Archive for the ‘Travel Tips’ Category

Airline tips:

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

We are going to try to keep this section active with tips that we can offer in dealing with airlines during instability:

Areoplan:
Did you know that when you use your Areoplan card, you automatically receive $500,000 in commmon carrier accident insurance. Also included are a number of other travel insurance benefits and a travel concierge service.  New card members get 15,000 points (you need to have 25,000 to fly anywhere in North America. Check the fine print: http://www.aeroplan.com

Toronto airport:
If you are travelling with bikes or over sized luggage (golf clubs, baby carriers, etc) make sure you have 3 hours in between transfer flights or you may not arrive with your luggage.

Nice, France airport:
This is one of the nicest airports to fly into. It is small and very centrally located for connecting flights - compared to the huge Paris airports.

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Stay here if you are in the area.

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

If you are looking for some interesting hotels/ motels or accommodations. We are going to begin posting some of our favourites to this section of the blog.

Venice, Italy: Hotel Abbazia
Formerly a monastery, this is a must if you stay in Venice. Not only is the inside of the hotel spectacular, but it is located conveniently close to the train station, so you don’t have to drag your luggage too far. When you are there, say hi to Alvice for D’Arcy. http://www.abbaziahotel.com

Cote d’Azur, France (French Riviera): Hotel Belles Rives
Formerly the home of F.Scott Fitzerald, it calls itself a art deco hotel because it is full of famous art. Expensive for sure but can’t beat that private beach. http://www.bellesrives.com

Paris, France: Hotel Mercure Montmartre
Great location right in the Montrmartre district, close to subway, velob rentals (bicycles), shopping and trendy restaurants. Check out the buffet in the corner building - great for a healthy and inexpensive lunch or supper. http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-0373-mercure-paris-montmartre/location.shtml

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RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY WANTS YOUR SIGNATURE!

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

By Lynda Kavanagh

In their Rail-Trail eNews newsletter, the Rails to Trails Conservancy encourages readers to “Help Us Surpass Our Petition Goal: Thank you for your enthusiasm and energy! More than 8,000 of you have signed the petition encouraging the president-elect and Congress to spend transportation dollars on important bicycle and pedestrian projects. Now help RTC pass 10,000 signatures by December 15.”

Add your name today: http://tinyurl.com/6g9l8v

From Centrelines Newsletter

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DVD on Adult Bicycling

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

By Lynda Kavanagh

In a recent email, Don A’Hern wrote, “I’ve released a new DVD, ‘Geared Up The Essentials of Adult Bicycling.’ You can see a 5 minute preview on the web site itself. With so many adults bicycling, this DVD is very timely. Competence, Confidence and Safety is the message. I hope you have a chance to view it. I think this type of video has a great fit with any organizations efforts in promoting safe adult bicycling.” For more info, go to: http://tinyurl.com/5b7z5y 

 

From CenterLines Newsletter.

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Track your airfare

Tuesday, December 9th, 2008

By Lynda Kavanagh

Compliments of Doug Kryzanowski, check out this site. Plug in where you want to go and when and this will track any changes to the price of your airfare …. BEFORE you buy!

http://www.yapta.com

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Just a few words…

Friday, November 28th, 2008

By Lynda Kavanagh

When you are travelling to a country where the language is not the same as your language, it can really be daunting. I remember when we took one of our tours overseas, we had a gentleman that was so intimidated that he couldn’t speak or understand the language that he just froze.

Try to learn a bit of the language before you go, even if it is just the courtesy greetings as hello, thank you and please. It’s amazing how by trying to speak their language the people of the region respect you more, rather than, expecting them to speak your language.

Try just a few words, you’ll be surprised at how people will respond to you.

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To money pouch or not?

Friday, November 21st, 2008

By Lynda Kavanagh

We are firm believers in using a money pouch. We’ve seen far too many people run into problems because their money and / or passport have been stolen from their purses or back pockets. So even though they make you look fatter, wear a money pouch! Think of it this way, will you see these people again, so who cares if they think you have a fat belly or back. D’Arcy prefers to wear his pouch in the front and Lynda prefers her’s in the back. It really is a mater of what is the most comfortable for you.

One tip about money pouches, put everything into baggies. When we are cycling there’s a good chance we will sweat. By putting your money or passport into a baggie and then put it inside your money pouch, you won’t have to worry about sweaty passports or money! Ha. That was an interesting lesson learned.

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