Vulcan Vacations

5 Incentives to Visit Calgary, Canada this year!

2012-01-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

Calgary, Alberta, Canada...a thriving cosmopolitan destination exuding with energy and dynamic adventures.

Incentive #1

This Year marks the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede. Considered the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", the Calgary Stampede is one of those events that seeing is believing! Some of the Highlights of attending the Calgary Stampede are:
- The WORLD'S Best Rodeo Athletes and the toughest Rodeo stock saddle up daily every afternoon of this 10 day event.
- Experience the Evening Show, one of the greatest extravaganzas that is guaranteed to thrill you!
- The Midway is ideal for Thrill Seeking people to ride some of the best rides of all time, along with the great Midway food that everyone has to have!
- The Chuckwagons race every night and give you nothing but exciting entertainment.
Along with all these great Highlights the Stampede has alot of other things to offer. The Enmax Ice Show features Canada’s elite skating superstars and cirque style acrobats collaborate for this high energy show. There is Art Galleries, An Indian Village, Canadian Forces Display, Draft Horse show, Marching Bands, a Parade through the streets of Calgary, and so much more!
With this being the Calgary Stampede's 100th Anniversary tickets are sure to be sold out to the afternoon and evening shows quickly, so plan to start vacation at the Calgary Stampede.

Incentive #2
Cultural - Calgary has a dynamic Arts scene offering choices of live performances from ballet, opera and musicals to cutting edge theatre and dance. Local and International talents alike are at galleries all around this beautiful city.

Incentive #3
Culinary Diversity - With our ever expanding cuisine, we have exceptional diversity and quality that includes ethnic restaurants and local delicacies such as venison, buffalo burgers and of course our famous Alberta Beef! Calgary is truly designed for food lovers!

Incentive #4

Shopping - Our shopping is is fantastic. With several Malls to choose from Including the Outlet Mall "Cross Iron Mills" we also have Stephen Avenue. Right in the heart of downtown Calgary, this main shopping and strolling thoroughfare is a bustling area with an eclectic array of shopping options. There are lots of specialty shops, local markets all over Calgary.

Incentive #5

The Rocky Mountains! Calgary is only a short distance from the beautiful Rocky Mountains that everyone is the world talks about! Travel up through Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper to experience beauty beyond compare. And why not take the Rocky Mountaineer Train through the Rocky Mountains out to beautiful British Columbia. Ride in a glass domed rail car have a glass of wine, a delicious meal and take in the scenery.

Take in Calgary and the Stampede and then extend your trip to take in other parts of Alberta and the Rocky Mountains.

ADULT ONLY VACATION - SANDALS OR COUPLES RESORT?

2011-11-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

My husband and I recently travelled to Jamaica for a Sandals Canadian Travel Agents Golf Tournament and stayed in both a Sandals resort and a Couples resort. Wanting to compare them as they both state that they are "Luxury Inclusive Resorts", we stayed 5 nights at each resort.
Now, before I go any further I would like to state that both are Very nice All Inclusive Adult Only Resorts. And I have only stayed in 3 different Sandals Resorts in Jamaica and only 1 Couples resort. To be fair to the Couple resort that I stayed in it was probably at the bottom of the Couple resorts list that I would send people to. There is always one or two resorts in any Hotel chain that you can say are not as "good" as the other ones.

SANDALS GRAND RIVERA - OCHOS RIO

Last year we stayed in Sandals Negril and "The Manor" at Sandals in Ochos Rio, and this year we stayed at the Grand Rivera Resort. My favorite Sandals resort of the 3 resorts is Sandals Negril. Its smaller and more intimate, little nicer beach area, and you meet more people because it is smaller. The Manor is very nice as well but larger and its not on the beach. We stayed in a Villa at the Manor that had 4 rooms in each villa and each villa had a pool that you shared with the other people in the Villa. It was a long walk or cart ride down to the main building, and you had to take a trolley down to the Grand Rivera for the beach.
The Grand Rivera was also very beautiful and very large. We stayed in a Villa just behind the main building. The grounds on the resort was beautiful, restaurants were fabulous (as all Sandals that we have stayed at are very good), but this resort the pool and beach area was a ways away from our Villa. But then that is to be expected when you are on a larger resort and have a bottom room category.

Sandals is luxury included and the staff at all the resorts were very good. I was surprised that it being luxury included that they DON'T include Internet or WIFI service, and they didn't include alcohol beverages in our fridge. We were able to get someone to bring us some after 2 days, but that was a disappointment. After all it is ALL inclusive! I treated myself to the Red Lane Spa this time so that I can tell my clients if it is something they should include in their vacation. I had an 80 minutes deep tissue massage and a 45 minute facial. Let me tell you IT'S WORTH IT!! It was a total Spa experience with the ambiance as well as the service that I received. And I was pleasantly surprised that the treatments aren't really that high priced for a 5* resort and they sell products at the same price that I can get them for in Canada. Sandals is a fantastic Holiday, you shouldn't ever be disappointed in a Sandals resort. my favorite so far is Sandals Negril, but I am anxious to check out Sandals Turks & Caicos. We are taking 6 of our agents on a Familiarization trip courtesy of the Sandals Organization on Dec 2-5/11. It will be a whirlwind trip but we will be seeing Sandals in Turks & Caicos and The Bahamas! I will definitely give you a report when I get back!

Sandals Entertainment

Dessert Table

COUPLES RESORTS

Following Sandals Grand Rivera we travelled a few miles down the road to Couples Tower Isle. At first glance I thought it was a nice intimate resort with only 220 rooms and the decor was kind of modern/retro. There coloring at the resort is blues, black, yellow and white. So it was totally different from Sandals where it is very upscale and a bit fancier. The staff were excellent and very friendly! We went to our room and that is where my disappointment in this Couples resort started. The room was "nice", but looked tired, and it smelled damp and musty. You will get that sometimes at tropical resorts, but for the price they are charging (same as Sandals) I don't think this should be an issue. Bedding was lumpy, so it looked like you didn't want to get into it. It turned out to be ok, but just didn't look that great. My other disappointment to the resort was the Piano Bar. Very nice idea to have as it was a smaller area that was air conditioned that you could go to to relax and it was quiet....but it smelled so bad i couldn't stay in it! It was that same Damp/musty smell but very strong. And that was the one place that I felt the bartender could have cared less if she served us!

The positives to this resort are that the food is unbelievable! They only have buffet at dinner on Saturday nights so you have to go to the Ala cartes or the pool grill for dinner. We usually do the buffets most of the time, but we were very impressed with the food that we were served the whole time we were there!

Because its a smaller resort its was 2 flights of stairs and we were on the beach in front of the ocean or by the pool! They have Free WIFI and Internet in your room at the resort and they also stock your bar daily, so that was a plus!

So after giving you this review of Sandals and Couples I would like to make a note by saying "These are my opinions as a Travel Agent and only my opinions. I would definitely send my clients to both of these Resort Chains as they are good quality resorts.

While in Jamaica we went on a few tours so that we could let people know what they were like if they decide to vacation there. We did a shopping tour where they took us to a local market (very aggressive like Mexico) and to a shopping plaza where there was mostly jewelry and souvenirs.

Red Strip Bold Beer after shopping

We did Mystic Mountain where you take a gondola up the mountain. they have an infinity pool and waterslide, zipline and bobsled. I have never ziplined before and thoroughly enjoyed it. Its a must do! The bobsled was very fun as well, as you go very fast down the mountain.

The Bobsled we rode

We also climbed the Dunns River Falls and had a blast! Not a good idea if you have really bad knees or back, but otherwise a lot of fun!

A sit in the falls

Some Golf Pictures

Our Team Sandra & Aristos from the Toronto Star

Our Caddie Homa

We had a banquet one night at "Beaches Bocobel" The family resort of the Sandals Foundation. This is their new Water Park with Water slides!

"Martini Bar" At Couples Tower Isle

Catamaran we took out for a ride every day at Couples

Couples Tower Isle "Island" for Nude bathing

If you have been to any of the Sandals or Couples resorts I welcome your opinion on them so others can hear from other people that have been there.

Laurie Umscheid

CRUISING CUBA...A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

2011-08-27T15:10:00.000-06:00

This amazing cruise has just been launched and its selling fast! Imagine getting off the beaten track and seeing the REAL Cuba!

Visit to a total of six UNESCO world heritage sites and four National Parks & Preserves. You will walk down cobblestone streets, up mountain paths, through rain forests and, of course, on fabulous world-famous beaches. And, each night you'll enjoy the incredible food, entertainment and comfort of your world-class ship. Experience the best of an all-inclusive resort and a cruise vacation, combined with a Cuba that few people ever get the chance to see.

Cuba has never been a cruise destination, but a Canadian based company has now brought that experience to the World! This Cuba Cruise is 8 days long and takes you to parts of Cuba that has never been opened up to anyone before. The excursions that you can add to your trip are truly unique experiences!
HAVANA - Imagine experiences the history of this unbelievable city. This is one of the great historical cities of the New World. A throwback in time, Havana displays a colourful combination of colonialism, capitalism, and Communism blended into one.
CAYO GUILLERMO - Exploring the beautiful lagoons and beach is the experience at this location.
BAHIA NIPE - Did you know that Christopher Columbus discovered the bay of Nip and proclaimed it "the most beautiful land ever seen by human eyes." Located here is the largest game reserve in Cuba where you can see wild boars, zebras and many more interesting animals. You can explore the Guayabo Waterfalls that plunge 200 meters, as well as explore the isolated La Mensura National Park or hike the UNESCO biosphere of Cuchillas de Toa.
SANTIAGO DE CUBA - One of the most interesting and significant places in Cuba! This region is the island’s center for Afro-Cuban culture and a key to Cuba’s unique personality. Discover the diverse range of Cuban music and visit the ruins of French coffee plantations recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site. Santiago remains the most important urban area outside of Havana, and is home to the birth of most forms of Cuba’s long-lasting and globally renowned music. Visitors from around the world come to enjoy the music originating in Santiago.
CAYO CAGUAMA - Privileged to be the very first tourists welcomed into de los Jardines de la Reina, “the Queens Gardens” by the parks rangers. This National Park is comprised of a chain of some 660 coral cays (islands) 350 kilometres long. The coral formations are perfect for scuba diving and fishing as well.

CIENFUEGOS & TRINIDAD - Enjoy the beautiful City of Cienfuegos and view the impressive Castillo de Jagua: a fortress erected in 1745 for protection against Caribbean pirates.

Visit the Colonial village of Trinidad - a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Bask in the warmth of the people and the charming cobblestone streets.

ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD - This is the second largest Cuban island and approximately 100km south of the island of Cuba, with a population of around 100,000. Due to its distance from Cuba’s mainland, it enjoys a special municipality status (not being a part of any province), and is administered directly from Havana.

Much of the island is covered in pine forests, and is the source of the island’s lumber industry. Arriving at Punta Frances, a glorious beach of pure white and pristine sand surrounded by crystal clear warm water.

Cuba is a very unique and beautiful country to visit. Discover all the history that accompanies the beauty!!

Pictures © Copyright Cuba Cruise Inc. 2011

STOP DREAMING AND START PACKING!

2011-07-18T17:03:00.000-06:00

I found this article on the internet and thought it was fantastic and had a lot of great suggestions. They may not apply to some of you, but it gives you ideas on what might help you to be able to travel!

How to Travel More Without Quitting Your Job: 10 Tips for the Restless Desk-Jockey

By Julie Ovenell-Carter

When it comes to the old I-want-to-travel-but-I-need-to-work dilemma, it turns out you can have your travel cake and eat it too. You just need to get a little creative.

Here are a whole bunch of solid suggestions for how to see more of the world without giving up a regular paycheck—at least not permanently:

1. Get more bang from vacation time
There are lots of easy ways to stretch the vacation time you already get. Even if you’re only entitled to a meager two weeks a year—Americans, I’m lookin’ at you—you can make those 14 days feel like more if you arrange your travel to leave town on a Friday red-eye and return on an early Monday flight and head straight to the office. Think of your vacation time as days rather than weeks and think strategically about when you use them: tagging them on to statutory holidays can turn a long weekend into a proper mini-holiday.

2. Use professional development funds to attend conferences
If your employer sets aside a certain sum of money each year to advance your professional development, consider using it to attend conferences in interesting destinations. Even if it’s not a lot of money, you can use it to offset travel costs. And be sure to tag on a few extra vacation days at the beginning or end of the conference.

3. Bank salary to “buy” a year off
Some employers—especially in the education sector—will allow you to bank a portion of your salary for several years so you can effectively “buy” a year off. Some teachers in Canada, for example, take 80% of their pay for four years so they can take a fifth year off—with 80% pay.

4. Roll over vacation time
Many employers allow their staff to roll over unused vacation time from one year to the next. Consider not using all your vacation days one year so you can plan a longer and more ambitious escape the next.

5. Transfer within your company
Do you work for a company in Los Angeles that has a satellite office in Seattle? Or maybe a company in Toronto that has operations internationally? Look for opportunities to change locations without changing jobs. In your off-hours, you’ll have the excitement of exploring a new environment. And don’t kid yourself—you don’t have to go far to encounter culture shock: to a New Yorker, New Mexico might seem pretty foreign.

6. Negotiate play-vs-pay
If you’re accepting a new job, or are in a position to negotiate new terms for your current position, consider asking for more vacation time instead of more money. Many employers are getting wise to the fact that money isn’t always the best motivator and they’re willing to talk about other benefits instead—like more time off. (See below for tips on negotiating.)

7. Take advantage of exchange programs
In some professions—nursing, teaching, firefighting —there are opportunities to exchange positions with a similarly skilled person in another country. Sometimes the exchange occurs simultaneously, and sometimes it’s staggered. The beauty of exchanges is that the tedious administration process—the arranging of work permits and such—is minimized.

8. Take a sabbatical
Research terms once available solely to university professors, sabbaticals—sometimes paid, sometimes unpaid—are now available in other professions as well. Talk to your human resources department to find out your options.

9. Negotiate a job-share or compressed work week
If you have more modest travel goals and simply want to be able to enjoy more short getaways, talk to your human resources department or union rep about the possibility of a job-share or compressed work week (such as a nine-day fortnight: work nine long days and get an extra day off every second week). If you can work from home, you can work anywhere; push those “work from home” days to the end of the week and make it a long-weekend getaway. You’ll need to put in work hours during the day, but at night you’ll be free to explore.

10. Find a job abroad.
Check out sites such as Go Abroad and JobMonkey—and there are many others—to find a new job in a new country. Sometimes there’s a fee involved, ostensibly to pay for work visas and administration costs, but beware of scams.

11. Take a leave of absence.
Maybe you want to go help build a school in Africa. Maybe you want to take a one-year teaching contract in Korea. Many larger employers are open to holding your job for a period of time—often up to a year rather than lose a valuable employee. You continue to pay for your benefits while you’re on leave; if not, you may have to re-qualify on your return.

Stop Dreaming-Start Packing

Learn how to DOUBLE your "LIKES" on Facebook!

2011-06-30T13:14:00.000-06:00

Would you LIKE to DOUBLE your "LIKES" on your Facebook Page? Check this out!

The whole point of creating a Facebook Page for your
business is to build a fan base of people interested in
your product or service, right?

Facebook Pages are a great tool for interacting with
your fans on a regular basis and for them to discover
whether or not your product or service is right for them.

But to build a HUGE fan base you need people clicking
the all mighty "LIKE" button. Yep, the tiny little button
sitting at the top of your page. :-)

Gone are the days of "Become a fan." Today, it's all
about the "LIKES" and YOU WANT THEM (a lot of them!)

Because without them... you have ZERO reach. If you
have zero reach, you make ZERO dollars.

And this is where most Page Admins fall flat on their
face.
Let me explain...

Have you ever visited a Facebook Page for a business,
only to land on their "Wall" where you see the comments
and status updates?

If so, did it make you want to "LIKE" the page?
Probably not.
Allowing your visitors to land on your "Wall" is the #1 mistake
Page Admins are making all across Facebook.
But it doesn't have to be this way...
Because as a Page Admin, you have the ability to create
a custom landing page AND set this page as your "Default
Landing Tab" for your Page.

You'll first need to install an iFrame application into your
page (which is beyond the scope of this post unfortunately.)
This will allow you to create a custom tab on your Page.
Once you have your custom tab, you will want to create
some type of "offer" along with a "call to action" to entice
people to "LIKE" your page.
An example offer would be something like this:
"Click Like Above To Get Access To _______"

It's proven that you will get more "Likes" just by making
this one small change to your Facebook Page.

Good luck!
James Grandstaff

James Grandstaff is an Internet Entrepreneur and all
around good guy. To find out how he got 52.94% more
"Likes" to his Facebook page, check out his amazing
FREE presentation at: http://vulcanvac.dblikes.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=BLOG

FABULOUS FIJI!

2011-05-26T11:04:00.001-06:00

FIJI...Beautiful People, Beautiful Water and Beaches, Fabulous Food...

A Destination worthy of being on your Bucket List!

I recently went on a Travel Agent Familiarization Trip with Goway Travel to FIJI and Sydney, Australia. On these trips we go to the destination and do site inspections of the resorts, checking out their activities, accommodations and food. Below is the fantastic Air Pacific Plane we travelled in to FIJI.

We arrived in Nadi and were greeted by Rony from Rosie Holidays..and I must say that is a perfect way to start off any vacation in a destination that you have never been to. Rony welcomed us, took a group picture, treated us to a welcome drink and cold towel to refresh ourselves after a long flight.

Rony from Rosie Holidays

Our welcome at the airport

After a fantastic Welcoming by the Fijian People we travelled on to the Novetel Hotel This is a basic 3.5* resort. Very nice in a Motel type setting. Very close to the Airport, but no beach or water access. They treated us to Breakfast and a lounge by the pool.

We then moved on to the Westin/Sheraton and Sheraton Villas. This is a very nice hotel that I would suggest to anyone that wants to stay Denarau Island. The three resorts are next to each other. Great place to put a wedding as the Villas has great suites for families, and you have the adult only option at these.

The rooms at the Westin

The pool at the Westin

We were hosted by the Westin and had very beautiful rooms! For our dinner that evening we travelled over to the Radisson Resort that is absolutely beautiful. We were there at night so it was hard to take in everything, but this is a very lively resort with lots of lush greenery and trees, several pools and lounges. At the Radisson they do a very unique experience for dinner. We were hosted in a pool, where the table and chairs were put in the pool and we were served several courses for our dinner. We totally enjoyed this experience!

Dinner in the Pool!

The next day we were picked up at the Westin and transferred to Port Denarau where we took a ferry over to the island of Likuliku where we did a site inspection of The Likuliku Lagoon Resort. This resort is a haven of subtle luxury and the first and only resort in Fiji with over-water bures. This is an adult only resort, where you will find the subtle luxuries, the friendly Fijian people and unimaginable beauty.

Relaxation!

Watch the fish while you are in your room

Over-Water Bures

After touring the Likuliku Resort we split our group of 10 people and half of us went to Malolo Island Resort and half went to Castaway Island Resort. Both of these Resorts are amazing, but I have to say my favorite is Castaway Island! Malolo is an intimate rustic resort. Its about a bure by the beach, surrounded more of the friendliest people. Great for families and couples. Definitely gives you the Fijian experience!

Malolo - Our Bure on the beach

Our sitting area

the bedroom area

Great snorkeling!

Castaway Island Resort is one of my favorites! This Resort is fantastic for families, but is also a nice place for a couple to go and relax. You will get the true Fijian experience here but still keep the comforts. The resorts traditionally thatched Fijian bures are great. You have the option of the island bure, ocean bure or beach bure. We were fortunate to meet Lingo who is always walking around making sure everyone is having a good time, Steven the manager and we were very pleased to be able to meet the Executive Chev, Lance Seeto! After telling Lance that we hadn't had a true Seafood experience in Fiji, he changed the whole menu for us and brought us all Seafood for Dinner that night!

Our Bure at Castaway

Our Seafood Feast!

Chef Seeto

Kokoda - tuna marinated in lime/lemon with coconut creme

The next day we were picked up by the ferry and transported back to Port Denarau and then bused to The Outrigger on the Lagoon Resort. This is a very enchanting resort. Located on the Beachfront of the Coral Coast of Viti Levu Island this resort embraces the hospitality of a traditional Fiji Village. This is a very large resort but it is a very lively resort as well.

View from out Balcony

The spa up on a hill overlooking the Outrigger Resort

We were hosted for dinner at the Outrigger that included a large buffet. One thing the Fijians do well is desserts!

The next morning we were picked up in cars that 2 of us went into and we went on a mini Amazing Race! This was amazing and so much fun! We were to stop at different places and pick up clues, where we would have to stop and buy items that we would need at the end of the race. In all the excitement of the race, I flew out of the car to go and buy an item and didn't see the mud and took a slip and ended up on my butt! The people that worked there felt so bad for me and helped by splashing water on my clothes to help get rid of the mud caked to my clothes, legs and arms! But that didn't stop me and my roommate, we ended up winning the race! The great thing about the race was that it took us through the many villages along the way.

One of the "hazards" of the race!

Rony dressed up in traditional dress at the end of the race!

The next day we did a stop for a site inspection at the Sonaisali Island Resort. This is a beautiful resort that boasts the ocean and a lagoon to swim in. After the site inspection at Sonaisali we ventured on to the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. This resort is huge and very modern, but the standard rooms are very large and all include an outdoor living area that extends the usable space. This resort has a few restaurants to choose from as well as bars.

View of one of the Restaurants

Plunge Pool off a room

Bathtub outside room

The next morning we left for the airport in Nadi taking an unbelievable experience with us and better understating of what Fiji has to offer to our clients. A Destination that I will definitely go back to!

Pineapple growing along sidewalk

Our Goway Group!

WHY TRAVEL INSURANCE??

2011-05-18T14:22:00.001-06:00

This is a really good article that I have come across on a travel site that is great for everyone to read regarding travel insurance. There are a lot of misconceptions out there regarding Travel Insurance that this may help clear up.Although it refers to Americans, it is definitely the same for Canadians! Please read and give us feedback if you want!

Why travel insurance?

May 18th, 2011 . by John Stone

Most travelers, except perhaps a lucky few who remain independently wealthy despite the struggling economy, take some time to plan their next vacation destination before deciding to make a booking deposit. They do some web searching, some consulting with friends and relatives, some reading of travel advertising, and maybe even some travel guidebook study before frequently seeking advice from a travel professional. Like car buyers kicking the tires to compare deals, travelers like to comparison shop for their trips.

Surprisingly, when many travelers do decide to book with a deposit on a trip they get a travel question they haven’t even thought much about. Do you want to add travel insurance? Lack of insurance research will sometimes lead travelers to dangerous assumptions. My health insurance will cover me if I get sick or injured. My credit card will cover trip cancellations or delays. The waiver offered by the tour operator or the cruise line insurance will be just as good as what I could buy from a 3rd-party travel insurance company. Travelers can be financially hurt when they have not read or learned about what is covered and what is not covered by different types of insurance plans.
A specialized 3rd-party travel insurance plan, not connected to the supplier operating the trip, is the strongest resource for protecting the traveler’s health and prepaid travel investment both before and during the trip, as well as his or her travel belongings from day of departure until the return home. Here’s why:

• Emergency medical coverage: As noted on the U.S. State Dept. web site (travel.state.gov) most U.S. based health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover you outside the U.S. And remember that cruise lines are traveling in international waters when they leave the U.S. for the Caribbean or other destinations. Medical Evacuation can be many thousands of dollars in an overseas emergency. And a health plan may not cover your pre-existing medical conditions. Based on simple purchase requirements, a travel insurance plan will cover your pre-existing conditions, or those of your family members and cover emergency medical and evacuation costs.
• Travel financial protection: Most waivers or policies bought directly from a travel supplier will not cover you if that supplier has a default or bankruptcy. And many suppliers’ plans only pay reimbursement in the form of a trip credit. A good 3rd-party insurance plan provides a cash refund for your covered claim. There is also coverage included for Missed Connection, Trip Delay, Job Loss Protection, and available options for Cancel for Work Reasons or for Any Reason with a travel insurance plan. Most of these features are missing from credit card, supplier or other travel-related insurance.
• Baggage protection: A supplier will not cover you with reimbursement of emergency expenses to buy replacement items if your bags are delayed or go missing. A good travel insurance plan covers this. You also need not wait an unreasonable time with travel insurance for cash reimbursement of at least some contents of a lost travel bag. A supplier, however, may take its time to search for your missing bag for weeks, or even months, before declaring it lost.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance: If you get lost, or lose money or travel documents, or need a prescription, or have other emergency needs while traveling, a good 3rd-party insurance plan provides you with Emergency Assistance services anywhere you travel. It is all included as part of the coverage.

The bottom line is that your health, your livelihood and your property are not worth risking when you travel any more than they are when you are at home or driving in your car. In fact, when you travel you have fewer resources for immediate help without insurance than when you have an emergency close to home. Travel can be the greatest experience in the world, but on a bad day it can also be a nightmare. Travel insurance provides the peace of mind that lets you enjoy the trip without fearing for the worst.
John Stone is the Media Relations Manager at Travel Insured International, and a former News Editor at Leisure Travel News and Travel Trade Magazine. He authors a company blog on topics of interest to travel insurance customers at http://www.travelinsured.com/Blog/

ROYAL CARIBBEAN "OASIS OF THE SEAS"

2011-05-01T12:54:00.000-06:00

Recently we went to Fort Lauderdale toa Cruise Convention and had the opportunity to go aboard the LARGEST Cruise ship ever built, The Oasis of the Seas

The Oasis carries 5700 guests at double occupancy and has 2700 staterooms of which 28 are new loft suites. A new neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade.

Central Park includes quiet reading corners; a Chess Garden with large-scale pieces; the Pergola Garden, an interpretive garden featuring vegetation from a host of Caribbean locales; and a Sculpture garden, highlighting work by international artists. An on-site horticulturist provides educational classes for guests seeking to learn more about flora. The Crystal Canopies, two impressive arched-glass domes, one with a bar, are a focal point of Central Park and provide sunlight into the ship's inner public spaces. The Central Park Neighborhood also features many restaurants and dining options.

The Oasis of the Seas Boardwalk is an outdoor area. Designed to look like a seaside pier, the Boardwalk has many activities and dining choices for all ages, especially family groups. When you enter the Boardwalk, the most striking feature is the large Carousel, which was handcrafted from poplar wood. The full-sized Carousel includes 18 animals of all types attached to traditional Carousel poles.

Stroll down the Boardwalk and you will pass six shops and five restaurants and bars, including Johnny Rockets and the Seafood Shack, before reaching the large outdoor Aqua Theater that stretches across the back of the ship. A 43-foot high rock climbing walls with multiple climbing routes are located on either side of the Aqua Theatre.

The Oasis of the Seas has 28,000 square feet dedicated to children and teens. TheAdventure Ocean space, Kids Avenue links nine different areas ranging from the nursery for babies as young as 6 months to the Voyagers area for kids ages 9 to 11. As such, Kids Avenue is lined with fun places for kids.

In addition to the age-appropriate rooms, Adventure Ocean also has a Kid's Arcade, Adventure Science Lab, and indoor playground, 100-seat Adventure Ocean Theater, and a Workshop and kids' art studio.
Teens will be happy that have their own area adjacent to the ship's Sports Deck, and a deck away from the "kids". The teen-only spaces include the Fuel disco and The Living Room, a teen hangout. Areas dedicated to kids and teens, youth will also enjoy the FlowRider, swimming pools, sports courts, and rock climbing wall.

The Oasis of the Seas is a truly AMAZING Ship and one that everyone should see and experience. We had a fantastic meal on the ship, nad experience most of the decks on board. The cabins are beautiful with more than enough room to enjoy your stay.

BELIZE

2011-04-12T13:16:00.000-06:00

Simply UnBELIZEable!

Ambergris Caye, one of the islands of Belize, had much more to offer than I ever expected. It was safe and simple traveling, on a reasonable budget with nothing but surprises

We stayed about ten minutes north of San Pedro town by water taxi at Belizean Shores Hotel. San Pedro is a quick 15 minute flight in a 12 seater plane from Belize International Airport. The town itself was full of character and had incredibly friendly and helpful people. Locals and tourists alike get around by golf cart or pedal bike which will take you from one end of the island to the other. The only other motorized vehicles on the island are van style taxis that are mostly used to move the tourists and their luggage to their destination of choice. The streets are very narrow and full of many different types of fabulous restaurants. Our favourite place to eat was a local hole in the wall called Waraguma’s which featured lobster burritos and conche ceviche. DELICIOUS!!! There are also a few touring companies and of course places to shop.

A must do is a local tradition called the Chicken Drop. It happens at a few of the pubs, usually on a Thursday night, and attracts many. Imagine a large grid in the sand and inside each square of the grid is a number. You then pay to randomly pull a number and cross your fingers. After the ritualistic “sexy chicken” song they drop a chicken onto the grid and you hope it produces on the square with your number. The winner has to clean up the droppings before they can claim their prize. It’s hilarious and an entire evening of entertainment!

I choose a place to stay called Belizean Shores Hotel. It was wonderful! Our suite had a kitchenette which helped us have a little more flexibility with breakfasts. It was very convenient because the hotel provided a private water taxi that went south to town every hour and a half or so and came back on opposite hours. It also had a private dock which is the home of Tuff-E- Nuff Tours. The guides there were fantastic. They made our trip full of memories and treated each day like it was the first time they were seeing the sights too. We did three tours with them:

1) Beach BBQ:

A truly relaxing and authentic experience! We started mid-morning taking the boat with a small group north up the island to a few “secret” destinations for snorkelling along the reef and not far from there fishing for our lunch. The guides filled us in on a little history and taught us about the marine life. After we caught enough fish and collected enough conche we went to a private area of the beach and the guys made our lunch from scratch, beach BBQ style. It was the BEST food we had our entire trip. Full of flavour and amazingly fresh!

2) Xunantunich Mayan Ruins/ Cave Tubing

This was a full day tour starting bright and early and requiring a lot of travel. From our hotel we went into town and caught the ferry to Belize City. At the pier one of the Tuff-E-Nuff guides meet us and took us on an hour and half drive through Belize City and into the country of the Cayo District. The country side of Belize is very lush and it was interesting traveling through many little towns of the country. The ruins themselves are incredible. Gorge, our Tuff-E-Nuff guide, gave us the tour up to the top of the ruins filling our heads with the Mayan traditions, sacrifices and beliefs. From the top of the ruin you look south and see Guatemala and more dense forest while listening to the howler monkeys. From the ruins, we turned back toward Belize City and stopped for an adventurous tour through a cave system. We hiked about 25 minutes through the tropical forest with inner tubes and a head lamp. At an opening in the cave system we put our tubes in the river and entered the depths of the darkness. Gorge once again entertained us with stories of sacrifice and tradition with only our head lamps showing us the way in the pitch black. The cave system took us about 45 minutes until we saw the light of day again and enjoyed a leisurely float back to the parking lot. An incredible experience like no other and definitely worth the long day!!!

3) Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley

The coral reef system of Belize is one of the most highly recognized in the world! It spans the entire coast of Belize and is well protected. I heard from a number of people that it was the best snorkelling and diving they had ever done. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is about 15 minutes by boat south of the island and offers the most remarkable sights. There are hundreds of species of tropical fish, dolphins, turtles, rays and nurse sharks. This reserve requires that its visitors have a guide to preserve the habitat. I had to go twice! It was simply breath taking!!!

If island style living, with delicious food, incredibly friendly people and so many beautiful things to see and experience excite you than Belize has to go on your destination wish list.

Thank you to Michelle Smith for her Blog on her Amazing Trip to Belize!

TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE

2011-04-07T14:16:00.000-06:00

We have just come across an article regarding Tips for Women who are travelling alone. This is an excellent article in TAKE OFF EH and we felt we wanted to share it with everyone!

You Go Girls! 07/APR/2011

Solo Travel Safety Tips For Your Next Trip

Women who choose to travel on their own should be able to set off with a sense of joy and anticipation, unburdened by fear. And many do. But the truth is women face different travel concerns than men. From issues of personal safety to cultural mores, women travellers can run into a variety of challenges best avoided through knowledge and precautions.

Here are some suggestions aimed at making your solo travels more relaxing, rewarding, and most importantly, safe.

Confidence:

You do it at home, so why change on the road? Exude confidence as you walk with direction and purpose. Read your maps and ask for directions in a coffee shop or other location rather than on the street.

Combating the Cro-Magnons:

Every culture has its share of knuckle-draggers. Leers, catcalls and approaches can be annoying at best, terrifying at worst. Feigning ignorance or being busy with a book or notepad can deter some. Learning a few choice words in the local language (ie: Leave me alone!) can be helpful too. If an incident appears to be escalating, making a scene can be your best defence.

Culture Clash:

Dressing modestly in conservative cultures is always advisable. Why open yourself to attention you don’t want? It’s also important to be aware that body language, certain physical gestures and eye contact that would be normal at home can sometimes be construed as come-ons in various cultures. Read up on local mores before you hit the streets.

Daylight Savings:

Try to arrive in new places during the day. Everything looks different in darkness -- even approaches by well-meaning people. It’s best to be able to get your bearings and your accommodations taken care of before the sun sets.

Sleep Tight:

Some women carry a rubber door stopper with them on their travels and shove it under their hotel room door at night, just for a little bit of added security. If it helps you sleep, why not? Others ask for rooms on higher floors near the elevator but away from emergency exits and stairwells. If you’re at a hotel where they want you to leave your key at the front desk when you go out, make sure a clerk puts it somewhere safe.

Getting Around:

Keep a card or matchbox from the hotel on your person – it will help you get back if you become lost. Use hotel-approved taxis wherever possible and try to avoid hailing a taxi on the street. If you find a driver you like, get their number – they’ll often be happy to come and get you to earn a decent fare.

Thousands of women travel the world on their own, happily and safely. Taking precautions doesn’t have to cramp your style -- it just makes good travel sense.

By: Bruce Parkinson

Weddings and Renewing Vows in the Cooks

2011-04-02T19:40:00.000-06:00

If you have ever thought about renewing your vows or having a destination wedding, Aitutaki is most defiantly a romantic choice.

We renewed our vows at Tamanu Beach Aitutaki with the local minister which happen to be Captain Puna's Dad.That was very cool! The girls at the resort arranged everything including our table at the Sunday night BBQ show after the ceremony. They have great wedding packages available, but they will adjust it to make it exactly what you like. Which ever girl is working that day will help you get dress, take pictures, have champagne at your table. It was the most romantic day, the ceremony ended just at sunset for pictures. They set up our table at the front of the floor so we had up close view of the preformance. WOW, the show was fantastic, a few of the staff from our resort were dancers. The food were things we don't know but tasted great and they had fish, pork and beef, it was a amazing buffet. If you would like something different and so romantic this is the place for a wedding or honeymoon. Aitutaki was so wonderful that it is hard to describe, it really is a destination to experience!!

Romance in the Cooks - Aitutaki Lagoon Cruise

2011-02-21T14:13:00.014-07:00

On with the next adventure! We spent the best day out on the lagoon with Captain Puna on the Yellow Boat. It's hard to imagine that you are standing on a sandbar in the South Pacific in ankle deep, bath warm, crystal clear water until you go on this cruise.

Captain Puna has many stories of Aitutaki and the lagoon and he shares some very gorgeous spots with the small group on board. We stop at Honeymoon Island on the way to the first snorkeling spot. It is so peaceful you just want to plant a chair and never leave. The snorkeling is fantastic, so many fish big and small, turtles and sting rays too! Our favorite stop is the sandbar on the way to One Foot Island. WOW!

Captain Puna's wife Tutu prepared a feast fit for a King. Not for 1 minute did I ever think that pickled seaweed would be good. It was great! Captain Puna did a great job of giving us penalty of time to walk on the small islands and sandbars. We enjoyed lunch and a swim in the lagoon, then we were on to the next snorkeling spot.

This entire day was incredable and it is hard to truly describe how beautiful Aitutaki's lagoon is. I would say that this is a must do on anybody's list.

Romance in the Cook Islands

2011-02-15T15:34:00.008-07:00

I can't believe that I really got to the South Pacific and experience this beautiful haven called the Cook Islands. We were all ready for our 10 hour flight with Air New Zealand from Los Angeles. Before you know it they are serving breakfast and we are just about to Rarotonga! The crew were great and made it easy to settle in for the long haul. The first thing we noticed when you get off the plane is the freshness of the warm air. We are flying right out again from Rarotonga to Aitutaki this morning with Rarotonga air, it's about a 45 minute flight. As we come into Aitutaki you can see how big the lagoon is and it looks so beautiful. Who needs sleep when you arrive here you just want to see it. We are picked up and taken to our home for the next 5 days, Tamanu Beach. We are greeted with a cool drink and shown to our bungalow. As you can see in this picture our view is wonderful from our deck. It is so quiet and still here you can't help but sit and just listen to nothing but the sound of the ocean. Our room is great and we are going to change and walk to the little village near by to see what we can find. The young lady Helena at the front desk told us that every new year the people in the 8 villages here get together and dance and sing from village to village ending in the one that is choosen to receives funds raised to help with expenses for improvements. We walked for a couple miles and found the little community center where they were singing and dancing, everyone had candy necklaces on and it seemed that the whole island was here. We started back to the resort and stopped for a beer in a little local store and chatted with the owner. She was telling us how great this day is for her village because the money raised is going to do good things. They seem to be very proud people. The first thing that you notice is how clean and well care for everything is.

Boy is it HOT here, we are not going to wear half of the cloths we brought.

We decided to have dinner at the resort tonight, we had the fish and chips and it was delicious!

As a matter of fact we had fish and chips every day, you can't help it, it's fresh fish and taste nothing like what we get at home. We ventured off the resort a few nights for dinner and tried the little local places. One place only had the sandwich board out and had no name and she made a great plate of fish & chips. The food here on Aitutaki was Great and a good price $35-40.00 New Zealand dollars for both of us with a beer or a pop and salad.

We rented a scooter at The Boat Shed, which is also a bar and restaurant for a day to see if we could get lost.Well NO, you can't no matter what road you take it gets you back to the main one. Driving on the left side was a little weird, thank god this is a very small island so nobody got hurt.

Well next I'll get to the romance part......... to be continued

iPhone Mexico app - no, really!

2010-12-09T11:41:00.003-07:00

Taken from the October 20th issue of Travel Press:

The Mexico Tourism Board has launched the Visit Mexico iPhone application. Users can select to receive information from six regions and all 32 states, in addition to receiving information about 27 top tourist destinations. The app includes several features, such as online news and weather, interesting activities, videos and Google Map links for top destinations. The application also includes an interactive “piñata” game where users can shake the iPhone to receive a treat: a destination suggestion. By tapping the name of the suggested destination, users can learn more about its culture, cuisine, climate, geographical setting and more.There’s also an “Activities” section located on the home screen. From beaches to camping to entertainment, users can see activities in a multitude of Mexican destinations, such as Cancun, Riviera Nayarit and Queretaro. By using the application, users can also learn more about Mexico’s numerous World Heritage sites, festivals and history all with the “tap” of a button. The Visit Mexico application is available in both English and Spanish and is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad models (iOS 3.1 or later), allowing users to get up-to-the-minute information about all things Mexico. The application is available free of charge from the Apple iTunes web site -- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/visit-mexico/id380085352?mt=8# .

Walt Disney World part 2 - Disney's Animal Kingdom

2010-12-06T13:13:00.008-07:00

Well, day 2 dawned - very early again. We were totally wiped from our busy day at Epcot, but raring to go and discover our second park of the trip, Disney's Animal Kingdom. (click on any of the pictures to enlarge them) What a contrast in parks!! Epcot was all futuristic-y (is that a word?) and scientific, and Animal Kingdom was very tropical and jungle-y (pretty sure that's not a word, but it works here). Before we were even in the gates, we were greeted by a cast member with a gigantic, ug-ly millipede in a container, ready to answer any questions any of us had about it. Not really the type of thing you want to see first thing in the morning, but cool, none the less. Entering the park you hear jungle sounds, and music being piped through unseen speakers. Birds - real ones - are everywhere. Storks aplenty!! And real flamingos - that were actually PINK! Not the off-colored ones that we see in our zoo in Calgary - the pink of these gorgeous birds was unlike any color I've ever seen in nature before. Following the path, you pass various areas that house different types of tropical birds, waterfowl and little mammals. Bamboo trees are everywhere and the lovely sounds that they make as they move in the breeze are very much like wood-chimes. It's hard to describe, but very soothing. It wasn't very far into the park when we saw the famous Tree of Life, the "symbol" of Animal Kingdom. You really need to take your time and see how many animals, birds, bugs you can find carved into it's enormous trunk and branches. It is unbelievable. If you follow the path, you will go underneath and inside the huge tree and be taken to the "It's Tough to be a Bug" 3D show. It is so much fun, as are all of Disney's 3D experiences and we highly recommend it. Plus, who can resist the chance to wear yet another cool pair of 3D glasses!! As in every Disney park, you will have the opportunity to meet some of your favorite Disney movie characters here. I had the chance to meet my pal Pooh again, this time with Tigger AND Eeyore, so of course, I had to take it!! Eeyore is soooooooooooo cute, I just wanted to squeeze the stuffing right out of him. I am happy to report that I was much more restrained this time with my Pooh encounter, much to the relief and delight of my husband. ;0) I will say, just because you met a character at a different park, don't pass up the chance to meet with them again. If we had passed by this meeting place we never would have met Eeyore, nor would our girls have been given bouncing lessons by Tigger. Or would our youngest have gotten a skipping escort from Tigger all the way back up the path. Those are the spur of the moment things that cannot be duplicated, and will never be forgotten. Disney's attention to detail really is amazing. NOTHING is overlooked. There are no "backsides" of things. You won't see the "spot that they missed". It just doesn't exist. Crossing the bridge you look down upon a boat, seemingly moored there by its jungle-dwelling owner. The gibbon enclosure is anything but. It is an acheological site of a temple being restored. The gibbons swing on the scaffolding and climb all over "their" temple. I should mention, as Disney resort guests, we had access to the early morning hours and late hours - or Extra Magic Hours - at designated parks on different days. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS!!! This day, was the early morning admitting, and it was so worth it. You get in an hour or two before the general public, and really, not many people get up in the morning to take advantage of this. We had no lines for the attractions at all. I will talk more about other good tips like this in a separate post. Speaking of no lines, we then did the rapids (buy or bring a rain poncho) and then the safari ride. This was great, and not at all what I expected. We got quite up close and personal with a lot of animals. We came around one corner, into a beautiful open area and had this gorgeous giraffe standing right there! She was so close, my girls were so excited. Another thing that you see on the safari is ostrich nests everywhere. Real, live, ostrich nests!! With eggs in them!!! How cool is that!! We got a picture of this one sitting on its nest: And here is the giraffe - you can see my husband's arm in the foreground and that will give you an idea of just how close it was to the jeep! We boarded the Wildlife Express train which took us to Rafiki's Planet Watch - an interactive area that educates children on what is living in their own backyards, and how to protect them. It was a fun train, ride and a welcome relief from yet more miles that we were putting on. Thank goodness for good running shoes!! I do recommend the Planet Watch, as it has some great hands-on demonstrations and interractions for children of all ages, and we were very pleasantly surprised to meet 3 characters while there. Rafiki, himself, Jiminy Cricket, and a princess that we had totally forgotten about! Shame on us!! Can you guess who?? She lived in the woods.......very "in touch" with nature, shall we say.......oh come on.........POCAHONTAS!! We actually saw her before she saw us. Well, I saw her. She was shyly peeking out from behind a tree, watching the presentation and I pointed her out to the girls. I wonder how many other people walked right by her!! Animal Kingdom does not have a fireworks, or night-time light show as they do not want to scare or upset all of the animals living there, but they do have a fantastic parade. Take the time to watch this. The park closes earliest of all the Disney Parks, so you will be back at your hotel in plenty of time to unwind. I will say, try to get a front-row seat. Park yourself on the ground and get ready to high-five and say hello to Balloo, Pluto, Mickey among others. Your kids will love it. Heck, I loved it!! I dare you to watch a Disney parade and NOT have a good time. I just dare you. When it was time to go, we headed to the Rainforest Cafe for our supper. It is not a Disney operated restaruarant, but it is right outside the park gates. If you haven't been to one, you should go at least once. There's nothing like an angry elephant, or a jungle rainstorm while you're eating. haha! We headed back to our resort - exhausted - again, but once again thrilled with another magical day. It sounds corny, but really, there is no other way to describe it! We still had some time before turning into bed, so took advantage of the early evening and went for a dip on the resort's pool. A great finish to another Disney day!! If you are thinking about going on your own Disney holiday, I would love to answer any questions you might have. Don't hesitate to drop me a line! jodiv@vulcanvacations.com

Walt Disney World, Florida

2010-11-23T11:27:00.014-07:00

This past February, my family and I made our very first ever trip to any Disney park. We decided on Walt Disney World because we were going for 10 days and, of course, there are more Disney parks to see in Florida. I will be doing a series of blog posts on each of the Disney Parks in Florida over the next few days, highlighting what I think are some must see and do's. After an excellent direct flight from Calgary to Orlando, we boarded Disney's Magical Express at the airport and were delivered right to our Disney resort - All Star Movies. Check in was a breeze and we easily found our room. It was very clean and comfortable - exactly what we look for in a hotel. As it was already past supper time, we then headed back to our hotel's food court. It is made to look like the concession of a movie theater and we had no shortage of excellent food to choose from.

Our first morning we got up bright and early (with the Disney wake-up call, of course!) and after breakfast, headed outside to catch the resort shuttle to Epcot. One - huge - perk of staying on Disney property is that you have shuttle buses running every few minutes all day to each of the Disney parks, right from your resort. SO easy! There are lines that are clearly marked for each destination, so there is no guessing.

Epcot was amazing. And huge. Be prepared to do a LOT of walking. We wished that we would have taken a pedometer just to keep track of how much walking we did over our 10 days. Out of all of the Disney World parks, you will do the most walking at Epcot. We arrived before the park gates opened and were able to walk right on both Soarin' and Test Track. Both were FANTASTIC and I highly recommend them! We also found that Epcot was the BEST place to meet Disney Characters. Daisy Duck and Stitch were the first, right at the main gates. Then we walked right in to the meeting place for Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald. If that doesn't get you excited, then you really need to check your blood pressure. ;0) Continuing on into the World Showcase portion of Epcot, we visited pavillions from countries all over the world - beginning, of course, with Canada. It actually reminded me somewhat of Expo '86 in Vancouver, but with wayyyy more. The cast members working in each "country" are all actually from that country. Don't be shy - ask them how to say "Hello" in their home language!! Our girls learned how to say hello so many different ways! It was a great way for all of us to interact with the cast members. Also, each country has a cultural component, a shopping area, and of course, a dining area. I have decided to do a separate blog entry on just the dining at Walt Disney World. It really deserves it.

We met and/or saw several princesses while at Epcot as well. We were so very impressed by just how kind and unrushed all of the Disney characters were. They always took the time to really talk to our girls and ask about them, as well as sign autographs and pose for pictures. Our girls couldn't have been happier!

Now everyone has their favorite Disney character. Admit it, you do too. Mine just so happens to be Winnie The Pooh. I LOVE Pooh. By this time, I was totally on the hunt for the meeting place for Pooh Bear. We found the place, only to discover that they weren't there. After striking up a conversation with one of the cast members who was at the place, he told me that if I wanted to wait a few minutes, Pooh would be coming out. Those of you reading this who know me, will not be surprised at how totally excited I was. Truly. I would have shoved people out of my way just to be first in line, but luckily I didn't have to. ;0) The moment finally came, and the "chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff" walked in. In true Jodi style, I fell into Pooh's arms and said "I've waited my whole life to meet you!!". It was worth the wait. If there was ever a place where "grown ups" can feel like a kid again, it really is Disney World.

The architecture and attention to detail is something that Disney is famous for, and there are times, when, if you didn't know any better, you would swear you were in a different country. We had many favorites, but the United Kingdom was definately one of them - and not just because that is where I met Pooh. There are so many little "side streets" and quiet areas to see and enjoy where, often, you will be the only one there. That was one of our favorite things to do was to "take the path less travelled". The little courtyard behind some of the buildings was just like something out of Mary Poppins, and one of my very favorite places. I highly recommend, if you find yourself at Epcot, to take your time and discover your own little places.

Another of my favorite "countries" was Morocco. It was absolutely beautiful. The buildings, the marketplace, the music, the people - everything about it, we loved. Now I'm not so naive to believe that it is exactly like the real Morocco, but we definately added it to our list of "must go to" countries.

We finished our day at Epcot with the amazing IllumiNation light show. It really is a light show - with music, fireworks, special effects. The best view is right in front of the Canada pavillion, as close to the lagoon as you can. Buy a bag of popcorn from the Canadians working at the cart and chat about home while you wait. The park is alive with gorgeous music and colors and lights at night and walking back to our shuttle was a totally different experience than walking in was - even though it was past the same things. Take some time to watch the dancing fountains, and stop on the illuminated sidewalk, and of course, take pictures of the giant Epcot "ball".

We were absolutely exhausted, but totally exhilirated at the end of our first Disney day. The ride back to the resort on the shuttle was a quiet one, to say the least!! If you have any questions, or would like some more information, please don't hesitate to email me at jodiv@vulcanvacations.com . Coming up next...... Disney's Animal Kingdom!!!

JAMAICA...YA MAN!

2010-11-09T16:17:00.004-07:00

We just returned home from 8 nights in Jamaica, staying at both Sandals Negril and Sandals Grande Ocho Rios. We were going for a Canadian Travel Agents Golf Tournament for 4 nights and decided to extend the vacation 4 more nights.

We flew from Calgary - Toronto - Montego Bay, then we boarded this little 4 seater plane that I was sure wasn't going to make it to Negril! But to my surprise it was a very nice experience and we were able to see what parts of Jamaica looks like from the sky. Its a beautiful place with lots of trees. When we got into Jamaica we were met by the cab driver that was taking us over to our Sandals Resort. At first glance it looked like a really nice place, but we would soon find out that construction and damage from a hurricane would disappoint our experience at Sandlas Negril.

We checked in with the Concierge, where they give you a wet cloth to cool yourself off and a nice cold drink. We received our briefing on the resort and were taken down to the buffet to have some lunch until they came to take us to the room. The room was fairly small, but very nice. A big King Bed and we looked out to the ocean through patio doors ...and scaffolding! They were redoing most of the rooms in the building we were in so we had some banging most of the 4 days were were there. The Hurricane had taken out a restaurant, the beach, damage to some buildings and grounds.

This wouldn't deter us from having a fantastic time at this resort. They have the Red Lane Spa that we saw doing a site inspection, exercise room, gift shop, 3 pools and 4 restaurants that were operational. The food at this resort was second to none! We went to all of them except the Japanese one and we were never disappointed. The people working at the resort were fabulous.

After a lot of sun, drinking and visiting with fellow guests we boarded Timair again to fly over to Ocho Rios. You don't have to fly in between the resorts, but the bus ride can be long. We were surprised when we landed in Ocho Rios and found that the only thing there for us to wait for our transfer to Sandals was a open tent. They were in the process of fixing up the buildings and airport as they will be bringing larger planes into the airport soon. We were transferred to Sandals Ocho Rios and were wisked into the meeting room to meet with the committee that was hosting the golf tournament. We got alot of goodies and headed to our room in a little truck called a Jitney. Our building with 4 rooms in it was up on a hill. The rooms were amazing with a separate bedroom, bathroom, living area, full kitchen, and patio doors out to a shared pool with the 3 other rooms in that building. The pool was very nice in the afternoon after golfing and in the evening to cool off!

The first night we had a reception at the Owner of "Sandals". The house was huge, beautiful and the food was amazing.

We had 2 days of golfing on a beautiful golf course. When you golf in Jamaica you have to have a caddie along even though you carry your clubs on a cart. They were so much fun and gave us lots of good advice! We were treated to a Catamaran Cruise with drinks and snacks, then bused to Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island where Westjet treated us to a unbelievable night on the beach with tents that had fresh food cooking, a huge dessert table, dancers and musicians and lots of fun and visiting.

The second day was golf and then a Black and White Themed Dinner hosted by Air Canada Vacations. We had entertainment as well as they handed the prizes out to everyone that won at the golf. My husband was lucky enough to sink a 65ft putt to win a prize!

We had one more day of lounging around the pool and buying last minute souvenirs before we flew home. It was an amazing trip and we plan to do it again next year!

Jamaica is a beautiful destination to visit, with the people being so friendly. Sandals Resorts are great resorts to stay at as you are treated like royalty.

Why not make your next vacation Jamaica!

New York City - Simply Amazing

2010-10-20T15:32:00.004-06:00

I recently escorted a tour group to New York City. We had plans of seeing all the sites, shopping, seeing a Broadway show and just being typical tourists. We went for 5 days, and let me tell you, that's not near enough time if you want to see all there is to see and do some shopping!

We started the first day flying into Newark. We were staying at the Flatotel, just off Time Square, and decided to check in and have dinner in the hotel. The rooms are very nice and quite large for New York. The hotel restaurant, MODA, was amazing. The food was excellent and the service was just as good. Then we went out to experience Time Square! Lights, and more lights! Some of the Billboards are as tall as the buildings they are on! You actually experience sensory overload after you have been there for 5 days!

The next morning we hopped on the "Hop on Hop off Bus. This is an excellent way to see Manhattan! It takes you through all the different neighbourhoods and past the points of interest like the Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Harlem, past Central Park and so much more with a guide commentating the whole way. We made a stop and went to the Ground Zero Museum that was done by the Ground Zero official photographer Gary Marlon Suson. He had photographs in his museum that were amazing and the atmosphere there was so moving. They play a video with Gary Suson narrating telling what he went through during that horrible event. There are also artifacts from the site like glass from the buildings, office stuff, firefighter gear that was used, and much more. This is one tour you should not miss! Its not near ground zero so beaware of that. There is another museum at Ground Zero, but it shows mostly what they are doing to restore the Ground Zero site.

From there we went on more sightseeing and then to dinner at a diner that we found. Then off to the Broadway Show "Memphis". Excellent Show!

Next day we did the hop on and hop off bus again and went all the way around. We stopped in Harlem to check it out and do a bit of shopping. Harlem isn't as scary during the day that people have told me. We felt very comfortable there. The guide on the bus told us to have dinner at "Juniors" off Time Square. This place is amazing and the service is VERY fast. We sat down, and within 15 minutes had our food. The portions are large so you can probably share with someone. The cheesecake is unbelievable! Two of the ladies went to another Broadway show "Driving Miss Daisy". Another excellent production.

The next day we found this little diner called "Evergreen Diner" for breakfast. Again excellent food and lots of it! We had our meals within 10 minutes. Today we did the subway down to Ground Zero. The subway is easy as long as you follow all the directions. We were on it on a weekend so it caused a little confusion with the routes as they change on weekends. At the Ground Zero site, you can't see alot but you can see that they are building on it now and if you go into the ground Zero Museum there it shows what the site will look like when they finish it. The little church that is right across from Ground Zero has an unbelievable history. It didn't get damaged when a huge fire went through there years ago and when 911 happened there was no damage to the church or any of the headstones on the property. Its truly amazing that this little church came through this catastrophy or without any structural damage . There are buildings behind the church 2 blocks that had to be taken down because of structural damage, yet it was left alone. We went into the church and experienced a very emotional experience. There are displays in there where the fire fighters and emergency workers left their crests off their uniforms. People from all over the world have also left their emblems, including my co-worker Wendy who used to be an EMT. They had a cot there showing what the volunteers and Emergency workers slept on when they needed to rest. Pictures, letters, banners, and cooking utensils that were used were displayed. Its very peaceful in the church and you could feel the emotion that had taken place. Truly a moving experience to all.

We then went down to the South Street Seaport and took the Helicopter tour of Manhattan. This is $180/pp but is well worth it. You get to see it all and its especially interesting seeing Ground Zero from the sky as you can't get the full impact from the ground. We then went to the pier shopping and then home to get ready for the evening. Some went to the Broadway show "Mamma Mia" and loved it and some went to "Chicago" and loved it. We also found that Rosie O'Grady's is a great place to stop for a drink or dinner.

The next day we were leaving but took off to Central Park and did the Horse drawn Carriage through Central Park. This is a great tour. You don't feel like you are in the middle of a huge city as the park is 840 some acres! There is lots to see and do in Central Park. Then off in a cab to "Kleinfelds" Wedding Shop where "Say Yes to the Dress" show is filmed. We also went into Trump Tower and "Tiffany's" jewellry shop. This is the only Tiffany's that you are allowed to walk into without an appointment.

After being in New York City I found its not as expensive as it is made out to be. We went into some of the shops on Time Square and the prices were very resonable. The food is EXCELLENT and the Service is Amazing. One word of Advice...Don't leave New York without having a piece of Cheesecake! Their cheesecake is to Die for!!

THE COOK ISLANDS...TRULY PARADISE

2010-09-23T12:51:00.006-06:00

With beautiful blue lagoons and dazzling white sandy beaches, the Cook Islands offer the perfect romantic escape...

Moonlit walks on the sand, snorkeling in the warm waters amongst colourful fish, hiking to deserted spots and sipping champagne at sunset, there's simply no better place to relax, and enjoy this romantic and seductive setting.

Visualize your destination wedding saying "I do" while standing barefoot on the silky white sand on the secluded shores of a tiny, deserted island at sunset, or in a flowery pavilion.

Venture to local villages for a taste of the laid back island life where the rich island culture of song and dance are abundant.

The Cook Islands is truly a destination paradise where you can leave all your stress behind you and enjoy their laid back culture.

Information to be aware of when traveling to the Cook Islands:

Wedding Facts..

Application for a wedding license must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at least 3 working days prior to your wedding. The offices are open Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm. You can't apply for the license outside of the Cook Island.

Documents Required...

Your passport and Birth Certificate is required when filing the Notice of Intended Marriage at the Registrars office. If divorced, a copy of the Decree Absolute (divorce documents) are required. All documents must be in English. If you are a widower; you will be required to produce the death certificate of your deceased spouse.

Legal Age...

The legal age of consent to marry is 20 years, otherwise written approval by parents is required.

Banking...

On Rarotonga, ATM services are available and located around the island. The New Zealand dollar is used in the Cook Islands, and the Canadian dollar averages $1.30 to the New Zealand dollar therefore you get good value for our dollar.

Climate...

Sunshine can be enjoyed year round in the Cook Islands. April to November is the dry and cooler season with an average temperature of 20C to 25C. December to March is the wet and warmer season with an average temperature of 26C to 29C.

Communications...

When phoning Cook Islands from other countries dial 682 followed by the local number. Cyber cafes and hot spots are located around the island for Internet and email services. Phone cards, are also available throughout the Cook Islands as well.

Dress...

Dress in the Cook Islands i informal, cool and comfortable, but they do ask that brief attire not be worn when visiting towns and villages. Nude or Topless sunbathing is PROHIBITED and will cause offence.

Driving...

Driving is on the left side of the road and the maximum speed limit is 30km/hr in town on the double lane road. If you are on a motorbike or scooter; the maximum speed is 40km/hr without a safety helmet. It is compulsory to wear a helmet if traveling between speeds of 40km/hr and 50/km/hr.

A Cook Islands driver's license must be obtained from the National Police Headquarters in Avarua for NZ$20. A practical test is required test is required for all intending motorbike drivers who do not have an overseas motor license, and this is an additional cost of NZ$5.

Electricity...

240 volts AC Hz/50 cycle. So all international visitors will need adapter plugs suited for New Zealand to use dual voltage appliances like hair dryers.

Entry Requirements...

Any person who enters the Cook Islands for recreation or vacation/holiday, is exempted from requiring an entry permit for a stay of not more than 31 days. You must have a valid passport, proof of onward passage and adequate financial means of supporting their stay.

Local time...

They are 4 hours behind Mountain Standard Time.

Safety...

The Cook Islands is a safe, but as with anywhere in the world you should use precautions when you leave your personal belongings, vehicle and accommodation.

Taxes and Tipping...

All taxes are included in their prices. Tipping is not expected, however if you feel that service was exceptional, they appreciate your acknowledgement.

Water...

Most hotels have water filters and bottled water is readily available on the islands.

The Cook Islands is a Relaxing and Romantic destination with great food and entertainment, activities at land and sea, festivals and events, arts and crafts and some of the most unbelievable scenery there is. It exudes warmth, happiness and respect. They are proud people with a rich culture and many traditions in their daily lives.

Take the opportunity to soothe and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul when visiting the

Cook Islands.

Plan your next vacation to the Cook Islands and unwind...celebrate...and enjoy this paradise on earth.

How to find a Clean Hotel room

2010-09-02T19:44:00.006-06:00

Your hotel room is your home away from home...but is it clean?

Strangers from all over the world have slept in that same bed. And the question is, does the hotel staff have the same idea of clean as you do in your home? So how do you protect yourself from the germs, and possibly bugs?

Here are some things you can do to rest assured you have a clean hotel room:

Read the reviews - The are no international standards for hotel cleanliness. High price, location or a brand don't guarantee that your room will be clean and germ free. So your best bet is to listen to fellow travellers. Most hotel review sites have cleanliness as a category. My personal favorite is Trip advisor. Just remember when you are looking at sites like this that you have to take a look at the general consensus of all the reviews. You don't know who is writing them, but if the majority is saying its a bad hotel, then it probably is.

Wash your hands - Frequent hand washing has been proven to drastically reduce the transfer of germs and viruses and prevent bacteria from transferring from the germ ridden object to your mouth, nose or eyes. So even if your room is not thoroughly sanitized good ol hand washing will help to keep the nasty germs at bay.

Get rid of that bedspread - Most people know that the bedspread in hotel rooms do not get washed every time someone uses the room. So if someone cuddling in the bedspread that you are using gives you the creeps, throw it off the bed or fold it halfway down the bed so its not near your face.

Disinfect - I know we pay and sometimes tip for the housekeeping staff to keep our rooms clean, but lets be realistic, it doesn't always get done the way we hope it will be done. A solution is to take antibacterial sanitizer and spray down items like the phone, door handles, toilet handle, ice bucket, remote control and taps as a precaution.

Avoid the Glassware - In most hotels there's no guarantee that the glassware is clean. You don't know that they were sent out and sanitized or simply rinsed in the room and left there for the next person to use. A quick way to deal with this is to run your glasses and cups under hot water for a few minutes, this will kill most bacteria. Or better yet, bring your favorite mug from home!

Does your room have bedbugs? No question bedbugs have been a hot topic in the news. Reports of bed bugs being in hotels across the world has been rising, probably in part of the influx of world travellers. Bed bugs are are found everywhere in the world and easily be in a packed suitcase and be carried across the oceans. And as said before, luxury hotels are not immune.

Bed bugs are tiny, and can be seen. They resemble small, reddish brown ticks or cockroaches. They feed on their victims at night, and their victims will develop itchy red bumps within twenty-four hours of a bite. Bed bug bites are very similar to a mosquito bite, so before you throw a fit with the front desk manager at the hotel because you have red bites, give them the benefit of the doubt and check your room for signs of bed bugs.

How do you find evidence of bedbugs? Check under the mattress, under the cushions of the coach or chair in the room, carpet and walls. If you find evidence of bed bugs, call the front desk and ask to be moved. Remember this can happen in any hotel at anytime.

Don't let the fear of sanitation or bed bugs ruin your holiday. Just take necessary precautions.

FIVE AFFORDABLE WAYS TO UPGRADE YOUR VACATION

2010-08-10T12:44:00.002-06:00

Most travellers can't afford five-star hotels and first class airfare, but there are plenty of inexpensive and sometimes free ways to add comfort and small luxury to a trip without clearing out your bank account.

Here are 5 Affordable ways to Upgrade your Vacation:

1. Ask for an Upgrade

Airlines sometimes offer low-fee upgrades based on the availability when you check-in. The upgrade can cost as little as $25, and check-in agents can upgrade you for connecting flights and sometimes your return flight. So remember to ask when you check-in.

2. Avoid long lines by buying tickets in advance

A frustrating wait in a ticket or admission line can ruin a great vacation day; standing in the heat or cold with other folks in the same predicament is no one's idea of good use of vacation time. Fortunately, most popular establishments offer ways to purchase advance tickets so you can avoid those long lineups. Your travel agent has access to making these reservations and you can order and pay for them before you leave on your vacation.

3. Upgrade your rental car affordably.

If you book say an economy car and it cost $18/day and a full size car is $50/day, you can possibly avoid paying more for that full size car if you ask for an upgrade at the counter when you are picking up your car. They quite often will just add a couple dollars a day on and the full size might end up being cheaper than the $50/day.

4. Use a travel agent

Handling the countless details of travel planning can sometimes be very overwhelming. Despite the many Web sites that offer endless flexibility and options for booking your own travel, somehow the process of booking on your own is more grueling than ever! A good travel agent can quickly filter out all the details you really want in your vacation, look at seating charts, find you the right flight and hotel so there are no surprises when you get to your vacation spot. Among all the good points of booking with a travel agent you also have the peace of mind that if something unforeseen goes wrong on your vacation your travel agent will be there to help you.

5. Use room service

Most people think that room service is an extravagance, but the truth is that the cost of your meal delivered to your room is quite often exactly the same as if you went to the dining room in the hotel. The menu and prices are the same and the 18% gratuity is almost always added automatically. You can then just charge it to your room and pay all at one time when you check out.

Unless you have your breakfast included in your room cost, breakfast in bed is particularly attractive. You can dine in your room while you read the paper, watch the news, or work on some work for your business trip.

Another Tip for people looking for tours that are cheap. Ask the hotel concierge when you arrive if he has a coupon book with discounts and free tours. Quite often cities have these available.

Remember Vulcan Vacations when booking your travel arrangments!

Surviving Long Haul trips with Kids!

2010-07-06T16:23:00.004-06:00

Starting to plan a long haul vacation with your kids ...dreading it..

YOU'RE NOT ALONE!

Here are some tips to help you survive and make your trip more enjoyable:

Lower your expectations:

Every flight has a designated flight time, so start off by thinking "okay, this is only 9 hours" and do the countdown from there. Remember that even if your children aren't doing well, this will soon be over.

1 person - 1 seat

Even though your child may be under the age of 2 and is able to travel on your lap, purchasing that extra seat is worth it. Everyone will be more comfortable if you get a seat for the infant. They will be able to stretch out, and they will be able to eat, sleep and play more comfortably.

Choose direct flights if possible

If possible purchase that direct flight. You won't have to worry about missed flight connections, and your total travel time will be less.

Try and coordinate your departure and arrival times to sleep and eating patterns

If your children have a set nap time etc. try and arrange your flight accordingly. It will also help to cut out the jetlag if they can keep their sleep patterns as nortmal as possible.

Pack extra supplies for the trip

Pack everything you THINK you may need and pack extra of those things. Wipes, snacks, beverages, toys, books and games. Also pack an extra outfit for the baby and a extra top for yourself in case of accidents.

If jet-lag is a possibility..plan for it

Ask the hotel if there are activities at the hotel or nearby so that you can keep your children busy until its bedtime where you are at. This will help them accustom to the time zone you are in.

Plan those layovers carefully

Allow for more time than you would normally need for a layover to get move around in the airport and find your connecting flight. Travelling with kids is lot more complicated than travelling on your own or with another adult.

Take advantage of the Airport Lounges

Even though there is usually a cost involved in using the lounges, they are worth it when you have a layover. They usually include food and beverages as well as comfortable seating and TV. A suggestion is to use your airmiles or points to pay for the lounge entrance.

Taking a vacation with kids doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience, just plan for it and you will be amazed at how much easier it will be!

2010-06-21T19:01:00.003-06:00

DOING IT RIGHT IN NEW YORK!

October 14-18, 2010

Tour includes:

- Flights from Calgary - Hotel - Roundtrip transfers to/from airport - Broadway show - Hop on/off Bus pass – with professional tour director - Statue of Liberty/Ground Zero/Ellis Walking tour - Entrance to Ground Zero Museum - Choice of: Empire State Building Observatory, Museum of City of New York or New York water taxi Harbour excursion - Choice of Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History or Top of the Rock Observation Deck - VIP invitation to CBS early show - Shopping Discounts at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and South Street Seaport - Escorted by Vulcan Vacations staff.

We will also be offering several Optional Tours that you can choose to go on that are NOT included in the price of the tour. Examples: Woodbury Common Factory Shopping Outlet (220 stores), NBC Studio Tour, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden Tour, On Location Tours: Sex & the City Hotspots, Bike the Greenway and Central Park, Garment Center “Insider” Shopping Tour, Caroline’s on Broadway Comedy Club. (these are to be booked ahead and upon availability) We have access to numerous tours, so if there isn’t something there you want for an Optional Tour, let us know what you might like to see and we can book it!

BOOKING DEADLINES

$500 Non-refundable Deposit Due – July 16/10

FINAL Payment Due – August 16/10

INSURANCE

Deluxe Package – Includes: Health, Cancellation, Trip Interruption, baggage, Air Flight Accident $135.00/pp

** If you have pre-existing conditions we will have to quote your insurance price.

$1995.00/pp (double occ)

$1835.00/pp (triple occ)

$1725.00/PP (quad occ)

Call for Single Pricing

WE HAVE A LOT OF INTEREST IN THIS TOUR. BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

1-800-567-2065 or 403-485-2882

wendy@vulcanvacations.com

HARRY POTTER park in Orlando!

2010-06-11T11:38:00.005-06:00

Opening June 18, 2010 at Orlando's Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park!

Have you ever dreamed of finding a magical wand at Ollivander's or escaping the steam from a snarling dragon's snout?

Well finally 13 years after the first seven books talked about a boy's wizard's adventures, your imagination will become reality at Universal Orlando!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a mini-park inside Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park. Imagine passing thru a stone archway and the steam-belching Hogwarts Express, you will enter the fictitious city of Hogsmeade. Snow capped, dingy rooftops and storefronts packed with row houses with lots of shops straight from the books and movies you have read and watched. Zonko's joke shop offers Sneakoscopes and extendable ears, while the confectionery Honeydukes has chocolate frogs.

Towering over all of this is Hogwarts, a perfect reproduction of the imposing castle where Harry and his magician friends are students.

The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a cutting-edge ride combines sensation of flight with experiences of smoke and drops of water as it takes you through a hodgepodge of encounters in Harry's chaotic life.

Remember the fictitious butterbeer? They have created this as being "a tasty, thickheaded (and non alcoholic) brew reminiscent of cream soda".

Besides the Forbidden Journey, the Wizarding World has two other rides : Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge, both are roller coasters with Potter themes.

Shopping opportunities are very extensive - from broomsticks to magic wands and Gryffindor scarves.

Be sure to check this amazing new addition to Universal Parks out!

Check out the slideshow http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37639197/ns/travel-picture_stories/

Relay For Life | Alberta/NWT | Canadian Cancer Society:

2010-06-08T14:34:00.000-06:00

Relay For Life Alberta/NWT Canadian Cancer Society:

How Important is Travel Health Insurance

2010-05-31T12:17:00.004-06:00

A mishap or unexpected accident during your travels could result in

financial ruin!

Although Travel Insurance is an affordable way to avoid huge bills, a recent RBC Insurance poll of over 2200 Canadians found that 37% Never purchased coverage when travelling on vacation to the United States.

Many assume that they are covered with their existing provincial health plans. 43% of respondents said they didn't need more insurance as they were covered through employee benefits programs or their credit cards. This may be true, but we recommend that you check into your coverages fully to make sure what coverage you have.

According to RBC Insurance, a four-day stay in in a U.S. hospital for an appendectomy could cost US$39,400 with only CAD$1600 covered by government health insurance plan. A one-day stay in U.S hospital for a broken arm and wrist could cost US $32,600 with only CDN$400 covered by a government insurance health plan.

Most travel insurance plans will cover up-front payments of medical expenses, 24-hour multilingual support, assistance in finding a local doctor or hospital, emergency transportation by air ambulance and coverage extending to children.

With the cost of vacations on the rise, it is in your best interest to purchase an all-inclusive plan that gives you health, trip interruption, cancellation, flight delay, baggage, and air accident insurance.

We definitly recommend people to purchase Travel Insurance from a reputable Travel Insurance agent as soon as they purchase their vacation.

For more infornation on Travel Insurance please give us a call or e-mail.

info@vulcanvacations.com 1-800-567-2065

Practical Travel Gear

2010-05-28T12:46:00.003-06:00

I was surfing the net looking for unique and interesting things to talk about in my blog and I came across the website "Practical Travel Gear (practicaltravelgear.com). I find this site very interesting because it talks about travel gear that they have tried while they travel, so you know that its not just an advertisement, but a testament to what the product is really like!

The one I came across when I first got to the site is the "Amelia Convertible Bag." They claim that the major selling point to this sturdy bag is that it can be carried several different ways. It has two top handles to carry it like a tote bag, you can attach a long strap to wear over your shoulder or you can expose two "stowaway" shoulder straps and use it as a backpack. This bag is made out of a sturdy, durable, water resistant nylon, so you know it will last a long time.

Another gadget on their site is the "Angel in Disguise: GPS Angel Finds Red Light, Speed Cameras"

Now anyone that knows me know that I like to go a little over the speed limit so this is a gadget I might look at getting! It uses GPS Satellites to plot your location and warn of any red light or speed camera in the area. To answer the question I know you are all asking - YES it's legal. It uses a nationwide database of red light and location. GPS Angel will flash and beep when you drive within one or 2 blocks of these cameras.

To check out all the details on the GPS Angel, go to their site at http://www.gpsangel.com

To check out more great Travel Gear go to practicaltravelgear.com

US Border Crossings can be a Hassle

2010-05-26T11:42:00.006-06:00

Recent Incidents at U.S. border crossings are a reminder to Canadians to take the process seriously...the border officials do!

Border officials are really sensitive about the possibility of Canadians taking work away from Americans.

Are you thinking of volunteering for someone like Habitat for Humanity, then you are required to bring a letter of invitation or other documentation to prove you are just volunteering and have been asked there. Taking a course across the border for a few days? Even if its something like Yoga, foreign visitors are required to obtain a student visa for vocational training.

An example of someone doing just that - a woman said that she was just going shopping across the border, but then decided to tell them she was actually visiting for a Yoga course. As a result she has been barred from entering the U.S. for five years. She wanted to alert Canadians that whatever necessary paperwork needs to be done, they should do it. She was patted down and detained for 6 hours, part of the time in a cell!.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection say that while some Canadians may not know all the rules, the regulations are clear and not new. So if you are going for pleasure, have fun, otherwise know the rules and regulations.

For more information be sure to send us an e-mail with your questions!

info@vulcanvacations.com

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

2010-05-18T10:21:00.003-06:00

TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA & THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Clients who crave a once-in-a-lifetime luxury cruise to paradise have lots of choices awaiting them aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, the only ship dedicated to exploring Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific. Aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, you will encounter elegance, a more intimate cruise as there are only approximatly 320 people on the ship, so you don't have the large cruiseship atmosphere.

Sailing aboard this intimate ship, they will be up close and personal to this exquisite region than a larger ship would.

These itineraries have special savings for groups!

Special Offers are available at this time if you book by June 30, 2010. Tahiti & The Society Islands, Cook Islands & The Society Islands, New Zealand, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands, Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands, Society Islands & Tuamotus Holiday.

Special Savings Include: 1-for-5 credit, that means the 6th guest sails FREE!

5% savings for the entire group

FREE or 2-for-1 airfare from Los Angeles!

These are unbelievable itineraries on the most exquisite luxury cruise ship!

Add the cruise onto a land vacation at these destinations.

DISNEY WORLD!!

2010-05-13T15:03:00.003-06:00

Disney...the land of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Tigger, Pooh, Princesses and Pirates..what more could you want!

I've been to Disneyland twice and Disney World 3 times and you just can't get enough of Disney. The Magical feeling you get when you step inside the park is amazing. With the Disney Hotels being right on site with beautiful pools, shopping galore, Disney characters wandering around and giving you hugs, the spectacular parades, fireworks and light shows...its all so magical.

My favorite ride at the Disney parks has always been "It's a Small World". My family hates it because that song gets embedded in your brain and you sing it all day long.

The roller coasters are unbelievable now. They turn you upside down, sideways, go forward and backwards, so for your thrill seekers that's the ride for you!

Downtown Disney is my kind of place! Shopping...shopping..shopping! They have just about anything you can imagine with the Disney logo on it.

For the little kids the most amazing experience for them are the Princess and the Pirate experiences! Take your little girl in and they do her hair, some makeup, she picks out a princess dress and a little pixie dust and off they go. The boys get the same kind of treatment to get transformed into a Pirate.

Disney truly is the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

Canada/New England Cruise

2010-05-06T14:54:00.004-06:00

Autumn is glorious in Canada and New England. The sun still shines on the Eastern Seaboard's many seafaring towns and the cool fall air turns the foliage a dazzling crimson and gold. A trip to Canada and New England uncovers the history and character that started a nation. With the quaint Colonial charm of New England towns and the spectacular Canadian coastline, history is everywhere you look. Discover the very fabric of the cities and towns that are woven with history and experience French Canada's unique flavor and culture.

Discover the unique history, stunning beauty and diverse cultures of Canada and New England. Walk Boston’s Freedom Trail, explore Rhode Island, Halifax and Saint John , New Brunswick.

This amazing cruise will be a journey that you will always remember.

New York New York!!

2010-05-05T15:40:00.002-06:00

New York Here we come!

Have you ever wanted to visit the big city of New York? Well here's your chance. We are in the process of planning a Ladies Only New York tour!

New York is an unbelievable place to visit no matter what your interests are.

The Empire State Building - 1453 foot Skyscraper, over 120 million people have visited this site. Time Square - Where everything happens, from dining, entertainment, shopping and bars. Statue of Liberty - Standing 151 Feet above the New York Harbour. Next to their Flag, this is America's most famous symbol of freedom.

Rockefeller Center - Cafes, Skating Rink, Shops, dining, and Radio City Music Hall, a great spot to visit.

Metropolitan Museum - New York's Grand Museum that is sure to please everyone.

FAO Schwartz - The Taj Mahal of Toys! Famous for its life size stuffed animals.

Ellis Island - This is a restored landmark saving memories and heritage of over 100 million Americans who can trace their immigrant roots.

Ground Zero - 911, a devastating day that changed the skyline of New York City and devastated so many families. A Must see landmark.

Broadway! Here you can see famous shows live.

After all the excitement of New York, we will then head out on a cruise ship and do a Canada/New England Cruise, visiting Boston, St. John, New Brunswick and Halifax!

An unbelievable destination with lots of excitement, and a destination you will never forget!

FALL DEALS

2009-08-29T10:00:00.002-06:00

Hello ALL! Well its been a busy summer! Who says there's a recession!! Our office has been so busy its been hard to get away! This is a good thing and we welcome more business!

Fall sales to destinations all over including Australia, Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cost Rica, Fiji and many more! Hawaii has been especially busy with bookings so if you're interested in going there you better book as soon as you can!

I was at Cruise Training this past week and was able to get some insider inormation on some cruises! If you're planning on going to Alaska on a cruise next year you better get booked as soon as possible! Alaska put in a $50/person tax to the cruiselines so some of the Cruiselines are pulling ships out of the Alaska itinerary!

Give Vulcan Vacations a call or e-mail if you are interested in any kind of travel! And don't forget to contact us if you are interested in a destination wedding! We have an agents on staff that specialize in this area!

Istanbul with Wendy

2009-08-10T11:01:00.003-06:00

Windstar Cruise from Greece to Istanbul!

We had a great day on tour of the places to see. The St Shopia was awesome and the history here is crazy. The undergroung cistern that is like 1500 years old was very neat. It is where they stored water and have a natural spring somewhere. we also went to the Sultans's Palace, we seen a 86 carat diamond at the sutlans palace today that was beautiful

ITALY'S TREASURES

2009-08-07T12:51:00.002-06:00

Art, Food & Wine of Italy

August 20 - 31, 2010

Highlights...Italian Lake Region * Italian Rivera * Locarno, Switzerland * Portofino * Cinque Terre * Cortona * Florence * Siena * San Gimignano * Wine Tasting * Italian Cooking Class * Bolgna * Venice

* Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour

* Explore Lake Orta, One of Italy's hidden treasures

* Explore Lucca's charming pizzas and medieval streets

* Take a boat ride to your welcome dinner on Isola dei Pescatori

* Regional wines included with every dinner

JOIN US ON THIS UNBELIEVABLE TOUR OF ITALY

Wines & Wonders of South America

2009-08-07T12:35:00.002-06:00

A JOURNEY THROUGH CHILE AND ARGENTINA

February 24 - March 6, 2010

Highlights - Santiago * Wine Train * Colchagua Valley * Crossing the Andes * Mendoza * Los Caminos del Vino Route * Buenos Aires * Tango Show

*Relish renowned Chilean & Argentine wines during visits to picturesque vineyards in Colchagua Valley and Mendoza

* Ride the Tren del Vino, an historic 1913 steam locomotive that travels through the Chilean wine country of Colchagua Valley

* Journey through the breathtaking Central Andes across Chile and to the land of soly vino - sun and wine - Mendoza

* Experience the flavour and history of Argentina's most famous wine, Malbec, while at the bodega.

* Enjoy a home-hosted dinner in Argentina, learning about the daily life and culture of locals

* Move to the beat of the Tango during a private lesson; then thrill to the stunning tango performance in the city where this dance was born

Call to book this fantastic tour of Chile and Argentina!

ATHENS, GREECE

2009-07-28T13:23:00.002-06:00

Athens....Beauty...History...Museums..architecture

Athens is known for some very famous museums, architecture and scenery.

Must see sites include: The Acropolis, The Acropolis Museum, The Pnyx, The Ancient Agora and their History.

Watch for our Updates from Wendy on her travels in Athens, her Windstar Cruise of Greece and Turkey and her time spent in Istanbul.

Greece & Turkey here we come!

2009-07-27T15:52:00.004-06:00

Wendy is taking this FABULOUS tour on Windstar Cruiseline! She departs on August 1/09 and is gone for 14 days. Spending 3 days in Athens and 3 days in Istanbul before and after her cruise is should be a wonderful experience!

Cruise Itinerary:

Day1 - Athens/Greece

Day 2 - Mykonos/Greece

Day 3 - Santorini/Greece

Day 4 - Rhodes/Greece

Day 5 - Bodrum/Turkey

Day 6 - Kusadasi/Turkey

Day 7 - At Sea

Day 8 - Istanbul/Turkey

Watch for all the updates on this fantastic vacation!

Need a Flight..Price Guarantee

2009-07-16T16:40:00.002-06:00

Hey Everyone...Need a flight between Sept. 6 and December 16/09? Guaranteed price if you book between July 16 and 23/09. Call us now! 800-567-2065

Westjet sales

2009-07-14T10:41:00.002-06:00

Westjet has a one day only sale!

From Calgary:

Calgary -Vancouver $59 Calgary-Abbotsford$59 Calgary-Saskatoon$49 Calgary - Regina$59

(One way fares on select dates)

Call to book now! 1-800-567-2065

SPOKANE SHOPPING TOUR

2009-07-13T16:22:00.002-06:00

ANNUAL SPOKANE SHOPPING TOUR

November 6-9/09

Tour includes: Motorcoach transportation, 3 nights hotel, 2 breakfasts, transfers to and from shopping malls and prizes!

We have been running this tour for 4 years now and its alway s a huge success. What a better way to Christmas shop! No worries about driving in the traffic, a bus to carry all your purchases and alot of friends to help you pick things out! Interested in this tour please let us know. We have a promotion on right now - If you Pay in Full by August 15/09 you are eligible for a draw to win $75.00 off the price of your trip!

WESTJET Flies to 11 NEW Destinations

2009-07-08T10:58:00.002-06:00

Yes its true. WESTJET just released a report that they will be flying to 11 NEW Destinations starting November 2009.

From Calgary they will be flying to the following destinations:

Miami, Florida - Atlantic City, New Jersey - St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles - Freeport, Bahamas - Ixtapa, Mexico - Turks and Caicos, Cozumel, Mexico - Lihue (Kauai), Hawaii

Charters through Westjet Vacations for the following:

Varadero, Cuba - Holguin, Cuba - Cayo Coco, Cuba

This is fantastic news as Westjet is one of our favorite airlines!

Plan that Winter Vacations now.

The Rocky Mountains

2009-07-06T22:22:00.003-06:00

I spent last week in Kananaskis country in the Rocky Mountains. I have been there several times and each time I can't believe how truly beautiful a place it is to see. All kinds of trees, plants, and scenery and you can see wildlife on an ongoing basis. We were driving along and saw a moose on the side of the road grazing. It was only 10 feet away from us. A great way to see the Rocky Mountains is by rail. We have several tours that pick start out in Calgary, Edmonton, Jasper or Banff. Taking you through the Rocky Mountains into the interior of British Columbia and out to the Coast of Vancouver you will be truly amazed at the beauty. Give us a call for more details on our tours.

Checking your own Baggage

2009-07-04T07:17:00.002-06:00

Looks like passengers will be checking their own baggage soon everywhere. Airlines announced this week that they are implementing this feature in more airports across Canada. You now will be able to check-in to get your boarding pass and your baggage tags. What about those people who aren't sure about how to do all of this computer stuff? They have assured us that the staff will be there to do it for you if you don't know how.

Destination Wedding anyone??

2009-06-26T20:56:00.005-06:00

Imagine the beach, sunset, the cool breeze, the waves of the ocean coming up on the beach...and you with your family and friends in a beautiful tropical location... Destination Weddings and Honeymoons are the rage right now. What a better way to get a holiday and a wedding together. Arranging a destination Wedding is not as difficult as a wedding in your home town. You pick a date, pick a location, pick a resort or cruise and send out invitations. We do the rest for you. Your guests can phone us to make their arrangements regarding the room they want, how many people and their payment. They can even get your wedding present at our office, by giving the gift of travel or amenities for your wedding! We will arrange for the wedding coordinator to contact you so that you can plan everything for the wedding. They can help you decide on the location of the wedding at the resort, your flowers, the photographer, the cake and the dinner if you want a planned meal. They will also arrange for the person to marry you. Vulcan Vacations has helped so many couples plan their destination wedding, and we have a destination wedding specialist on staff! Call us to help you plan that beautiful tropical wedding...

Getting Started

2009-06-24T21:07:00.004-06:00

Hello! This is my first attempt at blogging! I attended a session at a recent conference in Las Vegas about using social media. It's new to me, but I hope you will enjoy what I have to talk about. TRAVEL! Who in this world doesn't like some form of travel? There are so many places to see and learn about. The biggest topic these days is River Cruising. What a better way to see Europe! Moving along the Rivers of Europe discovering charming little towns as well as the larger exciting cities is unbelievable. You stop in the heart of each town everyday, enjoying tours while you are there. And the best part is that you don't have to pack and unpack all the time. Your floating hotel has all the luxuries of the big Ocean Cruiseliners, but the intimacy of a smaller ship with less people. Interested in travel...let me know!