Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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Page added on April 20, 2010

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TRAVELAERO TIP:

It’s Spring time. It’s sunny and warm. Isn’t it nice to take a break from the pressures of daily routine and the treadmill of everyday life? And who doesn’t want to relax and unwind and find serenity in a place with turquoise water and soft white sands? Or, perhaps explore the world and meet extra-ordinary people? Well then, what are you waiting for? You better start planning. You have to decide where and when you want to go.

Here are some things you should consider, in order to keep your holiday as hassle free and as memorable as possible:

There’s no real shortcut to finding cheap airfare so SHOP AROUND, in order to get the best deals.

BOOK EARLY. I always recommend my clients to book early especially if they want to travel international during peak travel period. It’s always best to book in advance , three to six months is good for the best deals. Making reservations late can really break your bank.

USE YOUR FREQUENT FLYER MILES. Make sure to give your travel agent your aeroplan or other frequent flyer number so you can accumulate any points you may be entitled to.

ASSISTANCE. You should also let your travel agent know if you need wheel chair assistance, or if there’s a specific seat you want . Best seat in the plane. After first class, the choices center on your priorities. For comfort and a smooth ride, pick a seat over the wings. For silence, sit as far forward as possible, but avoid the galley and rest rooms. For leg room, try the first row or seats beside the emergency exits.

CHANGE DATES. If your itinerary may change, ask the charges if you do change the dates or times of flights. Ask your agent to fully explain the restrictions that may appear, on your ticket, to ensure that they meet with your needs.

RULES. Learn about important rules, details and documents for travel to/from Canada, the United States and all the countries on your itinerary.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. Find out if you will need a passport or visa to enter the country. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, extend it, if you are close to expiration. Obtain/renew all required documentation well ahead of time, and make copies. Check to see what other type of paperwork and documentation you will need to travel.

BAGGAGE. Having appropriate luggage can make a world of difference. Familiarize yourself with the latest carry-on and checked baggage restrictions and regulations, and learn how to pre-register and pack additional baggage, sports and hunting equipment, oversized and overweight baggage, and other special items. Pack valuables in your carry-on baggage NOT in your checked baggage.Valuables such as money, travel documents nor items such as car keys, medication, etc. should be kept in your carry-on baggage so that in the unlikely event that your checked baggage is misrouted, you will not be without them. NOTE: Medication must be properly labelled or accompanied by a prescription.

Leave gifts unwrapped
In the event that security and/or customers agents need to inspect the contents of your baggage, all the items in your possession should be unwrapped and easy to access so that the inspection process can be conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible.

WEATHER. Make sure that you find out about the wet and dry seasons, or other possible weather conditions that may affect your holiday.

HEALTH. Find out what type of diseases are common to the area you’ll be visiting and take actions to prevent your exposure to those diseases. Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.

Find our what type of electrical outlets the country uses, you may need a special converter or adapter to use your electrical appliances.

INSURANCE. Check your own medical coverage to see what type of coverage you’ll have when away from home. Consider purchasing trip insurance.

BE AT THE AIRPORT EARLY. It’s smart to plan on getting to the airport or train station early, so you’re not racing up against the clock to make your departure in the midst of long lines and crowded conditions.

CHECK-IN. Familiarize yourself with official deadlines for check-in and boarding. Failure to meet them may result in reassigned seating and cancellations.

IDENTIFICATION.By law, each passenger who appears to be 18 years of age or older must present one (1) piece of government-issued ID with photo, or two (2) pieces of government-issued ID without photo. The name on the ID must match the passenger name as it appears on the ticket. Make sure your identification is valid for the full duration of your travels. Allow adequate time to obtain or renew any identification and/or other travel documentation your travels may require.

When traveling with children with medical concerns … Make sure they have their own identification, whether it be a medical necklace or an identification card. Make sure it has your telephone number, the name and number of their physician, and their medical concerns.

Contact your travel agent NOW….

TRAVELAERO TIP:

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