Been waiting to book a trip pending an easing of covid restrictions and war in Ukraine - some important info

 Having travelled twice last fall admist the covid restrictions, and finding it difficult and not as fun as it used to be, I have been holding off travel bookings.  Looks like its a good thing with war in Ukraine and the persistent rules for covid testing to enter Canada.  I wanted Alaska but the Canadian government still hasn't lifted the ban on cruise ships entering Canadian ports.  Shame on them.  Be careful if you book because war is always exempted on all insurance policies for travel, and now you can't cancel your trip due to Covid anymore.  Check all the requirements on your travel insurance policy before you book as well as what the latest rules are for Canadians.  

Good news if Portugal was a destination booked - it has quietly reopened its borders to Canadians as of a few days ago. 

Again be careful booking at this time.

Hope this helps

Marcia

Shut down again - is now a good time to book a trip

 With Omicron and waiting for my booster shot in mid January, I like you am wondering if now is a good time to book for a spring vacation.  I have been watching the various cruise and packages sites to look for sales but in Canada, you need to wait for the boxing week sales which start next week, Usually I receive an Air Canada promotion for at least 20% off their flights which is helpful for European flights.  

The cruise lines seem to be increasing versus decreasing rates especially on balconies. I guess the few of us booking want fresh air at least.  

My recommendations for Canadian Solos 

1. Wait for the boxing day sales

2. Get your booster shot as soon as you can as I suspect the new norm for travel next year will be fully vaccinated requires the first 2 vaccines plus a booster

3. Get trip cancellation insurance (for any reason) as I have noticed that the cruiselines, airlines are not as kind and are charging hefty surcharges for cancellable trips.  Note check which is cheaper, the insurance or the surcharge.

4. Check multiple sites as I have noticed price differences between booking sites, which wasn't happening as much before COVID.

Hope this helps. I will be sharing the best deals next week.  Happy Holidays

Marcia

Is it better for Canadians to book cruises thru a Canadian travel agent or one of the big US discounters?

 Its up to you whether you want to book thru the cruise line, a Canadian travel agent or a US travel agency.  But here are some thoughts based on personal experience, as I have done all three.

First if you go with a Canadian travel agency you will be covered by TICO in case the cruise line  or agency goes belly up. Check on the cruise line website to make sure they are covered by TICO. You won't have this protection if you book thru a US agency.  

Canadian travel agencies and cruise lines charge in Canadian dollars so no exchange rate.

Canadian travel agencies and cruise lines in my experience have not had any or as good as US on board credit levels if any at all.  Where the US cruise agencies like CruCon.com  and Cruises.com typically offer $50 and up depending on the cruise, cruise line.  I have asked and gotten on board credit when calling the cruise line directly to book (RRCL, Holland America). 

Some Canadian travel agencies like Expedia.ca  offer points you  can use for future travel. I have gotten money off hotel bookings so it may be worth it.  

Base cruise prices are similar if you take into account the US exchange rate and the surcharge on your Canadian credit card.  Note however the US cruise agencies often have group booking rates and for those the prices are much better (I have saved several $100s)

Customer Service seems better at the Travel agencies (US and Canadian) as it takes forever to get thru to the Cruise line and they don't promptly answer email enquiries if at all.

Whoever you choose make sure you have travel insurance that covers everything including cancellations and COVID.

Hope this helps 

Marcia

How to navigate airports, hotels and cruises with all the changing covid protocols

 Having just completed two trips during the pandemic I thought I would share some tips on how best to navigate thru all the covid protocols

1. Invest in some KN95 masks.  I paid $50 on Amazon for 100 of them and they have been my best investment so far as they have much better protection than all the other available masks.

2. If you are on long haul travel days take at least 4 more masks with you and change them every few hours.  Otherwise they get damp.

3. Make sure ALL and I mean all of your bookings are refundable regardless of the cause. Do not accept credits as they may make you wait and often the credits expire. 

4. All airports are pretty much the same - wear a mask, keep your distance and have plenty of hand sanitizer.  I noticed signs in the airport for people not to fill their personal containers with sanitizer. 

5. Have all your documents ready and almost all airlines, cruises and hotels would appreciate a paper copy of you vaccine receipt, pcr tests etc.  I find its best to have both a paper copy and a copy on my phone/ipad.

6. Be ready for extremely busy airports.  I found all airports more crowded then before the pandemic and the line ups long so always go 3 hours before your flight (both international and domestic).  I would rather wait a bit longer at the gate then not get on the flight.

7. Be prepared for packed flights so have a mask, wipes and your own bottle of water, as the airlines don't come around offering water.  Note Westjet only offers ice to those buying alcohol and they just give one wipe.

8. Hotels (not all but most) are asking for proof of vaccine. They will provide you with a list of the protocols they are following to keep you safe.

9. Book your PCR or antigen test as soon as your vacation is fully booked. That way you will get the time slot you want. Note I was booking mine for 48 hours before the flight so I had time if something went wrong but now some countries are asking for 24 hours.

10. Cruiselines want your business but the cruise experience is much different. You wear a ribbon on RCCL to show you are vaccinated and can go into the vaccinated only areas.  If solo you will sit alone in dining rooms.  You can only book shows on board the ship, no pre-booking.  Be prepared for constant cancels and re-schedules of shows and shore excursions.

11.  Finally check and recheck the changing requirements for entry into the countries you are going to, the cruise line, airline and hotels. Mine changed every few days. 

Be very flexible if you want to travel.

I hope this helps

Marcia

St. Thomas secret sand beach excursion tips

 The secret sand beach excursion cost me $49 USD on sale as a pre cruise deal. Is it worth the money?

You decide based on the info below 

It’s on the other side of the island so a cab ride is about $20 one way. It’s cheaper to take the multi person vans to Megan’s bay.

They pack the open air van with 15 people so no social distance .

They advertise the skyline drive. It’s a road on the way back but no stops for pictures.

The beach is public and just one of the coves on Megan’s Bay. They have beach chairs and you have to find your own shade under a Mangrove tree. The scenery is beautiful with lots of islands in the distance.

The water is clear and clean and they have buoys for where it gets deep. 

You spend 2.5 hours here and it’s all you can drink.  Soft drinks, water or mixed alcohol.

I didn’t go back into town after the tour. The few shops in the port are a rip off  as the T-shirt start at $20. The beach bags that were $4 in St Martin were $10 here.

Overall St Thomas shows the same  decay I saw In all the other islands - poor roads, empty buildings etc. 

So sad.

My reco is on each of these islands just go to the beach.

Hope this helps 

Marcia

St. Martin not the shopping meca anymore but the beach is great - tips

 Yesterday was Saint Martin island and it’s definitely not recovered from the hurricane. Front street has many empty storefronts and damaged buildings. You have a choice of T-shirt shops and jewelry with a few liquor stores. The road is rutted and traffic heavy.

My tour around the island was cancelled last minute as there was a general strike and some rioting on the French side. 

So it was Great Bay beach or Maho beach. I chose Great Bay as with the $7 all day water taxi it’s a 10 minute ride. Below are tips for a beach day here:

1. buy the all day water taxi ticket. The booth is just after you get off the ship. 

2. There are so many vendors offering chairs and umbrellas but go to your left from the main pier as the water is clearer and better. 

3. They offer many deals with 2 chairs and 5 beers for $25. but if your solo a chair and umbrella should be $10 USD

4. There will be a large incline in the water as you get in but then it levels off. Getting out is not easy. My recommendation is to kneel on the top of the incline and then it’s easy to stand up.

5. You will get passing showers every day but the last minutes.

6.  The Sun here is brutal so use lots of sunscreen and or a rash guard.

I bought a sweatshirt for $18 and a toy plush hanging monkey for $4 . You can not haggle in the stores but at the markets they will shave a few dollars off

Hope this helps

Marcia 

Tips for San Juan cruise port

 Having been to Puerto Rico many times, I decided to check out the post hurricane old town. Below is what I found and some tips.  Note that while a lot of the buildings need paint and repair still, much of the former beauty is back.

I am not sure why but several years ago they closed all the casinos? 

Get up early to see the ship enter the port. It’s probably one of the most scenic entrances in the Caribbean.

You don’t need a tour for old town just head up the hill to shop, see the fort and view the buildings.

The blue cobblestone streets are in very bad shape. Ruts, broken stones so be careful crossing the streets. 

The traffic was heavy but cars always stopped so I could cross. I was amazed at how nice the drivers are.

Walk up to the fort and go in as the views are spectacular of the coast and cemetery.

Shopping isn’t great but the poetry and pottery store beside the central square continues to be my favourite for one of a kind pottery and art. I always buy something. Last time it was the pottery door . They are replicas of the old town doors and they personalize them.  This time it was an angel wall plaque . Always a great gift place for $20 to $30 dollars 

Good quality T-shirts we’re 3 for $10 in many stores. I bought 3.

If your going to take a tour the half day to the rain forest is probably the most scenic. The walk they do is relatively easy and the views great.

If you are staying for a few days take the tour to Ponce. The scenery was great on route. Lunch was good.

If you want a close beach go to Condado, either take the trolley or a 10 minute cab ride. The beach is most  popular in front of the Marriott and it’s easy to get a cab or the bus back.  All buses leave from the central station a five minute walk from the dock. 

Hope this helps 

Marcia