[londoncalling]

@milhouse Being newly retired you have the luxury of a flexible schedule. Hopefully, you are able to find something soon. We do have some leeway as well as our kid gets older we want to limit time away from school. In years past it was not an issue to miss a week here or there.

 

[milhouse]

I'm retired but the missus isn't yet so unfortunately I need to plan according to her vacation schedule. She has a new manager that has made her team book vacation days at the start of the year with only a bit of flexibilty for adjustments whereas previously, she was able to take off whenever as long as her backup was able to take on her stuff.
I was also hoping to travel with buddies but everyone seems so busy this year.

 

[ian]

We are in Portugal for a month. Driviving to rthe west coast when we return. After TD HT we will be booking 6-7 weeks in Greece. Then air for a snowbird trip to SE Asia.

 

[Money172375]

According to CBC, Canada dropping vaccine mandates for domestic travel and outgoing international flights. Announcement expected Tuesday.

 

[james4beach]

I recall it was Manulife.

Thanks. I bought the Manulife CoverMe plan for my trip, only about $4 per day of coverage. It includes medical care related to COVID.

I have a relative in their mid 70s who bought the same plan and it cost them about $17 a day. That's not so bad either.

 

[ian]

I have Manulife out of country medical as a pension plan benefit.

Several years ago my spouse injured herself in Kuala Lumpur and required some hospital and specialist care.

We first submitted a claim to Alberta Health as per Manulife’s direction. Two months later Alberta Health reimbursed us $50.

We then submitted to Manulife. The claim was paid in it’s entirety within 10 business days. No follow up questions or ‘get out of jail’ excuses on their part. Great claims service.

 

[Money172375]

My neighbours daughter flew from Pearson to Seattle today. Arrived 4.5 hours before the flight. Her comment. “I’ve never seen Pearson so empty”.

maybe all the issues are on the arrival side?

 

[damian13ster]

It depends from luck.
Yesterday I was flying too

My flight to Pearson was delayed by 1h40m. The plane was in the gate on time, but it was held up - even the staff wasn't able to explain why.
Had connecting flight in Pearson - was about to miss it, but it turns out the flight itself was delayed by over 2h. As was every single other flight leaving the terminal at the time.
Made for a really long journey, but at least it didn't turn into an overnight stay at Pearson

 

[Beaver101]

Imagine going on your dream vacation and renting AirBnB. Next thing you know you're on the web as entertaining celebrity for some dark creep(s).

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/airbnb-guest-creeped-alleged-discovery-145837028.html

 

[ian]

We flew into Pearson on May 24. We flew out on May 25. Security lineup for both not an issue. 10 minutes max. Just dumb luck I guess. Bags no issue since we only go carry on.

Arrival in Lisbon……three hour wait to clear. Apparently lots of checked bag issues.

 

[newfoundlander61]

Flying from Ottawa via Halifax to St. John's, Nfld next month for a couple of weeks. Staying a an Airbnb and managed to get a car rental with unlimited km's (mystery car) due to amount of bookings this summer, you take what is available when you show up but its better than no vehicle.

 

[Johnny199r]

Flying Winnipeg-Montreal-Rome in mid August for 2 1/2 weeks in Italy. Had some aeroplan points so going first class.

I’m glad to be avoiding Pearson but am a bit concerned about all the delays these days. Our layover in Montreal is over 4 hours, so I hope there won’t be any issues. I’m happy to spend the time at the Maple Leaf Lounge.

I don’t care if we get delayed on the return leg.

 

[Beaver101]

^ Good luck! But be sure to check the Maple Leaf Lounge (yes even in Montreal) will be open or not going under-reno in which case it'll be re-located or restricted.

 

[kcowan]

We are flying direct from VCR to Frankfurt on AC then on to Budapest Aug 30th, business class. We are delaying our second booster until August.

 

[Numbersman61]

We have now booked flights from Calgary to Ottawa, Vegas and Kelowna. Due to back issues, I’m uncomfortable in taking long flights so my wife will be flying to Maui with her sisters. Before the pandemic, I was a frequent flyer on WestJet - my platinum status will disappear in six months.

 

[milhouse]

Had some aeroplan points so going first class.

Always fun redeeming AP points for premium seats!
---
I keep reading about flights getting cancelled in the States. It sounds like it's a staffing issue and have read WS and AC are struggling to hire too. Anyone have a feel for or experience cancellations in Canada, the US, or internationally?

 

[Johnny199r]

Always fun redeeming AP points for premium seats!
---
I keep reading about flights getting cancelled in the States. It sounds like it's a staffing issue and have read WS and AC are struggling to hire too. Anyone have a feel for or experience cancellations in Canada, the US, or internationally?

It’s anarchy flying Canada right now. Complete anarchy.

 

[ian]

We are in Portugal now. It has been two plus years since we have been in Europe.

One thing we have noticed is the huge increase in those Euronet type third party ripoff ATMs. They have sprung up everywhere and are to be avoided. We count about six to ten for every bank ATM.

What else…a sharp decrease in the number of bank branches with their associated bank ATMs.

Be prepared for a huge service charge ‘clip’ if you make the mistake of using one of these bandit ATMs. And an outrageous FX rate.

And…if you do use a bank ATM you will be asked twice. If you want the ATM bank to do the FX. Just say NO!

 

[milhouse]

One thing we have noticed is the huge increase in those Euronet type third party ripoff ATMs. They have sprung up everywhere and are to be avoided. We count about six to ten for every bank ATM.

What else…a sharp decrease in the number of bank branches with their associated bank ATMs.

So sketchy!
One of the pre-trip planning activities that we've added to our list over the years is to identify major banks in the countries we're visiting and then mark a few of their branches/atm's on google maps near our hotel.

 

[londoncalling]

We flew into Pearson on May 24. We flew out on May 25. Security lineup for both not an issue. 10 minutes max. Just dumb luck I guess. Bags no issue since we only go carry on.

Arrival in Lisbon……three hour wait to clear. Apparently lots of checked bag issues.

Pretty impressive that you are able to travel internationally for a month(or more) and only do carryon. I still need to check a bag (sometimes 2) for the family. It's a least two if I try to mix work/holiday into the same trip. If it's strictly work I can easily do a week with carry on. Thankfully due to status I have free checked bags. However, if I can remove one obstacle in getting delayed I will gladly do it. What's your secret? I can't remember if you have multiple stays in Portugal or just set up one home base for the duration.