TRAVEL Tips

Going somewhere exotic - plan your travel budget ahead of time and be aware of the local currency.  A good travel book on the country will explain how much the Canadian dollar is worth, or you can visit a currency exchange before you leave.

Purchase travel insurance...If you plan on driving after you arrive, find out the type of insurance you require.

Luggage identification is important.  Clearly identify your luggage with your name, current address and phone number.  Put the information on the inside as well as the outside of your bag.  Attach a bright ribbon or bandana to your luggage so you can easily pick it out in the baggage claim area.

While you are away, make it look like someone is at home.  Park your car in the drive, plan to have someone shovel your sidewalk and pick up your mail.

Check to make sure your passports, visas and vaccinations are all current.  Leave copies with other members of your family in case of theft.

AND most of all...wherever you are going, make sure to be safe - enjoy the holidays and enjoy your time away.

Baby Powder Quick Fix

A little tip for those of you heading to the beach this winter to escape the snowbanks in favor of sandcastles.  Take a container of baby powder.  Clean your sandy feet with it and the sand just falls off.  Keeps the sand out of your luggage!

Puerto Vallarta

We are doing a Mexican Cruise this Christmas.  One of our ports of call is Puerto Vallarta.  I have been doing a bit of research and found this small article.

Puerto Vallarta, on the Mexican Rivera, is book-ended by tall luxury resorts and a long line of white sand beach but in its center are colonial styled buildings and the remnants of a sleepy fishing town.


The most popular attractions are a list of water sports on any part of the Golden Zone, a resorty stretch of sand. The Old Town also is an attractive district to sightsee and peruse colonial architecture.


A new Maritime Terminal built in 2007 can berth up to three cruise liners although sometimes a fourth has to anchor in the bay and tender passengers to the terminal. The terminal is three miles north of the city and has a host of tourist facilities such as shopping, restaurant, and information centers and further nearby American style shopping complexes. Transportation can easily be found to the city center.

Beach activities are the most popular including diving, snorkeling, boating and walking the seaside Melicon path. The Old Town is a popular place for a stroll, going souvenir shopping or visiting the colonial style Spanish-Mexican buildings. Some of Mexico's finest golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus are a hit with cruise passengers. Further popular water activities include deep sea fishing, swimming with dolphins and sailing trips in the bay.


IF YOU WANT TO SEE PUERTO VALLARTA:

GREAT DEAL: DECEMBER 2ND DEPARTURE (7 NIGHTS).  EDMONTON TO PUERTO VALLARTA.  FAMILY OF FOUR FOR ONLY $3640.  AT THE RIU JALISCO.  (http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/mexico/nuevo-vallarta-riviera-nayarit/clubhotel-riu-jalisco/index.jsp)*

*based on availability at time of booking

Disney Royal Suite

this is none other than the ROYAL suite on a Disney Cruise Line ship.  can you imagine?  not sure that I would have much trouble cruising around on any Disney ship but for sure no troubles hanging out in this room...

Mom with a Suitcase

as a MOM of five it seems to be my very BEST OPTION for me, to stay at home and do the "mom" things that I can do.  but often they don't NEED me so...along came the option of doing some TRAVEL AGENT kind of work.  ohhhhhhhhh.  I'm addicted.  I love it.  have been wondering if it is actually more fun for me to plan your trip, see your anticipation and excitement than it is for me to actually go on my own holiday...

this blog is going to be made up of (I hope), travels made by myself and my family, those I send on trips and nice little "deals" that come up...awesome places to visit or places that are on my bucket list.  so enjoy.  comment.  & if you are in the need of some time away from home with your SUITCASE by your side...give me a call or shoot me an e-mail.  be happy to help you get on your way.

mservice@thedestinationexperts.com

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