The Informed Traveler

In this episode, we'll chat with the folks at Plaza Premium Lounges about their new upgrades at the Toronto and Vancouver airports. Plus they have a couple of Christmas gift ideas for the traveler on your gift list that we'll learn about. Then we'll talk about all-inclusive resorts, the advantages of staying at one and more specifically the all-inclusive resorts that Marriott offers in the Caribbean. And we'll visit with travel writer BJ Oudman about Taking a Road Trip Through Eastern Oregon.  

In this episode, if you're heading to London, England in the near future you might want take a tour or two with the folks from Evan Evans Tours who specialize in tours in and around London, we'll find out more about them and the tours they offer. Then travel writer and Luxury Hotel Reviewer Debra Smith will join us to talk about the Paradisus Los Cabos. And if traveling to Africa has ever been on your mind you'll want to hear our chat with Lion World Travel who can give you some ideas on where to go and what to see.

In this episode, Patrick Soyka from Rewards Canada joins us to give some tips on how to collect those reward miles and points faster and how to get the most value from them. The Sheraton Centre Toronto recently celebrating their 50 anniversary so we'll chat with the GM of the Sheraton Centre Toronto to learn more about it. And the Hawaiian Tourism Authority recently launched their Malama Hawaii Program, so we'll learn more about that and traveling to Hawaii in general. 

We've got a Halloween theme in this episode, first we'll talk with the Haunted Attractions Association. A group that promotes haunted attractions around the world. So we'll learn more about them and what makes a good haunted attraction. Plus we'll head to Powell River, BC and visit the Old Courthouse Inn who recently held a weekend Paranormal Investigation. So we'll find out how that went and hear some spooky stories about the Inn. And we'll visit the Nightmares Fear Factory in Niagara Falls.

In this episode; Destination Canada and the Trans Canada Trail recently partnered up to help promote the Trans Canada Trail so we'll find out more about the trail or series of trails that you can enjoy and experience that runs across Canada. Plus we'll head to Playa del Carmen, Mexico and visit the Sandos Caracol Eco Resort who boasts about having the best water park in Mexico and an All Nature Experience among other things. They're also gearing up for their Day of the Dead Celebrations Nov. 1 and 2 so we'll learn about that as well. And we'll chat with the folks from the Florida Keys and get an update following Hurricane Ian. 

On this week's show; travel writer Debbie Olsen shares her new book The Top 150 Unusual Things to See in Alberta.  Plus we'll discuss the issue of running into the wrong side of the law when in a foreign country. We'll chat with the folks from Legaroo that can provide you with legal help and get some tips on what to know before you go. And we'll visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood.    

In this episode, we're going to dive into travel health insurance to see if the lifting of Canada's travel restrictions has changed anything and get some insight on travel health insurance in general. Plus we'll talk with the folks from Spring Creek Vacations in Canmore, AB about their newest mountain lodge, the Tamarack. And we'll get an update from Tourism Jasper after the Chetamon Wildfire threat and get some insight on a few of the events they have planned in the coming months. 

In this episode, we'll learn about a new free travel app called Driftscape that provides a way for you to explore and learn more about the sites and tours at the destination you're visiting. Plus, travel writer Leigh McAdam joins us to share her adventure in Brier Island, Nova Scotia. And we'll talk with travel writer Dave Slaght about his story visiting the Confederation Bridge, connecting Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) to New Brunswick.

In this episode we talk about the importance of trip interruption and cancelation travel insurance. Our resident travel agent Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions discusses what it covers and the importance of having it. Plus we'll head to Scotland and chat with the folks from Wilderness Scotland about their 7 day exclusive castle retreat staying at not one but two historic Scottish castles. And we'll visit the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In this episode, we'll talk with Patricia Schultz, the author of a new book called “Why We Travel – 100 Reasons to See the World”.  Plus we'll chat about the concept of Agritourism. The folks at HipCamp, the Airbnb of camping, have launched a "Farm" filter to help travelers find campsites across the millions of acres of farms, vineyards, and grazing lands. And the Cruise Guru, David Yeskel joins us to share his onboard the Carnival Panorama cruising the Mexican Riviera. 

In this episode, Passenger Rights advocate Gabor Lukacs shares his thoughts on the new amendments to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations that went into effect Sept. 8. Plus we'll visit the Nantipa Resort Costa Rica, a sustainable, boutique resort nestled right by the beach in one of UNESCO's five Blue Zones. And we'll get an update on a few of the fall events happening at Telus Spark in Calgary. 

We took a short road trip to Golden BC to spend an afternoon checking out the Golden Skybridge. Plus stayed a couple of nights at the Mount Royal Hotel in the town of Banff and while we were in Banff we took a ride up the famous Banff Gondola to take in some of the breathtaking views atop Sulphur Mountain so in this episode we'll play the conversations we had with the folks from the Banff Jasper Collection who hosted us. First we'll play our chat with David Barbour, the GM of the Banff Gondola who tells about behind how the Banff Gondola began and what you need to know when visiting the Banff Gondola. One of the historic buildings located  right on Banff Avenue is the Mount Royal Hotel so while staying there we met up with the VP of Operations for the Banff Jasper Collection, Alex Grant who shared some of the colorful past of the hotel. Then later we'll share our adventure in Golden BC checking out the Golden Skybridge, which is way more than a suspension bridge with spectacular views stretched over the Columbia Valley.  

In this episode, we'll learn about a campaign put forward by the Canadian American Business Council called Travel Like It's 2019. It's an online campaign looking to scrap the ArriveCan app, and to tackle the backlog plaguing the Canada-U.S. Nexus system. Then we'll head to northern Manitoba, where you can stay at the lodges operated by Churchill Wild, and get up close with polar bears and other wildlife. And later in the show we'll get an update on what there is to see and do in the Caribbean island of Barbados. 

In this episode, August 23 is National Cheap Flight Day, so we'll talk about what that entails and get some tips on booking a cheap flight in general from the folks at CheapOAir. Then we'll head to the tropical island of Fiji to visit the Nanuku Resort Fiji to see what it's like to spend a few days in paradise. And Travel Expert Wolf Paunic will join us to give some insight on visiting Belgrade the capital city in Serbia.  

In this episode, we'll get some tips on using your cell phone when traveling out of the country. Our resident travel agent, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions will join us to offer up some advice. Then we'll talk about timeshares, a new survey from the Timeshare Users Group suggests that most people who have a time share are quite happy with them. So we'll talk about the pros and cons of owning a timeshare. And later in the show the Vegas Guru will join us to give us an update on what's new in Sin City. 

In this episode we check in with travel expert Onanta Forbes to share her last few days in Croatia and to tell us how the journey was coming home. Plus travel writer Debra Smith joins us to give us some insight on the Hotel Giraffe and the Hotel Elysee' both conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan. And have you ever wanted to know what it's like to go skydiving without having to actually go up in an airplane? Now you can with a company called IFly. They're located all over the world including one in Calgary so we'll chat with the General Manager of the Calgary location.

In this episode, we check in with travel expert Onanta Forbes who is in Croatia, plus the Silverstar Summer Wine Festival debuts in a few weeks featuring wines from Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country and other wineries throughout the Okanagan Region of BC so we get the lowdown on that. And we head to Montreal and visit Le Centre Sheraton Hotel in Montreal to see how the summer's been so far and visiting Montreal in general. 

In this episode we'll get some social media strategy ideas on how to effectively communicate your travel issues from travel journalist and consumer advocate Chris Elliott. Plus we'll chat with Canada's newest airline Canada Jetlines which is getting ready to launch their inaugural flight in a few weeks. And we'll take a road trip with Travel Nevada and learn about the Lake Tahoe Loop. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/

In this episode, we'll learn about a company called Ratepunk that searches out the best hotels rates from the various online booking sites so you can shop and compare. Plus we'll visit a new hotel that just opened in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia called the Evangeline. And we'll chat with the owner of Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours to uncover Vancouver's hidden history of dark crime, outrageous intrigue and filthy scandal. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/

In this episode we'll learn about Banff  & Lake Louise Tourism's #RoamInTheWild challenge. We'll also talk about camping and a new survey from Hipcamp which found among other things that people prefer camping with their pets more than their kids or parents so we'll chat about that and camping in general.  And Tourism Saskatchewan, has their #ExploreSask challenge going on to give you some ideas on how to explore Saskatchewan this summer so we'll hear about that as well. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/

In this episode we discuss using the services of a travel agent to book your vacation vs doing it yourself using an online booking site. We also visit the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Plus get an update on what's new at Universal Studios Hollywood. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/

In this episode, we'll talk about exploring the Canadian Rockies with travel writer and author Debbie Olsen, who is a contributing writer for Fodor's Canadian Rockies Guidebook. Plus, we'll head to Charlottetown PEI, home to the Fairholm Boutique Inns, a collection of 32 suites restored in 4 different heritage buildings that date back to 1838. And we'll get a feel for what Canada is all about by chatting with Brandy Yanchyk, the host and producer of the TV series Seeing Canada. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the folks at CheapOAir released the findings of a recent survey showing that Canada is the preferred travel destination for a lot of Canadians this summer, so we'll talk about those results and a few others. Plus travel writer Debra Smith returns to tell us a bit about the One Hotel West Hollywood located at the base of Hollywood Hills, California. And we'll chat with Icelandair and get some tips and insight on traveling to Iceland.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we share our experience visiting Orlando, Florida for the IPW travel conference hosted by the US Travel Association and Brand USA. While we were there we sat down with Visit Orlando to find out more about visiting Orlando and what there is to see and do beyond the theme parks. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, so also got a chance to learn more about that as well and we chatted with Universal Orlando to learn about some of the new attractions there. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we talk about the different transit options available to get to and around Banff National Park. Plus we'll head to the Kantishna Roadhouse located in the backcountry of Denali National Park in Alaska. And its iceberg season in Newfoundland so we'll visit the Iceberg Capital of the World, Twillingate NFLD to learn not only about viewing the icebergs but all the other things to see and do there. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we talk about home security when you away on vacation. The experts at Home Hardware have five tips to keep your home safe while you travel so we'll discuss those. Plus we'll visit the Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort, an adults-only resort which has recently transformed into a fully immersive wellness property with new amenities. And we took a short day trip last week to the Crowsnest Pass in Southern Alberta and spent a few hours at the Frank Slide Interpretative Center to learn the story of the Frank Slide and some of the myths around it so we'll share that as well. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk with the folks from CATSA, the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority on what you can do to make the process of getting through airport security a little quicker. Plus, we'll learn about Urban River Adventures, who offer glamping experiences located just outside of Edmonton, AB. And Susan Catto from TravelZoo joins us to share what there is to see and do in the Cayman Islands.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, a new survey from the Tire and Rubber Association show that two thirds of us are planning to cancel or shorten our road trips this summer due the high price of gas. So we'll chat about the survey and how checking your tire pressure can help with gas mileage and keep you safer on the road. Plus we'll head to St Lucia and learn about the Collection de Pepites which showcases a wide variety of unique island accommodations, including local villas, B&Bs, boutiques and inns. And we'll visit with the folks from VIA Rail to learn about their Jasper to Prince Rupert route this summer.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Patrick Sojka from Rewards Canada will join us this week to talk about how you can utilize your reward points for an all-inclusive vacation. Plus, travel writer Debra Smith will share her experience staying at the St Regis Hotel Toronto, a luxury stay in the heart of downtown Toronto. And the Cruise Guru, David Yeskel returns to tell us about the inaugural sailing of the Discovery Princess and in particular the new high-tech cruising experience onboard. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we talk about the etiquette on boarding an aircraft with travel journalist and author Chris Elliott. Plus, the Marriott hotel group is opening a few new hotels in Alberta so we'll find out where and when they're scheduled to open and we chat with the folks from Naya Traveler to get some tips on traveling to Colombia. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we'll talk about the film The Last Tourist. It's a documentary that takes a look at the tourism industry, the good, the bad and the ugly and what we can do about it. The Executive Producer , Bruce Poon Tip will join us. Plus, travel writer Paula Worthington share's her recent trip to Bowen Island, BC located just across the water from Vancouver and we'll visit Tofino, BC and learn all about the Wickaninnish Inn. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we'll learn about one of Alberta's top attractions, the Badlands Passion Play that will return again this year at the Ampetheatre in Drumheller. Then we'll head south to the Florida Keys and visit the Hawks Cay Resort. And if Italy is on your mind to visit in the coming months there's a new way to travel there with a website called XPatpal so we'll hear more about how it works.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, travel expert Onanta Forbes joins us to share her recent trip to Maui. Plus, we'll visit Park City Utah to learn about the newly opened Pendry Park City Resort. And we'll get some tips on how to get the most out of all your travel miles and reward points from rewards expert Ricky Zhang, founder of the website Prince of Travel.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Lynx Air will be taking off with their inaugural flight later this week so we'll chat with the CEO of Lynx Air to learn more about the airline and what to expect from it in the coming months. Then, we'll head to Memphis, Tennessee home to the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis Hotel located within walking distance of the city's famed entertainment district and historic landmarks. And we'll visit Costa Rica and find out about a fantastic newer development that is car free and located right on the beach. An area known as Las Catalinas.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we'll learn about this summer's Great Outdoors Comedy Festival which plays in both Edmonton and Calgary. Plus, the town of Jasper will have new hotel opening up in June. It's the Forest Park Hotel so we'll find out more about it. And Prince Edward Island is launching a new campaign to entice visitors to the island called “Feel Lighter” so we'll hear more about that as well.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we'll talk about Indigenous tourism with Keith Henry, President of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and how they are looking to better times ahead. Then we'll chat with the folks from Natural Habitat Adventures about a new Bear Camp they'll have set up in Alaska this summer. And the Minister of Tourism for the state of Yucatan in Mexico was in town this past week so I sat down with her to learn about all the things to see and do in Yucatan. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we check in with Vincent Rees from Cobblestone Freeway Tours. They specialize in tours to Ukraine so we'll get some insight from Vince on Ukraine and how you can help. Plus we'll learn about La Casa de la Playa, an adult's only boutique hotel that opened up in December in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Eric Bowman, Executive Editor of Travelpulse was recently there so we'll get his take on what it's like. Then we'll chat with the folks from Tours By Locals, a company that offers unique and personalized tours from local guides all around the world. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we'll have details on how you can win a pair of Lay-Over blankets from Red Cover Blankets. The owner and founder of RED Sleep Innovations, Rick Ropchan will join us to tell us more about the Lay-Over blankets and just how easy it for you to enter to win. Then we'll visit the Melia Orlando Celebration hotel located only minutes form all of the attractions Orlando has to offer. And we'll learn about exploring and learning the culture of the Philippines by taking a food tour.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we'll get some tips on tipping from thePointsGuy.com. They have a great write up posted there titled “The Ultimate Guide to Tipping While Traveling”. So we'll use that as our guide. Then we'll head to Belfast, Northern Ireland and visit the Titanic Hotel Belfast located in the heart of the Titanic Quarter where the ship was built. And the city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is looking to welcome international visitors this spring and summer so we'll get some ideas on what to see and do in Philly.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we discuss the lifting of travel restrictions in Canada. Plus we'll chat with Tim Nokes from the Johnson Canyon Lodge and Bungalows located in the Bow Valley Parkway in Alberta and find out about what it's like to stay there. And February is Black History month, so in honor of that we'll head to Alabama to learn about the US Civil Rights Trail.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We took our show on the road and spent a couple of days at Waterton Lakes National Park in Southern Alberta experiencing Winter in Waterton. While we were there we did a Dark Sky Tour with Dark Sky Guides in Waterton and after our tour I sat down with the President and co-founder of Dark Sky Guides to talk about their tours. I also met up with the folks from Parks Canada to chat a bit and learn more about the park and some of the other activities to do during winter in Waterton. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we'll get some tips on what to do if your luggage is delayed or lost by an airline from Nick Ewen, Senior Editor at thePointsGuy.com. Plus we'll learn about Plaza Premium Lounges, they're located in airports across the country and around the world so we'll to find out what they offer and what the experience is like. And we'll chat with travel writer Roger Naylor about his latest book Arizona's Scenic Roads and Hikes. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we'll discuss “What to do When Your Partner Doesn't Share Your Love for Travel”. It's a blog at Traflagar.com. So we'll chat with Wolf Paunic, Pres. Of Trafalgar Canada about a what you can do. Then we'll visit the Lizard Creek Lodge in Fernie, BC and we'll learn about exploring Ontario and Quebec by cruising the St Lawrence river with St Lawrence Cruise Lines.  Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we'll discuss 12 Tips for Booking a Vacation Rental from travel writer Alyssa Watson. Plus we'll learn about one of the few hotels open in winter in Waterton, AB the Waterton Glacier Suites. And we'll find out what's new to see and do in Kissimmee, Florida. Support the show: https://www.theinformedtraveler.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.