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32 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 20, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Translating the language of travelling L et's solve the travel terminology puzzle you're wondering about by explaining some of the acronyms you'll see used a lot. E.P. stands for European Plan and means you get a room, but no meals. A.P. means American Plan, which includes complete breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. M.A.P. is a Modified American Plan, meaning breakfast and dinner, no lunch. I think it also means pack a lunch from breakfast, because I often see people doing this, discreetly of course. B.P. is a complete breakfast, C.P is a continental breakfast -- coffee, tea, juice, rolls and sometimes, but not always, fruit. M.P. means a meal plan is available, but you pay extra for it.) What is best for you will depend on your budget and the type of travelling you like to do? Decide how much you can afford to spend. Then think about your idea of a perfect holiday. Do you want to be out and about sightseeing? Is a different restaurant for every meal important? If you're wondering whether you can afford the European Plan have a look through the travel brochures and look at the meal plan offers. It will give you a vague idea of what you'll pay for food. Bear in mind that the meal plan is usually a bargain. Then head off to the book store and buy a guide book. That will give you an idea of what you need to budget for food and drinks. Now let's tackle `inclusive.' Semi-inclusive usually means three meals a day, sometimes national-brand drinks or a limited-drink credit and limited hours for drinking the included drinks. There are usually limited recreational facilities and limited sports activities, without paying an extra charge. All-inclusive includes all meals and snacks, all national-brand drinks, recreational facilities, some sports activities with gratuities optional. All-inclusive doesn't mean the same thing everywhere. For instance, National drinks in Cuba often mean rum-based drinks and local pop. They sometimes have national brands of scotch; gin etc., but international inclusions than any basic all-inclusive packages. You'll have room service, separate check-in/out, and rooms that are closest to the beach. A Transat Treasure symbol in its brochure is handpicked for value and quality by buyers and vacation reviews. Sunwing Club is free when you vacation at any one of its 38 Sunwing Club hotels. You'll get the services of the on-site concierge, a welcome cocktail and beach towels in your room, advance reservations at the a la carte restaurants. Conquest Vacations has a new term this year a "gems" rating due to its uniqueness and character. This means they it doesn't have an official star rating. Sunquest Vacations has an `elite' group of resorts that delivers the ultimate vacation experience amidst the most exotic locations in the Americas. So what does all this mean to you? First decide on your budget and then decide exactly what you want in a holiday. Have a look at the dream sun books and read and reread the small print. Take your notes and head off to a travel agent. And finally ask him or her about flight times. You can lose a day of your holiday if the flight leaves at night and comes back mid-day seven days later. Even reading the books is fun on a dull cloudy day as we head into fall. Give every member of the family a book and ask them to choose a resort and tell you why they picked it. It'll make for a lively dinner hour. You can reach Sam Ion at Samion10@cogeco.ca Bullas Travel Presents "Australia, New Zealand & Fiji" Deluxe Tour ~ Best Value In Canada A Trip Of A Lifetime!! Escorted by Robert Bullas Departs From Toronto - Feb 16 for 29 Days "We've been there Now let us take you" Aussie Specialists for info see www.bullastravel.com or call Veronica at 1-800-565-1133 OASIS OF THE SEAS ­ OPEN FOR BOOKINGS We are now taking bookings for Oasis of the Seas ­ RCCL's revolutionary new cruise ship that will s set sail on its inaugural voyage out of Ft. Lauderdale on December 12, 2009. Oasis of the Seas is truly an architectural and nautical marvel with spectacular onboard elements s and features never before seen on a cruise ship. She will be the largest cruise ship in the world spanning 16 decks and carrying 5,400 guests in 2,700 staterooms. The cruise line's new neighborhood concept will be introduced on the ship providing vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal styles, preferences or moods. Boardwalk, will be a breathtaking space for families inspired by the nostalgic seaside k piers of yesteryear; the first amphitheater at sea, Aqua Theater, will celebrate water with the largest freshwater pool found on a ship offering a full spectrum of activities and performances for guests. The cruise line's signature Royal Promenade will include a new design allowing guests to have a physical e connection with the neighborhood above, Central Park, as natural light cascades down from the sky k through the Crystal Canopy sculptured glass domes. Other surprises include two rock-climbing walls, the first zip-line at sea suspended nine decks high, and an original hand-crafted carousel. Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features k lush, tropical grounds spanning more than the length of a football field. It will be an exquisite public gathering place featuring serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees. The introduction of 28 contemporary two-level loft suites will redefine cruise ship accommodations with vibrant, ocean-inspired colors in a sophisticated and spacious setting. Never before seen at sea, the lofts will feature spectacular views of the ocean with floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows to ensure the view will be enjoyed from each and every vantage point. The signature lofts will round out a new portfolio of 37 categories of accommodation options. For more information on this incredible ship and its Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, give us a call! LongStays in the Algarve Information Seminar Wednesday, 24 Sept - 2pm Travelodge Burlington on the Lake 2020 Lakeshore Rd. Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com RSVP 416 979 8662 1 800 382 9330 or on-line www.jmvacations.ca JMVacations Ltd. 1503 - 2 Carlton St., Toronto brands are extra. It used to be that you could almost leave your wallet with money and cards at home, but in today's allinclusive you'll often find some wines are extra as is lobster and certain a-lacarte restaurants. Spa services aren't included. Super Club's six properties in Jamaica call themselves "super" all-inclusive, and they include dives for certified divers, green fees, one manicure, one pedicure, international drinks, and 24-hour room service, in most of their properties. Sandals and Beaches have a new name this season: luxury included. They, too, offer included dives, a daily champagne breakfast, beach valets and much more. They have an average of five and as many as 11 restaurants. In some categories of suites, you'll have your own butler to pack and unpack, not to mention fulfill every wish you might have and a private plunge pool... Many of the wholesalers have other categories. Transat Holidays has all-inclusive with upgrades. For a little more you can have Premier inclusions such as concierge service, guaranteed a la carte dining, and more spacious accommodation. Transat Distinction gives you a greater number of Ontario Registration 1283912 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. (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com 905-337-2228 www.hookedoncruising.com To advertise here call 905-845-3824