What a month

 The last few weeks have been crazy for me. I started my new job with Brockville Para Transit. My father had heart surgery. My middle daughter moved in with my parents to help them out and has changed schools and I took my youngest two on our first ever Disney Cruise.

So to say I am behind with my travel business would be an understatement. I was hoping after one week of work I would get my balance in check for the two jobs, family, etc... So I may have underestimated how long that would take. I get home at night rush to get supper put on the table and then I am tired and weekends are now spent getting my daughter for visits and shopping and other chores that may need to be done.

But with all that said I will not change a thing and will continue on my journey. I will just take the detours as they happen.

So enough about my issues let's get to my trip away. What an amazing trip it was. Lots of steps and changes but this is the first of four cruises planned for this year and at least two for next year. So we will be able to see together what changes.

First off we were expected to get a winter storm on Friday the 4th when I was flying out and the weather started coming on Thursday night. So the week before I made the decision to take the last train from Cornwall Thursday night and head to Montreal with the kids. No driving to really worry about. We stayed at the Marriot hotel attached to the airport which meant at 5:00 am when we had to be at the airport we could just walk downstairs and voila we were there. It was worth the price for that alone. We slept in until 4:30 and had breakfast after we checked in and passed security.

The train station was empty it was just us and another lady traveling we were there an hour early and waited patiently for it to come. It was the first time the kids had been on a train.

As you can see from the pictures. We were fully masked and we did not forget my traveling companion at home like I did for the conference. Not even out of the country yet and they are already connecting with friends.

On the train and ready for our next adventure

The next pictures are of the hotel. My only problem with the room was that the beds were a bit low to the floor. I am used to the ones I need a step ladder to climb into lol. Also, the shower was frosted but you can see it in the bedroom. A bit odd but it worked.

2 double beds

cozy chair and table

bizarre shower stall

tv with a nice long bench underneath to put suitcases on

great desk area to work

So the process for getting out of the country was a bit different from back in November when I traveled. First of all my antigen test could not be older than 24 hours. So we did them Thursday night at Shoppers Drug Mart before getting on the train  Also with Air Canada to do my online check-in and I had to upload all my documentation. Which meant 3 travel passports and 3 negative antigen tests. So I finished my check-in at the lovely desk pictured above at ten at night.

For whatever reason, we could not get my daughter's boarding pass it had to be done at the airport. The reason being she was randomly picked for extra security.  Kind of ironic as her carry-on bag was almost empty and she is fourteen but it really did not add to our process at all. Because all my documents were submitted online we just had to get our luggage tags and head over to security. She got an extra wand check and they physically checked her bag which did not really delay us in any way. We then headed to a leisurely sit-down breakfast at Houston's and by the time we were done, we sat for maybe 20 minutes before we boarded our plane.

Well I will continue this story.... stay tuned for the trip details

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home-based travel agent and I live in South Dundas I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

New York City Bucket List Challenge

So today's bucket list challenge is NY city. I am hoping to personally be able to check off some of these items on my group trip to NY City November 8th to November 10th 2019. The bus leaves at 7:00 am from Morrisburg, Ontario. If you want to join us there are still 20 spots left on the bus. Price depends on how many people you share your room with. For more details check out my facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/805646906455883/

So first up on this amazing list is the Statue of Liberty. I think everyone has pretty much seen pictures pictures of her and heard her story. The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World; French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York, in the United States. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Number two on the list is the empire state building. The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and completed in 1931. The building has a roof height of 1,250 feet and stands a total of 1,454 feet tall, including its antenna. Number three is eat a rainbow bagel. Apparently this is a big thing The bagel store in Brooklyn is the original store. Rainbow bagels are bagels that have been swirled with vibrant colors that don't bleed or fade and taste a lot like Fruit Loops and are usually stuffed with Funfetti cream cheese. If you want one, you have to call the day before to reserve one. Number four is the American Museum of Natural History. The American Museum of Natural History occupies more than 186,000 square meters (2,000,000 square feet). It is one of the largest museums in the world. The museum complex comprises 28 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library. I am thinking this may be meant for a longer visit than a weekend.

Number five is the Guggenheim Museum. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, often referred to as The Guggenheim, is an art museum New York City. The museum located at 1071 Fifth Avenue on the corner of East 89th Street in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. It adopted its current name after the death of its founder, Solomon R. Guggenheim, in 1952. Number six is the Rockefeller center. This is where you will find the Rock Observatory, Radio City Hall, Hosts the annual Christmas Tree.  Immortalized in countless films and television shows, ice skating at Rockefeller Center is the quintessential New York City holiday activity. The rink is open from mid-October to mid-March, but there’s nothing like skating beneath the historic Rockfeller Center Christmas tree in December. More than half a million visitors flock to the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink each year, both to skate and to be spectators. Which means we will have a chance to skate if we want.Number seven is the Metropolitan Museum of Art.With 17 curatorial departments, 2.2 million square feet, and more than 2 million works in its permanent collections, the Metropolitan Museum of Art—colloquially known as the Met—contains more treasures than most visitors will ever be able to see in a lifetime.

Number eight is the famous Maidson Square Garden. It’s almost a certainty that if you ask anyone around the world with even slightest knowledge of pop culture, they will have at least heard of Madison Square Garden. The venue is not only one of New York City’s most famous attractions, but widely regarded as one of the most memorable arenas in the world.Number nine is the Central Park zoo. Located in NYC's most famous park, the Central Park Zoo is a small, inexpensive zoo featuring exotic animals and an indoor rainforest exhibit. Open 365 days a year, the New York Zoo Central Park is a family-friendly NYC attraction that your kids will love. Number ten is the 9/11 Memorial. Encompassing 110,000 square feet of space, the 9/11 Memorial Museum—which honors the victims of terrorist attacks on both September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993— cost $700 million to build. The funds were through private and public donations. I will definitely be fitting this in as well, I remember so vividly the details from September 11th.

Number eleven St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue in New York is the largest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedralin the United States.I can remember throughout school trips being dragged to churches in the end I live exploring different religions and religious monuments and I am so thankful for it today. Not sure if I will get in put sure I am likely to drive past this trip. Number twelve is Washington Square Park. Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is a wonderful respite from the city with is magnificent arch and public spaces. But all around it, secrets abound in the history of how it came to be. I will leave you to discover those on your own. Number 13 is Central Park. Central Park was the first public landscaped park in all of the United States. The Park takes up roughly 843 acres of land, which is roughly 16 billion New York apartments. Not sure how much I will see but the zoo is the most important for me this trip.

Number fourteen is the Apollo Theater. The Apollo Theater is one of Manhattan's most iconic theaters, and its contributions to African-American culture are significant. I am realizing now that I may have to do NY City group trips every two years so we can all get a chance to check off so many of these places off this bucket list because 2 nights and a full day are just not going to cut it. Number fifteen is Times Square. Originally called Longacre Square, Times Square takes its name from the New York Times headquarters, which moved to One Times Square in 1904. 2. One Times Square is now mostly empty, but it holds the New Year's Eve ball and a wall of billboards that generate over $23 million per year. Number is sixteen is the high line. The High Line is a 2.33 km (1.45 miles) -long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. The High Line is one of New York City's most popular and distinctive parks. Number seventeen is Coney Island. Definitely not enough time for a trip and not in November but we will be back. Coney Island started out as a seaside resort it now sees a million visitors a day.

Number eighteen is the new york public library. The New York Public Library's flagship building, now known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, was built on the site of the City's Croton Reservoir at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. I am taking a few book dragon's (worms) with me and we may have to fit this in with a few bookstores also. Number nineteen is the Chelsea Market. Chelsea Market is a food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility located in the Chelsea neighborhood of the borough of Manhattan. Number nineteen is see a show on Broadway. We will definitely be seeing one of those on this trip.

Number twenty one is the Brooklyn Bridge was the first steel wire suspension bridge. Number twenty two is Grand Central Station. Whether you are going on a train trip or not it is something to see. Grand Central Terminal still stands as one of New York City’s most beloved landmarks, but its history is also a glorious story of creation, decline, and rebirth — much like the story of New York City itself. Originally built by Cornelius Vanderbilt, Grand Central Terminal opened on February 2nd, 1913 atop a previous version, Grand Central Station (also built by Vanderbilt for his New York Central Railroad). The station replaced an even earlier building, Grand Central Depot, which opened in 1871. Number 23 is MoMA. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an art museum located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It will be re-opening October 21st just in time for our visit. Last but not least is eat lots of Pizza. Pizza is very important in New York and there are many lists of great places to check out too many to list here. Probably deserves it own blog post.

Once again if this intrigues you join us in New York City November 8th to November 10th!!!

Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Harry Potter Travel Bucket List

Bucket list travel. I have discussed this before. There are so many places and things to do in this world that are bucket list worthy so I am going to touch on a few different types in my next few blogs and in my blogs over all. As I have mentioned before I even have a Disney specific bucket list. I have family lists, single lists many many travel related lists.
This is one of my new lists that I wish to attempt and I have a daughter cheering me mine. So after my Game of Thrones Ireland tour next August 2020 I believe I will have a Harry Potter group tour so that we may check off a good potion of this list.

First on this list is Alnwick Castle found in the county of Northumbland. The iconic Alnwick Castle is home to Harry Potter-inspired events, dragon quests and an exciting history. Second on the list The Elephant House is a café on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland. The café labels itself as the “birthplace of Harry Potter” since this is one of the cafés where J.K. Rowling would write in the early days of Harry Potter creation. She would walk around Edinburgh with her baby, waiting for her to fall asleep so she could go to a café to write. Third on the list is Leadenhall Market's beautifully covered pathways stood in for Diagon Alley in the first Harry PotterFilm. Hagrid and Harry walk through the market and then enter the Leaky Cauldron Pub through a blue door. Leadenhall Market is in Central London, on the edge of the financial district.
Fourth on the list In the Muggle (or non-magical) world, the iconic house at 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey is actually located at 12 Picket Post Close, Bracknell, Berkshire—about 40 miles west of London. The sixth item on the list I have posted about before The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Located at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands of Scotland, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel

Number six Lacock Abbey is the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Lacock and the interiors were used as the interiors of Hogwarts School for a significant number of scenes in the first two Harry Potter films. More recently, it has also been used in the Fantastic Beasts film: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Number seven Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry came to life via a number of locations across the UK, one of which was the awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral.Durham Cathedral's ancient cloisters doubled as a film location for Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone back in 2001. Number eight is Black Park in England. Many films have been filmed in this location.

Number nine is Czocha Castle in Poland. For Harry Potter fans, a castle in Czocha in south-western Poland has been transformed into a school of wizardry. For four days sorcerers are taking part in live action role plays where they can "tame magical creatures in the forest". Now how cool is this. This one definetly could not be worked into a England/Scotland trip it would have to be separate.
Number ten is The Georgian House Hotel in London. Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep as a wizard? The Wizard Chamber at the Georgian House Hotel will transport you to a world full of magic and marvel. Concealed behind a bookcase door, curious guests can enjoy venturing to the Wizard Chamber on the lower ground floor of our 19th century hotel. Pass through a portrait-lined passageway that is bathed in candle light that casts dancing shadows across the walls.Created to conjure a mysterious and gothic feel, each room features faux castle details such as stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, trunks, cauldrons, four-poster beds hung with velvet curtains and an abundance of other curious artifacts. Wood burning stoves, cauldrons in fireplaces and tapestries complete the look. Nine and ten are making me want to put a trip together sooner what about you.
Number eleven is Balmoral Hotel in Scotland. If you enter the hotel, pass the hall and turn right into the elevator, go to the fifth floor, exit the elevator and walk through the corridor to the right, you will find the door of Room 552 in the corner, decorated with an owl and a small golden sign: The J.K. Rowling Suite. This is where J.K Rowlong finished writing Harry Potter and the deathly Hollows. Number twelve Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a public attraction in Leavesden in southeastern England. t is a permanent exhibit offering an authentic behind the scenes glimpse of the Harry Potter films
Number 13 Within the realm of Harry Potter, Loch Shiel can often be seen as background scenery in the films and we believe it shows up at least briefly in all 8 movies. It is also the setting for many of the scenes of the Black Lake (or “Great Lake”) although directors often used several lakes to depict the same location depending on the scene. Number 14 I have actually already visited although back in 1996 long before Harry Potter which is Piccadilly Circus. Continuing with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Piccadilly Circus was a key location in the film when Ron, Hermione, and Harry narrowly avoided being hit by a London bus. 

Number 15. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can of course be found at Universal Studios in Orlando and Hollywood. This has been on my list for some time and of course would be a totally separate vacation package. They have just added a new Hagrid ride this year. I believe they will continue to add to these attractions especially with Fantastic Beasts becoming a franchise.
Number sixteen Platform 9 3/4. In the wizarding world, Harry and his friends get to the platform by dashing through a brick wall between platforms 9 and 10. Meanwhile, in the real King’s Cross, platforms 9 and 10 are separated by tracks, but you can find a platform 9¾ on the wall in the station concourse. You can take pictures or have pictures taken and pick them up and pay next door at the Harry Potter gift shop. Number seventeen is the Bodleian Library.  The Hogwarts Restricted Section is actually the Arts End of the medieval Duke Humfrey's Library, the oldest reading room at the Bodleian.
Number eighteen Christ Church College in Oxford, England, was founded in 1546. Its campus has served as architectural inspiration for academic institutions around the world as well for sets for numerous films, including some of the Harry Potter series. Number nineteen Potentially only for the most potty of Potter-heads is Harrow School, the filming location for Professor Flitwick's Classroom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Number 20 is the London Zoo which is where we see Harry first using his powers allow he does not yet know it when he frees a snake in the snake exhibit.  Number twenty one is The Millennium Bridge (a.k.a. ... Potter lovers will know that in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince it is Brockdale Bridge (Not the Millennium Bridge) that is targeted by Death Eaters who are quickly escalating their attacks in the muggle world.Number twenty two moves so you definitely need a plan for visiting this one. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a traveling exhibition of props, costumes, and other artefacts from the creation of the Harry Potter film series. The exhibition originally opened in April 2009 at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is currently in Valencia until August.
Number twenty three Harry Potter In Glencoe. Filming for the third Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, took place on location in Glencoe in May and June 2003. ... The sets were located so as to take in the fantastic scenery, overlooking the Torren Lochan, and the Signal Rock forest to the rugged hills of the glen. Number twenty four is the  Goathland station which serves as the Hogwarts Express stop at Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films. Number twenty five is Seven sisters county park the cliffs are used as back in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Last but not least is Steall Falls also used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
So 2021 is when I hope to have the Harry Potter group set up for if you are interested send me a message now and you can be put on my list in the early stages. Also if you know of any locations I may have missed please feel free to comment and tell us about them.


Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Travel to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west. It's known for its beaches, resorts and golfing. Its terrain comprises rainforest, savannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain. Capital city Santo Domingo has Spanish landmarks like the Gothic Catedral Primada de America dating back 5 centuries in its Zona Colonial district.
Until things exploded the last month Dominican Republic travel was very popular among North Americans. I stayed there myself April 2018 for our Annual Conference. I have confidentially sent clients there the last several years since I branched out in what I sell travel wise.With everything in the news today you will have no doubt seen the articles relating to incidents in the Dominican and the travel advisories put out by both Canada and the United States. Travel bookings numbers have gone down and travel cancellations have gone up.

Punta Cana

The first incident many people heard about was the report on Facebook from a couple who traveled to the Majestic Colonial resort and the wife was found beaten in a stairwell. She believes it was a staff member who did and was walking by herself. A police investigation was made. The couple claimed that nothing was being done and took it upon themselves to inform the world. The resorts statement claims that they refused to co-operate with police and their is some indication it may actually have been a domestic dispute and they could not comment further while it was under investigation. So of course it is the classic he says she says situation.

I stayed at this resort myself and I felt very safe there. I did find a few hallways a bit dark but for the most part I was travelling around with other people only once or twice on my own in the evening. I leave in the country not a city and I do not really walk alone at night out here either even though are crime rates are very low. I just do not do it as a women and I do not encourage my daughters to do it either. For me this is common sense no matter where you may be.

After this made waves there were reports of 3 deaths said to both have come from the same resort. The first a woman who had collapsed and dies in her room shortly after arrival and apparently after having something to drink from her mini bar. The second a couple is found dead in their room after they miss their checkout and it is confirmed they had, had drinks from the minibar. First they actually occurred at two different Bahia Principe Resorts of which there are a dozen spread across the Dominican. Second there official cause of death have yet to be released by the police so at the moment everything is still speculation on everyone's side. In the case of the lady her family assumes her death is related to a know heart condition. The couples death is being blamed on tainted alcohol by their family.  The US government has now reported their are more deaths of Americans that need to be investigated.

While I do not know the full facts I am also not going to jump to any conclusions. Again these things can happen anywhere you travel and right at home. I am not saying not to travel or to travel I am simply suggesting you make an informed decision and do your own research when it comes to these things.

At the moment this is what is says about travel to the Dominican Republic on the Canadian Government website. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to a high crime rate.

They are not telling you not to travel they are simply telling you to take precautions and to be safe.

If you are price cautious this may actually be a good time to travel as with the drop in travel prices my actual work in your favour. If you have any questions or concerns about travel to the Dominican Republic please contact me and I will be happy to help.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

River Cruise with AMA Waterways

I have done a number of blog posts on Ocean Cruises. Probably because I have taken three in a short period of time and have another two booked already. I will have done five cruises in just shy of three years. Yes I will continue to do them. One there are still many places I have not visited and two I want to experience as many cruise lines as possibly and I will only have 3 under my belt when I am done.
However today's blog post is about another type of cruising. River cruising. River cruising of course if a totally different experience. You are often in the heart of the cities and countryside of countries. You watch castles in the background and you float by. You get off the ship and you are right in the heart of things and ready to explore,  where as sometimes on Ocean cruises you can be on a bus for an hour or more before you even get to the city and start a tour. You can also spend one to two days at sea with noting to see but water. River cruises let you get up close and personal with your destination. You unpack once and enjoy a new experience everyday.
One of my favourite River Cruise companies is Ama Waterways. They are family owned and operated and have been around since 2002. They also happen to be partners with Adventures by Disney allowing families to experience River cruises. Here are pictures of three of their ships.

 Ama Dara

 Ama Kristina

Ama Magna

They have nineteen ships that operate in Europe, two ships in Portugal, one ship in Africa and one ship in Vietnam/Cambodia. A total of twenty-three ships.

Ama realizes that their guests have different tastes, so they’ve developed a menu of shore excursions in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. Are you looking for something more active? See the beautiful scenery of Austria’s Wachau Valley with a guided bike tour along the Danube. The choice is yours. To me this is another big plus as you can spend a thousand or more on excursions on ocean cruises especially if you are travelling as a family.

There are more ways to relax. With fewer guests on board, they are able to offer an array of amenities on their award-winning ships. When you’re not off exploring another stunning destination, take some time to unwind, relax and rejuvenate with the pools, massage services and more They also have fitness centres and hair salons on board.

They offer all kinds of different cruise types. They have cruises that explore the Christmas markets, Wine cruises, god cruises, tulips in Holland cruises. They offer a low single supplement for the solo traveller. They have something for everyone.

 winery in bordeaux

tulips in Holland

My Instagram and Facebook features the above pictures this month and offers selection of river cruises available in 2020 that have free airfare to Europe included. They always have some amazing promotions available and it is so easy to put a group together. Belong to a wine club put together a wine tour. Golfing partners set up a golf cruise and have the opportunity to golf in Europe with like minded people. Family reunion want to do something different than just meeting for a bbq afternoon and going your separate ways and seeing each occasionally at funerals and weddings why not spend a week reconnecting and still having time to explore and do thing on your own if you want. My bucket list river cruise is actually to go to Europe and experience the Christmas markets. You get to experience them in Switzerland and Germany and have such a great time,

Cologne Germany

So do you have a group or club or family and friends that you would like to travel with. Reach out to me and we can set up an amazing river cruise group that suits everyone's needs. Also take a moment and leave a comment about where you would pick to go for a river cruise?

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Family Travel With National Geographic and G Adventures

As you all know I am big Disney fan and Harry Potter runs a close second which means Universal studios. You may also know that one of my travel niches/specialties is Family Travel. While I love the theme parks I also know that they are far from the only place people are travelling with their families these days.
People are taking their children as early as 6 months old to all inclusive resorts down South they are boarding cruise ships and traveling all over. You do not have to limit yourself with children you can travel the world.
One of my favourite Suppliers G Adventures have teamed up with National Geographic and they have come up with National Geographic Family Journey's that will allow you to travel the world together to new and exciting places.
Everyone loves to travel, but not everyone loves to travel the same way. G Adventures Travel Styles gather trips of a feather together so you can spend less time searching and more time dreaming about where you’ll go next. G Adventures has so many travel styles available: Classic Tours, National Georgraphic Journeys, Family National Geographic Journeys, 18 to thirty somethings tours, active tours, marine tours, wellness tours, rail yours, local living tours and family living. Today's blog will focus on the Family National Georgraphic Journey's.

 Photo courtesy of G Adventures Vietnam Hanoi Train Street children and mother's walking

Photo courtesy of G Adventures: Vietnam Lan Ha Bay Floating Fish Farm kids getting lesson from a local farmer

National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures is a new line of trips for adventure-loving families in search of a meaningful way to discover the world together. These itineraries are specially designed so travellers ages seven and up can explore a destination’s rich and diverse characteristics. Each itinerary features unique, interactive activities inspired by National Geographic's expertise in photography and storytelling, wildlife, culture, history, and geography to encourage kids and adults alike to connect with the world around them. Families will enjoy enlightening experiences, the freedom to explore, quality time together—and they’ll return home with a renewed sense of wonder.
So what makes Family Journey's unique. Pre-departure resources and materials from National Geographic to inform and excite every member of the family about their upcoming adventure. Comfortable and convenient accommodations. Two dynamic CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) who are specially trained to engage with young travellers. Kid-friendly meal options throughout the trip and last but not least A group of usually 20 or fewer like-minded family travellers.
There are twelve offering from G Adventures and National Geographic as follows:
Morocco Family Journey: ancient Souks to the Sahara - 9 days
Southern Africa Family Journey: In search of the Big Five - 11 days
Tanzania Family Journey: A Serengeti Safari - 8 days
Southeast Asia Family Journey: Vietnam to Cambodia - 13 days
Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern times - 11 days
France Family Journey: From Paris to Normandy and Beyond - 9 days
Italy Family Journey: From Venice to Rome - 8 days
Iceland Family Journeys: Geysers, Glaciers & Fjords - 8 days
Peru Family Journeys: Machu Picchu to the Amazon - 10 days
Costa Rica Family Journeys: from Rain forest to coast - 9 days
Alaska Family Journeys: Wilderness Explorer - 9 days
National Parks Family Journeys: Yellowstone and Grand Teton - 8 days

 photo courtesy of G Adventures; Costa Rica Rinon de la Vieja (a horse and girl)

Photo courtesy of G adventures: Costa Rica Monteverde (frog and boy)

These are the experiences we should be giving our children. Not an Xbox or Playstation with games that are violent and addictive. Not boxes and boxes full of toys that they play with once and toss aside. We have cut out big presents of material things for Christmas and moved to experiences such as concert tickets, vacations spending time with us one on one. Going to the movies. Spending more time together is what we need to do. Our time together is so short in the grand scheme of things. Now it is to decide which of these adventures we will be trying. I am strongly leaning towards Africa or Asia.

Where would you go if you could with your kids? How do you feel about family? Take a minute and leave me a comment or drop me a line.

Don't forget if you want to book one of theses twelve amazing opportunities or heck all of them contact me today.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Insurance and why it is Important

Travel Insurance I know I have written about it before and i am writing about it again and I will continue to write about it until everyone realizes just how important it is and does not travel without. Also so that people educate themselves on what they do have also as unfortunately all insurance products are not created equal.
I know the first thing that comes to your mind insurance is not cheap and for a family you can add sometimes up to $500 more to the cost of the trip by adding it. Who wants to add that much to a trip when you do not see the value of that money. My answer to that is do you have the money should something occur outside the country to covers those costs which can get into the thousands of dollars. Do you want to lose your home to medical expenses incurred that could have been taken care of for $500. Do you want to lose your life's savings? If you answer no to either questions than travel insurance is for you.
There are always travel horror stories in the news, accidents, missed flights, deaths, weather or political events etc.. You listen to many of them and think they are just too outrageous to ever happen to you. So in doing my research for this blog. I cam across incidents that have been included in insurance reports not big news items. Mostly because these people all had insurance and so did not need help paying for these things.
My first story is a young lady travelling in Thailand. She was experiencing a sore stomach and let it go for several hours. She finally could not bare it any more and went to a local clinic to find that her appendix were  infected. She was in a remote village and had to take an ambulance (a truck with a bed in the back) 4 hours to a local hospital by the time she got there her appendix had burst. All of this was covered by insurance, even the ambulance ride. Another lady was riding a bike in Bali and a stray dog bit her. She had to get rabies shots for 4 months. Insurance paid for all of them and even paid to replace her jeans. All things that you would not expect to happen.

Another example a UK couple were 30 days into a 90 day vacation. Out in the middle of Turkmenistan when they received news that his mother was dying. They arranged flights back home. Insurance paid for the new flights and covered the unused visa's and 60 days of the trip not used. They would have been out a significant amount of money and no trip had they not. Another women was scheduled for a ski trip when she hurt her knee and had to cancel her trip. Her insurance covered everything she had booked.

Remember a few years ago now when the Iceland volcano erupted and spewing ash all over Europe and wrecking havoc with flights all over Europe. Many people had flights cancelled had to stay longer in countries than anticipated had to travel across Europe by train to try flying out further away. Some could  not even leave for scheduled vacations. Anyone who had travel insurance would be covered by this occurrence.

These are all little things that could have become so big and really unexpected and no warning to any of them. Costs for for treatment can add up so quickly depending on where you are. I checked out some average prices for treatment in the United States. Treating a concussion can average $18454 USD. An Ambulance ride can cost between $224 USD to $2204 USD depending on the state you are in. X Rays can run you between $260 USD to $460 USD. An average hosiptal stay is $10,000 USD.  A broken leg or arm can cost you $2500 USD. My nephew at 18 months old was walking on an even sidewalk stepped down the wrong way and ended up breaking his leg. Literally in a blink of an eye it could have just as easily happened while on vacation and cost a small fortune to treat.
Contrary to popular belief OHIP does not cover you for medical treatment abroad. It used to cover a few piddly things and those have just been recently removed as well. A women fell in Crotatia and hurt her head a few years back and needed surgery her family asked OHIP to cover the cost of air ambulance home. They of course refused as it is not covered. They then turned to foreign affairs to help with the cost of an air ambulance. They were once again denied. It is not something are government is meant to do. They had to resort to fundraisers and crowd funding sources. Travel Insurance would take care of all that and no need to ask family, friends and strangers to help you get the help you need.

As another comparison I looked at prices for care in Mexico an ambulance ride will cost you $2500 USD or more. Xrays from $210 USD to $1000 USD. Hospital stays are over $10,000 USD.
I use Manuife for all my insurance needs party because I do not like credit and have one credit card with a $5000 limit on it that really would not go very far should something happen to anyone in the family. The nice thing with Manulife is I do not have to pay out of pocket they cover everything up front so again no worries. Many work benefit plans and credit card benefit plans you have to pay out first and then be re-imbursed. I heard a horror story of a women who had work coverage paid $80,000 in expenses for an injury abroad and spent almost 8 months trying to get the claim in order and payouts. She almost went bankrupt over it. Can you afford to have that kind of money in limbo for any length of time let alone 8 months.
Even travel within Canada but outside your province you should have travel insurance. Our health care when not covered by a provincial plan is just as expensive as some of the prices you see for American Health care if you are a non resident.
So please protect yours and your families interest and get a travel insurance policy in place


Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area