Lois Farley | The Great Canadian Travel Co. - Part 5

STAFF PICKS

August 21, 2024 | Pearl McCallum

It is August 2024.  Since the return of travel in early 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic, airlines have faced staff shortages, strike action (actual and threatened), tightening regulations, and higher operating costs.  These conditions, in addition to the challenges of regular operations, can seriously affect an airline’s level of service.  …

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March 14, 2023 | Pearl McCallum

We want to paint a picture for you.   Imagine you’re at a gathering with friends and acquaintances. It’s a fairly large group, let’s say around 15-20 people. Just as you begin to get hungry, someone brings out a large, layered cake. It’s smothered in rich, chocolate buttercream frosting – …

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June 29, 2022 | Lois Farley

Way back in 2017 I wrote a blog in recognition of Canada Day; 50 Great Things Canada Contributed to the World. Since I wrote that blog I’ve been studying about the Indigenous peoples who have lived on this land we now call Canada for millennia – the First Nations and …

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March 17, 2022 | Lois Farley

Saint Patrick’s Day brings Ireland and all things Irish to a lot of people’s minds. And, those of us lucky enough to be Irish or are of Irish descent, particularly so! My ancestors on both sides of my family emigrated to Canada from Ireland back in the mid to late …

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March 1, 2022 | Allison Silvaggio

There are so many things that we miss when it comes to travel, such as exploring new places, trying new things and meeting new people.  What I miss the most, are those extremely peaceful moments where you can just take it all in.  Whether you are enjoying a beautiful hike, …

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Tracing Your Family Tree Just One Reason to Visit Halifax

July 13, 2017 | Lois Farley

Halifax, Nova Scotia is an appealing city with the friendliness of a small town but all the amenities you would expect to find in a modern, urban centre. Its city centre is compact and very walkable with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants, attractions, the harbour-front and loads of accommodation options, all easily accessible. Destination Halifax says this about Halifax – “An urban centre wrapped in seacoast and history – you’ll want to see for yourself!”. I think this is a pretty accurate description!

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A Bunch of Random Facts About Canada on her Sesquicentennial

June 26, 2017 | Lois Farley

It’s not everyday a lady celebrates her Sesquicentennial.  And it’s not everyday you can find someone who actually a) knows what that means and b) can say it properly!

OK, so what it means is “the 150th anniversary of” and is pronounced “ses kwi sen tenial”.  It comes from “sesqui”, meaning one and a half and “centennial” meaning a hundred. Read More >

Where are the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights?

March 17, 2017 | Lois Farley

There’s a huge amount of information about Northern Lights viewing available online today.  Several different countries claim to provide the best viewing (and I must admit I’m a bit biased in Canada’s favour), and even after you’ve decided on a country, there’s normally a number of different towns within that country, all vying for your attention and your visit.

  

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Top 10 Tips for Keeping Valuables Safe When Travelling

February 06, 2017 | Lois Farley

When you travel do you take lots of jewellery and other valuables with you?  How do you keep your valuables safe when you’re travelling?  Every hotel tells you to not leave valuables in plain sight in your room and to use the room safe.  But what if the safe isn’t safe?  You can always use the hotel’s safe, which is usually secured inside an office behind the front desk.  Ensure you get a receipt for the items you deposited.  Most hotels are liable for items that go missing from their safe, but not for items in a room safe.

Here are 10 of our top ideas for keeping valuables safe when travelling. Read More >

Entry requirements for Canadian passport holders

January 10, 2017 | Lois Farley

With recent news stories reporting Canadian travellers being denied boarding at airports across the country, it’s important for you to know what the entry requirements for a Canadian passport holder are for the country or countries you plan to visit.  Your professional travel consultant will advise you of passport and visa requirements when you are booking a trip.  But, it’s good to know the general rule regarding passports and their validity.

Let’s say your passport expires the 30 June, 2017.  You would think that you could travel anywhere with this passport right up until that date, right?  Not necessarily.  Many countries require your passport be valid 3 or 6 months beyond your intended stay in that country.  Always double check with your travel consultant as to the requirements for your specific journey, as well as checking for any connecting countries along the way.

You can check out the countries you plan to visit at the Government of Canada travel website at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Most countries require 3 months but some require 6 months, such as Nicaragua, which was one of the countries highlighted on a recent news story. However, her neighbour Costa Rica, only requires a 1 month validity beyond your stay.

Other countries may require a visa in addition to your valid passport.  It’s always best to check and double check so you don’t face a nasty surprise at the airport when you’re checking in!

Beautiful Belize

November 21, 2016 | Lois Farley

As a former British colony, the Central American country of Belize has a unique history.  Although having gained independence in 1981, English remains the official language, easing navigation for North American tourists.

The country is known for diving; the Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts over 100 000 tourists each year.  Additional attractions include Mayan ruins, eco adventures such as ziplining and cave tubing, and of course tropical beaches.  The capital, Belize City, is home to museums and cultural events, including the annual Street Art Festival.  Belize is a popular stop for cruise ships, which is how my family came to visit.

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Arctic Sea Ice Day

July 15, 2016 | Lois Farley

Arctic Sea Ice Day is Friday, July 15th, 2016.

Founded by Polar Bears International, this day was created to draw attention to sea ice loss in the Arctic, why it matters, and how we can help.

Why should we care about sea ice? Here are a few facts from Polar Bears International about this remarkable part of the Arctic ecosystem: Read More >

Is a Small-Ship Expedition Cruise Right for You?

June 27, 2016 | Lois Farley

Say the word “cruise” and, to most people what comes to mind is a large, gleaming ship with 10, 15, 20 decks; thousands of passengers (the current largest cruise ship can accommodate 6,410 passengers at maximum capacity); large and lavish meals six times a day; multiple pool, spas, gyms and sporting activities on-board; Las Vegas-style entertainment.  But, an increasing number of travellers know that, when it comes to soft adventure cruising, bigger isn’t better!

monastra_130810_3143   barry_nelson    Michelle_Valberg _D4S5800 Greenland_Labrador 2013    Michelle_Valberg _D4S5917 Greenland_Labrador 2013     Read More >

How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots

June 02, 2016 | Lois Farley

Not everyone or every hike needs the same kind of hiking boot.  In fact, some hikes don’t even require a boot, just a good walking shoe.

The key is thinking through the type of hike you are planning to do, getting good advice from a reputable store and trying on lots of styles until you find the perfect fit!

         

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