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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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT/VACATIONS

BY GERINE ARROYO

PRICES & COST INCREASE- Prices are based on market conditions or other factors such as government taxation, rates of exchange, or fuel surcharge .

CANCELLATIONS- If you need to cancel your booking, you must notify your travel planner immediately. Cancellation charges are calculated based on the date that your travel planner receives notice of cancellation.

CHANGES TO A BOOKING-Changes to a confirmed booking can only increase on the price, goods and services from the original reservation date to the date of change. No price adjustments shall be made if the price for such goods and services has decreased.

CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION- Customs and/or immigration officials can deny a person entry into their country at their own discretion. A previous criminal record could be an obstacle in international travel.

DOCUMENTATION- It is solely the traveler’s responsibility to obtain, at your own expense, all documentation required by relevant government authorities for the purpose of your holiday. Required documentation may vary depending on citizenship status. Special documentation may be required for minors travelling alone; for children who have a different surname than the adults who accompany them; or for single parents travelling with children. Prior to departure, you should check with your travel planner or the relevant consulate about what documentation is required. We strongly recommend you travel with a valid passport. Landed immigrant without Canadian citizenship or a Permanent Resident Card may be denied boarding upon return to Canada. In the event that a passenger does not possess the documentation required by the government authorities at the holiday destination or by the airline, passage or entry to the destination may be refused.

FLIGHTS AND CARRIERS- All flight times, flight itineraries, carriers and aircraft types are subject to change with or without notice- The carriers reserve the right to add en route stops. It is recommended that you contact the airlines within 72 hours prior to your departure to confirm your departure time. It is also recommended that you arrive at the airport 3 to 4 hours prior to departure to allow sufficient time to check-in and security clearance. Failure to do so may result in denied boarding and missing your flight. Airline cut-offs times vary between 45 and 60 minutes. You must also provide your travel planner with your contact number at your destination so you may be advised of any changes to your return flight.

BAGGAGE- Baggage allowance varies on the airlines, contact your airlines for more details. All baggage remains at your own risk throughout the trip. Due to security restrictions, liquids and gels, as well as many other items, are not permitted in carry-on luggage. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. Please check with the airline prior to departure for the most up-to-date regulations in order to avoid items being confiscated at security. In the event that your baggage is delayed at your destination or upon your return home, please contact the airline representative before the leaving the airport. Failure to do so will invalidate your claim. Due to the carriers limit of liability, please do not check valuable items such as jewellery and cameras. Please also limit the valuables (including electronic equipment ) you take with you on holiday and use safety deposit boxes provided at hotels. Please ensure you have adequate insurance to cover your belongings throughout your holiday.

CONNECTING FLIGHTS- If you have a connecting flight you should allow ample time (minimum 3 hours or overnight) between flights. Additional charges may incur for airfares or other expenses due to missed flights, irregular air operations or flight time changes.

Notice to Travellers: Please be aware that different living standards and practices exist outside of Canada, including but not limited to provision of utilities, ie. water and electricity , accommodations, services of all kinds, food, food preparation, water quality, security, insects wildlife or weather conditions. It is not uncommon to suffer from traveller’s diarrhea when travelling. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that you visit your family doctor or a travel medicine clinic prior to departure to advise you on precautions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE- We strongly recommend that all travellers obtain adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves should they be obliged to cancel a holiday due to health problems or unforeseen circumstances. You may purchase such insurance from your travel planners at the time of booking. You may also wish to purchase medical insurance should health problems arise or become aggravated while travelling or at your destination . Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, payment in advance may be required and provincial health care coverage may be limited.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHT/VACATIONS

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