I've updated my blog so that it's now a part of my website.
I'll be exporting old posts from this blog to my new site as soon as I can figure out how to do that...
In the meantime, please go to http://blog.thefrugaltravelers.com/ to see my new blog.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wadadli Catamaran in Antigua
Whether you happen to be in Antigua for a beach holiday or it's a stop on your Caribbean cruise, a very enjoyable way to spend the day is onboard the Wadadli Catamaran that circumnavigates the island. (Wadadli is the name of the local beer). The boat crew share loads of information about the island and its history, and of course, the beauty that you see along the way is worth the ride.
Antigua claims to have 365 beaches - one for each day of the year - and the Wadadli cat glides along to each hotel's beach to pick up passengers (a nice change from the normal bus trip to a pier). As you head around the island, they point out the extremely expensive accommodations that are available...Galley Bay and Jumby Bay are two that stand out for me. Oppulent luxury at well over $1,000/nt and of course, the neighbourhood is suitable, with one of Oprah's island homes just across the way.
As we near the northern corner of the island, the crew advise us to put all of our belongings inside the boat, and for the young and elderly and not so fit to make their way to the back of the boat. They tell us that the ride will become quite bumpy and we'll get wet...we grasp the rope meshing that separates the catamaran hulls and as we crash through the massive waves, we get utterly soaked. It's all good fun and we are all laughing until our sides ache.
We pass again to calmer waters and pull in to Green Island for a rest. The boat docks and we have the option to do some snorkeling, rest on the beach, or just relax on the boat in the sun with a bit of lunch.
After our short break, we carry on around the island to English Harbour and we all seem to be attacking the Rum Punch with a vigor that would make any holidayer proud. As we return to our hotel, we reflect on what a fabulous day it's been and now it's definitely time for a nap!
The Wadadli Cat circumnavigation cruise departs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and cruises start at $110USD per person.
A truly enjoyable way to spend the day and to see the many beaches of Antigua, and in a true salute to the island, their motto is: SAIL FAST... LIVE SLOW
Antigua claims to have 365 beaches - one for each day of the year - and the Wadadli cat glides along to each hotel's beach to pick up passengers (a nice change from the normal bus trip to a pier). As you head around the island, they point out the extremely expensive accommodations that are available...Galley Bay and Jumby Bay are two that stand out for me. Oppulent luxury at well over $1,000/nt and of course, the neighbourhood is suitable, with one of Oprah's island homes just across the way.
As we near the northern corner of the island, the crew advise us to put all of our belongings inside the boat, and for the young and elderly and not so fit to make their way to the back of the boat. They tell us that the ride will become quite bumpy and we'll get wet...we grasp the rope meshing that separates the catamaran hulls and as we crash through the massive waves, we get utterly soaked. It's all good fun and we are all laughing until our sides ache.
We pass again to calmer waters and pull in to Green Island for a rest. The boat docks and we have the option to do some snorkeling, rest on the beach, or just relax on the boat in the sun with a bit of lunch.
After our short break, we carry on around the island to English Harbour and we all seem to be attacking the Rum Punch with a vigor that would make any holidayer proud. As we return to our hotel, we reflect on what a fabulous day it's been and now it's definitely time for a nap!
The Wadadli Cat circumnavigation cruise departs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and cruises start at $110USD per person.
A truly enjoyable way to spend the day and to see the many beaches of Antigua, and in a true salute to the island, their motto is: SAIL FAST... LIVE SLOW
Saturday, January 24, 2009
English Football (soccer) Live & In Person
As I sit here and unashamedly yell at my TV in the hopes that it will assist Tottenham Hotspurs in a victory over Manchester United, I reflect on a few of the live football (soccer here in North America) matches I've been lucky to see.
Arsenal is my team, and last fall, I had the opportunity to watch 2 games from a rather high up seat in the Emirates Stadium...
Emerging from Arsenal tube station, we see that Match Day atmosphere permeates into the nearby neighborhood, where roadside stalls arise, selling all manner of Arsenal memorabilia and snacks. The local pub spills out with fans of both sides as they jeer and jokingly taunt each other while sipping their favorite ale or cider.
Police are out in force, with a strong contingent on horseback, keeping a watchful eye on those who might be slightly more empassioned about the game than is deemed appropriate.
I've chosen to wear my new Arsenal shirt, recently purchased from the team's store after a tour of the stadium. Unfortunately, the shirt is yellow (bright yellow) and the opposing team, Hull, is wearing those colors, so I'm given a few odd glances until people spot the big Arsenal insignia on the front.
The crowds build and there is a steady stream of fans moving into the stadium. Inside, the main foyers are packed in all snack & drink areas, with kids everywhere munching on hot dogs and adults everywhere sipping on beers or wine as everyone anxiously awaits the beginning of the game.
TVs broadcast some pre-game insights and give those who haven't taken their seats a watchful eye on what's happening in the field below (no alcoholic drinks are allowed in the stands - probably a quite wise decision!).
The crowd begins to move to the stands to take their seats and the teams finally wander on to the pitch. The announcer begins reading the list of players - first names only are required for the home team as the crowd readily shouts out the last names.
Finally the referee blows his whistle to begin the game and the tension is palpable as we watch in angst, willing our team to be the first to score (and for it to be the first of many goals). After some great plays, some near misses and some strong defending, it seems no goal is forthcoming in the first half.
The half time whistle blows and we make a mad dash for the nearest washroom. Within seconds, lines snake this way and that, with people lined up for the washrooms, more food, and of course, more drinks. The concourse is packed with people and it takes 10 minutes to navigate my way back to my seat.
The second half begins and things are more stressed than ever. This team (Hull) have only just come up from the division below...there is no reason why we shouldn't be trouncing them. Sure, our team has suffered some rather lengthly injuries from key players, but we can still recall all too clearly, the years of the doubles (we won the league and we won the FA Cup in 2002 & 1998).
Every minute ticks by slowly and naturally, many of the ref's decisions that aren't in our favour are in question. Finally, we unleash the first goal of the match and the crowd goes wild. Things are looking up for our team, but the day's still young. Sadly, Hull strikes back with a goal just 11 minutes later, and to our shock and growing dismay, repeats this action just 4 minutes later, to put them in the lead.
The rest of the game is great to watch, with a lot of great plays and some close shots, but the Arsenal fail to recover from that second goal against. The match ends with a loss for us and all 60,000 of us dejectedly leave the stadium.
We wander up to the Arsenal Pub (about 3 blocks away) for a drink to drown our sorrows, and everyone's feeling low.
A few days later, we return to the Emirates Stadium for a Champions League match against FC Porto, and appropriately thrash them 4-0. A significantly better result on a cold and drizzly day.
The league is very competitive and any team can surprise us with a win. Hull has since sunk lower in the division, but still look to have enough strength to maintain a place in the Premier League.
In the meantime, Man U is leading Tottenham 2 - 1 in the second half, and I'm hoping for a late victory by Spurs. I'll keep yelling at the TV, but it's not nearly as fun as being in the stadium!
Arsenal is my team, and last fall, I had the opportunity to watch 2 games from a rather high up seat in the Emirates Stadium...
Emerging from Arsenal tube station, we see that Match Day atmosphere permeates into the nearby neighborhood, where roadside stalls arise, selling all manner of Arsenal memorabilia and snacks. The local pub spills out with fans of both sides as they jeer and jokingly taunt each other while sipping their favorite ale or cider.
Police are out in force, with a strong contingent on horseback, keeping a watchful eye on those who might be slightly more empassioned about the game than is deemed appropriate.
I've chosen to wear my new Arsenal shirt, recently purchased from the team's store after a tour of the stadium. Unfortunately, the shirt is yellow (bright yellow) and the opposing team, Hull, is wearing those colors, so I'm given a few odd glances until people spot the big Arsenal insignia on the front.
The crowds build and there is a steady stream of fans moving into the stadium. Inside, the main foyers are packed in all snack & drink areas, with kids everywhere munching on hot dogs and adults everywhere sipping on beers or wine as everyone anxiously awaits the beginning of the game.
TVs broadcast some pre-game insights and give those who haven't taken their seats a watchful eye on what's happening in the field below (no alcoholic drinks are allowed in the stands - probably a quite wise decision!).
The crowd begins to move to the stands to take their seats and the teams finally wander on to the pitch. The announcer begins reading the list of players - first names only are required for the home team as the crowd readily shouts out the last names.
Finally the referee blows his whistle to begin the game and the tension is palpable as we watch in angst, willing our team to be the first to score (and for it to be the first of many goals). After some great plays, some near misses and some strong defending, it seems no goal is forthcoming in the first half.
The half time whistle blows and we make a mad dash for the nearest washroom. Within seconds, lines snake this way and that, with people lined up for the washrooms, more food, and of course, more drinks. The concourse is packed with people and it takes 10 minutes to navigate my way back to my seat.
The second half begins and things are more stressed than ever. This team (Hull) have only just come up from the division below...there is no reason why we shouldn't be trouncing them. Sure, our team has suffered some rather lengthly injuries from key players, but we can still recall all too clearly, the years of the doubles (we won the league and we won the FA Cup in 2002 & 1998).
Every minute ticks by slowly and naturally, many of the ref's decisions that aren't in our favour are in question. Finally, we unleash the first goal of the match and the crowd goes wild. Things are looking up for our team, but the day's still young. Sadly, Hull strikes back with a goal just 11 minutes later, and to our shock and growing dismay, repeats this action just 4 minutes later, to put them in the lead.
The rest of the game is great to watch, with a lot of great plays and some close shots, but the Arsenal fail to recover from that second goal against. The match ends with a loss for us and all 60,000 of us dejectedly leave the stadium.
We wander up to the Arsenal Pub (about 3 blocks away) for a drink to drown our sorrows, and everyone's feeling low.
A few days later, we return to the Emirates Stadium for a Champions League match against FC Porto, and appropriately thrash them 4-0. A significantly better result on a cold and drizzly day.
The league is very competitive and any team can surprise us with a win. Hull has since sunk lower in the division, but still look to have enough strength to maintain a place in the Premier League.
In the meantime, Man U is leading Tottenham 2 - 1 in the second half, and I'm hoping for a late victory by Spurs. I'll keep yelling at the TV, but it's not nearly as fun as being in the stadium!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A new day, a new President
Barack Obama was inaugurated today and while most of his focus will undoubtedly be on turning around the US economy, the question begs - what will the impacts of his tenure be to the Canadian economy and other areas of the world.
Obama's advisory committee has already stated that they are willing to consider lifting trade bans to Cuba. I'm not sure what that country has that they want (the basis of every trade negotiation), other than beautiful beaches and an exceedingly cheap holiday for US citizens.
That's the particular point I am interested in. With an influx of Americanization, how much will Cuba change? Already, Raul (if you don't know, he's Fidel Castro's brother who is now in charge) has made some dramatic changes by allowing citizens to own electronic equipment like laptops...things that were previously unavailable to them. Over the past few years, there's been more of a feeling of Jones-ing there, and if these cool new items are available for 'locals' to purchase, will the trend be for even more doctors and lawyers to move to the tourism sector (to get daily cash tips that are 10x their monthly salary)? And will there be a McDonalds sprouting up on every corner soon, making the streets of Varadero look extremely similar to Cancun?
It's all a guessing game right now, but I'm curious to hear what your thoughts are on potentially lifting the US travel & trade ban to Cuba?
Let me know...
Obama's advisory committee has already stated that they are willing to consider lifting trade bans to Cuba. I'm not sure what that country has that they want (the basis of every trade negotiation), other than beautiful beaches and an exceedingly cheap holiday for US citizens.
That's the particular point I am interested in. With an influx of Americanization, how much will Cuba change? Already, Raul (if you don't know, he's Fidel Castro's brother who is now in charge) has made some dramatic changes by allowing citizens to own electronic equipment like laptops...things that were previously unavailable to them. Over the past few years, there's been more of a feeling of Jones-ing there, and if these cool new items are available for 'locals' to purchase, will the trend be for even more doctors and lawyers to move to the tourism sector (to get daily cash tips that are 10x their monthly salary)? And will there be a McDonalds sprouting up on every corner soon, making the streets of Varadero look extremely similar to Cancun?
It's all a guessing game right now, but I'm curious to hear what your thoughts are on potentially lifting the US travel & trade ban to Cuba?
Let me know...
Sandals Resorts - Big savings!
If you've ever considered going on a holiday to a luxurious Sandals resort, now is the time to do it and save big!
On Feb. 12, Sandals is hosting an evening event where you can learn how Sandals offers more Value For Money than typical all-inclusive resorts.
Did you know that Sandals resorts include:
- FREE water skiing?
- FREE snorkel trips (by motorized boat to a snorkel location)?
- FREE SCUBA trips (by motorized boat to a dive site)?
Diving is usually $120USD / per day (2 dives)
$120 x 5 days = $600!
If you're interested in attending this fabulous evening, let me know - it is by invitation only and I would be happy to take you as my guest. The evening starts at 7pm and refreshments will be served.
If you decide that Sandals looks right for you, book within 14 days of the presentation and receive a $250 resort credit, which you can use at their wonderful spa!
This presentation will fill up very quickly, so call or email soon to secure your space.
On Feb. 12, Sandals is hosting an evening event where you can learn how Sandals offers more Value For Money than typical all-inclusive resorts.
Did you know that Sandals resorts include:
- FREE water skiing?
- FREE snorkel trips (by motorized boat to a snorkel location)?
- FREE SCUBA trips (by motorized boat to a dive site)?
Diving is usually $120USD / per day (2 dives)
$120 x 5 days = $600!
If you're interested in attending this fabulous evening, let me know - it is by invitation only and I would be happy to take you as my guest. The evening starts at 7pm and refreshments will be served.
If you decide that Sandals looks right for you, book within 14 days of the presentation and receive a $250 resort credit, which you can use at their wonderful spa!
This presentation will fill up very quickly, so call or email soon to secure your space.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Trip Delay Insurance - Here's why...
Here's a little story about my friend's 'almost' trip to Reno...
A few weeks ago, friends of mine bought a package to Reno. They purchased insurance, as I had explained to them in the past, how important travel insurance can be. Two other couples joined them, but decided they didn’t want to pay the additional nominal amount for insurance.
Their flight was scheduled to depart earlier today from Bellingham. Since it’s been foggy on the West Coast for the last few days, their flight was initially delayed then CANCELLED. For my friends, who bought insurance, this became a minor inconvenience - they’ve still only gone as far as exotic Washington, but they are comfortable with this because at least they have no additional financial burden – Trip Delay insurance is picking up the tab for their meals today, their hotel tonight, and their flight tomorrow.
The couples who declined to purchase insurance are on their own for costs.
Insurance isn’t needed very often and it’s frequently seen as an unnecessary charge that can be avoided. However, since weather is completely unpredictable and a covered reason for insurance to kick in, why would you travel anywhere during the months of December to February without it?
Here’s a tip for you too – if you’re the type of person that’s ‘going no matter what’, or has booked the trip last minute, chances are you won’t be canceling your trip. Insurance can be purchased to exclude the ability to cancel (and this is the most expensive part of the insurance!!), but you'll still have coverage if your trip is delayed.
Insurance is complicated, but as I’ve nearly learned the hard way, it’s an important part of your holiday package.
Call or email me if you’ve got questions or need insurance for your next trip.
A little insurance can prevent a lot of headaches!
Update as of Jan 18 - Some additional flights to San Francisco were cancelled yesterday, but the flight to Reno left as (re)scheduled. Hopefully they are making up for lost time by winning a bundle at the casino!!
A few weeks ago, friends of mine bought a package to Reno. They purchased insurance, as I had explained to them in the past, how important travel insurance can be. Two other couples joined them, but decided they didn’t want to pay the additional nominal amount for insurance.
Their flight was scheduled to depart earlier today from Bellingham. Since it’s been foggy on the West Coast for the last few days, their flight was initially delayed then CANCELLED. For my friends, who bought insurance, this became a minor inconvenience - they’ve still only gone as far as exotic Washington, but they are comfortable with this because at least they have no additional financial burden – Trip Delay insurance is picking up the tab for their meals today, their hotel tonight, and their flight tomorrow.
The couples who declined to purchase insurance are on their own for costs.
Insurance isn’t needed very often and it’s frequently seen as an unnecessary charge that can be avoided. However, since weather is completely unpredictable and a covered reason for insurance to kick in, why would you travel anywhere during the months of December to February without it?
Here’s a tip for you too – if you’re the type of person that’s ‘going no matter what’, or has booked the trip last minute, chances are you won’t be canceling your trip. Insurance can be purchased to exclude the ability to cancel (and this is the most expensive part of the insurance!!), but you'll still have coverage if your trip is delayed.
Insurance is complicated, but as I’ve nearly learned the hard way, it’s an important part of your holiday package.
Call or email me if you’ve got questions or need insurance for your next trip.
A little insurance can prevent a lot of headaches!
Update as of Jan 18 - Some additional flights to San Francisco were cancelled yesterday, but the flight to Reno left as (re)scheduled. Hopefully they are making up for lost time by winning a bundle at the casino!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
2 Amazing ALASKA Cruise Deals
Anyone who’s contemplated taking an Alaska cruise in the past knows that this is one of the more expensive cruise destinations and something that has to be booked quite far in advance.
Well, thanks to the economy, this year, the deals are just waiting foryou.
The best deal out there for early season cruising to Alaska is on Norwegian Cruise Lines – home of the Freestyle cruising, where you eat when and where you want, as opposed to set dining times.
This 7-day cruise on the Norwegian Star departs from Vancouver on May 2/09, returning to Seattle on May 9/09, with the usual Alaskan ports of call (Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Prince Rupert).
7-day Alaska onboard NCL Star: $652.04pp CAD
Rates can be locked in with a fully refundable deposit of only $140 CAD per person.
The next best deal is on a slightly more upscale cruise line – Celebrity. If you’ve never sailed before, Celebrity is as close as you could imagine to the old fashioned ships with gleaming brass rails and staff who will treat every passenger like royalty. Each meal is tastefully presented and the quality is that of a 5-star restaurant.
This 7-day cruise onboard the Celebrity Mercury departs from Vancouver on May 24/09, returning to Vancouver on May 31/09, with stops at Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan and of course, a bird’s eye view of the Inside Passage.
7-day Alaska onboard Celebrity Mercury: $603.03pp USD.
Rates & space can be secured for a fully refundable deposit of only $250 USD per person.
With prices as low as these, what are you waiting for?
Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy in the currency shown. Rates include all taxes & port charges and are based on an Inside Cabin. Other categories are available – inquire for pricing. All prices subject to change and space is based on availability.
Well, thanks to the economy, this year, the deals are just waiting foryou.
The best deal out there for early season cruising to Alaska is on Norwegian Cruise Lines – home of the Freestyle cruising, where you eat when and where you want, as opposed to set dining times.
This 7-day cruise on the Norwegian Star departs from Vancouver on May 2/09, returning to Seattle on May 9/09, with the usual Alaskan ports of call (Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Prince Rupert).
7-day Alaska onboard NCL Star: $652.04pp CAD
Rates can be locked in with a fully refundable deposit of only $140 CAD per person.
The next best deal is on a slightly more upscale cruise line – Celebrity. If you’ve never sailed before, Celebrity is as close as you could imagine to the old fashioned ships with gleaming brass rails and staff who will treat every passenger like royalty. Each meal is tastefully presented and the quality is that of a 5-star restaurant.
This 7-day cruise onboard the Celebrity Mercury departs from Vancouver on May 24/09, returning to Vancouver on May 31/09, with stops at Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Ketchikan and of course, a bird’s eye view of the Inside Passage.
7-day Alaska onboard Celebrity Mercury: $603.03pp USD.
Rates & space can be secured for a fully refundable deposit of only $250 USD per person.
With prices as low as these, what are you waiting for?
Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy in the currency shown. Rates include all taxes & port charges and are based on an Inside Cabin. Other categories are available – inquire for pricing. All prices subject to change and space is based on availability.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Great Cruise Deal on NCL
One of the best cruise deals of the year has just begun.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is offering a great one-week sale, with a reduced deposit offer in addition to giving away up to $500 on-board credit* on all sailings longer than 2 days. The onboard credit can be used toward everything from relaxing spa treatments to specialty restaurants to Shore Excursions, service charges, and even casino money!
Offer is valid for new individual or group cruises booked between Jan 10/09 and Jan 17/09. Offer valid for all sailings 3-days or longer that depart through Jan 1, 2011.
*Credit value is per stateroom, is based on the length of the sailing and the type of cabin booked, and applies to the 1st and 2nd guest in the stateroom. Singles pay a surcharge for travelling alone, but will still receive the full stateroom credit value.
Deposits are fully refundable until the time of final payment, so what have you got to lose?
Celebrate Australia Day Jan 24
Calling all Aussies and purveyors of fine wine…
On January 24th, Australia turns 221 years old. Would you believe that their wine history is nearly as old at 185 years?
Join a host of Australian wineries & winemakers in the promenade of the Vancouver Public Library from 7:30 – 10:30pm, for a distinguished evening of wonderful Australian wines, hors d’oeuvres, a silent wine auction, and a few prizes.
Tickets are on sale now for only $57 (includes GST & service charge)
Visit Tickets Tonight for more details and to buy your tickets today!
On January 24th, Australia turns 221 years old. Would you believe that their wine history is nearly as old at 185 years?
Join a host of Australian wineries & winemakers in the promenade of the Vancouver Public Library from 7:30 – 10:30pm, for a distinguished evening of wonderful Australian wines, hors d’oeuvres, a silent wine auction, and a few prizes.
Tickets are on sale now for only $57 (includes GST & service charge)
Visit Tickets Tonight for more details and to buy your tickets today!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
New Online Gambling at BCLC.com
Over the Christmas holidays, BC Lottery Corporation added 2 new online games to its line up, Pacific Hold’em Poker and eBingo.
Pacific Hold’em has been around for quite some time, but could only played in pubs until now. The online game is exactly the same as it is in the pubs, except you don’t have a bunch of pieces of paper to worry about and you can do this from the comfort of your own home.
eBingo offers 2 types of games – group play or solo. The group game is played online with other people logged on at the same time. I guess it gives you the feeling of being at a bingo hall and you can chat with others. There are set hours for this.
The solo game is played ‘on demand’ in other words, you buy your ticket and the game starts right away.
In either game, you can select a ‘dabber’ and tick off your numbers as they come up or you can set it to autoplay.
Both games are moderately interesting but I didn’t find them particularly compelling to play from home. Sure, there’s the potential thrill of winning money, but it just doesn’t match the excitement of being in a casino or even sitting round a table at the pub with your friends and watching anxiously to see if your card’s a winner.
Interesting for a rainy day, but I’d rather save my money and go to the new Starlight Casino or just hop on a plane & go to Vegas.
Pacific Hold’em has been around for quite some time, but could only played in pubs until now. The online game is exactly the same as it is in the pubs, except you don’t have a bunch of pieces of paper to worry about and you can do this from the comfort of your own home.
eBingo offers 2 types of games – group play or solo. The group game is played online with other people logged on at the same time. I guess it gives you the feeling of being at a bingo hall and you can chat with others. There are set hours for this.
The solo game is played ‘on demand’ in other words, you buy your ticket and the game starts right away.
In either game, you can select a ‘dabber’ and tick off your numbers as they come up or you can set it to autoplay.
Both games are moderately interesting but I didn’t find them particularly compelling to play from home. Sure, there’s the potential thrill of winning money, but it just doesn’t match the excitement of being in a casino or even sitting round a table at the pub with your friends and watching anxiously to see if your card’s a winner.
Interesting for a rainy day, but I’d rather save my money and go to the new Starlight Casino or just hop on a plane & go to Vegas.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Air New Zealand Successfully Uses Bio-fuel
Aviation took a major step forward in its bid to become more environmentally friendly after an Air New Zealand plane successfully completed the world’s first flight powered by second-generation biofuel, on December 31st. The Boeing 747 took off from Auckland at midnight for a two-hour test flight, powered with a 50-50 mix of jet fuel and jatropha tree oil in one of its four engines. No modifications to the engine were needed.
Air New Zealand's chief pilot, David Morgan, who was on the test flight said, "We achieved everything we wanted to achieve and it as a significant milestone for the aviation industry, doing the very first jatropha-fuelled flight. We're thrilled." Morgan said the flight was notable for the lack of any surprises, “everything ran normally and as expected. "The fuel was indistinguishable from jet A1, a true drop-in fuel. You could not see a difference in the four engines."
The airline plans to source 10% of its fuel from sustainable sources by 2013.
Continental meanwhile has plans to run a test flight over the Gulf of Mexico with fuel derived form algae. First-generation biofuels would freeze at high altitude, but second-generation biofuels, which are made from plants, do not. Air New Zealand's jatropha nut biofuel was pre-tested to show that it was suitable for airplanes, freezing at -47C and burning at 38C.
In February, Virgin Atlantic successfully completed a flight between London and Amsterdam with a 747 powered in one engine by a mixture of 80% jet fuel and 20% biofuel - made from coconut oil and babassu palm oil.
Now let's see what they can do with bio-fuel for our cars!
Air New Zealand's chief pilot, David Morgan, who was on the test flight said, "We achieved everything we wanted to achieve and it as a significant milestone for the aviation industry, doing the very first jatropha-fuelled flight. We're thrilled." Morgan said the flight was notable for the lack of any surprises, “everything ran normally and as expected. "The fuel was indistinguishable from jet A1, a true drop-in fuel. You could not see a difference in the four engines."
The airline plans to source 10% of its fuel from sustainable sources by 2013.
Continental meanwhile has plans to run a test flight over the Gulf of Mexico with fuel derived form algae. First-generation biofuels would freeze at high altitude, but second-generation biofuels, which are made from plants, do not. Air New Zealand's jatropha nut biofuel was pre-tested to show that it was suitable for airplanes, freezing at -47C and burning at 38C.
In February, Virgin Atlantic successfully completed a flight between London and Amsterdam with a 747 powered in one engine by a mixture of 80% jet fuel and 20% biofuel - made from coconut oil and babassu palm oil.
Now let's see what they can do with bio-fuel for our cars!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
New Entry Requirements for travel to the US
Effective Jan 12, if you travel on a passport from any one of these countries, you must now register online at least 72 hours prior to departure to obtain an electronic travel authorization (electronic visa).
This new electronic visa waiver affects anyone traveling to or via the USA holding a passport from one of the following countries:
- Andorra - Austria - Australia - Belgium - Brunei - Denmark - Finland - France
- Germany - Iceland - Ireland - Italy - Japan - Liechtenstein - Luxembourg
- Monaco - Netherlands - New Zealand - Norway - Portugal - San Marino
- Singapore - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - United Kingdom
- Republic of Malta - Czech Republic - Estonia - Hungary - Latvia - Lithuania
- Slovakia - South Korea
For further information about the new travel authorization for the United States, see https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Follow the instructions to submit an on-line application for an automatic travel authorization.
If the application fails, travelers will need to contact their nearest US Consulate to obtain a visa.
This new electronic visa waiver affects anyone traveling to or via the USA holding a passport from one of the following countries:
- Andorra - Austria - Australia - Belgium - Brunei - Denmark - Finland - France
- Germany - Iceland - Ireland - Italy - Japan - Liechtenstein - Luxembourg
- Monaco - Netherlands - New Zealand - Norway - Portugal - San Marino
- Singapore - Slovenia - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - United Kingdom
- Republic of Malta - Czech Republic - Estonia - Hungary - Latvia - Lithuania
- Slovakia - South Korea
For further information about the new travel authorization for the United States, see https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Follow the instructions to submit an on-line application for an automatic travel authorization.
If the application fails, travelers will need to contact their nearest US Consulate to obtain a visa.
Do You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts?
Every all-inclusive resort out there claims that you are not required to tip for services. This is definitely true of the luxury resorts, such as Sandals, Azul, and El Dorado, but at almost all resorts that are lower caliber, it seems to be expected.
Do you tip and if so, for which services do you tip?
There’s great debate about this and where you’re from seems to have a big impact on whether you do or don’t. I’ll generalize a bit here, but if you read reviews or forum topics in TripAdvisor on this subject, Europeans (including those from the UK) do not tip and at times get annoyed at North America’s penchant for tipping. They feel it changes expectations of resort employees so those who tip get ‘good’ service whereas those who don’t tip either get ignored or receive poor service. We've done both - tipped for nearly everything and on other trips, not tipped at all. The biggest difference in service was noticed at resorts where guests are predominantly North American. At higher end properties (Riu, Azul, El Dorado) there was no noticable difference if we didn't tip, despite the abundance of Americans at the resorts.
In North America, we tip for housekeeping, room service, valet, waiter service, bellman service, heck we even tip (some of us anyway) when we go up to a bar and order a drink.
London has changed a lot and tipping is fairly well received there now. But go into a smaller town in England or Scotland and if you leave coins on the counter for the barman, he’ll stare at you as if to say, “Ok then, what else would you like?”.
So it’s a bit of habit from home that we bring to these resorts.
The passion of the issue seems to be around the resort employee’s wages and what the cost of living is and whether we, resort guests, need to subsidize that.
Should we tip to subsidize wages? Should we tip because we do at other non-inclusive hotels or at home? Or should we take the resort’s inclusions at face value and pay for our stay and put away our wallets?
What are your thoughts?
Friday, January 2, 2009
2009 Travel Prediction: Deals Deals Deals
With a struggling US economy, we are already starting to see some amazing deals to both US destinations and sun destinations normally frequented by Americans. As credit card bills start to roll in from Christmas extravagance, airlines and tour operators will need to stimulate the market place with great deals and bonus offers. (Watch for some really good deals at the end of January)
If you’re interested in going to Las Vegas, flights (from Bellingham) start at under $100 USD roundtrip! Air & hotel packages start at only $369 USD per person for the Flamingo or from Vancouver, packages are $386 CAD per person for Monte Carlo. These are great deals; however, if you’re going to gamble at all, I recommend against booking a package. Your chances of getting comp’d (given a complimentary night based on how much you gamble) a free night are better than ever, as the casinos do their best to get you onto their resort and spending money.
Air Canada’s “Kids Fly Free”* offer also brings great deals for those who are looking to indulge in the magical world of Disney with kiddies in tow.
Mexico and the Caribbean are also offering some really great deals – if you can find a seat on a plane!
Check out these sample prices for air & all-inclusive hotel packages from Vancouver in January:
- $691 Varadero, Cuba (2*)
- $731 Cancun, Mexico (3*)
- $966 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (3.5*)
- $1059 Honduras (4*)
- $1150 Jamaica (3.5*)
- $1653 Antigua (3*)
You get the picture…
If you’re just looking for a cheap flight across Canada, expect to see some great deals from Westjet as early as next week – they’re always fast out of the gate in January (remember last year’s 2008 special, offering flights for only $20.08 + tax?).
No matter where your travels are taking you in 2009, you can expect to pay less. That, or pay the same and stay somewhere nicer than you’d normally choose. Either way, the one thing Canadians still seem to be spending money on is travel, so book early to take advantage of specials.
Call Christine (778.988.7283) to start planning your 2009 holidays!
All prices above shown per person based on double occupancy and inclusive of all taxes.
Vegas prices shown are time limited specials and are based on availability. Other hotels are available for less.
* Kids Fly Free offer is subject to terms & conditions. Certain restrictions apply.
If you’re interested in going to Las Vegas, flights (from Bellingham) start at under $100 USD roundtrip! Air & hotel packages start at only $369 USD per person for the Flamingo or from Vancouver, packages are $386 CAD per person for Monte Carlo. These are great deals; however, if you’re going to gamble at all, I recommend against booking a package. Your chances of getting comp’d (given a complimentary night based on how much you gamble) a free night are better than ever, as the casinos do their best to get you onto their resort and spending money.
Air Canada’s “Kids Fly Free”* offer also brings great deals for those who are looking to indulge in the magical world of Disney with kiddies in tow.
Mexico and the Caribbean are also offering some really great deals – if you can find a seat on a plane!
Check out these sample prices for air & all-inclusive hotel packages from Vancouver in January:
- $691 Varadero, Cuba (2*)
- $731 Cancun, Mexico (3*)
- $966 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (3.5*)
- $1059 Honduras (4*)
- $1150 Jamaica (3.5*)
- $1653 Antigua (3*)
You get the picture…
If you’re just looking for a cheap flight across Canada, expect to see some great deals from Westjet as early as next week – they’re always fast out of the gate in January (remember last year’s 2008 special, offering flights for only $20.08 + tax?).
No matter where your travels are taking you in 2009, you can expect to pay less. That, or pay the same and stay somewhere nicer than you’d normally choose. Either way, the one thing Canadians still seem to be spending money on is travel, so book early to take advantage of specials.
Call Christine (778.988.7283) to start planning your 2009 holidays!
All prices above shown per person based on double occupancy and inclusive of all taxes.
Vegas prices shown are time limited specials and are based on availability. Other hotels are available for less.
* Kids Fly Free offer is subject to terms & conditions. Certain restrictions apply.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
