Health & the Modern Traveler (how to Travel With Body and Sanity Intact)

September 19, 2010 Posted by admin

Keep in mind these tips to stay in top shape no matter where your travels take you:
– Pack a small first aid bag containing aspirin/ibuprofen, cortisone cream, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, sterile gauze pads, safety pins, adhesive tape, tweezers, travel scissors, anti-nausea tablets and antiseptic wipes. All of these products can be found at your local pharmacy. If you’re really roughing it, you might consider adding insect repellant, water purification tablets and a small flashlight.
– If you’re traveling internationally, research your destination and find out all the required immunizations and vaccinations. A trip to the doctor’s office can take care of this and can also inform you about any illnesses or health risks associated with your country of choice.
– No matter where you go this summer, it’s a good idea to pack sunblock. An effective sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays can insure your one day at the beach won’t mean three more days of agony in the hotel room (or a lifetime of wrinkles and dark spots down the road.)
– Although water in many countries is safe to drink, stick with bottled H2O so you don’t upset your system with an unfamiliar water filtration process. Boiled water in tea and coffee is usually safe to drink.
– Resist the urge to load up on calorie-popping, “roadside” food, and take along some healthy alternatives instead. A vacation isn’t really a vacation unless you get a break from your usual routine, but try to maintain your regular diet, drink plenty of water and get some exercise. Otherwise, the credit card bill won’t be the only thing you’re working off for weeks after you get back.
– Keep a personal medical history with you that states your contact info, doctor’s name and number, allergy list, medication list, blood type, insurance company info and any relevant medical facts. It can be a lifesaver when you travel and it fits easily in your wallet.
– Take an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Checking out the action on the beach isn’t quite the same when all you can make out are vague, pinkish blurs.
– Pack your usual grooming and skincare products and take them along to avoid the hassle of shopping in a new place that may not even carry what you need. A simple, convenient bag can keep all of your stuff in one place and go anywhere you do.

Deidra Garcia
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/health-the-modern-traveler-how-to-travel-with-body-and-sanity-intact-51501.html

Doesn’t the Vancouver 2010 Olympics logo look like an outstretched Jesus on the cross?

September 11, 2010 Posted by admin

Kinda like Lindsay Lohan on that French magazine cover as well.

Oh yeha, they had a pretty cool opening Olympics ceremony, I guess.

No, it doesn’t.

It looks like an inukshuk, which is what it is.

Whistler vs Blackcomb?

September 11, 2010 Posted by admin

I have one day to spend skiing at Whistler-Blackcomb. Which mountain is better, and why?

Same ticket lets you ski both mountains. get in line early for the breakfast on top and have time to ski both that day. The base lift lines are the long wait, but the skiing is well worth the effort.

where can i find the cheapest two-way flights from Toronto, to Vancouver?

September 11, 2010 Posted by admin

i’d be going either during summer holidays (of next year) or march break, and id be staying for about a week or two…. where can i find the best deal on a two-way flight ticket??? i dont need a hotel plan or anything.

There are flights brokers/ booking sites which find online the cheapest flight for you. The best ones are listed here: http://www.willgoto.com/1/023798/liens.aspx

No hidden fees.
Use flexible dates in your query

If you are looking for prices in Can $, Expedia.ca is the usual answer.

If you are looking for the very best deals, try also other booking sites which quote prices in US$. For instance, Travelocity offers often the best deals.

BTW As for August 2010, it is probably a bit too early to get prices
.

What is the best way to get from Vancouver Airport to Whistler late at night?

September 11, 2010 Posted by admin

The last shuttle I could find runs at 10pm which is to late.

Originally I had scheduled to ride Perimeter Transportation, but they went out of business last week. Now I am arriving to whistler at 10:45 pm on December 26th with no way to get to whistler. Should I take a cab for $240?

"Hi"…..Pacific Coach lines (PCL) has now taken over that route. You can contact them them here……..

http://www.pacificcoach.com/

*NOTE*…….If I am reading their sked correctly it looks as if their last departure from YVR to Whistler is 11.00 PM…you have to call and perhaps they’ll wait a few minutes for you!

Also Greyhound leaves from the terminal in the downtown area on Main and Hastings ( Bus Depot) and here’s their site ….

http://www.greyhound.ca/

From Vancouver Airport you can get downtown by using the "Airporter" which is a shuttle service for $12.00 and what I am suggesting is that you stay a few hours at the YMCA and then hustle over to the Bus terminal and either get Greyhound or PCL and head to Whistler real early in the morning as both leave from the Bus depot !

Here’s the "Airporter" service…..

http://www.yvrairporter.com/

Heres the YMCA…….
YMCA Of Greater Vancouver Association Services
(604) 681-9622
200-1166 Alberni Street
Vancouver, BC V6E3Z3

Just my" considered opinion" as I live in Vancouver and have travelled the "Sea to Sky" many times but ,going to Whistler in a cab with someone you’re not sure of as concerns their driving skills , at night and on that road is folly …period !

Hope that helps ya and a "Merry Christmas"! *S* (Michael C…)

Can anyone recommend a cheap, but trustworthy travel health insurance plan/company?

September 11, 2010 Posted by admin

I’ll be going from the US to Europe for 3 months, minimum.

health-quotes.isgreat.org – here is my health insurance plan. As I remember they can provide such a service.

Has anyone ever stayed at the Fairmont Hotel in Downtown San Jose? If so, what did you like about it?

September 11, 2010 Posted by admin

Please explain why or why not. Also, what do you guys think about their valet only parking?

I’ve stayed there about a dozen times, it was my "home base" for every Game Developer’s Conference at the San Jose convention center…

The parking sucks. But a lot of higher-end hotels have valet-only parking. You can park for free behind the hotel and 1 block north, but your car will be out in the open (watch out for thieves).

The hotel itself is nice enough. Don’t get a room in the "new" tower (across from the main building), the main building rooms are nicer. The large lobby bar is a great hangout spot, with big comfy chairs. Walking distance to the conv. center, good restaurants and good variety nearby…
On a scale of 1-10 out of all the hotels I’ve stayed in (literally thousands), I give it a 7.

What is the best way to get around Seattle/Vancouver area.?

September 11, 2010 Posted by admin

I will be spending 5 days in Washington/BC flying into Bellingham, and wanting to spend a couple days in both Vancouver and Seattle.

Should I rent a car in Vancouver or can I see most of the city by public transportation? Same with Seattle?

What about getting across the border with a US rental car? Would I be better off parking in the US and going across the border using public transportation? If I do take a rental car over the border what liscencing and permits do I need?

I did Vancouver/Seattle/Victoria without a car with no problem… but if you want to get out into the mountains or the San Juan Islands for a day or so, it may help there.

I’ve taken rental cars across the border many times in the east with no problem. as long as you’re not carrying fruit, drugs, weapons, fireworks, etc., you should be okay (but the lines on I-5 could be long).

My favorite way to get around was boat. From Victoria, one can get ot Seattle, Vancouver and the San Juan Islands.

there are buses and at least one train between Vancouver and Seattle. Both cities are well-served by public transit (and downtown Victoria’s small enough you don’t need it).

What to rent and where to go for a week-trip from Vancouver to the Rockies (5 people)?

September 11, 2010 Posted by admin

Hi there.

We are 5 people from Germany (all around 25), planning a week-trip in May. Our journey starts and ends in Vancouver. Destinations shall include Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. We are wondering now, where and what to rent for this trip. Is a full-size car enough or should we rather book a van or SUV? Does anyone knows which car rental has the best offers or how much we’ll have to pay for one week?

And if anyone has insiders tips or recommendations what we have to see on that trip, I would be very happy. Also for accomodation.

Thanks,
Dennis

It would be better to get a van if you’re going to have 5 people. There is way more room, and it is easier to fit in that amount of people including luggage.

When you get to Vancouver, plan on spending at least the night in Vancouver with the fact that you’re going to be quite tired from the time difference, as there is about 10-12 hours difference. Some fairly affordable costing hotel accommodations in Vancouver would either be the Holiday Inn Express http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/home or Sandman http://www.sandmanhotels.com/

Start out early in the morning so that you’re able to get as much driving as you can in the next day. Go from Richmond to Hwy 99, which is right around the Oak Street Bridge, and keep on Hwy 99 until you get to Hwy 10 exit. When you get to Highway 10, go to the past the Watershed Park, and the golf course, and then continue down until you see 176th Street, and turn left. Once you get here, then continue straight along 176th street, until you get to the Trans Canada Hwy.

You can follow the Trans Canada Highway all the way from Surrey up to Lake Louise AB and Banff Area. You will pass through various cities like Hope, Merritt, Kamloops, Sorrento, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Revelstoke, Golden. You will also pass through a couple of national parks as well, known as Glacier National Park, as well as Yoho National Park. As well, you will pass by the ever popular Roger’s Pass where one of the most fatal avalanches happened.

When you get to the border around Banff and Lake Louise, you will notice that all cellular phones and other phones that have satellities will change from PST to MST that is 1 hour ahead in time. Keep in mind that when you’re travelling through this area, that you’re going to go through some pretty curvy roads, and that extra time should be needed to ensure that you get safely to your destination.

You might also see some wildlife as well on your trip such as mountain goat, bears, deer etc. If you see any of them give them a wide berth, and allow them to cross, or carry out their natural behavior. You can take pictures of them, but if you do, be sure to wait until you’re able to safely pull over to the side of the road and take pictures of them.

When you have visited Banff and Lake Louise, then you can take the Columbia Ice Fields which will lead you up to Jasper. Jasper is also another very good place to see a lot of wildlife. There are also a number of things that you can do in Jasper as well as Banff and Lake Louise for recreational activities.

Here are some more websites that should be able to help you:

http://transcanadahighway.com/general/itinerary.htm

http://www.transcanadahighway.net/britishcolumbia.html

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/visit14.aspx

http://www.blueriverbc.ca/activities/bears.htm

http://www.lakelouiseinn.com/

http://www.discoverbanff.com/WheretoStay/

http://www.discoverjasper.com/WheretoStay/

http://www.canadianrockies.net/banff/articles-about-banff/ten-things-to-do-in-banff-canadian-rockies.html

Annual Holiday Travel Insurance: Taste a Better Vacation Now

September 10, 2010 Posted by admin

Want to go for an exotic holiday tour? You can get several packages that will provide you both fun and comfort. But apart from that another most important thing is security. If you do not have security of your money and your health then you will not be able to enjoy your holiday. So, you should opt for the holiday travel insurance policies. But as you may be a frequent holiday tourist and like enjoying every festival or beautiful seasons outside then the perfect insurance policy will be the annual holiday travel insurance.

The greatest advantage of getting such an annual policy is that you will have to pay comparatively less in premiums. If you would have opted for particular insurances for different tours the rate of premiums would have fluctuate and increase too. So, it is better and static. However, having a single insurance for whole family is even better. The costs per month will be distinctively less.

The benefits of having such insurances are a lot. The most important thing is that you will be safe and your tensions will be no more. It provides financial assistance in any kind of disaster like loss or theft of your money, luggage or any jewelry; physical injuries or accidents or illness; cancellation or delay of flight, false reservation of hotels, natural calamities or many other things. Even you cannot rely fully on your debit or credit cards. Sometimes these too do not work and the outcome may be very dangerous for you.

These insurances will assure you of providing full security by providing the lost money back. You will not have to worry for the losses after coming back from the holiday tour. There will be full help to you provided by the annual holiday travel insurance. So, opt for it and taste a different vacation this time.

Sophie Wilson
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/annual-holiday-travel-insurance-taste-a-better-vacation-now-733435.html