Travelling to Europe – What you will need to know about travelling in the Schengen Zone

Canadians travelling to Europe’s Schengen countries will need to complete some additional paperwork prior to travel, starting in January 2021.  The new requirement is called European Authorization and Information System (ETIAS).

The travel authorization will give pre-approval to enter the Schengen zone. What is the Schengen Zone and which countries are in it? is an area comprising 26 European states that have officially abolished all passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single jurisdiction for international travel purposes, with a common visa policy. It is a great benefit to the many people who would otherwise  have to cross borders to go to work each day. The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement.

The Schengen Area consists of 26 states, including four which are not members of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Currently the Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. In addition, there are 3 states that are not part of the Schengen agreement but still have open borders with Schengen countries; Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.

You will note that Ireland and United Kingdom are not part of Schengen agreement, so be sure to check before you travel whether any other authorization documents are required. Canadians can check here. Citizens of other countries need to check with their own Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

Here is more information on the Schengen visa – https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/

Travel Deals – Sale ends 31st of August

EUROPE:

• Iceland – on sale Oct 8 or 9 start date, for 7 days to experience plenty of the highlights, like erupting geysers, visiting glacier lagoons, and exploring breathtaking waterfalls and black-sand beaches. from $2729 CAD ($2053 USD). Or a 9 day tour 30 Sept to 8 Oct on sale from $3175 CAD ($2388 USD).
• Spain, Portugal and Morocco – 15 days, from $2599 CAD ($2955 USD) Madrid to Marrakech. Surround yourself in the beautiful architecture of a traditional “pousada” with an overnight in Évora, before exploring Spain’s fiery Andalucian capital of Seville. Cool it all down in Morocco, within the city of Chefchaouen’s striking blue walls.
• Turkey Absolute – 14 days departure 30 October from $1487 CAD ($1119 USD). This comprehensive tour of Turkey combines history and beaches, man-made wonders and natural phenomena, as well as a vibrant and welcoming culture.

SOUTH AMERICA:

• Brazil Wonders on sale 27 Sept – 11 Oct from $2519 CAD ($1895 USD). Experience Iguassu Falls — a series of falls so massive it straddles two countries and so intriguing you’ll need two days to fully appreciate the view. Not to be outdone, the Pantanal wetlands are teeming with wildlife like caiman, jaguar, and exotic birds. Finally, trade early morning songbirds for some samba in Rio and the rhythm of the beach.
• Galapagos Island Hopping – 7 days from $1839 CAD ($1383 USD). Hike up Sierra Negra Volcano, walk on the lava fields, observe flamingos at an isolated lagoon, be amazed at the unique wildlife of the Galápagos.
• Peru – Amazon and Machu Picchu – 12 days departure 3^rd October is on sale from $2325 CAD ($1749 USD). This adventure offers up an intriguing combination of beauty and contrasts in scenery, wildlife, and cultures, whether you’re scanning the canopy for wildlife from the comfort of our intimate and exclusive Amazon lodge or climbing the ancient trail of the Incas to Machu Picchu.

Contact us for more details on these or any tours. Currency conversions are current as of today on Oanda.com.

These days we are all wondering about passenger compensation and travellers’ rights. The federal government of Canada has laid out some new regulations, as of 15th July, 2019.  What to do when stuck on a plane, your flight is delayed or cancelled,  luggage is lost or questions about transporting certain objects like musical instruments, assigning seats for children and more.

For details, click this link to a CBC news article outlining the new regulations.

In Europe, flight delays of 3 hours, cancellations, or being denied boarding due to overbooking more entitle a traveller to compensation.  This is called Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004. The EU has a website outlining more information and how to claim. Website click here.

 

Travel Morocco. Let the sights, sounds and tastes of Morocco envelop you. Morocco is becoming a hotspot for travellers as of late. Having just returned, I understand why. I was pleasantly surprised and my expectations were completely exceeded.

The country boasts a variety of terrains, culture and history. From 2000 year old roman ruins to Kasbahs to the Sahara sand dunes to bustling modern cities. It has been one of the most politically stable countries in North Africa,

Morocco is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among them the Fez Medina, with over 9000 alleyways and considered one of the world’s largest pedestrian only zones. Fez also has the world’s oldest university.

Marrakesh, the fourth largest city, is one of the busiest cities in Africa and serves as a major economic centre and tourist destination. The Marrakesh Medina is over 1100 acres in size and is also a UNESCO site. The city boasts beautiful gardens and investments in real estate have allowed the city to flourish as well as attract over 2 million tourists a year.

Ait Benhaddou is a fortified kasbah, using typical clay architecture, and is also a UNESCO site. It is situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara desert and Marrakesh. Many films have been made here using Ait Benhaddou in their sets.

Casablanca is Morocco’s chief port city and boasts the 5^th largest mosque in the world, Hassan II Mosque. A portion of the mosque projects out into the Atlantic Ocean and it has a retractable roof. It is a work of architectural genius and holds 25,000 worshippers.

A trip to Morocco is not complete without a camel ride into the desert, and a night in a Berber tent for a taste of Berber culture.

I have just completed this tour in November 2018, an 8 day fast paced spicy intro to a beautiful country. 8 days from $971 CAD On sale Jan 8 departure. https://benefactours.com/tour-detail/?tour=morocco-kasbahs-&-desert&id=22843

For a more upscale experience taking in more sites, here is Sahara and Beyond for 15 days from $3259 CAD.  https://benefactours.com/tour-detail/?tour=morocco:-sahara-&-beyond&id=23741

Discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and ride into the desert on a camel or a 4×4. Meet musicians, Berbers, and artisans, and soak up the exotic beauty of Morocco.

Contact us for more information on these or any tours in Morocco.

Where to go in Colombia? From snowy peaks to deserts, jungles and beaches, not to mention history and culture, Colombia is a jewel. You can learn history, watch humpback give birth, take cooking classes, relax in a spa, or take some epic hikes in their national parks. The good news is citizens of many countries do not require a visa to visit Colombia. Find out which countries require a visa here.

The country is divided into regions, most notably The Andes, The Caribbean, The Pacific, and the Amazon Region part of The Amazon Rainforest. The Insular region is comprised of islands in both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, and Orinoquia Region borders Venezuela.

Here are some highlights:

The Andean Region

The Andes mountains form the most populous region of Colombia and contain the majority of the country’s urban centres. The region is divided into three branches known as “cordilleras” and include the cities of Bogota and Medellín. Colombian coffee is among the world’s best so visiting a coffee farm or staying on a hacienda will immerse you in the trade.

Bogota – is the capital and largest city, and the third highest capital in South America. It is a city known for its many museums, especially the Gold Museum, with over 55,000 pieces. The mountain Monserrate dominates the city center of Bogotá, so you cannot miss it. Rising to 3,152 metres above the sea level. Take the cable car to relish in the views of the city or visit the church and shrine at the top.

The city is close to the stunning Salt Cathedral, Zipaquirá. It is bizarre and amazing, with vast halls, crosses and altars carved out of an old salt mine. Zipaquira is near Bogota and can be visited on a day trip.

Medellin – Cable cars traverse the slopes of this fashionable Andean city, home to illuminating museums, enticing restaurants and legendary artist Fernando Botero. Medellin is situated in a narrow valley, and the moderate temperatures give the city its nickname – the City of Eternal Spring.

Parque Nacional Natural los Nevados – The national park boasts high mountains and beautiful scenery. There are many high altitude lakes, deep gorges, rainforest, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls. There are five main volcanoes, and many smaller volcanic cones, so hiking and climbing is varied. Travel time is 11 – 12 hours by vehicle from Bogota or 9 hours from Medellin.

Caribbean Region

The region is traversed by a number of rivers from the Andean highlands to the sea, including the Magdalena, Colombia’s principal river. The Caribbean region is also the location of the historic port cities of Santa Marta and Cartagena.

Cartagena – Latin America’s colonial queen of cities, Cartagena is a city of Baroque churches, elegant mansions, shady plazas and giant Spanish walls. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and massive churches. Outside the walled city, Bocagrande is a place to sip coffee in trendy cafes and dine in upscale restaurants.

Ciudad Perdida – The name means ‘Lost City’ as it was lost around the time of the Spanish conquest and only ‘discovered’ again in the 1970s. Deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, it remains only accessible on foot by doing what is easily one of Colombia’s most exciting and breathtaking hikes.

Tayrona National Park – The park is a large protected area covering the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains as they meet the Caribbean coast. It’s known for its coastal coves and lagoons, rainforest and rich biodiversity. The region was once the territory of the Tayrona people, and some archeological remains have been found in the park. One of Colombia’s most popular national parks, Tayrona scenery varies from sandy beaches along the coast in the north to rainforest at an altitude of 900 m on the southern limits of the park. Accommodations vary from hostels to upscale spas.

Amazon Region

The Amazon Region is a region in southern Colombia over the Amazon Basin. The region is mostly covered by tropical jungle, which is a part of the massive Amazon rainforest. You can stay in Leticia and do day activities in the jungle, or alternatively go to Leticia then take a speed boat and stay in a lodge deep in the Amazon. Note that it is compulsory to have yellow fever vaccination taken at least 10 days prior to your arrival date.

There’s no shortage of things to do in the Amazon, so for the adventurous it’s a great place to visit. Activities include the following:

• Observe pink dolphins, exotic birds, alligators and other indigenous fauna and flora
• Visit indigenous communities
• Fishing and traditional craftsmanship
• Walks in the forest or to nearby lakes with native guides
• Swimming in natural pools

Pacific Region

This region is distinguished by its high humidity. Precipitation is among the highest in the world, with an average of 4,000 mm (160 in) per year and some areas that receive as much as 12,000 mm (470 in) per year.

Whale watching at Colombia’s lush Pacific coast is one of the world’s best places to see humpbacks and their new-born calves. Between July and November, humpbacks arrive from Antarctica to mate and give birth to their young. Whale watching programs are offered in places like Bahia Solano and Nuquí (both in Chocó) and Gorgona Island (Cauca).

Orinoco (Orinoquia) Region

This less-visited region borders Venezuela and covers the departments of Meta, Arauca, Casanare and Vichada. The region is rich in oil and suitable for extensive ranching but sparsely populated.

Insular Region

The Insular Region is considered by some as a sixth region, comprising those areas outside continental Colombia, including the department of San Andrés y Providencia in the Caribbean Sea and the islands of Malpelo and Gorgona in the Pacific Ocean.

So, again where to go in Colombia? I say stick to The Andes, Caribbean, Pacific or Amazon for the best bang for your buck adventure.  Here are a few tours to inspire you:

Colombia Express 9 days from $1889 CAD ($1495 US). Check out the resurgence of culture, art, and food in Bogotá and Medellín, dive deep into the Caribbean vibe in Cartagena, and enjoy the Latin-Caribbean fusion of flavours in local cuisine.

Caribbean Coast and Lost City  14 days from $2459 CAD ($1947 US). Trek through Tayrona National Park’s picturesque trails and have some downtime on the beach. Later, head to deep into the jungle to Teyuna – the fabled Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) older than Machu Picchu.

For these or any other tours in Colombia, contact us.

This month we are featuring tours that include UNESCO World Heritage cities or sites to visit. We will start off with Scotland, recently voted the world’s most beautiful country.

Scotland and Norway Expedition Cruise – Discover UNESCO-protected wonders like the Standing Stones of Stennes and the mystical Ring of Brodgar, visit archaeological sites, witness the curious clash of cultures in the Shetland Islands, and marvel at the stunning forests and waterfalls that line the fjords. 14 days from $5699 CAD ($4572 US).

Travel Deals
Borneo – Trek Mt Kinabalu –  This tour includes some beautiful treks, and the sunrise from Mt Kinabalu’s summit might make you question every other sunrise you’ve witnessed before it. 5 days from $967 CAD ($776 US), was $1209 CAD ($970 US). Select departures Nov 7 – Feb 17. Book by Oct 25.

Colombia – Cartagena to Santa Marta. Get the best of beach relaxation and wilderness exploration. 8 days from $1583 CAD ($1270 US) for select departures Dec 2 – Feb 4.

Cuba Land and Water –  This unique combo adventure on land and water will take you places most people don’t know even exist. Meander through the lush, laid back communities of Cuba’s “Garden Province” and dive into local culture. 15 days from $2799 CAD ($2245 US), for select departures Dec 2 – Jan 20, book by Oct 25.

India by Rail – Take the train from Goa to Kochi via Karnataka and have the chance to see the breathtaking ruins of Hampi. 10 days from $1079 CAD ($866 US) for select departures Nov 18 – Jan 31, book by Oct 25

Madagascar – This adventure introduces you to Africa’s remote island paradise by way of Bekopaka’s famed Baobab Alley, the stunning weathered rock formations of the Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, a canoe ride to caves along the Manambolo River, and maybe even encounters with the odd lemur. 8 days from $1799 CAD ($1443 US) for select departures from Nov 24 – March 17. Book by Oct 25.

Peru Inca Empire – from ruins high in the Andes to wildlife deep in the Amazon. Inca Empire 10 day tour, was $2799 CAD($2245 US), save $400 + if booked by Oct 15. 10 – 15% off other tours as well.

Tanzania safari – Search for the “big five” in scenic Lake Manyara, the wildlife-teeming Ngorongoro Crater, and the plains of the Serengeti. This is a National Geographic Journey and from Dr Jane Goodall Collection. From $3959 CAD ($3176 US). Select departures Nov 27 – March 6. Book by Oct 25.

Zanzibar – Explore historical Stone Town, Prison Island, Maruhubi Palace, and Mangapwani village on this Zanzibar holiday. 4 days from $709 US, save $100 book by Oct 25.

Contact us for more details on these destinations or any other tours. Currency conversions are current as of today on Oanda.com.