My Personal Travel Collection!

I thought I would Provide you guys with some of my personal vacation photos and videos as well as some youtube footage that will make you want to book your next vacation right away! Hope you Enjoy.

Main Pool of Bahia Principe San Juan, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic



Early Morning View of The Bahia Principe Beach, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic


The View From Aboard "The Tip Top" Catamaran, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic



One of Many Crabs Found On The Beaches of Puerto Plata



Myself With the Catamaran Skipper!



Resorts I Have Visited








I hope you've enjoyed the pics and videos....stay tuned for more!

The 3 Worst Travel Websites Out There!

Pictures Courtesy of:
Expedia.ca
voyagesarabais.com
selloffvacations.com

I want to take a few minutes to tell you about the worst travel websites out there and why you shouldn't use them.

SellOffVacations.com is by far one of my least favorite travel websites out there right now. These guys spend a fortune on publicity for a website that is completely dysfunctional 80% of the time. Although they have recently renovated the site and made it more user-friendly, I still refuse to encourage a web site that makes browsing so difficult and which doesn't provide accurate or even decent results.

Voyages A Rabais.com is an amazing travel website, extremely user-friendly and a ton of travel opportunities offered at amazingly low prices, this website is at once my favorite and my least favorite for the following reason: customer service is crap!

Although they provide a phone number, they refuse to give you service over the line. Questions must be sent via e-mail as well as insurance purchases, technical support and any other difficulty users may be having. This is frustrating because response time isn't immediate and if confronted with a serious dilemma, it feels like there's no one there to help you out so for this reason, Voyages A Rabais.com is great for travel purchases but horrible at customer service.

Expedia.ca is another one of those sites that is great in the sense that it has so much to offer travelers in terms of destinations, types of packages and it's extremely user-friendly but for some reason, their vacation packages are always more expensive than others.

This is a little weird because the site actually searches amongst travel wholesalers and finds the best bargain but the best bargain on Expedia.ca doesn't always match the actual wholesalers' price found on the carrier's website. Therefore, for this reason, I tend to stay away from Expedia.ca and prefer searching on the actual wholesale website, like AirCanada or Air Transat sites for example.

What A Great Travel Website Should Include

1. Every good travel website should have a valid phone number associated with customer service. This is particularly important for last minute travels where problems are more likely to occur. It's important for everyone really because when you put down $1500 for a vacation, you expect service and support down the line, a good travel site should be able to provide you with both.



2. It should be user-friendly. A good travel website should make it easy to browse through vacation deals and packages and should offer different options along the way. Destinations should be well listed and easily accessible as well as hotels and specific resorts, chains and special offers should also be clearly visible and their last minute deals or departures should appear on the first page of the website.



3. The website should be up and running all the time! SellOffVacations.com is a good example of a website that doesn't do this well. Travel websites are there to be used but if they are always down and not running properly, how do they expect us to purchase travel deals with them if we can't even access them? If the travel site you are on is giving you problems or is slower than usual, it's a good sign that it's perhaps not a great idea to do business with them. A good website oozes professionalism, a bad one oozes skepticism.



4. Be the judge. If a certain travel site doesn't inspire confidence then don't use it. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with the company before purchasing anything. Remember that phone line, use it and ask customer reps about the company, who it does business with, where are they located, do they provide any feedback, support, service? The best judge is yourself so trust your instincts and always do your research.

If there are other websites that you hate or love please send them to me and don't be afraid to call these companies out, after all, we're the ones paying and we deserve decent services and products!

What You Should Know Before Taking A Cruise

Picture Courtesy of: Australia's Northern Gateway

Cruise and cheap travel have rarely appeared together in the same sentence but nowadays, taking a cruise doesn't have to be synonymous with being rich. The cruise industry is not only gaining momentum and popularity but it has expanded to a form of vacation that now caters to all types of travelers and vacationers, from family oriented cruises to luxurious like sailing, cruises have become not only extremely accessible but affordable as well.

Why Are Cruises So Popular?

First, cruises allow you to visit several places in a short span of time. Instead of remaining stationary in one place, cruises allow vacationers to experience the beauty and charm of many locations.

As the ship cruises along, it also has a specific itinerary to follow which includes docking in certain locations and letting travelers wonder and discover a wide range of places all different one from the other. This is great because in a seven day vacation, you might get to visit as many as four different cities and locations, making the vacation that much richer.

Which Cruise should I Take?
Carnival Cruises is a great option for a family vacation. This particular cruise caters extremely well to kids and adults a like. With several pools, activities, day cares, nightly entertainment and so much more, this cruise offers a variety of destinations and durations and has the perfect combination of excitement and relaxation.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers extremely luxurious cruises with exotic destinations like India to Africa, Alaska and many more. With 4 ships ranging from luxurious to extremely luxurious, Regent Seven Seas Cruises caters to an all-adult clientele and offers over-the-top accommodations and amenities. This cruise company is expensive so you might want to save-up to make this dream cruise a possibility.

Royal Caribbean International Cruises is another great, affordable cruise option that caters to both adults and children. Perhaps the cheapest cruise out there, Royal Caribbean International Cruises has everything great cruises have to offer but at much better prices which makes it accessible to all. With great Caribbean destinations as well as European and Alaskan destinations, it's a great company for a first time cruiser!

5 Things You Can Do to Save Money On A Cruise

1. Budget. Although food, room and board are included, alcohol, casino, certain shows and nightly entertainment are not. Many ships provide you with a card where all your on-board purchases are tabulated and this can get dangerous. Using a card is so easy and you can easily lose track of how much you're putting on there, much like your own credit card I'm sure so just make sure you plan a budget of how much you want to spend during your cruise and then stick to it, this will prevent surprises upon check-out.



2. Plan the activities you would like to do beforehand. This way, you have an idea of the cost of each activity and therefore helps you budget more accurately. Each ship has a variety of activities and excursions, it's up to you to decide the ones you can afford and want to do. Lack of planning always leads to higher costs so be prepared.



3. Cruise ships are already quite luxurious and grand so opt for a standard room instead of a full balcony or any other rooming option. Room prices can drastically differ from one storey to another and from one type to another and the differences are usually not worth the extra cash. Book standard but vacation big!



4. There are tons of cruise packages and destinations available to you, so shop around, compare prices vs. quality and be patient. Cruises can be expensive so it becomes that much more important to weigh your options and wait for the perfect deal.



5. Another option is to opt for a shorter cruise, so instead of a full week or two, go for a couple days or a few nights. You can break-down your vacation by spending a couple days in the Bahamas and then ending with a cruise from the Bahamas to Mexico or vice versa, it's like getting two vacations in one and that's always nice!

Many people plan cruise vacations long in advance especially because of the cost. So maybe this year instead of doing an all-inclusive, save-up that cash and put it towards an amazing two week cruise the following year, it might seem forever but imagine how worth it it's gonna be after all the wait! Remember, have fun and if taking a cruise doesn't fit your budget then don't sweat it, there are tons of vacation options out there and the perfect one is waiting for you.

What You Should Know About TripAdvisor.com

Picture Courtesy of: TripAdvisor.com

Okay so here's the deal with TripAdvisor.com, it's not accurate and you shouldn't rely on it entirely.

What's TripAdvisor.com?

It's a website that allows travelers to rate and comment on their hotel/resort, quality of food, location, beaches, targeted travelers and a lot more. It's a great and interesting site, but the fact that it's an open forum where anyone can write and post comments, leaves a lot of room for inaccurate ratings from people who in reality have never even been to these locations.

Why Should I be Careful?

Everyone has different expectations about what their dream vacation should be like and yours isn't necessarily theirs so someone might give one hotel/resort a really bad rating while an other fully enjoyed and recommends that very same place. That's why you have to be careful, trusting word by word someone's rating just doesn't give a global, overall view of what places have to offer.

Is There Anything Good About TripAdvisor.com?

Yes. What TripAdvisor.com is really good at doing, is providing travelers with precious feedback. With that feedback, TripAdvisor.com then takes it and averages the ratings to provide you with their own rating. This is good. When you search for a certain hotel/resort, you'll notice on the top right corner the TripAdvisor.com rating for your search result, if it's low, that means most people didn't like their experience. This gives you a pretty clear idea that if most people were disappointed then you might be too, but again be cautious and don't take everything for cash. This is what the TripAdvisor.com page looks like when doing a search. You'll notice that another good thing about this site is that you can browse easily through it, very user friendly.

Things To Remember

1. TripAdvisor.com isn't all bad but it isn't all good either. Just remember that everyone is different and everyone's expectations are different too.



2. The higher the rating the more likely you are to enjoy the vacation.



3. Low ratings don't mean anything unless the are so low that perhaps you should rethink that specific location, destination, and/or resort/hotel.



4. It's a great research and preparation tool but shouldn't be taken too seriously.



5. If you're not certain and some comments are making you reconsider, try contacting a participant, usually, those who post a comment leave an e-mail address, so ask them personally what exactly they didn't like and, of course, what they did. This will give you more context on the actual rating.

Researching and preparing for a vacation should be fun, not stressful. Many people get caught-up in the ratings and get discouraged or put themselves in doubt, the purpose of TripAdvisor.com is only to give a very isolated glimpse of what others thought about the place you want to visit. Take it with a grain of salt and remember, a bad trip can turn into a great trip if you so choose it that way. You are master of the outcome.

Cuba Traveling Tips

Picture Courtesy of: ehabweb.net

Cuba just keeps growing in popularity and is one of the most visited destinations worldwide! It's no wonder with it's white sandy beaches, crystalline waters and it's thousands of activities and attractions! Cuba is bound to provide even the pickiest traveler with unforgettable experiences and memories.

Perks

Cuba's weather is generally hot with some periods of humidity in the summer and cooler nights in the winter. Cuba is surrounded by the Caribbean Ocean which offers warm waters and great aquatic fun. With rich vegetation and a huge variety of Eco-systems, Cuba has the perfect combination for all nature lovers.

Architecture
Cuba's architecture is Spanish Colonial which represents the British Colonial hold it once had on Cuba. The architecture is not only unique but representative of the history of Cuba and it's consistent growth throughout the decades. Havana, Cuba is definitely the place to go to get a good understanding of Cuba's long lasting history and struggles. In Havana, you will discover Cuba's new, top of the line establishments like shopping centres and eateries as well as it's brand new sky rises and monuments. This Cuban architecture website has a ton of photos and information on Cuba's unique landscapes.

The Food

If you've heard about Cuba then you must have heard of Cuba's food. Yes, it's different and well, doesn't please everyone. This is the reason why I have stayed away from Cuba as a vacation destination. Cuban food is good but what they offer at resorts and hotels isn't.

I strongly suggest that you book a resort or hotel that specializes in good eats. You can ask your travel agent for ideas and options because going a week or two without good food can turn an otherwise fun vacation into a nightmare! If you can't find one or afford one(they usually tend to be 5 star + resorts), then maybe pack along a few goodies that will help satisfy your appetite. TripAdvisor.com is a great site that you can use to see what other travelers have to say about the food quality on the resort but remember, tripadvsior.com is an open forum that anyone can use and therefore isn't necessarily accurate.

Beaches and Destinations
Cuba's beaches are incomparable! You just can't go wrong with a Cuban vacation if you're looking for sun and beach. It truly is paradise on earth.

Another good reason to visit Cuba is that it's cheap, cheap, cheap! Perhaps even the cheapest sun destination of all. Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba is a great vacation destination as it offers again, beautiful beaches, a ton of activities for the whole family and has some outstanding all-inclusive resorts.

Holguin, Cuba is another great place to stay but is mostly youth oriented with lots of cheap 3 star resorts and great nightlife. The beaches are just as beautiful and the city itself is amazing too but I would not recommend this destination to those looking for a quiet, luxurious vacation.

Varadero, Cuba is by far the ultimate Cuban vacation. Varadero is principally a tourist city. The resort section of the city is closed-off to locals by an imposing bridge that regulates traffic in and out of the resort areas. Varadero is also likely to please the entire family with a large range of attractions for young and old alike. Varadero is a more up-scale destination with lots of 4-5 star resorts that can cater to the most difficult of travelers. It has also become one of Cuba's most popular all-inclusive destination.

The People

Cuba is not only known for it's great beaches and cheap destinations, it's also known for it's people. Cubans have been known to be extremely friendly and helpful and have contributed greatly to Cuba's tourism industry. Many have said that it's the people that have allowed for amazing vacations. Cubans are best known for their contagious smile and good humour as well as their politeness and genuine kindness.

A great way to show your appreciation is by providing them with small gifts like money, creams and moisturizers, clothing items, magazines and books. These may seem banal and somewhat ridiculous but it shows you care about their situation and would like to see them prosper. A conscientious traveler is a well respected traveler and that's always important!

Cuba is a great budget-friendly destination that deserves credit and it's made the 2009 Travel Agent Top 10 Travel Destination List again this year. This is a good pointer that Cuban vacation deals are bound to be cheaper than ever, so what are you waiting for, buy your ticket now and send me one too!!!

European Travel Tips

Picture Courtesy of: blstb.msn.com

European travel is in most parts, not different from any other travel only all-inclusive are rarely available therefore it becomes more important to look over your budget, plan and book ahead of time and research, research, research!!!

Europe is huge right now, with the Euro at it's lowest ever and with a global financial crisis, European tourism is booming and there's no better time to discover all that this amazing continent has to offer.

Travel Guides

I seriously recommend that you purchase a good European travel guide before you leave. Rick Steves' travel guides are excellent as they offer different books for different European destinations and different traveling needs.

Consulting a travel guide allows you to plan ahead and budget more efficiently. These guides offer a huge range of information on transportation, food, touristic attractions, activities, low-cost lodging and so much more! Travel guides to Europe are more or less a survival guide because Europe can be a complicated travel destination if you aren't prepared.

Transportation

Europe's transportation system is vast and complex! Again, researching beforehand will allow you to make smarter choices as to what type of transportation to use. One of the great things about Europe, is that they've made traveling from one country to another fairly easy but not at any cost so it's important to test and compare the prices of different transportation methods. Again, Rick Steves' website on European Travel offers a ton of information on all of Europe's travel options and transportation methods with price comparisons and links to some of the most important ticket counters throughout Europe.

Destinations

I strongly suggest that you visit Rick Steves' European Travel Site if you're looking to travel to Europe. He's the expert on European travel and his website literally has everything you need to know before, during and after your travels! Rick Steve has compiled a list of his favorite European destinations and here are some of them:

1. Austria This great country has so much to offer, from sight-seeing to shopping to great outdoor adventures, this country is sure to keep you on the go.



2. Belgium and the Netherlands Both these destinations are ideal for outdoor lovers with magnificent hiking and biking opportunities, great shopping, art and it's unique landscaping, Belgium and the Netherlands are sure to make your European vacation one to remember.



3. Eastern Europe This destination is great but requires you to do some beforehand preparations. It is highly recommended that you get proper vaccinations and health checks before departing because Eastern European health care is lacking and disease control is not monitored very well. This is also a relatively expensive destination so reading-up on how to save money would be preferable and staying away from major in-city locations is another way of saving a little.



4. France What's not to love about this country? Experience everything from outstanding culinary expertise, shopping, luxurious hotels, art, history, and not to mention outrageous landscaping and amazing sight-seeing and attractions! An extra bonus is that the prices of air tickets for France have dropped significantly so a little Paris getaway has never been so affordable!



5. Germany This country has something for everyone. From wine lovers to hikers to art collectors, Germany is rich with all sorts of attractions and activities that are sure to please the entire family!



6. England If you've always dreamed of going to London well now's the time! With so much to see and do, Great Britain is far from boring. Great Britain is also a great gateway to other great destinations like Ireland, Scotland and many other countries.



7. Ireland If you're thinking about traveling to your Europe, this is a must-see destination! There's absolutely nothing Ireland doesn't offer! Great lodging, food, shopping, a ton of outdoor activities and sports, golfing, hiking, museums as well as Ireland's many surrounding islands and a course while there, a good ol pint of Guinness should ease the Irish spirit in you in no time.



8. Italy Italy is another wonderful destination. Attention beach lovers, Italy has a huge range of beaches to satisfy even the pickiest of swimmers. With hot temperatures year-round and picturesque beauty, Italy is sure to awaken the child in you. Plus, Italy has some of the most beautiful architecture and some of the best eating in the world. No wonder Italy ranks on top in European favs!

These are only a few, Rick Steve also mentions Greece,Portugal, Scandinavia,Spain, Switzerland and Turkey as must-see European destinations. Just remember, when planning a European vacation, make sure you do plenty of research, book in advance(2-3 months prior to departure) and compare transportation prices and all that's left after that is a great, relaxing vacation to enjoy!

If you would like to get more info you can also view my interview with travel agent Johanne Germain, who talks about why Europe is back on the travel map!

Cheap Flights Equal Cheap Getaways!

Picture Courtesy of: cactuslanguage.com

Lately, as I usually do, I've been hunting for cheap vacations and instead, I keep stumbling upon really cheap flights so I thought I would blog about another option, getaways.

Getaways are more like short vacations. They tend to last anywhere from 2-4 days and typically are not all-inclusive. Getaways are neat because they allow you to escape, even shortly, the mundane, everyday life routine without breaking your wallet in half. It seems like there is no better time to do so than now.

Cheap Flights

Because the price of gas has been decreasing, air carriers are no longer charging customers for a fuel surcharge thus bringing down the overall cost of flying. Also, with a weakening economy and a global financial crisis, airlines are desperately trying to sell their seats and fill their planes therefore using cheap prices to encourage travel.

This means great opportunity! While browsing on the westjet.com website, I came across amazing, low priced flights offered just about everywhere. For example, a flight from Montreal to Vancouver, British Columbia during the week of March 16th, goes for $79! Now that's a bargain.

With deals like the one mentioned above, there's no reason not to escape for a few days. Find a cheap hotel, use local, public transportation and seek for unique, local eateries that offer quality at low prices. Not only is doing so a lot of fun but it allows for sight seeing and discovery, it's great for low budget vacations that doesn't require lots of planning.

Hey, you've got nothing to lose but a great getaway so what are you waiting for, check your local discount airlines and start planning your trip. At these prices, you have a huge selection of destinations and the option of discovering places you never thought of seeing before!

Make sure to read-up on your destination of choice and consult the local website, this will help you decide on activities to do, places to see and how much money you should expect to spend. Ask locals about great places to eat and cheap things to do, all these small tricks can help you save a ton of cash!

For more information and if you wish to read more on why airline tickets are so cheap, check-out This great blog which offers plenty of information and has links to great discount airlines, destinations as well as tricks and tips on how to find cheap tickets.