— W. Ross, Niagara Falls
A: Parks Canada is freezing the cost of park entry and camping fees until April 1, 2011. The government agency’s website says, “This price freeze will help the tourism industry and local economies — and help more Canadians experience our treasured natural and historic places.”
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Visiting a national park for the day or camping is very economical. For instance, at Bruce Peninsula National Park, daily parking is $11.70 and one night’s camping at Cyprus Lake is $23.50. You can reserve a campsite by calling the Parks Canada Campground reservation service toll-free at 1-877-737-3783 or visiting them online at pccamping.ca. There is a nonrefundable reservation fee of $10.80 when you book online but note that cancellation charges apply. For more on our national parks, see pc.gc.ca.
In and around the Bruce Peninsula there will be plenty of activities to keep you busy this summer. For the latest, see explorethebruce.com/events.cfm.
Q: Does Ryanair offer cheap flights?
— C. Godian, Toronto
A: The Irish-based discount airline flies to more than 150 cities across Europe. The company says it can offer such cheap fares by scheduling flights for off-peak times (after noon Monday to noon Thursday and after noon on a Saturday), flying from smaller airports, and selling tickets well in advance (14 to 28 days before departure). For details, visit ryanair.com. For a look at Ryanair’s hubs, view their in flight magazine online at ryanairmag.com.
Q: Is there a beach in Paris?
— F. Sanchez, Brampton
A: In 2002, Mayor Bertrand Delanoe came up with an idea to convert the banks of the Seine River into a beach front so people who weren’t able to leave the city could at least escape the summer heat at the water’s edge. At the time, many scoffed when the plan, but the Paris Plage became such fabulous success that cities around the world — including Brussels, Budapest and Zurich — have copied the idea. Parasols, palm trees and sand will once again be trucked in for this year’s urban riviera in the City of Light. It will be open for sunbathing July 20 through Aug. 20.
Q: What should passengers do if their flight is grounded? I don’t want to fly because of the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland that stranded people in airports.
— R. Waters, Toronto
A: Mother Nature can cause havoc for air travellers. Currently most flights are operating normally or with minor delays but to answer your question I consulted some colleagues in the travel industry.
Dorian Werda, manager of administration and claims at the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (tico.ca), says consumers are subject to the terms and conditions of their bookings and are recommended to stay in contact with their travel agent, airline or tour operator websites for updates.
For instance, Air Canada announced that customers with flights to or from affected areas should check on their flight status before leaving for the airport. This can be done at aircanada.com or by calling Air Canada’s automated flight information system at 1-888-422-7533, or by using a web-enhanced cellphone.
During the flight cancellations due to the ash cloud, Air Canada revised its ticketing policy for customers booked on flights that were subject to cancellation.
“Customers wishing to make alternate travel arrangements can do so without penalty, space permitting, by using Air Canada’s self service rebooking tool at aircanada.com, on their mobile device, or by contacting Air Canada Reservations toll free in Canada and the U.S. at 888-247-2262; TTY: 1-800-361-8071 or Air Canada Reservations worldwide. Due to increased call centre volume, wait times will be longer than usual. To receive a refund for cancelled flights, customers should contact their original point of purchase.”
Tony Santelli, CTC coordinator for the College April-Fortier (a tourism training program, april-fortier.com) and founder of Funtastique Travel in Montreal says an airline ticket is a contract of carriage and therefore the airline is responsible to complete the journey purchased.
“Should an unexpected event prevent the client from reaching his destination, the airline should do all it can to complete its commitment. Naturally, acts of God and other unfortunate events (Sept. 11) can create havoc. And this is where a variety of situations occur,” Santelli says, adding that some airlines will absorb the cost of meals and ground accommodation while passengers wait for the next flight, while others will reroute the travellers if possible.
“Others will simply state “act of God” and do nothing.”
Q: I have to take an unexpected trip to Switzerland this summer and don’t have time to research deals. I have always considered Switzerland to be a pricey destination so I’m hoping you can make some suggestions.
— N. O’Reilly, Toronto
A: The word Switzerland evokes visions of luxury — Swiss watches, Swiss banks and, of course, Swiss chocolate come to mind. But many activities and events in this compact country are free.
For example: There is no charge to take in the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, valleys, lakes and streams. The Geneva Festival (July 29-Aug. 8) offers many free concerts, crafts, fireworks and food. Weisshorn is offering free cable car rides this summer. All over Switzerland, breakfast is included in most hotels. There are also special train tickets — like the Swiss Pass — that double as a Swiss Museum Pass and provide admission into practically all of the country’s world class museums and exhibitions. About 400 museums are participating, see museumspass.ch.
“If most of (your vacation) is spent in Switzerland, the “Swiss Pass” (which provides unlimited transportation of trains, buses, boats and public transit in most cities) is the best deal. And children up to 16 travel free in Switzerland when travelling with at least one parent,” says Ursula Beamish-Mader from Switzerland Tourism.
Beamish-Mader adds that the best place to find special offers and details on free events is at their website, MySwitzerland.com. Until May 20, visitors to the site can also enter a contest to win a free one-week trip.
Q: How is Florida responding to the oil spill?
— D. Hutchins, Mississauga
A: Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism marketing agency recently released a report on the oil spill.
It says Florida Governor Charlie Crist recently declared a state of emergency for six Gulf Coast counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf Counties, and the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC). And the state’s Emergency Response Team is coordinating efforts to protect Florida’s shoreline as May is hatching season for many of the areas birds, reptiles and shellfish. While the oil has not come ashore in Florida, the state has also set up a toll-free number (866-557-1401, only good in the U.S.) that people can call if they see any wildlife affected by the spill. For most up-to-date information, see dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon.
ilona@mycompass.ca
Tame the road with Hankook Tire CanadaCure for the summertime blues
