Christine Travel Best Bets

08/04/2025

21 days travelling around Italy , YES PLEASE !

08/04/2025

Mexico one of my favourite holiday destinations. The welcoming, friendly people. The amazing food and drink . Gorgeous beaches . What more do you need ?

08/03/2025

Britain & Ireland Delights
9 night guided vacation,
11 meals, ferry crossing
& sightseeing

Oct 3, 2025-Oct 23, 2026
from $2739 $2499 tax included

08/03/2025

Caribbean Cruise
9 nights cruise from New York to
Halifax, onboard meals
& entertainment
Ship: MSC Meraviglia

Apr 12
from $959 + $48 tax

08/03/2025

Varadero, Cuba
Air, 7 nights 4.5-star beachfront
all-inclusive resort & transfers
Hotel: Playa Vista Azul

Nov 1-Dec 6
Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna,
Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg,
Toronto from $799 + $428 tax

08/03/2025

Air Canada Vacations are some of the best vacations I have ever been on . Let’s talk about making your all inclusive vacations a reality.

08/03/2025

Pacific Coastal Cruise
3 night cruise Vancouver
roundtrip & $25 USD onboard
credit per cabin
Ship: Discovery Princess

May 6
from $289 + $340 tax

Exclusive Offer!

08/02/2025

Morocco: Grand Tour
& Kasbah Route
Air, 9 nights partially guided
vacation, 18 meals, sightseeing
& transfers

Oct 15-May 29
Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna,
Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto
from $2329 tax included

Calgary, Edmonton
add from $200 more

Book by Aug 31: Up to $700 future
travel credit per booking!

08/02/2025

Sydney to Honolulu Transpacific
18 night cruise, onboard
meals & entertainment
Ship: Anthem of the Seas

Apr 14
from $1699 + $342 tax

Exclusive Offer!

08/02/2025

TRAVEL MONEY MISTAKES TO AVOID
When budgeting for a trip, we often only take the big-ticket items into consideration. Things like airfare, hotel, cruise or car rental. But the spending starts almost as soon as we walk out the front door. Gas, tolls, airport parking, overpriced bottles of water and food at the airport. Then there are cell phone charges, bank fees, Wi-Fi…just to name a few. To avoid spending more than you have to, check out these ‘money mistakes’ to avoid while traveling.
First, don’t overlook bank and ATM fees. While traveling internationally, each time you go get cash you will likely incur a fee of some kind. These can vary a lot depending on whether the ATM is run by a large bank or not, if the bank is on your card's network and more. Keep in mind that fees can change from year to year, so it's worth checking with your bank before every trip.
Don’t forget to make a plan for getting to your hotel from the airport. This can be the most costly cab ride you’ll take during your stay. Look into lower cost alternative like a ride share, train, bus or shuttle service.
Next, don’t underestimate just how high your cell phone bill could be. Be sure to research the best option for your trip. Some providers have decent international plans. In some cases it makes sense to get a local SIM card at your destination.
This next one might seem obvious, but don’t forget to research the local exchange rate & get familiar with what the currency looks like. Downloading a conversion app like XE is worthwhile to do a little conversion here and there…it can really help you decide if you need that extra souvenir or not.
And, don’t assume you know how much to tip. Tipping customs vary greatly from place to place and not having knowledge of them can be both awkward and expensive. So, do some research before you go.
And finally, don’t use public WiFi for financial transactions. They are a target for cyber-theft. And the last thing you need while traveling is to deal with compromised accounts.

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08/02/2025

Secret Hotel Freebies
You won’t receive what you don’t ask for! While that’s true for a lot of things, it’s especially true during your hotel stays. And although every hotel is different, they all have amenities that you don’t see. Here are a few that you should ask about on your next trip!
One of the most forgotten items while travelling, and arguably one of the most important, is your phone charger. Ironically, this is also one of the most forgotten items when checking out too, so hotels are usually stocked with chargers for all kinds of devices that they are more than happy to lend to you.
Another important but easily forgotten item is your toothbrush or toothpaste. If you call down to housekeeping they’ll have an array of toiletries available that weren’t already in your room, potential makeup remover, shaving kits, skin care, shoe shine kits & hair styling products.
Speaking of hair styling, some hotels will may have straightening and curling irons available on request.
Next, are pillows --- hotels typically keep range of pillow types, so if you prefer thin vs thick, hypoallergenic, feather or memory foam. So, don’t hesitate to ask for options if you really don’t like the one in your room.
Another amenity some hotel offer, but you may not realize, is workout gear. So ask what the hotel has to offer. My go to is asking for a yoga mat so I can do it in the privacy of my own room while away.
When you’re ready to head out from a hotel, always ask about their complimentary transportation services. Many hotels offer free shuttles to popular destinations, a car service within a certain distance range or use of bikes.
And finally, although this isn’t really an amenity, always remember to politely ask at check-in about an upgrade. The front desk staff might be able to offer you a better room, if there happens to be availability!

08/02/2025