Even as you read this column, I am preparing to board a British Airways flight taking me through Heathrow to Rome, where I will begin a 10-day Mediterranean cruise.
I will be able to report whether the efficiency and flow through Terminal 5 has improved from its disastrous start, as British Airways says it has. With the worst lost luggage record in the free world, I hope that the improvement ensures the transfer of our bags to connecting flights so they get to me before I board our cruise ship.
Even though I will not be here physically, please continue forwarding your questions. I, with my ever-present laptop, will be pleased to respond to your inquiries as I relax on deck sipping a cocktail, contemplating my response for next week's column.
Q. I am a single and prefer to travel that way on occasion, but I am really ticked off at the single supplement charge for going to Mexico this winter. I don't mind paying a little extra but why do the properties and travel companies feel they need to fleece people who travel alone?
A. Every year, without exception, I will get this angry and frustrated question from someone in the same situation as you. And, quite frankly, your feelings are warranted.
If you book a hotel room in North America, the price is the same, single or double. It is estimated that one-third of the adult population travels solo, either because of divorce, death of a spouse, or simply because people feel they have no one they feel comfortable in sharing accommodation with for an extended period.
At an all-inclusive resort, there is some understanding that the food and beverage prices are worked into the package in a manner that is related to two people in a room. But the single supplement is frequently unreasonable.
Cruise lines especially seem to have recognized that many seniors who are alone are willing and able to pay the exorbitant rates. And so long as properties and cruise ships are full during the high season, we are not likely to see any significant change in thinking.
But if the economy should shrink, you will see all of the suppliers of tourist product come chasing you with all kinds of specials.
They offer better breaks for singles in the slower transition seasons now, but nothing changes people's thinking like economic hunger, and with the United States facing a recession, you may still find your options increase.
In the U.S., a recent survey pointed out that over a quarter-million singles who are 42 years of age or older will spend $28 billion on travel. In most areas of commerce this would represent leverage. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an international or national singles association that can harness this power for the benefit of this large travelling mass.
Q. We are planning to go to the Bahamas in January 2009. We have never been there before, so we were curious if you could provide us with some information about this country such as weather, personal safety and money. We will be staying in Nassau at the SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas.
A. I have been to Bahamas a couple of times, coincidentally both in January. The weather, like most of our winter destinations, will be very warm.
Temperatures in January tend to be about 77 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 C. Nights are lovely at about 16 C. I have visited SuperClubs Breezes and actually golfed on their golf course.
I think you will be very happy with the accommodation; SuperClubs has proven to be a very good brand overall.
American dollars are still the best from my point of view. As is best in most southern countries these days, don't carry a lot of cash (pickpockets) and don't flash expensive jewelry. Use a money belt and use your jewellery in places where others are doing the same and you are sure of your transportation.
Nassau is a civilized city with some exceptionally wealthy areas and ultra expensive resorts. But there is also poverty, and where extreme poverty exists, crime often follows.
Q. What can you tell me about Santa Clara in Cuba, which I understand is a relatively new destination out of Winnipeg?
A. I am sure my frequent e-mail correspondent and Cuba enthusiast, who goes by the moniker Che, will be enthusiastic to learn that Transat Holidays will initiate a non-stop weekly on Thursdays to Santa Clara, Cuba, starting on Dec. 18.
There was a flight there last year which was not direct, but Transat has decided to make it a prime destination this year.
While the city was founded in 1689, for Cubans its more recent significance is because it is revered for two people -- one a man of war and the other a man of peace.
It is the burial place of the remains of the famous revolutionary figure Ernesto Che Guevara. A large statue of Che has been erected at the Museo Historico de la Revolucion, where those who died with Che in Bolivia, supposedly at the hands of the CIA, are interred together.
It is at Santa Clara where the last battle of the Cuban revolution was said to be the decisive factor in the success of the Castro era.
This beautiful colonial university city is also celebrated by Cubans for the 1998 visit of Pope John Paul II.
Most of the properties are fairly new since Santa Clara was opened for international tourism only a few years ago.
Forward your travel questions to askjourneys@journeystravel.com. Ron Pradinuk is president of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre and can be heard Sundays at noon on CJOB. Previous columns and tips can be found on www.journeystravel.com or read Ron's travel blog at
www.thattravelguy.ca
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