Travel
Like The
"Rich and Famous. . ."
Discover How A Pauper
Travels Like A King!
Travel Answers
by: Jane Stokes (Courtesy of News Canada)
(NC)-Here are the answers to this season's most
frequently asked questions:
Internet Issues
Q: Am I missing something if I don't use the
Internet to research and book my vacation?
- Peter T., Winnipeg
A: Opinions on this vary widely, so let's start
with
researching. The Internet is one of the easiest ways research
destinations and it makes planning a breeze. Paying money over the
Internet is the larger issue, although millions of people are doing it
every day. Its main strength as a booking instrument is the ability to
find unpublished accommodation at attractive prices. Buying from a Web
site is not a guarantee however of the best price available. There are
comparative deals with traditional channels too, including travel
agents who can give you face-to-face advice and will be your advocate
if something goes wrong. The middle ground is a Web site that offers
the option of "live" personal assistance. If you do buy on-line, a
general rule of thumb is to buy from a Canadian source, in Canadian
dollars. If prices are quoted in a foreign currency, double check that
your conversion mathematics is correct.
Cruising Comfort
Q: On cruise ships do we need to worry about a lot
of second-hand smoke?
- Jane R., Barrie, Ont.
A: It depends on the cruise line and where you are
sailing.
Europe, Mediterranean and Asia Pacific cruises have more relaxed
smoking rules, but if you choose any of the mainstream, American-based
cruise lines, chances are you will not encounter second-hand smoke
until evening in some of the clubs and bars. Restaurants are generally
smoke-free but the casino is not. Cruise advocates will tell you that
the ratio of non-smoking areas has been increasing with every new ship.
If a non-smoking environment is a top priority however, choose one of
the Caribbean cruises offered by the MS Paradise. It is the only
totally non-smoking cruise ship in the world and this season passengers
can book either an Eastern, or Western Caribbean itinerary. The luxury,
US$300 million, 2,052-passenger MS Paradise delivers a commendable
cruise experience and is one of the more recent additions to the
Carnival Cruise Lines fleet.
- News Canada
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Todays Travel Tip
Lots of the new ships are now charging for extra activities like
miniature golf and in line skating, among others things. Be sure
and find out what activities are not included before making a
commitment. These fun & games can really add up. Our Pauper
enjoys playing as well as the next guy; he just likes doing so with
money in his pocket! Check back tomorrow for
another tip.
P.S.
If you have ever wanted to travel like the "rich and famous," here is
your opportunity. The Pauper's Secret Confessions alone, are
worth 10 times the cost of this book. Never take another trip
without being prepared!