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36 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Sunday December 24, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Helpful tips for the holiday traveller T his is the busiest time of the year to be travelling, so if you're flying this weekend, and through the holidays here are some helpful tips. 1) Check your flight Double check that your flight is leaving on time before you leave home. Up-to-date flight information is available on the web. 2) Arrive early Determine your home-to-airport travel arrangements ahead of time. Reserve your taxi or airport limo at least 24 hours in advance as these services book up fast and are always busy during the holiday season. Valet parking may be delayed and airport parking could be near full so save time for parking. You should arrive at the airport departure area a minimum of two hours before your flight time. You must be at the departure gate a minimum of 30 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time. If you arrive at the gate less than 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure time, you may not get your reserved seat. That is for domestic flights; if you're flying international, be in the building at least three hours before hand. 3) Pack properly All wrapped presents must go in checked baggage. Security will unwrap any wrapped items in carry-on baggage, causing delays at security for you and your fellow guests. Fragile and valuable items should be packed appropriately as airlines won't accept responsibility for loss or damage to these items. I recommend bringing these items in the carry-on allowance whenever possible. Anything fragile that must travel in checked baggage should be packed appropriately and tagged 'fragile'. 4) Tag your bags! and snowboards are considered to be part of the checked baggage allowance of two pieces. 5) Beware of carry-on restrictions Since most holiday flights are filled to capacity, carry-on size and weight regulations are strictly enforced. Also, make sure you are aware of Transport Canada's restrictions for carry-on contents. Most airlines accept two pieces of carry-on per guest; check the weight before you pack. This may be the perfect time to buy new luggage that is lighter. Transport Canada will allow the following items in carry-on baggage: · Liquids, gels and aerosols can go through security screening at Canadian airports provided that the items are packaged in containers with a capacity of 100 ml/100 grams/3.4 ounces or less. The containers must fit comfortably in one clear, closed and resealable plastic bag (such as a Ziploc) with a capacity of no more than one litre (seven-inch by eight-inch or six-inch by nineinch). One bag per guest will be permitted. · Prescription medicine with a name that matches the guest's ticket, insulin and other essential non-prescription medicines will continue to be permitted. · Baby formula, baby food and milk, when guests are travelling with a child aged two years or under, as well as prescription medicine and essential non-prescription medicines are exempt from the container size restrictions and are not required to be placed in a plastic bag. However, all such items not in a bag or in containers over 100 ml/100 grams/3.4 oz. must be declared to screening authorities. 6) Make sure to stay hydrated. The aircraft cabin can be very dry, so make sure to drink lots of water during your flight. Airlines offer complimentary refreshments plus a buy-onboard service with a variety of snacks and beverages to purchase. 8) Do not take food across the border, it will be confiscated. Happy Trails. -- Sam Ion can be reached at sion@cogeco.ca. Next stop......Africa ­ Vacation of a lifetime! We have all dreamed of doing that "vacation of a lifetime" and mulled over a variety of destinations, probably close to home. More often than not we are inclined to repeat vacations such as cruising and beach vacations down south. The time has come to think beyond our continent and make that vacation of a lifetime come true. Today Africa is closer than ever before with overnight flights getting us as far south as South Africa. It would be impossible to write an article on all the possible destinations on the African continent, but to help you make your decision let me highlight three experiences that will give you that vacation of a lifetime. Make sure your bags are clearly tagged and that there are no loose straps etc. Add a brightly coloured scarf to the handles so you can pick out your bags quickly. Pack all essentials in your first two checked pieces as there is no guarantee that there will be room for additional baggage. Any overweight or oversized items will be charged an extra fee. Some airlines will refuse baggage that is overweight, even if you offer to pay. Check with your airline before getting to the airport. Sporting equipment such as skis Gina Cheng GREAT NEWS FROM CLUB MED! Once again this winter, Club Med is offering 3 hour direct jet service from Toronto to Club Med Columbus Isle, Bahamas starting on January 07, 2007 (stopping in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos on the return). And to celebrate the relaunch of this service, Club Med has some great deals! For January 07/14/21 departures ­ 7 Nights Air-inclusive (Westjet) - $1,299 + taxes $201 per person double and membership fee. This is a fabulous deal ­ trust me ­ but it is a limited capacity offer. Club Med has completely overhauled Columbus Isle! Those who visit Columbus Isle will discover and explore another new world: one of luxury, sumptuous cuisine, great accommodations, memorable activities and a feeling of complete detachment from the outside world. It's upscale, with delights ranging from luxurious linens to a new pool lounge. It's more relaxing, with oceanfront massage palapas, a new beach bar and dozens of other great amenities designed to soothe your stress away. And it's more tempting, with a variety of enticing restaurants sure to keep your taste buds on their toes. There are new tastes to savor with every meal, all of which are included. Hunger doesn't stand a chance against tempting banquets, endless buffets and incredible specialty restaurants. And premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are now included. Columbus Isle has always been hands down (or is it hands up) my favourite Club Med! If you need to get away and just chill, Columbus Isle is the ticket and the new Columbus Isle with direct service from Toronto makes it even more enticing! On any given week, only a fortunate few will be able to call this island home. Remember, this is a limited capacity offer ­ give us a call! Egypt: For those interested in Ancient History and antiquities and would still like to incorporate a cruise there is nothing to beat this amazing destination. Known for its pyramids, temples, statues and its monuments along the Nile Valley, one can savor all of this during a cruise on the Nile in absolute luxury. Daily excursions from the Nile cruiser will introduce you to the archeological wonders of the past centuries. A visit to Cairo is essential to view the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Egyptian Museum. And if you are still hankering for a visit to a beach you can conclude you stay with a visit to one of the Red Sea resorts where you can relax, swim, dive or take excursions into the desert. Kenya and Tanzania: For some, the vacation of a lifetime may be that ultimate safari and Kenya and Tanzania would be the countries to visit. Both offer magnificent wildlife parks, unusual landscapes and wonderful beaches to enjoy after the safari. Traveling to the various parks can be done by air and in mini-vans with pop-up roofs to view the animals. The accommodations are varied and unique - you can stay in luxury tented accommodations with en-suite facilities, ranches or lodges. A typical safari would take you to the forests of the Aberdares and the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. Wherever you go there is a profusion of wildlife. The beaches of Mombasa and the island of Zanzibar would be a perfect conclusion to a safari. South Africa: If you are thinking of combining a safari with some sightseeing South Africa would be the destination of choice. Once described as "a world in one country" South Africa has something for everyone. The safari experiences at the private game lodges are unbelievable. Not only are the accommodations extraordinary, the open-vehicle game drives by day and night will leave you with unforgettable memories. This coupled with the scenery of the Garden Route that abounds with lakes, lagoons, mountains and beaches as well as the beauty of Cape Town with its Table Mountain will encourage you to return for a second visit. The history of the country can be experienced at numerous museums, in particular the Apartheid Museum and visits to Robben Island and Soweto. Indeed, this is a destination that has so much to offer it demands a second visit. For airfares, tours and safaris to Africa contact us at 905 849-0333 Oakville Town Centre I 300 North Service Road, W. Oakville 905.849.0333 www.totaltravel-oakville.com Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com Ont Reg No 2766538 TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS Your guide to local travel experts and the best deals to your perfect getaway! Ont Reg No 2766538 Relax... you're with us Oakville Town Centre I 300 North Service Road, W. Oakville 905.849.0333 www.totaltravel-oakville.com 221 Lakeshore Road E. Voted Best Travel Agency Best Cruise Company Best Travel Agent Thanks Oakville! Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville Oakville Location: 905-337-2228 wwwhookedoncruising.com 146 Lakeshore Rd. E. 905-842-4999 lakeshore@travelchoice.ca (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com