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Greetings!
As I put together this newsletter, it's a beautiful sunny day and, out my office window, Lake Ontario is an awesome colour of blue! I'm so glad summer is here!
In this newsletter, we look at The Black Sea, Goway, The Bike Train, Traveller Information and, as always, a few tidbits. Grab a beverage, put your feet up and enjoy... |
| The Black Sea | |
Cruising's Best Kept Secret - From Cruise Critic  The Black Sea is an inland sea connected to the Mediterranean by the Bosporus (which bisects Turkey and leads into the Sea of Marmara) and the Dardanelles Strait (linking the Black Sea with the Aegean). It is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, Georgia and Romania. Geographic high points include the Caucasus Mountains to the East and the generally sunny Crimean coast.
A topographer will tell you that the Black Sea formed many millions of years ago...
A historian would say that, in the 5th century, the Greeks referred to it as the "Inhospitable Sea" because notoriously belligerent tribes lived along its coast...
And, a marine scientist would propose that its modern name derives from unusual micro-organisms that inhabit its waters and ink them with black sediment...
Contemporary travelers probably only need to hear the answer to one question:
 Is the Black Sea worth exploring by cruise ship? The answer to that is yes -- and you should go there soon before the modern plague of commercialism starts to erode its unique characteristics.
The Black Sea is one of cruising's best-kept secrets, a perfect antidote if you've had enough of the increasingly overcrowded and overtrodden Mediterranean. It offers every bit as much history and culture, alongside fabulous blond beaches and increasingly sophisticated cities, many of which are rich with stunning baroque buildings (despite also being products of the Soviet era). You can look forward to a wide variety of experiences on a Black Sea cruise -- one day soaking up the sun on the honey-sanded beaches of Varna in Bulgaria, the next exploring the cobbled medieval streets of nearby Nessebur.
You could find yourself discovering the magnificent parks and fine architecture of Odessa, the region's most sophisticated city; drinking in the history of Sevastopol, where the Light Brigade made its legendary Crimean War charge; or visiting Yalta, where Stalin,  Roosevelt and Churchill gathered to redraw the map of Europe at the end of World War II.
There are beaches in most ports, but the majority of visitors are more concerned with culture than sunning themselves. Lovers of fine scenery, meanwhile, will find some of the coastal roads -- particularly the clifftop route from Feodosia to Sevastopol -- unforgettably spectacular.
Foodies can have a fun time discovering local dishes like Pelmeny (meat dumplings), Vareniki (a sweet version of the same, stuffed with cherries or ricotta cheese) or -- for the very adventurous -- a plate of barbecued sheep's testicles. (Apparently, they taste like chicken, but I can't swear to it from personal experience.) For more information from Cruise Critic about experiencing the Black Sea, click here. For availability, dates and pricing, please feel free to email me anytime! |
| Supplier Highlight - Goway | |
The way to go Globetrotting!
 Goway Travel was created in Toronto in 1970 by Bruce Hodge.
In the early years Goway specialized in fun holidays for the "under 30's" as well as overland adventure tours through Africa and Asia.
As a result of connections "Downunder", Goway evolved into one of North America's largest travel companies for the South Pacific. From modest beginnings, Goway now represents all the leading  tour operators in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti and the Cook Islands.
The only North American travel company that fully owns its own office in Australia, Goway Sydney was set up to maintain price controls and to offer additional service to travellers Downunder.
Today Goway has sales and reservations offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Los Angeles.
With the South Pacific covered, in the mid 1980's Goway developed a similar product line in Asia, resulting in programs to China, India and over 20 other countries throughout the region.
 In the mid 90's, Goway introduced a full line of products for Southern, Eastern and Northern Africa. (Bruce's wife also comes from South Africa!) Now branded AFRICAExperts this division proudly lives up to its name. They are also experts for travel to the Middle East.
 Also in the mid 90's Goway introduced the IslandsEscapes brand of exotic travel ideas to the world's most idyllic Islands... Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Samui, Phuket, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius.
In 2005 Goway purchased the specialist Adventure company AdventuresIncorporated to have a focus on the world of adventure. Following the same mandate as other Goway specialist divisions the adventure team offers past, present and future Goway Globetrotters an exciting range of travel ideas.
The strength of Goway has always been the staff and their commitment to customer satisfaction. Many of the staff are longtime employees and Bruce Hodge continues to be president.
THE GOWAY MISSION - Goway's mission is to be the first choice for Globetrotters when they next want to explore, experience and enjoy our wonderful world.
THE GOWAY COMMITMENT - Goway's commitment is to ensure that all Goway travellers are so satisfied with our services so that they will recommend Goway to their friends and they will try another great Goway travel idea next time they travel.
To visit Goway's website, just click here.
If you'd like to book a Goway vacation, please email me anytime. |
| The Bike Train | |
Windsor to Quebec City corridor
 There is plenty to discover along the Windsor to Quebec City train corridor. Why not take a look up close on two wheels.
Take the train and discover eight cities on your bicycle; Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Québec City, London, Windsor, Jonquière and Senneterre.
From June 6th to October 31, 2011 inclusive, sit back and enjoy your train trip while Via Rail takes care of transporting your bike to your chosen destination ($ 20 fee per direction + tax applies).
From the waterfront in Toronto, to the scenic trails of Ottawa to historic Quebec City, gear up for a great 'local' getaway!
Contact me anytime for schedules, train tickets & hotel reservations.
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| Traveller Information at Voyage.gc.ca | |
Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada
Voyage is a great website offering traveller information for travelling outside of Canada.
It features a wealth of information about the country you are planning to visit. Most notable are the sections covering entry/exit requirements, travel health information, travel warnings, currency and local Canadian Government contact information.
Simply visit www.voyage.gc.ca and when the page loads, there will be a box roughly centre where there is a box titled "Where are you going?" with a drop down menu of countries. Choose the country you are interested in and the information will display. To the right, there will be a table of contents for information available.
To visit the Voyage website, just click here. |
| Tidbits | |
Neat stories that just don't need a full article!
Five decadent trips for chocolate lovers - click here
Why your brain needs vacations - click here
Air Canada Jazz to be rebranded Air Canada Express- click here
Kids sail free on Disney Mexican Riviera cruises - click here
'Contortionist' looted fliers' bags by hiding in luggage - click here |
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Janna Guay CTC ACC
Travel Professionals International |
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