Two-week vacations going way of Dodo?

I found this article in my inbox this morning and thought it might be interesting to pass on. It seems that research is showing that more Americans are foregoing traditional vacations in favour of a number of shorter "escapes." Does this sound like you? See what you think:

Report by David Wilkening

Three-and four-day getaways are replacing the traditional once-a-year two-week vacation that used to be American standard.

Work overload and the accompanying lack of time are some reasons why the two-week family vacation is becoming a thing of the past, according to various surveys.

"People are taking the mini-vacations," Sharif Aboushaba, general manager of the Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront Hotel told Florida Today. He added:

"But here's the catch: They may take a shorter vacation, but they may take three or four of them, especially if it's driving within 100 miles. I call those vacations the 'Weekendscapes."

The shorter vacations are more common because of the difficulty of families in coordinating their various work, school and extracurricular schedules, say tourism officials.

Many employees will try to wrap three- and four-day getaways around holidays, such as Labor Day and Thanksgiving, so the impact on the workplace will be even less, said John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement consultancy.

"For the employer, these brief jaunts are the equivalent of a 10-minute power nap," he said. "They do not disrupt the rhythm of the workplace."

Other reasons for shorter vacations include too few vacation days and a lack of money. But it appears some Americans are getting away from vacations entirely, say some experts.

A recent study by Orbitz, the online travel company, found a drop in the number of people taking three-week or two-week vacations. The survey also found an increase in those taking a week or less. One-third of respondents said they took five or fewer days of vacation in the past year.

One in four of those surveyed said they felt their bosses did not encourage them to take vacations, and one in three said they stayed connected with their office via phone or computer while on holiday.

"Our sense is that people are busier than ever with their lives, their family activities, their kids," said Jeanenne Diefendorf of Orbitz. "So they find it difficult to take an extended vacation and easier to balance if they're only gone a couple of days."


If this does sound like you - you should give us a call. We've got a number of 3-4 day escapes available to places like Montreal, Quebec City, New York, San Francisco and more! 1 (800) 563-2338

Excess the latest trend in luxury travel

From boutique hotels to high-end wilderness resorts, overindulgence is encouraged
writes Misty Harris, from CanWest News. The hottest trend in hospitality proves celebrity rehab centres aren't the only places leveraging excess.

From boutique hotels to Canadian fishing resorts, overindulgence is getting overnight privileges in travel packages that encourage guests to adopt the stars' philosophy that too much is never enough.

Some of the services on offer at these "immoderation accommodations" include in-room bars staffed by professional mixologists, so you never have to wait for a drink (Hotel Allegro in Chicago); minibars "pimped" to include all the accoutrements of hedonism, from edible body paint to morning-after hangover relief tablets (Catalina Hotel in South Beach); copies of Playboy and a set of poker chips upon arrival (The Muse in Manhattan); and complimentary lace thongs, should you somehow manage to lose your lingerie (Personality Hotels in San Francisco).


The free undies are part of the hotel chain's newly introduced "Britney breakdown package," designed especially for the vacationer who, like its troubled celebrity namesake, is a little too close to the edge.

The deal includes a gift certificate to a top hair salon and the caveat: "Don't shave your head just yet."

Other destinations focus more on losing oneself in sumptuousness than sin, bringing guests the kind of absurd luxuries normally provided only to the super-rich.
At Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Mexico, for example, an after-dinner dip in the tub is orchestrated entirely by hotel staff. Guests simply choose their preferred options from a "bath menu" -- sea salts, scented oils, premium tequilas and cigars are some of the pleasures on offer -- and the bath is prepared in their room while they enjoy a gourmet dinner.

At Clayoquot Wild-erness Resort, a popular fishing destination in B.C., guests' sleeping tents are outfitted with queen-sized beds, down duvets, Persian carpets and antique furnishings.

"It's for people that remember camping as a kid, but don't want to sleep in a pup tent anymore," says Sue Bosdet, director of sales for Clayoquot.

"They've become a little bit spoiled. They want to get back to nature but rather than roasting marshmallows, they want to sit around the fire while a waiter brings them a cognac and a creme brulee."

Deirdre Campbell, a Canadian public relations executive specializing in tourism, says "immoderation accommodations" tap into the trend of living beyond one's means while on vacation. She calls it "trading up."

According to Pam Danziger, a noted expert on luxury marketing, the model for many of these places is Las Vegas -- a city defined by affordable excess. The idea is to give travellers a "short-term indulgence vacation" that offers maximum pleasure for a reasonable dollar value.

"There's a real focus on the experiences of luxury," says Danziger, author of Why People Buy Things They Don't Need. "It's not buying a Rolex watch or another mink coat or a diamond ring."

Indeed, a 2006 survey by Unity Marketing found 56 per cent of luxury consumers believe "having special experiences that make memories" is of the utmost importance to travel.

What could be more memorable than a complimentary thong and a stack of Playboys?

Top Spots for Foodies

One of the biggest travel trends right now is planning a trip around food. And as it is just around lunch time, I thought it would be fun to do a blog post on top cities to travel to for food and drink. These top spots are brought to you from Travelocity.

North America

Montreal, Quebec:
Known ubiquitously for its French cuisine, the Montreal culinary scene also boasts imaginative carte du jours from more than 80 countries. Dine at one of the city's 5,000 restaurants, or spend the day meandering through local markets in search of the same culinary treasures used by Montreal chefs. While there, sample a Montreal-style bagel topped with cream cheese or a smoked meat sandwich, two local treats.

New Orleans, Louisiana:
Many first time visitors head to New Orleans to experience events such as Mardi Gras or JazzFest, but they return time and time again for its food. NOLA's most famous restaurants include Emeril's, Commander's Palace and Antoine's, but local favorites such as Jacques-Imos and Port of Call deserve a spot on the map of culinary treasures as well. Cajun and Creole dishes throughout the city tempt the taste buds, and no visit to Crescent City is complete without indulging in a beignet dusted with powdered sugar and a cup of café au lait laced with chicory at Café Du Monde.

New York, New York:
Cabbies and billionaires alike clamor for the city's famous slices, pretzels with mustard, and roasted chestnuts in paper bags, but beyond streetfood, NYC boasts more restaurants per capita than any other American city. Whether one is looking for a neighborhood Italian joint or sweeping views of Central Park at Per Se, there's something for everyone. The city is also home to some of the best foodie souvenir shops around, including DiPalo's homemade mozzarella, the Doughnut Plant's pistachio glazed version, and Vintage's Long Island wines.

San Francisco, California:
Alice Waters is credited with changing the way Americans eat, and now her local, seasonal approach to cuisine is now an integral part of San Francisco's venerable restaurant scene. With Wine Country vintages at hand, Bodega Bay oysters on the half-shell, and Northern California's bounty, visitors are able to try ingredients they wouldn't have access to at home. As if that weren't enough, the City by the Bay is a hotbed for artisanal products, such as Cowgirl Creamery's Mt. Tam cheese, McEvoy Ranch olive oil, and Scharfenberger chocolates, all of which can be found at the foodie mecca known as the Ferry Building.

Charleston, South Carolina:
Some may call it soul food, but in Charleston they call it Low Country cuisine. Prevailing as the undisputed local favorite, this culinary specialty infuses restaurant menus with dishes such as Frogmore Stew, She-Crab Soup and Hoppin' John. Rice, grits and fresh, local produce play an integral role in the creation of these truly Southern meals, and the waters that surround South Carolina's Low Country inspire local cooks more often than not with seafood dishes found on just about every menu.

Las Vegas, Nevada:
In the spirit of Liberace, Vegas' recent restaurant boom is completely over the top-and we mean that in the best possible way. If you want your foie gras topped with shaved truffles and dusted with gold, it's a sure bet it can be found here. Top chefs from NYC, Paris, and London are opening namesake outposts in hotels and casinos with much fanfare, so keep an eye out for Emeril, Thomas Keller, and Bobby Flay. Fortunately for our wallets, Vegas' famous buffets are still a beloved part of life on The Strip.

Europe

London, United Kingdom:
London is shaking its reputation for having mediocre cuisine (we think it was undeserved anyway!). Celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsey have built on the English penchant for exquisite service and fine surroundings, and have made the current restaurant scene world famous. All the while, specialty gourmet shops have continued operations for nearly 300 years, as in the case of Fortnum & Mason, known for its fine teas, and Paxton & Whitfield, cheesemonger to the royal family. Choose from afternoon tea, Indian curries, and classic pub fare, like shepherd's pie-then wash it down with a black and tan before hitting the museums.

Barcelona, Spain:
This Spanish city started getting recognition just within the last five years. Catalan influences dominate both the culture and cuisine with French and Mediterranean inspired dishes more prevalent than traditional Spanish fare. Catalan cuisine features a unique combination of ingredients such as red meat and fish; poultry and fruit; and pork sausage with white beans. Each dish is unique, original and utterly impossible to put down.

Rome, Italy:
Dining in this Italian capital is an experience that's arguably just as pleasurable as seeing the sites the city has to offer and surprisingly, finding the best fare is as easy as pie. While Northern Italy is famous for its pesto and truffles, Tuscany for its olive oil and beans, Sicily for its sweets, and the south for its seafood and spice, Roman cuisine boasts all of this and more. From home-style Italian cooking in charming trattorias to innovative fare in designer restaurants, the old streets of Rome will have you savoring la dolce vita.

New motorcycle film stars New Mexico

Viewers of the popular film "Wild Hogs" are seeing a lot of New Mexico. And the state's convention and tourism officials are trying to attract more visitors among movie-goers.

"The majority of the film was shot in the colorful former mining town of Madrid," says the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau. Madrid became a ghost town in the 1800s but was revived with a thriving artists' colony in recent years.

"The open roads, breathtaking vistas, magnificent mountain views, and parking and picnic spots along the way have made this a popular scenic route for tourists, motorcyclists and outdoor enthusiasts," said the CVB.

The Disney Touchstone Pictures comedy stars John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy as four middle-aged bikers taking a road trip from Ohio to the West Coast.

The Albuquerque area has 310 days of sunshine. It's is already known as the "Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World."

Could motorcycles be next?

Traveling With Kids? Be Prepared.

The federal government is advising parents about some of the potential pitfalls of travelling with children.

With the spring school break in progress or imminent in many provinces, the opportunity to visit relatives outside Canada or escape the cold means many children will be travelling alone or with one parent.

Having the proper documents is key. With some specific exceptions, that means each child should have a valid passport and a supporting document, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card.

A parent travelling alone needs a letter from the other parent approving the trip. A notarized letter is recommended.

In the case of a divorced or separated parent, even if he or she has custody, a letter is advisable. And travel officials might require a copy of the separation, divorce or custody decree.

And if the travelling parent fears there might be custody issues that arise while the child is out of the country, the government advises talking to a lawyer.
"Custody arrangements in Canada may not be recognized in some countries," the department said.

Foreign Affairs also said parents who are single because their partners died are advised to carry a certified copy of the death certificates.

Some of the government's other recommendations are common sense.

For example, it says, young children should never be left unattended. But it goes on to suggest that they should carry a piece of ID in case they wander. And parents should carry a recent photo of their children in case they get lost.

For children travelling alone, parents should arrange with the airline to supervise their youngsters. The adult meeting the child at the destination must have proper identification and authorization.

Travelling with infants requires special preparations. The department says the parent should use an approved safety seat, and bring a supply of baby products, including a bottle or pacifier for the child to suck on, to equalize the air pressure when the plane is landing or taking off.

It Pays to Use a Travel Agent...

Okay, this may sound self serving, but I think it still needs to be said. Sure online booking is easy and sometimes there are deals to be found that agents might not find (although rare these days), but you should consider using an agent in these situations:

If you are pressed for a time. Let a travel agent can do the research for you. Finding deals on the Internet can be time consuming, and a travel agent can do the legwork quickly and efficiently.

Want to take a cruise? Travel agents can easily find excellent discounts and/or cabin upgrades. The overwhelming number of cruises and destinations make it difficult for the first-time cruiser to select the right trip, and a travel agent can help with that too.

Road warriors. Frequent travelers can benefit from a travel agent, because the agent will work hard to keep your business. You can bet that agents will want to find you the lowest prices and upgrades so that you'll keep coming back.

Anticipating trouble. If you're traveling to areas prone to hurricanes during hurricane season, use an agent who will make certain that you are booked into resorts and hotels that will refund some or part of your costs should a hurricane hit the area. An agent can also help you move from one destination to another, get you back home and help you get a refund.

Planning a complicated itinerary? Travel agents are invaluable. For example, a first-time trip to China, Tibet and Russia can be difficult to plan, and packaged tours aren't for everybody. An experienced agent can help you put it together, saving you both time and money.

Special needs travel. Elderly or ill travelers can benefit from the extra care travel agents can secure. A travel agent can negotiate access for medical equipment such as wheelchairs and oxygen and can also find you safe and easily accessible accommodations.

Business interruptions. And if your airline goes on strike or declares bankruptcy, a travel agent can help you quickly get an alternative flight. So carry your travel agent's contact information with you on the trip.

Passport Help

Passport Canada is in the process of hiring 300 additional workers to deal with the surge in demand from Canadian travellers on tight winter-vacation schedules, a spokeswoman for the federal agency said on Friday.

Passport Canada had already hired 200 workers to deal with the demand created by tighter U.S. regulations, Francine Charbonneau said. Staff had been able to process 20,000 applications a day in the weeks before the current crunch, up from 13,000 a day. However, daily applications surged to 21,000 in January, and Passport Canada is facing a delay of 25 business days on top of the standard 20 it requires to process an application by mail.

Those who cannot afford to wait 15 days for Passport Canada to send back their original documents are now pursuing a second option: getting an emergency birth certificate ($30, plus a $15 rush fee) so they can then apply for an expedited passport in person for an additional $70. (The old birth certificate is immediately cancelled for security reasons.)

Jason Wesley, a spokesman for the Ontario Ministry of Government Services, said the high volume of passport applicants has spilled over into the issuing of birth certificates.

“We believe that increase is mainly due to the fact that Canadians need passports now to travel to the United States. And in order to receive a passport, Passport Canada requires a valid birth certificate,” he said, noting there was an 11-per-cent increase in the number of applications received this January, compared with the same period last year.

Those requesting an emergency birth certificate must show up at the Toronto office, he said, or get their MPP to fax their documents for them.

Children 12 and Under Will Need ID for Flights

Children who appear to be 12 years of age or older will have to present government-issued ID to board an airplane once Transport Canada's new no-fly list comes into force in March.

The new rules mean children as young as 10 or 11 could be denied the right to board domestic flights if they can't produce government photo ID or present two pieces of non-photo ID issued by government.

The no-fly list will come into force for all domestic flights when final regulations are published in March. The program will be extended to international flights in June.

Under the Passenger Protect program, airlines will be required to screen the names of all persons "who appear to be 12 years of age or older" against the no-fly list before issuing a boarding pass. If there's a match, passengers must produce government-issued ID that shows their name, birth date and gender.

The program also requires airlines do a second screening at the boarding gate by asking passengers who appear to be 12 or older for government-issued ID and comparing it with the name on the boarding pass.

According to the Passenger Protect regulations, the required documents can either be one piece of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's licence, or two pieces non-photo ID issued by government, at least one of which must show name, birth date and gender.
Unless young travellers have a passport, they will likely fall into the second category and have to produce two pieces of non-photo ID.

According to Transport Canada spokesperson Jacques Dufort, that would most likely be a birth certificate, which shows date of birth and gender, along with a second piece of government ID, such as a health card or social insurance card, showing only the person's name.

Doggie Day Spa!

File this in your "Over the Top" mental folder. The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota has set up a Doggie Day Spa for their guest's pets.

"Initially there is a lot of playful behavior," says Darlene Davison, the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota's spa director, "but soon their eyelids droop and their muscles relax under the massage therapist's soothing touch." Darlene is talking about massaging dogs -- canine.

How much do you think it costs to pamper your pooch, the Ritz-Carlton way?

Oh, about $130 per session. Add to the hotel's 20-pound weight limit and the additional $125 nonrefundable pet fee and the "privileged pup" plan comes out to a minimum of $12.75 a pound. And that's just the standard package.

For another $220, Ritz-Carlton adds gourmet dog biscuits, an in-room massage, a choice of nail buffing or nail polish, a souvenir photo, a brisk walk over Sarasota's scenic Ringling Bridge and a gourmet meal of organic stew and designer water.

The amazing thing is that obviously there is a demand for this kind of pooch pampering. Consider the following US Stats - our neighbours to the south spend about $38.4 billion on their pets annually, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association. Spending on pets increased an average of $2.3 billion a year since the association started tracking numbers in 1997.

Look for traveling with your pets as one of the upcoming trends in travel this year!

Weather or Not...The Canadians are Coming!

In warm winters past, the industry always claimed that a good cold snap or vicious snowstorm was needed to get the phones ringing. But this year, as Ontario sails through one of its warmest winters in history, business has been booming.

Why you ask? I think the market has changed and Canadians have changed too – getting away from winter, even a mild one, is something that has become ingrained, as much for a restful break as an escape from the cold. People are now used to getting away to the south in the winter, they plan for it every year and weather be damned.

I know weather has been the topic of conversation for most of us living in Ontario, but it hasn't deterred our customers. Nor, in fact, has the whole US passport requirement. Perhaps its our Canadian way of being prepared in advance, but we haven't seen any real issues with the new law. In fact, many of our customers had their passports already.