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In releasing the second edition of its Med cruise brochure, Sunquest indicates that it will be focusing on the western and eastern Mediterranean itineraries of two of Costa Cruises' ships - the Costa Magica and the Costa Victoria.

These cruises feature calls at ports in Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Malta, Greece, and Dubrovnik.

The second edition of its Mediterranean Cruise brochure also reflects the fact that due to flight scheduling, Sunquest will no longer be selling the Costa Tropicale this summer.

And with the release of the new brochure, Sunquest is offering special rates on June departures of both the Costa Victoria and the Costa Magica.

Find more information by going to Sunquest Vacations on ourCanada Tour Operator page

June 9, 2005 - Air Canada is Adding Flights to the Dominican Republic

MONTREAL, June 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today announced that it plans to introduce non-stop service to Santo Domingo via Toronto beginning November 3, 2005. The addition of three weekly flights to the Dominican Republic capital increases Air Canada's service to as many as 21 weekly non-stop flights to the Caribbean nation from cities across Canada.

"With the introduction of non-stop scheduled service to Santo Domingo, one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations for leisure and business, we continue to build Air Canada's long-standing presence in the Dominican Republic," said Duncan Dee, senior vice president responsible for Air Canada's corporate affairs, at a business luncheon held in Montreal today at which the President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Dr. Leonel Fernandez Reyna, spoke about business opportunities. "In addition to offering consumers more choice of air-only or Air Canada Vacations package options, Air Canada's new service to Santo Domingo gives business travelers and freight forwarders direct access to this important market on a year-round basis."

The Minister of Tourism for the Dominican Republic, Mr. Felix R. Jiménez said, "I am very pleased with today's announcement that Air Canada will begin scheduled service to our capital city of Santo Domingo for the very first time. With Air Canada's new direct link, we look forward to further strengthening the ties of friendship and trade between our two countries."

Air Canada's new Santo Domingo flights will operate three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Air Canada flight AC976 will leave Toronto at 13:05, arriving in Santo Domingo at 18:10, and flight AC977 will leave Santo Domingo at 19:00 arriving in Toronto at 22:35. The carrier will operate the new route using 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft in a two-cabin configuration offering a choice of Executive Class and Hospitality service.

In addition to the new service to Santo Domingo, Air Canada operates non-stop flights to Puerto Plata and Punta Cana from cities across Canada: Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, London Ontario, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Moncton and Halifax. Air Canada customers may purchase air travel only or Air Canada Vacations' all-inclusive holiday packages through travel agents in Canada.

Montréal-based Air Canada provides scheduled and charter air transportation for passengers and cargo to more than 150 destinations on five continents. Its subsidiary Air Canada Vacations, one of Canada's leading tour operators, offers vacation packages including air transportation, hotel accommodation, car rentals and cruises, to more than 90 destinations. Canada's flag carrier is the 14th largest commercial airline in the world and serves more than 29 million customers annually.

June 18, 2005 - Inns and Bed and Breakfasts – Are They For Everybody?

Inns are a delightful alternative to hotels and resorts. They can be just the right ticket for your vacation, providing you understand how they work and function.

Are they for everybody?

No, they're not. But here’s the answers to some basic questions to determine if it’s the type of accommodation that’ll work for you…

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INNS AND BED AND BREAKFASTS?

Let's start by clearing up any confusion on the differences between inns and bed and breakfasts. And it's not so much in the name as how they advertise themselves.

Firstly, there's no difference in accommodation. The charm of a bed and breakfast can be every bit as good as the personality of an inn. The difference is the prepared meals. A bed and breakfast is just that… expect a bed and a breakfast, but you're on your own for dinner. But at inns, they're set-up to provide dinner as well, although it's usually an option, and not included in the quoted price. The listing will be very clear if dinner is offered. But assume its just bed and breakfast if nothing is mentioned.

In many areas of the world inns and bed and breakfasts are also called guesthouses.

ARE THEY RIGHT FOR MY KIDS?

When an inn says kids are welcome, then you'd better believe they really mean they're kid friendly. Now there's nothing wrong with that (I have three myself), but don't expect too much peace and quiet and solitude.

You'll find a number of listings that put age restriction on children. For example they'll say something like: 12 or older, or above 6-years old. They're not being mean. It's just these places are also catering to a single or couple looking for a chance to unwind and free of noise and high activity. If you've got high-action kids then bed and breakfasts may not be ideal for your family.

WHAT SERVICE CAN I EXPECT?

Staying in inns is very different than staying at a hotel. You shouldn't expect a country inn to be like a Sheraton, with hordes of staff at your beck and call, and soundproof walls. Also, having a party and playing loud music after 11:00pm won't win you any brownie points with your host or the other guests.

Remember... the innkeeper or host is there to provide you, and other guests, with a unique experience in unique surroundings, but to do that they'll need your understanding.

WHAT’S THE USUAL CHECK-IN TIME?

Your host will go out of their way to greet you when you check-in. Usually when you reserve you’ll be told when their normal check-in period is. But most can accommodate you arrivals outside those hours.

But you need to let them know if you’ll be late so they can arrange for you to get into the house (yes, the doors are locked after a certain hour), and to your room. It’s one thing to show up at midnight at your hotel – they’re staffed round the clock - but it’s entirely another matter to roll-in after 11:00pm at an inn, and expect your host to get out of bed and greet you smiling.

CAN YOU NEGOTIATE PRICE?

You bet you can!

Just like hotels the room rate for inns is negotiable. The main difference is unlike a hotel, the person on the other end of a phone is usually the owner of the bed and breakfast, and they can make the decision on the spot. All you have to do is ask in a nice way.

Just remember the innkeeper may only have a few rooms to begin with anyway, and if your haggling over the last room then don't be offended if it’s no dice on a price reduction. But on the other hand one room of a four-room inn without a paying guest reduces a host's profit by 25%. So it's always worth asking for a reduction!

HOW MUCH CAN YOU REALLY SAVE?

Off-peak travel will save you a bundle.

Most inns can book their weekend's months in advance. But filling the rooms during the week, particularly off-season, is much more difficult. You'll get the best deals for bed and breakfasts traveling mid-week and out of season. Now contrast this with hotels that have the opposite problem, because they cater to the mid-week business traveler, but can't get people in rooms at the weekends.

I love staying in inns. They have a lot going for them. Inns are usually very affordable, offer tons more variety than a bland hotel room, and are a great way to meet fellow travelers or vacationers. You’ll find web sites devoted to inn and bed and breakfast listings now so crank up Yahoo or Google and get searching and saving!

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.new-england-vacations-guide.com . You can read other vacation articles and get a free travel report at his New England vacations guide site.

June 20, 2005 - Do Canadians Need a Passport for Travel to the USA?

Everyone seems to be asking if a passport is now needed for Canadians to travel to the United States. Although you currently do not need a passport to cross the border, the United States Government announced the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requiring all visitors to and from the Americas, including Canadian citizens, to present a passport to enter the United States by December 31st, 2007.

The WHTI will be implemented in three phases as follows:

December 31, 2005 - If you are travelling in the United States en route to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central or South America you will need your passport.

December 31, 2006 - If you are travelling to, from or through the United States by air or sea you will need your passport.

December 31, 2007 - If you are travelling to, from or through the United States by air, sea, or land you will need your passport.

In addition to passports, the US government anticipates that international frequent travel cards like NEXUS will be accepted under the new regulations, to allow for faster border crossings for those enrolled in these programs.

For Canadians traveling to the United States: Even though a passport is not required at this time for entry to the United States, it is essential if you decide to go on a cruise or to continue your travel to another country

With security tightened everywhere, a passport is considered as the most widely accepted proof of Canadian citizenship, it is always a good idea to have it anytime you are outside of Canada no matter what.

Other passport tips:

- Try to apply for your passport during the off-season, between June and November.

- Ensure that you are carrying a valid passport. Check that the expiry date of your passport is well beyond your return date.

- Remember to sign your passport on page 3, and fill in your current address and the name of a person to contact in case of emergency on page 4.

- Make two photocopies of the identification page of your passport. Leave one copy with a friend or relative at home. Bring the second copy with you on your trip. Carry this photocopy separately from your passport when you travel. This can help with the replacement process if your passport is lost or stolen.

June 24, 2005 - CanJet Adds Onboard Entertainment

CanJet will introduce the "digEplayer" in-flight entertainment system on select Florida-bound flights, as well as select flights operated in partnership with Sunquest.

Using portable units, the audio/video-on-demand system can hold more than 60 full-length movies, sitcoms and 10 hours of music content.

"It is our plan to offer digEplayer rentals to passengers on all long-haul flights, meaning our customers flying between Toronto-Calgary and Toronto-Vancouver will be able to enjoy this new in-flight feature," says Doug Newson of CanJet.

June 27, 2005 - Visit Britain publishes young travellers guide

VisitBritain has published a pocket-sized handbook for young travellers aged 18 to 30 in association with guide book specialists Lonely Planet. "Experience Britain, Do It Your Way" is the official guide for backpackers, independent travellers and working holidaymakers planning a trip to the UK.

As well as information on 14 cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff and top countryside locations, the 96-page guide includes general practical tips such as opening a bank account and living for an extended period in the UK.

There are also sections on sport, music, literature, fashion and - for those in search of eccentric Brits - a calendar of bizarre events.

To receive the free publication, go to the VisitBritain, Canada - web site at www.visitbritain.com, or phone 1-888 VISIT UK.