Happy Travelling

Travelling is something most of us enjoy, however constant changes in rules and regulations, coupled with international upheavals, can make this leisure activity challenging.

It seems airlines are facing financial challenges, which unfortunately, we have to bear the brunt of. Surprisingly, flights are substantially cheaper today than they were 30 years ago; however the overall cost of travel has increased dramatically.

If you look after your own airfare, make sure you read the fine print. I recently a booked trip to Europe at a good price, however the seat selection was $90 per person, each way. Luggage came in at $110 per piece, which was doubled if you want to bring the suitcases home. Overall, the fare was still lower than the next highest; however, many people are not aware of the hidden fees.

Have you ever had the experience of flying first or business class? If the $4,000+ price tag keeps you from booking, consider using an app called Seatboost. 24 hours prior to your flight, 

Seatboost lets you log in to your airline and flight number. It tells you how many empty business or first class seats there are and allows you to bid on them, at any amount you choose. You will be notified an hour before departure if you have won the bid and presto, you are moved to the front of the plane, for as little as $500 more.

Many of us travel to the US by land, crossing at the bridges near Niagara. Did you know the Whirlpool Bridge is only for NEXUS cardholders. The longest I have had to wait there is 2 minutes, coming or going. If you cross elsewhere, check to see if there are NEXUS lanes.

NEXUS cards are also great when travelling internationally, as long as you have the Global Assist feature activated. You can bypass long security lines at many airports worldwide, and when you arrive in Canada, you simply walk to the NEXUS line, scan your retina and head to the luggage area.

Obtaining a NEXUS card can take up to two hours in a very scrutinizing interview, but once you have it, a mere $50 every five years is worth its weight in gold.

Travelling to Europe is becoming a bit more difficult with the recently announced changes for non-EU nationals. At press time, the date had not been set, but it is expected to go into effect in September or October of this year.

You do not need to do anything in advance, but be aware it requires the collection of biometric data, which includes fingerprints and facial scans, as well as personal data. If you refuse, you will be denied entry into the country.

Another new and exciting set of rules going into effect in April of next year, are the newly implemented ETIAS travel authorization.

If you come from a visa-free country or territory such as Canada, and plan to enter any of the 30 European countries, including the ever popular Portugal, you will need the ETIAS pre-authorization. ETIAS, which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System, is similar to the NEXUS program, except it will be mandatory if you want to enter the EU.

Travellers who currently visit Europe are able to enter the EU without any digital security screening until your passport expires. If you get a new passport, then you will need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.

I was interested in learning the information for the ETIAS program. The list includes: your name, date and place of birth, nationality, home address, parents’ first names, email address and phone number. They will also want your travel document information, details about your level of education, current occupation, your intended travel and stay in any of the countries. You will also need to provide particulars about any criminal convictions, any past travels to war or conflict zones, and whether you have recently been a subject of a decision requiring you to leave the territory of any country. The cost is only seven Euros and those over 70 or under 18 are exempt from paying.

Check with your travel agent to get up to the minute information.

A few other tips I have found useful are:

• Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after your planned      return trip.

• If you carry a local newspaper, people will assume you are from      that country and not bother you.

• Use Air Tags in your luggage to track where your suitcases go.

• When paying for goods by credit card, always choose local currency      as the method for payment. Charging in Canadian dollars adds a 5%      surcharge to a conversion rate set by the merchant.

• Depending on where you go, contact a travel doctor at least six      months before your trip. Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and      cholera, are rampant in many parts of the world. Make sure you are      prepared through either medications or vaccines.

• Include cameras and computers, prescription drugs, noise cancelling      ear buds, lip balm, and Vicks Vapo Rub (great for masking bad odours      around you) in your carryon.

• • Two websites I cannot do without: skyscanner.ca, which searches the best fares anywhere, and seatguru.com,      which shows seating arrangements on every flight.

• EasyJet and Ryan Air are now charging extra for the use of overhead      compartments.

Happy travelling!

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Jonathan van Bilsen is an award winning photographer and author. Follow his travel adventures at photosNtravel.com