​As thousands of Caribbean and Floridan residents struggle with deteriorating conditions and lack of food and clean water in Hurricane Irma ravaged areas, hotels and resorts have begin to assess the damage sustained by the historic storm.
All Canadian vacationers initially stranded have now returned home, aided by rescue flights by Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Sunwing as well as other U.S. and European carriers.
Naturally, some of the hardest hit islands where the Category 5 hurricane (at the time) made its first landfall are the most affected, such as the tiny island of Barbuda in the Lesser Antille, who reported catastrophic damage and only an estimated 5% of its buildings remain.
Antigua, Sint Maarten/St. Martin, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Cuba and the Turks and Caicos all took a hits too, with extensive damage reported throughout. Airports were closed leading up to and in the wake of the storm, but have now re-opened.

With tourism being the key industry in most of the Caribbean, cleanup and rebuild efforts of the beaches, hotels, and resorts are now top of mind. The loss of communication had made it hard for hoteliers to report on the extent of the damage their hotels up until now, but Canadian tour operators (such as West Jet, Air Canada Vacations and Transat) have now been able to get their specialists on the ground. They made their assessments and have offered the following commitments:

ANTIGUA

• The airport and roads are in perfect condition, apart from shredded vegetation that has since been cleared and picked up.
• Roadside vendors are back, hotels are fully operational, zip line is open and beaches have kept their white sand and blue waters.
  • Antigua Galley Bay is not accepting guests until at least Nov 1, 2017
  • Verandah expected to re-open Oct 14

HOLGUIN

• Infrastructure has suffered no significant damage, all resorts are fully operational.
• One upside of the hurricane is that large quantities of sand were moved during the storm and have increased the width of beaches in the area.
• “We were amazed by what we saw; Holguin is in pristine condition. The beaches are bigger and feel even better than before, with super soft and fine sand,” said Mabel Ocampo, Manager, Product Development at Air Canada Vacations.

​VARADERO

• According to Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism, the country is taking this opportunity to make Cuba even more beautiful than before.
• The airport is fully functional, the streets are clean, and there is no visible damage in the area.
• Similar to Holguin, the beaches are in pristine condition and larger as well.
• The town of Varadero is ready for the winter season with all restaurants and boutiques open. Majority of hotels are completely operational and ready to receive guests EXCEPT at the following properties:
  • Blau Cayo Libertad expected to re-open Oct 16
  • Family Concierge by Paradisus expected to re-open by Dec 1
  • Gran Caribe Puntarenas Playa Caleta expected to re-open by Nov 16
  • Melia Peninsula expected to re-open by Nov 1
  • Paradisus Varadero expected to re-open by Dec 1
  • Blau Marina Varadero is under evaluation (no re-open date has been released)
  • Brisas del Caribe is under evaluation
  • Club Karey is under evaulation
  • Hotel Bella Costa is under evaiuation
  • Hotel Tuxpan is under evaluation 
  • Los Delfines is under evaluation
  • Villa Sotavento is under evaluation

PUNTA CANA

• Infrastructure, such as airport and roads, is in great condition.
• Beaches are now almost back to their original state; some have sustained damage to the palm trees and gardens.
• All resorts are open and operational.

TURKS AND CAICOS

• Airport is now open and operational; they are accepting daily flights onto the island.
• Most hotels and resorts have just recently reopened, with the exception of Beaches Turks & Caicos, which is expected to re-open Dec 15
• The Somerset at Grace Bay is under evaluation.
• Club Med Turkoise is under evaluation but is expected to re-open in the coming weeks.

THE BAHAMAS 

• Sandals Resorts International reports that its properties  on Fowl Cay and Great Exuma had already been closed for maintenance, so there was no impact to guests. The company also reported that Sandals Royal Bahamian, located in Nassau, "has escaped Hurricane Irma unscathed." Sandals Emerald Bay, located in Great Exuma, was also spared the worst of Hurricane Irma’s path and sustained no damage following the storm.
• According to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, other hotels and resorts that are set to welcome guests include Atlantis, Paradise Island, Warwick, The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and Melia Nassua Beach Resort. 

Please note: 
The above information can change. For more information on a particular resort or destination that isn't detailed here, or if you have an upcoming trip to any of the affected areas, please contact your agent at Around the World Travel, 1-800-922-7221 or travel@aroundtheworldtravel.ca

​​Aaaah Paris, the “city of love”, fashion, and the arts. Its beauty and culture attract thousands of people (including myself), from all over the world every day. As the capital and largest city of northern central France it is the hub of this region. Paris is located in the Ile de France region with the river Seine running through the heart of it, and two forests (the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes) on either side of it.
Paris itself is relatively easy to navigate as it is divided into 20 areas called ”arrondissements” arranged in the form of a clockwise spiral starting from the centre of the city. Each arrondissement is known for certain tourist attractions, such as the Louvre in the 1st one and Notre Dame Cathedral located in the 4th. Paris has an intricate subway system called the ‘Metro’ which is widely used and lets citizens and visitors travel in ease. The city is also served by two major airports (Charles de Gaule and Orly) which provide tourists with many options for flights

​The climate in Paris would be considered mild and wet with temperatures that hardly ever go to extremes, which makes it an ideal location to visit all year round. Paris to this day is still one of the top places for tourists to visit and in 2015 welcomed 20.2 million visitors. If you want to experience French culture, food, and customs then Paris will not disappoint with its abundance of restaurants, shows, and museums.

​I was born in Paris and therefore must admit I’m a little biased when it comes to its charm. My last visit was in April of this year when I got the chance to visit family that I had not seen for many years. Having family show you around really is the best way to travel; they know all the secret ways to get in to attractions (did you know that there is an entrance to the Louvre through the metro with no lineups?) I was also able to take my husband who had never been to Europe and was very excited to experience everything. It was great to show off my homeland to my husband as it was his 1st trip to Europe.

We visited the major local attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame, but  also took in a show at the Moulin Rouge (known for its burlesque dancers) and a cruise down the river Seine while enjoying a delicious meal and of course some wine. The French love their wine and yes, it does get poured freely and often (who needs water!). By the way, an average glass of wine will cost you around 7 euro or $11 CAD. As a huge history buff, my husband’s favourite attraction was Les Invalides: Musee de L’armee which featured exhibits from all the past wars. If you intend to visit though, make sure to schedule for an entire day, it’s massive! The military police were guarding all the major attractions, because of recent terrorist activity; this however made me feel much safer than if none were around.

​My favourite part of being in Paris was simply walking around the old city streets such as Ile Saint Louis, and finding some of the little boutiques that offer fashion trends for a little less than on the main boulevard of Les Champs Elysees. Make sure you visit one of the many little coffee shops and partake of a café au lait and croissant, or one of the many patisseries. It might go straight to your hips, but is well worth indulging in

​Next up on our France trip was 4 days in Nice with its stunning views that range from mountain ranges to miles of beaches. Nice is located on the Cote D’Azur on the Mediterranean Sea and includes other famous cities such as Cannes and Saint Tropez. The weather here was much warmer, and my hubby and I even managed to get a bit of a tan (okay, I tanned, he burned!). 

​Again, luckily for us, we had the perfect tour guides in my cousins, who live on a mountain top which you can access by driving the Corniche roads. This in itself was the experience of a lifetime as I held on for dear life while my very speedy cousin swerved on narrow, winding roads high above the city. We ended up in the charming town of Eze located on the Moyenne Corniche and the scenery and views were well worth the dramatic drive up.

Of course, you can’t go to Nice without taking a walk along the Promenade des Anglais located along the beach that runs for 7 km from the airport. On a warm day the beach will be crowded with locals and tourists alike enjoying the warm water and soaking up the rays. If you plan on spending the day at the beach, be prepared to bring a chair or mat; the beaches in Nice are not sandy but made up of galets or smooth pebbles, which can be hard to lie on. 

​Make sure to stop at one of the many cafes along La Quai des Americains and try a plate of mild cheeses and cured meats. This place also happens to have the best mojitos! (I know great wine and mojitos, crazy huh?).

The four days went very fast but we did manage to visit La Place Massena, known for its farmers markets selling everything from flowers to souvenirs and of course enjoyed one last glass of wine before our flight home. It was an amazing trip!
Please feel free to contact us at travel@atwt.ca if you are interested in France. We are passionate about travel and love to share our experiences!

Graduation season is upon us, and many new graduates will be heading abroad to seek new experiences before starting new careers. There are a few important things to know about money before heading off that will reduce your stress as a parent/guardian, and increase their confidence as they head out on their own for the first time.

1. Alert your bank and your credit card companies. Let them know when you will be travelling, and where you plan to travel. This will help avoid the frustration of finding out your bank has frozen or cancelled your cards once you are already out of country.
    
2. Pre-order some local currency for your intended destinations. Allow 1-2 weeks for your bank to have sufficient time for your money order to arrive before your scheduled date of departure.
    
3. Make sure your PIN is an appropriate length to be accepted overseas. Some ATM machines and foreign banks limit your PIN to 4 numbers, so if you have a longer number, you may need to update it before you go.
    
4. Your debit card may only work in certain ATM machines. There are symbols on the bottom of your card (ex. Cirrus) that indicate bank card compatibility. If any of the symbols on the bottom of your debit card appear on the top of the ATM, your card should be compatible.
    
5. Does your credit card charge foreign transactions fees? What are their fees, and does a different bank offer a credit card with zero transaction fees? Check with your bank to find out your options.
    
6. Make sure your credit and debit cards have EMV chips (the rectangular chip that you insert into the card reader). Many foreign merchants may not be able to process your payment without it.
    
7. Pack an extra credit card! Whether it has a low limit, pre-paid, or a second card you already have, make sure you have a back-up source to access money. It is very difficult for a bank to send you a new credit or debit card while you are travelling, and they will not re-activate a card that has been suspended or cancelled due to suspicious activity.
    
8. Keep your cash and cards spread out in more than 1 location. In the case of pick-pocketing, you will have access to a second card, or stashed cash. Pick locations that are difficult to access, and you will remember the location of. Keep less valuable items in your easily accessible wallet or purse if you are planning on shopping, and your larger amounts of cash and credit cards in a money belt, hidden pocket, etc.
    
9. Take a photo of your credit cards, debit cards, and passport. Email it to yourself and leave a copy with a family member or friend at home. You will have easy access to your important card and document numbers should any issues arise.
    
10. Keep a low profile, and don’t draw attention to yourself with flashy jewelry, electronics, or displays of cash. Pick-pockets look for targets in touristy areas, so do what you can to reduce your risk of becoming a target.

Our agency is filled with women – women who travel a lot! We like to think we have gotten packing down to an art based on where and how you are travelling. Here are 10 of our all-time best packing tips:

1. Choose your luggage appropriately for the type of travel you will do – wheels are great for airports and cruise ships, but not so great for that trek into Peru. Consider where you will be carrying your bags and decide what will provide the most ease. Don’t forget to distinguish your bags using a little flair! Colored ribbons, stickers or scarves make it much easier to spot your suitcase as it rolls by on the baggage carousel.
    
2. Always pack these essentials in your carry-on: toothbrush, prescription medications, valuables, deodorant, ear plugs, pyjamas – and anything you can’t/don’t want to live without! A few items to freshen up and hit the bed or beach when luggage is delayed will get you off to a good start while waiting for the rest of your luggage to arrive.
    
3. Bring a small first aid kit (ibuprofen, NyQuil, band-aids, hand sanitizer, travel Kleenex, etc) These types of things are great for that sudden headache, scratch, airplane washroom, catching a cold, or when you are having trouble sleeping. Toilet paper isn’t always a given in other countries, so a package of Kleenex is great to have on-hand for bathroom breaks.
    
4. Try matching the majority of the pants/bottoms you are taking with all of the tops – don’t take anything that doesn’t contribute to 2 or 3 outfits. Never pack something you haven’t worn before, or that you hate wearing at home – it will take up valuable space in your luggage and frustrate you when you pull it out to wear it and find it doesn’t fit the same as you remember it.
    
5. Don’t pack clothes that require ironing. Finding an iron can be difficult, and even more difficult is guaranteeing the quality of it. Low maintenance clothing will make for easier travel and less stress.
    
6. Pack your runners – at some point your feet will get sore and comfort will reign over fashion. You can also stuff your socks into your shoes to save space, and help your runners keep their shape!
    
7. Always pack a hat. It helps keep you warm in the cooler areas, cool and protected from the sun in those hotspots, and comes to the rescue on that dreaded bad hair day!
    
8. Pack a re-usable water bottle to fill at your convenience (collapsible is even better!). This makes airport/airplane travel much more comfortable and affordable. Staying hydrated is key while travelling.
    
9. Don’t forget your electronics AND their accessories - forgotten charging cords, extra memory cards and batteries for your camera can lead to some missed photo opportunities.
    
10. Bring a couple of large zip-lock bags. They are great water-proof, air-tight sealed bags for dirty shoes, wet bathing suits, and dirty clothes. You won’t have to worry about getting your clean clothes dirty when it is time to pack up and head to the next destination!

Agents provide services or have knowledge that you just can’t get online – and sometimes, especially in times of crisis, working with a real live person is just plain superior.

1. They are educated and have personal experience
   Simply put, they know more than you. They can give you insider tips and advice, using their education and personal experience to guide your vacation decisions in a way that provides you with the best vacation possible for you and your hard-earned investment. They have access to the personal feedback from hundreds of clients, and their own personal travel agent network, to provide insights you can’t get on TripAdvisor or other social media sites.
   
   
2. They Have Clout
   Many travel agents develop personal relationships with individuals at the companies they sell. They leverage these relationships to get you things you can’t get on your own. That “sold out” room or the connecting rooms you want for your extended family trip when the online sites say they aren’t available. They also have exclusive entree to experiences you might not know are available to you.
   
   
3. The Fixer
   In addition to getting you more on any particular trip, they can step in and fix things when your trip goes awry. The average consumer books one or two trips per year, typically with different travel suppliers, so they have little or no leverage when things go wrong. The travel agent is contantly selling a particular supplier and has the leverage to fiz things, even when the supplier isn’t directly at fault. Travel suppliers value the travel agent’s business much more than any individual traveler. They will step up to make things right or simply to make sure that the traveler, and their travel agent, are happy.
   
   
4. Cost-Savings
   The best travel agents have unique access to benefits that can save you a lot of money and rovide you with a better experience: free room upgrades, spa credits, food and beverage credits are just a few of the things that agents can get, that you can’t. Add in hard-to-get restaurant reservations, exclusive or priority access to attractions, added amenities, and you will have a lot more value for your travel dollar. (Ever wonder why the couple in the cabin next to yours got champagne and you didn’t? They probably used a travel agent.)
   
   
5. Time-Savings
   Instead of searching blindly on the internet for hours, days, or even weeks – depending on the complexity of the travel plans – you can have an expert do the research for you, with your personal needs in mind. They do it for every component of the trip and very often do it at no cost to you.
   
   
6. Safety Net
   If anything should go wrong during your trip, you can rely on them to assist you. A travel agent will suggest and arrange alternate travel arrangements, help you deal with any travel emergency you may have, and put you in touch with the right local people to answer your needs.
   
   
7. On the Cutting Edge
   They are on the cutting edge of what’s new: Travel agents are teh first to know about a new resort, cruise ship, or tour. They have relationships with their best travel partners who keep them informed as to the latest and greatest offerings they have. So if you want to travel on the latest and greatest, agents are the way to go!
   
   
8. You Pay the Same Anyway!
   More than 98 percent of hotels are parity priced. That means the cost is the same whether you book it yourself of have the travel agent do the work. Some travel agents even have websites that feature the same inventory, bookable in real time, as Expedia and Orbitz. The customer gets the best of the high tech world, in a high touch environment. This parity pricing applies to virtually every travel product.
   
   
9. You Get Matched Right
   If you call a cruise line directly, they won’t tell you that their competitor is a better fit for you and your travel needs. Since travel agents sell everything, they focus on your particular needs, making sure you are matched up with the right cruise experience.
   
   
10. An Ongoing Mutually Beneficial Relationship
    A good agent is like a good hairdresser. Once you find them, you’ll never want to give them up. Travel could be your biggest discretionary spend in any given year, along with your limited time, so you want to make sure it’s done right. When they make that happend, you’ll want them in your inner circle moving forward.

1. Bring noise cancelling headphones
They are a lifesaver when you are seated next to a group of friends, young children, or want to sleep through the barrage of pilot announcements.

2. Check-in 24 hours prior and select your seats
Most airlines allow you to check-in online for your flight(s) 24 hours prior. You will be able to look at the seat map and select the seats you want free of charge! You know you want a window seat, but if there is a row where the aisle seat is selected but the middle and window are free the chances of someone choosing the middle seat are lower.

7. Check if your airline has a downloadable entertainment app
More airlines are adopting an app-based entertainment system versus the seat-back screen. You may not be able to watch the on-board entertainment without the app on your device or tablet.  Plus, you won’t be able to download it once you have boarded because you will need an internet/wifi connection to download it. Check before you leave home or at the very least once you are in the departure lounge at the airport.

1.  All-Inclusive Getaway
Hop on a flight here, get off there, get whisked away to your resort, and leave your wallet locked up for the week! For the ultimate convenience and relaxation look to an all-inclusive getaway with direct flights from Vancouver!

2.  Cuba Cruise
Combine the convenience of direct flights from Vancouver with a 7 day, all-inclusive cruise aboard the Celestyal Crystal. Experience the Cuban culture firsthand while you circumnavigate Cuba with 2 days in Havana and stops in Maria la Gorda, Cienfuegos, Santiago, and Montego Bay! You can also extend your holiday and enjoy a 1-week all inclusive resort stay in Varadero before or after your cruise!

3.  Sailing by Catamaran
Take a journey through the Canarreos Archipelago islands on a sailing catamaran with G Adventures. Your skipper and guide will help you navigate the bustling streets of Havana, search for an untouched beach, and truly experience the Cuban Culture. The 79 ft catamaran accommodates 14 passengers and a crew of 3, and still allows plenty of interior and exterior space to lounge around when you are not out exploring!

See full trip details here!

4.  Sailing by Yacht & Explore by Land
Sail on a two-masted yacht that accommodates just 44 guests, and explore by land on a comprehensive 11 day tour with Lindblad Expeditions. Be immersed in the Cuban architecture, culture, landscape, and wildlife! Stops include Havana, Cienfuegos, Bay of Pigs, Cayo Largo, Trinidad, and the Gardens of the Queen.

5.  Land Tour
Travel with a group – small or large – for an in-depth Cuban experience! Discover a place filled with friendly people, distinct culture, art & architecture, and world-class beaches. Visit villages, farms, lush mountain coffee plantations, and snorkel the colorful coral. Stops can include Havana, the Vinales Valley, Maria la Gorda, Soroa, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Bay of Pigs, and more!

6.  Cycling
A cycling trip with G Adventures is sure to get your blood pumping!  Explore the hills of the Guaniguanico and El Rosario mountain range, tour a tobacco plantation, and see a side of this island that few get to know. Stops include Havana, Las Terrazas, La Palma, Cayo Jutias, Vinales, and Soroa.