As you may have read, we spent Christmas in Jamaica and had the opportunity to try some authentic Jamaican dishes.
The jerk pork/chicken is quite good and not too spicy – just full of flavor.
The best ‘fast food’ item is the Jamaican Patty. It’s basically a corn pastry with meat filling – kind of like a Pizza Pop but less gloppy.
In Jamaica, you can buy these at Mother’s or Juicy’s and they’re about $1USD each or less if you use Jamaican money. They come in traditional chicken curry, beef, beef & cheese (process cheese slice), ‘The Works’ (beef with lettuce, tomato, and onion), fish, or lobster (in season).
Here in Canada, you can buy fresh patties if you go to Caribbean Days in North Vancouver (usually around the 3rd weekend in July) or at the following shops:
> The Patty Shop (4009 MacDonald St / 604.738.2144)
> Pizza Jerk (2707 Commercial Dr, Vancouver / 604.876.3343)
Other places where you can get Jamaican food but may be more restaurant style rather than take away are:
> Riddim & Spice (1945 Commercial Dr, Vancouver)
> The Reef (4172 Main St., Vancouver / 604.874.5375)
> Kiss Yo Mama (4926 Imperial St., Burnaby / 604.434.7254)
> Taste Nice Caribbean Restaurant (13448 108 ave, Surrey / 604.581.2444)
> P Gees Jamaican Restaurant (724 Nelson, Vancouver / 604.669.7810)
> Rice N’Spice (7 – 752 Thurlow, Vancouver / 604.683.3141)
> Taste of Jamaica (941 Davie St., Vancouver / 604.683.3464)
> Fran’s Place Taste of Jamaica (1966 West 4th, Vancouver / 604.731.0222)
> Reggae Café (832 W. Broadway, Vancouver / 604.877.0189)
> Kingston 11 Reggae Café (232 Lonsdale Ave / 604.783.4969)
Do you know of any other great places to get Jamaican patties? Post them here so others can try!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Hotel Review - Sunset Jamaica Grande
We spent Christmas at the Sunset Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
The package was through Air Canada Vacations and the flight and related staff were so bad that they truly deserve their own review, so I'll attend to that later.
The Sunset Jamaica Grande is billed as a 4-star. Just for clarification, most countries other than Canada & the US have a set rating system, so a resort achieves its star value based on certain criteria, such as having 24-hr room service, internet access, a spa, etc. Air Canada's rating of 4-star is subjective and certainly something that nearly everyone on our flight would contest.
The hotel rooms are in a serious state of disrepair, with black mold on just about everything (that hasn't been painted over - as opposed to cleaned!), cracks in the walls, rust water stains on the ceiling, and dampness in the room. Rooms that face the town do have an oceanview but are also subject to the very loud music from the town's bars & restaurants that are a stroll from the resort's entrance. Resort view rooms are more sheltered to the noise and have a great view of the bay & ocean.
The a la carte restaurants (3) all had very good food. Small portion sizes, so you can order an appetizer and meal and not feel stuffed. Not afraid to use spices here...nothing to spicy but actually full of flavor - a nice change from most resorts.
The buffet lacks originality. Basically the same 8 items with about 6 more items that change from day to day. Nothing exciting here and nothing with flavor.
There are quite a few pool areas, so it's always easy to find a lounger...the north side near the ever-popular volleyball area filled up the quickest, and the pool that the waterslide dumps into was also regularly busy with small children. The waterslide was a lot of fun and seemed to be used equally between kids and adults.
The beach area was disappointing. The watersports side was very rocky but lots of stuff to do if you can get past that. The quiet beach area was quite long and lots of loungers and less children but the water was full of seaweed and sea urchins. Not bad if the wind isn't blowing and you can see where you're stepping, but if it's windy, the waves stir up the sand and you're walking blind.
Drinks at the resort were pretty varied, with the obvious lean toward rum drinks. The Blue Mountain Coffee Cream drink seemed to be the most popular (mix 1/4 coffee liqueur & 3/4 Sangsters Rum Cream over ice - delish!).
Internet service was an exercise in frustration. Supposed to be high speed but was as slow as dial up and only worked intermittently. Very frustrating when I was reading reports here and there from CKNW that YVR was closed and that no Air Canada flights went out on Dec 24!
All in all, the resort would be good for someone looking for a cheap vacation in Jamaica. But, if you're looking for something cheap & cheerful anywhere else, there are a lot of other options out there in Cuba and Mexico where you'll spend a lot less and get a lot more.
Overall vote: thumbs down!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Vegas news: MGM to sell Treasure Island
Yes folks, it's true. As soon as 2nd quarter of 2009, the MGM family of casino resorts will become a little smaller.
Treasure Island, also known as TI after its recent rebranding, is located at the less busy north end of the strip. Perhaps best known for its outdoor pirate battle (which recently also changed to the 'Sirens of TI' - a more sexy version of the same battle), TI has also undergone major interior 'soft renovations' (upgraded bed linens, room decor, and flat screen plasma TVs).
Billionaire Phil Ruffin will be purchasing TI for $775 million, adding to his collection of Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield Inns, located throughout six different US states.
What does this mean to you?
Probably a couple of things - an impact to service levels and potential issues with Players Club points consolidation.
After Harrahs marged with 5 other strip properties, they tried to consolidate each unique resort's Players Club points...total disaster. It's like part of their database just disappeared (I know - I went from being considered a bit of a high roller to a nickel & dimer that didn't warrant even a discounted room). Shortly following this merger, there was rumour that the Imperial Palace and Flamingo would close. Almost immediately, you could see a difference in service - straight downhill. It's virtually inevitable that this will happen with TI.
Oh the other thing it will no doubt mean is that they'll bring in all the really great video slot machines - you know - all the themed ones like Gilligan's Island, Monty Python's Holy Grail, Terminator, Star Wars, Austin Powers, even Trump might finally make it to the Las Vegas strip with his Apprentice themed video slot machine. Typically when a casino is closing, you see all the fun slots, but the downside is that they rarely pay, so PLAY FOR FUN - not to win, and you'll enjoy all the crazy bonus rounds they offer.
Enjoy the TI while it lasts...who knows what it will look like in a year's time.
Treasure Island, also known as TI after its recent rebranding, is located at the less busy north end of the strip. Perhaps best known for its outdoor pirate battle (which recently also changed to the 'Sirens of TI' - a more sexy version of the same battle), TI has also undergone major interior 'soft renovations' (upgraded bed linens, room decor, and flat screen plasma TVs).
Billionaire Phil Ruffin will be purchasing TI for $775 million, adding to his collection of Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield Inns, located throughout six different US states.
What does this mean to you?
Probably a couple of things - an impact to service levels and potential issues with Players Club points consolidation.
After Harrahs marged with 5 other strip properties, they tried to consolidate each unique resort's Players Club points...total disaster. It's like part of their database just disappeared (I know - I went from being considered a bit of a high roller to a nickel & dimer that didn't warrant even a discounted room). Shortly following this merger, there was rumour that the Imperial Palace and Flamingo would close. Almost immediately, you could see a difference in service - straight downhill. It's virtually inevitable that this will happen with TI.
Oh the other thing it will no doubt mean is that they'll bring in all the really great video slot machines - you know - all the themed ones like Gilligan's Island, Monty Python's Holy Grail, Terminator, Star Wars, Austin Powers, even Trump might finally make it to the Las Vegas strip with his Apprentice themed video slot machine. Typically when a casino is closing, you see all the fun slots, but the downside is that they rarely pay, so PLAY FOR FUN - not to win, and you'll enjoy all the crazy bonus rounds they offer.
Enjoy the TI while it lasts...who knows what it will look like in a year's time.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Economic slowdown? Not when it comes to travel!!
I hear on the news every day about government bail outs and bankrupcies and this recession that we're trying to avoid. Despite this, flights for - well, anywhere - are sold out this Christmas, and flights & packages for this coming spring are almost sold out already!
In recent years I've been surprised to see how many people seem to be choosing not to exchange gifts with family members, but rather to go away on holidays to some great beach location. This year, despite the economic downturn, travel is busier than ever.
My colleagues and I are perpetually shocked to see flight availability disappear within minutes of giving a quote, and some destinations are sold out until late January. Even regular spring holidays (excluding spring break) are so busy that it's almost impossible to get a group quote for an extended family of 10. The tour operator's flight schedules have been in place for some time, so it's not as if there are less planes in the air - there's just more people traveling.
I read the other day that a US-based travel company surveyed their clients to find out if they'd be spending less on travel with the recession in the States. The overwhelming response was that people would still travel because they deserved it and needed to rejuvenate themselves. Interesting, coming from a country where Vegas hotel rates are almost free these days.
So what's the message here?
Book earlier than later. Don't wait for a seat sale - the sales are already on. If you wait, you just won't be going anywhere.
Having said that, I do predict that Wesjet will come out gangbusters in January again (remember last year's 2008 sale, with $20.08 flights all over Canada?). And they're great for offering outstandingly cheap flights to sun destinations like Cancun, Jamaica, and now, Dominican Republic.
So go on, book spring holiday before there are no seats left on the plane, and take advantage of some great deals.
In recent years I've been surprised to see how many people seem to be choosing not to exchange gifts with family members, but rather to go away on holidays to some great beach location. This year, despite the economic downturn, travel is busier than ever.
My colleagues and I are perpetually shocked to see flight availability disappear within minutes of giving a quote, and some destinations are sold out until late January. Even regular spring holidays (excluding spring break) are so busy that it's almost impossible to get a group quote for an extended family of 10. The tour operator's flight schedules have been in place for some time, so it's not as if there are less planes in the air - there's just more people traveling.
I read the other day that a US-based travel company surveyed their clients to find out if they'd be spending less on travel with the recession in the States. The overwhelming response was that people would still travel because they deserved it and needed to rejuvenate themselves. Interesting, coming from a country where Vegas hotel rates are almost free these days.
So what's the message here?
Book earlier than later. Don't wait for a seat sale - the sales are already on. If you wait, you just won't be going anywhere.
Having said that, I do predict that Wesjet will come out gangbusters in January again (remember last year's 2008 sale, with $20.08 flights all over Canada?). And they're great for offering outstandingly cheap flights to sun destinations like Cancun, Jamaica, and now, Dominican Republic.
So go on, book spring holiday before there are no seats left on the plane, and take advantage of some great deals.
Upcoming Changes for BC Travel Agents
Earlier last week, the BPCPA (Business Practices & Consumer Protection Authority) announced that travel agents in BC will no longer be required to work from a brick & mortar office, effective April 1/09.
What does this mean to you?
The internet is the biggest competition for brick & mortar agencies, and while there is a segment of people who want to sit at a desk in an office to plan their next trip, there is also a large segment that recognize that $30,000+ in office space rentals is going to be passed on to the consumer somehow.
In this industry, you've got to be competitive and offer great service. Monthly lease fees - no matter where you are - impact profitability, so why not take it out of the equation altogether?
I predict that a lot of offices will close as agents shift to a more relationship-style of selling. Agents will be more conscious of asking clients to refer their friends to them for business. Sort of a 'she told 2 friends, and so on and so on' type scenario. And truly, who would you rather deal with - someone you've never met before but you walked into their office because you heard their jingle on the radio? Or the agent that your friend just booked their fabulous vacation with (and always books with)?
It's also important to note that BC and Quebec are the only 2 provinces in Canada that have retained their requirements for a brick & mortar office for so long. In all other provinces, an agent can work from home and they've been able to do so for quite a few years.
The down side is that the big host agencies (travel agencies that support or sponsor home based agents) will begin to descend next year. We may see some slightly dodgy tactics as new agents try to build their business.
Am I worried about more competition?
Absolutely not. My business is 95% referral based, and my preference is to build a relationship with my clients and provide travel planning services to them for years to come. Competition is good for everyone - it makes us work smarter and in the end, the consumer benefits.
It's all good.
What does this mean to you?
The internet is the biggest competition for brick & mortar agencies, and while there is a segment of people who want to sit at a desk in an office to plan their next trip, there is also a large segment that recognize that $30,000+ in office space rentals is going to be passed on to the consumer somehow.
In this industry, you've got to be competitive and offer great service. Monthly lease fees - no matter where you are - impact profitability, so why not take it out of the equation altogether?
I predict that a lot of offices will close as agents shift to a more relationship-style of selling. Agents will be more conscious of asking clients to refer their friends to them for business. Sort of a 'she told 2 friends, and so on and so on' type scenario. And truly, who would you rather deal with - someone you've never met before but you walked into their office because you heard their jingle on the radio? Or the agent that your friend just booked their fabulous vacation with (and always books with)?
It's also important to note that BC and Quebec are the only 2 provinces in Canada that have retained their requirements for a brick & mortar office for so long. In all other provinces, an agent can work from home and they've been able to do so for quite a few years.
The down side is that the big host agencies (travel agencies that support or sponsor home based agents) will begin to descend next year. We may see some slightly dodgy tactics as new agents try to build their business.
Am I worried about more competition?
Absolutely not. My business is 95% referral based, and my preference is to build a relationship with my clients and provide travel planning services to them for years to come. Competition is good for everyone - it makes us work smarter and in the end, the consumer benefits.
It's all good.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Holiday Travel Tips
Holiday season is always a very busy time to travel. Some simple planning can prevent you from stressing out while you travel.
Here are Westjet Vacations' Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips:
1. Double check your flight times. Airports are very busy this time of year, so check that your flights are leaving on time. Check the airline's website (www.westjet.com) or the local airport website (www.yvr.ca).
2. All tickets are electronic now, but it's a good idea to keep a copy of your itinerary with you. Many airlines have a variety of options available for you to check in. Westjet offers four options - web checkin, mobile checkin, kiosk checkin, and traditional counter check in. Jot down your confirmation number (also known as the "locator number") when booking, then take advantages of these checkin options to make flying less stressful.
3. Get to the airport early. Arrange for your taxi to arrive a little early or if driving, allow for extra time to drive around looking for that empty parking stall (the lots will be very full).
4. Be aware of Security protocols for packed luggage - this means no wrapped gifts in carryon and ANY toys with a remote control MUST go in checked luggage or will be confiscated. You can request the bag be marked "fragile".
5. Check luggage weight restrictions & how many bags you're allowed. Clearly tag your bags with your name & contact information and ensure that there are no loose straps hanging that will get caught in the luggage conveyor belt. With Westjet, you are allowed 2 pieces of checked baggage per person (for free even!) at 50 lbs per item. Sporting equipment such as skis and snowboards are considered part of the checked baggage allowance of 2 pieces.
6. Be aware of restrictions for carry-on baggage. Westjet allows 2 pieces per person at 22lbs each. Don't forget the liquid restrictions are still in place, so containers must be no larger than 3.4 oz or 100ml/100g and these must be placed in a clear 1L resealable bag (ie. Ziplock)
7. Pets require special attention. Only leak-proof, soft-sided kennels designed to fit under the seat are accepted in the cabin. Remember that Westjet has a holiday pet embargo on for animals in checked baggage (Dec 15-Jan 6). Cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds may travel in the cabin in appropriate kennels and may NOT be allowed out of these kennels at any point during the flight.
8. Make travel fun for th kids by bringing along games & toys to keep them occupied. A long trip will pass much quicker with some entertainment. Westjet offers excellent live seatback TV, so pack single pronged headsets (iPod earbuds are compatible)
9. Stay hydrated and wear layers. Cabin air can be very dry, so buy a bottle of water once you're through Security to sip along the way. Cabin temperature will also fluctuate, so it's best to wear light layers that can easily be shed or added if needs be.
10. Share a holiday joke with the inflight crew. Westjet flight crew are always quick to share a laugh with passengers and are always looking for new material. If you have an appropriate holiday joke that makes you laugh every time, feel free to share it on board and spead festive cheer!
Happy flying!
.
Here are Westjet Vacations' Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips:
1. Double check your flight times. Airports are very busy this time of year, so check that your flights are leaving on time. Check the airline's website (www.westjet.com) or the local airport website (www.yvr.ca).
2. All tickets are electronic now, but it's a good idea to keep a copy of your itinerary with you. Many airlines have a variety of options available for you to check in. Westjet offers four options - web checkin, mobile checkin, kiosk checkin, and traditional counter check in. Jot down your confirmation number (also known as the "locator number") when booking, then take advantages of these checkin options to make flying less stressful.
3. Get to the airport early. Arrange for your taxi to arrive a little early or if driving, allow for extra time to drive around looking for that empty parking stall (the lots will be very full).
4. Be aware of Security protocols for packed luggage - this means no wrapped gifts in carryon and ANY toys with a remote control MUST go in checked luggage or will be confiscated. You can request the bag be marked "fragile".
5. Check luggage weight restrictions & how many bags you're allowed. Clearly tag your bags with your name & contact information and ensure that there are no loose straps hanging that will get caught in the luggage conveyor belt. With Westjet, you are allowed 2 pieces of checked baggage per person (for free even!) at 50 lbs per item. Sporting equipment such as skis and snowboards are considered part of the checked baggage allowance of 2 pieces.
6. Be aware of restrictions for carry-on baggage. Westjet allows 2 pieces per person at 22lbs each. Don't forget the liquid restrictions are still in place, so containers must be no larger than 3.4 oz or 100ml/100g and these must be placed in a clear 1L resealable bag (ie. Ziplock)
7. Pets require special attention. Only leak-proof, soft-sided kennels designed to fit under the seat are accepted in the cabin. Remember that Westjet has a holiday pet embargo on for animals in checked baggage (Dec 15-Jan 6). Cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds may travel in the cabin in appropriate kennels and may NOT be allowed out of these kennels at any point during the flight.
8. Make travel fun for th kids by bringing along games & toys to keep them occupied. A long trip will pass much quicker with some entertainment. Westjet offers excellent live seatback TV, so pack single pronged headsets (iPod earbuds are compatible)
9. Stay hydrated and wear layers. Cabin air can be very dry, so buy a bottle of water once you're through Security to sip along the way. Cabin temperature will also fluctuate, so it's best to wear light layers that can easily be shed or added if needs be.
10. Share a holiday joke with the inflight crew. Westjet flight crew are always quick to share a laugh with passengers and are always looking for new material. If you have an appropriate holiday joke that makes you laugh every time, feel free to share it on board and spead festive cheer!
Happy flying!
.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Welcome!
Thanks for stopping by!
I finally decided to join the 21st century and start a travel blog. I've seen a few that colleagues have created and they seem like a lot of fun. Plus, things are always changing in the travel industry, so what better way to let you know about great deals, changes that are going to impact you, industry predictions...you get the idea.
I love a deal, so one of my goals as a travel agent is to always get you the best value for money. That might mean a great deal to Las Vegas or, on the complete opposite side, it might mean a luxury vacation where you're treated like royalty without paying a king's ransom.
This is my first blog, so I welcome any and all feedback - let's have some fun with this!
Christine
I finally decided to join the 21st century and start a travel blog. I've seen a few that colleagues have created and they seem like a lot of fun. Plus, things are always changing in the travel industry, so what better way to let you know about great deals, changes that are going to impact you, industry predictions...you get the idea.
I love a deal, so one of my goals as a travel agent is to always get you the best value for money. That might mean a great deal to Las Vegas or, on the complete opposite side, it might mean a luxury vacation where you're treated like royalty without paying a king's ransom.
This is my first blog, so I welcome any and all feedback - let's have some fun with this!
Christine
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