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December/JANUARY 2010 EVENTS
Canada 
Icewine and Jazz Celebrations.  A month-long celebration from January 1-31, at the Wineries of Niagara on the Lake.  For the entire month of January, wineries and restaurants have combined with the local merchants to accommodate visitors for a fabulous touring experience.  The theme features Icewine and jazz combo events including Icewine and food tastings, receptions and winemakers' dinners.  For more information, contact tourism@niagaraonthelake.com or call (905) 468-1950.  Also on the Wineries of Niagara on the Lake website you can download a map of their wineries and also their brochure featuring all upcoming events.

Winter Wine Festival in the Okanagan, British Columbia.  This annual event is in January, 2010 at the Sun Peaks Resort.  This weekend is touted as being educational as well as relaxing with outdoor activities for all ages.  There will be seminars, wine tastings, dinners, Icewine, and more.  For more information, visit their website or call the Sun Peaks Resort at 1-800-807-3257.  Also, check out their events calendar for the dates and times for the "wine and dine" events.

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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS
Pleasant happy moods are synonymous with Christmas.  There's something about a soft snowfall, a roaring log fire, chestnuts roasting, a glass of exceptional wine and good company.  Why not liven things up a bit one winter's eve by playing games.  The Napa Style website has an assortment of interesting wine games such as Crush, Bouquet the Wine, and Karafe Wine.  Some of the games are ideal for families and isn't the holiday season a time for family get-togethers?

Also on the radar is Le Rituel Crystal Shoe Flute.  This extravagant wine gift is designed by Christian Louboutin to emulate the gallantry of French aristocratic gentlemen drinking out of a lady's slipper.  This 5-1/2" crystal shoe actually holds Champagne and is a limited edition with a staggering price tag of $550 for the most amorous and discerning wine afficionado.  This gift is for the wine lover who has just about everything!

What pairs superbly with wine?  Why, cheese of course!  A fine selection of cheeses can be found at the Ideal Cheese shop in various amounts as well as in gift baskets.  They also offer specialty items including, oils, meats, and even the traditional Italian Christmas cake - Panettone.  Also check out their Cheese Paper for proper cheese storage.

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SPANISH Trains
Here are a few websites in English for trains and timetables in Spain: the first one is the Spanish Airport Guide where you'll find information on weather, transfers, Spanish airports with rail system and instructions on how to maneuver the company's website, etc.,; the second is a Spanish Rail site describing the types of trains within Spain with timetables; the third is on Rail Travel in Spain; the fourth site is for the State Train Timetable and Prices - Renfe with timetables and prices.

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PORTUGAL and the DUORO Region
In September of 2010, we will be offering our NEWEST tour, Passion for Port.  North of Lisbon is the Duoro region which we will discover with tastings at the port lodges, river trips with spectacular scenery, a visit to the little town of Pinhão, and more.  To whet your appetite for this upcoming tour, there are a couple of websites you might find interesting to peruse.  Visiting Oporto and the Duoro is a very interesting and informative read as well as the Portugal Travel Guide which covers Pinhão and the Oporto area.  Check our NEW Passion for Port tour.  Visit Our Favourite Links page for rail, airport and other informational links in Portugal.

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VINOTHERAPY (or as the French say, Vinothérapie)  - THE NEW NAME IN HEALTH THERAPY
Now you can actually soak in an oak barrel with Pinot Noir grapes, slather your face with Merlot grape seed mask and exfoliate with crushed cabernet at your favourite wine spa.  Believe it or not, these vinotherapy treatments are now available in the United States, Canada, and worldwide at wine spa hotels and resorts. Check out Spa Index for a listing of spas worldwide.  Although this might be a new concept in North America, vinotherapy has been in existence since the inception of its wine spa resorts in France about twenty years ago.  As it was discovered that grape seeds are rich in antioxidant polyphenol, it is now used extensively in skin care products.  Nothing like a day at the spa, especially if it's located in a vineyard.   Is this therapy heaven, or what?

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PRIVATE WINE TASTINGS - Northeast, USA
In addition to our wine tours, the owners of our tour company continue to expand on "The Sweet Life" by offering private wine tastings in your home. Invite your friends over for a special, informative, and fun evening! Our tour co-owners can organize and personally present a wine tasting in the comfort of your own home, for those living in the Northeast, USA.
They invite you to sample "a giro d'italia" (a tour of Italy) of wines from all over Italy or have the pleasure of choosing a specific region or grape varietal for a more educational evening. Email info@winetourseurope.com for more information.

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CHECK THIS OUT - WINE WIPES!
It seems to be the newest wine "gadget".  More than just a beauty aide, these moist towelettes:

Remove red wine stains from teeth and lips
Protect the teeth (with a combination of baking soda, salt, hydrogen peroxide, calcium, glycerin, and orange blossom)
Neutralize the palate between tastings
Do not interfere with wine tasting

Available from Borracha, these handy wipes cost US$6.95/each pack or 3 packs of 20 for US$18.  These portable packs complete with mirror, are great for travel and can also be be found on the Wine Wipes website.

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FREEBIES - NEW and Improved!
With each tour that you book, you'll receive FREE, our WineToursEurope luggage tag as our way of saying "thank you."  In addition, we'll send you our WineToursEurope destination contact detail card (same as our luggage tag, only much larger) for inside your luggage.  All you need is a Sharpie and you're good to go.

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PHONE CALLS MADE SIMPLE
For ET to phone home, act like  the Experienced Traveller that you are.  Instead of receiving expensive phone bills upon departure from your hotel or wherever you happen to be staying or using calling cards that just don't work from where you are, consider buying a local SIM card for your cell phone.  This works quite well.  Also on the radar is an international cell phone with no monthly fees.  This is touted as being, "The Most Cost Effective Way To Stay In Touch When Traveling Abroad" as quoted by MSN Travel.  This Mobal World Phone is purported to be the #1 selling International Cell Phone service in the US.  Prices range from $49 (which works in over 150 countries but not in the US) to $179 (which works in over 170 countries including the US) and it's yours to keep for life.  This World Phone has gotten rave reviews from such sources as The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Time Magazine, to name a few.  To check on this item, go to the Mobal website.
Purchase it, use it, put it in a drawer when you return home, take it along on your next trip.

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GOOGLE Telephone Directory - FREE
Remember when the telephone companies didn't charge for directory information and now the charge is $1.50 +?  Well ... here is something you will want to have and use.  This number is definitely worth storing in your cell phone or home phone speed dial:  1-800-goog-411 (1-800-466-4411).  Not only is this an invaluable service from Google but best of all - it's nationwide in the US and Canada and absolutely FREE!  It's great when you're on a road trip without having a pen, pencil, or paper handy.  You no longer need to waste your time (manually dialling the number) or waste your money calling information.  Just dial the FREE telephone directory, state the location or business, you'll then be connected and FINITO - you're done.  Click on this GOOGLE link and watch the short clip for a quick demo.  Thank you GOOGLE.

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AIR TRAVEL
Travelling at any time can be stressful, especially during these times with airport security being what it is.  Here are a few suggestions to de-stress and enable your travel to be less wearisome and more pleasant.  Go through the passenger pre-board screening (PBS) area well ahead of your flight's departure, avoiding the early morning, noon, and dinnertime peak periods.  Avoid the rush of peak travel times of summer, holiday weekends, and Christmas.  Have your photo ID ready and available.
 

SECURITY TIPS
Be punctual and arrive on time.  Plan on getting to the airport two hours or more ahead of your flight's departure time.  Factor in any unforseen detours, literally and figuratively.  Leave enough leeway for snags due to weather, traffic, construction, etc.  Checking with the airline before you leave home is advisable to ensure that the flight is leaving on time.  It's also a good idea to check the wait times at security checkpoints by going to the TSA website. More time you have = less stress.  Bring books, magazines, puzzles, or toys (if travelling with children) to occupy your time and distract you from the bustle around you.

Be ready and dress for going through security.  Wear coats, jackets, and shoes that are easy to remove.  Wear slip-ons, forget the laces, buckles - make it quick and easy.  Minimize the number of things you have to remove to save time and hassle.  Remember the long queues.  Avoid wearing anything with metal (buckles, jewellery, body piercings).  Some airports provide travellers at security with booties (like the ones used in hospitals) and plastic bags for keys, coins, and other metal objects. 

Pack smart and be organized.  Remember that such items as sharp or pointed objects such as scissors and knives are not permitted beyond the PBS area.  Do not forget that unidentifiable liquids are not permitted in carry-on baggage.  For parents travelling with small children - baby formula, mother's milk, juice, or baby food, while allowed through security, must be kept in clear plastic Ziploc bags and declared at the security checkpoint. Also for parents with small children, it is prohibited to have replica and toy guns or toy weapons, as these will be disallowed at the PBS checkpoint.  For Canadian regulations information on the baggage checklist, call 1-888-294-2202 or visit the CATSA or the Transport Canada websites to ensure that you pack only allowable items.  Confiscated items will not be returned.  

Avoid weekend travel by flying on less busy days during the week.  Flights are usually cheaper as well between Tuesday and Thursday.  Avoid busier airports if you can.  You might have a greater distance to travel to reach a less busy airport but it's worth it to avoid the stress of busy airports and airfare is usually cheaper. 

This will cost you but of course, the way to go to avoid a lot of hassle is by flying First Class.  Not only will you have a greater baggage allowance but at airline check-in counters, the designated First Class lines are usually empty and/or free-flowing.  First Class passengers also have boarding priority. 

PACKING TIPS
Alcohol - up to five liters with 24%-70% alcohol content per person is allowed in checked baggage if it is securely packaged.  Alcohol that has greater than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 150 proof rum is prohibited.  Gifts - wrapping them is a waste of time.  They'll only be opened if TSA needs to inspect them.  Ship them ahead of time or wrap them at destination.  Snow Globes - prohibited in carry-on luggage, so pack them in your checked baggage.  Medication - must be kept in clear plastic Ziploc bags and properly labelled.  Water - disallowed before screening at a security checkpoint.  Purchase a bottle or two after being cleared at security.  Personal Items and Toiletries - organize them in clear plastic bags for both carry-on and checked baggage.  This makes packing and unpacking such items easier for security personnel.  Liquids - when packing any liquids (e.g., shampoos, conditioners, etc.), put two or three layers of plastic film (saran wrap) over the top before screwing lid on tightly.  Place in clear plastic Ziploc bag.  This prevents your clothing and other packed items from being soaked in such liquids.  Electronic Items - designate one bag for items such as laptop, iPod, PDAs, camera, cell phone, etc. but remove and place any and all in tray to facilitate security's inspection.  They will be unharmed by screening.  Camera Film - must now be placed in carry-on baggage as new screening aids will damage film in checked baggage.  Any film under 800 ASA/ISO is safe from damage at PBS checkpoints.  Digital Disks - safe from scanners and can be placed either in checked or carry-on baggage.  You can now rest assured that your luggage is secure by using TSA-approved luggage straps to secure your checked baggage.  Samsonite sells these and although they're fairly pricey, they're worth the money.  Each strap has a combination lock at one end that can be unlocked by security personnel.  If security has checked your baggage, they will leave a form inside stating that has been done. As airline rules differ, it is therefore advisable to go directly to the source and contact the individual airline with which you plan to travel, either online or in person for their specific rules and regulations.

Suggestions for carry-on bag packing (as airlines no longer supply amenities for cabins other than First Class):

• An extra set of lingerie in a clear plastic bag just in case checked baggage is lost
• Toiletries for freshening up - toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, baby wipes (all travel-size, 3 oz. or less), spritzer (lavender for relaxation)
• A couple of lightweight blankets (one can be rolled up and used as a neck roll/pillow) or a pashmina (doubling as a blanket on board and as a shawl at destination)
• One pair of travel slippers or sockettes but remember that feet swell at 35,000 feet
• Eyeshades will block any unwanted light and will facilitate sleeping
• Earplugs or headphones connected to some relaxing music
• Place your jewellery in clear plastic Ziploc bags and limit the quantity.  Better still, travel with faux or fashion jewellery in case bags get lost or stolen.  The loss will be minimized.  Remember also, that pickpockets work regardless of the time of day or night.  Don't advertise your social status.

Above all, be patient and polite.  Remain calm, curb your temper and irritability and think before you speak.

As the list of prohibited carry-on items changes regularly, before you travel, check the Transport Canada, CATSA or TSA website for an updated list.  When in doubt, put questionable items in clear plastic bags in checked luggage or better yet, leave them at home.

ACRONYMS:  TSA - Transportation Security Administration (USA)
                    CATSA - Candian Air Transport Security Authority (CANADA)
                    TC - Transport Canada (CANADA)

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JET LAG - BEATING THE BLUES
Blame it on jet lag when you roll off a long flight feeling somewhat irritable and cranky, when you mentally feel as fuzzy as your cashmere sweater, a bit tired and drained, and definitely sleep deprived.  This just means that your system is out of whack and is claiming revenge for your lack of propriety.  The symptoms are more noticeable when traveling east, as time loss can and does affect one’s circadian rhythm.  It also seems that the older one gets, the greater the impact of jet lag.  You can combat the effects of jet lag with the following tips by Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, Author of From Fatigued to Fantastic!

0. Sleep on the plane.  Dr. Teitelbaum suggests this in order to reset the body’s internal clock.  Problem getting to sleep on an aircraft?  Teitelbaum recommends such herbal remedies as valerian or a mix of valerian and passion flower (available at most health food stores).
0. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  Drink lots of water to counter the effects of dry cabin air and to flush toxins from the body.  Drinking water also helps to increase one’s energy level.  Hint: Whenever your lips and mouth feel dry, it’s time for more water.  Avoid diuretics such as coffee, tea, or alcohol.  For you, ladies, spritz often.  Spritzing the face is excellent for keeping the skin hydrated and supple.
0. Eat nutritiously.  Don’t forget to nourish your body.  Improper nutrition is one of the culprits responsible for jet lag.  If at all possible, make prior arrangements to have a vegetarian or low-fat meal once on board the aircraft.  It is also advisable to take a multivitamin that contains high doses of B-complex and magnesium.
0. Set your watch to your destination’s time zone.  Don’t be caught in a cosmic loop.  Beginning a few days before departure, adjust your sleep/wake pattern by getting up an hour or two earlier than normal and do the same at bedtime - retire earlier.  This enables the body to gradually adjust its circadian rhythm so that upon arrival at destination instead of abruptly going into shock of dealing with a new time zone/routine, the body will gently acquiesce.
0. Nap.  Upon arrival, have a power nap for 20-30 minutes or thereabouts before getting into work or holiday mode.  Teitelbaum recommends however, that your snooze should be no longer than an hour.  Upon awakening, beat off the groggies by splashing cold water on your face.  This slap in the face, as we all know, will certainly wake you up.

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EXCHANGE RETIRED EUROPEAN BANKNOTES FOR €s, CAN$ OR US$
Any left-over banknotes from travelling in Europe before the age of the euro?  The Currency Commission offers a great service that is expedient and free of any transaction fee.  To view the list of 14 countries from which currencies are accepted, along with their exchange rates, go to The Currency Commission site to exchange bills but not coin.  Other choices are email:  info@thecurrencycommission.com or from North America call 1-202-629-9408. 

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TIME, TEMPERATURE, WEATHER, NEWS
Get the current time, temperature, weather conditions and news from anywhere in the world
by clicking on World Time Server 

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