I’m visiting our beautiful Nation’s Capitol – Ottawa for the long weekend.  We have come to visit with family and friends and to finally check out the tulip festival.  We managed to get a room at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and after a drive accross Hwy 7 we have arrived and relaxed with a swim in the pool.

I will add more details to my next Kathryn’s Kapers…watch for it.  Meanwhile check out this great hotel at Chateau Laurier.

The weather man is forcasting a wonderul weekend and we plan a variety of activities.  Tomorrow we are going camping for the day and we will be brunching in the Market with friends on Sunday.  There could be a few showers on Monday but we’ll be on the way home by then.

My first visit to New York City…The Big Apple…why didn’t I do this before?

First impressions are great…my best friend, Torill and I flew down yesterday and after checking in to our midtown hotel we hit the streets…walked for six hours only stopping for coffee and again for dinner.  We found a great little Italian place.

We plan a harbour cruise today and we have a couple of theatre events too this weekend.  Of course we will also shop a little!

Watch for the next issue of Kathryn’s Kapers for a complete report.

The spring edition of Kathryn’s Kapers is now available at http://journeysbykathryn.ca/kathryns-kapers/kathryns-kapers-april-2012/.

Highlights include:

Tuscany & Rome – a group travel opportunity
Travel Safety 101 – a small booklet of very important information
Uniworld – 2013 Europe, Russia, and Southeast Asia Boutique River Cruises
Oceania – 2 for 1 cruise fares & my special gift to the next booking
Collette Vacations – truly all inclusive door to door travel
Airline Upgrades – how to get one
New York City – The Big Apple…here I come!
Dreamscapes – the latest electronic edition

You will need to get your self a cup of tea and settle in for a few minutes to read all of this issue.  Enjoy…and as always if you have any questions, just contact me for more information or to book.

With over 700 agents accross Canada there is always something happening; the Ontario Regional office group of agents have been making some big plans.  In order to provide our clients with a premier travel experience and TPI preferred pricing, we have put our heads together and are able to offer you Tuscany & Rome Food & Wine Adventure.

Check out the details of this amazing travel package:  TuscanyFlyer2012.

TPI Ontario has teamed up with preferred supplier, Transat Holidays, to provide an exclusive departure only for TPI clients to enjoy a fully escorted 10-day tour from Toronto with one departure only on September 28th, 2012.  This complete package includes round trip air fare with all transfers, a private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach, 4-star accommodation for 8 nights with breakfast daily, three lunches and two dinners, wine tasting, cooking classes, guided tours and much, much more.

Availability is limited and going fast.  Call me for more information and to reserve your spot.

There have been some changes with regard to my ability to sell out of province travel insurance.  For more information on this very important topic please go to my website to the new page:  http://journeysbykathryn.ca/rbc-travel-insurance/.

I have included losts more information on this page regarding travel insurance.  Here you will find a Client Brochure and Client Insurance Guide.  Also for your information will be a Credit Card Comparison chart for those of you who have insurance on your credit cards you will be able to see at a glance just what it covers and decide if you need to ‘top up’.  I have also placed links for the Client Liability Waiver and the Client Medical Insurance.  These two forms are often required so now they are easilly accessable.

Remember bed bugs can happen to anyone, anywhere.

York Region Health Connection at www.york.ca is reminding everyone about the perils of an old but persistent, and recently recurring problem – pesky bed bugs.  They say here’s how you can protect your home from bed bugs while travelling:

• Pack clothes into sealable plastic bags and leave them inside luggage during the trip; never on the bed or floor
• Inspect the hotel room and look for blood spots, droppings or live insects
• Look in the seams and tufts of the mattress; inside the box spring and along the bed frame; in and around nightstands
• After your trip, unpack luggage outdoors and re-inspect the contents
• Vacuum luggage thoroughly
• Place all items in the dryer on the higest setting possible for at least 30 minutes

You can go to www.bedbugsinfo.ca for more information on how to avoid bed bugs while travelling.

I received a call yesterday regarding my opinion on the recent state of the cruise world.  Although they did not use everything I said, they did quote me.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/02/28/cruise-prices-demand.html

When interviewed, I commented that among my seasoned cruise clients I did not notice any huge reaction away from cruising.  In fact, I am currently booking into 2013 for several clients.  I also commented that I have just completed a Travel Safety training webinar that I plan to follow up with the course material to complete an information pamphlet for clients for when and where ever they travel.  As I always tell my clients you can’t travel anywhere in the world without being aware of your surroundings.  When you leave the comfort and safety of Canada you are under the rules and regulations of the country you are travelling in or in the case of cruising, the flag of the ship.

The article goes on to say that perhaps people have been staying home this winter due to the milder winter we are having.  Take a look at this short video of snow fall from my front porch last week; it is doing exactly the same right now as I write this. Click the image to go to the You Tube link.

Does it make you want to go south or stay home and explore more of our beautiful country.  Which ever your decision…I can help you make that trip a reality.  Call any time.

Has Alaska been on your bucket list for some time?  This is the year to finally see this wilderness up close!

Myself and a fellow TPI colleage are promoting an Alaskan cruise for this summer.  The beautiful and luxurious Holland America Zuiderdam is the ultimate ship to view Alaskan scenery and all her wild life in ultimate comfort.

Click on the link to check out our flyer for Alaska 2012.  From this flyer you can access the link to the Holland America web site with all the details of the cruise.

I have quoted only one category of stateroom, but there are lots of other options to fit any budget or vacation style.  Air has not been included in this cost but can be added from your departure point, just ask for a quote.  Also, if you wish to extend your cruise in either Vancouver or Anchorage it is very easy to do.  Want to see more of the Alaskan interior…add a cruise tour.  Holland America is the only cruise line that takes you to our Canadian Yukon on tour.  Anything is possible, just ask.

As I write this I am on VIA Rail to Montreal using the wi-fi onboard. This is a very civalized way to travel!  My sister Judy and I are visiting cousins we haven’t seen for a long time.

We boarded the morning GO train at East Gwillimbury and connected to the train at Union station.  Timing for the trip will be faster than flying as the train arrives in downtown Montreal.

I have access to a website for booking and would be delighted to assist with any rail travel you might consider.  What a great way to really see the country!  Call me anytime for more information.

The February 2012 edition is now ready.  Time to make a coffee and relax while you read about Cuba.  We loved it by the way.

Contents:

Travel Professionals
Euros for Europe
Trafel Safety 101

Cruise News
Alaska Anyone?
All Inclusive Cruise Lines

Vacation News
Fairmont
Plaza Premium Lounge
Royal Irish Tours

Kathryn’s Kapers
Play Pesquero, Holguin, Cuba

Finally