Saturday, December 25, 2010

World Wide Christmas Traditions are Decidedly Different!

In North America we share many traditions, some religious, some not.

The exchange of gives on December 25, the attendence at religious services for the devout, the commercial lead up to the day itself, and the decoration of homes and trees.

In Holland there is a big celebration on Saint Nicholas Day, which is December 6.

their Sinterklass dresses in red robes and wears a tall, pointed hat on his head. He comes not by eight tiny reindeer but instead travels by ship from Spain to Amsterdam's harbor every winter.

His is not a deer but a white white horse but the sack full of gifts for children is the same.

In Spain signal to begin Christmas celebratons starts on December 8, with the observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. During this time the children will go around the neighbourhood singing carols for treats and toys.

In Sweden, the Christmas begins on December 13 with St. Lucia's Day. He was the patron saint of light.

The oldest of the female children will awake at dawn and dresse as the "Queen of Light" in a long white dress. She is the St. Lucia Queen and serves breakfast treats to each member of the family.

Four sundays before Christmas, which is the first Sunday of Advent, is when Christmas celebratiosn start in Italy.

Fireworks and bonfires and holiday music are their signs of celebration. They go as families to shop for gifts and new nativity decorations. Each morning and evening they light  candles and pray.

The English bake cookies and relate holiday stories like the Christmas carol.

But regardless of the land, where there is Christianity there is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and a general feeling of kindness to our fellow man.

It is a special time of the year. Now we have to figure out how to make it last 365 days.








 

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posted by That Travel Guy @ 3:37 PM  |  0 Comments

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Argument for Cancellation Insurance is Made Again by the Storms in Europe!

As I was preparing my last Ask Journeys column of the year looking at future trends, in my research I discovered one that proved exceptionally interesting, considering the weather events of this week.

During the Volcanic action that caused havoc going in and out of Europe in late April many found out how important it was to have cancellation insurance policies.

Some found out the hard way, while those who were prepared for all eventualities, were extremely happy in the end.

They were the ones who got reimbursed for the amount of their coverage, while others simple lost their investments completely.

Airlines then, as now, did their best to reschedule passengers but already full flights later in the week meant that there was no place to put those clients who were hoping to at least recapture at least part of their vacation.

Cruise ships and motorcoach tours don't wait for those who couldn't make it on time.

So, as it turns out, the travelling public got the message travel agents have been trying to sell for decades...i.e...TRAVEL INSURANCE...We hope you never need it, but we hope you have it...JUST IN CASE.

Travellers have been building increased cancellation insurance into their budgeting, recognizing that as infrequent as are events like volcano eruptions, and major snowstorms in places that seldom get them, it is the unusual that seems to be becoming the norm.

So think ahead and plan ahead. No one wants to forsee anything that could through your best laid plans into chaos, but it just happens. And those that think the investment too high are left high and dry, or as in the most recent weather disruption, out in the cold.

Warm up to the idea of cancellation and other important insurance coverage. It is becoming an important adjunct to travel planning...and it should be.

If you are travelling and want insurance you can buy it online @ http://www.renaissance.ca/ or call 204 942-5000.

See more travel tips at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

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posted by That Travel Guy @ 4:23 PM  |  0 Comments

Friday, December 17, 2010

The Splended Return of the Splendor is Delayed Even Longer!

The original announcement said that the fire damage on the Carnival Splendor would be completed for the January 16 Journey.

But they have now announced that it will be at least February 20 before sailings will take place. They are definite about that date, I am less so.

Booking that first departure can be risky if you have plans that could cost you money.

They say as repairs have progressed additional issues have been uncovered. I do hope this date is what becomes the actual, but often one delay leads to another.

This really is a good lesson in many ways. Greater care must be taken by all lines.

While customer service is impacted, think of the costs of loss revenue that would have been generated.

Carnival says that some of the  parts they required were not readily available and are being manufactured in Europe. While the ship is currently in San Diego, it will sail to San Francisco in mid-January where repairs will be completed at a dry dock facility.

The announcment said that guests booked on the cancelled voyages will receive a refund or future cruise credit equal to the amount paid, along with reimbursement of air transportation-related change fees.

Those who re-book may also receive a 25% future cruise discount and/or onboard credit depending on the ship and sailing date of the new booking. Additional details are available at http://www.carnival.com .

Contact your travel agent if you are currently booked on one of the cancelled departures.

See more travel tips and news on http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

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Thursday, December 16, 2010

Resort Explosion Caused by Gas Leak...Not Swamp Gas.

                                   

Authorities have now concluded that the explosion at the Playa Del Carmen resort last month at the Grand Riviera Princess hotel was caused by a leak in an unauthorized gas line extension.

The swamp gas theory that first was put forth seemed a little far fetched, but apparently to any number of scientists at least plausible.

But a report soon after on a national news cast pointed out that the last time an explosion of consequence from built up gas last took place in England in 1984,

The swamp gas explanation just did not seem to be holding up to scrutiny. Yet worldwide media reported it as though it were fact. As a result fears about travelling to Mexico increased, and there was an initial, if not ongoing reluctance to book holidays in that area for fear of another swamp gas explosion.

Now the second reason given seems to be holding true, that human error and I might had irresponsibility was the cause. And that lack of responsibility killed 5 Canadians and 2 Mexicans and injured at least 18 others.

So what is the price of a life in Mexico. The Grand Riviera Princess was fined a total of $487,000, about $69,570 per life, not even counting the injured.

I know a half a million dollars is not chump change to any resort, but who authorized the gasline extension? And why was their shoddy workmanship?

These answers need to be forthcoming.

I have travelled to Playa Del Carmen in each of the last two years and will willingly do so again this year.

I am confident in the resorts and the way they are run. But I do expect the Mexican government to follow up to ensure all involved are prosecuted so as to present a deterent to any future work projects which might otherwise lead to shortcuts, and non approved construction.


This country deserves more and it deserves our support for the kind of people who are committed to serving tourists and who make their livelihood from us.

If you have questions about travel email me at askjourneys@journeystravelgear.com and look for travel related products for safety and security at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

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posted by That Travel Guy @ 6:31 PM  |  0 Comments

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Rome Must Like Us...They're Giving Us An Accommodation Tax!

Remember your history...When the Roman Empire taxed its annexed citizens thoughout its reign so as to keep its armies up and local taxes down.

Well, they say history repeats itself.

As of January 1, 2011 a fee of 3 Euros per night for four and five star hotes and 2 Euros per night for those lesser star rated properties.

What makes this one interesting is that a local politition type actually said  "In order for the city of Rome not to tax the Romans, we have decided to tax the tourists."

I now expect to see conquering legions march out of the city, dragging back the wallets of unsuspecting tourists...after all the airport is a few miles out of town.

Mind you, giving the price of a night's stay in Rome these days, the fee is a small percentage of what you'll be paying anyway.

And accommodation taxes are not new. Venice, trying to get itself out of deep water dept, recently announced its own tax, and I am sure others will follow.

On this side of the pond its hard to find a city that is not already charging us for the priviledge of visiting their cities.

Some call it a marketing fee, some call it improvement fees but by any standard a tax by any other name still stinks.

So we will pony up to the counter, frown, express dissatisfaction, pay the bill and go home telling our friends what a great time we had in Rome. Or whatever other destination that has found that even through all opposition protests we still go, often not realizing there is an extra charge until we check out.

So like the conquered nations of old, this little old Canadian will hide his flag in his breast pocket as he reaches for his wallet.

And on it goes!



Just as the city of Venice is planning an entry tax, Rome has announced that it will be charging an accommodation tax known as the 'Contirbuto di Soggiorno' from 1st January 2011. The small fee will be set at 3€ per night for up to ten nights at four- and five-star hotels while guests staying in all other accommodations will pay just 2€ extra per night. Children under the age of two and youth hostels will be exempt.


Local councillor Frederico Guidi explained:It is believed that the tax will generate 80m€ which will be put back into tourist services.

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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Waiting For Your First 787 Dreamliner Flight? It'll Be A While Longer.

The best laid plans of mice and men! They just seem to get mucked up sometimes...and if you're in the aircraft manufacturing business little things like fires in flight can really screw up things a lot.

So the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, initially scheduled to be launched in 2008, and then delayed time after time has yet one more new launch date to post.

A November fire aboard a test flight lead to the complete grounding of all test aircraft until the problem could be solved.

Now the manufacturer suggest June or July would be good months, while industry analysts suggest the end of 2011 maay be more realistic.

Delays in introducing new aircraft are not unusuall, although a three year delay does take the edge of some of the anticipation.

But from the consumer point of view, these delays are a good thing. I don't know about you but I prefer my fires while roasting hot dogs and marshmellows.

Even with the poor service we get on board airplanes these days this is not an inflight activity I car to participate in just yet.

So Boeing will keep working, and no doubt the will work our all the kinks.

The new aircraft, which is supposed to be exceptionally fuel efficient in part because of its 50% composite materials stucture, will eventually arrive.

This aircraft is not meant to compete with the flying cities we seem to be seeing come out now.

At just 210 to 250 passengers it will have an extended range and will be able to serve the long distances airline companies want without having to sell hundreds of tickets per flight.

Boeing is likely frustrated with their own performance and embarrased by some of the news reports, but I say, take your time.

Your time is my confidence, and I like the airline companies who must keep waiting longer for their deliveries say, make it right before it is sold.

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posted by That Travel Guy @ 8:00 AM  |  0 Comments

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Westjet Interline Agreement With British Air Changes Dynamics

Just in...You and I will be able to book codeshares with Westjet and British Air early next year.

This will change the dynamics of the competitive environment, domestic travel, and international booking patterns.

Westjet is also after Asian carrier agreements which should be easier facilitated once this agreement is running smoothly.

Baggage handling, codeshares, and lower prices in a more competitive environment should help us all.

This has been a time in the coming but is a great holiday gift to all of Canada.

Air Canada is not likely shaking in their boots but believe me it will begin to make an impact on booking patterns.

What a nice way to end the year in aviation.

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posted by That Travel Guy @ 2:27 PM  |  0 Comments