1st Canadian Airline offer Wi-Fi at 30,000ft!

Air Canada Wi Fi

Air Canada has become the first Canadian carrier to offer inflight internet service to its customers. Trial service has begun on the Toronto-Los Angeles and Montreal-Los Angeles routes. The test period will run until January 29, 2010, after which Air Canada will analyze usage and customer feedback to determine whether it will introduce the service on other routes.

The Gogo Inflight internet service allows travellers to access the service using their own standard, Wi-Fi equipped laptop at a cost of US $9.95 per flight or Personal Electronic Device (PED) at a cost of US $7.95 per flight. In order to make Air Canada’s rollout fast, economical and simple, initially, the Gogo system will be powered by Aircell’s existing network which is only available in the continental US.

The system is expected to rollout on other routes in North America with the deployment of the Canadian Air-To-Ground (ATG) network. Aircell plans to collaborate with the Canadian ATG licensee in supporting the establishment of a Canadian ATG network and in facilitating the fleet-wide deployment of Air Canada’s onboard connectivity service.

Staying Healthy While Traveling

6 Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling

1. Drink Tea Early and Often

The saboteur: A weakened immune system

Working long hours pre-vacation can destroy your sleep, and a study from Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that poor sleep before a stressful event reduces immune-system function.

Save your vacation: Starting a week before you leave, drink about 20 ounces of black tea daily. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that this causes the body to secrete two to four times more interferon, a key element of your body’s infection-protection arsenal.

2. Hit the Pharmacy

The saboteur: Acute mountain sickness

At 8,000-plus feet in elevation, reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels can induce headaches, nausea, dizziness, and in severe cases, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs).

Save your vacation: Before you leave, ask your doc for acetazolamide, a drug that helps your body metabolize more oxygen. In a study, people who took 250 milligrams twice a day after traveling from sea level to 12,000 feet relieved all symptoms. Take it a day or two before departure and continue until 48 hours after you arrive.

3. Sip Water During a Flight

The saboteur: GI trouble

Time-zone changes and poor eating can alter your normally clocklike bowel movements. “We often leave our healthy diets behind, which stresses our digestion,” says Mark Wise, M.D., author of The Travel Doctor.

Save your vacation: Hydration is the key. Limit alcohol, caffeine, and other diuretics, and be sure to drink 64 to 80 ounces of water a day during your trip. You can help combat diarrhea, gas, and bloating with a probiotic that fights harmful bacteria. Try BioBeads by Natrol. ($15 for 30 beads, natrol.com)

4. Eat Preflight Protein

The saboteur: Nausea

If your body’s motion detectors sense movement differently (e.g., your view of the cabin stays the same but your inner ear senses a drop), motion sickness is likely to ensue, according to the American Academy of Neurology.

Save your vacation: Have a burger. The right preflight meal can soothe your stomach. A Pennsylvania State University study found that subjects felt up to 26 percent less nauseated when they ate a protein-packed meal, compared with a carb-loaded meal or no food at all.

5. Moisturize Mucous Membranes

The saboteur: Arid air

A jet’s cabin air can be as dry as the Sahara—as low as 5 percent humidity, according to aircraft manufacturer Boeing. This can lead to excessive nasal dryness, which can trigger tearing of mucous membranes and facilitate infection. (If you experience frequent nosebleeds, you may be especially sensitive to dry air.)

Save your vacation: For your nostrils, pack an over-the-counter saline gel, like Ayr. To keep your skin hydrated, drink 20 ounces of water while you’re in flight, says travel-medicine specialist Terri Rock, M.D. Make sure it’s bottled, and buy it after you pass security.

6. Pack Your Own Purifier

The saboteur: Bad water

The United Nations estimates that 36 percent of drinking water in Africa doesn’t meet quality standards. (It’s 22 percent in Asia and 18 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean.) And the EPA found that 15 percent of water samples taken from 327 planes probably contained harmful pathogens.

Save your vacation: Skip the in-flight coffee and tea, which may be made with water from the jet’s tanks, and don’t brush your teeth in the lavatories. Bring your own water filter on your trip. We like the Katadyn Exstream personal water bottle purifier. ($50, katadyn.us)

 

Who Says “Canadians” Aren’t Computer Savvy!

I would love to share with you a taste of today’s Best Travel Deals !

Who Says “Canadians” Aren’t Computer Savvy!

Air Canada has always been in the forefront of technology and is keeping up with the competition by launching a new service notifying passengers by email or a text message to their mobile phone when their flights are cancelled or delayed. Passengers disrupted by storms or other problems will be able to rebook flights using their computer or mobile device, avoiding the need to line up or contact their travel agents.

Passengers will be notified automatically, offered alternative flights or the ability to choose another flight and be allowed to cancel trips altogether.

If you find yourself on the move without your electronic gadgets, don’t worrry, those without electronic addresses will be routed to call centres, so no need to panic.

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Coping with the Middle Seat

Rainbow Travel Inc - Sitting in the middle?

Today’s post ends our series about the dreaded Middle Seat, how to cope if you get stuck with it.

* Get to the seat early and politely assume the armrests to assert your personal space.  Your seatmates by the window and aisle already have their own space on their respective sides.

* Store as much of your personal belongings in your checked luggage or the overhead bins instead of under the seat in front of you. This maximizes the space you can stretch out.

* Be considerate of your seatmates.  Get up from your seat early in the flight to use the lavatory or stretch your legs before your seatmates settle in to the onboard movie, starts reading their book/newspaper/magazine, etc, or takes a nap.

* Make yourself comfortable. Listen to music with your earphones, slip on your eye mask, take a nap, or read a book. This also serves to discourage interaction with a chatty and/or nosy seatmate, unless that’s what you want.

* Just resign yourself to the situation, it’s not worth getting angry and frustrated.  You know it won’t be fun or comfortable so just make the best of it.  Try to practice the relaxation or meditation techniques you’ve read about.

I’ve listed a few helpful links below:

Here are a couple of useful links for details about airplane seating charts:

* SeatGuru by TripAdivsor

* SeatExpert

Next week, I’ll post the first article in this series about the Middle Seat that was published in last month’s newsletter, “What you can do if you get stuck with the middle seat”.

How to Avoid the Middle Seat

Rainbow Travel Blog - Don't want to get stuck with the middle seat?

I started a 3 part series in my travel agency’s October  newsletter with suggestions on what you can do if you get stuck with the middle seat. Today’s blog post is about how to avoid the middle seat on a flight. 

- Provide your travel consultant with your seating preference. Most travel agencies will ask clients to fill out a Customer Information / Preferences form. This is your opportunity to list the frequent flier programs you are enrolled in, your seating preferences, etc.

- Whether you book with your travel consultant or online, find out the seating plan on the flight before making the reservation.

- Book your flight as early as possible.

- Double check your e-ticket for a seating assignment. Take a moment to refer to a plane seating chart just for peace of mind.

- Reconfirm all details with the service agent if booking over the phone.

- If you book online, most websites allow passengers to select their seats.

- At the airport, before you leave the check-in desk, make sure your boarding pass lists the seating assignment.

- Don’t check-in too late because you already have your preferred seating assignment. Reserved seats are released at a predefined time prior to departure in the event of no shows.

- If only middle seats are available for your flight, ask the agent at the check-in counter for the middle seat between 2 people with the same surname. They are usually family members hoping to claim the row to themselves. Usually, if you split them up, they will offer to trade for either the window or the aisle seat.

If you have any suggestions on how to avoid the middle seat, please share them. I’m going to end the series with how to make the best of being stuck in the middle seat.

Travel News Allsorts

In the past month, I’ve come across a few interesting travel related articles that might be of interest to you all:

Aon France is offering sunshine insurance through french travel agencies, Pierre et Vacances and FranceLoc. If vacationers encounter at least 4 days of rain in a week, they can submit a claim for part of their holiday cost. Here’s the link to the press release by Aon France.

Air France has implemented a new luggage policy that allows sports equipment to be included in the free luggage allowance.  For example, bicycles, golf bags, diving equipment,  and skis. Visit their website for further details.

Pet Airways has launched. Dog and cat owners can now rejoice that weekly routes are now available between Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City with one fares starting at $149. What makes Pet Airways unique is that your loved flies in the safety and comfort of the main cabin, not in cargo, where they are monitored regularly throughout the flight.

Air New Zealand continues to make waves with their latest marketing campaign, The Matchmaking Flight. They hope that passengers will find that special person through this special experience. Canadian singles will depart Vancouver for Los Angeles on October 13th and then transfer on to the matchmaking flight to Auckland.  The matchmaking flight will include free party snacks, open bar, speed dating and other games.

A few  months ago, Air New Zealand came out with a really cheeky commercial to show that their staff have nothing to hide.  This was followed up by another video about onboard safety. Most people ignore the safety video and demo on air planes, this hopefully will encourage people to watch theirs.

Blinded by the prices, overwhelmed by the choices

Over the last year, Canadians have seen great prices for airfare, vacation packages, and tours.  Initially because the Canadian dollar was near parity with the American dollar and now because of overcapacity during this uncertain economic climate. Prices are at levels we haven’t seen in years.

Before you purchase that great deal you found online or in the newspaper, be sure you know what you’re getting.  When it comes to purchasing most items, consumers take into account brand, quality/workmanship, value, etc.  However, when it comes to travel, price appears to be the most significant factor.  For example, you see a 7 day all-inclusive vacation for $499 and you’re ready to book the deal and pack your bags.  However, you need to ask yourself several questions first…is this the type of place I really want to stay at? will it have the amenities I want? have i checked the reviews on TripAdvisor.com? is it readily accessible to a beach? what excursions are available from the resort and are they at reasonable prices? etc

Discounts on airfare, tours, and vacation packages

If you compare the cheapest deals available now to the ones last year or the year before…the price reduction is on average 12%.  The best deals out there are actually in the middle to high range vacations.  The margins on those are significantly higher and they can afford to offer deeper discounts. 

The tough choice is for you to decide…spend abit less on a already cheap vacation or spend abit more on significantly discounted middle to high end vacation.  I think you’ll enjoy the latter option more.

If at all uncertain, do your own research.  If you are still uncertain, contact  your travel consultant.  That’s what they are there for.  They can answer your questions, ease your concerns, and provide you information for questions you might not readily think of.  Plus, your travel consultant may even find you a better deal than the one you found.  Remember, they have access to the latest promotions and a range of sources to find you the best vacation that fits in your budget based on what you want to do and see.

Liverpool – My Home Part 1

I often miss my hometown of Liverpool, UK.  Whenever I read travel articles, see a story on the news, or hear about it on the radio, all my memories of home come to mind. So I ‘ve decided to share with you all the recent news about Liverpool.  If you have the chance to visit the UK, make a point to see Liverpool.  If you’ve been there before, I’d love to hear about your trip and find out what what you thought of it.

The World Just Got Closer to Liverpool, UK

Rainbow Travel Blog - Liverpool Merseyside waterfront

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has announced its intention to operate new services out of my home city, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, thereby renewing a partnership, which first began seventy years ago. On commencement of its 2009 summer schedule, KLM will launch a new service between Amsterdam and Liverpool, connecting the Liverpool City Region with over 100 worldwide destinations on KLM’s own intercontinental network and with over 650 destinations across KLM’s Skyteam partner networks including Vancouver and the rest of North America.

Effective from 29 March 2009, KLM cityhopper (regional airline subsidiary) will operate the new scheduled service three times daily using Fokker 70 jet aircraft carrying up to 80 passengers.

Liverpool is the UK’s fourth largest city, and one of its fastest growing business centres.  In addition the city’s international profile has grown with its recent accolade of the European Capital of Culture 2008 and of course, the home to The Beatles .

What to Do in Liverpool City Region

Rainbow Travel Blog - The Three Graces

Liverpool attractions greet you on every street – we haven’t been awarded the Capital of Culture title for nothing!

The architecture is world-class, with more listed buildings than any city outside London. The heart of the city and its waterfront sit proudly alongside treasures like the Taj Mahal and Pyramids at Giza as a World Heritage Site. Whether you’re coming to Liverpool for arts and culture or sport you’ll be spoilt for choice in this great city.

Liverpool Arts & Culture

Rainbow Travel Blog - Albert Dock

The city’s areas of interest extend far beyond the World Heritage Site. In and around Liverpool, attractions to satisfy the mind are always within reach, with maginificent architecture and cultural wonders filling the metropolis as well as the countryside and seafront.

Liverpool boasts two cathedrals which are major attractions in their own right. The Anglican Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral are fine examples of internationally recognised architecture.

Rainbow Travel Blog - Walker Art Gallery

Many gems of the National Museums Liverpool fall within the heritage site. The refurbished World Museum Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery are housed in this part of town, while the Tate Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum have their homes on the waterfront, at the Albert Dock, alongside the not to be missed Beatles Story. Check out artinliverpool.com for listings of Arts & Culture events in the area.

If you’re looking for theatres in Liverpool, choose from the Everyman and Playhouse, Unity and Empire theatres for a range of contemporary, classic and touring productions.

More information about Arts & Culture in Liverpool

Liverpool Shopping

Rainbow Travel Blog - Liverpool Shopping

In Liverpool you will find all the national chains like Marks and Spencer for your basics plus many independent shops for those one of kind unique items.  Be sure to visit the downtown area and the historic district to get a flavour for all the variety available.

If fashion is what you’re looking for, then Liverpool is the kind of place where styles tend to make their first appearances before filtering through to the rest of the country. It has become the first place to look for people with an eye on fashion.  The newest and largest mall is Liverpool ONE. Here you will find the latest in shopping, dining, and entertainment.

More information about Liverpool shopping

Rainbow Travel Tips & Tidbits 03 January 2009

United and Fedex Offer Door to Door Shipping

Like to have your bags guaranteed to arrive where and when you want without having to drag your baggage to the airport only to find that when you arrive at the check-in counter that your bags are overweight and you get slapped with those outrageous overweight charges. Now United and Fedex have gotten together to offer Door-to-Door Baggage which enables customers in the continental U.S. to ship suitcases and other items, such as skis or golf clubs, overnight from their home or office directly to their destination within the lower 48 states.

The cost is $149 per item, one way, for flights less than 1,000 miles and $179 for longer flights. That’s between $50-100 cheaper than other baggage-shipping services. Up to 10 days prior to travel, customers can go online to united.com/doortodoor where the appropriate trip is selected and paid for. The document is printed and the bag tags are applied by the shipping company. On the scheduled day the bags are collected from the customers home/office between noon and 6 PM. By 4.30 PM the next day the bags are delivered to your destination.

The most cost effective option is to ship your baggage via FedEx Ground for about a third of the price of overnight and the price even includes the pick-up fee.

Why is the Ocean Cold in California But Warm in Florida?

Blame it on something called the Cariolis effect. This controls the oceans currents. It’s complicated but usually ocean waters on the West side of any continent will be cooler at the same lattitude than those on the East side.

Why Are Most Hotels in Hawaii on the West Side of the Island?

The prevailing, tropical, moisture bearing trade winds usually blow from East to West and therefore most of the moisture then gets “squeezed out” as the humid breezes strike the mountains. This causes rain on the east side of the island but in effect this makes the west side drier. This is usually a general rule of thumb that can be used for most mountainous tropical islands, including those in the Caribbean, South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

YVR Airport Vancouver, British Columbia Voted 2nd in the World

I am quite proud that the city that I live in was voted second in the list of best airports in the world and was the only airport in North America to place in the Top 10 Airports in the world. More than 2,500 European business travelers completed the Conde Nast Survey rating airports on cleanliness, design and layout, shopping and duty free facilities, clarity of flight information and signage, luggage handling and parking facilities.

Disney Offers Tours in Places Like South Africa, Alaska, China, Australia, and Many

Adventures by Disney is branching out in 2009 with a total of 23 adventurous holiday options. They are described as dynamic family vacations the Disney programmes cover China, Australia, France, Ireland, Costa Rica and of course the U.S.A. Each vacation includes VIP experiences and unique itineraries specifically designed for families. Some examples include Alpine Magic- Italy and Switzerland, Beantown & The Big Apple-Boston, Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales – Montana and Alberta, Safari to South Africa – Capetown and the Garden Route and many more.

All programs include specially trained adventure guides, along with a host of local experts that allow families to see, hear, touch and taste the history and culture of destinations around the globe and domestically. Sounds exciting and something different for the family to participate in together. To find out more, contact Rainbow Travel for further information.

Rainbow Travel Tips & Tidbits – 23 December 2008

I apologize for the gap in my blog posts this month.  I was editing this a couple of weeks ago and I forgot to publish it. I just realized when I started writing the next post today.  So here it is…the topics are “Your Health” and “Wi-fi Availability”.

Stay Healthy Whilst you are on Vacation!

Every year more and more people travel for either vacation, business, and volunteerism, and to visit friends and family. Whatever your reason for traveling, you need to  be Proactive, Prepared, and Protected when it comes to your health—and the health of others—while you are traveling.

Be Proactive!

Take steps to anticipate any issues that could arise during your trip.

• Learn about your destination.
• See a doctor before you travel.
• Think about your health status.
  • Are you too sick to travel? (Recent illnesses, injuries, or surgeries)
  • Do you have any special health needs? (Babies and small children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, people with weakened immune systems)

Be Prepared!

No one wants to think about getting sick or hurt during a trip, but sometimes these things happen. You may not be able to prevent every illness or injury, but you can plan ahead to be able to deal with them.

• Pack smart.
• Plan ahead for illnesses or injuries during your trip.
• Know what to do if you become sick or injured on your trip.
• Know and share important information about your trip.

Be Protected!

It is important to practice healthy behaviors during your trip and after you return home.

• Pay attention to your health during your trip.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellent as directed.
  • Be careful about food and water.
  • Try not to take risks with your health and safety.
  • Limit alcohol intake, and do not drink alcohol and drive.
  • Wear a seatbelt.
  • Wear protective gear when doing adventure activities.
  • Respect your host country and its people by following local laws and customs.
• Pay attention to your health when you come home.

Free Wi-Fi At These Airports

Isn’t it frustrating, youv’e arrived at the airport at the correct check-in time only to find out that your flight has been delayed by two hours. Well maybe things aren’t that bad, at least you have your laptop or Blackberry so you have a chance to catch up woth some office work or e-mail. You sit down, get comfortable, open your laptop, search for a wi-fi network and guess what comes up, a prompt for “User ID and Password”.  Is there nothing free in this world!

Here is a list of the most popular airports with FREE WI-FI and I am pleased to say my home airport of Vancouver is on the list, way to go Vancouver!

Canada

• Banff Airporter office area – Calgary, Alberta
• Halifax International airport – center court area on the main level and between gates 20-15 on the departures level of the Air Terminal Building – Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Dryden Regional Airport – Dryden, Ontario
• Fredericton Airport – Fredericton, New Brunswick
• St. John’s International Airport – St. John’s, Newfoundland
• Quebec Airport – Quebec City, Quebec
• Expedia Restaurant – Air Canada Terminal – Toronto, Ontario
• Vancouver International Airport – Vancouver, British Columbia

For a full list of airports I have provided the link:   http://www.wififreespot.com/airport.html

The airlines have also come to their senses and provided internet connection for the businessman on the move, I have listed below the most frequently used carriers in North America, but most of them require that you belong to their frequent flyers club allowing you use of their member lounges:

• American Airlines Admirals Clubs – must enter a valid club card number to get access.
• United Airlines – Service in the airline’s 27 Red Carpet Clubs and 5 International First Class lounges is free for members.
• Continental Airlines offers Free wireless high speed internet access to members in 22 Presidents Club locations in major airports around the USA.
• Northwest WorldClubs
• Alaska Airlines Clubs

Wi-Fi on Your Flight

Alaska Airliines is planning to provide wireless internet on their aircraft. The technology will provide customers with a unique entertainment and business network at 35,000 feet. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptop computers, PDAs, smartphones and portable gaming systems, will have high-speed access to the Internet, e-mail, virtual private networks and stored inflight entertainment content.

I saved the best for last, our national character Air Canada says YES to Wi-Fi and NO to cellphone. Travellers will be able to click their way onto Air Canada’s new Wi-Fi service next spring as the carrier teams with Aircell LLC to install a mobile network. The Montreal-based airline will start with two 120-seat Airbus A319s, charging $12.95 plus tax for each passenger who connects wirelessly to the Internet while flying between Toronto and two destinations in California – Los Angeles and San Francisco. Air Canada then plans to gradually roll out Aircell’s “Gogo” system across its fleet in North America. Air Canada won’t be enabling “cellphone voice usage,” arguing that the cabin in the sky is one the “last bastions of solitude” away from being bombarded by cell conversations in everyday life.