Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/510262
DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2015 10 AMONG INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS, Canada is considered one of the most exotic destinations in the world. Our mountains, lakes, oceans, forests and wide-open spaces lure travellers from around the world to our shores. Sadly, it appears Canadians are not as enthralled with all our country has to offer. Research shows that time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. Just 30 minutes a day is all it takes to reap the benefits. Yet a recent report commissioned by Coleman Canada (colemancanada.ca) revealed 63 per cent of Canadians spend two hours or less per week enjoying outdoor recreational activities. As many as 49 per cent claim lack of time is a barrier to spending time outdoors. From back- yard BBQs and picnics in the park to camping excursions and cottage weekends, there are so many ways to enjoy summer outside. In this issue, we've presented several ideas, many of which involve the great outdoors and a return to nature and simpler pleasures. While unplugging and leaving your technical gadgets at home may be the ideal way to enjoy any vacation, some may find this prospect impossible, if not downright intimidating. If you remain in Canada, chances are your Canadian cell phone service provider will keep you in touch with friends and family. However, doing so on trips to U.S. or international destinations may present chal- lenges and unwanted expenses. Roam Mobility (roammobility.com) is always coming up with innovative ideas to make life easier for frequent travellers. A few years ago, this Vancouver-based company introduced the unlocked Breeze phone and a SIM card as well as unlimited talk, text and data plans for as little as $1 a day to avoid nasty roaming charges while in the USA. However they haven't stopped there. Perhaps you own two mobile phones—one for Canada and another for out-of-country travel or one for personal needs and another for business. Owning two phones can be cumbersome. Remembering to keep both charged and having access to informa- tion and photos when you need them most are just a couple of challenges dual phone owners face. Roam Mobility has come up with a brilliant solution to eliminate the dual-phone dilemma—unlocked dual-SIM phones. The new Breeze model has two SIM card slots so you can use your Roam SIM while in the U.S. and switch to your SIM from a compat- ible carrier once you're back in Canada. Priced at CDN$49.95, the compact Breeze phone features Bluetooth, FM radio, a QWERTY key- board and includes a U.S. Roam Mobility SIM card. For those who prefer the sleek look and convenience of touch- screens, Roam Mobility also offers the new unlocked Que dual-SIM Android smartphones, available in three sizes. Each model comes with all the bells and whistles, including a sharp multi-touch screen, a camera, USB cables, earbuds, a charger, a case, a long-lasting battery and a U.S. SIM card. Prices for Que smartphones range from CDN$149.95 to $219.95, depending on the model you purchase. The company also offers the option to simply purchase a travel SIM card, priced at CDN$9.95, for use in your unlocked smart- phone, tablet or hotspot to talk, text and enjoy the Web without limits across the USA or Mexico. Regardless of which mobile phone you choose, you can call or text message to any U.S. or Canadian number without incurring any long-distance charges while in the U.S. or Mexico. And, if you travel overseas, all Roam Mobility phones will work in any country. Use your regular SIM card from your regular service provider while in Canada and switch to the Roam Mobility SIM card when travelling to the U.S. or Mexico. And, as an added bonus on your Que smartphone, you can still monitor who may be trying to reach you on your Canadian number. Everything is exactly where you want and need it all the time so you don't have to swap phones or SIM cards. It's just that simple. Enjoy a safe and memorable summer. DS DS FROM MY TRAVEL BAG >> BY DONNA S. VIEIRA editor@dreamscapes.ca