So, the other day I was reading through some posts on my work app. Everything is centered around help with, goings-on in the travel industry, etc.. It is the place we can all converge to have a discussion. While going through the posts I came across a post about cannabis.

Honestly, with the legalization back in October, there has been so much publicity and cannabis has been everywhere, in every publication, flooding my inbox, all over T.V., etc… The main thing that I am seeing, as a Travel Agent, is the possibilities behind cannabis tourism. But, that is a topic for another day…

Today, the topic is cannabis and the U.S. Border. The post that I came across on my work app has to do with cannabis use and crossing the Border. So, I know there is a lot of people that are aware of this, however I have come across quite a few people who are not.

Long story short.. If you plan on crossing into the U.S. and have used cannabis, purchased cannabis or invest in Canadian or American legal cannabis companies, you could be denied entry, and even receive a lifetime ban.

In one article, they even talk about how travel to and from places where it is legal can affect your entry.

“The border prohibition applies even to Canadians authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes — and to people travelling to or from parts of the United States where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized.”

                 – CBC NEWS Article: 

Cannabis and the border: what pot-smoking Canadians need to know

            Written by: John Paul Tasker

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-smoke-pot-us-border-oct-17-1.4865696

 

This, to me, is scary. Every time I have someone interested in booking travel to the U.S. I make sure to make them aware of this.

Now, with this being said, this is not something that may be asked or looked at all of the time. I know a few people that have crossed and these were not questions asked, but please be advised that this is a possibility and it can affect your travel plans. It is always a good idea to have your Travel Agent check with your travel insurance company to see what sorts of policies there may be in place, and if they cover a situation like this.

As always, make sure you are well informed and travel safe!

I was hoping to be able to let you guys know all the great stuff about another fun fall place to visit… However, the weather has been absolutely horrible here and we just have not been able to get there. So, instead I thought I would talk a little about me and what I do.

My office is in my home, one day I may move into a nice out of the house office, but who knows. Being at home can be a little difficult, you really need to know how to not look at the house distractions (dishes, sweeping, laundry, etc..) and when to stop working.

Honestly, being a Travel Agent, whether from home, or in an office is probably the most fun one can have in a job. Every morning, after the kids get on the bus, I can be found with my hot chocolate, laptop, favourite paper travel publication and comfy chair. Every morning starts with reading through all of the news in the Travel Industry. Sales, unveiling of new resorts, cruise ships, etc, everything that is happening now.

All of that reading gives me information that may be needed when I am talking to clients. I spend a good part of my morning returning emails and phone calls. Most of these are conversations with clients, checking prices, details, confirming reservations, and even letting them know of things that are happening at the destination.

Throughout the morning, I am also working on the content for my newsletter, blog, social media, anywhere that I can reach my clients and potential clients. A lot of this content comes with the help of the publications I read every morning.

My afternoon is spent learning. One thing that I absolutely love is sitting down with my laptop and taking part in all of the destination trainings. I love that I can let my clients know that I specialize in certain destinations, know more about them than any other. Two of the trainings that I particularly love, are Norwegian Cruise Lines and Disney.

I positively love being able to help my clients find there perfect destinations. Sometimes it is not an exciting, glamorous job, but it is fun and rewarding!

One of the best times we have all year is wandering through the pumpkin patch, trying to find those absolutely perfect pumpkins. You know, the one that will fit that cool cat stencil you want to try, or the one that will make a scary jack o’lantern.. I can picture it right now, it is a little bit lopsided.

But, where can you go to find these oh-so-perfect pumpkins? This year we have visited one patch, and will be visiting another one this coming weekend.

Our first patch is Kustermans Berry Farm. We have been here on numerous occasions with the kids for school trips, but have never visited outside of that. I really don’t know why!

Heading to Kustermans for the day will bring a jammed packed, fun filled day for the whole family. Of course you will be able to find your pumpkins, but you will also find so much more.

Kustermans has a very cute petting zoo full of pigs, goats, sheep, cows and more! There are 2 bouncy pillows and a barnyard playground. Take a ride on the zip line, down the slides, or play in the play house! The photo opportunities are endless.

 

 

Now, once you have found the perfect pumpkin, played with the animals and in the barnyard playground.. Make sure to visit the Farm Market for some yummy treats and awesome souvenirs and gifts! Once your day is finished at the farm, take the younger kids home (anyone under 14 recommended) and return for Kustermans After Dark!

 

Kustermans After Dark is a double haunt feature that will be sure to have you screaming all night!

First, you will find yourself heading through Anna’s Barn… I won’t tell you anything about either haunt, you will have to see both for yourself! Then, the night continues with a stroll through the Corn Stalks. By the end of the night, hopefully you won’t chicken out, you will have had terrifying-ly fun night!

When you are done both haunts, there is the corn cannon and coffin ride to try.

Kustermans offers a beautiful day out with the family, and a wicked night out with your Hunny, friends, etc..

What a beautiful time of year! The leaves are turning beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. The air is cool, I guess depending on where you are.. It has been a bit of hot one here in Southwestern Ontario. The apples and pumpkins are ready to be picked, carved, and baked.

 

Fall is here and there is so much to do! If you are like me, then you love hitting up all of the haunted barns, houses, and corn mazes. You also love taking the kids to visit pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple orchards.

Over the next couple of posts, we are going to visit some local places that offer both kid-friendly and adult fun! Join us as we visit goats, pigs, pumpkins, apples, and monsters!

Southwestern Ontario is packed full of Fall fun!

Let’s get things started right! This is, truthfully, a boring subject, but it is a much needed discussion.

I am in Southwestern Ontario, only about an hour away from the Canadian – U.S. Border. Up until recently, this is something that I would have never thought about when crossing the Border for the day.

It is not uncommon for us Canadians to cross the Border for a day of shopping, dining, sight seeing, etc.. But, it is uncommon for us to think about the need of travel insurance for these trips.

When we are planning our vacations, whether for a weekend or a week or two, travel insurance is one of the top things on our check list. Why do we not think about this on our day trips?

To my fellow Canadians, did you know that a simple set of just a FEW stitches in the US can cost us $300.00 USD, a sprained ankle can cost $2000.00 USD. Both of these things are possible injuries that can occur while you are simply strolling through the grocery store. Yes, your provincial healthcare program may cover a portion of the cost, but it is usually only a small portion. This goes for some company medical insurance policies. Your benefits policy may cover a portion of any out of province or country healthcare.

My suggestion is to never go without! Look at what your provincial healthcare covers, and take a look into your workplace medical benefits policy. Between the two you may be covered. If not, you can look into travel insurance for day travellers.

There are policies that include day coverage for not frequent travellers. For example, you cross the Border once or twice a year. As well as coverage for multi-trip, frequent travellers. This is a great idea for those of us Canadians that find ourselves grocery shopping or heading for lunch and a show a couple of times a month.

So please, the next time you are thinking about crossing the Border contact your go to travel insurance company or Travel Agent and see what policies they have to offer. If you do not have a company or Agent that you use, I know of one that would love to help you find the right day tripping coverage!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton

 

This ‘blog’, for lack of a better word, was created to help manage my Facebook page and the information found there.

I have experiences, tours, destinations, operators, tips, tricks, updates, and more that I would love to share with you, but Facebook is not quite the right platform. So, I bring to you…. Travelling with Nichole! You can visit here twice a week for updates and content all to do with Travelling.

I look forward to interacting with you each and every week!