If you think coming through airport security in North America is tough, try South America — in particular — Brazil. I couldn’t believe what was confiscated from me in the Manaus airport recently.
Archive for the ‘Travel – General Advice’ Category
Manuas Brazil – Getting through airport security might be tricky!
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009Planning a trip to Brazil? Here’s the lowdown on the drugs you’ll need
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008Yes, drugs. And the accompanying side effects.
It’s not possible to travel to many countries today without first getting topped up with a variety of inoculations and prescription drugs. Take Brazil, for instance. Getting the plane ticket or the cruise ship ticket is the easy part. Then it’s time to roll up your sleeve. The sleeve on your needle arm, that is.
Read on . . .
How to Choose the Right Cruise Ship for Your Family!
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia
Bored kids? Bored grandparents? Bored you? Is there a cruise line that is perfect for the entire family? Yes.
With the huge number of cuise lines to choose from, and the even bigger number of individual ships in the line, the task of choosing a ship that will be perfect for your family might seem impossible.
There is hope. And help. One of the Internet’s most popular social sites for cruisers has come up with it “Editors’ Picks” for 2008. Among the site’s conclusions includes the BEST family ships and the BEST ships for fitness buffs.
Read on . . .
How to Plan a Trip to the Amazon or to Brazil
Sunday, October 19th, 2008
Long gone are the days of simply buying a ticket and hopping on a plane; travel today is a much more precise science, especially if you are planning a trip into the Amazon, or other parts of Brazil.
When budgeting for a trip into Brazil, be prepared for all the extra fees you will encounter, fees that have nothing to do with your flight or your accommodations. Like the cost of getting a Brazilian tourist visa.
You may be living in a country that is exempt from needing a Brazilian visa, but if you are Canadian, Australian, or American, you must apply. (Citizens from countries like Germany, France, and Italy do not require a Brazilian visa.)
In addition, no matter what country you hail from, Brazil (especially the Amazonian area) is disease-carrying mosquito territory, and you must prepare. That means getting vaccinated for Yellow Fever, as well as Hepatitis A and B.
Read on . . .
How to Find the BEST Cruise Deals! Start with Vacations-To-Go!
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
Are you yearning for the open seas? A vista complete with swaying palm trees and exotic lands? Someplace that isn’t here (where you are at the moment)?
Then grab a cup of coffee and settle down with your computer for at least 45 minutes. You are about to go on an adventure, a cruise, the first cruise you should take before booking your real cruise.
Your first port of call? Vacations To Go.
Read on . . .
Get off the Strip – Visit Old Downtown Las Vegas For a Really Good Time!
Friday, August 1st, 2008
My husband and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary yesterday. Our formal plans had us dining at a very cool eatery called “The Bootlegger Italian Bistro,” in South Las Vegas. We had eaten there when we first arrived in Vegas and thought it would be a nice place, with its classic old gangster ambience, to have our anniversary dinner.
But our plans changed. Vegas has a way of doing that to plans. So, we cancelled our reservations in favor of another place. And we are so glad we did. We had one of our best times yet in Las Vegas.
Read on . . .
Air Canada Complaint: How I Got Results FAST!
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
There I sat, minding my own business, reading my book when the most amazing thing happened. I gasped and shrieked as a storm erupted from the ceiling above my head. Tiny ice pellets fell all over me. What was this? I was stunned because I was sitting in the middle of a sleet storm while ON BOARD an Air Canada plane.
I felt it was worth mentioning to Air Canada’s customer service. How did I do it? Did I get any reaction? What I did may be of help to you in your next encounter with Air Canada customer service following a less than exemplary Air Canada flight. Read on . . .
Riding the Rails – Take a day trip on the Amtrak! Affordable and fun!
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
If you have never taken the train, or you haven’t ridden the rails in some time, then check out the nearest Amtrak station. Especially when exploring a new city. That’s the Philadelphia Amtrak station showing above.
With the high cost of rental cars, gasoline, insurance, and with the irritation of battling traffic in a strange city, travel by Amtrak train is like a gift from heaven.
My husband and I have just decided to include at least one Amtrak day trip while traveling, and we are very glad we did. We took the Amtrak between New York City and Philadelphia, and loved the trip.
Read on . . .
Avoid those airline checked bag fees: Get smart with your carry-ons!
Thursday, June 26th, 2008
No, not all the airlines are charging for the first checked bag, but will they hold out for much longer? We may as well get used to traveling lighter now in anticipation of even higher fees down the road.
Those fees will really add up at $15-$25 per checked bag EACH way when flying to that dream destination.
But do you really need the extra baggage? Probably not. If you choose an appropriate carry-on bag and pack more efficiently, you’re likely to find that you don’t miss hauling around all those extra suitcases.
There are great travel sites with clever tips designed to help you beat the airlines at their own game.
Read on . . .
Rising cost of airline tickets and cruise ship fees shouldn’t mean the end to travel adventures!
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
It’s all over the news. Increases in airline tickets. Increases in airline handling fees.
In Europe, Ryanair is charging for everything from booking your ticket with a credit card to simply showing up at the airport. Cruise lines are upping their prices, too, and all in an attempt to offset the rising price of fuel.
But should the increased fees mean less travel? Or maybe it’s just time to get really creative when booking or packing for our travel adventures?
Read on . . .
