Travelling Tips

Before you choose the date of your trip

When is a trip less expensive in Canada?

Generally, to find a trip that is less expensive, you need to avoid travelling during the Christmas holidays, the spring  break and construction weeks (in Québec). Avoiding these dates will enable you to get great rates. Usually, if you leave during the week (Monday through Thursday) the trip is less expensive compared to a week end departure (Friday through Sunday). A night flight is less expensive than a day flight. A flight with stopovers is less expensive than a direct flight.

What to do to go south at a cheaper price?

Choose a departure date for beginning of January, right after the  2nd or the 3rd and make your reservation on www.bonitour.com  the minute you find the destination, the hotel and the convenient travelling dates. You can wait last minute if these elements are not important to you. You could find “all included” packages that are less expensive  because airline companies, a few days before departure, sell at a discount price unsold seats or… you could lose your chance to go on vacation!

Which destination is the less expensive?

The less expensive sun destinations are the ones closer in flight time. You also need to consider the economic factor of these places. For exemple, the United States are more expensive than the Dominican Republic. In the French  Antilles, the cost of living is higher than in Mexico. Often, an “all included” in Cuba involves an excellent  quality-price rapport, however, there are other factors to consider. Take time to analyse your tastes, your habits, your preferences during a trip, as well as what you’re looking for. Are you leaving because you’re tired or to have some fun? You deserve more than a simple discount for your vacation. If you only look at the price you could  maybe disregard exceptional opportunities.

When can you buy a plane ticket at a discount price?

For a plane ticket there are two possibilities:a regular or a charter flight. Concerning the equipment, meaning the place, it is the same, only the price structure makes the difference. For a regular flight(one that goes the same place all year round), what influences the price is the flexibility of the flight. The tickets that are less expensive are generally 100% non exchangeable non reimbursable. The more flexible the ticket is in its date and schedule, the more expensive it is. Another important factor is how soon in advance you buy your ticket. If you buy it quite in advance, it is less expensive, if you wait to buy it at the airline counter at the airport, it is more expensive. For a  charter flight (they operate only during high season) it’s the opposite situation. However, if you wait too long, there’s a possibility of having no more seats available on this particular flight, depending on how you can deal with risks.

Why is an hotel less expensive than an other one?

Miracles do not exist when you travel. The best hotel is often well located having the best services, and could also be the most expensive. If a hotel is less expensive than an other one, it’s generally because of one or many reasons. It is also possible that a company has better agreements than an other one, reflecting a difference on the price of the package. Beware of the best hotel being almost free!
 

I know when I can leave and I want to buy an unexpensive trip

How to book a trip at a discount price ?

What is a traditional travelling agency?

A traditional travelling agency listens to your needs, makes researches according to your tastes, your needs, your budget or your past experiences. Your travelling agent explains the different destinations, advises you and uses all her/his experience to better serve you. These services are included and are part of the price you will pay when you make your reservation. Their help could make all the difference in the world in the success of your trip. When you require their services, they are working for you and their time is paid when you make your reservation. It would not be very elegent to make them work without completing the transaction allowing you to reimburse their services. Here’s an excellent travelling agency in Québec on which you can completely count on: Les Voyages Interconseil.

What is a virtual travelling agency?

You are your own travel agent. You can change your mind anytime you want without frustrating anybody. You can shop around any time of day… or night, on business days or holidays. The new search engine will pick out prices according to your needs, dates and all necessary information. Online travelling agency is a new tool to help you save. www.bonitour.com  offers all the trips at a discount rate. Should you need help, one of our professional agents will help you fill out your reservation.

Why should I deal with www.bonitour.com  instead of other agencies on the net?

When you are on the following site www.bonitour.com  you have at your disposal an innovating technology that exactly responds to all your needs. If you’re looking for some holidays or a business trip you have the recommended tool for all of your aerial travelling needs. Furthermore, you can find a bulletin that could be sent to you should you request it. You would then have in your possession the last discounts and the most recent information to keep contact. Bonus prices are regularly sent to the travellers to show our appreciation.

Is it cheaper if I buy directly with the wholesaler?

No, for many reasons. For example, the  Air C Company, will not offer you the rates of Air T, and vice-versa, even if its competitor is on sale. www.bonitour.com  offers you all the flight companies regarding your request with a departure from Canada. You will also find all discount trips available on the site. You will benefit from our volume discount since we are members of the  “Voyages en direct” network that negotiates for you the best prices with the best suppliers for any Canadian departures.

How to find the best prices for my trips?

When you are on the www.bonitour.com site, always look for a Saturday departure closest to the desired departure date, the system will indicate on which date  the flight is on for the destination you’re requesting or will offer alternative dates if the departure date is not flexible. No need to be a member of a discount club. All our passengers benefit from the best guaranteed rates.

How to find a ticket on special or stand-by or travel on a cancellation?

This a an old fashioned expression for a “discount rate”. Today, companies use “book early discounts” promotions for loyal clients, bonuses of all types. These days, when rumors of fuel surcharge is in the air, this should convince you to reserve as soon as possible to benefit from discount rates.

How to travel free with a promotion?

Certain free air mile  programs are not very generous. Even if these promotions seem to promise free trips, hypothetical air miles or double of almost nothing, it consists of commercial promotions to stimulate sales. If finally after many efforts, you succeed in having this trip, it is possible that the flight be all booked on this particular date  or that the proposed dates are not convenient. You can also find airline programs for travellers that travel frequently. Theses people accumulate exchangeable miles (points) against a flight. In reality, this free trip has been paid for a little at a time every time you travel with this ariline. To travel cheaper, visit the following site: www.bonitour.com , you will find all the trips, without  exception at a reduced price and will be thrilled to see that not only the most modest packages have been reduced, but the ritzy ones also!

How to buy my vacation online?

For the best discounts, go on the following site: www.bonitour.com  and follow the steps according to the trip you’re looking for. It’s simple, fast and safe. If you’re not confortable with these technologies, our professional travelliing agents are available on regular business hours (Eastern Time) to answer your questions and help you complete your transaction.

How can I be sure that I obtain the best prices?

When you browse on our site, you have access to all the available information on airline companies and on the operators dealing via the SIREV reservation system, the same system used by travelling agencies. Once you have looked into all the possibilities and chosen a destination, you will be convinced that our main goal is to help you select the best possible price for the destination of your choice. This is what we offer, not only now but every time you deal with us.
 

Will I need to give credit card information on the Internet?

Yes, it’s essential. It is as safe as if you booked in our offices or at your favorite restaurant –maybe even more. Additionally, regulations on credit card use on Internet is the same as for businesses. In case of fraud, you will be responsible for a maximum amount of 50,00 $. A simple click opens the doors of www.bonitour.com  where all transactions are protected by the SSL technology and by private and secured networks. The SSL technology jams your credit card information BEFORE they arrive on the net. Your online purchases are as secure as your purchases by phone. We wish to reassure you of the full proctection we offer on your credit card.
 

What if the airline company, the wholesaler or the retailer goes bankrupt?

www.bonitour.com detains a Québec permit (Office de protection des consommateurs OPC) protecting you against these eventualities. When you purchase, you pay rights of 0.35% that is an insurance of premiums paid by all the consumers to cover travelling fees should a company go bankrupt. Your purchase will be protected up to $3000. per person. Should your purchase be over $3000. the 0.35% taxe is also applied on the total amount. This is under the Québec Law .
 

I saw an ad for a flight at a better price. Why is www.bonitour.com not offering me this price?

Two reasons are possible:
First, we show only available seats. It is possible that seats offered at better price are all booked. We often see these incredible rates to attract the clientele when very few seats are really available at this price. Second, it is possible that a dealer offers a special rate for seats already bought from an airline company to sell them back to the public.
 

I know that an airline company offers a flight at a convenient time, but this timetable is not mentioned on the www.bonitour.com list. Why?

We show only available seats. If the flight is fully booked, we cannot post it.
 

I bought my trip online at www.bonitour.com

What is an electronic ticket?

Since 2003, more and more companies use electronic tickets. It involves travelling information, a flight ticket, a package, a hotel reservation, etc that do not have paper size formation along with copies for every part of the trip like in the past. These information are registered under your name with involved companies and service providers can easily find them all along your trip. You will have a copy of your reservation information that you have registered by email simply for a practical question reminding you of the timetable of your trip. Generally when you arrive at the airline counter at the airport for example, all you need to do is to prove your identity to have access to the services previously reserved. Airline companies succeed in saving millions of dollars with this new approach. It is also very advantageous for you since there are no reasons to lose your ticket. The majority of companies do not charge any amount for the loss of an electronic ticket.
 

Do we get electronic tickets for every trip?

No, for many companies this is currently not in force. Presently, cruise line companies, certain airline companies and other tourist suppliers are still not using electronic tickets. Certain countries are still not equiped to accept this type of ticket. The www.bonitour.com   reservation system will inform you on how to obtain your travelling documents. 
 

How to recuperate my tickets if I reserved last minute?

If you have reserved less than 72 hours before departure date, your tickets will be available at the airline counter that you have chosen directly at the airport. Print the confirmation that www.bonitour.com   has sent you and leave a copy to your family members. The confirmation that your are printing is simply a reminder of your flight schedule and number. Most of the time, the flight documents are at the airport.

How to recuperate my tickets if I reserved a long time in advance?

Your travelling documents will be given by the travelling agency if you have reserved at least 14 days before departure date or at the airport, if you request so. For any reservations made at least 14 days before the departure date, the documents will be, without any exceptions, at the airport. Do not forget to leave OUR telephone number to your family in case of an emergency.
 

How long in advance should we arrive at the airport?

Please arrive at least 1 hour before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights to start your trip in a calm way. Do not forget that during hectic periods such as holidays, airports are crowded and registration is not as fast as we would like. Keep in mind that security has increased in every airport in the world which creates longer waiting periods, all this for your security, of course.
 

Where could I find luggage tags?

Today all registered luggage have tags that can be read electronically. This contributes to the manipulation of so many suitcases with less than 1% error! The tags on which you can write information yourself can be found at the airline counter and are not as indispensable as they used to be (except with groups). Should this reassure you, do not hesitate to produce handwritten tags with your name or the address of the virtual travelling agency www.bonitour.com . Do not write your personnal address or your job title on a tag outside of your luggage. Just for your own good!
 

How to get tourist cards?

Tourist cards requested by the authorities of many countries generally appreciated by Canadians for trips down south to places such as (Mexico, Cuba or  Dominicain Republic)  will be given to you with your travelling documents or a little before your arrival by the airline company.
 

I’ve bought a travel insurance, where could I find the booklet concerning the protection?

The booklet concerning Travel Insurance will be sent by mail the next day you have made a reservation if this one has been made 14 days before before departure date or you’ll soon be able to visit the  www.bonitour.com  for additional information.

Before you leave….

List of things to do before leaving

1) Verify travelling documents to make sure that all the details, including names, dates and destinations are correct.

2) Do you have a travel insurance? Medical fees abroad can be very expensive and only partly covered by your health insurance program or by your personal insurance or the one offered by your credit card. Before you leave, find out what is really covered and subscribe to a travel insurance to cover eventual needs. Contact us to establish the most convenient product for your needs.

3) Be assured that your passport is valid. Certain countries require that your passport be valid six months after the expected return date. Get information on entrance and departure formalities for countries you plan to visit to see if you need to obtain a visa or pay an entrance fee. In case of someone under 18 travelling with one of his parents: a notarized declaration is required for the travelling parent. Do you need a tourist card, visa, vaccines, etc.? It is important to obtain this information in advance.

4) Have you found a kennel for your dog, a neighbour to water your plants or any other such details?

5) Make sure you take photocopies of the information inside your passport. Give a copy to a family member or friend and place another copy somewhere in your luggage and not with he original. Ideally, you could plastify a copy and put it in a safe place.

How much luggage can I bring?

1) Show your know-how, travel light! Choose the smallest suitcase that you can deal with. There have been restrictions on luggage since fuel surcharges. You can generally travel with 2 suitcases with weight not exceed 20 kg. However, this varies from an airline company to another and for certain destinations. For example, regarding Haiti, the price of a ticket is different according to the weight of the baggage that you want to bring. For passengers making a first class reservation, they are charged higher than for a tourist class reservation. Certain companies offer discounts to passengers that do not register any baggages.

2) You can bring   1 carry / hand bag per person on the plane. The size of the bag must not exceed 9” x 16” x 20”. Passengers MUST not carry any sharp, cutting objects onboard as well as certain sports gear. For additional information please consult the following address: http://www.tc.gc.ca/vigilance/spu/conseils/bagages_cabine.htm  We strongly suggest you put in your hand bag any personal effects that you will need upon your arrival.

What do I put in my suitcase?

First, think of the type of trip you want to make, for example: beach, golf cultural, business, etc. and which destination you’re going to (Alaska,  Caribbeans, a cruise) this will definitely guide you. Prepare interchangeable kits, coordinating clothing that will help you reduce the volume and favor easy maintenance wear. You can now find new extremely performant materials that are very useful when you travel: certain materials protect you from dirt, UV rays, others allow you to evacuate humidity in keeping you dry, easily washable and dry fast. They are light and do not take much space. Sold! Forget about stuffy polyester, light but capricious linen. Put on your bed everything you think you might need, you will quickly notice that you can’t bring everything. If you choose to dress in different layers, you will eliminate any heavy coats or wool sweaters. Put them away. Now layout any kits you want to make and you immediately eliminate another third of your clothing,  for just in case situations! A maximum of 3 pairs of shoes should be enough for your trip. Don’t panic in front of your almost empty suitcase, you’re travelling for fun, not for a fashion show and you can find clothes to buy all around the planet. You like to plan in advance? Here’s a list you can adapt to your taste and needs:
 

Checking list for my suitcase

Clothing to travel :
5 pairs of pants or/and skirts, (1 formal, 2 casual and 2 bermuda shorts)
4 shirts (blouses)
3 T-Shirts
2 sweaters
1 windbreaker
2 belts (1 formal, 1 casual)
3 pairs of shoes- sports, sandals, formal
2 bathing suits  (no fun to put on a wet bathing suit)
7 underwears / 7 pairs of socks
Fancy jewels that you don’t mind losing
Multiuse hand bag
Tie and suit or evening gown should you have formal events, be on a cruise, etc.

Personal products to bring along?

Body: Hydrating lotion / Nurrishing / Solar / After sun cream
Shower Gel / Shampoo / Conditionner
Face : Hydrating cream / Make up / Make up remover / Face cleaner
Tooth brush / tooth paste / shaving / Hairdos / Periods?
Glasses, contact lenses and cleaning solutions
Coton swabs

Emergency
"Antiturista" / anti-emetic
Pain killers (stomach, head, antiacide etc.)
Insect repellent / lip stick / Calamineb
Tweezers / scissors /  manucure kit / bandaids

Accessories
Memory card for numerical camera / numerical camera with rechargeable batteries / Mp3 / Batteries / Battery Charger / Adapter / /Telephone
Books / Magazines / CD /  USB keys / Address book / small rain coat or plastic poncho / immersion water heater / a few tea bags /soup / umbrella / hat / Cap / sun glasses / alarm clock / mini dictionary or glossary of language in the country you are visiting / note book and pen that will not leak in the plane (Fischer space-pen) / mini sewing set with safety pins / Address and  telephone of the Canadian Consulate in visiting country.
 

When do I pack up?

If you prepare your suitcase 2 days in advance, you could add things that you have forgotten at the end. Do not bring beach towels or bath robes, hair dryers or an iron, etc. Today, many places supply these articles to better serve you. Bring “just in case” items since we live in a northern country where a snow storm can rapidly change many things. Cancellations due to weather often occur in winter. Don’t forget any medicine you can not be out of during the trip!
 

How do I pack up?

You first start by putting clothes that you can lay down at the bottom of your suitcase. Then place heavier articles, books, shoes etc., along the sides of the suitcase. We used to recommend placing heavier items at the bottom however, you never know in which position your suitcase will be placed.… Your suitcase should be full to avoid things to move around but have enough space to close it without forcing it. Fill up shoes with socks or other small items to save space. This is also a very wise and safe way to protect fragile items. To couples, we suggest you split up the clothing in two for both suitcases. At least, if one suitcase is momentarily lost, you still have some spare clothing to wear. Do not forget that your luggage must not exceed 20 kg.
 

Anti-wrinkle techniques  :

Roll jeans and sports wear, they take less space and they don’t wrinkle. For formal pants, fold them in two and insert a rolled piece of clothing around the knees to avoid wrinkling. Should you have buttoned vests or a fancy dress, insert them into dry cleaners plastic bags, avoiding crumpled clothing and reusing them to bring back wet bathing suits or dirty clothes. For light material clothing, hang them in the bathroom while you take a shower and the steam will magically eliminate any crumpling!

Avoiding mess “tips”:

Everything that can leak, shampoo, liquids, etc. will be stored in small plastic container ¾ filled then put in plastic bags with zippers. No use bringing family size containers since only small ones are needed.

The pro’s hand / carry bag :

Bring along valuable objects and things you will need during the trip such as books, crossword puzzles, hand cream, computer, tooth brush, etc. Keep in your pockets or back pack only the objects that you will frequently use. Make sure you wear a belt wallet to carry money and your passport. Prepare yourself for unexpected stopovers and stay calm to the perspective of losing your suitcases a couple of days. Be assured your medication as well as indispensable personal objects are in your hand bag along with a few spare pieces of clothing. In case of an emergency, you’ll be happy to have been precautious! Do not store credit cards, passport and other identity cards all in the same place.

The day of the trip

How long in advance should we arrive at the airport?

Please arrive at least 1 hour before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights to start your trip in a calm way. Do not forget that during hectic periods such as holidays, airports are crowded and registration is not as fast as we would like. Keep in mind that security has increased in every airport in the world which creates longer waiting periods, all this for your security, of course.

Before leaving for the airport

In winter, get information on road conditions. Communicate with your airline company to confirm the departure time. The phone number of the airline company is written on your travelling documents.
 

What to do at the airport

Avoid flashy jewels. Inform airport personnel or police officer of any suspect luggage being without surveillance. Keep your non registered luggage close to you at all times. DO not joke around with bombs or hijacking specifically when you cross the control panel before boarding. It’s illegal! Do not carry any items that do not belong to you on the plane. Remember that airline companies have the right to forbid any articles considered dangerous for the security of the passengers. Register 3-4 hours ahead of time at the airport. Airline companies do not reimburse any missed flights.
 

How do we register?

You must show your travelling documents that www.bonitour.com  has sent you or recuperate them at the airline counter. The airline company will take these documents and will give you a boarding pass. They will weigh your suitcase and install an identification tag with the flight information on it. The coupon of each suitcase will generally be stuck on the back of your boarding pass. Nowadays, many airline companies use automatic registration booths or computer pre-registered passes. Your luggage will be directed to the final destination. You can obtain information at the airline counter. Generally, you will see your luggage at destination point. For flights via the USA you will need to cross the border before you leave Canada. You will need to fill out a form at the airport. You need to show up at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before the flight.
 

On the plane:

You must sit at your assigned seat. Place your hand bag in the closest compartment or under the seat in front of you. Buckle your seat belt only when other passengers are in their seat. You may keep your belt buckled up during the whole flight, for your own security. Should you need to go to the restroom, be informed that rush hour is always after meals and a bit before landing.
 

Once you have arrived at final destination

What is being “jetlagged”?

This is how you might feel when there is a time difference between your hometown and final destination. For example, when it’s noon here in Montreal, it’s 6 p.m. in Paris. Your biological system indicates when you’re hungry and when you’re tired. Upon your arrival, your organism is still not used to the new time and this « clock » is greatly influenced by the light. Melatonin is responsible for these adjustements, which is secreted during the night.
 

How to avoid being “jetlagged”?

If you expose yourself to the day light and immediately adapt to the new schedule of your destination, chances are you will be less jetlagged. Your organism is well programmed and will pick up the new signal to adjust its « clock”. You can find artificial supplements to avoid being jetlagged however, be careful since these products have not yet been approved by health specialists in Canada.
 

Hay caramba! I’m stuck with  turista!

That’s it! Here are the symptoms such as stomach ache, diarrhoea, nausea…..everything was going well so far….. it’s possible that you caught it but it’s also possible to avoid it. Generally, with a medication against diarrhoea (Imodium), taken under the advice of a health specialist and certain simple precautions, everything is back on track. Consult just in case. This is only travelling information, not a medical course!
 

Why do we get turista?

It is caused by drastic changes imposed to your body. Here’s what so different on vacation: You’re all excited before taking the plane, you don’t want to miss a thing. The temperature between your place and the destination is quite different, a 60ºC difference! "Piña colada" at 10:00AM is fun but you’re probably not used to this type of diet at home and to top it all, it is made out of coco milk, (a natural laxative). Full sunshine, the weather is great, you feel hot and have drunk lots of water or  ice cubes that could contain non purified water or if it’s alcohol, you forgot that it dehydrates you quickly…..
 

How to avoid turista?

Try to get some information on the quality of the water at destination point. Play safe and drink bottled water. Certain hotels offer purified water, yes, even to brush your teeth! Peel fruits and vegetables. Ask for drinks without ice "sin hielo". Avoid any type of excess: sunburns,  dehydration, alcohol, etc. Enjoy your stay!
 

What to forget once you have arrived at destination?