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Experience Newfoundland
5/9/2008
Newfoundland is a place that stays the same, but changes you forever. Visitors will explore a land that is rich with history, rife with culture and sprawling with natural beauty.
While known in Canada to be the last to join Confederation, Newfoundland also has a number of historical firsts.
The oldest known European settlement anywhere in North America is located at L'Anse aux Meadows, in the northern tip of the province. Founded around 1000 A.D. by Leif Erikson's Vikings, remnants and artifacts of the occupation can still be seen at L'Anse aux Meadows, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later, John Cabot became the first European since the Vikings to discover Newfoundland, landing at Cape Bonavista in June of 1497. And on August 5, 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert formally claimed Newfoundland as England's first overseas colony for Queen Elizabeth I.
You can imagine yourself as John Cabot discovering this majestic land, with a trip to Cape Spear. The most easterly point in North America, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Cape Spear lighthouse, the oldest existing lighthouse in the province.
Travel to the northern peninsula to St. Anthony, known as Newfoundland’s “best kept secret.” Named in 1534 by Jacques Cartier, the area was a great location to access the rich fishing grounds and became a haven to fishing fleets.
In 1892, a British doctor named Wilfred Grenfell arrived in St. Anthony to provide medical services to the fishermen. However, the impact of Grenfell’s presence is evident throughout the area. Historic properties there tell the story of his influence on the social, medical and economic climate of the early 1900s. Grenfell built the province’s first hospital, created the first co-op lumber mill, built the first orphanage and established the first non-denominational school.
Finally, no trip to Newfoundland is complete without visiting its capital, St. John’s. In addition to its vibrantly painted houses, numerous pubs and lively entertainment, St. John’s is also home to Signal Hill. Rising above the city is a fortification that now tells the story of receiving the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
Of course, despite all of these attractions, what you’ll remember most about your trip to Newfoundland, are the people. Friendly faces greet you at every turn, people proud of their history and eager to make you one of their own.
“On the Road”, is a weekly column published in the Lindsay Post written by Julia Bryan that features information about the latest trends in the travel industry.
| | | | | | The Hidden Costs of Travel
5/2/2008
In today’s marketplace, determining the actual cost of a vacation can sometimes feel like a complicated math equation.
Since math wasn’t my favourite subject in school, but I love a good bargain, I have made it a personal priority to determine travel costs. Here are a few things I’ve learned while researching the best deal.
First, as with most purchases – watch the fine print! There are a number of ‘extra’ fees that can be associated with travel, particularly with flights and cruises.
My biggest pet peeve is the famous $49 flight. Airlines can get away with this, since they are really only charging that much for the actual flight.
However, what is listed below in very tiny print is the amount of the taxes, fees and surcharges imposed on that flight – usually in the range of $150-$200. So now you’re $49 flight is now over $200. Depending on the destination, this might still be a good price, it’s just not the great bargain you thought it was.
Another trick is the charge for baggage. For quite some time, airlines have charged for any extra bags you bring above what is allotted. I certainly understand that policy. However, many airlines have recently lowered the number of bags you’re allowed to check down to only 1, and then charge $25 for the second bag. (Air Canada is one example, check their website for the new rates and allowances).
This additional charge claims to help airlines offset the continuing rise of fuel. This brings me to the newest raise in fees: the fuel surcharge. This new fee is a favourite of most cruise lines these days. It started last fall, and many have recently raised the charge again. Generally, each passenger will now be charged anywhere from $7-10 per day for a ‘fuel surcharge’.
While math isn’t my strong suit, $7 multiplied by the average of 2500 passengers these ships carry, this fee brings approximately $123,000 to the bottom-line for the cruise companies!
So in the end, sometimes a deal is a deal, and sometimes the old adage remains true: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
But, knowing about these hidden fees is half the battle. It may help you to avoid surprises on your bill that can sometimes taint the great holiday memories you have created.
“On the Road”, is a weekly column published in the Lindsay Post written by Julia Bryan that features information about the latest trends in the travel industry. | | | | | |
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