Breaking Travel News: Vaccines Required To Travel

 

Breaking Travel News

Mandatory Proof of Vaccination Required To Travel  The federal government of Canada has just announced that by the end of October 2021, everyone over the age of 12 must provide proof of vaccination to travel by plane, rail or marine vessel. In the live press conference today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau put it bluntly, "to travel, you must be vaccinated".    After a short phase-in period, all employees in federally regulated air, rail and marine transportation sectors will also be required to be fully vaccinated.   As of Oct. 30, all travellers ages 12 and older must be fully vaccinated to board flights leaving Canadian airports or to travel on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains and non-essential passenger marine vessels, like cruise ships.   To qualify as a "fully vaccinated traveller," a person must have received at least two Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccinations. A combination of approved shots is also accepted. The last dose must be administered at least 14 days prior to the day of travel. A short transition phase is being implemented for this reason and will allow travellers to show a negative COVID-19 molecular test result instead of proof of vaccination up until November 30, 2021.   Currently, proof of vaccination from your provincial health care providers will suffice while the federal government continues to work on a national vaccination passport for international travellers.   For any unvaccinated traveler who would like to cancel, please contact your designated travel advisor for the bookings terms and conditions associated with your travel reservation.    This news comes as a relief to the majority of Canadians who are vaccinated and ready to travel, adding further protection from Covid-19. For more helpful resources or if you should have any questions, please connect with Romantic Planet Vacations at www.romanticplanetvacations.com or travel@romanticplanet.ca or 1-866-247-8123.

Breaking: Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal Airports Next for Rapid Testing?

Would you travel during the pandemic if you didn't have to self-isolate for 14 days upon your return? Millions of travel-craving Canadians have asked themselves the same very question. 

Canada announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act on March 25th, 2020 that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. Seven months later on November 2nd, Calgary introduced a rapid Covid-19 testing pilot program, in conjunction with the Alberta and federal government. This pilot project would replace the length of isolation time from 14 days to the length it takes to get your first results of a negative post-travel test. This is often only 24 - 48 hours. Thereafter, you're free to roam the province but must report back daily via an app and take a second test on day six upon your entry. 

In the first six weeks of the Calgary pilot project, the province has reported that out of the 14,382 tested travellers, only 1.4% tested positive on the initial swab. After the second required swab, the positive test results drops down to only 0.7%.

Other major airports and provincial governments across Canada have been closely monitoring the results and are ready to follow suit. Alberta Health spokesman Tom McMillan advises, "The intent is to add the Edmonton International Airport to the pilot in 2021." Montreal Trudeau Airport is now offering rapid tests for those traveling to France, and other destinations that require negative result medical certificate upon entry into their country or region. For other major Canadian gateways, Shoppers Drug Mart is now also offering this service to provide proof of negative Covid-19 test. 

Toronto Pearson International Airport spokesperson Robin Smith said they are "very open to setting up a similar program to what is in place in Calgary." Backing this, Ontario Premiere 

Doug Ford is calling on federal support to place rapid testing stations at the provinces two major airports in Toronto and Ottawa to help reduce the existing 14-day mandatory quarantining in Ontario.

This comes as more rapid tests are being rolled out across the country in long-term care centers and hospitals, along with the actual vaccine. "It's a game-changer" announces Ford. 

So - the ultimate question, what will stop you from traveling?

♡Flights are available to the destination

♡Flying is proven to be safe (according to IATA the chances of catching Covid-19 is 1 in 27 million)

♡The airline, transportation company, and resort have a strict health and safety protocol

♡There is no need to quarantine for 14 days

♡I can easily get tested before and/or after my trip

Mandatory Quarantine Act in Canada Gets Lifted in Pilot Project

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced on October 22nd that the 14-day required quarantining period for returning international travellers entering Canada by land or air through Alberta could be shortened by as much as 48 hours if the traveller receives a negative COVID-19 test result. As a volunteer pilot project conducted by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta, rapid COVID-19 tests will be offered at the Coutts land border crossing in Southern Alberta and the Calgary International Airport starting November 2nd, 2020. Participating travellers would be tested upon entry and must quarantine until a negative test result is received. Thereafter, they no longer have to self-isolate but will be required to take another test on the 6th and 7th day after their return. If at any point the result is positive, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days. 

"Every traveller will be closely monitored," said Kenney, in regards to the volunteers. "They'll have to provide daily check-ins and follow preventative health measures, such as wearing masks in public places."

Shortly after this press conference, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that he is open to replacing Canada's 14-day Quarantine Act with rapid testing. "We're keeping a really sharp eye on what's going to happen out in Calgary on this pilot project and I'd be open to it," the Premier said.

In early September, Air Canada, together with McMaster Health Labs and The Greater Toronto Airport Authority, began a study of the rapid testing and the overall effectiveness of the Quarantine Act. Since then, more than 28,000 tests were taken by volunteer travelers with 99% testing negative. 

The news comes as a massive sigh of relief for those in the travel industry, including airlines, travel agencies, and hotels, who's businesses have been greatly impacted by the Quarantine Act that has been place in Canada since March 25th. "It's certainly a step in the right direction." claims Laurie Keith, owner of Romantic Planet Vacations. "We have many clients who are ready and eager to travel in a safe manner, but most are deterred by having to quarantine for two weeks after their return. Not often can one take 3 weeks off of work."

Though it's a pilot project for now, if all goes well, it is expected to be rolled out in other major Canadian cities shortly. Studies have already shown that the chances of contracting COVID-19 while on an airplane is extremely low due to the existing HEPA air filtration system and mandatory face masks. Statistically there is less than 1 in 27 million chance that you can contract the virus while on an airplane, according to IATA, The International Association of Transport Association. 

Flights are available right now to the Caribbean and Mexico with the major Canadian airlines, who are all currently offering complimentary COVID-19 travel insurance included in their South packages. Most of the borders and resorts have been open to Canadians since July and have been eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved Canadian visitors. "If anyone is like me, I honestly don't know how I will survive the harsh winter without my annual holiday to the tropics. I have been waiting for this very moment for months and will be the first to book in Toronto when it becomes available here," advises Keith. According to a recent survey by Sunwing Vacations, Ms. Keith is not alone. 56% of Canadians surveyed said they will travel within the next year, regardless of the pandemic. 

Contact Romantic Planet Vacations to plan your next holiday at travel@romanticplanet.ca or 1-866-247-8123 or schedule a complimentary phone or zoom travel consultation at http://romanticplanetvacations.com/consultation/  

Canada Web-site: https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/news/2020/10/new-covid-19-pilot-planned-for-international-travellers.html

Should I Stay or Should I Go - Traveling During COVID-19

Like millions of other Canadians, you may already be booked to travel in 2020 or 2021 or would like to plan a holiday but are unsure what to do now that a global pandemic exists. Do you continue to go and accept the risks or wait it out until the situation becomes clearer, or cancel with penalties. 

As the number of new COVID-19 cases continue to lower in Canada and worldwide borders, economies, airlines and resorts start to re-open, the possibility of travel are again within reach. But with the virus still raging in other parts of the world and in the USA, how risky can travel actually be right now? Here are the top ten factors that will help you weigh out your travel decision. 

1. KNOW YOUR BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS INTIMATELY

There are four major tour operators in Canada and different travel suppliers have different booking terms and conditions, and all of which have now added different sets of flexible COVID-19 policies depending on your original booking and departure date. This has led to a lot of confusion for the average traveler. According to Section 36 of the Travel Industry Act, 2002 (Act), all sellers of travel must provide you with the conditions of travel, cancellation fees and non-refundable amounts, insurance and other terms and conditions of the sale. Your exact booking terms and conditions should be detailed on your travel invoice, on the website of your travel agency and tour operator and/or the website in which you booked. In general, there is always a non-refundable booking deposit which has been used to hold your space. Cancellation penalties will occur based on when you cancel your trip and can be anywhere from 20%, 50% or 100% loss. If you cancel within two weeks of departure for example, you will generally lose all of your money, that's if you didn't have travel insurance.  

Read The Fine Print of Your Booking Terms and Conditions

But then COVID-19 happened, which led to closing borders, resorts and cruiselines and suspending flights across the globe, thus causing a force majeure, which legally frees both parties from obligation and liability due to extraordinary circumstances. However, instead of stranding clients and enforcing the general booking terms and conditions as detailed above, all Canadian tour operators implemented flexible COVID-19 policies. In essence, if you were booked prior to March 15th, 2020 and were set to travel between March 15 - July 31st, 2020, your reservation would fall under this. The Flex Policy allows you to change your reservation without penalty or cancel with full refund by way of Future Travel Voucher, no questions asked. However, if your travel reservations currently do not meet these booking and departure date criteria, the standard booking terms and conditions will still apply.

But wait, there's more....As many travel suppliers re-open and try to stimulate new bookings, many tour operators have introduced yet another set of flexible booking policies which will allow up to 100% full refunds back to the original form of payment less a lowered non-refundable deposit and longer cancellation thresholds - some allowing you to cancel up to 3 days prior to departure with zero penalty. These are typically for brand new bookings made May 15th onward. 

Helping you navigate through this ever-changing environment and keeping you updated and being available to clarify your booking terms and conditions is certainly one added benefit of working with a professional travel advisor.

2. WHAT IS A FUTURE TRAVEL VOUCHER ANYWAYS?

The definition of a Future Travel Voucher or Future Travel Credit is whatever you paid towards your trip, will be held in trust of the supplier with whom you were originally booked. This means that you can re-book any available travel product for any date to any destination, as long as it's booked with the original tour operator and through the original travel agency. If you were originally booked as part of a group reservation, you can re-book again in a future group reservation or as an individual reservation. Currently, Westjet Vacations has transferred all payments of suspended trips to each passenger's individual Westjet Dollars Account, which allows you to re-book directly with Westjet or Westjet Vacations, or through your original travel agency. Sunwing's FTVs expire on June 21st, 2022, Transat Holiday's expire 2 years from your original travel date and Air Canada Vacations FTV's never expire and are fully transferable to another traveler. When you re-book, if the new price is higher, you will be responsible for difference of the higher price. If your new price is lower, the remainder will be kept in trust for a future trip or can be used towards upgrades or stay extensions. For added protection, if you are unable to redeem a Future Travel Voucher issued by a TICO-registered travel agency or tour operator because they went bankrupt, became insolvent or ceased to carry on business and that failure is related to COVID-19, you can make a claim again the Travel Industry Compensation Fund until March 31, 2022. In essence, the Future Travel Voucher guarantees that your travel investment isn't lost and helps you stay positive in looking forward to a holiday in the future.

3. THE CANADIAN-THING TO DO

One thing that we've learned from this unique situation, is that Canadian companies will continue to do whatever is needed to take care of it's customers.  As soon as a global pandemic was issued, the airlines took immediate action in the repatriation of flights to get all Canadians home safely. Sunwing spent $26 million dollars and operated over 400 repatriation flights, even if the passengers were non-Sunwing customers. "It was the Canadian thing to do." stated Stephen Hunter, CEO of the Sunwing Travel Group. Air Canada and Westjet repatriated another 18,000 Canadians stranded worldwide. 

Westjetters Welcome Repatriated Customers

On March 13th, 2020, the Canadian government issued a global travel advisory and by March 18th, 2020, every tour operator in Canada approved the issuance of Future Travel Credits for all affected travelers in full, with no penalty and no change fees. It took less than a week to devise and develop an entirely brand new flex policy, and this proved to our whole industry that they always put the customer's needs first. It is in seeing and watching these executive decisions take place during such a difficult time, that can give us all added reassurance that our travel reservations are in good hands. If that's not enough, the Canadian government also introduced Air Passenger Protection Regulations last year. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is in charge of ensuring Canadian air passengers are always protected and have been closely monitoring the issuance of Future Travel Vouchers and are ready to take action if any affected Canadian is having difficulty in getting theirs. Not all Canadians know of this so it's important to understand both the risks and how you are also being protected. 

4. KNOW YOUR RISKS WHEN TRAVELING

We cannot deny that we are in the middle of a global pandemic. Some countries are more successful than others in controlling it whilst other countries are impacting our over-all statistics in a very negative way. But regardless, the risks are real. Consumer survey shows that the biggest obstacle facing traveling Canadians right now, is not the current travel advisories, it's the Quarantine Act which requires returning Canadians to self-isolate automatically for 14 days. However, we know that this can't continue forever as movement around the world needs to exist. Will the Canadian government start implementing travel bubbles with other safe countries as seen recently with Australia and New Zealand? Will advisories be lifted for countries deemed safer? Will we make it mandatory for COVID-19 tests upon arrival into Canada instead of the the Quarantine Act as more tests become available. We understand it's a balancing act but Canada continues to lead in keeping a viable balance. 

In addition to the current Quarantine Act, travelers may also be subjected to health screening, health questionnaires, COVID-19 testing, or even quarantining during their travels, and at their expense. They may also have difficulty obtaining essential products or services, face strict movement restrictions and consular services may be limited at their travel destination of choice. Also, we are not aware of any travel insurance companies to date who will cover you during the pandemic. However, destinations themselves, like Jamaica, are reviewing options to provide visitors with insurance and will be announcing something on the matter shortly. 

Then finally, the other risk is obviously your health and safety, which is covered in #5. 

5. TRAVEL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

To coincide with the announcement of 100 summer flights to destinations like Barbados, Cuba, Mexico, and Jamaica, regardless of the travel advisory against non-essential travel worldwide, Air Canada led the pack with introducing new health and safety protocols called The Clean Care Plus program. This includes mandatory pre-flight temperature checks, no adjacent seating nearby until June 30th, personal care kits containing disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers, electrostatic cabin spraying, PPE's for all employees, in addition to their existing HEPA filter system (which are also used in hospital operating rooms to clean the air from microscopic particles including viruses and

Palace Resorts Introduces "Purely Palace" Health and Safety

bacteria) and the mandated face masks on all flights to/from and within Canada. The majority of resorts and cruise-lines have also now launched their new health and safety protocols, which some seem quit superior than even found locally. And this would make sense considering that for some tourist destinations like Barbados, tourism makes up 40% of their GDP. Most all airports, airlines, resorts, transportation companies, attractions, and cruiselines are adhering to the recommendations set out by WHO and many resorts, including AMResorts, El Cid, Four Seasons, Barcelo, Intercontinental, Iberostar and Hilton and others, are mandated by a third party health and safety regulator called Cristal International Standards, which has one of the highest standards for health and safety in the tourism industry. The commonality found at these resorts and others are physical distancing enforcement, lower occupancy capacities, staff COVID-19 training, temperature checks before each shift and no contact orders. All luggage will go through a sanitation process as will each room thoroughly before each arrival and will be sealed closed as sanitized before your arrival. Routine and frequent disinfecting with hospital-grade cleaners will also be constant in all public areas. It appears that the travel and tourism industry has taken this extremely seriously and it may be cleaner and safer than ever before. 

More information on each of the top travel suppliers health and safety protocols can be found at http://romanticplanetvacations.com/futuretravel/

6.   THIS IS AN EVER-CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

If you think back to how you felt about this situation on the first day, 30-days into it, a month ago and today, chances are, they are all different, with quit a varying degree of comfort levels. We all processed the copious amount of news and information that was rapidly flowing differently. Some of us bunkered down into isolation and adhered strictly to the rules - even sanitizing every grocery item that entered the house and not allowing any household member to walk past the front door without taking off their shoes and heading straight to the shower. As we enter into more flexible phases in our provinces and municipalities, many of us are beginning to view things differently and becoming more flexible. Just keep in mind that where you were, where you are now, and where you might be when it comes time to pay your final payment or when it comes time to traveling may all be different. One thing that is for certain for Canadians, is that we are all currently heading in the right direction. 

7. RESPECT ALL COMFORT LEVELS

Drive by any public park during the summer weekends and you'll see a variety of comfort levels being shown by Canadians. Some are practicing social distancing while other larger groups have formed. Some are wearing face-masks while others are not. And it's all okay. As long as all are following the law, there is no right or wrong. What's most important is to understand your own comfort level, honor it, know it will change and also respect the comfort levels of all others. This is most apparent if you are booked as part of a group reservation, such as a destination wedding. Some wedding couples are comfortable in continuing one with their wedding plans and that's okay, it's their wedding and it's their dream that has been impacted the most. And to those wedding couples, they too need to understand that not all wedding guests will be comfortable enough to travel right now and that's okay too. It's all respecting each other's own comfort levels and knowing they will all change as fluidly as the situation does.

8. PRIVATIZE YOUR TRAVEL

Beachfront Butler Suite at Sandals Royal Barbados

Yes, the majority of Canadians will travel South on a standard packaged holiday but if that doesn't interest you, know that you have other options. If you have a travel group of 100+ people, perhaps a destination wedding or corporate group, why don't you consider chartering your own airplane? You can also then do a "buy-out" of an intimate resort, where it's all yours and your friends and family for that week. If you don't have a group of that size, then why not upgrade your seat? Not only is extra leg room already in high demand but now having just that little extra space and where you can pre-board and avoid the line-up is another bonus. And if you don't want to jump onto the included shared motorcoach airport transfer, that also does the milk-run, why not invest into a private airport transfer? Cars, luxury SUVs, mini-coaches can be arranged for your convenience and will take you direct to your destination. And if you're already booked in that gardenview room, why not upgrade to that room with your own private plunge pool? And if your resort didn't offer the small things like 24-hour room service, wouldn't that be a plus now if you want less time in public areas? There are also many options for private villas where you won't see another single soul, except maybe your own personal butler, chef and driver. Your professional travel advisor at Romantic Planet Vacations can assist you with booking any of these travel enhancements. 

9. WAIT IT OUT

And finally, if you have the time to wait it out, do so. From now until your final payment deadline, the terms will generally remain the same. There is no rush to make a hast decision if your final payment isn't due for months. As mentioned above, if your trip is outside of the COVID-19 flex policies, than the standard cancellation policies apply, and that means loss of deposit in most cases, and more losses closer to the departure date. So much has changed since the beginning of all of this and so much will continue to change. More insurance options might become available. Maybe the Quarantine Act will be lifted or travel advisories for your destination, or another destination you can change your reservation to. Closer to your departure date, you'll definitely have a better picture with the number of worldwide and local cases and where the economy and it's subsequent job loss or return. The majority of job losses due to COVID-19 resulted when the country was put in a mandatory lock-down but as we begin to re-open, so will the businesses and so will the jobs. Waiting weeks or months will provide you with so much more information to make the best informed decision possible. 

10. BUT DON'T WAIT TOO LONG

It's possible that you were originally booked to travel in the Spring of 2020, and have postponed until fall of 2020, and now you might be considering to postpone yet again for sometime in 2021 to help ease your uncertainty concerns. However, if you are waiting for more certainty, like when the Quarantine Act is lifted or a vaccine is distributed, you're in the exact same boat as the majority of the millions of other currently affected 2020 worldwide travelers. And this is not good for the "supply vs. demand" graph. Right now, the prices for 2020 and early 2021 are extremely competitive because simply, nobody is booking right now. But when people start to feel comfortable enough to re-book, combined with those new travelers who book every year,  this will certainly drive the prices up and availability down. 

~Laurie Keith

Laurie Keith is the founder of Romantic Planet Vacations, Canada's first nationwide specialist in destination weddings and honeymoons in Canada, proudly serving Canadians since 2004. www.romanticplanet.ca 1-866-247-8123

TOP 6 OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH DESTINATIONS for Destination Weddings or Honeymoons for 2020

Everyone wants their wedding to be special, and there are a lot of ways to accomplish that. For some couples who want a destination wedding or honeymoon, adding that little something extra could come by choosing a unique location. In this article, we’ll tell you about our favorite “off-the-beaten-path” destinations for weddings and honeymoons for 2020.

St. Vincent and The Grenadines

Even if you’re familiar with the world of destination weddings, you may never have heard of St. Vincent and The Grenadines. Not only does this collection of islands in Caribbean have beautiful, white sandy beaches, it also has lush gardens, swaying coconut trees, breathtaking mountains, and vibrant flora.

Bequia Beach Hotel Luxury Resort & Spa. Credit: Instagram @bequiabeachhotel

The island is home to many private beaches of white, gold, and even black sand. You can also find a number of small luxury resorts, including Bequia Beach Hotel Luxury Resort & Spa, which is located on a private island. A stay at Bequia includes a ferry ride, making it the perfect location for a romantic honeymoon retreat. Recently, Air Canada has started offering direct flights to St. Vincent and The Grenadines from Toronto.  

Huatulco

Huatulco is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a more authentic Mexican experience than you could get at popular tourist spots like Cancun. Huatulco is home to many sleepy towns and villages that you and your spouse can explore together. This collection of nine bays is also a great spot for nature lovers. Together, the area forms Bays National Park, a protected reserve where you can kayak, fish, and discover beautiful reefs.

Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa. Credit: AMResorts

You have many resorts to choose from in Huatulco, including Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa, Barcelo Huatulco, Las Brisas Huatulco, Camino Real Zaashila Huatulco, Park Royale Huatulco Beach Resort, and the adults-only Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa.

Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia has a bit of everything you could possibly want in a romantic travel destination. The historic squares, architecture, and cobblestone alleys of the Old Town show off its European influence while still maintaining an authentic Colombian flair. Combine these aspects with the gorgeous climate of the Caribbean and this spot is just waiting for you to fall even more in love—with it and with each other.

Cartagena, Colombia. Credit: TICartagena

For easy planning, you can book a flight on Air Canada with Romantic Planet Vacations and stay at the Hotel Dann Cartagena or the Hilton Cartagena Hotel & Resort. The Hotel Dann offers beautiful sea views and quick access to the beach and Historic Center of the city. With more of a luxury resort feel, surrounded as it is by the Caribbean Sea, the Hilton Cartagena offers access to secluded beaches.

Iceland

Iceland might not have the sandy beaches you’d expect of a destination wedding, but the country has so much to offer nonetheless. Trade in your bathing suit for a pair of hiking boots and explore the rocky terrain, lava fields, waterfalls, and geysers. Or, if you really want to go for a swim, visit the picture-perfect Blue Lagoon.

Iceland. Credit: Blue Lagoon

There are a number of guided tours you can book that will take you from the capital and across the country, visiting natural landmarks and attractions across the way. If you travel at the right time, you can even take in the Northern Lights! With Air Canada, you can get a flight directly from Toronto to Reykjavik. Ask Romantic Planet Vacations for more details. 

Costa Rica

Whether you’re looking for lush tropical rainforests, beachfront relaxation, or a luxury resort experience, Costa Rica has something for every couple. You could wake up every day staring into the ocean or surrounded by green leaves and trees. Costa Rica also offers fun activities like zip lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. It’s the perfect combination of romance and adventure.

Secrets Papagay. Credit: Secrets Resorts

Our team of experts at Romantic Planet Vacations were lucky enough to spend quality time in Costa Rica in June 2019. Some of our favourite properties include the family-friendly Margarittaville Resort, with its relaxed atmosphere, beachfront location, and affordability, as well as Planet Hollywood, which had great food and entertainment. If you want an adults-only experience for your romantic destination wedding or honeymoon, we recommend the expansive Secrets Papagay retreat or the private Azura Beach Resort.

Europe River Cruise

If you and your spouse want to travel the world but want your family there with you on your special day, then a boutique Europe River Cruise might be the perfect choice. These all-inclusive family cruises include special events and excursions designed for you and your guests. This would certainly be a unique experience for everyone involved as you travel along some of the most famous rivers in Europe.

Uniworld U River Cruise. Credit: Instagram @u_rivercruises

For the ceremony itself, you can either choose to say “I do” right onboard the ship, or choose a port of call that suits you and your fiancé best. This is the perfect option for anyone who really wants their wedding to leave an impression!

If you want to learn more about unique and exotic locations for your 2020 destination wedding or honeymoon, then contact Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123 or travel@romanticplanet.ca today!

*Romantic Planet Vacations is a value partner with Air Canada Vacations because they offer 63 city connectors, have 39 years experience, and have won top airline award in North America for last 3 years. They have 50 aircrafts (rouge), 100+ routes, 750 resorts, 40 sunny destinations, 63 new resorts, and 100+ cruises to offer. Air Canada Vacations also spotlight products and have exclusive bonuses. At Romantic Planet Vacations, we can book and hold 30 seats for 90 days with only a wedding couple deposit.

Five Top Travel Tips You Can't Live Without When Traveling With An Infant

My greatest fear when I found out that I was pregnant was that my worldly travels would come to a dead halt once I had a baby. As a travel entrepreneur and owner of travel-related businesses since I was 20 years old, and living over-seas and exploring 5 of the 6 continents by the age of 30, the continued need for travel was a part of my DNA. It's probably why I waited until I was 40 to be blessed with the new role of mom.

There was never such a relief to have experienced when I saw the first smile from my infant daughter's three month old lips, while boarded on her first flight outside the womb. When her face lit up with the rumbling sounds of the jet engines as we taxied onto the runway, I knew she was going to be my new travel partner for life.

My daughter, now 19 months old, has already traveled to 3 continents and logged over 50,000 kms! Although she is a natural happy traveler, there are always things to be prepared for when traveling with an infant. Here are my top five best tips when stringing your little one in tow;

1) PACKING ESSENTIALS: Who knew that babies come with a lot of baggage as soon as they arrive into the world? And can they live without their essentials? The answer is no, not without your sanity.
One of the very best benefits of traveling with an infant aged 0 - 24 months when they sit on your lap is they travel for free! However, their luggage is not. After a few trips of trying to jam in 50 diapers, food, clothing, wipes, toys and more, into my already stuffed suitcase (yes, you still need 5 pairs of shoes and a case full of make-up to travel even as a mom), I decided it was well worth the extra $30 to pay for an extra suitcase. It's the best $30 you could ever spend. No cramming required and things are much easier to find, especially if you get some luggage organizers such as the Air Canada Travel Packing Cubes found at Walmart. These are great for keeping those itsy little socks and shoes together and also to be pool or beach ready in seconds.

Most airlines will allow one extra carry-on for items for the baby such as a diaper bag. Here you will need a few diapers and wipes, a mixture of toys including some high concentration ones that captivate their attention for awhile and distraction toys that you can whip out anytime you need their focus. Make sure they are not prized-possession toys as it's not uncommon to lose a toy or two in the abyss between the seats or the floor.

Don't forget a change of clothing for both your baby AND for you. You seriously never know what could happen when you're 40,000 feet up in the sky and you don't want to have to sit through the remainder of a flight with baby vomit or diarrhea all over yourself (and yes, I had to learn this the hard way).

When packing baby food, remember that security will not allow liquids, and this includes the squeezable food packs, unless it's under 100 ml. For this reason be sure to bring only small packs onboard and the rest in your luggage. Sometimes the baby bottle gets the pass and sometimes I've been told to dump it out so it depends on the individual screener. Powdered foods/formulas are best as you can add water on the plane. I absolutely love the new Baby Gourmet @babygourmet Individual cereal pouches. You don't need a bowl! You just pour in the water to the line and stir it with a spoon and voila, your little one has a healthy and filling meal in seconds.

If you're headed to a place with a swimming pool, then I suggest investing in a good baby pool floatie. I don't leave home without ours. It's important to get one that collapses, compresses and packs well and one with a sun visor is a bonus. These are available at Canadian Tires and Bed, Bath and Beyond and stores of the like. Remember however, they are a seasonal item in Canada so be sure to get it while you can in the summer months.

Of course you never leave home without your baby sunscreen, bug juice, children medicine, first baby passport, and a sun hat and be sure to always keep them hydrated.

2) COMFORT IS BEST: Throw away those glitzy-glam tu-tus and tight blue-jeans and dress your baby in comfort. Breathable cottons and even pajamas work for those flights where you want them to relax and/or sleep. It's always good to dress them in layers as well as temperatures between air conditioned airplanes and hotel rooms and the outside can range from 20 degrees upward. Trust me, they are going to thank you for their comfort in their many special ways with happy naps and smiling and giggling squeals.

Try to save the drinking for take-off and landing (and in between). It's best to nurse or drink from a bottle during these times to help their little ears adjust with the quick elevation change as swallowing helps clear the ears. Even munching on snacks works. Now that my daughter is older, we bring raisins, crackers, yogurt drops and more.

3) WORK YOUR LITTLE MIRACLE: I'm not going to say pimp out your baby.....well, yes I am. Once you travel with your baby a whole world of extra spoiling just automatically occurs. Suddenly people are giving up their seats for you on the airport shuttle, helping you lift your suitcase to the overhead bin, and words cannot even begin to describe the feeling when you hear that heavenly announcement come on the airport intercom advising, "Pre-boarding is now commencing for flight 4356 with service to Lisbon. All those traveling with small children or those needing assistance, please make your way to the front of the line..." It's a euphoric feeling similar to holding that first class ticket, like you're someone important. Yes, I get why they do it is because it takes us parents an extra five minutes to get sorted and settled on the airplane and so they can hurry the rest of the 'sardins' in but it feels awesome never-the-less to surpass that long line of weary travelers.

But there are other things you can do to enhance your traveling-with-an-infant benefits. I always ask at the airline check-in desk and again at the gate if there are any empty seats and if so, if we could be moved to one next to it in the event my daughter could sit there. Of the 30 flights or so we've taken together so far, I would say she's gotten her own seat about half of the time. It was only a matter of asking. Although you do still have to hold your infant during take-off, landing and at time of turbulence, it allows for an easier and deeper nap or play space and for stretching out your own body and comfort. If you can get it, some airlines even provide baby bassinets in the bulk head (first row) of the aircraft. This is attached to the wall directly in front of your seat and is possible for infants up to 8 months old and usually 26 lbs. This has to be booked well in advance as it's often a hot commodity, especially on long-haul or overnight flights.

Utilizing your little one for preferred room locations and possible upgrades also often works too. Put in that special request to the resort in advance and also at the front desk for a room close to the pool or ocean as weary parents certainly can't walk as far as non-parents....especially with a stroller that 'drags' you down. (Are you sensing my sarcasm yet?) But in fairness it does help a lot when you don't have to lug all of your baby paraphernalia half way across the resort or have to hike miles to your room because you forgot your baby sunscreen. I found the best rooms are ground level with a patio over-looking the pool or ocean and close to the amenities that way you can still hang out outside on your patio while your baby naps inside safely, quietly and close to you. For this reason, it's great to also bring your baby monitor and camera.

4) BOOK WITH THE RIGHT PEEPS: Not every resort or airline caters to babies so it's important to work with a travel agent who knows the right travel providers from the not-so-right ones and get you the right seats and the right rooms. This can really make or break your family travel experience. If your child is daycare friendly, there are a handful of all-inclusive resorts that now have baby clubs for those younger than 4 years of age, including Melia, Memories, Beaches, Palladium and Karisma. These play rooms are secured, managed by a team of certified childcare providers and equipped with infant toys, cribs, games and so much more.

The Azul Hotels by Karisma @AzulHotels takes their infant offerings it to the next level by providing strollers, baby monitors, bottle warmers, sterilizers, baby baths, change tables, high chairs and even gourmet baby food.

Air Transat @AirTransat offers a Kids Club wherein if you pre-register the kids online, they (and you in tow) will get access to the Kids Club or Club check-in counter, priority luggage, free seat selection, free onboard snacks, an young travelers profile logging their flight history and more.

5) DON'T STRESS: If this is your first time traveling with an infant, don't stress. I think babies can sense when you're under distress so if you're relaxed, they will be relaxed. It can and will be a fun experience if you let it be. Of course use precautions and be safe wherever you go but strap them along for the ride of life. I can assure you that they'll love to travel as much as you do, so get them started early.

By: Laurie Keith
Travel Specialist and Agent Extrodinaire Since 1994.
www.lauriekeith.com

U.S. and Cuba Resumes Flights

The U.S. and Cuba signed an historic deal this week to resume commercial aviation between the two countries, with U.S. airlines lining up to bid on routes which could start as early as next fall.

The deal, which will see commercial flights between the two nations resume after five decades, could see up to 110 daily U.S.-Cuba flights, the CBC reported. Twenty of those flights would be to Havana while the remainder would be to other Cuban cities, the report stated.

U.S. airlines bidding on flights will have two weeks to submit their applications, with results expected as early as this summer. Last year, it's estimated that approximately 160,000 American leisure travellers flew to Cuba on charter flights, qualifying under one of the U.S. government’s approved Cuba travel categories including humanitarian and educational trips.

Published on 02/17/2016

The Haven: Norwegian Freestyle Cruising Like You've Never Cruised Before

If you thought that cruiselines have already outdone themselves, you haven't seen anything yet. Introducing The Haven, by Norwegian Cruiselines. 

Hidden away at the top of the ship is an exclusive enclave with our most luxurious, well-appointed and spacious accommodations. Not only will you have access to all the ship has to offer, you’ll enjoy the personal service of a 24-hour butler and concierge throughout your entire stay. On top of that, complete privacy and tranquility are just steps away on a private sundeck reserved exclusively for guests of The Haven. It’s like having your own ship within a ship, all of which makes for a vacation you’ll never forget. 


Available exclusively on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Escape (coming in 2015).

The average cost of The Haven luxurious cabin is about $1000 per night.

Contact Romantic Planet Vacations, your travel specialists in romantic luxurious escapes at 1-866-247-8123, inquiries@romanticplanet.ca or visit their Luxury Travel Collection web-site at http://www.romanticplanet.ca/luxurytravel/ for more details.  

Sirenis Cocotal Beach Resort, Punta Cana JUNE SAVINGS!

Air Canada Vacations is pleased to now offer the Sirenis Cocotal Beach Resort Casino & Aquagames in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!

 

Check out AMAZING all inclusive pricing for June departures from Toronto ..... only $439 per person + taxes (June 5, 6, 12, 13, 19), $868 per person incl. taxes from YUL (Jun 2, 9 & 16).

 

With 4.3 ratings out of 5 on tripadvisor, this fun-packed 4 star property is ideal for families as this offer includes FREE unlimited access to the Waterpark complete with multiple water slides, an on site casino, 10 restaurants & 9 bars AND the 1st child stays, plays and eats for FREE! 

The unique water park covers an area of 12.000 square metres and has the following services and features:

•  Swimming pool in the central area of the park
•  Restaurant area - grill, hamburgers and pizza
•  10 metre high tower with 2 water tubes, 2 open toboggans, kamikaze and free fall twister
•  aquaracer: 4 lane speed slides
•  Themed Caribbean Pirates children’s area for 4-11yr olds with 10 children’s water slides and 4 splash barrels   
•  Children’s area for 4-11 yr olds with water jets and sprinklers
•  Children’s swimming pool for 2-4 yr olds with animal statues and water sprinkler
•  Nursery

What about getting you and your friends and families to go? You just need a minimum of 10 passengers and you qualify for discounted group rates and possible free travel! 

Contact Romantic Planet Vacations for more details at inquiries@romanticplanet.ca or www.romanticplanet.ca

Sunwing Releases New and Exciting Flights from Western Canada

UPDATED! New Routes from Western Canada for Winter 2014/15

We have Grand Bahamas, Punta Cana and Liberia, Costa Rica added! 

For next year's winter season 2014/2015, Sunwing/Signature Vacations has just announced some exciting flight additions to it's family of chartered flights from Western Canada.

Punta Cana will now be offered from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. With the Dominican Republic being a top destination for honeymooners and wedding groups, these new flights are a warm welcome to the industry. All flights depart and return on Mondays, which is perfect for those wedding guests from across Western Canada who want to travel on the same day. These flights start December 22nd, 2014 and end April 6th, 2015.

In Punta Cana there is an abundance of unique product, anchored by the Royalton Punta Cana and Memories Splash, both resorts getting great reviews and feedback, not to mention the Riu properties (including Adults Only) and the very popular Hard Rock Punta Cana Resort.

If you are looking for something more unique for your romantic getaway, we are totally excited to announce that Grand Bahamas Island will now be offered from Calgary starting Saturday November 15th, 2014! Here, the best resort options would be the Grand Lucaya Resort, which is a 4.5 star property offering EP and all-inclusive options. The discounted group rate for the inaugural flight including roundtrip airfare, transfers and 7-nights all-inclusive accommodations is $1748 + $230 tax per person! However, the Memories Grand Bahamas Beach and Casino Resort, also rated 4.5 star, is packaged at a stellar packaged group rate of only $1458 + $230 tax per person! These rates include a Fuel Promotion of $160 discount per person, that is offered by Sunwing/Signature Vacations but expires on April 8th, 2014. 

Grand Lucayan Resort, Grand Bahamas

For those traveling from Edmonton, you will be delighted to hear that you now have the option to travel to Costa Rica! These flights will operate on Sundays and our top favorites here are the RIU Guanacaste Resort and the new RIU Palace Costa Rica Resort. Both are located side by side on the most beautiful stretch of sandy beach. For those who want the newest flight and newest resort possible, why not consider the brand new 5-star Dreams Las Mareas Resort, the newest addition to the Dreams Resorts chain and coming to Costa Rica on November 1st, 2014!

The added value to these Sunwing flights are a welcome glass of free champagne for everyone on-board with a hot meal, leather seating, in-flight first run movies, and complimentary bride/groom upgrade to Elite Plus and access to the Plaza Premium Lounge when 10 passengers are traveling together to name a few.

For more information and to obtain a quote for your honeymoon, destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact Romantic Planet Vacations at 1-866-247-8123 or inquiries@romanticplanet.ca

Look at the Maldives for the most affordable Over-water Bungalow Travel Option

Romantic Planet Vacations is pleased to present one of the lowest priced ALL-INCLUSIVE over-water bungalow packages from Toronto that is available in the world - the awe-inspiring Maldives!

The Maldives are located Southwest of Sri Lanka and about a 18.5 hour flight from Toronto, with a stopover somewhere in Europe or Dubai, depending on the airline. 

The country is made up of 26 major atolls. A small number of these atolls are inhabited and many are the ideal setting for exclusive island-resorts with over-water bungalows, not often found anywhere else in the world. This tropical oasis of white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees offer perfect shallow lagoons and coral reefs that are most ideal for snorkeling and the resorts themselves have an aura of romance seclusion and privacy, making them a perfect setting for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.

The Maldivians reply on fishing and tourism for their income. The are descended from an ethnic mix of Aryan, Negroid, Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, Portuguese and British cultures. After being under Muslim rule in the 12th century, control passed hands to Portugal then to Britain, and finally gained their independence in 1965. The majority of the people today are Sunni Muslims.  

The French Polynesia and the famous island of Bora Bora in the South Pacific, also offers over-water bungalow style accommodations. Bora Bora is only about a 13 hour flight from Toronto, with a stopover in Los Angeles. With Bora Bora however, the package costs can be considerably higher than the Maldives, reaching upwards of $1600 per night for an over-water bungalow. Although two entirely different cultures and destinations, you still can find a gorgeous tropical paradise at both. 

Aside from the cost, the biggest difference between the contenders of Bora Bora and the Maldives, is that most of the resorts in the Maldives offer an all-inclusive package to include meals and drinks, Bora Bora however, does not.

Romantic Planet Vacations has been specializing in honeymoons, destination weddings and romantic holidays worldwide since 2004. They are offering an introductory honeymoon package for 7-nights all-inclusive with airfare from Toronto at only CAD $3,950 per person. Please contact them at www.romanticplanet.ca or 1-866-247-8123 for more information.