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Greetings!
I hope you are enjoying the fabulous weather as much as I am!
If you are interested in the pictures from our cruise on the Carnival Dream, you can find them on the Facebook page. There is a link in this newsletter, to your left. If you are not on Facebook, just send me an email and I'll be happy to send you some pictures.
A new airline choice in Toronto, Harry Potter, a possible strike by Air Canada Jazz and tips for Solo travellers are featured in this month's newsletter.
Enjoy... |
| Virgin America coming to Toronto | |
By John Spears, Business Reporter, The Toronto Star
Virgin America's chief executive David Cush flew into Toronto on Air Canada recently.
 But starting June 23, he'll be trying to steal Air Canada's business, as Virgin America initiates daily service from Toronto to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Cush, who spent 22 years as an airline executive in the U.S. and Argentina before joining Virgin America in 2007, talked to the Star about the new service and the airline industry.
Q: Why Toronto?
You can get the answer to this and other questions by clicking here. |
| Muggles Take Flight at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter | |
It's just as well that there's only the one truly outstanding ride in Wizarding World, because rides aren't really the point; workmanship is.
 This attraction was made for the kind of people who have more or less memorized Ms. Rowling's books, and it shows in all sorts of details. The weathering of the stone to make it look indefinably old. The way the snow sits on the rooftops, just on the verge of melting.
The line for the Forbidden Journey winds through the hallways and rooms of Hogwarts Castle, and for those attentive enough there's a story going on. The riders become part of it, aided by talking portraits and figures from the films...
To read the full story from New York Times Travel section, click here |
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The Etiquette of Seat Backs & Elbow Room | |
Ed Hewitt, Features Editor, The Independent Traveler
We've all experienced it -- mere moments after you fly over your car in the airport parking lot, the seat in front of you slams at full speed into full reclining position, bashing down against your knees. The passenger then rustles around to get comfortable, thumping against your knees again and again.
 Or you reach down between your feet to pull out your headache medicine, and the seat back in front of you nails you in the noggin. Or later in the flight, the meal cart comes and goes -- but the seat back never does. The passenger in front of you leans forward over his meal so he can see it, forgetting that you can't see yours because it's buried under his seat back. Or, as [Ed Hewitt] once saw, the passenger in front of you has no other aisle mates, so she sprawls out across three seats, and to get even more comfortable, she puts all three seat backs in full reclining position! Uh, this is an airline, not a hotel... No question, personal space is at a premium on airplanes. [Ed] believe there is a time for upright seats, and there is a time for reclining fully.
Here's [Ed's] opinionated guide to the etiquette of reclining seat backs. Click here for the story. |
| Jazz Cabin Crew Members Poised for Strike | |
The Flight Attendants of Air Canada Jazz, which operates regional  flights on behalf of Air Canada, are poised to strike with 48 hours notice, which could be given at any time.
The Canadian Flight Attendants Union, which represents roughly 850 employees at the airline, said 99.5% of its voting membership supported the mandate in cross-country votes.
Both the flight attendants and the pilots have been working without a contract since June 2009, and are seeking wage and benefit improvements, as well as work rule changes.
Union officials say it is payback time after seven years of deep cuts to pay and benefits.
They maintain, employees helped the company when it was in financial trouble in 2003 and 2004 and now that it is posting record profits the company can afford to improve wages and working conditions.
Air Canada is optimistic that a work stoppage will be averted. "It is Air Canada's expectation that a satisfactory resolution will be reached between Jazz and its unions. For Air Canada, it is business as usual," said a spokesman for the country's largest airline.
If you have a flight operated by Jazz coming up... keep an eye on the news or let me know and I'll keep you informed of the progress! |
| Single Travel... Tips for going Solo | |
From independenttraveller.com
Take in new surroundings unfiltered by the prejudices, tastes or preferences of a traveling companion...
 Traveling alone gives you the chance to indulge yourself fully. Of course, single travel has its perils too -- such as safety concerns, loneliness and the dreaded single supplement. But a little preparation and common sense can save you money and get you through the rough spots...
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| Tidbits | |
Good or interesting information that doesn't require a whole article!
Air Canada, this spring, has introduced seven new routes to American cities. They are Cincinnati, Ohio; Memphis, Tennessee; Orange County, California; Portland, Maine; Syracuse, New York; Portland, Oregon; San Diego, California.
Spirit Airlines is returning to a normal schedule after striking a deal with their pilots.
Norwegian Cruise Lines has taken delivery of their newest and largest ship, the Norwegian Epic. Final prep is underway before passengers board for the inaugural cruise.
Rocky Mountaineer rail line is celebrating 20 years of service.
There are great last minute sales on Europe cruises with MSC. Contact me anytime for details. |
| Questions & Answers | |  Q - "What are the tipping guidelines for Europe?" A - Gratuities in Europe are a bit different than in North America. While tipping is not as generous, it is often expected and is generally based on your means and philosophy. Some rules regarding tipping apply throughout Europe; others vary from country to country. When in doubt, ask at the hotel about local tipping customs.
Here are a couple of great websites to help sort it all out for you: Hope this helps... Send your questions to Janna. |
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