34 - Sunday, November 5, 1989 - North Shore News CHRISTMAS IDEAS Consider giving the gift of travel IF YOU want to eliminate some of the most awkward Christmas gift problems, now is the time to consider travel vouchers as an alternative to dozens of neckties, bars of soap and unreadable books. Some of the most enjoyed gifts are the ones that an entire family contributes to, sending parents or grandparents on a vacation that they might not have considered — or been able to afford — on their own. It doesn’t have to be a world cruise, although ! wouldn’t turn one down if my family could af- ford the tickets. There are lots of enticing packages available at a reasonable cost. Consider: « A weekend for two at a nearby resort (including ferry passes, should the spot be over the water). eEyven a weekender at a_ local hotel, including a special dinner, is in the affordable range and a great break for the January doldrums. e Gamblers? Can your group af- ford to chip in on a Reno or Las Vegas package? These are excellent value and would cheer me up con- siderably come early 1990. e People with special interests en- joy packages tuned to their hob- bies — ski weekends are an ob- vious choice. Also consider some of the tours offered by the colleges and universities — one that im- mediately comes to my mind is a tour of the famous archeological sites in Alberta, sponsored fast year by UBC. . And now, a few cautions. © It is unkind to give a gift involv- ing travel to anyone who hates to leave home. e Jt is also unkind to give a gift that wili end up costing the reci- pients a whole lot of money — flight passes are just fine but who gets to shell out for the hotels and meals? © Responsibilities at hone can speit the pleasure of a travel gift. Who will care for Rover, Pretty- Paws and the orchids? Will the lawns get cut, the newspapers and mail collected and the house monitored? These mighi be add-on gifts that younger family members might like to contribute to the package. e Others, if advised ahead, can plan simpler gifts that would com- tlement the whole idea. For ex- ample, if my family decided we needed a trip to Reno and a friend included a dinner for two at a restaurant there, I'd be thrilled. Travel shops are a fine source for special occasion gifts but beware of anything that is heavy, bulky or a nuisance to pack. e Consider, too, a iong-distance telephone voucher and a pre-ar- ranged time for the call. Round up the family and give Mom and Dad travel wise Barbara McCreadie Pe | the satisfaction of an update on the conditions at home. Avoid mentioning anything involving frozen pipes or Rover’s sore paw. eae Travel gifts need plenty of time to plan. The time to begin is NOW, not when the reindeer are harnessed and ready to go. ake You may want to give yourself an early Christmas present. If so, consider a package to Jamaica (out of San Francisco) offered by Air Jamaica. kt starts at $552 (U.S.) and includes round-trip airfare, transfers and six nights hotel ac- commodation. A round-trip excursion to San > Bayside inn Resort Beatie Farksville Bay NEW YEAR'S. HOLIDAY Three Nights, Four Days From $199.69 per person Doubie Occupancy Run away to Parksville Bay and enjoy 4 days o! West Coast hospitality. Indoor pool, jacuzzi, saunas, exercise room and fabulous tood. Your package includes 2 night's accommaedation and tax, 3 buffet breakfasts, 2 dinners including New Year's Eve Party and dancing to tive music, party tavours and refreshments. One Night Only $125.00 per person Doubie Occupancy. P.O. Box 3000. 240 Dogwood St., Parksville, B.C (604) 248 $333 Reservations 1-800 663-4232 Francisco (note restrictions apply regarding days of the week and pre-booking) can be had for roughly $240 (CDN). if you prefer to avoid San Fran- cisco, Air Jamaica packages are available out of other cities such as Toronto and Atlanta; however, the cost of getting to alternative jump-off points makes San Fran- cisco more attractive. I checked with Delta Airlines and the cheapest airfare they offer to Atlanta is $618. There’s a slight problem when it comes to getting information from Air Jamaica. They have a voll-free number (1-800-523-5585). When you call, you are instructed to push “2” for reservations and informa- tion. Don’t bother. This local is not any help with ‘‘packages.” Press ‘*4°" and you'll get the in- formation you want. Also, don’t bother to try the alternate toll-free number volunteered when you press ‘*2.’° You can’t get there from here. This package is offered only un- til Dec. 15 and all travel must be completed by that date. I also inquired about post- Christmas packages and was told that no information is currently available. However, should March roll around and you need to get away, keep the number filed. It might be an attractive alternative to Mexico or Hawaii. eae Most Travelwise columns deal SKI THE ITALIAN ALPS 10 Nights from $1089 This includes 2 nights in Rome and 7 nights skiing. Also includes 6 day lift ticket and many additional ieatures. until: Marl 1 vehurn¢ : EXPERIENCE ANTIQUES With Norma Young. Join us for an 18 day sojourn in Briictir to learn. This tour will encompass London and major centres in Kent, Berkshire. Gloucestershire and Bedfordshire. Norma will introduce you to research and resources so you will feel confident when buying overseas on future visits. March 1O to March 28. Call us for a brochure. with affordable travel. | have a brochure that should have been filed where most of my pipe- dreams end ~ ihe famous round file. This cruise would hop to the top of my list, should I ever win the lottery. A big lottery. Call Barbara now at Leisure Connection Tours NORTH SHORE Still, for some reason, I- keep uncovering the brochure. Seventy days on the Royal Viking Sky, voyaging around South America, starting at U.S. $13,650! See what I mean about a lottery? And, See Luxury Page 35 KENYA SPECTACULAR SAFARIS - NEW FOR '90 *% 25-day iuxury safari and beach vacations * enjoy 3 nights on the paradise island of LAMU ... and much more * Escorted by former Kenyan resident Barbara Sutherland * Departs Jan. 10 & March 7, 1990 644-7883 SINGAPORE! BANGKOK! PHUKET! | 2 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY DEPARTURES at CAD a 995 PP/DOUBLE DECEMBER 01 TO Ti, 1989 JANUARY 12 TO 23, 1990 PRICE INCLUDES — Return air fare with Singapore § Airlines, First Class Hotel accommodation, daily American breakfasts, transfers in each city, 1 sightseeing tour in Singapore, 2 sightseeing tours in Bangkok. i 110 East 14th St. (at Lonsdale) - North Vancouver i. GDRTS Affiliated with over 500 Travel Agen Now you ean pian your shopping ahead, and save more in the bargain any of call the North Sho: Distribuiion Department, * Delivered to selected areas only 986-1337] these flyers, re News FIRST IN FLYERS ON THE NORTH SHORE