29. April 2013

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Get ready for more luxury from Karisma

If you’ve ever stayed at an Azul or El Dorado resort while vacationing in Riviera Maya you already know they’re at the forefront of luxury. Well Karisma Hotels, the company behind the brands, is carrying over that luxury to a new brand of resort: Generations. The first Generations Resort, Generations Maroma, is scheduled to open in June while Generations Riviera Maya is slated for a November opening. Both resorts will feature all-suite accommodation as well as unlimited nanny and butler service. And like Karisma’s other [Read more...]

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10. April 2013

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Porter looks to add longer distance flights from Toronto island

Porter Airlines wants to extend the main runway at Toronto island’s Billy Bishop Airport so it can accommodate the Bombardier CS100 jets the company plans on buying. The airline must get government approval for the extension and also needs a ban on jets using the airport overturned. If Porter gets what it’s asking for it would allow the company to operate longer distance flights out Billy Bishop. If approved Porter has plans to add more than a dozen new destinations including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, LA [Read more...]

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1. April 2013

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Airlines unleash April Fools jokes

Happy April Fools Day! If you’re gullible like me today can be a bit of a handful but it’s all in good fun. Some airlines wanted in on the fun too and decided to make some wacky announcements, guess which one I fell for. WESTJET WestJet today announced the easing of restrictions on pets in the cabin. All WestJet flights will now allow for any type of animal to travel in the cabin provided it fits safely on board the aircraft. “We recognize that a [Read more...]

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18. March 2013

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WestJet warns customers about telephone scammers

A link to this warning is up on the WestJet.com homepage so I thought I should pass it along. Phone Scam Alert: Telephone scammers are impersonating WestJet in an attempt to steal your personal information. WestJet does not use telemarketers or share guests’ personal information. If you receive a call indicating that you’ve won “WestJet points/miles” or are a “preferred customer” please hang up. Visit http://www.antifraudcentre.ca/ for more info on this and other types of scams. In October of last year reports about this scam started [Read more...]

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12. March 2013

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TSA amends Prohibited Items List

The United States Transportation Security Administration has amended its Prohibited Items List. As of April 25 the following items will be allowed in carry-on luggage: Small Pocket Knives – Small knives with non-locking blades smaller than 2.36 inches and less than 1/2 inch in width will be permitted (see above for guide) Small Novelty Bats and Toy Bats Ski Poles Hockey Sticks Lacrosse Sticks Billiard Cues Golf Clubs (Limit Two) Why you need to bring sports equipment into the cabin is beyond me. (TSA Blog)

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6. March 2013

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WestJet drops carry-on luggage allowance

Starting Apr. 4 passengers on WestJet flights will only be allowed one piece of carry-on luggage, down from the two items customers are currently allotted. The carry-on item (eg. a suitcase, backpack or bag) must be no larger than 21 inches by 9 inches by 15 inches and it must fit in the WestJet sizing devices located at airports the airline flies from. If it does not fit, it must be checked at the boarding gate and picked up upon arrival at the baggage carousel. [Read more...]

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21. December 2011

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The wonders of Varadero

Well after a wonderful week in Cuba I have returned. My burn is giving way to a tan which makes me standout against the backdrop of winter. I spent my week in Cuba at its most popular tourist site: Varadero, which sits on the Hicacos Peninsula in northwest Cuba.

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2. February 2012

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TripAdvisor can’t vouch for all its reviews says UK watchdog

Last September we talked about the UK's Advertising Standards Authority investigating TripAdvisor‘s British website to see if their claims that the site truly offered "trusted advice from real travellers" was accurate. Well the ASA says that’s not quite the case.

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8. February 2012

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Trek through the trees at the Great Wall Marathon (updated)

When two great things are put together they are better than one great thing could ever be on its own. Take Reese Peanut Butter Cups. Chocolate and peanut butter are great separately but when you combine the two you get something amazing. With that in mind Innovative Fitness and TravelTST have teamed up to bring you the Reese Peanut Butter Cup of adventure.

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28. November 2012

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New requirements for children entering Mexico alone or without a parent

The Mexican government has new rules in place for children entering the country alone or without a parent. The following is from the Mexican consulate.

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4. December 2012

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Mohegan Sun casino builds life size gingerbread house

The Mohegan Sun casino resort in Connecticut has gotten into the holiday spirit in a big way. The casino, the second largest in the U.S., has built a 24-foot gingerbread house which visitors can actually walk through.The house features approximately 6,525 gingerbread bricks and four 7-foot soldiers made out of milk chocolate and Rice Krispies.

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12. December 2012

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TravelTST’s Twelve Days of Christmas kicks off tomorrow

Happy Holidays from all of us at TravelTST! To get into the holiday spirit the blog will be doing its own version of the Twelve Days of Christmas over the next dozen days. Each day I'll bring you a new list with topics ranging from what services TravelTST can offer travellers to the most bizarre requests hotel managers have received from guests. It all kicks off tomorrow with 12 travel tips. Also be sure to check out TravelTST.ca and the TravelTST Facebook page because over the next 12 days there will be a new vacation special posted each day.

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13. December 2012

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On the first day of Christmas: 12 Travel Tips

Our first day of Christmas kicks off with 12 travel tips. 1. Call TravelTST when you're thinking about any type of travel. We are the travel experts and can help you plan every aspect of your trip and find you the best price. 2. Bring along an extra passport photo or two in case your passport is lost or stolen. Having the photos on hand will speed up the process to get you a replacement.

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18. December 2012

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On the second day of Christmas: 11 all-inclusive destinations

Not sure which all-inclusive spot is right for you? Allow TravelTST to help with our quick guide to the most popular all-inclusive destinations.

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18. December 2012

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On the third day of Christmas: 10 out of the ordinary accommodations

Dog Bark Park Inn: Travellers whoever find themselves in Cottonwood, Idaho should consider spending a night or two at this lovely bed and breakfast shaped like a giant beagle.

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18. December 2012

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On the fourth day of Christmas: Nine great travel resources online

TravelTST.ca: A little shameless promotion perhaps but TravelTST.ca is the starting place for a great vacation experience.

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18. December 2012

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On the fifth day of Christmas: Eight incredibly bizarre hotel guest requests

Earlier this year the U.K. hotel chain Travelodge released a list of the most bizarre requests they had received from customers over the preceding 12 months. Below are eight of the most curious.

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18. December 2012

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On the sixth day of Christmas: Seven things TravelTST can do for you

Book vacations: You probably already knew that but it’s good to start with the basics. At TravelTST you can book a vacation package online, over the phone or in person and we don’t just do pre-packaged trips. Our agents can help you build the adventure of a lifetime whether it be venturing on an African safari or hiking Machu Picchu.

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19. December 2012

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On the seventh day of Christmas: Six Spanish words and phrases to know

Spanish is spoken throughout Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba all countries that Canadians love to travel to. Now while many of the people who work in the hospitality industry in these countries speak English it’s always nice to practice a new language in a country with native speakers so below are some words and phrases to get you started.

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20. December 2012

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On the eighth day of Christmas: Five perks of having a Destination Wedding

A Destination Wedding can save you money: There’s a long list of costs associated with a wedding. Between renting a church, hiring a band or DJ, ordering flowers and getting a caterer the tab for a wedding can run upwards of $30,000. Resorts can provide you with everything you need for the perfect wedding at absolutely no cost to you.

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21. December 2012

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On the ninth day of Christmas: Four ways to save money on a vacation package

Get a group: Tour companies offer discounts for groups travelling together. The majority of tour operators will offer group rates when five rooms are booked.

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22. December 2012

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On the tenth day of Christmas: Three luxurious first class sections

They say getting there is have the fun but with first class seats like these I’d say it’s at least two-thirds of the fun.

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23. December 2012

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On the eleventh day of Christmas: Two ridiculously expensive vacation accommodations

There’s luxury and then there’s ridiculously luxurious and these accommodations fall into the latter category.

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24. December 2012

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On the twelfth day of Christmas: One out of this world travel experience

I’ll be honest I felt some pressure as to what to write about for the final entry in TravelTST's 12 Days of Christmas blog series but I feel fairly confident that the following is an appropriate capper.

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23. January 2013

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Southwest Airlines introduces purchase at the gate priority boarding

We’ve all seen it, the mad dash to the counter when a plane begins boarding. Personally I take a minute or two and then saunter over and find my place towards the back of the line, I mean the plane’s not leaving without me. However many travellers do enjoy boarding a flight early to get themselves settled in and now Southwest Airlines is allowing passengers to get those coveted early boarding spaces without the rush. But it comes at a price. For $40 USD passengers [Read more...]

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25. January 2013

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Air Canada Becomes the Only International Four-Star Airline in North America

Air Canada has become the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax.  The rating is considered an airline industry benchmark and is based on detailed, independently conducted quality analysis by Skytrax across more than 800 different areas of airport and onboard product and service delivery. The airline received its highest marks (4.5 stars) for the Internet and WiFi options available in their business class lounges as well as the washroom and shower options [Read more...]

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31. January 2013

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Gibraltar International Airport is one of a kind

You know those annoying Facebook posts that show up on your newsfeed of some stupid video or photo and it has thousands of likes? Well above is one actually worth the intrusion. Yes that is a British Airways flight crossing a street. Also notice the lack of hysterical people? That’s because this is routine. This is the runway at Gibraltar International Airport. Gibraltar is a British overseas territory which sits off the southwest corner of Spain at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. As the [Read more...]

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18. February 2013

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WestJet Encore to take off June 24

WestJet is getting ready for its Encore. Earlier this month the airline revealed the first routes that will be served by its new WestJet Encore regional service. Fort St. John and Nanaimo B.C. are the two newest cities that WestJet will serve with daily non-stop flights from Calgary to Nanaimo and Calgary to Fort St. John starting June 24 and non-stop flights from Vancouver to Fort St. John beginning June 25. As part of the service daily non-stop flights from Vancouver to Victoria have been [Read more...]

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19. February 2013

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Japan Airlines top in on-time performance

We’re right in the middle of award season and not just in entertainment. This week FlightStats announced the winners of its 2012 On-time Performance Awards which recognize airlines around the world which “deliver the highest percentage of flights to their arrival gates within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time”. Finishing in the spot in the major international airlines category was Japan Airlines whose flights arrived on-time 90.45 per cent of the time. In the North American major airlines category Alaska Airlines took top spot [Read more...]

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27. February 2013

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Titanic II set for 2016 launch

Titanic II is on its way. And no I’m not talking about the direct-to-DVD disaster film (I’m not joking about that check this out) rather an exact replica of the doomed ship that is scheduled to make its maiden voyage in 2016. Australian billionaire Clive Palmer is the man behind the project and released the blue prints for the ship at a press conference in New York City this week. At the press conference the ship’s designer Markku Kanerva said the Titanic II would be [Read more...]

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5. March 2013

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New resort planned for Vegas Strip

Las Vegas will soon welcome another resort to its world famous strip. Malaysia based Genting Group announced this week that they’re planning to build a new mega casino on the strip that will have more than 3500 hotel rooms, a conference centre and a 4000 seat theatre. Resorts World Las Vegas will also boast some attractions unique to the strip including panda habitats, tea gardens and red pagodas. Construction is slated to begin next year with the resort expected to open in 2016. (Associated Press)

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