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How Not to Lose your Luggage

With all the improvements in luggage handling at airports, I have to admit, a part of me is still somewhat surprised to see my luggage pop out onto the conveyor at the end of every trip, especially after traveling two or three legs. In the last seven years, I’ve flown more than a hundred and fifty flights and have never had an issue with lost or delayed luggage.
DSC02416bvtNow, I’m a curious type and will chat up the check-in staff, airport employees and flight attendants and I’ve come to find there are a lot of little things we can do to prevent our luggage from going on a more exotic vacation that we are.

So, for those who don’t travel out of a carry-on, I’ve compiled a comprehension list of everything I’ve found helpful in preventing my checked bag from going walkabout. Continue reading “How Not to Lose your Luggage”

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Beaumont Hamel: In the Words of the Sixty-ninth Man

July 1st, 2016 marks the one hundredth anniversary of Beaumont Hamel

Memorial in Beaumont Hamel, France.
Memorial in Beaumont Hamel, France.

On this day in 1916, the First Regiment of the Newfoundland Regiment took part in the opening attacks of the Battle of the Somme. Eight hundred and one officers and men went over the top. Within thirty minutes, the regiment was all but wiped out. Only 68 responded to roll call. The rest were killed, wounded or reported missing.

My grandfather, Lance-corporal James Ryan, took part in this attack and was one of the 68 to respond to roll call. At least, that was what I understood from listening to him and others when I was growing up. As the 100th anniversary approached, a list of the 68 was circulating and I was astonished to find his name missing. Continue reading “Beaumont Hamel: In the Words of the Sixty-ninth Man”

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Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords

Trafalgars’ Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords

I’ve been looking at touring Norway for a few years and kept an eye on the various tours looking for one that was the best bang for the buck. Some spent relatively little time on the coast – some as little as two days out of two weeks. Some had a number of long travel days that I thought unnecessary.  Continue reading “Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords”

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Scandinavia and Russia by Train

Trafalgar Tours’ Contrasts of Scandinavia and Russia – May/June 2010

This tour is no longer offered by Trafalgar but follows very closely to the current Capitals of the North tour. The major difference is that Contrasts of Scandinavia took the train between the cities whereas the Capitals of the North goes by bus. I notice many of the hotels are the same.  Continue reading “Scandinavia and Russia by Train”

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Jordan Experience

Jordan Experience

In December, 2009, I took Insight Vacations’ Jordan Experience following a week in Israel on Insight’s Israel Discovery. It’s a short tour with the primary focus on Petra. I was lucky enough to decide to spend the one free day between the two tours in Amman instead of Jerusalem as this gave me the opportunity to see a part of Jordan not included on the tour.  Continue reading “Jordan Experience”