With Covid-19 curtailing our plans, my partner and I have been missing travel. To help with that, one day while Chris was at work, I decided to surprise him by making a dinner with Peruvian and Bolivian foods so we could relive one of our favourite trips.
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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. …
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 – …
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 …
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 …
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, …
Canoeing in Manitoba’s Whiteshell
August 24, 2020 | Karen Pearson
2020 has been a bit different for all of us, so far, with travel options limited to those closer to home.
Last weekend, my partner Chris and I took advantage of the beautiful summer weather and went canoeing on White Lake in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Moscow Metro
August 19, 2020 | Shauna Cook
When I was researching interesting things to see in Moscow, the Moscow Metro System kept on popping up. So I booked a metro tour before I left – and it certainly did NOT disappoint!!
Our guide led our small group (10 people) through the extremely busy, but equally beautiful metro system one afternoon. Every station is truly a museum in itself, and they are kept immaculately clean.
It is the 5th longest underground railway system in the world with just under 400 km’s of rail. It goes very deep underground – sometimes at one station, you might have 2 more stations above you – all underground! The deepest station is Park Pobedy station at 276 feet underground.
Zodiac Cruises and Tours
August 11, 2020 | Allison Silvaggio
If you are familiar with the world of Expedition Cruises, you have then heard the term ‘Zodiac Cruise’ before. Zodiacs or RIB boats are durable and easy to maneuver, rubber passenger boats which enable travellers to make landings. These boats are used both in the Arctic and the Antarctic for daily excursions. Disembarking procedures begin in the mud room, where you start by putting on your warm weather clothing and rubber boots. When ready, you will head to the gangway where an expedition leader will assist you into the zodiac. Getting in and out of the zodiac is always assisted using the army grip, and then once sitting, sliding your posterior along the side of the boat. Most zodiac’s comfortably fit about 8 – 12 passengers, plus the driver/guide.
Warrior for a Day in Northern Ireland
July 29, 2020 | Amelia Bearhart
I went to Ireland, both the Republic of Ireland in the south and Northern Ireland, with my co-worker Lois. We did a lot of really neat stuff on our trip around this gorgeous, green island. But, one of my favourite things was being a Warrior for a Day at Castle Ward and Demesne in County Down, just south of Belfast. We got to take part in the Winterfell Game of Thrones™ Experience, because this castle was the setting of Winterfell in the HBO™ series and many scenes were shot on the grounds there.
I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to take part in the activities, but it turns out that you don’t need opposable thumbs to do archery! Read More >
Culinary Travel
July 23, 2020 | Allison Silvaggio
For people that know me well, they know that ‘Food’ is one of my very favorite things. And, one of the best parts of travelling, for me, is trying out the local cuisine.
In the past 20 years, I have tasted everything from Muktuk in the Arctic (whale skin & blubber), to Mopane Worms in Zimbabwe, along with a few favorites such as Arctic char, lamb and lobster bisque in Iceland and delicious barbecue in Nashville, TN.
A Note from our President, 22 July 2020
July 23, 2020 | Ian Kalinowsky
KE = 1/2 MV²
Kinetic energy is equal to 1/2 of the mass of an object multiplied by its velocity squared.
Kinetic energy of an object is the energy it possesses once it is in motion. Until the object is in motion all of its energy is simply ”potential energy.” The key to the sentence Is ”motion”, for without motion there is nothing except potential.
What does a lesson in physics have to do with travel?
I think it is all about the potential to be in motion; to explore; to expand our horizons and our understanding of the people and the planet that we live on. Today, with the world gripped by a pandemic, it really is about potential. There is no “kinetic energy” in the world of travel.
Physics really does not expand on the notion of WHY, but I think it is important. Motion, for the sake of motion, is really meaningless. There needs to be a purpose. With the restrictions on travelling, even outside of one’s door at home, there has become a much greater emphasis on the purpose of our travels. Read More >
A Note from our President, 15 July 2020
July 15, 2020 | Ian Kalinowsky
Opening – Closing – Re-opening – Delayed – Cancelled – Extended…
Welcome to the ever-changing world of global travel. The only constant is that nothing is constant, certain or sometimes even known for sure.
There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm in the travel headlines as countries, destinations and resorts announce that they are “Open for Business”. While we are encouraged by these announcements, as travel professionals interested in providing you with the best advice, we are concerned.
The term “Open” now comes with so many caveats, that it is necessary to read and interpret the fine print. “Open” (if you come with Negative pre-test done within 10 days , which can be overturned if “you exhibit signs” as determined by health officials greeting the plane ) says the ad for Jamaica. “Open” says Iceland, and then, once you land, charges you about US$150 to take a test, quarantine for 12 hours and then be informed if you (and your plane) pass. What happens if you or the six rows around you do not pass? A mandatory 14-day quarantine – at your expense. Read More >
A Note from our President, 08 July 2020
July 08, 2020 | Ian Kalinowsky
Travel is not just about people going somewhere. It is about inspiration, opportunity, dreams, ambitions and about building lifelong connections. COVID-19 has not made any of these things disappear.
In many ways the desire for real connectivity is being increased. Travel has changed forever. One major change may be seen in the reasons that we travel, with a greater sense of desire to be connected to people. Rather than just focusing on the cheapest trip to go somewhere for a couple of days, our travel will be about our families and friends – the desire to go and see loved ones that Zoom or FaceTime just doesn’t fulfill. A family trip away to “really” spend time together. Or, given the dramatically increased “travel hassle factor“, travelling with a purpose.
Africa on Safari
July 06, 2020 | Arnie Hydamaka
The more special your travel dream, the more we can help you get there! That was the motto of the Great Canadian Travel Company when it began in 1980 and was when I became associated with the company. I had a dream travel destination – Africa, and more specifically the legendary Timbuktu. Great Canadian Travel has since provided me the opportunity to travel to Africa on more than 30 occasions. My dream has earned me the designation of Africa Expert in the company.
My passion for Africa has enabled Great Canadian Travel to become a leader in planning African safaris. Through developing close relationships with leading Africa tour companies and with first hand safari experiences, we provide you with expert and reliable travel advice and special pricing. Read More >