Pearl Travel

Pearls of Wisdom for Travel – Travel to Canada

Being a part of the North Coast of the US and bordering Canada we are perhaps a bit more aware of some problems in traveling to Canada than other parts of the country.  I feel that it is important to let my blog know about travel restrictions that are occuring more frequently for US citizens trying to travel to Canada via cruise or car or bus, when there is a point of entry into Canada. 

A person is considered to be criminally inadmissible to Canada if  you have been or were convicted of an offence outside of Canada that is considered a crime in Canada; and/or committed an act outside of Canada that is considered a crime under the laws of the country where it occurred and would be punishable under Canadian law. 

I am sure that most people out there think this does not affect them but I want to remind you that a DUI or DWI conviction is included in this restriction.

Why am I talking about this now - in the past travelers have had problems and with the Olympics being in Canada and people planning their summer travel I felt it to be a timely topic.   A person was denied boarding in Anchorage Alaska for an Alaska cruise because the cruise ended in Vancouver and Canada denied them entry.  It is very important that you know this information if you are planning a cruise in Alaska or New England where the cruise begins or ends in Canada or has ports of call in Canada.  this can also affect you if you are just going to Canada on a gambling trip.  Another point to remember is that Travel Protection or Travel Insurance does not cover this situation. 

For more information the link below will take you to the appropriate web page for Canada.   

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5312E.asp 

Pearl of wisdom brought to you bay Barb

Pearls of Wisdom for Travel

I have been in the travel industry for about 20 years and during that time I have probably seen or heard thousands of travel hints that might benefit you the traveling public.  I thought I would share one or two of  those with you.  So weekly check the blog and see the new travel hint posted. 

Today’s hint: this comes from my husband who always says “Less clothes more money”  this being said with all the extra charges by the airlines for luggage is it better to reduce the amount of clothes you bring.  You can’t and don’t need to wear a new outfit every day.  Pick clothes that are mix and match one pair of pants multiple tops, clothes that wash and dry easily, and clothes that wear well.  The last part of this hint don’t contingency pack you do not have to have an outfit for everything that might happen.  That’s all for now

Cruise and Ports

Shore Excursions while in port are an important part of a  cruise but a little advance preparation before your cruise  can save time and money while allowing you to see all you want to see.  Don’t wait until you are on the ship to decide what excursions you want to take or what you want to do in any given port.  Advance preparation, checking out the port on line through local tourist boards, english language newspapers for special event listings when you are in town, museum web sites, local tour agencies web sites or web sites of companies specializing in day trips (like Shore Trips) are the most important part once you’ve booked your cruise.  Make sure you know the distance to where you want to go for example Livorno Italy is the stop for Florence but if you want to see Michaelangelo’s ’David’ Florence is 90 miles away and you need to prebook a scheduled time to avoid a long line during high season, on the other hand Barcelona port is right down town so everything is close.  Is there a port you are really interested in, perhaps you want to spend more time in a particular location, book a cruise that departs from that port.  If you are in a port and you know everybody is going to the same ’sight’ or landmark this is the time to splurge and book a private car and driver/guide.  You will get there faster and see more than on the ships excursions.  don’t forget to check about local holidays when you will be in town, some things are limited or closed if there is a holiday.  Remember do your research for a more enhanced stop at any port.