Global News Morning - 30 November 2021 - New variant and where are Canadians travelling?
So disappointing to hear of the new variant announced and now new restrictions especially involving travel to and from Southern Africa.
But let’s just think about this for a moment.
First of all congratulations to the medical team in South Africa who identified this new variant and raised the alarm immediately without trying to protect their own tourism industry - which of course has been immediately damaged by the cancellation of flights out of South Africa.
Secondly let’s think about this for a moment. An interesting interview on QR77 recently with Dr Bogash in Toronto gave me pause for thought. He said that while the discovery of a further variant was disappointing it was probably inevitable and we still don’t know how this new variant will affect people. An interview I saw with a South African doctor was interesting - she is on the team who identified the variant and the peculiar thing was that most of the people were exhibiting very mild symptoms.
Nevertheless the banning of flights out of Southern Africa is probably a good decision in the short term until they get a better idea of what this new variant is all about.
The fact of the matter is that COVID is here to stay. That’s why we have vaccinations and rapid covid testing. We are learning to live with this disease and eventually will overcome it completely.
So with that in mind let’s look at the options available to Canadian travellers.
Fortunately our vaccination rate is high and Canadians travellers are welcomed in many of the tourist destinations of the world.
So why not get the heck out of Dodge? How about a luxury cruise geared up for foodies - you can even attend cooking lessons if you like. It's last minute so we have included some perks and discounts -
14 January 2022
2 week Southern Caribbean cruise in an ocean view stateroom
Pre-paid gratuities
Choose either USD$400 ship board credit per stateroom OR 2 shore excursions per person
Flights from Calgary
Airport transfers
All taxes Cdn $6798 pp
But let’s just think about this for a moment.
First of all congratulations to the medical team in South Africa who identified this new variant and raised the alarm immediately without trying to protect their own tourism industry - which of course has been immediately damaged by the cancellation of flights out of South Africa.
Secondly let’s think about this for a moment. An interesting interview on QR77 recently with Dr Bogash in Toronto gave me pause for thought. He said that while the discovery of a further variant was disappointing it was probably inevitable and we still don’t know how this new variant will affect people. An interview I saw with a South African doctor was interesting - she is on the team who identified the variant and the peculiar thing was that most of the people were exhibiting very mild symptoms.
Nevertheless the banning of flights out of Southern Africa is probably a good decision in the short term until they get a better idea of what this new variant is all about.
The fact of the matter is that COVID is here to stay. That’s why we have vaccinations and rapid covid testing. We are learning to live with this disease and eventually will overcome it completely.
So with that in mind let’s look at the options available to Canadian travellers.
Fortunately our vaccination rate is high and Canadians travellers are welcomed in many of the tourist destinations of the world.
So why not get the heck out of Dodge? How about a luxury cruise geared up for foodies - you can even attend cooking lessons if you like. It's last minute so we have included some perks and discounts -
14 January 2022
2 week Southern Caribbean cruise in an ocean view stateroom
Pre-paid gratuities
Choose either USD$400 ship board credit per stateroom OR 2 shore excursions per person
Flights from Calgary
Airport transfers
All taxes Cdn $6798 pp
Global News Morning - 23 November 2021 - New insurance available for cruisers
Global News Morning - 9th NOVEMBER 2021
Yay – the travel advisory has been lifted and now we are all looking forward to travelling again.
One of the most popular packages we had back in 2019 was our long stay packages. This gives you the chance to live like a local in your own apartment.
How about a trip to the beautiful Algarve in Southern Portugal – the perfect winter getaway.
25 February to 22 March
Flight from Calgary
1 night Lisbon, 21 nights Algarve, 2 nights Lisbon.
22 March flight home.
Studio Room
From $2629 per person
About the destination –
LISBON
This delightful city is rich in history and a great place for walking and touring. You will have 1 night at the beginning and 2 nights at the end so lots of time to explore.
ALBUFEIRA
Once down in Albufeira you will have 3 weeks to relax and enjoy the mild weather. Temp in Feb is usually low of 8 to a high of 17. Wow – they don’t even know what winter is there!
Albufeira is located on the south coast of Portugal – this former fishing village has become very popular. Lots of little restaurants in the old town area and a fantastic beach – great for long walks.
You will be able to do tours from this location – even as far as a trip to Gibraltar! Your studio apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
You will have to be fully vaccinated to go to Portugal – both to get on the flight in Canada as well as to enter Portugal.
You will have to complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving https://portugalcleanandsafe.pt/en/passenger-locator-card as this is part of their Clean and Safe program. This form shows your flight information and where you are staying.
Portugal is doing quite well and therefore you will no longer need to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants – but you will have to if you want to enter a bar or attend a sporting event.
86.3% of the population has been vaccinated as of today.
You will need to wear a mask in public transport or taxis. You will note that workers in bars, clubs and restaurants are obliged to wear masks.
Look for the Clean and Safe seal which is awarded by Tourism Portugal to certify that all the necessary cleaning and hygiene measures have been carried out. In fact the hotel in this package is proud to be awarded the Clean and Safe Seal.
Remember you will need to have a negative COVID PCR test to return to Canada. The tour company has a representative in place in Albufeira who is able to assist with directions etc. PCR tests are about Euro 70 per person. That would be about Cdn $100 which is way cheaper than getting one in Calgary!
One of the most popular packages we had back in 2019 was our long stay packages. This gives you the chance to live like a local in your own apartment.
How about a trip to the beautiful Algarve in Southern Portugal – the perfect winter getaway.
25 February to 22 March
Flight from Calgary
1 night Lisbon, 21 nights Algarve, 2 nights Lisbon.
22 March flight home.
Studio Room
From $2629 per person
About the destination –
LISBON
This delightful city is rich in history and a great place for walking and touring. You will have 1 night at the beginning and 2 nights at the end so lots of time to explore.
ALBUFEIRA
Once down in Albufeira you will have 3 weeks to relax and enjoy the mild weather. Temp in Feb is usually low of 8 to a high of 17. Wow – they don’t even know what winter is there!
Albufeira is located on the south coast of Portugal – this former fishing village has become very popular. Lots of little restaurants in the old town area and a fantastic beach – great for long walks.
You will be able to do tours from this location – even as far as a trip to Gibraltar! Your studio apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS
You will have to be fully vaccinated to go to Portugal – both to get on the flight in Canada as well as to enter Portugal.
You will have to complete a Passenger Locator Form before arriving https://portugalcleanandsafe.pt/en/passenger-locator-card as this is part of their Clean and Safe program. This form shows your flight information and where you are staying.
Portugal is doing quite well and therefore you will no longer need to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants – but you will have to if you want to enter a bar or attend a sporting event.
86.3% of the population has been vaccinated as of today.
You will need to wear a mask in public transport or taxis. You will note that workers in bars, clubs and restaurants are obliged to wear masks.
Look for the Clean and Safe seal which is awarded by Tourism Portugal to certify that all the necessary cleaning and hygiene measures have been carried out. In fact the hotel in this package is proud to be awarded the Clean and Safe Seal.
Remember you will need to have a negative COVID PCR test to return to Canada. The tour company has a representative in place in Albufeira who is able to assist with directions etc. PCR tests are about Euro 70 per person. That would be about Cdn $100 which is way cheaper than getting one in Calgary!
Global News Morning - 2nd NOVEMBER 2021
GLOBAL NEWS - TUESDAY 26 OCTOBER 2021
GLOBAL NEWS - SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER 2021
THE REINVENTION OF CRUISING AND HOW TO MAKE BIG SAVINGS
The Global Pandemic brought the world to a standstill and all aspects of travel were affected, especially the cruise industry.
So what did they do?
While ships were laid up anchored offshore foreign lands and crew members were sent home, the cruise line executives got together and started planning for a new era of cruising.
As well as renovations on board for healthy sailing a whole new set of protocols were put in place on the advice of WHO and CDC with the view to protecting passengers and crew.
In Canada the Level 4 advisory is still in place to avoid all cruising but the industry is confident that will be revised very soon.
Vaccinations are required to cruise as is a negative covid test before you board. Also contact tracing is being used by some cruise lines and many ships have their own labs on board for quick and easy testing.
All this makes seasoned cruisers feel more comfortable about returning to the seas and the suggestion is that if you want to cruise next year you should book it now. Very often deposits are refundable and the offers are there are very tempting indeed.
One such promotion which has come my way is with Celebrity Cruises. They have reinvented themselves not just with their covid protocols but also with their image. Their new program Always Included means that you get drinks, tips and wifi included in your price. They have found that people feel more comfortable on their cruise when they are not constantly dipping into their wallet. Their new cruise ships are gorgeous – very modern and adult – in fact they are branded as Modern Luxury.
Check out all the amazing savings - some of which you can save NEARLY 50% on your cruise
Here are all the specials
And a few more just for good luck! (last minute)
The Global Pandemic brought the world to a standstill and all aspects of travel were affected, especially the cruise industry.
So what did they do?
While ships were laid up anchored offshore foreign lands and crew members were sent home, the cruise line executives got together and started planning for a new era of cruising.
As well as renovations on board for healthy sailing a whole new set of protocols were put in place on the advice of WHO and CDC with the view to protecting passengers and crew.
In Canada the Level 4 advisory is still in place to avoid all cruising but the industry is confident that will be revised very soon.
Vaccinations are required to cruise as is a negative covid test before you board. Also contact tracing is being used by some cruise lines and many ships have their own labs on board for quick and easy testing.
All this makes seasoned cruisers feel more comfortable about returning to the seas and the suggestion is that if you want to cruise next year you should book it now. Very often deposits are refundable and the offers are there are very tempting indeed.
One such promotion which has come my way is with Celebrity Cruises. They have reinvented themselves not just with their covid protocols but also with their image. Their new program Always Included means that you get drinks, tips and wifi included in your price. They have found that people feel more comfortable on their cruise when they are not constantly dipping into their wallet. Their new cruise ships are gorgeous – very modern and adult – in fact they are branded as Modern Luxury.
Check out all the amazing savings - some of which you can save NEARLY 50% on your cruise
Here are all the specials
And a few more just for good luck! (last minute)