Archive for » 2010 «

Packing Light Tips from “The 4 Hour Work Week” Author Tim Ferriss
Monday, October 18th, 2010 /

This week, I’m giving a presentation, along with TravelCuts travel agency, at University of British Columbia on how to pack light. I came across this packing tips video by Tim Ferriss, author of the New York Times & Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller, The Four Hour Work Week. With all of the time he has off, Ferriss criss-crosses the globe and in this video, he recommends several travel essentials including these which you can purchase here:

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Japan Travel Tip: Skip Rush Hour in Downtown Tokyo or You May Experience This…
Monday, October 11th, 2010 /
First time to TravelPerch? Welcome!
I invite you to check out my website, TravelSmarts and visit  TravelSmarts Products where you’ll find a selection of value-priced, quality travel accessories.  Happy travels!

A month before I was to head home after attending a year of high school as an exchange student in Japan, I asked a local what ”Japanesey” things she recommeded I must do before leaving. Without skipping a beat she replied, ”Go to Shinjuku station (which, at the time, was the busiest train station in the world) in Tokyo during the morning rush hour and see the train ’pushers’.”

Although I was on the train daily and visited my sister and brother who worked in Tokyo, I’d never seen the ‘pushers’ I’d heard so much about. Who are they? These are men with crisp uniforms and white-as-snow gloves employed by the railway company (not police as the video below suggests) who spend a few hours each morning and evening cramming people into trains. Yes, cramming people into trains.

So, early one morning, off I went from Yokohama, where I lived, to Shinjuku station and met up with two other foreign exchange students from Australia and Canada. Wearing our school uniforms with cameras primed, we watched the ‘pusher’ spectacle unfold. We were speechless. And then we burst out laughing because we couldn’t believe what we were seeing. Here’s a taste of what we saw:

Then the fun happens all over again five minutes later when another train arrives. Insane.

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What Pickpockets & Scammers Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Sunday, October 10th, 2010 /

I’m giving a talk this week to a group about travel safety and in my research, I came across this fascinating video. It’s an investigative report done by ABC News with actual footage of tourists being pickpocketed or scammed – pretty disturbing. There’s an interview with a man named Bob Arno whose live show about pickpocketing I saw several times on board while I was working on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean one summer. If you ever get a chance to see his show, do go!!

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10 Ways to Save on Airfare
Thursday, October 07th, 2010 /

This month, I’m teaching several workshops on travelling on a budget so I’ve got cheap airfare tips on the brain…With United Airlines and Continental Airlines merging, Mexicana Airlines going bankrupt, and more business and leisure travellers taking to the skies after staying close to home last year because of the recession, airfares are on the rise. Here are ten ways you can shave costs on flights:

1.  The cheapest days to fly are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Wednesdays are usually the least expensive while Sundays are  often the most expensive.

2.  Early morning, just after lunch, just after dinner and the overnight flights are when you’ll often save.

3.  The cheapest time to buy airfare is usually from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning because that is often when competition between airlines on airfares is particularly fierce.

4.  Check out Bing Travel as they have a free “Price Predictor” service which advises you whether to wait or buy airfare now on the more common routes.

5.  Track flight prices before you buy by going to Yapta which stands for “Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant”. If you’ve already purchased tickets, this website may be able to help you get airline refunds.

6.  A search on ITA Software will pull up a list of numerous airlines which fly the route you’re wanting to go and there is the option to include nearby airports. You may find airlines on the list that surprise you and those flights could be less expensive because people wouldn’t think to fly with them. For example, Korean Airlines flies between Los Angeles and Sao Paulo, Brazil. And Cathay Pacific jets between Vancouver and New York.

7.  Check out these websites for budget airlines that aren’t always included in the more popular travel search engines:  Which Budget, Skycanner, WeGoLo and DoHop.

8.  Become a fan of your favorite airlines’ Facebook pages as more and more airlines are posting sweet deals there.

9.  And while you’re social media-ing, drop by the tweets made on Twitter by airlines you fly often to find out about the latest bargains.

10.  Signing up for enewsletters sent out by airlines is a good idea so that you can be in the know about sales they’re offering.

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Featured Traveller: Patricia Kuhling
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 /

There is a good reason Patricia Kuhling’s parents refer to her as a ”gypsy”. Patricia notes that she struggles to stay put for any extended period of time and tends to be plotting her next adventure within days of returning home from a trip. She’s a seasonal crew member for Princess Cruises and Cunard Cruise Lines and has travelled to many a distant land. Patricia has also enjoyed travelling and camping extensively throughout the beautiful Canadian province of British Columbia, where she calls home. Here are Patricia’s tips:

1)  How do you travel lightly?

  • I always try to keep my personal products and daily essentials to a minimum. The large and bulky bottles take up a lot of space and weigh down my luggage.
  • I like to mix and match my outfits so that I can wear them repeatedly and still have variety.
  • If you are cruising, remember that there are laundry rooms onboard so pack your own detergent to save dollars.
  • Most shops on cruise ships offer a range of products. If you neglected to pack something, it can typically be purchased onboard.

2)  What are your favorite travel websites?

  • I always use www.tripadvisor.com before going on any vacation, whether it be a local adventure or traveling overseas.
  • I also like to visit www.lonelyplanet.com.
  • I often spend significant time surfing around on airline websites for good deals so as to compare their rates to package deals found through www.expedia.ca, www.travelzoo.ca, and so many other travel websites.
  • I also try to find a local website for the destination I am travelling to. Most cities have a great website with local information.

3)  What travel accessories/gadgets do you like to travel with?

  • I always take an all-in-one personal product bag. If it has a hanging feature, all the better for just hanging up in the bathroom for easy access, especially if there is little counter or cupboard space. [Andrea’s note:  We carry this kind of toiletry bag.]
  • Luggage tags are a must. I choose brightly coloured tags that are easily identifiable, keep your contact information current and also include it inside your bags. [Andrea’s note:  We carry colorful luggage tags.]
  • Avoid large purses or bags. I carry a small organizer bag with just enough space for money, credit cards, and copies of i.d. and emergency contacts. [Andrea’s note: We carry this bag.]
  • A portable battery operated alarm clock is a must. [Andrea's note: Coming soon!]

4)  What are your top tips for people going on a cruise?

  • Travel light and always pack an extra outfit and overnight essentials in your carry-on baggage. Your luggage is typically transferred from airline to the cruise ship so there is room for error!
  • Research any shore excursions prior to your cruise. I find www.tripadvisor.com to be a great site for feedback. Pre-book your excursions as any of the good ones fill up quickly. If you are planning to venture off on your own and purchase shore excursions through local tour operators, the ship will not wait very long if you return late.
  • Most cruise lines now have staff gratuities automatically added to your shipboard account. If this is not for you and you would rather tip only those crew members who serve you directly, go to the pursers’ desk upon boarding the ship and have it removed from your account. Make sure to carefully review your final bill for any double charges. Keep in mind that not all crew and services on the ship are included in the automatic gratuity.
  • Make photocopies of your passport, cruise ship itinerary and emergency contacts. Carry them with you on shore.

Are you a globetrotter who’d like to share your travel tips with our readers?
If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email me at info@travelsmarts.ca.

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Alaska’s Spectacular White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010 /

Alaska is an amazing place – one I recommend  you visit some time in your life. Although I’d worked in “The Last Frontier” one summer a few years ago, when I was there for a couple of weeks last month, I was still absolutely mesmerized by its natural beauty.

If you’re ever in the Alaskan town of Skagway, be sure to take a journey in the old-fashioned parlour cars of the famous White Pass & Yukon Route (WP & YR) train. Built in only 26 months, after blasting through coastal mountains, the 110 mile “railway built of gold” cost $10 million and took to the tracks at the turn of the 20th century during the Klondike Gold Rush. The railway connects the pint-sized port of Skagway to Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada and beyond to northwest Canada and the Alaskan interior.

In 1982, the WP & YR ceased operations when the Yukon’s mining industry collapsed as a result of  low mineral prices. Six years later, the railway reopened for tourists and today, the WP & YR carries over 450,000 passengers annually during the busy May to September tourist season. There are several train excursions to choose but the 3-3.5 hour narrated “White Pass Summit Excursion” is one a WP & YR employee recommended as the best choice, especially if you’re on a budget since the ride will set you back at least $110.  

Within just a 20 mile stretch, the train, pulled by vintage diesel locomotives, climbs almost 3000 feet. Spectacular scenery abounds as you’ll see glaciers, gorges, waterfalls and mountains. You’ll ride on cliff-hanging turns, through two spooky tunnels and a variety of bridges and trestles. The WP & YR is considered an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation shared with the likes of the Eiffel Tower, the Panama Canal, and the Statue of Liberty.

Tips:

- Sit on the left side of the train. The train turns around in the middle of the journey and passengers switch sides so you’re able to get a view from both sides of the train but on the way back, people tend to get a wee bit sleepy.
- Get outside on the platforms that connect the cars, and enjoy the fresh air and exhilaration of being in the midst of unbelievable natural beauty.
- If you plan to head out on the platform, dress warmly, even if it’s a hot day in Skagway. As the train creeps north, it sure gets chilly!

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Cruise Ship Review: Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas
Thursday, September 02nd, 2010 /

If you’re looking to take a cruise with children or have a multi-generational vacation, Royal Caribbean is an excellent choice. When I ask travel agents what their favourite cruise line is, RC is often mentioned (along with Princess and Holland America).  Last week, along with several travel agents and their customers, I toured RC’s Radiance of the Seas cruise ship. Here are some observations:

Passenger capacity:  2,501
Maiden Voyage:  March 10, 2001
Length:  962 feet

Décor – Fun and playful, this ship is nearing its 10th birthday so the décor is slightly outdated, or “retro” as one of the people on our tour noted. You’ll find stains, chips and a bit of wear in cabins and public areas but the various styles of wood panelling and glass add a sophisticated touch. Having a nice mix of art throughout, this ship’s innovative atrium is quite the spectacle complete with glass elevators. Cabins are outfitted in deep yellows, reds and blues.

Cabins – The sleeping digs on this ship are decent but I agree with a travel agent on our tour who pointed out that the beds seem to be on the small side. In the standard cabins, bathroom counter space is limited and some have ugly exposed pipes. The more luxe suites were nice but not as classy as some I’ve seen on other ships. However, the lavish Royal Suite – all 1001 square feet of it – with its wet bar, baby grand piano, Jacuzzi and gorgeous tiled bathroom floor was one we sure liked!Radiance of the Seas

Lounges/Discos – The Viking Crown Lounge has a fantastic view and would be a great place to soak in the natural beauty as you sail off the scenic shores of Alaska. The festive maritime-themed Schooner Bar links to the cozy British colonial-style atmosphere of the wood-panelled Colony Club. A hit with our group, this spacious lounge is complete with innovative self-levelling pool tables and card tables. There’s also a nightclub, sports bar, casion and movie theatre for even more selection of entertainment.

Restaurants – While the casual Windjammer Cafe buffet offers a wide variety of dishes, the food presentation isn’t as good as what I’ve seen on other cruise lines. A travel agent I dined with in the elegant 2-storey main dining, room, Cascades, raved about the Portofino Italian restaurant (extra fee). There’s also the Chop Grille (extra fee) which offers a fine view. We quite liked the casual outdoor Sea View Café in the kids area.

Children’s Area – Royal Caribbean is renowned for its onboard entertainment for children, and this ship is no exception.  Kids won’t complain of being bored because they have so many things to choose from such as a climbing wall, basketball court, 24 hour golf putting green and indoor play centres geared towards different age groups.

Pools – If you’re looking for some peace and quiet onboard, the African safari-themed Solarium Centre indoor pool area is one you’ll love. Waterfalls, plants and three life-size stone elephants as well as a soothing recording of birds chirping make this a peaceful adults-only sanctuary. There are several other pools and whirlpools for all ages.

Theatre – The 3-level Aurora theatre is pretty standard, but keep in mind that Royal Caribbean offers some exceptional shows onboard.

Fitness Centre & Spa – Located at the front of the ship, the ShipShape workout area affords a stunning view and is super spacious.

If you don’t mind that the décor needs an update, this ship has such a wonderful array of dining options and amenities that it’s certainly one to consider…especially if you’re travelling as a family.

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7 Things You Wouldn’t Think to Pack for a Cruise
Saturday, August 28th, 2010 /

Having worked on over 30 cruises and toured ships from four cruiselines, I’ve put together a list of items you may not have thought to pack but should definitely consider adding to your list:

1) Power Bar – Outlets are often in short supply in cabins so if you need to charge or plug in several items, you’ll definitely need one of these.

2) Lanyard – You’ll spot many cruisers wearing their credit card-style cabin key hanging around their neck from a lanyard. This way, you won’t need to always be carrying a purse or wearing clothes with pockets.

3) Post-It Notes – These gems make it easier to communicate with others you’re travelling with. And, if you have any requests of your cabin steward, simply leave them a note on the bathroom mirror.

4) Walkie-Talkies – Another great way to keep in touch with your cruising companions (especially if you’re travelling with children or a large group) is by using a set of walkie-talkies. You may also be able to rent them from the Purser’s Desk on board.    

5) Alarm Clock –  Some cruise lines don’t have clocks in their cabins so taking one of these is an absolute must if you don’t want to miss that shore excursion or breakfast buffet!

6) Binoculars – You’ll be so glad you took a pair of compact binoculars, especially when sailing in Alaska and other areas rich in nature and wildlife. Bushnell and Nikon are popular brands.

7) Laundry Essentials  – If you’re on the road for more than a week, lighten your load by using the onboard laundry room. Travellers love the Flexo-Line laundry line and inflatable hangers.

Enjoy your cruise!!

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Best Cruise Lines – Conde Nast Traveler: Gold List 2010
Tuesday, August 03rd, 2010 /

Booking a cruise 6 to 9 months prior to sailing is the norm. Last minute deals can be had but your selection of sailings and cabins can be limited. January to March, called “wave season” in the industry, is when many travel agencies roll out excellent cruise deals. But, if you’re in the market now for planning  a high calibre small or large ship cruising experience, take a look at what the readers of the upscale travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler rated as their favorite cruise lines in the Condé Nast Traveler: Gold List 2010:

1)   Crystal Cruises

2)   Disney Cruise Line

3)   Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises

4)   Oberoi Cruises

5)   Oceania Cruises

6)   Regent Seven Seas Cruises

7)   Sea Cloud Cruises

8)   SeaDream Yacht Club

9)   Silversea Cruises

10) Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

11) Windstar Cruises

12) Yachts of Seabourn

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Featured Traveller: Hope Fredrickson
Monday, July 26th, 2010 /

What started out as a dream to become a certified scuba diver and then a Dive Master resulted in Idaho’s Hope Fredrickson (pictured at left with her husband) opening up a travel agency,  Hope to Go…Dive and Travel. She specializes in cruising, dive trips and Hawaiian vacations. Here are some of her tips and advice:

 

 

1) What should travellers look for in a travel agent?

Compatibility!  You need to get along and be able to communicate well.  You are looking for someone who understands you and the way you like to travel. 

2)  What little know tips can you provide for someone going on a cruise?

  • The bathrooms are VERY dark!!  I suggest that you take a small, keychain type LED flashlight on a neck lanyard. (NOTE:  When Hope submitted her tips to us, we had just started to carry this type of flashlight. Check it out here.)
  • It surprises me that 2000 people can be on the exact same cruise, eating the same food, sleeping in basically the same cabins, visiting the same ports, with the same sea conditions and weather and the same staff, and you hear those who are having the time of their lives, and those who are totally miserable.  My suggestion is that it is all about personal attitude!  Go on vacation expecting to have a great time and guess what? You will!  If everything isn’t exactly the way you expected it to be.. So what?  Choose to have a good time! 

3)  What are the best places in the world to scuba dive?

Each place has its unique conditions and critters.  Hawaii is great diving – lots of fish, hard corals and it’s easy to get to by air or cruise.  The Caribbean has so many great dive locations!  The wonderful thing about going on a cruise is that you are able to dive in 3-4 different locations on one trip.  Then there is the Pacific Northwest!  Beautiful cold water diving.

4)  What are some of your favorite websites or resources for consumers?

I enjoy searching the Yahoo or Google travel sites to see what they have to offer.  My biggest recommendation though, is to book through your travel agent as that will give you peace of mind that you have booked a legitimate vacation.  I encourage my clients to look on the internet and determine what kind of vacation they want and to even give me the prices they have found.  This way, they are fine tuning what they want to do before they even call me.

 

Are you a globetrotter who’d like to share your travel tips with our blog and e-newsletter readers?
If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email me at info@travelsmarts.ca.

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Travel Agents’ Choice Awards 2010
Monday, July 19th, 2010 /

Check out a few of the winners of the recently released Agents’ Choice Awards 2010 presented by the Canadian travel industry publications of Travel Press and Travel Courier. Votes came in from 3,867 travel agents across Canada.  Those who remain undefeated include: Gap Adventures, Walt Disney World and Trafalgar Tours.

Adventure Tour Operator

1)      Gap Adventures
2)      Goway
3)      Contiki

All-Inclusive Resort

1)      Sandals/Beaches
2)      RIU Hotels
3)      Bahia Principe

Canadian Tourist Attraction

1)      Banff, Alberta
2)      Niagara Falls, Ontario
3)      Whistler, BC

International Tourist Attraction

1)      Walt Disney World
2)      Eiffel Tower
3)      Great Wall of China

Car Rental Agency

1)      Avis
2)      Budget
3)      Hertz

Cruise Line

1)      Royal Caribbean
2)      Princess
3)      Celebrity

River Cruise Line

1)      Avalon Waterways
2)      Uniworld
3)      Viking River Cruises

Honeymoon Destination

1)      Jamaica
2)      Mexico
3)      Cruising

Motor Coach Operators

1)      Trafalgar
2)      Insight
3)      Globus/Cosmos

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7 Ways to Fly in Comfort
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 /

Arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed, relaxed and ready to have a fantastic vacation by employing these easy, handy tips when sitting in coach:

1) Seek Out the Best Seats - Request a seat that’s away from galleys, lavatories and engines where there can be noise and smells galore.  Visit the invaluable website, www.seatguru.com where you can find out where the good, bad and ugly seats are on the aircraft you’ll be flying on.

2) Quell Queasiness – If you suffer from motion sickness easily, seats in the over wing area are your best as you’ll experience less turbulence.

3)  Compress for Success - Compression socks or flight socks, available at pharmacies, provide a light massaging effect on your legs and keep DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) at bay as they keep blood from pooling at your ankles.

4) Deal with Dryness – Airplanes are dry as deserts so moisturize your skin and lips in flight and wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Drink a few glasses of water before boarding and then a glass of water for each hour you`re in flight. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks which can be deyhdrating and/or unhealthy.

5) Eat the Good Stuff -  Take nutritious snacks such as fruit and veggies, nuts, granola bars and dried fruit.

6)  Equip Yourself – Pack an eye mask, travel pillow and ear plugs. Rather than taking a bulky blanket, dress in warm, comfy clothes.

7)   S-T-R-E-T-C-H – Do stretches in your seat and at the back of the plane. Walk around the cabin every hour or so.

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Featured Traveller: Elinor Warkentin
Thursday, June 24th, 2010 /

It could be because of her grandfather’s stories or growing up on a farm in a small Canadian prairie town and wanting to see the world beyond her horizons that travel became a fascination at a young age for Vancouver-based Elinor Warkentin. Her recent globetrotting has included visits to Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. She’s a trustee of Women Welcome Women World Wide, a women’s travel friendship organization with over 2500 members in 80 countries. When she’s not travelling, Elinor is a Professional Organizer through her business Goodbye Clutter! 

1) What tips do you have for how to get organized before a trip?
Create a packing list. I have a master travel packing chart that covers about 6 different kinds of trips, such as trips to family in Canada, Europe for meetings, professional organizing conferences, etc. Each trip gets a column and each item a line, so that I can check off the things I will need. Also, keep a folder called “My Next Trip” on your desk and file necessary papers as they are created, such as your itinerary, key contact info, etc. Book time in your calendar to start packing about 2-3 days before your trip.

2) How can travellers stay organized on the road?
Create a small list of emergency numbers. Laminate the card and keep it with your flight and hotel information. Put a copy in your wallet or purse, and one at home with your emergency contact person. Pack less. You will have less to keep track of and less to cart around.

3) What packing tips do you have?
Pick a colour so that your clothes can be easily mixed and matched. Pack clothes you no longer want that you can leave behind. Don’t be afraid to hand launder your clothes. Take lightweight, wrinkle-free clothes. Unpack when you get to your destination if you are staying any more than one day. Keeping things in your suitcase usually leads to a mess of items that you end up forgetting you brought or aren’t able to find easily.

4) How do you keep travel costs down?
I love exploring grocery stores in other countries and trying their foods. It’s easy and fun to have picnics with a few deli items. Mix low-cost groceries with fresh, take-out sandwiches, and then enjoy the occasional restaurant. Eat where the locals eat. Don’t forget to check your cell phone plan for roaming and long distance charges. Look into their travel plans. Google “free things to do” and your destination.

5) What are some of your favorite travel websites or resources?
For flights, I prefer using a travel agent but I am finding Twitter to be my most valuable resource for countries I want to visit. Twitter introduced me to several Icelandic bloggers from whom I learned many things before my trip. I also ask members of Women Welcome Women for information when I am preparing to travel to a country that has members there.

6) What travel gadgets do you always pack?
My current favorite one has to be my iPhone with maps, contact info, email apps and Google. I also like my ear plugs and those cloths that are compressed to the size of a mint, but expand in water and become an instant face cloth.

Elinor’s Websites:
www.goodbyeclutter.ca
www.twitter.com/GoodbyeClutter
www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk/trustees.asp


Are you a globetrotter who’d like to share your travel tips with our blog and e-newsletter readers?
If so, I’d love to hear from you!
Please email me at info@travelsmarts.ca.

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Winnipeg, Manitoba – Top 6 Downtown Hotels
Thursday, June 17th, 2010 /

Just back from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Having visited there over a dozen times, I’ve found that most travellers journey to Winnipeg more for business than sightseeing. Because of its central location in Canada, it’s a popular city for conferences and meetings so book your lodging early. If you’re heading to “The Peg” for business downtown, here are my top six hotel picks:

1) Place Louis Riel Suite Hotel
An “Insiders’ Select 2010 Winner” on Expedia and one of two hotels Frommer’s guidebooks chose as the best in town,  this hotel is where we had a very enjoyable stay. All rooms come equipped with a full-size fridge and stove AND, you get free internet and local phone calls. Other features include spacious rooms, great bath products, and contemporary décor with a Manitoba twist. On the premises are a restaurant (which served so-so breakfasts), small grocery store and fitness room. Be prepared to run into some interesting characters when walking around the neighborhood. But, I’m told by locals that this is one of the safer areas in the downtown core. Be sure to ask for a renovated room.

2) Humphry Inn & Suites
While the rooms here are your standard blah neutral ones, I’ve listed this as my second choice because of the great selection of amenities it offers. The Humphry’s perks include: complimentary parking, phone calls, hot/cold breakfast and internet access in the 24-hour business center. Rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges and you have access to their pool, hot tub, steam room and workout facility. It’s located on one of Winnipeg’s busiest and most famous streets so do ask for a quiet room that doesn’t face Main Street.

3) Inn at the Forks
This stylish, eco-conscious boutique hotel has received excellent reviews from several websites and guidebooks I consulted. It’s located at “The Forks” (see photo at right) which is one of the city’s best tourist attractions but the hotel is not as convenient to downtown as the others on this list. On offer are a spa, restaurant, workout facility and complimentary in-room internet. If you want a mini-fridge, you’ll need to request that one be delivered to your room. 

4) Fairmont Winnipeg
While I didn’t have an opportunity to do a site inspection of this property, it was either recommended or ranked high on the list of the websites and guidebooks I used during my research. Fairmont is an excellent brand of hotels but from reviews I read, this one is not quite on par with others in the chain which I’ve stayed at or rated when I was a hotel inspector. Guest services include two restaurants, a business centre, spa and health club. Sign up for the complimentary Fairmont President’s Club loyalty program (http://www.fairmont.com/fpc/) and you’ll get such privileges as complimentary in-room internet, free local calls, free health club access, complimentary use of TaylorMade golf clubs and more. 

5) Delta Winnipeg
This is another lodging option with uninspiring room décor but a great selection of amenities and is connected by an indoor skywalk to the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Their health club is the largest in Manitoba and includes indoor and outdoor pools as well as a whirlpool, sauna and workout area. They have a small gift shop, Elephant and Castle pub and a restaurant which combines “prairie fare with a global flair”. Rooms have free internet and local calls. Having grown up on the Canadian Prairies, I was captivated by the Manitoba landscapes (see photo at left) in the lobby and restaurant created by Romanian artist Gabriela Diaconu, who is based in Canada. Check out her work at http://artshock.com/category/image-galleries/prairie-landscapes.

6) Mariaggi’s Theme Suite Hotels
Although this property is geared towards couples rather than businesspeople, it’s such a unique hotel that I wanted to include it on the list. Ranked #1 on Trip Advisor‘s list of Winnipeg 53 hotels, Mariaggi’s is so popular because of its eight globally themed rooms – i.e. India, Rome, China, Indonesia, etc. Each room has a hot tub, steam unit, microwave and fridge. And, many have fireplaces while some even have pool tables and waterfall hot tubs. There are none of the amenities offered up by the above hotels (including telephones!) but with rates starting at $200+/night, there is obviously a demand!

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Should You Hire a Travel Agent?
Tuesday, June 08th, 2010 /

Last week, I rubbed shoulders with hundreds of travel agents from around the world at a conference here in Vancouver. My experience hit home that travel agents should, in a number of cases, be considered over the internet when making travel plans.

When Should You Hire a Travel Agent?
If you’re booking a cruise, I highly recommend that you go to a cruise specialist agent. They can often land you great deals and if you run into any problems during your trip, they can usually troubleshoot for you. And, the specialized knowledge these agents have gained is of great benefit to you. One veteran agent shared with me that she always tries to book her clients on a particular deck on a certain cruise line’s ships because they have larger balconies than other decks, a fact few people know. Another agent told me she steers her clients away from the Hawaii cruises because of so much negative feedback she’s heard from people who have sailed there.

It’s also wise to seek out a travel agent if you:

  • Want to stay at an all-inclusive resort
  • Would like to go on a safari or bus tour
  • Are travelling with a large group
  • Are playing a key role during a special celebration such as a destination wedding, honeymoon or anniversary
  • Are going on a complex trip

What to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Travel Agent

  • Work with an agent who specializes in the places you’d like to visit and/or type of travel you’re interested in embarking upon. (i.e. adventure travel)
  • Choose one who has several years’ experience under their belt.
  • Find one who’s been to where you’re going (preferably several times).
  • Ensure they are a member of the national association of travel agents in your country. In Canada, it’s the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) and in the US, it’s the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
  • Check the Better Business Bureau on-line (www.bbb.org) to see if any complaints have been filed against the travel agency and if so, how the complaints were handled.
  • Interview at least three agents and determine if they have extensive knowledge, ask you good questions, listen well and understand your needs.
  • Choose an agency that has a contact person available 24/7 in case you run into an emergency situation during your trip.

Most travel agents are invaluable resources with the knowledge and experience that can make the difference between a good trip and an exceptional one.

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