Tagged With "Air Canada"
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Re: Welcome to The Golden State.
Later today, after I'd posted this photo, I was watching the local 6:00 news, Sacramento. A fire had started in Lincoln, NE of Sacramento, a yard full of trucks engulfed and spreading into grass, moving toward a subdivision. A spotter plane left the Grass Valley Base, flew over my house and I looked to see what it was. About 10 minutes later the news helicopter showed it arriving low over the fire to inspect it. I went out again to watch the next plane, a retardant tanker, possibly the one...
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Re: Welcome to The Golden State.
Currently estimated at 32,00 acres in size, the Butte Fire is now burning 1 mile from Mokelumne Hill. While I have no doubt the tiny town will be saved, your best view of it at the moment may be here , on TravelGumbo. More details on the CalFire site.
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Re: What is your Favorite Travel Destination in America?
I am particularly fond of the west. This includes the Rocky Mountains which extends over many states and into Canada. Alaska is also a very special place to visit.
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Re: Has anyone used their Enhanced Drivers License to travel to Canada or Mexico?
Most of the people I know who have this license are those who don't want to travel internationally and who live near the Canada-US border. There are a number of town literally split by the border and people migrate across daily to visit friends or work. I think these licenses are intended for them. Same for the Mexico USA border. If you travel internationally and have a passport, no point paying extra for the license for most folks. Passports have become more sophisticated and if you read...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
A lot of questions! Let me try a few answers... Absolutely I'd say stop in Iceland. Every place in the world is unique, but Iceland is more so, geographically, in climate, and in history. Half a week (or even a week) won't do more than scratch the surface, but you'll be able to visit incredible waterfalls, climb on glaciers, see evidence of recent volcanic activity, and realize that under it all is a huge pool of thermally heated water that provides over 70% of the nation's energy. If that...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Well, I said so much about Iceland, I decided to leave the rest for another post. Getting from Barcelona (or Madrid) to Lisbon: the only practical way is to fly. Train takes too long for this one, and costs more! From Barcelona to Lisbon, flights on Vueling, Iberia, TAP, etc. run from $35 one-way to about $80 before you hit the high-priced ones. I just looked in May; Vueling and Iberia have $68 in the morning and $35 at 7:30 pm. Madrid-Lisbon, there's a $40 mid-day flight, but most other...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
PHeymont has given you some excellent advice, Travel Luver. By all means, spend some time in Iceland. If you can fit it into your trip, 4 days would be my minimum stay here. As Paul pointed out so well, Iceland is unique. It is also very sparsely populated, with only 300,000 people on the island and two thirds of those living in Reykjavik. And it is a newly form volcanic land with tons of glaciers, waterfalls, and geothermal events. So by all means, see it. When you land at Keflavik airport...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Hey, I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but no matter how cold it is, they keep the outdoor pools open in Iceland with underground hot water. We went to the Blue Lagoon in February, and it was funny...usually people get OUT of a pool because they are getting cold, but there we stayed IN to keep warm!
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Hot springs are to die for. You always see pictures of the Blue Lagoon. Are there other places to go for a warm swim in Iceland ?
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Originally Posted by voyager: Hot springs are to die for. You always see pictures of the Blue Lagoon. Are there other places to go for a warm swim in Iceland ? There are lots of places to go for geothermal swims in Iceland, Voyager. Almost every small city and town has a public geothermal pool. The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, but it's also quite pricy, especially if you go for a family. This website gives you some idea of all the pools you can access in Iceland. Here's that link.
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
I never knew that there are public geothermal pools all over Iceland. No one has mentioned this before. This is terrific to know. thanks
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Well, thanks everyone. You've been great and this has all been very helpful. So yes, I will go to Iceland for 4 days. I will base myself at a hostel in Reykjavik (all I can afford), and I'll do 2 day trip tours, still researching which ones but those recommended look great. And I love hot springs, so I plan to soak the evenings away after enjoying the "youth scene" over there. I need to check out a good Icelandic beer. Any recommendations. And I will visit Iceland at the of my trip, rather...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
You're most welcome, Travel Luver! Give the VIKING beer a try -- it's pretty good. And made with that great Icelandic water that has a unique taste (and pleasant at that). Also be sure to try their Coca Cola, made with Icelandic water and sugar (not corn syrup as in North America) -- definitely a better product.
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Speaking of good things to eat, stop in a local store for some skyr--that's Icelandic yogurt made from skimmed milk. Slightly tart and wholly delicious.
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Re: What can't you live without on a plane flight?
It's interesting how electronics have changed how we live, isn't it? PHeymont, I liked the kind of snacks you do but a lot of countries completely disallow any type of produce to be taken into their homeland. Usually if it's processed, it's okay, but just dried I'm not sure about. Have you run into troubles with this? New Zealand especially has hefty fines. Can't even bring a dozen eggs from USA into Canada or visa versa.
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Re: Ever wonder what the inside of the A380 looks like
I'd like to try the A380 someday...but only in economy. It's not that much wider than many other wide-bodies (3-4-3 seating compared to 2-5-2 or 3-4-3 on others) and it's divided into sections that keep the perspective comfortable. But it appears that the big trend these days in first-class and business is seats that are practically cocoons, and separate the adjoining passengers with consoles, tables and who-knows-what-else. What happened to sitting companionably with your spouse, maybe even...
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Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
A number of you have helped me plan a trip to Portugal and Barcelona. I've decided to go on this trip next May when I'll have a few more days of vacation. Checking out different airline websites, I came across Icelandair, which flies...
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Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Just found this website and I hope you guys can help me out. I'm finishing my Masters (Architecture) this spring and have a job lined up starting July 1. The job has little holiday time (2 weeks first 2 years), so I want to make a trip to...
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Is Visa everywhere you want to be?
A Visa Ad Campaign for the Olympics Visa had the slogan “It’s everywhere you want to be" from 1995-2006. And in 2014, they brought back the slogan and trimmed it to “Everywhere you want to be” in their worldwide campaigns. I've tried to bring Visa branded credit cards or debit cards on my travels because of the wide acceptance of Visa. This year I've experienced something new to me on one of the Visa branded debit cards I purchased. I discovered that the biggest pre -paid debit card issuer...
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How do you use the internet while traveling?
I've just finished a long trip and it's time for me to rethink how I use the internet on overseas trips. It actually ending up costing me a lot more by not buying a data plan and relying solely on Wi-Fi. This trip my plan was to use...
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The Charm of the Most Beautiful Mountains Will Amaze You!
Many people drive inspiration from different things. What is your inspiration> well, if you ask in your circle and social groups; you might end up in mountains. There are many fellows who take inspiration from the charm and beauty of mountains. Have you ever pondered about the gorgeous mountains that the world has stored for you? Yes, the world is full of wonders and beauties. When talking about landscapes, sceneries, mountains and hills; there are plenty of options that are absolutely...
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10 Water Sports and Their Top 5 Spots
This human-made chaos is everything we want to survive this time and everything we get frustrated with. We as a mortal being are keen to watch movies in which robots are flying and changing the world or meta-humans are saving the planet earth. It indicates our want for something drastic to happen in this world, but what we are not willing to do is to leave our couch and drag ourselves out from the house to make our own life better or to save our own-self. I have always found water to be a...
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Cool video...even better than looking down from the plane!
I always want a window seat, I always want a cloudless day, I like to take pictures from the plane, both for pictorial interest and because the view from above makes interesting, seemingly abstract, patterns. I've posted some of them here on...
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Have trouble sleeping on planes? Take a look at this new pillow!
I generally can sleep pretty soundly if I'm exhausted, but must admit that trying to do so in an economy class seat can be challenging. Besides the narrow seats and limited legroom, my head keeps flopping about. Those rounded neck pillows...
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A look at JetBlue's new Premium Class cabin
Conde Nast Traveler has posted a nice piece on JetBlue's new premium class cabin being rolled out on its NYC to LAX route. Worth taking a look at and definitely a change for this previously "low cost" single class carrier. Here's...
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How to Ensure the Safety of the Airlines?
Traveling via the air is becoming more often for the explorers to explore the horizons of any part of the earth, then the reason or purpose of the visit does not matter. For the ones who think a lot about money before traveling to other shores, the headache is lowered down to some extent by the wide span of the airline network. The widespread of airlines have eventually affected the airfares, if not much, but yes to some extent. The lowering down of the air tickets arise other questions too...
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Canada’s Top 4 Ideal Cities
Canada is one of the promising countries that offer great job opportunities, a decent lifestyle and comfortable living spaces. Expatriates and immigrants find it easy to blend into the Canadian culture for two main reasons; welcoming people and equal opportunities for all. When you think of Canada, what comes to mind is the great economic freedom, high-end civilization, and sober governance. Below are the top four ideal cities to live in Canada. Ottawa Located east of southern Ontario, it’s...
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The Best Ways to Send Cash to Someone Overseas
Sending money overseas has been made more convenient and accessible nowadays. Now that everything is digital, you just have to deposit funds to your online account, click on a few buttons on a website, and wait for the recipient to receive the cash. Western Union executed the first wire transfer, which involved telegraphs. The process required the sender to pay money to the company and wait for the operator to transmit a message to another office. Passwords and codebooks were utilized to...
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The Top Five Hottest Reasons For Visiting Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow Scotland should be put on your list of things to do shortly. From culture to architecture, music, pubs, clubs and breathtaking loch-side adventures just 40 minutes from the city Centre...read on to uncover the renaissance that is unravelling in this vibrant city! Hot Reason Number 1 - Arts Culture and Festivals The art and cultural collections in the city have international reach, and the town proudly boasts Robert Burns, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and a couple of Turner prize...
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Bear encounters of the third kind, Canada
An interesting YouTube video about a human/bear encounter in British Colombia. Some people really know how to market. Shared by our friend, Mac. Think you'll enjoy it! Check out this link.
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Ever wonder what the inside of the A380 looks like
I've avoided flying on the Airbus A380 because the thought of over 600 people on a plane makes it all seem a little too crowded to me. But a nice piece in the Washington Post shows a photo tour of the Emirates A380. Worth a look....
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On-line in the Air: Rules still vary
Just back the other day from a week in Spain, flying both ways on Iberia. Unlike the U.S. carriers that now allow gate-to-gate use of electronics (as long as they're in airplane mode) Iberia very firmly told me to put away my phone and Kindle until the seat-belt light was off—just like the old days! Has anyone else had recent experience with non-U.S. airlines and their policies. I know the EU regulatory authorities have issued rules that are pretty much the same as the FAA's, but apparently...
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My first flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
I'd been following the development and troubled roll-out of the Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" for more than a decade, but only recently had my first chance to fly this aircraft on a trip to India. One of the appealing things about the Dreamliner is that its size and fuel efficiency open new travel routes, partially bypassing the usual "hub-and-spoke" model. I was among the first to fly the newly established Toronto to Delhi route (nonstop), a more than 14 hour journey. That's a long time to spend...
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Has anyone used their Enhanced Drivers License to travel to Canada or Mexico?
I'll include the info below from the DHS website on traveling with an Enhanced Drivers License (EDL) under certain conditions. Has anyone done this and does Mexico and Canada accept those for EDL's for entry easily? I like avoiding taking a passport, if I can, because I wrinkle the pages easily and worry about moisture. So far I haven't gotten the passport card, but I would get the EDL when it becomes available in a state I'm living in. Thanks! According to the DHS website: "State-issued...
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Most Amazing Golf Courses Around the World
Golf is a sport that has been recently gaining popularity across the world. Originating from 15th century Scotland, the modern game of golf started to be played at tournaments from mid 19th century. Today, the four biggest tournaments are: The British Open, The Masters, the US Open, and the PGA Championship, the last three of which are players in the United States. However, more and more people are not attracted to golf because of the lure of a professional career, although the victory money...
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See the diverse landscape of Canada with the Canada tourist visa
Canada is an exemplary nation with such paradisiacal sights available. There are beaches and snow-capped peaks of the Mount Robson waiting for a glimpse. So, you can have the most exotic of time in this country. So, this visa allows you to see what’s so different about Canada. It’s a nation which is known for its vast area, low population and lush green surroundings. So, you get to see all the beautiful landmarks of Canada like the Whistler and the Niagara Falls with the Canada tourist visa...
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5 Promising Cities in the World for Talented Young Go-Getters
Young people have different perspectives about great places to live when compared with other age groups. When you’re young, you often have a somewhat ambitious and innovative mindset that is fueled by the opportunity to develop personally and professionally, find new experiences and have the chance to interact with different cultures and interesting people. Now, where are the best places to find all of that? Tokyo, Japan Japan’s capital, Tokyo is a densely populated metropolis, so huge it’s...
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Concerns about the rising number of cruise visitors to the Arctic
Cruise lines sell the chance to see Arctic wildlife and claim they can do so without causing harm. However, many Inuit and other indigenous people who have inhabited the Arctic for millennia are deeply worried. Tourists buy souvenirs and bring income but also a growing threat of sewage and heavy fuel oil pollution as well as the disturbance and destruction of wildlife, such as ships striking whales in narrow channels. Shrinking sea ice is allowing larger cruise ships to venture farther into...
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Re: My first flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Great report! I really enjoyed the larger windows of the 787 on my trip, the extra carry-on space and especially the air. The air seemed moist compared to a regular flight.
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Re: My first flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
My flights were mostly at night so the windows weren't that noticeable, except you could see they were large. But I definitely agree. The biggest things most people will notice when flying the Dreamliner is that they don't get so dry.
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Re: My first flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Did you get the light show of how many colours the cabin can change into ? The way it gives the impression of speed with the lights racing along the overhead storage bins ? My favourite part of a long flight is watching the colours of a sunrise above the clouds. Something that was missing on my last 787 flight because the Captain had darkened all the windows - to keep the passengers asleep.
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Re: My first flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Thanks for your comment, Garry. The flights were night flights so it was the intention to keep the cabin dark so folks could sleep. Really didn't see the great sunrise through those big windows, but that gives me hope for future flights! And no light show. Canadian captains aren't that flashy, I guess.
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Re: My first flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
I just don't get this "it has to be dark or I cant sleep" "Please pull your shade down Sir. The Lady 5 rows back cant sleep" - "But it's only 3pm in the afternoon !!" I can sleep anywhere - light or dark - in a cold tent - on a hot sun lounger. I'm usually asleep before take off. Day or night. Maybe flying isn't as exciting anymore.
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Re: My first flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Flying is still exciting -- to a degree. But I guess we're just getting old.
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Re: My first flights on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
On my return overnight flight (Philly - UK) last week I had my headphones on. I was conducting the orchestra while "Queen" sang Barcelona. Fast asleep. There was a crash that woke me. The Trolley Dolly had crashed her drinks cart into the empty seat next to me. The Trolley Gaffer came down the aisle and said to her "What is the matter with you tonight ?" "This guy keeps putting me off " she said. And pointed to me. She stopped by later and explained she was only joking. "You're more than...
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Re: 12,000 Mini Miracles
I agree with your comment, Rob. That was a stupid and arrogant way to deal with an issue that really ticks the public off. I used to be a very loyal WestJet patron, but I've switched to Air Canada (partially because they take me anywhere in the world, more or less). That said, I still think it's a great video!
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The world’s most powerful passports
If you’re not familiar with the Henley Passport Index then you probably haven’t given much thought to which countries you can enter visa-free, depending on the passport you hold. The folks at Henley and Partners think about little else as they meticulously record movements in visa requirements in their quarterly reports. “Visa-free” means you don’t have to apply in advance for a visa to enter the destination country, and it includes countries that automatically issue a visa on arrival. In...