Flight Track iPhone app really helpful in tracking and organizing flights

If you have been looking for a useful app to keep on top of travel plans, and don't mind spending a few bucks that you can actually say was more of an investment than a cost, I think this one is it.

I've been using the Flight Tracker app now since last winter and feel it's one of the more accurate apps available for organizing and tracking flights anywhere int he world.  Even if you don't do a lot of traveling yourself, it's also great for keeping an eye on friends and family that may be enroute over the holidays.

Some of the more useful features of Flight Track is being able to organize a number of flights consecutively and stay on top of what's happening.  Is the flight on time?  What terminal will it be arriving at?  It even gives you the exact time in which a flight has departed and the new estimated time of arrival.  Need to know what the weather is like?  Just hit details and there it is. (Temperature Only.  Detailed weather is only available for US destinations and departures.)  You can also get a glimpse of the flight route as well.

I recently got hooked up with Tripit.com where I can email my flight itneraries to my account and have Tripit automatically send this information to my iphone and appear nicely organized in Flight Track.  This is also useful for keeping up to date on Gate changes, which you know happens frequently.  The Tripit feature is free.  I think initially payed $4.99 for Flight Track and another $9.99 for the upgrade to Flight Track Pro which gives you that option.

One of the draw backs, at least for me as I live in Canada, is the Delays and Closures feature which is only available for US destinations and departures and does not include international locations.  The same goes with the complete detailed weather forecast.

Another feature I find really useful when I travel is letting people know the latest updates on my flight.  Built in features also include the ability to mail or Tweet info.

I have tried a few different ones, including the Air Canada app which has been plagued with many inconsistancies, which doesn't come as a suprise, but they assure us they are still working on getting all the bugs out.  Hey, if they run their app like they handled last winters chaos at YVR over the holidays, don't hold your breath.

Enjoy, and let us know what you think about Flight Track.

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New Orleans Mardi Gras - New Pictures Posted

New images posted of 2009 Mardi Gras.  An amazing time it was.  Thanks to the Louisiana hospitality that keeps us coming back. West Shore Galleries


Don't forget, Monday Night Football.  The undefeated Saints take on the Patriots.
 

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Tourism British Columbia launches new French website in time for Olympics.

News out of Vancouver this morning, Tourism British Columbia has launched a new French-language  website on HelloBC.com. With a wide selection of content introducing potential travellers to amazing B.C. experiences, the site incorporates the familiar "Super,  Natural British Columbia" branding that has been integrated across all Tourism BC consumer websites.

I would suspect as well, that the aim of the site is to reach out to the french speaking market to continue marketing the 2010 Games.


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The 2009 Ski Season is really here! British Columbia is THE SKI destination.

Tuesday November 24, 2009 – Revelstoke, BC: Get ready for some awesome early season conditions as Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) prepares to open ahead of schedule for a Sneak Peak Weekend this Saturday November 28 and Sunday November 29th. The resort will open for daily operations beginning Friday December 4, 2009.


“The decision to open ahead of schedule was easy – our focus is on providing an epic ski experience for our guests and the conditions dictated that the time to open is now, not on December 5th as planned,” said Steve Parsons, Director of Mountain Operations. “RMR has received 60cm in the past 7 days, bringing the height of snow to 115cm – almost 50% more than opening day last year. The skiing is pretty sweet on the upper mountain.”

Revelstoke Mountain Resort will open with the Revelation Gondola and The Stoke Chair, with skiing available on the Upper Mountain and the North Bowl area. The Ripper Chair will open on December 4th. Tickets for this weekend are $50 for adults, $38 for students, seniors and youth and $18 for children. The lifts will be spinning from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm all weekend, and Skier Services at Nelsen Lodge will be open from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday and 8:00 – 4:00 on Sunday. Services at Nelsen Lodge this weekend will include Guest Services, rentals and repairs.

“We are going to make every effort to ensure that you have a spectacular first weekend on the mountain,” says Steve Bailey, Director of Skier Services. “The new Mackenzie Outpost, operated by our partners the Great White North, will be open for business at the top of the Revelation Gondola. The Outpost will offers on-the-go treats like hot coffee, sandwiches on artisan bread, flat bread pizza, and Kelly’s homemade goodies and jerky. The Mid Mountain Lodge will also be open, serving up a limited menu on opening weekend which includes favourites like build-your-own pasta, chili in a bread bowl, burgers and homemade soups.”

Revelstoke Mountain Resort would also like to encourage Season Pass holders to pick up their pass before Saturday morning to avoid the morning rush. Drop by the Revelstoke Presentation Centre at 122 Mackenzie Ave. on Thursday, November 26 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, or Friday, November 27 from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Guest Services at Nelsen Lodge will also be open 8:30am to 4:30pm this week for pass pick up.

For further information on please contact:
Ashley Tait
Director, Sales and Marketing
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
atait@revelstokemountainresort.com


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BC Government Looks to Tourism Industry for Ideas on Marketing.

VICTORIA - Thirteen representatives from the tourism industry will

provide advice to the Province on how to market and expand B.C.'s

growing tourism industry as members of the new Minister's Council on

Tourism, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Kevin Krueger

announced today.

"The new council represents a broad cross-section of the tourism

industry and reflects the diversity of B.C.'s distinct regions. Nearly

half of the council's members have previously served on the board of

directors of Tourism BC, providing continuity and working with the

balance of the council to continue building B.C.'s successful tourism

sector," said Krueger. "The council's expertise and advice will

directly impact how B.C. is marketed to the world as a top-notch

tourism destination."

The Minister's Council on Tourism will inform the minister on a wide

variety of tourism matters including: product development,

competitiveness, infrastructure, labour force, visitor services, and

marketing and research. The council's advice will help guide

development of marketing plans and other strategies to reach the

Province's goal of doubling tourism industry revenues by 2015.

"Through the minister's council, tourism businesses will be able to

help guide tourism marketing strategies, building upon B.C.'s

reputation as a world-class destination at this critical juncture,"

said Stuart McLaughlin, who will chair the council. "I look forward to

working closely with the minister and with the other council members to help B.C. maximize the tourism opportunities presented by the 2010 Winter Olympics."

Tourism BC is being brought into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, effective April 1, 2010. As part of the transition, the Minister's Council on Tourism has been established to provide input and

advice on marketing B.C. successfully to potential visitors from around the world. The council includes tourism industry representatives from  regions around B.C. and will report directly to the minister.

Bringing Tourism BC into the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts will better co-ordinate all the Province's marketing initiatives and reduce administrative costs, allowing these savings to be reinvested

into marketing initiatives.

Tourism generated an estimated $13.8 billion in 2008, providing more than 130,000 direct and 170,000 indirect jobs across the province. The Province of British Columbia has actively supported the robust

development of strong, upgraded infrastructure for the tourism industry since 2001, including airports, highways and bridges.

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New Orleans Saints

Preparing tailgate party for tomorrows game. Voodoo Brew, baby back
ribs, sauteed alligator, and a tub of beer. Still waiting for my
shipment of Po Boys. Go Saints Go!

Sent from my iPhone

Legendary Victoria restaurant and prime tourist destination set to close.

A sign of the times? Not sure, but one of the most legendary addresses in the greater Victoria region is nearing an end. Mcmorran's Beach House, Cordova Bay, has been a fixture in the market since 1921 boasting one of the most incredible beach side dining experiences in North America, (pictured: view of beach just outside McMorrans Beach House) not to mention a tourist hot spot for almost a hundred years. Word out this morning is the Beach House is for sale and will close in April. The municipality of Saanich, (Victoria), has apparently put in an offer to buy up some of the property, leaving three lots, two on the waterfront for sale.

What I find impressive about the Mcmorran family, is the ability to survive for 88 years as a family run business, and successfully. However, the investments that have been made to the operation including seismic upgrades have not been enough to generate a return on that investment in recent years. I think the current economic climate also has to be factored in. The Mcmorrans have been as much a part of the community and Vancouver Island as the beach they've called home for almost 90 years.

The final operating day for McMorran’s Beach House is April 4, Easter Sunday. This will be a sad day for me. :(  I will truly miss their surf-and-turf delights not to mention the friendly faces that we've come to call friends over the years.

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Chinese Food in Victoria - Lots of Choices but Don Mee Wins Again!

One of the favorite shore excursions in the Victoria area (and a favorite for the motor coach tours as well) is a night out at Don Mee for Chinese food.  Let's face it, everyone loves Chinese for dinner.  Right!

Do your yourself a huge favor.  Don't buy into the excursions and do your own self guided tour.  Save some money and enjoy an evening in China Town at your own pace.

Victoria's Chinatown is the first Chinatown in Canada and the second in the Americas (after San Francisco).


Step through The Gate of Harmonious Interest for an unforgettable walking tour of Canada's Oldest Chinatown. Located just a short cab ride from all the major hotels in the downtown area, and just a couple of miles through the city centre from the Cruise Ship terminal at Ogden Point.  If you have been to other China Town's in North America don't expect Victoria's China Town to match in size.  But it does match in history and then some.  Victoria's China Town may be the oldest, but certainly not the largest.

In the centre of it all is a restaurant called Don Mee.  A long standing tradition for the finest in sea food and Chinese cuisine. I knew they had been around for a while, but didn't realize they have been serving up the same great dishes since 1923.  That's impressive.  One of my guidelines for eating out at a Chinese restaurant is, if the local Chinese are lining up to get in, they must be doing something right.

Now that fall is here, and the tourists have slowed to a trickle, I am starting to venture out now to catch up on a few of my favorite stops around town to see what's new.  This weekend, it was Don Mee.

Although reservations are highly recommended, we took our chances and just showed up.  We were greeted by the same friendly staff, some of which I remember as a kid being there, and were seated right away.  For a Saturday it was actually pretty quiet, but not the reason we received speedy service.  The staff are always attentive, even during the peak season.  If you read my blogs regularily, I am big on "service" and why shouldn't I be.  Particularily in a tourism destination town like Victoria.  We ordered the lettuce wrap, chow mein, pork rice, szechuan beef and dumpling soup.  Portions are a fare size, in fact, we had plenty left over for lunch the next day.  The bill came out to $63.00 CDN for two.  Add on our free walk through China Town and a stroll down the legendary Fan Tan Alley and it was a pretty affordable night out.  Add about $100 if you plan on doing this as part of a group. Trust us, you are better off to do it on your own.

So what's on the menu?  Where do I start.  Traditional Dim Sum lunch daily, Cantonese and szechuan cuisine, live lobster and crab, roasted Peking duck, sizzling hot iron plate and hot pot dishes and the list goes on.  what ever you order, make sure to include the spicy beef lettuce wrap.  An all time favorite.  Yes, and mine too.  While we were there, they mentioned their special Christmas Dinner.  It's available until January 4th and runs $19.95.

If you can see past the dated decor and small washrooms you will have a pleasant dinner.  I don't dish out the compliments freely and without merit, but Don Mee still gets top grade for service, consistancy and quality.  4 and half stars out of 5. 

Don Mee is located at 538 Fisgard Street in the heart of Victoria's China Town.  If you need to call ahead for a reservation: 250-383-1032.

Oh, while you are there, check out their wall of famous patrons.  While they are clearly dated, like I'm talking about the 80's in some cases, it is impressive.  Especially the young looking Michael J. Fox.


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Remember

To our men and women who have fought and continue to fight for us.
Thank you for the freedom and security of a our great nation. We
remember.

Sent from my iPhone

A Canadian West Coast Winter.....or.....???????

I've been spending the last couple of days staring with a glaze out the window of my office over looking a substantial green belt and golf course.  I found it interesting, not having lived this close to nature before, that you can watch the seasons change by the minute.  Literally.  The colors, the wildlife, or lack-thereof.  The falling leaves.  It's all about winter.


I have been on the west coast now for years, and it wasn't until the last five, that I really started sensing a shift in the climante.  No, this isn't a blog post about the environment and climate change and who is responsible.  It is about getting frickin' cold and wondering what happened to summer.  Just reached over and grabbed the latest copy of the Old Farmer's Almanac to get a sense of what's in store.  If you are travelling to the west coast for a visit this summer, here's the deal:

"November through March will be colder than normal.  Especially heavy snowfall in the Atlantic Provinces, Alberta and British Columbia."

I am feeling all warm and fuzzy after reading that.  If  you are wondering, visually, what that might look like, I pulled this out of the files.  A Victorian winter.  Yes Virginia, it does snow in the capital city.

I will now curl up in front the fire, and continue planning my Caribbean holiday.  Are you ready for us?  And yes, we'll leave all that white stuff behind.




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2010 Olympic Games. Tourism Richmond gives it all away.

Received this press release this morning at the office that I thought may be of interest.

WIN A $12,500 CAD OPENING OR CLOSING CEREMONY PRIZE PACKAGE FOR THE VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES


Richmond, BC, Canada – Are you still seeking those elusive Opening and Closing ceremony tickets for the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games? Here’s a tip: it is all about who you know in Richmond, British Columbia. Go to Tourism Richmond’s latest website www.allinrichmond.com/share 2010 to find out how Richmond residents are teaming up friends old and new from all over the world to win two grand prize packages worth $12,500 CAD each. No friends in Richmond? No problem. Tourism Richmond has even created a Message Board at www.allinrichmond.com/find-a-friend/ where you can find Richmond residents ready to partner with you. Visit the site before November 24th, 2009 to buddy up with a Richmond friend or family.

The two grand prize 2010 Olympic Winter Games Opening or Closing ceremony packages include:

• Four Opening or Closing ceremony tickets

• Two sets of four Long Track Speed Skating tickets to two specifically scheduled Olympic Winter Games events

• Roundtrip coach class air transportation for two from anywhere to Vancouver International Airport

• Five nights’ accommodation at the new Westin Vancouver International Hotel (single room, double occupancy) for the guests only

• Panasonic video camera for the Richmond host

• $500 VISA pre-paid gift cards for the Richmond host

• Four VIP Access Passes to the Richmond O Zone Celebration Site

• Four VIP Access Passes to the Holland Heineken House Experience in Richmond’s O Zone

To enter the contest online, Richmond residents must visit www.allinrichmond.com/share2010 to complete the Online Entry Form which involves sending an electronic Richmond Picture It Postcard. Richmond residents can enter multiple times with a different friend each time. Prize winners will be revealed on or around November 27, 2009.

For more information and a complete list of rules, terms and conditions for the “Share Richmond 2010 Olympic Winter Games Contest,” please visit www.allinrichmond.com/share2010

About Tourism Richmond

Tourism Richmond is a non-profit, membership driven destination marketing organization (DMO). The primary mandate of Tourism Richmond is to enhance awareness about the destination through sales and marketing initiatives and by providing excellent visitor and member services. Ultimately, Tourism Richmond’s goal is to increase economic activity related to tourism for the City of Richmond and all stakeholders. As BC’s 4th largest DMO and Venue City for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Tourism Richmond is one of the tourism destinations that make up the 2010 Tourism Consortium partnership created to coordinate the overall Games plan for the BC and Canadian tourism industry.

For more information, please contact:



Michelle Dunn

Director of Communications

Tourism Richmond

Direct: 604-821-5481 Cell: 778-822-5481

Email: mdunn@tourismrichmond.com

www.tourismrichmond.com

www.allinrichmond.com



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Vancouver BC's New Tourism Advisory Committee rejected

VANCOUVER — (Times Colonist - November 3, 2009)


The Council of Tourism Associations of B.C. has rejected the provincial Tourism Ministry’s new tourism advisory committee that will replace the former board of Tourism B.C.

The COTA board passed a motion stating it will not participate in or endorse the concept of a provincially appointed committee looking after the interests of the B.C. tourism industry.

Tourism Minister Kevin Krueger stunned the industry this summer when he announced Tourism B.C. — an independent Crown corporation tourism marketing agency — would be dismantled and rolled into the provincial Tourism Ministry by April 2010.

The appointed advisory committee is to replace the Tourism B.C. board.


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