Barefoot Travel with Alex

03/02/2026

🚨 CANADIAN PASSPORT FEES ARE INCREASING 🇨🇦✈️

If your passport is expiring soon (or you’ve been putting off applying)… this is your sign.

Effective March 31, 2026, Canadian passport fees are increasing and will now be adjusted annually based on inflation.

That means:
✔️ 5-year and 10-year passport fees are going up
✔️ Future increases will likely happen every year
✔️ Applying before March 31 locks in the current lower rate

If you’re planning travel for 2026, 2027 weddings, Europe river cruises, or even just thinking about that “someday” trip… make sure your passport is valid and ready.

I can’t tell you how many times passport validity has delayed someone’s dream vacation. Don’t let a fee increase (or expiry date!) catch you off guard.

📌 Check your passport tonight.
📩 Message me if you’re unsure about entry requirements for your next destination.

With you every step of the way 💛

02/16/2026

02/10/2026

Today has been one of the hardest days.

Trips cancelled. Dreams paused. Clients heartbroken.

And while we are working nonstop to support our travellers, our hearts are also with the people of Cuba.

Tourism is not just vacations there. It’s livelihoods. It’s families. It’s survival.

Our clients are losing trips they’ve been looking forward to for months.

But the people of Cuba are facing something much deeper.

We hold space for both.

To our clients: we see you, and we are here with you every step of the way.

To the people of Cuba: you are not forgotten. 🇨🇺💔

— Barefoot Travel
With You Every Step of the Way

02/10/2026

Cuba Travel Update – Flight Cancellations & Options 🇨🇺✈️

Barefoot Travel Advisory | February 9, 2026

We know this is incredibly disappointing news for many of our clients who have been looking forward to their Cuba vacations. Trips are being cancelled, plans are changing, and emotions are understandably high. Please know we are actively supporting our Barefoot Travel clients and guiding them through their options.

Here is the latest confirmed information from the major Canadian tour operators and airlines:

✈️ Air Canada Vacations / Air Canada

• All flights and vacation packages to Cuba are suspended until May 1, 2026
• All existing bookings have been cancelled

Options:
✔️ Full refund automatically issued
✔️ Returned to original form of payment
✔️ Aeroplan points and gift cards refunded automatically
✔️ Refunds processed based on original departure date

✈️ Air Transat

Departures February 9–28, 2026:
✔️ Change destination or travel dates with no penalty
OR
✔️ Full refund to original form of payment

Departures March 1–April 30, 2026:
✔️ Change destination or dates with no penalty
✔️ Travel credit issued for full booking value

✈️ Sunwing

WestJet Group has begun what it is calling an orderly winding down of winter operations to Cuba, cancelling all trips booked via WestJet, Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations and Vacances WestJet Quebec effective immediately.

Option 1 – Change destination or dates
✔️ One change permitted
✔️ Change fees waived
✔️ Fare difference may apply

Option 2 – Cancel booking
✔️ Full value issued as travel voucher
✔️ Insurance and administration fees remain non-refundable

There are currently no safety or security concerns for guests who remain in Cuba.

Message From Barefoot Travel 💛

We know many of our clients are losing vacations they have been dreaming about, celebrating milestones, or simply needing time away. We share in your disappointment and are here to support you through the next steps.

At the same time, our hearts are also with the people of Cuba. The hotel staff, drivers, guides, servers, and families who depend on tourism are facing incredibly difficult circumstances. Cuba has always welcomed travelers with warmth, kindness, and resilience, and they are the ones most impacted by these changes.

We remain hopeful for stability and recovery for the country and its people.

If you are a Barefoot Travel client, please know we are monitoring your booking and will be in touch to assist you.

With you every step of the way,
Barefoot Travel

01/27/2026

✨ Plan Now, Travel Later — and Save More ✈️

Dreaming of your next getaway? The smartest way to travel isn’t waiting—it’s planning ahead.

✔️ Better prices

✔️ More choice in flights, resorts & experiences

✔️ Flexible payment options over time

✔️ Less stress, more excitement

The reality? Waiting often means higher prices and fewer options. Planning early gives you control, confidence, and the trip you truly want.

💬 Ready to start planning your next adventure?

Let’s design your perfect trip together—before the best options disappear.

📩 Message me today to get started

🌍 With you every step of the way.

01/25/2026

🌪️ This weekend’s storm is a powerful reminder: travel plans can change in an instant.

Across Canada, flights were cancelled, delayed, and rerouted — leaving many travellers scrambling to rebook, find hotels, and adjust plans. For some, the stress was manageable. For others, it was costly.

✨ This is where travel insurance makes all the difference.

✔️ Coverage for flight cancellations & delays
✔️ Protection for unexpected expenses
✔️ Peace of mind when plans change
✔️ Support when you need it most

And when you book with Barefoot Travel, you’re never alone. We’re here to help rebook flights, navigate options, and advocate for you — with trusted partners and “feet on the ground” in destinations around the world.

Before your next trip, let’s make sure you’re protected.
Because the best trips start with smart planning 💛✈️

📞 (647) 938-1510
📧 [email protected]

01/20/2026

What could be better than starting the year with some trip planning? With flights on sale and up to 40% off packages, it’s the perfect time to get started on those travel goals with Transat!

A tropical escape with the family, a solo adventure, or a romantic getaway for two, Transat has something for everyone!

Contact me today to get booked!

01/20/2026

An update about travel to Cuba. This is the readon why i say, you get what you pay for when visiting Cuba.

As of January 18, 2026, the Government of Canada recommends that you exercise a high degree of caution in Cuba.

This advisory has been recently updated to reflect a significant decline in the availability of basic services, including in popular resort areas.
________________________________________
⚠️ Key Risk Factors

The advisory is driven by chronic shortages and deteriorating infrastructure across the island.

• Widespread Shortages: There are severe and unpredictable shortages of food, bottled water, medication, and fuel.4 This affects not only the local population but also international hotels and resorts.

• Power & Water Outages: Prolonged electrical blackouts (sometimes exceeding 24 hours) are common. Water supply to resorts may also be interrupted intermittently.

• Safety & Crime: Petty crime (pickpocketing and purse snatching) is frequent in tourist areas.8 There has been a noted increase in more confrontational crimes and home/rental burglaries due to the economic situation.

• Infectious Disease Surge: Health authorities have reported a surge in mosquito-borne illnesses, including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Oropouche virus.

💡 Travel Tips for 2026:
• Pack Essentials: Bring your own basic medications (pain relievers, antibiotics, bandages), toiletries, and even snacks, as these may not be available for purchase.10

• Insect Protection: Use high-quality insect repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing to protect against the current surge in mosquito-borne diseases.11

• Connectivity: Do not rely on your cell phone for emergencies.12 Internet is unreliable and Canadian SIM cards often fail to roam properly in Cuba.13

• Cash is King: Bring sufficient cash (USD or CAD) for tips and private services. While resorts take cards, many local vendors and taxis cannot process them.

01/19/2026

Punta Cana with Transat is the kind of getaway that instantly slows everything down.

Think soft white-sand beaches, warm turquoise water, palm-lined resorts, and days that unfold at your own pace. From laid-back mornings by the ocean to sunset cocktails and easy evenings under the stars, it’s pure Caribbean escape without the stress.

Reach out to learn more or to book your Punta Cana getaway.

01/16/2026

✈️ Such good news for travellers!

After listening to customer feedback, WestJet has reversed its decision to reduce legroom on select aircraft. 🙌

That means more comfort, more space, and a better onboard experience—exactly what travellers were asking for.

It’s always encouraging to see airlines listen and respond to their guests. If you have upcoming travel plans and want help choosing the best flight options for comfort and value, I’m here to help every step of the way. 💙

📩 Reach out anytime to plan your next trip with confidence.

— Barefoot Travel ✨

01/13/2026

🇪🇸✨ Did you know Air Canada Vacations offers all inclusive resorts in Europe? ✨🇪🇸

It’s not widely known, but yes, all inclusive in Europe is a thing, and it can be surprisingly comparable in price to Mexico or the Caribbean.

Starting at $2,769 CAD per person you can travel to Palma de Mallorca, Spain and enjoy the ease of an all inclusive stay, while experiencing Mediterranean beaches, European culture, and a destination that feels a little more special than the usual sun getaway 🌊🍷

🌟 Featured resorts 🌟
• Iberostar Waves Cala Domingos
• Iberostar Selection Albufera

This is a great option for anyone who is looking for something different without giving up the comfort and simplicity of an all inclusive vacation.

Same idea, sun and relaxation. Different destination and a big “wow” factor!

Contact me for more details [email protected]