Heather Wilkinson TPI
4 Robert Speck Parkway, 15th Floor 519-847-5185 Mississauga, ON, Canada

I have had the good fortune to be in Europe again this spring. We have spent 2 glorious weeks in Greece and now 5 days in Paris before going to Provence. Greece was wonderful, great food, terrific weather and new areas explored.

Getting very excited about our trip to Greece and France in a couple of weeks. I just read this article and thought anyone travelling to Paris should be aware of the increased number of pickpockets in the city. Money belts and extra awareness will keep your valuables safe; this article is from one of my trade bulletins today. Gypsy criminal gangs from eastern Europe overrun Paris tourist attractions Hundreds of armed police have been placed around Paris' major tourist ...monuments because of an influx of criminal gangs from eastern Europe. It follows a huge increase in the number of aggressive beggars and pickpockets flooding into the French capital from Romania and Bulgaria -- countries whose citizens will soon have unrestricted access to the UK. The Louvre alone now has 20 permanent uniformed officers patrolling its galleries, with give of them placed at the entrance. They arrived at the weekend, after staff went on strike to complain about youngsters attacking them as they steal from visitors. Similar patrols have been placed around sacred monuments including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacre-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, the Pompidou Centre and even the Palace of Versailles, west of Paris. Gangs of Roma thieves -- many of them young children -- can now be seen all over Paris, the most popular tourist city in the world. 'Do you speak English?' is their usual opening gambit, and then they surround victims, helping themselves to money and possessions. Frances has shut down illegal camps full of Roma gypsies which have sprung up around the French capital, but crime remains a huge problem See more

I am getting ready for the Women's Lifestyle show March 23 and 24 in London. Should be a great event, Gail Vax-Oxlade is making a rare guest appearance. see all the great info at www.womenslifestyle.ca come and see me at booth 17, i will have all the latest information on upcoming Small Group Adventures

Better late than not at all, I found Rogers cable has a free preview on Travel and Escape channel 267 for the next month. Travel+Escape is the destination for top-rated travel and adventure themed programming. We happened upon Anthony Bourdains program in Paris last week. This channel is a great way to revisit your favourite places or pick up some new travel ideas to add to the bucket list . check it out http://www.travelandescape.ca/

I have a few people visiting Turkey this season.. I thought this was an interesting tip for Istanbul. http://www.afar.com/highlights/a-mosque-invites-me-to-stay

With many people preparing to leave on winter vacations, I am often asked about tipping, should I? Is it already included? How much is customary? It is always great to show your appreciation, but you also don't want to over tip, it can be embarassing for the recipient in some countries. I thought this was a good article that may help some of you. http://away.com//travel-ta-a-guide-to-tipping-etiquette-ar

This looks to be an interesting new idea for economy class travellers http://www.eglobaltravelmedia.com.au//radical-new-airline-

in preparation for our fall trip to Ireland, it's going to be great adventure, i loved this photo. The dog is keeping them together but has all the right colour group! https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net//488088_54919511843

A friend in Croatia shared her short video of a winter festival in Putj. Here in Canada we skate on the Rideau Canal, admire ice and snow sculptures and of late seem to be constantly shovelling the drive way in some parts of CAnada .. maybe we need to change our winter attire and add music! https://www.facebook.com/mintyschoice

Talking to clients to day I was reminded of this beautiful church we visited in Bavaria Wieskirche .. it is so colourful, bright , and totally amazing . it can be easily combines with a visit to King Ludwig's castle Neuschwanstein http://www.molon.de/galleries/Germany/Bavaria/Wieskirche/

I have been enjoying wathcing Olympics when I can. I do enjoy the Google sports as well.. I need to keep practising the soccer today! There is a great special to London, UK, not to be confused with London, ON ... flight, 4 nights hotel, breakfast daily and 2 theatre tickets.. all for 1228.00 from Toronto. Travel valid September 1 - 30 November.. what a great quick fall getaway. check out London tourist information and see all the things you can do http://www.visitlondon.com/

Are the Olympics in London on your daily TV agenda as well. Friends commented it was fun watching the commentary on things in London and being able to say "we were there". Travel is such a great experience when we can relive special memories time and time again. I have to remember when clients are looking for a quick get away, London is not much farther than flying to the west coast. There are some great packages for 5 or 6 nights with hotel that are not much more expensive than just the airfare. Contact me to find out about these specials.

Airline seating has always been a huge concern for everyone. Aisle seats, window seats, exit rows, bulkhead, everyone has their favourite and preferably the seat next to them empty. Westjet has just announced premium economy seating on their aircraft. They of course will likely be a slightly higher seat selection fee, but most find it is worth the difference. Here are the details. WESTJET ANNOUNCES PREMIUM ECONOMY SEATING Extra legroom to be combined with convenience ...features and select on-board amenities across entire fleet WestJet is introducing premium economy seating across its entire fleet. The reconfiguration will consist of four rows of extra legroom seating with 36 inches of pitch and convenience features such as priority boarding, as well as complimentary on-board amenities. The reconfiguration will begin in August and will be completed in December 2012. As part of this initiative, WestJet will also standardize the seat pitch for the remaining rows on all aircrafts to 31 to 32 inches, bringing its seat pitch in line with North American competitors. "Details on the full product offering and how guests can take advantage of these exciting initiatives will be announced in the near future," said Bob Cummings, executive vice president, sales, marketing and guest experience, WestJet.

Recently I have been asked about quick weekend getaways, even one that would not require driving through Toronto. Well from London that means nothing east unless you take the back roads. We often think north, or Michigan from London, but south western ontario has Pelee Island, the most southern point in Canada. It is a great day trip or overnight stay. The ferry operates in the summer season from Leamington. We have done a day trip a few years ago, left the car in Leamin...gton and took our bikes. It is a nice ride around the island, time for lunch and the ferry home. Bed and Breakfast accommodation, a couple of inns or even camping if that is your style make for a nice over night or weekend stay. Pelee Island Winery offers tours and tastings. There are nature walks, shops and several good restaurants and bars ... next time you are thinking of something to do for the day.. try Pelee Island See more

I have not posted in a few days, I must be in vacation mode even though I am at my desk. It is always nice to return to the same place on vacation. We are comfortable with the familar surroundings, enjoy old haunts and truly relax much faster. When vacationing abroad we like to go back to our favourite countries but want to feel that we are getting a new experience for our vacation time and money. Italy often calls people time and time again, but places that once seemed t...Continue reading