For some reason, a lot of people think travelling by freighter is a thing of the past but in reality the option is alive and well. Perhaps the speed and convenience of air travel has overshadowed this more leisurely option (it takes about a day to cover what takes an hour in the sky), but for those who don't like flying, or have the time to spare and are up for an adventure, travel by freighter is an option worth looking into. 

Read on to find out more about this way of travel and to see if it might be something to put on your to-do list. 

LOT Polish Air looks to have just dropped some of their flights to Warsaw, Poland down to 40% less than their closest competition.

The availability looks to be mostly in the second half of November.

source: http://www.galenfrysinger.com/europe/warsaw01.jpg

Once known as a tranquil fishing village, Sayulita is the not-so-off the beaten destination for those wanting an authentic bohemian Mexican getaway for sun, surf and sand, located 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta. Unlike its touristy counterparts, Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, Sayulita offers a la carte accommodation options of small boutique hotels and apartment rentals (or ownership).  Here are my top picks for your great escape. 

SLEEP 

Villa Amor and Petit Hotel D’Hafa are popular options in the village. The former is the perfect setting for a destination wedding and has a variety of villas; some include private terraces, plunge pools and full kitchens. Guests also have the option of hiring a private chef for an extra cost. Perks include daily maid service, wireless internet connection and free use of kayaks and surfboards. Rates are from $110 per night; they currently have a special of $55 per night rates until October 31, 2011. The latter includes king sized beds decorated in a minimalist style with Mexican and Moroccan influences. The hotel lounge areas are outfitted with comfortable benches and cushions. This makes up for the fact that it’s not right on the beach.  There is also a boutique selling stylish hand crafted jewelry from different regions of Mexico. Rates are from $50 per night. 

Hotel Villa Amor 

Much as I love travelling to places where I know I'll be out of my comfort zone—where I don't speak the language, and I'll stand out a bit, and the food will be… interesting… I also believe there's a real good time and place for all-inclusive, easy-peasy, pardon-me-while-I-turn-my-brain-off vacations. Still, a week inside the walls of a resort can induce cabin fever, but there are ways to get the best of both worlds—the comforts and ease of all-inclusive resort living and a bit of off-the-beaten-path exploration to keep things fresh. If you're heading to a resort but don't want to spend seven days in a pool lounger, read on for some of my tips that'll get you off the resort. 

 

History buff or not, one of the coolest things about travelling is learning about different cultures outside of a classroom setting or from a dry, boring textbook.

By visiting ancient monuments or historic sites, one can begin to piece together where a culture has come from to where it is today. Sure there’s Giza, Athens and Rome, but don’t miss out on these other very old cities with exciting, complicated histories.

Great Historic Cities Around the World

Jericho, Palestine

The ancient city of Jericho, known as “the City of Palms,” can be traced back to 9000 BC; its famous wall (from Biblical and historic accounts) to around 6800 BC. Today, visitors can see ancient Jericho, the main site of the many archaeological digs that confirm the city’s 11,000-year history; the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found; Wadi Qelt Synagogue, considered the oldest synagogue in the world; Muslim monuments like the Tomb of Moses; or Qasr al Yahoud, thought to be the site on the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized.

It’s not difficult to start fantasizing about the perfect Caribbean getaway as the dreaded W word heads our way: Winter. As the weather cools down in Canada, the bargains are heating up in the Caribbean.  Whether you’re looking for a European influence in a warm atmosphere (and without the European price tag), stylish digs beachside or a unique accommodation – such as a colonial mansion or under a hatched roof cliffside, the options –and the value—are there.

Le Petit Hotel, Saint Martin. Located on the French side of the island and right in the heart of foodie mecca, Grand Case, Le Petit is the ideal resting headquarters for your idyllic getaway.  The king sized “celestial beds” are outfitted with 300 count thread sheets and each suite also features a kitchenette and a private balcony. Rates are from $265 per night. On the Dutch side, the same owners of Le Petit Hotel also own a complex of 13 apartments you can rent called Blue Pelican. Sophisticated yet relaxed, the apartments offer an equipped kitchen, washer and dryer and free wi-fi.  Rates are from $190.

Looks like there are some flights from Winnipeg to Orlando, Florida in January that have dropped to $299 roundtrip after taxes.

They're direct each way and about 35% cheaper than the usual bottom price to Florida from Winnipeg.

source: http://www.attractiontix.co.uk/images/photos/Attractions/USA/walt-disney-world-resort/Large/walt-disney-world1.jpg

There's a few freak fares to Kauai, Hawaii (LIH) from November 30 to December 4, 5, or 6 that are down to $368 roundtrip after taxes.

Kauai is usually a little more expensive to get to than Honolulu, and tends to bottom out at around $500-$550 roundtrip after taxes for the cheapest flights from Vancouver.   So this one is about 25-30% cheaper than it ever usually gets.

Kauai is also one of the most beautiful places on earth. Try this Google image search if you don't believe me.

source: http://www.chryslerprowler.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Kauai-Hawaii-1.jpg

About 70% of our little planet is covered in ocean, so it's not strange to think that at any given moment there's a heck of a lot going on down there. But while it's usually the plethora of sea life that comes to mind when we think of what goes on in the great blue depths, there's also a pretty big collection of boats, ships and other manmade watercraft down there. Their slowly decomposing carcasses not only offer up some new homes for fish, coral and other lifeforms, they're also incredible attractions for ocean enthusiasts. Here's a few of the best shipwrecks of the world — and you don't necessarily need to pack your own oxygen to check them out.

 

You’ve planned your holiday for months. Booked your flights early, planned your itinerary and even got an exceptional deal on everything. You’re ready and excited to go – until you hear your airline might be going on strike. What do you do?

Whether your holiday is still days away, you’re at the airport ready to leave or you’re stuck in another city, here are some tips on how to deal with an airline strike. 

Generally, when airlines strike, it’s rare the airline will cease operations completely. Standby is usually the option you may have to take. Unfortunately, the airline doesn’t owe you anything when it comes to these situations, but they are much more lenient (due to circumstances) and should, at the least, offer you credit for another flight whether as a re-booking or for future use.    

Stay informed. Always check the status of your flight before you leave for the airport. That way, you avoid frustrating situations at the airport. Airlines will always update their websites with the latest information and status of flights, especially if there’s an impending strike or delay.