.)

Meanwhile, Air Canada Vacations has announced it will offer its CareFlex travel protection free of charge for the month of March. (The plan allows travellers to change their booking, transfer their package, and cancel with an in-house travel credit and/or a partial refund up to three days before departure. )

“We continue to look for new ways of supporting our travel partners and their customers so they can book with confidence through Air Canada Vacations,” said Dana Gain, Senior Director of Sales, Groups & Partnerships at Air Canada Vacations

Be sure to check with your travel agent for additional details. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about your travel!

28/02/2020

To be clear, Corona virus is a group of flu-like viruses.

The one we are following now has been named COVID-19

How coronavirus spreads:
Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs.

They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
*respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
*touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Risks of getting coronavirus
The public health risk associated with COVID-19 is low for Canada and for Canadian travellers.

Recommendations for travellers
*Always consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before you travel
wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
*use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available
it is a good idea to always keep some with you when you travel
*eat and drink safely abroad by staying away from raw or undercooked food and meat
*avoid high-risk areas such as farms, live animal markets and animals, alive or dead
*avoid close contact with people who may be sick, especially if they have difficulty breathing or have a fever or cough
*As well, I always travel with a package of antibacterial wipes and when I board a plane, wipe down the arm rests, tray table and anywhere I think I may touch. On the plane, take one with you to the washroom and give things a wipe before you use the facilities.

For current alerts, warning and instructions visit: www.travel.gc.ca

Government of Canada's official one-stop-shop for comprehensive international travel information.