World Travel Sisters

Iceland, being a long awaited trip for both my nephew and I, we were excited to explores this island of glaciers, lava fields and hot springs.

We travelled by rental car once there and we highly recommend paying extra for the GPS system as in some areas your phone might not get a signal and you will be unable to use it for navigation.

Thank you to Europcar. https://www.europcar.is They had us ready to go in no time with some tips and a promotional Icelandic booklet with some great info.

As we were travelling during December 2021 we had limited sunlight during the day (5-6 hours approx)This caused an almost constant sunrise and sunset that had us admiring Icelands beautiful landscapes.

TIP Roundabouts are very normal in Iceland. We encountered over 50! So practice at home before you go.

If not going the rental car way here is a great link for adventure tours in Iceland.

https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com

As check in at the hotel wasn’t until 4 pm we set out for adventure in our rental car. First we stopped at Blaskogabyggo to see the Gullfoss falls (Golden Falls translated) and a few gorgeous landscapes along the way.

We continued onto the Haukadalur Geothermal Field. With the biting cold wind we patiently waited and witnessed a Geyser in action.

Geysir, Southern Icleand

A quick warm trip into the souvenir shop and off we continued on our adventure to checking into the 201 Hotel in Kópavogur, Iceland. https://201hotel.is

TIP: We chose hotels that included a continental breakfast to save on expenses. Hit the local grocery store for cheap snacks and bottled water. We even visited a Costco for the $3 hot dog and pop deal… and yes, even a Canadian Costco membership is accepted in Iceland.

After some inexpensive pepperoni pizza (Less than $25 Canadian for a Medium) and a great 12 hour nap we were ready to start our next day of adventures.

Our next stop was the Kerid Crater at Grimsness. There’s a great walk way all around so you can get a great view from any angle.

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In need of some down time after more driving we finished off our day at the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Warm water surrounds you as you float around. Face masks are available as well as refreshments at the swim up bar. Inside there are fresh, dry towels available. For an extra cost you may purchase the use of a housecoat and slippers that you can hang outside.

Next day , after a wonderful ham and cheese croissant breakfast we ventured off into the city of Reykyavik for a day of souvenir shopping, tours and great food. So of course before light we found a great free parking spot for the day. On foot we came across a free walking tour of the city. Funded by donations only and approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long.

From the oldest building to the tallest tree we walked and listened to our friendly tour guide, Martin. We viewed famous buildings and statues, learned about Icelandic history and got tips on what to see and where to shop and dine in the city.

The last stop was the Phallological museum. In its new location, we notice that now you can also grab a bite to eat while there. Many specimens in jars from animals to yes, even a donated human penis is available for viewing. https://phallus.is/en/

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We finshed our night at a recommended restaurant and feasted on delicious Icelandic fish. The meal was as delicious as it looks.

TIP Lunch can run you anywhere from $10 to $20 (Canadian) per person. Dinner – anywhere from $25 to $70 per person. Local stores like BONUS (the logo is a little pink pig), are great for snacks and affordable lunch items.

The second last day we started our drive north to Snaefellsjokull once again were surrounded by breathtaking beauty and finally to our delight wild life.

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Last stop. Kirkjufell Mountain seen in Game of Thrones and the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall.

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We arrived at our last hotel Langaholt and were so happy with everything. Beautiful rooms, gorgeous view, restaurant on site and very peaceful (no televisions in the rooms). Once we made our dinner and breakfast reservations we settled in our room admiring the view from our private patio hoping to view the northern lights on our final night.

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Waking up at 1:30 am and finally seeing the northern lights was the icing on the cake. No picture to prove it as it was faint. We stood there and took it in for almost half an hour until it faded.

NOTE: another reason to go back to Iceland. Get pictures of stronger norther lights.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures of our long awaited trip to Iceland. We highly recommend you visit. Everyone in super friendly and almost all speak excellent English and a few European languages. You will feel right at home as we did. It was difficult to leave such a beautiful country.

I will leave you with an uplifting adorable Icelandic song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f88UJyCA__M

Get the facts about your travel options and learn how to protect yourself if you must travel.

• Maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others as much as possible.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick
• Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a cloth face mask.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean your hands often. It’s especially important after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Air travel

Because of air circulation on airplanes being filtered, most viruses won’t spread easily. But were there is overcrowding, there is also difficulty in social distancing. There are lots of lines to wait in that can bring you too close to others.

Most major airlines require that crews and passengers wear cloth face coverings. See the websites below to see the specific airports and their guidlines.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces at screening checkpoints. If you haven’t flown in a while, since the pandemic began, you will see these changes:

• TSA officers wearing masks and gloves, and practicing social distancing.
• TSA officers changing gloves after each pat-down.
• Plastic shields at document checking podium, bag search and drop off locations.
• Fewer travelers and, as a result, fewer open screening lanes.

Also there are changes to the screening process.

• Travelers may wear masks during screening. You may be asked to adjust your mask for identification purposes.
• Instead of handing your boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers are asked to place it directly on the scanner and hold up for their inspection.
• Each traveler is allowed one, up to 12 oz., container of hand sanitizer in a carry-on bag.
• Food should be kept in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Keep food out of carry-on to speed up screening and lessen chances of having your bags opened.
• To reduce handling of personal items such as keys, wallets and phones place them in your carry-on bags instead of bins.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds (or two Happy Birthday songs) before and after going through screening.

Car travel

If you may prefer to drive and have more control over your environment still keep in mind safety along your stops.

Here are some tips for your journey:

• As few stops as possible unless you feel dizzy or tired.
• Bring lots of face masks, sanitizer and disinfectant wipes and keep in an easy to reach spot in the car.
• Bring your own food and water. This smart plan ahead reduces stops and contact with others. If you do need to stop for food opt for drive thru options.
• Remember to wipe the handles and buttons at gas stations. Wash hands for 30 seconds with soap when you get to your stop.

Other ground transportation

If your preference is bus or train, be aware of the longer period of sitting or standing close to others which can put you at a higher risk. Follow the Automobile travel tips for a safer journey.

If you do fly and need to rent a car research which car rental companies have disinfection policies. Shuttle service is also another option to get from the airport to your hotel.

If taking a taxi or ride share of any kind sit in the back and handle your own bags at pick up and drop off. Wipe surfaces with disinfectant wipes before touching them. Remember to wear your mask, social distance and wash your hands when you reach your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry is contributing to taking care of traveler’s safety. Major chains have websites with information on how they are protecting you and their staff against coronavirus. If you want to be extra safe you can request a room that has been vacant for at least 24 hours.

Hotels make your stay safer by:

• Enhanced cleaning of public areas, elevators, guest rooms, as well as food preparation and laundry areas
• Social distancing measures in the lobby, at the front desk and in parking areas
• Masking of staff and guests
• Contactless payment
• Focused employee training in the following:
  • Hand-washing procedures
  • Cleaning and disinfecting protocols
  • Use of personal protective equipment
• Protocol in the event that a guest becomes ill, which should include temporarily closing the guest’s room for cleaning and disinfecting

Vacation rental locations are doing the same to keep travellers safe. Their websites highlight the following of public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning. You will also notice staggered check in times to social distance people.

For your own safety you can also touch up your room with disinfectant wipes once you arrive (doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, desks, phones, remote controls and faucets). Wash plates, glasses, cups and silverware (other than prewrapped plastic items) before using.

Make a packing list

When it’s time to pack for your trip, grab any medicines you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Cloth face masks
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19, but older adults and people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Conditions that increase your risk include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, serious heart problems, sickle cell disease, type 2 diabetes and a weakened immune system.

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you must travel, talk with your doctor and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the best plans may need to be set aside when illness strikes. If you feel sick before your planned travel, stay home except to get medical care.

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Destination Canada is committed to providing accurate information for travellers to Canada and in Canada. We have consolidated links to sites about COVID-19 below, so you can easily access the resources you need to make informed travel decisions.

Government of Canada and WHO information

The Canada/U.S. border is closed to all non-essential travel, but remains open for the shipment of goods and key supplies. The latest border information is here.

• The latest Government of Canada information for travel is here. 
• The latest World Health Organization (WHO) information is here.

Prevention and Planning

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is actively monitoring the current outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). You can find preventative information here on the PHAC’s website or call the Health Canada COVID-19 information line at 1-833-784-4397 with further questions.

Travel Advisory

Travellers to Canada and in Canada are encouraged to read the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) travel health notices here.

For the latest official government of Canada updates on travel restrictions, please visit the PHAC website.

Flights and Border Services

Effective April 20, 2020, all air passengers departing or arriving via any Canadian airport will be required to have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during travel. Learn more on the Transport Canada website.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are working together to facilitate and implement health-screening measures at airports.

• Information about procedures at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is here.
• Information about procedures at the Calgary International Airport (YYC) is here.
• Information about procedures at Toronto’s Pearson airport (YYZ) is here.
• Information about procedures at Montreal’s Trudeau airport (YUL) is here.

Airlines

• Air Canada (and Air Canada Rouge) has issued a response to COVID-19 here.
• WestJet has issued a response to COVID-19 here.
• Air Transat has issued a response to COVID-19 here.
• Swoop has issued a response to COVID-19 here.
• Porter has issued a response to COVID-19 here.

Cruise Lines

As a response to COVID-19, the Government of Canada will defer the start of the cruise ship season in Canada to July 1, 2020, at the earliest. This deferral will apply to cruise ships capable of carrying more than 12 passengers. You can find more information here.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced updated guidelines for cruise passengers and crew in response to COVID-19. Read about the enhanced screening measures here.

If you are travelling to Canada as a part of a cruise, we urge you to contact your cruise line for the latest information on cancellations, changes, or other relevant information.

Rail

VIA Rail Canada is monitoring the situation and is posting their latest information here.

Rocky Mountaineer is monitoring the situation and is posting their latest information here.

Hotel Association

The Hotel Association of Canada is updating their information here.

Events and Conferences

If you’re travelling to Canada for an upcoming conference or event, we recommend contacting your event organizer and host venue for the most up-to-date details.

• Hotel Association of Canada
• Convention Centres of Canada

Further information for our Business Events industry partners can be found here.

How to Stay Healthy

The World Health Organization recommends that individuals:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough
• Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or for non-emergency situations only, call 8-1-1, or for 7-1-1 for the deaf or hard of hearing.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada has a COVID-19 information line at: 1-833-784-4397.

Stay Informed

• Call the Health Canada COVID-19 information line: 1-833-784-4397. Interpretation services are available in multiple languages. Or email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca
• Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s website for the latest update on COVID-19.
• Follow Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, on Twitter: @CPHO_Canada

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Want the charm of Europe but close to home? If you live in Ontario then you are but a short train ride to Old Montreal.

For a girl’s three day getaway for my birthday we ventured off to Old Montreal in search of rest, shopping, great food, drink and lots of laughter. We definitely succeeded in accomplishing all. This beautiful place was more than I expected. With it ‘s European feel and French charm it found a little place in my heart. Great crepes, street music, quaint shops and a lovely evening horse and carriage ride. I knew I would be back again. Here are a few photos from our adventure. Merci beaucoup Montreal! by Adelka Molcan