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16 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday February 2, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com NEW U.S. DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS 31JAN08 Canadian travellers are being reminded that effective 31JAN08 verbal declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted by U.S. Customs. Requirements for Canadian and U.S. citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border will be as follows: Canadian and U.S. citizens ages 19 r and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate; Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate; Passports and trusted traveller program cards ­ NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST ­ will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel. All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change. For further information, visit www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1196711811270.shtm No reason to sing the blues S HOLIDAY HOUSE GREECE, TURKEY & EGYPT The 2008/2009 Holiday House Greece, Turkey & Egypt brochure is now available, featuring a new cruising program, a number of new tours and a large selection of hotels and villas. This year's new cruising program is in partnership with Monarch Classic Cruises, which features three newly renovated ships and specializes in affordable, small ship cruising in the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean. Travellers booking a Monarch cruise through Holiday House by 29FEB08 will receive a variety of savings, depending on the itinerary. New tours for 2008 include the 15-day/13-night Minoan Rapture tour (starting from $2,399 for cruise and land plus $280 taxes pp double), which features five nights in Crete, two nights in Athens and a six-night Greek Isle and Turkey cruise; the 15-day/13-night Cycladic Splendour tour (from $1,899 for cruise and land plus $280 taxes pp double), which features three nights in Santorini, three nights in Mykonos, two nights in Athens and a five-night Greek Isle and Turkey cruise; the 18-day/16-night Mediterranean Mosaic tour (from $2,699 for cruise and land plus $200 pp double), featuring two nights in Athens, four nights in Crete, three nights in Rhodes and a seven-night cruise of Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Turkey and Greece; and the 15-day/13night Turkish Delight tour (from $1,299 for cruise and land plus $75 taxes pp double), which features three nights in Istanbul, one night in Canakkale, two nights in Kusadasi, one night in Pamukkale, two nights in Antalya, one night in Konya, two nights in Cappadocia and one night in Ankara. Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com *excluding new merchandise 50 OFF Storewide % January 29 - February 29 340 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville 905.338.0388 / www.mformen.com ab and the Family Band was on our Sunwing flight to Huatulco a couple of weeks ago. They had their instruments along, so it wasn't hard to figure out what they did. And of course Sab's top hat was different attire to what you usually see on a flight to sunshine. So were the band's incredible good manners. If you're like me, you have a good look around the charter airline on your way to a sun holiday, wondering if some of the other passengers will become new friends by the end of the week. We hoped the band was staying at our hotel. We were the envy of many on the plane home, when people discovered this talented group was at our hotel. It turned out they were a pick-up band of Canadian musicians coming to perform in the annual Blues festival in Purerto Espondido. They knew and we didn't how very cool the town is with its hot music, sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and a great market. Sab plays a guitar like it's part of him; no wonder he's played, recorded and toured with an amazing list of legends including Ronnie Hawkins and Kris Kristopherson. Sab has been to this area four times, and isn't coming again without his family. The others, Danny Blanchard from Calgary, Dana Mondell from Erin, Brent Bailey from Peterborough, Jimmy Lawrence from North Bay, and Chuck Jackson from Mississauga, loved the peaceful serenity of the resort, and the destination, and are returning as well with their families. Keyboard player Bailey said: "My wife Cynthia will love this place; it has been a good experience in a relatively untouched destination." And we were as impressed with the Posada Real Puerto Escondido as they were. This little property has a Mexican flavour, built to resemble a Hacienda. It is built on a small plateau overlooking the majestic Pacific. And it feels like staying in a family hacienda as well, because the staff treat you as a very special guest. Our waiter got very used to delivering back to me, whatever I left behind at the table (shawls, glasses, purse, and notebook) always with a smile. Breakfast was buffet style, with made-to-order eggs, in a pretty dining room with one wall open beside an inviting pool. There are no worries about cool weather in this destination, sunny and hot is the norm. Down a little hill, was the Coco beach club with a very nice covered dining room, and comfy bar beside another pool. Steps away a great walking beach beckoned. Forget beach chairs all lined up in a row. Under the palm trees, were tables, loungers and hammocks, for those who wanted some quiet privacy. A shuttle was available to take us back up the hill if we were too tired to climb the steps at the end of the day, and needed to hurry to get our drinks, and watch the main attraction... the sun setting over the Pacific. On a cliff top overlooking the beach, the expanse of manicured lawn that backs this hotel is a popular spot. Several times we saw whales swimming by. The rooms are petit and spotless, 100 of them in three, threestory buildings. Puerto Escondido is the oldest tourist area in the state of Oaxaca, and one that can still be described as a "funky, cool desti- nation," perhaps because of its fame as one of the surfing capitals of the world. To be specific, it is considered by connoisseurs to be the third best. Every November Zicatela Beach holds an International Surfing Tournament. The three-kilometre beach is not one where you'll be going swimming, or even surfing if you're not experienced, but there are lots of bars, bistros and people watching to keep you from missing a dip. And besides, this destination has lots of beaches, locals proudly tell everyone, and why each beach is special. Principal beach for instance, is the main beach, lively and lined with restaurants. This is the beach to get a water taxi. Puerto Angelito is described as a true natural swimming pool, and the place to take dive lessons. Marinero is for sunbathing and boogie boarding, Manzanillo, a shallow beach with lovely warm water, is perfect for snorkeling. And they go on, but you get the point. There are lots of beaches, even more boat taxis to deliver you. This is a destination where you make your own fun, and there are plenty of options. The Lagunas de Chacahua makes an ideal day trip if you love birding, and wildlife such as crocodiles, anteaters, opossums, iguanas, and tropical otters. Boat trips most always include a special glimpse of dolphins, and this time of year whales. A coffee plantation tour is an interesting way to spend a morning. Having the band in our hotel was fun. Many of the Canadian guests followed them to nightspots to listen to them play. They joined the band in the pool for water games, and generally had a drink with them at some point of the day. We looked at pictures of their families, and talked about ours. By the end of the trip, we were a big family. Sam Ion can be reached at sion10@cogeco.ca. Voted Best Travel Agency Best Cruise Company Best Travel Agent Thanks Oakville! Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville Relax... you're with us 221 Lakeshore Road E. To advertise in this section call 905-845-3824 (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com 905-337-2228 www.hookedoncruising.com