Book on Sunday. Fly on Thursday. And take morning flights if you don’t want to risk delays. Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report was released today, providing the latest essential tips to save travellers time and money on flights, and make air travel less stressful, from when to book, how to avoid cancellations and the best day to depart on your trip. The report comes at a time when travellers are beginning to plan their holiday getaways and are feeling overwhelmed in the process. According to a survey of 1,000 Canadian flyers, Expedia found that 39% reported air travel Read more
Travel advice
We all remember the headlines from last summer: “Canadian airport chaos,” “A sea of lost bags,” and “Toronto Pearson ranked worst airport in world.” I did a series of CBC radio interviews last Friday to talk about whether we’ll see a repeat of the 2022 Summer of Travel Chaos. Here’s what I had to say. What do thing look like for the summer of 2023? There appears to be tons of demand. Air Canada last Friday reported operating revenues for the first quarter of this year were nearly double 2022 numbers. A Mastercard report issued last Thursday found that leisure Read more
March Break is a great time for Canadian families to get away. But airports, especially busy ones such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, can be a huge hassle. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travellers of what to expect when crossing the border during the coming spring travel season and offering some March Break tips. I’ve got a few of my own suggestions on how to avoid hassles at the airport, listed in bold face. Plan ahead and check border wait times and alternate ports of entry. Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during Read more
The travel advisory issued by the Canadian government on Wednesday is already sparking changes by some travel insurance companies. Travel agents and expert say it’s definitely a case of buyer beware. Allianz Global Assistance Canada sent me an email to say that the situation changed once the government of Canada issued its advisory for Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel. “While coverage varies by channel and product, generally speaking, policyholders with Emergency Medical benefits who contract COVID-19 at their destination would not be eligible for emergency medical treatment if a Government of Canada travel advisory (against non-essential travel, level 3 Read more
Most everyone who goes to Europe wants to see London and the Louvre. Not to mention Rome. But there are so many great places to go that aren’t quite as obvious. So here are five of my favourite cities and countries you should check out on your next European trip. VALENCIA A very under-rated city, I think. You’ll find a huge beach fronted by lovely cafés serving all kinds of great seafood, including paella; a favourite in this part of Spain. I love the beach, but I think the city centre is even nice. Here you’ll find one of architect Read more
