That Travel Guy Blog

Cruise Through Countries...Not Around Them!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:28:54 PDT

River Cruises take you to places ocean cruising can't!

In recent blogs I have highlighted ocean cruise experiences, comparing big ships carrying thousands of passengers to those much smaller vessels that have, for the most part, positioned themselves in the luxury category.

Today we will examine what factors explain the rapid growth and interest in river cruising. River cruising has been acknowledged as the fastest growing sector of the entire travel industry.

Why is that? Talk to someone who has taken a river cruise and they will extol its virtues in a very different manner than the way in which they may describe their ocean voyages. They don’t seem to be any more or less enthusiastic about them, but they express their satisfaction differently.

It was not until I took my first river cruise on the majestic Rhine that I understood why.

To compare a river cruise to an ocean cruise is like comparing Toronto to Tokyo, a NASCAR race to a 100 yard dash, or downhill to cross country skiing.

The comparisons can be made, but to do so in each example is an injustice to both.

River cruising is by nature a highly social experience. Most river cruise vessels will carry only about two hundred guests. With only one large dining room in an open seating environment clients find themselves with different table mates at almost every meal. By the middle of the journey, guests tend to pick friends and start gravitating to the same tables for many of the dinners.

A single lounge and entertainment area serves as the congregation area between tours and meals. Accordingly, sociability spills over from dinner into the evening as guests intermingle in a come and go fashion, depending upon their interest in partying, or in the performances being presented.

Scenery on a river cruise is a kaleidoscope of constant change; and it frequently represents a documentary of current and past history that is unfolding before you.

While river cruising creates its own definition, the closest comparison to this style of travel may be motor coach touring. The similarity ends when you realize you don’t to go through the ritual of daily packing and unpacking, as most coach tours will drop you off at a different hotel property almost every night.

There are now cruise options on most major rivers around the world, like the Amazon, the Yangtze and the Danube. River cruise itineraries can take you through some of the most popular countries and regions in the world, including China, Egypt, Russia, and South America.

What is dramatically different that ocean cruising is the nature of the itineraries.

Many of these rivers start inland and meander through the centre of the nations where cities have been built along their banks. Cruise ships have no opportunity to enter deeply into most river waters.

Occasionally these rivers are the borders between nations, with different cultures to experience on each side of the river bank. Rivers often wind through the heart of countries, making travelling along them such a unique experience.

In most cases these waterways are still important avenues for commerce with loads of traffic going back and forth on passage ways that range from very wide to narrow.

River cruise boats must traverse under the lowest bridges on the river between and in major cities. As a result, these vessels are much smaller and decidedly narrower than ocean cruise ships. They are sharing river space with commercial barges which use the waterways as a major transportation route between the cities and countries which lay claim to the waters which pass by them.

With the necessity for smaller size, come more compact cabins that can’t match what the other forms of cruise travel are able to offer. Nevertheless the designers have used every inch of space to create as much room and comfort as possible. While balconies did not exist in the first wave of river cruise ships, French balconies allow clients to relax in their cabins with the windows open and watch scenery float by them during every daylight hour. It’s a feature not available on larger ships that move from island to island or country to country over vast bodies of ocean.

The new ship entrants to the river cruise market have accommodated passenger wishes for more space with suite options in cabins that can be well over 400 square feet.

There really is no end to the variety of river cruise options. Each cruise can be as short or long as your time and pocketbook allows. In Europe, the Rhine winds its way through 1320 kilometres, while the Danube is more than double that at 2850 kms.

The Yangtze River is twice as long as the Danube at 6380 kilometres, with the Amazon slightly longer than even the Danube at 6437 kms.

Just these four rivers alone create dozens of itineraries, through places we often only dream of seeing.

River Cruising shows no signs of slowing down its growth. As unique as river cruising is, in the end it is the destinations visited that create lasting memories. And by travelling through the centre of many countries voyageurs are able to visit cities and regions not accessible by ocean cruises.

To book your river cruise call us at 1 800 859-6354 Consider joining my wife Rae and me on our smaller ship Seabourn Sojorn South American Patagonia 15 day cruise leaving January 19, 2013 from Santiago Chili to Buenos Aires Argentina.

See our brochure at http://www.renaissancetravel.ca/content.aspx?id=42230

For the best in travel products go to http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Small Ship Luxury Cruising...Am I In Heaven?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:32:56 PDT

Last week, as the first in a series of blog columns about cruising, I gave an overview of what cruise clients appreciate most about big ship cruising. I tried to provide a balanced overview of the comparative advantages and disadvantages of this size of cruise ship so travelers can assess which kind of cruising is likely to suit their style best.

Next week I will analyze river cruising against other styles. Today’s column will examine the comparative benefits of small ship cruising.

While I will look more closely at those ships that offer fewer than 600 cabins, because the newer 5000 capacity cruise ships have change the definition of what is large, there is now a middle ground of ships that carry between 1200 and 2500 passengers that borrow strengths and weaknesses from each of the small and large ship categories.

Two features best describe the difference in what separates these smaller vessels from their larger sisters. Superior service and luxury tend to be the qualities that most often stand out beyond those that can be associated with the bigger ships. It is not that there is not a strong focus on service, or any attempt to build as much luxury into all major cruise vessels that are most popular in the industry, but the difference in the small ship category is demonstrable.

The passenger to client ratio will always be higher and just about everything clients experience on-board will have extra levels of quality built into them. Most of these small ship cruise brands tend to fall into the luxury category. And in recent years there has been a growing trend towards making them fully all-inclusive.

This is a feature appreciated by patrons who often feel they are ‘nickel and dimed’ by most of the other cruise lines.

Not only are meals included but all alcoholic beverages are as well. Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise, and alcoholic beverages like the wines that are served with meals are of a significantly higher quality than what is offered even at the best 5-star all-inclusive resorts.

The menus are put together by some of the best chefs in the world, and every meal has gourmet plus selections in their daily fare. Most of these smaller luxury class ships offer only outside cabins, with more balcony options than non-balcony, with suite-like accommodations built into most cabins.

There is a genuine sense of personal interaction on small ships that can seldom be duplicated on the bigger ones. And it is not just between the crew and the passengers.

With fewer clients frequenting smaller venues most people who are in the least bit outgoing will easily make new friends on-board.

It is only natural that you will run across the same people on any number of occasions as you move through the smaller lounges, dining rooms, and casino.

The more intimate atmosphere makes it very easy to begin conversations with strangers with whom you are likely to begin dining and drinking with before long.

Where the bars in the mega ships may resemble those of the largest lounges in Manitoba, the small ships may have seats for no more than sixty to seventy-five patrons.

The servers get to know you quickly and, as we found on a recent Silverseas voyage, your favourite beverages are often ready by the time you pick your table. These bartenders take pride in seeing the smile on your face as they greet you by name and with the drink of your choice.

The crew quickly gets to know the personalities of their passengers. Those who like to trade humor will find themselves sparing with a professional storyteller: While the quieter individuals will be greeted with a respectful approach suiting the client who wants to enjoy the surroundings in a more subdued fashion.

The mega ships have been forced to modify itineraries, steering away from ports that cannot handle mooring for these mammoth monsters. The smaller ships are able to sneak into ports that are much more unique and inviting.

They are still big enough to navigate the wide open seas, but can find quiet bays and passage ways that offer views and shore excursions that others cannot even contemplate.

With every attempt is made to build in quality from the beginning to the end of the experience, a cruise on a small luxury ship is likely to be higher priced than other options.

If pre or post hotels are included they tend to be in 5-star properties. While the on-board experience that puts service at a premium at every level must naturally drive up the cruise price, the additional inclusions can often justify the cost.

When potential clients start doing the math on what they save in gratuities, alcohol and other beverage charges, as well as the wider selection of ports of call and cruise alternatives, they often conclude the difference is not as great as they first surmised when first looking at the brochure price.

For those who like to be pampered and spoiled on their holiday of a lifetime, there is just no better choice.

And if you want to be spoiled in the ultimate fashion consider joining my wife Rae and me on our 15 day Patagonian cruise departing from Santiago, Chili in January of 2013.

We will cruise the the Seabourn Sojourn from the Valpariaso to Buenas Aires Argentina with great stops enroute as we go around the horn and past some of the most specactular scenery you will ever see.

Check our information brochure of the cruise online and find great travel tips and information in gerneral at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Cruising...Big ship, Small Ship, River Cruise. Which is Best For You?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:23:25 PDT

The cruise industry continues to expand with ships of all sizes, as well as with unique itineraries that are created to satisfy most traveler desires.

With no end to its growth in sight today’s consumer can have their pick from are small ships, medium ships, mega vessels, as well as from the many more riverboats that are now sailing up and down the world’s most famous waterways.

Each cruise industry sector will promote their options as the best, often creating consumer confusion, especially for first time cruisers.

Which is best for me? What is the real difference between these choices? These are questions I am frequently asked.

Over this next three weeks I will discuss each separately to try to provide a balanced overview of the comparative advantages of each, and point out why each appeals to some and not to others.

While definitions may vary I will describe the small ship experience relating to those cruises with less than 600 cabins. While there certainly is a mid-range in-between category that could be addressed, there are not many in that category anymore, and they borrow from benefits and disadvantages of each.

I will refer to the big ship category as vessels that carry over 2500 passengers, with about 1300 cabins or more.

River cruises tend to have smaller ships but deserve special attention because of the nature of their necessary construction and dramatically different itineraries that the others cannot duplicate.

Firstly the big ships; what is it that these ever expanding vessels have that attracts the largest majority of cruise passengers?

For the most part these ships are about the quantity of on-board amenities that are offered.

Especially in the new mega-ships the dining and entertainment options seem limitless. From skating rinks, to climbing walls, to water slides the opportunities to keep busy on board are varied and exciting.

So much so that the new strategy for the bigger ships is to down play the port stop itinerary in favour of creating an on-ship resort experience throughout the journey.

While meals are included there is still much more passengers must pay extra for on board. Many of the extra amenities have charges attached to them.

And the costs for alcohol, specialty coffee, and other beverage purchases can add up. Since no cash is exchanged with each purchase, clients are often faced with real sticker shock when they receive their invoice the evening before disembarkation. They add up the chits they have signed for and express astonishment once they confirm that figures are accurate.

There is opulence to the bigger ships that passengers seem to appreciate. With the number of decks available designers are able to create multiple story common areas that create a feeling of luxury and openness. The sense of luxury created by space and uncompromising investment is one of the non-tangible benefits that cruisers will talk about upon returning home.

While the new mega-ships like Royal Caribbean’s new 5000 plus passenger vessels have tried to create a sense of community by creating villages of sorts, the big ship experience can be much less personal, and for a couple travelling alone finding friends can be as challenging as running into someone twice in a week in a small city.

On the other hand the casinos, major revenue producers for cruise lines, can seem as large as those in some Las Vegas properties. They provide a focal point for gathering, and the energy can feel much like that in a major casino.

The exercise room and spa facilities are likely to be as large and comprehensive as you will find anywhere on land.

The primary theatre offers the seat numbers, and with it the quality entertainment you won’t find on cruise lines that operate smaller ships.

On the biggest ships there may be more than one swimming pool, but as at many resorts finding a deck chair during days at sea can be difficult during prime hours.

While the training provided by the cruise lines is professional, the service can often be impersonal since the staff and passengers don’t get the opportunity to interact on- on-one very often. The bigger the ship the more time spent on exploring and participating in the various amenities. In a one week journey it will take some time before passengers settle on their favourite places.

One of the detractions that have occurred as ships have expanded in size is the limitations of getting close to shore at any number of port stops. This can be a significant challenge as passengers’ line up to take their turns to go ashore and then get back to the ship in time for its departure.

The tender process, combined with the additional time on the water, can be slow and cumbersome stealing time from exploring cities or attractions, when the stay at a destination is only a few hours.

In the end one of the biggest attractions is price. The economies of scale truly come in to play in big ships. Prices so far for sailings have been reasonable and given the fact most sailing are sold out consumers may be sharing that view.

If you have travel questions or travel comments forward them to me at askjourneys@journeystravel.com

Listen to my radio show Sundays at noon on CDT on CJOB in Winnipeg live or online. IMy weekly Saturday column in the travel section of the Winnipeg Free Press is also online each Saturday.

Previous columns, travel tips, and previous radio shows with commercials removed can all be found on the Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre website http://www.journeystravelgear.com/ If you like us on Facebook you will receive my blogs as they are posted.

Carrying Butane Appliances Across the Border. An Absolute Maybe!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:51:10 PDT

A short time ago I received this email question from a reader. I answered the question in my weekly column in the winnipeg Free Press but after getting more comments on the subject from readers, I thought a wider circulation of the message might be in order.

Question: I have been travelling all over the world and it has never been a problem taking my trusty curling iron fuelled with butane. However, we are going to the states in April and a feel sudden nervousness about this. Americans are rather strange when it comes to “security” and have no compunctions about going through your luggage. Is butane allowed in this circumstance or not?

Answer: From what I have been able to find out, in theory at least, butane tanks are allowed by TSA. They are not specifically banned anywhere I've ever been able to find. But as I review the TSA website there seems to be so many contradictions that I feel there are absolutely no guaranteeing they will be let through.

In a response last year to a traveler inquiry, a TSA email stated, "Passengers may place the curling iron in carry-on or checked baggage. The safety cover must be in place over the heating element. You may not carry any extra butane cartridges in carry-on or checked baggage.”

The email encouraged the questioner to go to the TSA website saying, "The website has information about prohibited and permitted items, the screening process and procedures, and guidance for special considerations that may assist in preparing for air travel. You can find these tips and more under the Our Travelers heading on our website at www.tsa.gov.”

As I reviewed all the information I did not get a comfortable assurance on butane equipment specifically, and to the contrary there is a clear ‘no’ relating to Aerosols beyond personal care or toiletries. The same restriction is applied to any flammable liquid fuel.

In addition airlines have the right to impose additional restrictions they may deem necessary.

Even if the website suggests in some way it is allowed I think you take a risk, since I could not find absolute clarification. Some TSA agents may make their own decisions as they interpret restrictions.

While it appears you may be very well be allowed to take the appliance with you I would personally not be inclined to test the interpretation.

If you have travel questions or travel comments email me at askjourneys@ journeystravel.com

If you are looking for a great cruise holiday in January please consider joining my wife and I on our Seabourn voyage from Santiago Chile to Buenas Aries Argentina. See the information on this hosted that has lots of extras added in on our website.

Locks that airport security can open without having to cut them.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:47:03 PDT

I received a question from a Canadian reader about locking luggage, one of many I receive on a fairly frequent basis.

I understand there are some kinds of locks that airport security can open, the questioner wrote, without having to chop them off. What are these, he asked?

In this case being Canadian puts us behind technololgy not in step with it. While these locks are widely available and can be used by any number of jurisdictions, Canada so far has not bought into the concept.

The locks, developed in conjunction with the TSA in the United States, are being successfully being deployed by the United States, Great Britain, and a few other nations.

There are two brands, available in North America, which are most widely reconized. The first is called Safe Skies Luggage Locks and the second is branded as Travel Sentry.

Each lock has a specific code which is used by TSA and other security agencies to identify which tool to use to open the lock.

At each location the security people are able to open and then lock the bags again after they have been inspected.

The Travel Sentry website (www.travelsentry.org) points out that an International treaty requires that all luggage must be security screened before being loaded on passenger airplanes.

If security cannot identify objects, they will open the bags but will always leave a note behind informing you they have done so.

Travel Sentry points out that locking your luggage is the smart thing to do and protects your possessions from theft tampering and misuse by smugglers.

Why has Canada not bought into this concept that seems to be working so well in other countries. It is anyones guess. But it is causing a dilemma for Canadian travellers...to lock or not to lock.

My advice is to buy the branded locks anyway. The price is not much different than the old style lock and locked luggage does help prevent theft of opportunity.

In this way you have locks for other international travel even as Canadian security waits to decide if they want to catch up with the times.

You can look at these locks on line at our website. for a broader range of travel products go to http://www.journeystravelgear.com/ There you will also find travel reviews, travel stories, and other travel tips that started with questions from other readers who forwarded their questions, as you can, to http://www.journeystravel.com/

Taking Foodstuffs Across the Border?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:33:16 PDT

A short time back this questiion was posed to me. We now have a son living in the United States and plan to visit him for Easter. I want to take him some of his favorite foods like cakes and pies, along with a few other items.

If I can’t carry them on it’s no use trying to transport them. But I am concerned about what foodstuffs can be carried on and what is restricted. Can you help us?

The answer depends upon which foods and how they are packaged. While this is a common question from those planning to drive over the border, because of the carry-on size restrictions from most airlines it is not as frequent a inquiry from air travelers.

But it seems that many people do like to take favorite foods, or bring back specialty food products they may discover at their destination.

The easiest to isolate are liquids because the rule relating to 100 ml. containers which must fit in only one 1 litre bag has been around a long time now, and most are aware of this.

What many don’t understand is that this includes sauces and spreads, which are at their core mostly liquid. This includes foods like peanut butter, salsas, jams, jellies, and soups. Even the idea of taking a gift of our famous maple syrup can only be take in containers bigger than the 100 ml. size if it is packaged in a checked in bag.

While you can take his favorite cake or pie, you need to know that they may very well be subject to additional screening. Therefore like gifts, don’t overwrap the box you are carrying them in. While not prohibited, there is a chance you will be asked to open the container so security can examine the contents.

I am aware of travellers who have run into serious challenges at the border for simple transgressions of the rules.

Always err on the side of caution.

If you're get set for your travels check out our lines of luggage and travel accessories at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Let Me Not Forget Los Cabos!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:47:00 PDT

One of the most enjoyable trips we took this winter was our first journey to Los Cabos.

We stayed at the RIU Palace just utside of Cabo San Lucas. It really is an exceptionally will run resort with excellent food and service in all the venues.
We were able to go back and forth from Cabo easily and even got used to using public transit which picked us up at the gate entrance and dropped us off at the same location.

Cabo itself is worth visiting with a large mall, a attractive marina with loads of yachts, as excellent restaurants and bars running along the Marina.

The view from

The view from the resort was excellent and the property itself has been design really well. It is a 5 star property with the RIU Santa Fe right beside it making the two one huge property. Guests at the Palace have full access to the Santa Fe, which has one of the nicest lobby areas I have seen in some time.

The season is almost over but there are some great deals available for travel there and to otther sunspots now. Call 942-5000 to book or 1 800 859-6354 or book on line at http://www.renaissancetravel.ca/ find travel products at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/.

I will be writing more about Los Cabos in the future but having had such a wonderful time there I really wanted to draw attention to its advantages.

Is it Still Safe to Visit Mexico?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:14:36 PDT

There is no single question posed to me on an ongoing basis more than this one: "Is it still safe to travel to Mexico?

It seems like every month we hear about another Canadian who was assaulted in some way while living in or visiting Mexico. Coverage of each of these events is massive, with followup stories occupying pages of newspapers and hours of television coverage.

Official government warnings tell people to avoid visiting a dozen or more states where drug wars have seen hundreds of locals murdered.

It's all enough to frighten even the most fearless of traveller.

A recent headline screamed out the results of a study that reported more than 70 per cent of Canadians expressed hesitancy about visiting those same tourist areas that have drawn thousands of Canadian visitors annually for decades.

But talk with people who have visited Mexico and you will likely find an entirely different reaction.

They will often express their commitment to return, and try to put the publicity and the actual events into, what they consider to be, a reasonable and proper framework.

Is Mexico receiving a bum rap because of all the negative publicity leveled at it? Is the crime against Canadians who visit the country higher than others? Here are some facts:

Last year six Canadians were murdered in all of Mexico, plus about 50 more assaults.

In Winnipeg during the same year we had 39 homicides with assaults too numerous to mention.

In Mexico eighty per cent of homicides can be attributed to organized criminal gangs and take place in fewer than six per cent of the regions.

While it can be argued that the rate of incidents has increased, Mexico statistics for crime against Canadians is actually not that far off those of many other countries we visit.

And according to homicide studies undertaken by the United Nations in 2010, Mexico, in statistics relating to homicides per 100,000 people, fared better than many other popular tourist destinations including the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Panama, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

All this is not to whitewash Mexico completely, or suggest we should throw caution to the winds as we plan our vacations.

The country needs to do a better job of investigating and communicating when incidents do occur. It needs to step up tourist security in certain areas. But the same can be said about many of those other destinations referenced, where crime is a fact of travel from time to time.

I hold no fervent desire to save Mexican tourism at all costs so travel agents and agencies can continue to prosper.

There is no need to do that.

Should client response indicate increasing aversion to Mexico, it is absolutely certain tour operators will shift to other attractive alternatives in the Caribbean. The demand for sun spot travel will always be strong from a cold-weather province like Manitoba. These companies will always be there to provide travel agents and their customers with the options they desire.

But Mexico is simple too good a vacation destination to pass up. It has a well-developed tourist infrastructure; the people are friendly and appreciate the jobs tourism brings. The resort areas are varied and offer visitors multiple choices year after year.

The weather is stable and the service at most resorts is exemplary.

Notwithstanding some of the legitimate publicity around negative events, there is a sense of excessive 'piling on' by the national media whenever there is a newsworthy occurrence in that country.

A year ago my own daughter was vacationing with her husband and two children at a five-star resort in another country Manitobans visit in high numbers.

Thieves, with guns in hand, entered the expansive lobby area with the intent of holding up the front desk, while dozens of guests, including my family looked on nearby.

This traumatic experience ended with one of the employees being shot in the back.

This event, even though it was at a high-end resort loaded with Canadians, warranted nary a single paragraph in Canadian media. Why not? Because it was a local who was shot, the story had no resonance in Canada.

Yet those who were in the vicinity raced wildly to find a safe haven in a resort that suddenly seemed to have shrunk in size dramatically.

In 2012 it is estimated that more that two million Canadians will have visited Mexico.

This is more than to any other destination by far, with the exception of our U.S. neighbours to the south.

It is natural that some crime will occur. And because we most often travel to countries like Mexico, where poverty is prominent, bad things happen when visitors undertake foolish practices; like ostentatious displays of wealth, or associating themselves with excessive alcohol consumption and late-night carousing. Some have clashed with police and other authority figures while under the influence, leading to serious charges and the occasional beating.

Travellers need to take precautions which otherwise wouldn't be as necessary at home.

Mexico is an exceptional country to visit. It would be too bad if we chose to avoid this favoured nation because of a lack of perspective of its general safety for tourists.

If you have travel questions email me at askjourneys@journeystravel.com find great travel products at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

What Did My 90 yr. old Aunt's Birthday Last Night Have to do with Travel?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:50:43 PDT

In 1927 a 5 year old young girl moved into the small town of Angusville in Western Manitoba, not knowing anyone.

My grandfather Mike Gallant told that little girl, who would become my mother, to go play with a girl down the street named Pauline Maz.

That first play date would begin a friendship that lasted for the next 74 years until my mother died a few years ago.

In the intervening years my Aunt would first marry my uncle Louis, the only son of my grandparents. Shortly after they were married Louis was off to Europe to fight in World War II. He never made it back home, and I became the defacto son to my grandparents, with whom I had a relationship that was as close as any family bonds have ever been.

My Aunt Pauline meanwhile with determination tried to carry on her life with the kind of strength that I think has made here the amazing person she still is today.

As time went on she remarried...not, as it turned out to someone unknown or not close, but rather to a younger brother to my grandmother, who was part of a huge family of at least a dozen.

That was my Uncle Mike Senko, an amazing man unto himself, who too would not live the long life he deserved, as he died of Lukemia more than 30 years ago.

Now to the travel part. My mother and my Aunt Pauline would be offered the chance to visit Holland, to the area of Holten where my Uncle, their husband and brother was buried.

They would stay with a Dutch family and come back full of stories of the appreciation these people had for the committment Canadians made to free them.

I always lived under the umbrella of my Uncle Louis knowing I was expected to try and live up to the equally amazing individual he seemed to be.

So a couple of years later, during my hitchhiking expedition to Europe, it would be my primary goal to visit the grave of the man who, in giving his live, created a life long family bond that was at times closer than my parents.

So last night we talked about those experiences, and my wish to go back to Holten to meet with the next generation of Dutch families, to see if they still hold the ties to Canadian sacrifices their parents had.

There were many accolades paid to my Aunt Pauline yesterday. Her son in law referred to her as a Grand Lady.

She is that. She has literally lived through the wars. She has been a pillar to the family. And it was uplifting to share our Europe memories with her last night.

May she have many more birthdays, and with her strength of character and determination there may well be many more.

For travel tips and travel questions and answers check our website at http://www.journeytravelgear.com/

In Las Vegas I discovered National Geographic's Polar Bears!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:11:23 PST

This is one of the best known conservation icons in the world. Their magazines are devoured by the millions and often saved for decades.

Their work in bring to light the plight of animals like the Polar Bear is legendary. While they do brand products with their logo for public sale, it is not a wide spread practise.

But their I was in Las Vegas at the annual Travel Goods Association trade show when these two giant Polar Bears stopped me cold.

Quality printed on the face of a set of hard side luggage there they were with the National Geographic brand.

And there were other National Geographic images on other hardsides. Along with a series of high quality rolling duffels and suitcases with the logo proudly displayed.

These will be coming into the Journeys Travel and Leisure SuperCentre store, and onto the Journeystravelgear website as soon as they are ready for mass market.

This will take a few months but by fall they will be here helping fund the work of the National Geographic association.

For more immediate delivery a shipment of Eagle Creek backpacks for the young explorer who may travel to many of the sites motivated by National Geographic will be coming in about a month.

Another interesting show is past and I make ready to return home tonight.

I have had many comments on my recent columns that I write for the Winnipeg Free Press, particularly the report on Mexican safety. You can read it and others on line and you can listen to previous radio shows without the commercials in the travel show section as well.

If you have travel questions or travel comments email them to me at askjourneys@journeystravel.com

Here is the Las Vegas I saw last night...with one great golf tip for you!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:53:04 PST

On a journey I never ever go anywhere without my camera. So why are there no pictures on this blog report.

It is the fault of golf that goes with the tip in this entry.

I decided not to bring my golf clubs with me on this trip with the limited amount of free time I would have with yesterday being the only possibility.

I woke up early, easy to do with 2 hours time difference here from CST. It promised to be a georgeous day so I went to my frequent search option at golfnow.com.

Golfers likely see this company advertised all the time and never used them. I have a number of times and found more last minute bargains on there than anywhere else.

So yesterday morning I searched and there it was, the Legacy golf track in Henderson for only $45 plus their $1.50 fee.

That course normally charges $155 and I ended up golfing with 2 other Canadians from Kamloops and a Minnesotan who also booked with Golfnow.com in what was an obvious open time the club wanted to make a few dollars on.

This included the cart and range balls.

It cost me as much to rent clubs as it did to golf.

I used my Blackberry phone camera to take a few shots of this delightful course but have no idea how to transfer them here to show you some scenes from the track.

It was very hot yesterday here in Las Vegas. In my mind I would golf than take in a show somewhere.

I came back to my room at the Rio and felt exhausted. I listed to the Jets beat Buffalo on TSN and concluded to myself 'You ain't goin nowhere.

So I went downstairs, picked up a couple of diet Pepsi, ordered a whopper and fries from their fast food outlet here (just what I needed to lose weight), and was asleep by 10.

Wow...is Las Vegas fun!

In a while I will head over to the convention centre to begin the real work I am here for...to find the unique new travel product would be voyageurs will appreciate.

It's a good show and I am sure I will make a new discovery.

I have had loads of comments on my recent shows talking about Panama. You can listen to them on our site without the commercials.

Also my Winnipeg Free Press column on Mexico safety continues to garner many emails, so far most in approval of my position. You can read it on line as well.

And if you are looking for some of the great travel products we have discovered here in the past you can find them at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/.

There He Goes, He's Gone Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:25:47 PST

Having not yet recovered from our very late night arrival from Panama less than two days ago, I am once again packing for yet another journey.

As thattravelguy it would be fair to say I like to be on the road more than most, but this turnaround is not really what I would normally plan to do.

However it is time again for the major luggage buying show in Las Vegas, and for us this is a must do, not a want to do.

The Travel Goods Association brings together the largest number of travel related products of any show in North America. It is here where I often make new discoveries.

It wasat the TGA show where I first saw the Evolution Pillow. This new design pillow that offered 360 degree neck support has caught on like crazy. We sell hundreds of them now both in our Winnipeg store and on line as well.

It is where I found the VinniBag, the ultimate wine and other glass protector for travellers who want to bring home these fragile items safely and securely. They also have seen ever growing popularity.

It is where I first found the BugZip product to help protect people from bringing home bedbugs when they travel. There is only one thing worse than sleeping with these nasty beasts in a hotel room you happen to be in. It is bringing them back home.

A friend who did said it took three months to clear them out and he and his family moved into a hotel for more than a month of the process.

And it was at this show where I first encountered the most amazing travel security I have ever discovered. The PacSafe line is created with security features to foil even the most practised pickpocket and tourist site thief.

It has likely been the most successful of my finds at this show.

What will I find this year? It is always a suprise and even amazement to see the ingenuity of inventors who come up with this stuff. But it is what keeps the industry clicking as consumer frustration is satisfied by a product no one ever thought of unveiling.

It is also the show where I will look at what's coming forth from Travelpro luggage, and Eagle Creek, and Delsey.

These are core lines that are very popular across the nation and each year they too come up with innovation that makes travel more comfortable for all of us.

You will find these products before long instore and online at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/. I will try to continue my blos from Las Vegas as I discover new ideas in travel that may interest you.

Panama Wrap Up...And Home We Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:29:08 PST

All in all this has been a pretty good visit.

The beach at the Royal Decameron was wide and excellent.

It was our first experience in this country and we did not know what to expect. The flight from Canada to Panama on Transat was really excellent.

It was our first trip in the extra cost Club seats and from my view really worth looking at for travellers who want extra comfort and spectacular service.

The bus trip from the Panama airport to the Royal Decameron was long at a full two hours but efficiently handled.

Drink plenty of water on Panama golf courses because it's HOT.

We got there late and hungry and our first experience at the buffet was not a good one. The food had hung around way to long and was tough and not tasty. Luckily that first experience did not lead to a pattern.

The Royal Decameron is huge and I recommend beach front accomodations all the way. But if you are further back there is a shuttle to carry you up and down the hills if you have difficulty walking. The shuttle can be irregular so most people walked...likely a good choice after full buffet or specialty restaurant meals.

The Royal Decameron has 8 specialty restaurants which is more than most all inclusives. Enjoy them all but I would not recommend beef menu items. I decided to try steak at my risk last night here at the Radisson Decapolis. Now that proved to be a good choice. As a corporate hotel for the most part, they really did serve exceptional meals even to us all-inclusives.

I enjoyed golfing at the Royal Decameron golf club...although you should know it gets hot pretty quickly down here. keep drinking lots of water. They do have water jugs on at least every second hole.

The decision to come to Panama City was a good one.

There's lots to see in CascoViejo, Old Panama.

We had a great day in old Panama, the UNESCO protected area within easy taxi distance from our hotel

Craftspeople at work in Old Panama...excellent gift options here.

I have nothing but good things to say about the Radisson Decapolis. Good location across from one of the malls. Good food, top notch service and rooms that match what you expect in most corporate properties.

The Radisson Decapolis is an excellent property in Panama City.

This is a city of skyscrapers!

We also went the causeway and enjoy the views and shopping at the duty free. Genuinely low prices there for alcohol and other items.

A couple of last trips this morning to the BIG mall and we are on our way to the airport and the flight back to Canada.

Want to know more about Panama. Book your trip with us at Journeys/Renaissance travel. Call 204 942-5000. I will be happy to talk with you and our agents will help you pu together the kind of holiday you want.

Dining inside the Radisson.

If you have travel questions email me at askjourneys@journeystravel.com and see travel tips and other questions and answers as welll as travel products at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Panama City...Absolutely Worth the Visit!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:45:28 PST

We spent today in Casco Viejo...Old Panama.

Today we hired a taxi to take us to Casco Viejo, or old Panama as it is called, even though it is not the oldest part of Panama.

However it is the area with he UNESCO designation and it truly was an exceptionally interesting visit. For those who have been to Havana's old city, and isn't it all old, there are similarities.

Like Havana the future potential here for tourism is immense. But unlike Havana this area has moved much faster in restoring the historical buildings. Yes there are loads of them that are untouched but as we walked through the narrow streets, the impact of what has been done was tangible.

One of the beautifully restored buildings in the Casco Viejo

We wondered around for a couple of hours and with sore feet under us, we decided it was time to stop for lunch.

We had been recommended a couple of places by our drive who, by the way, spent many years in Canada after his parents sent him to Montreal when he was young in order to escape the evil clutches of then dictator Noriega.

But wondering up and down the streets we lost sight of the ones he pointed our and decided to try La Forchetta, which we concluded might be good because it had white tableclothes and a bottle of wine on each table.

After a couple of hours of serious shopping for genuine local crafts, we were hungry

Feel free to use this method of research on any of your future journeys. And trepidation we might have felt was lost with the first taste of our meals.

We ordered simply going with the safe Italian options we knew the best. But both the Spagetti Boulanese and the Lasagne we order may have been the best each of us has tasted. We got there shortly after noon and on one was in the restaurant so we still wondered about our choice.

Our homemade research method for finding a good restaurant worked.

Twenty minutes later the place was packed and we knew others were aware of its quality because from the discussions with the servers it was clear this was not their first visit.

The La Forchetta location Plaza Catedral, CI Septima y Pedro J Spsa in the Casco Viejo. Pone 507 212-0051 http://www.laforchettapanama.com/

We had our drivers card so had the restaurant call him to pick us up. Since he spoke such good English we wanted him to be the one to take us down the causeway to sights as well as the duty free locations on the islands.

He proved to be an excellent guide as well as driver filling us in on a lot of history, including Noriega's old stomping grounds where he murdered hundreds.

If you want to hire him, his name is Ruben Lopez at Cell 507 6907-6730. I heartily recommend him.

It is hard to believe how modern Panama City is with skyscrapers to rival the world's biggest cities.

A theatre on one of the causeway islands hosts some of the finest performers, and new museum is under construction nearby, and hotels are popping up all the time.

This is clearly where the rich hang out as dozens of yachts are anchored in the island harbours.

With the Panama skyline as a backdrop dozens of yachts rest waiting for their owners

And in the city...particularly here at the Radison Decapolis where we are staying, the service is exemplary with smiles and English all over the place.

I try my best with my non Spanish and they switch to English immediately.

The same cannot be said about the rural area resorts where service as we know it is not yet instilled as a tourist imperative.

Choosing to visit Panama City for a coupleof days was the right thing to do for us.

Tomorrow we do head back home but we are both happy we chose this option offered by Transat Holidays. It has been a worthwhile discovery.

If you have questions about Panama call me at Renaissance Travel, talk to an agent at 204 942-5000 or email me at askjourneys@journeystravel.com You can see most of my questions and answers on a variety of travel topics at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Our Panama Journey...Continued!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:59:44 PST

Rae enjoys our last day on the beach at the Royal Decameron

It was our choice to stay 5 nights at the Royal Decameron and then spend the last two in Panama City itself at the Radison Decapolis.

Our last day on the beach was a lazy one. We had all these plans about strolling outside the resort to experience a bar and restaurant called Woody's only a few hundred yards from our resort.

Owned by a Canadian it is supposed to be a sports and Canadianna mecca of shirts, hats, souvenirs and all other sorts of paraphenalia.

We were lazy and never got there to my regret since so many people who had been here raved about it and the couple who run it.

Our accomodations at the Resort

We closed off our evening dining option at the Mediterranian restaurant and both had an excellent feed of Paella loaded with shrimp, crab, and all sorts of other great tastes.

A view of the upper accomodations and the shuttle that takes you around the resort

We did get a good chance to try a number of the specialty restaurants and, other than the beef menu items, we were very happy.

Again I had been warned and didn't listen.

I was told the chicken, fish, pork and other menu items are great but the beef is always tough. If you go take the advice I didn't and you will be happier for it.

The beef is not Canadian quality and they tend to overcook it. Even the rare steak I ordered one day was tough. Other than that you can really enjoy the food at the resort...and the beach and property make up for a lot of beef deficiency.

We did a live broadcast as promised yesterday. You will be able to hear it without commercials by Tuesday on http://www.journeystravelgear.com/ Just click on the travel show icon at the bottom.

We are quite happy we took the final two days here at the Decapolis because it does mean we will have a much shorter day of travel on Wednesday.

That extra couple of hours on the bus would have made for a tiring day considering the flight is about 6 hours and we get home after midnight.

We say goodbye to the resort and head for Panama City.

After we got to the hotel here in Panama City we went directly across the street to the mall and spent a few dollars. It is a huge mall but relatively new and many of the stores are not yet opened. It is not a high end shopping outlet but has many of the national brands like Hilfiger and others.

The shopping mall is directly across the street, and connected to the Radisson Decapolis

Interestingly the food court is almost all North American franchise outlets like Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut, Cinnibon, MacDonalds, and other well worn names.

A mix of local and international brands are in the still not tenant complete mall

At the same time many of the stores are local grown outlets and we definitely found bargains on site.

Tomorrow we will visit the UNESCO protected 'old town' and do whatever else suits our fancy on our last day in this country.

If you have questions about Panama or any other destination, or other travel dilemma you may be facing email me at askjourneys@journeystravel.com I will answer your question and you will see both the question and answer published in my weekly column in the Winnipeg Free Press...delivery and online.

Previous columns can also be found at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Broadcasting Live From Panama Today

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 04:06:45 PST

Listen live at noon CST today for on location Panama Broadcast.

Over the past few days I have had a chance to experience just a little bit of this country.

Luckily on a past journey we did sail through the famous canal on a cruise ship on a Caribbean South itinery.

We landed in Panama City only this past Wednesday, staying at the Royal Decameron a couple of hours bus ride from the airport.

Within minutes of the main lobby the golf course can be challenging.

I have golfed a couple of games, walked and explored this resort, took loads of great beach shots and make ready to spend our last night here before leaving for a couple of days in Panama City tomorrow morning.

Today at noon I will be doing a live radio broadcast from the Royal Decameron on CJOB 68 in Winnipeg, online @ http://www.cjob.com/ then just click the listen live icon.

We will discuss the country, the region, and the property. This property has a fascinating history as former military baracks. Given its location on one of the best beach properties in the nation I surely cannot figure how much serious work they did in training. At least the days off were likely more pleasant than any others anywhere in the world perhaps.

We'll talk Panama City, where tourists are coming from these days, (you will be surprised) and a bit about the outside vacation property investment that seems to be moving here.

The Royal Decameron is a perfect place for destination weddings.

So join us on the show. Should you miss today's broadcast we will have it posted on line at our site without commercial interuption at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/ in a day or so. Just click onto the travel show icon at the bottom and select today's date.

Panama...Hot Days, Hot But Pleasant Nights!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:39:43 PST

The golf course is a quick shuttle ride from the main resort.

What is the weather like in Panama? I have received this question over the past few days since I arrived in this country.

It is not hot according to the temperature, averaging about 27 degrees C every day. But the humidity takes it up to a feel like temperature of 33-36 C.

Destination Weddings are big business here.

Nevertheless I have been able to golf the last couple of mornings without too much problem, although I would advise anyone, as I did, to make sure they stay super hydrated.

We have had two wonderful meals in the specialty restaurants over the past two nights and look forward to experiencing two others tonight and tomorrow night before we head off to the city for a couple of evenings before our return.

The breakfast and lunch buffets are not as extensive as I have seen at some resorts but each day, in addition to the options on the tables are sufficient, they also create three or four specialty dishes served at a separate counter.

These should be starred as award winners because the sauces have been tremendous and the dishes have been unique.

Their are a number of options for guests staying at the Royal Decameron. We are staying at the main resort where the central dining facilities are located, usually around one of the three main lobbies. Yes there are three lobbies because the property is that big.

Stay at the main resort or at a golf villa along one of the holes.

The other major option is to stay in one of the golf villas along the golf course. Staying there gives you complimentary golf. They are ordinary rooms and he meals are all served at the main villa. A shuttle takes you from the golf accomodations to the main dining rooms.

I had to pay for golf because I am at the main resort. Price including cart was $70 on weekdays and $100 on weekends.

The golf course is well designed and with loads of water holes, can be a challenge.

One of the most unual sights at a golf course is here, where hundreds of ducks sit on the water as vultures watch over them waiting for one that is injured or dies.

Locals say the ducks must be Canadian because they come as the Canadians do in late fall and leave with us in spring.

Vultures wait for troubled prey over hundreds of 'Canada Ducks'

Destinations have become huge business for sunspot resorts everywhere and here at the Royal Decameron is no exception.

Every day brides and grooms make ready to take their vows in neatly designed beachside mini wedding chapels.

They then gather in one of the dining rooms, set aside for them, to celebrate the night away.

Listen tomorrow at noon CST to http://www.cjob.com/ or live at 68 CJO:B in Winnipeg.

You will be able to listed to the show sans commercials by next week by clicking travel shows at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Royal Decameron...On the Best Beach in Panama

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:48:32 PST

Ahh! The setting sun is not hard to take, he must be thinking.

There are some exceptional beaches in the world. This certainly is one of them.

The Royal Decameron in Panama takes up a huge stretch of what is regarded as one of the finest beach fronts in the country.

Amazing long and wide beach at Royal Decameron

Apparently safe for swimming with young children frollicking in it all day. Dozens of protective huts to keep you shady during the hotest part of the day.

A view of a small mountain (mountain may be stretching it but it does provide a nice puctuation to the ocean) in a few kilometres off the shore attracts boats of all kinds.

Again today we have experience the best Banana Daquari mix we have ever tasted. No pre-mix here. They start with fresh peeled bananas, loads of rum, milk, ice and good blend and a good day turns into a great one.

This is an expansive property with three story walk-ups (yes I said walk ups...after the Daquaris a walk does us good) dot the beach front and the hillside behind them.

But you can also stay along the golf course a short way away and get shuttled as often as you wish to the restaurtants and bars that tend to be near the beach as well.

Destination weddings are common. I have now seen three and I know there are many more.

The Royal Decameron is not a new property so needs to be compared on its own merits. The rooms are very nice, the beach views are great (I recommend the beach view accomodations even though they may cost a little more) and the few meals we have had so far have been just fine.

I had a really tasty fish meal last night and have found the fish options to be the best so far.

Call 942-5000 if you wish to book and come in to Journeys ahead of time for the finest in beach and resort wear.

There are loads of pools to chose from at this resort.

For other travel products view some of our options at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Panama...Transat Club Seats Are Great Option!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:22:51 PST

Transat Holidays and their sister company seem to have a lock on the Panama destination from Western Canada with loads of flights and non-stops from both Winnipeg and Saskatoon.

This is my first trip to this country and today's look at our surroundings are suggesting it is worthy of its ratings.

We arrived early in the evening because of a very sensible departure time from Winnipeg. As our transport bus passed through the outskirts of Panama City I was overwhelmed by the skyscrapers that greeted us kilometre after kilometre.

We will spend a couple of days in the city before returning next Wednesday. We will be staying at the Radisson which is directly across from a megamall we were able to see as we drove by it.

It will be a good way to close out this journey of discovery.

This was also the first time I experienced the Club Class section of Air Transat. The service was what you would expect from a first class section of any airline...and the dining options were exceptional.

The meals we had were as good as any I have consumed on any airline...and I have been fortunate to have travelled on many in all cabins.

It was a first class trip all the way.

The transfer to the buses was orderly and efficient. I paniced a bit when I saw my golf clubs being moved to a different bus. Then I noticed all sports gear and larger bags were being moved.

I relaxed and everything arrived fine and delivered directly to our room as we dined.

It is a fairly long two hour trip from the airport to the Royal Decameron resort where we are staying. By the time we arrived the fine lunch we had been served was long gone and most people on the bus were happy a buffet restaurant was still open for us to go to immediately after we received our keys and documents, and before we even went to our rooms.

A good sleep and we begin our vacation today with a beautiful morning sun greeting us creating a soft reddish tinge to the ocean, sand beaches, and pools we would be spending our time beside.

Name must be identical to that on passport

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:55:28 PST

The name on my passport is slightly different than the shortened version of the name people call me every day. I booked my trip under the name I use. Could that cause me a problem at airport check-in?

This is a question heard by airlines, travel agents and tour operators every day.

What's in a name? To all those people who will be checking you in, a lot.

You need to change your booking as soon as possible to the exact names as they show on your passport. If you have a middle name on your passport it is important that is recorded in the tour operator booking as well.

Tour companies and travel agents report significant frustration from people who don't think about this in advance. Often because passports are used infrequently, the traveller may not even be aware of which names the passport indicates.

As people are booking their holidays, it is best to have the passport information on hand. There are cases where people have been denied boarding for erroneous information, and many countries like the United States may offer no leeway whatsoever.

Charter airlines are not about to allow you boarding if they feel there is any chance you could be denied entry to the country to which you are travelling. They are obliged in this situation to return you to your home country immediately. This is not something they are not willing to risk.

So when you are booking your trip anywhere, remember your name...well at least the name that is officially on your passport.

And before you travel if you are looking for travel gear that is the best in the business go to http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

Travelling South? Before Going Into the Water Be Aware of This!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:21:42 PST

Not so long ago you could enter any pool of water, body soaked in suntan lotion, and no one seemed to care.

You could decide to snorkel the reef and layer your back with the most waterproof screen you could purchase. And again no one minded.

Well the world has clearly changed…and clearly for the better.

Today many properties in Mexico and the Caribbean are clearly stating to tourists that going into the water without a biodegradable sunscreen is an absolute no-no. And for snorkelers and divers the restriction has become even more rigid.

Enter Ron and Sandra Kleier. They had been specializing in making natural sun care biodegradable products for well over a decade under the name Mexitan. Before it became a resort demand they were already perfecting their products for the online market they had developed.

Suddenly, with the maturity of resort brands and tourist regions wanting to protect their pool equipment and the sustainability of diving reefs, they had a product in demand.

The name was changed to Tropical Sands and a Made in America industry was born.

It easily wins over the few competitive products out there. A review of other blogger sites clearly points that out. Why?

It works. Some suggest it works too well. Reports say the 30 and 50 SPF are so good that you may stay completely white, even in the hottest of sun rays. You may have to test this for yourself and use a 15 SPF if you want more tan and less protecton.

It is genuinely waterproof, is easy to apply and is recognized by most countries as a reef friendly sun, and water, protection product.

It is important to read the directions before applying because unlike other sun products you should shake the bottle well first to ensure the active ingredients are properly mixed.

This is not your usual chemically laden binding product that kills reefs and destroys pumping equipment.

The ingredients are as follows: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Deionized Water, Sunflower Oil, Lecithin, Coconut Oil, Glycerine, Xanthan Gum, Green Tea Extract, Jojoba Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate (vitamin A), Shea Butter, Eucalytpus Oil.

Using this product correctly is important. Firstly before going into the water give it the required time to set. Apply a thin coating to your skin. The Zinc and Titanium do not go into your skin. They stay on the surface but unlike Zinc type products of past days which tended to stay white after application for a long time.

It will be a white sheen upon application but because the ingredients have been micronized, the sheen will disappear quickly.

Because it is such a waterproof product it may take a little longer to shower off as you make ready to go out for the evening. But this is proof of its effectiveness and is providing the protection you want and the environment needs.

Since it is a natural product some suggest refrigerating left-over unused bottles to add extra active life to it. It is highly likely that on a vacation daily use will pretty much use up the bulk of the contents. And you will return home sun protected and environmentally responsible.

You can buy the Tropical Sands products online at Journeystravelgear.com While you are on the site explore the wide selection of travel accessories, protective travel clothing, PacSafe pickpocket security products and luggage and bags including the Lug line, Victorinox, and Derek Alexander.

And while unpleasant to think about, these days since the only thing worse than sleeping with bed bugs is bringing them home, it is worth examining the line of BugZip bedbug prevention options.

Safe Journeys Always

Ron Pradinuk

Before You Go To Mexico, Read This! It's Important.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:39:15 PST

It was an advisory from Westjet Airlines that caught my attention. It came out of the blue and when I looked into it I was surprised to find out that some Canadians were being denied bording because of the condition of their passport.

Apparently, Mexican customs and immigration officers have become very stringent in their examination of the passports of those wanting to enter the country, and have denied a handful of Canadians entry because of rips, tears, missing corners or water damage to the cover or inside pages.

As it is the responsibility of the airline to get these passengers back to the originating country immediately, airlines are now doing closer passport examinations upon check-in and denying boarding to those they feel will be later denied entry to Mexico.

Although WestJet officials clearly state Mexico has adopted a tougher approach this year, the Mexican Embassy in Ottawa insists there has been no change in their passport policy relating to what customs and immigration staff are instructed to do relating to the condition of passports.

They underscore that passports in generally good condition, as can be expected under normal use, are no problem.

For travellers, the warning from WestJet presents a dilemma. No one wants to be put in a position of having to renew passports any earlier than their expiry date. Forewarned is forearmed, so as a precaution, check your passports now and make your own assessment about its condition, or go to the airport ahead of time to check with the airline personnel you will be travelling with to Mexico.

At a time when Mexico suffers from too much media attention because of crime coverage in various parts of the country, this is not likely the best time for officials to get over sensitive about a few water marks or crumpled pages.

But for the traveller it is best to be save than sorry and take whatever action you can in advance to avoid disappointment.

I can't think of much worse than one family member being denied boarding because of one passport that may not meet the stringent conditions Mexico appears to be expecting this year.

If you have travel questions contact me at askjourneys@journeystravel.com . I will answer you question and you will see it appear here on tripatlas as well.

Previous questions can also be found in the question and answer section of http://www.blogger.com/goog_1217076912 On the Journeys site you will find the best selection of quality luggage, travel accessories, travel security items, men's and women's travel clothing along with trip reviews, and audio from my recent radio broadcasts.

And we are the home of Tilley Hats and socks so check in to find your size and style.

AirMiles Does Aeroplan One Better With Evil Deed!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:15:36 PST

Just when we began to think Aeroplan was the head of the Evil Empire for announcing they will take away unused points after 7 years, Air Miles comes along to grasp that position by saying they will only allow five years.

And Air Miles cloaked the announcement in another that was supposed to make their members feel better. Members will be able to use points as cash at a number of locations where they earned the points in the first place.

This move will likely keep the companies from fleeing to better pastures, which the one announcement alone may have done,

Now both programs certainly do allow you to use the points for merchandise as well, at point values per purchase that I have always found unfair, but better to use them than lose them.

The bigger issue is about using points for travel. Frequent flyers and large purchasers of product will certainly collect enough for the trips they hope to use. But the ordinary middle income member gets royally stuffed.

They save the points for their version of Trip of A LifeTime. And it has now been snatched away because of the difficulty these people will have in getting to the required point levels to earn this trip. Unless a holiday in their neighbouring province was right up their alley.

The two companies should change their names and remove any references to Air rewards of any kind. At least that allows members and retailers to become a part of them in an honest understanding of what they are not likely to ever receive.

In the meantime Safe Journeys to all no matter how you will now be forced to travel.

And if you travel book with Renaissance/Journeys travel at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/ and click the book travel icon.

You will find loads of other great travel products on this site as well ranging from travel accessories, to luggage, to travel clothing for men and women.

Going to Cuba? You Need to Know This!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:27:08 PST

Cuba may be one of the more desirable destinations Canadians choose in great numbers every winter, but each season brings questions about its currency, its travel health policy requirements, and other concerns.

I receive questions from people who remember something about new Cuban legislation that states that even Canadians need to prove we have sufficient health coverage when we travel to Cuba. They want to know what that is all about.

And they are also confused about what kind of money we should be taking with us, and where and how we should exchange it to Cuban currency. Finally, there are question about the Cuban departure tax which they are not sure whether or not is covered in the price of the package upfront.

Here are the facts. Just over a year and a half ago Cuba introduced a new policy that requires travellers to present proof they have sufficient health coverage in order to be allowed entry.

At the outset, this caused a tremendous amount of confusion. Cuba did not do a very good job of outlining what it meant by sufficient, and what was the nature of burden of proof the traveller would need to demonstrate.

What this means for Canadians is that we must produce a provincial health card.

This is not to suggest you should not have supplementary travel coverage. It is important when travelling to Cuba as it is to any other destination.

Provincial health coverage does have its limitations. As an example, if it is deemed better to fly a patient home instead of accepting treatment there, only private plans will provide that service.

Most provincial plans will not cover costs upfront, and that may be what is expected by the hospital to which you are transported. This could be the same requirement with some private insurers as well, so it is best to check the fine print before you depart. On www.voyage.gc.ca it is clearly pointed out Cuban authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country.

When purchasing your insurance, be advised that because of the decades-long embargo against Cuba by the United States, Cuba will not recognize a policy issued by a U.S. insurance company.

In terms of money, there are two official currencies used in Cuba. One is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), which is used by tourists and can be purchased right at the airport upon arrival. This currency has no value outside the country, so arrive at the airport early enough on the day of your departure to change all of these pesos back to Canadian.

Their other currency is the National Peso or MN, which is worth a pittance of the CUC. Heed this warning: Apparently it is a common scam in Cuba for some merchants and others to try to give tourists change in MN instead of CUC.

I am often asked about the use of traveller's cheques in Cuba. Even though you may purchase them from a Canadian financial institution, the reality is that in Manitoba they are all, to my knowledge, processed through U.S. clearing houses.

While credit cards can be used in many establishments, they are not accepted everywhere. And you might as well leave your debit card at home. You will not likely be able to use it anywhere on the island. There are a few ATMs in place but even these are few and far between.

As a final note, I was surprised to find a caution on the website relating to renting automobiles in Cuba. The advisory suggests Canadians should avoid driving in Cuba completely.

Traffic accidents are one of the highest causes of arrest and detention of Canadians. That is because any accident that results in injury or death is automatically treated as a crime from the outset. The onus is on you, the driver, to prove your innocence. This is not easy to do when you don't speak Spanish.

It can take many months for a case to go to trial. In the meantime, your home is in Cuban detention.

Unlike Canada, rentals are all government-controlled. You will not be leaving the country until all outstanding real and perceived debts are satisfied, and from reports, the charges for damage can reach into the thousands of dollars.

Finally, there is a departure tax that must be paid before you leave Cuba. Many do not expect this, believing that charge has been included in the overall price of the vacation package by the tour operator. That is not the case, so hold on to 25 CUC per person. That is the airport tax that will be levied and it can only be paid in CUC currency.

This is truly a most wonderful country to visit, and thousands come back to Canada raving about the experience. The information here is meant to clear the widespread confusion.

If you have travel questions you would like answered, forward them to me @ askjourneys@journeystravel.com I will answer them directly and you will often see that answer publisher here, in the Winnipeg Free Press where I write a weekly column, and on http://www.tripatlas.com/ where I also publish many of my columns and stories to reach a national audience.

You can listen to my weekly radio show (The Journeys Travel Show) live at noon CST on http://www.cjob.comron/ Pradinuk is president of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre and can be heard Sundays at noon on CJOB.

Travel products, previous columns, travel tips, and travel stories can all be found at http://www.journeystravelgear.com/

One of the product categories most in demand over the last year because of the world wide publicity regarding the epidemic that hits even the best hotels are bed bug protection products. We have a selection of luggage protectors you can order on line. There is only one thing worse than having bed bugs in your hotel room bed. That is bringing them back home in your luggage. Bug Zip protects against that happening.

Travel Healthy This Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Pradinuk) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:01:14 PST

There has a great deal of discussion over the past number of years about healthy travel with concerns raised from the air on board to conditions like deep vein thrombosis. And jet-lag has a significant impact on most people who fly.
Insofar as jet-lag is concerned, in the past, those of us who travelled simply had to live with it all, just hoping for the best. Today we can take steps to at least marginalize some of the effects.

Many will report they often find they get sick after flights, long or short, blaming the quality of the air inflight on the aircraft manufacturers.

The reality is today's aircraft offer better air quality than will be experienced in many homes and offices.

Where the challenge exists, however, is in helping our bodies manage inflight temperatures and bacteria that are brought or left on-board by fellow passengers.

In previous blogs, I have written about the state of the seat trays and washrooms. While clean, they may be decidedly not bacteria-free.

Take a quality disinfectant spray on-board in an acceptable 100 millilitre bottle and use it immediately to clean your tray and armrests. Likewise, wipe the taps and other surfaces in washroom areas before you use them.

Dress in layers to accommodate any temperature variances the airline may throw at you.

While they do try to create average temperature controls to suit the health requirements of most of us who travel, I have been on flights where I have perspired, and others where I have approached near-shiver conditions. With a layered-clothing strategy you can add or subtract garments as required.

It is also wise to wear loose-fitting clothing on long journeys. Not only will this contribute to a more comfortable trip, but tight clothing of any kind can impede proper blood flow which can contribute to the condition in the other part of your question, DVT, or deep-vein thrombosis.

While not exclusive to air travel, DVT is known to occur most frequently on long flights.

It is a condition that happens as a result of blood clots that form in veins. Experts say when this happens, it raises the potential for pulmonary embolisms. It has been referred to as "hospitality-class syndrome" because the seats are not only smaller in these sections, but passengers tend to stay in them too long, perhaps not wanting to disturb others in the row or just from a lack of understanding about how important it is to find ways to increase circulation through exercise of any kind.

We can take actions to alleviate some of the conditions present during flights.

On these long-haul flights, it is especially important to get up often to walk around and stretch. There are also a number of in-seat exercises that can be undertaken. A number of airlines actually suggest some of these on their websites. The website www.videojug.com/film/how-to-do-an-in-flight-fitness-workout has a video demonstration of some of the ones that are easy to do while flying.

Dehydration is another contributor to DVT. Drinking lots of the right liquids will not only help prevent DVT but will help lessen the impact of jet lag as well. Alcoholic beverages are definitely not the right choice if you are serious about doing the right thing for your travel health; nor are caffeinated beverages. The bloating effect of carbonated beverages can also be a problem for many.

Water is the best for you, and while flight attendants do try to walk up and down the aisles as frequently as possible with water, their other duties prevent them from coming by often enough to keep most people hydrated. I buy a large bottle of water, post-security, for almost every flight we take, regardless of duration.

Watch what you eat before boarding as well. It's best to avoid greasy foods in the hours before a flight.

Your choice of shoes is important. With the change in cabin pressure, feet will often swell during flights. Wear comfortable shoes. Slip-on-style footwear can be a great help, and it is worth carrying an extra pair of socks if the temperature in the aircraft gets cooler during your flight.

There are a variety of compression socks available on the market and, if recommended by your physician, they can actually be used as a tax deduction. A few years ago there were only one or two manufacturers who offered these socks designed specifically to help increase circulation. Today they are easy to find at many retail outlets that offer a wide variety of footwear and socks.

There is also now a number of homeopathic tablets that help control the impact of jet lag. One of them is a product called No Jet Lag, www.nojetlag.com/ On the site, you can find a list of links to independent publications that have reviewed the product.

While many of the effects of long-distance travel are physical, there is also an important mental aspect.

In confined spaces that offer few options for normal activity, it is hard to keep the mind occupied for long periods of time. Time does indeed fly faster when you are busy. Take work projects with you and do them for a couple of hours at a stretch. Find the best books you can. Bring your favourite music along, and even though movies are a standard offering on long-distance flights, if you have a portable DVD player, take it with you along with movies you have been waiting to watch for some time.

There are few people who are not impacted negatively by long-distance flights in some way. I hope these suggestions will make this expedition, and others you may take, more satisfying.

If you have other travel questions forward them to me at askjourneys@journeystravel.com

If you are looking for either the No Jet Lag or compression socks or any other travel products to make your trip more enjoyable go to the Journeys website .