Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/889690
DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2017 12 Now that summer is behind us, many Canadians will begin plan- ning their winter escape in search of warmer temperatures. For many, Florida, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean are their usual go-to destinations while others prefer Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Jordan, Southeast Asia and even the more temperate loca- tions along the Mediterranean coast. The list is endless. For those who don't wish to commit to a particular destination, cruising is a great choice and now is the perfect time to plan one. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) estimates that more than 25 million travellers will take a cruise vacation this year. The variety of cruise vacation options around the world has grown from rivers in Asia and Africa to ocean cruises to the Galapagos Islands, taking you to some of the best global destinations aboard some of the most advanced cruise ships. Whether you want to tour historic castles or lounge on the best powder sand beaches in the world, there's a cruise for you. This is also the time when cruise lines are offering exclusive deals and promotions. If you don't feel comfortable exploring all the options yourself, you can find a CLIA-certified travel agent at cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/cruise-travel-guide/clia-agent-finder to help you navigate your way through the variety of cruises available today. Wherever you choose to travel, there's always baggage. Packing everything into one bag to avoid airline baggage fees is a challenge. However, deciphering the carry-on and check-in baggage rules for each airline can cause confusion and budget surprises. Most of us probably never think about what questions to ask when we book a flight. What is the cost of one or more bags? What are the weight and size limitations? Should we pack one heavy bag or two lighter ones? Is there an extra cost for sporting equipment, car seats, strollers, medical equipment or wheelchairs? Do baggage fees and policies vary when flying international versus domestic? Fret no more. Created by cheapflights.ca, a comprehensive and mobile-friendly resource called "Check mate: A guide to airline baggage fees and policies" (cheapflights.ca/news/airline-baggage-fees-and-policies) details the rules and costs for traditional economy-class seats on 79 airlines around the world. For instance, want your second bag to fly free? Air India, All Nippon Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines or Southwest Airlines are the way to go. Other air- lines, such as Etihad, Aurigny Air Services, Eva Airways, Malaysia Air, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, allow you to check two bags if the total weight is less than 30 kilograms, while Korean Air, Philippines Airlines, China Eastern and Turkish Airlines permit two checked pieces if they total less than 20 kilograms. Hawaiian Air- lines doesn't charge for the second bag on international flights while Korean Air includes two free bags on domestic flights if the combined weight doesn't exceed 20 kilograms. If you're travelling on board Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines or Wow Air- lines, your personal item better fit under the seat, otherwise you could be assessed a fee ranging from US$15 to $40. If you're travelling to or from a country affected by the carry-on ban regarding large electronic devices, a leading travel insurer offers some sound advice. If you're packing electronic devices in a suitcase, ensure they are securely packed. Place each device in bubble wrap or in its original packaging and position it in the middle of the suitcase. Keep liquids and toiletries in a sealed bag away from the device. When you collect your bag, check the equip- ment immediately. If it's missing or damaged, request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the carrier while you're at the airport and report the details in writing to the airline. Be sure to keep all travel tickets and luggage tags to help support your claim. Before you book a flight, check routes and conditions of carriage to ensure items are not confiscated at the security check as it is unlikely insurers will reimburse you for this loss. Be sure to allow more time for connections and back up your devices so that, in the event of loss or damage, your personal data is not lost. DS DS FROM MY TRAVEL BAG >> BY DONNA S. VIEIRA editor@dreamscapes.ca