Packing Seminars
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Locations
South
#480 WillowPark Village
10816 Macleod Trail South
Calgary, AB T2J 5N8
(403) 777-1767
North
#165 Dalhousie Station
5005 Dalhousie Drive N.W.
Calgary, AB T3A 5R8
(403) 239-7084
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Art Linkletter used to say "Kids say the darndest things!".
In fact, he made a living out of showing us those kids every week. Remember?
Well, kids today still say some pretty funny things, so I thought we'd take a look at some of them.
I found these gems, on google
(where else?),
and kids really did say them!
Enjoy!
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Travel Tips
Staying in a hotel when you're on holiday is not the only option. Or in a hostel for that matter.
Apartments or rooms in private homes are where the savvy travellers rest their heads these days.
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Never wear flip flops on a plane.
In the unlikely event of an emergency, it's best to have a good set of sturdy shoes that will protect your feet from heat or sharp objects.
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If you're in a country where it's unsafe to drink the water, keep your mouth shut in the shower.
You can sing your ABBA songs as soon as you get out!
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Consider travelling in a hoodie.
Hooded tops make excellent travel garments.
Just slip up your hood to retreat from the world of noise and light when you want to sleep on a flight/airport seat/bus.
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When flying (especially long haul) always layer your tops, as the blankets the airlines provide are thin and the plane can get very cold.
It's a good idea to wear a light sweater over your shirt.
After all, you can always take it off if it's too warm!
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Whenever you get up to leave somewhere, be it a chair at the airport, a café, or a bar, always turn round and make sure you haven't left anything behind.
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If you want to really experience a new country and culture, hire a car and plan it all yourself.
It's the freedom to do what you want and when you want, that sometimes makes for the best trips of all.
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Just because he looks Caucasian, doesn't mean he speaks English.
And just because she looks Asian, doesn't mean she can't understand your French!
Be wary of mouthing off when you think you're speaking a language no one around you speaks.
You never know who understands what.
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When visiting cultural monuments, always take the offer of a local guide.
It will open your eyes to so much more than if you try and go it alone or just use a guide book.
We did this in Macchu Picchu and we were so glad we did.
Our Guide was fascinating!
We can't remember visiting a country in the last 10 years that doesn't have ATMs, so there's really no need to carry more cash than you need for a couple of days.
When there's a language barrier, shouting in your own language is not going to get you far.
Instead, use your body.
It's the most international language in the entire world.
Don't forget to translate a full stop with a smile.
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Watch Out
For These Scams
Paint the Town Red
Argentina
How it works:
In Argentina there's a scam where someone will put paint (commonly a bright colour such as red) on a traveller's bag, be very apologetic and try and wipe it off.
Then they suddenly grab it and run off.
What you can do:
If someone puts anything on your bag, and wants to help you clean it off - hold onto your bag tightly and say you do not need help.
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The "Double Steal"
Barcelona
How it works:
In Barcelona, a man on a bicycle may grab a seemingly random person's bag and ride off with it.
As the sympathetic bystander (that's you!) drops their bags to give chase, an accomplice will attempt to make off with the abandoned valuables
What you can do:
Never, ever, ever leave your valuables unattended.
For any reason.
Ever!
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How it works:
Often a bar or restaurant will lure tourists in by providing a menu with cheap prices, then switching it with a pricier "tourist menu" once inside.
It could see the bill double in the end.
This scam is common in China and parts of southern Europe. Try to hold onto the menu first that is shown to you.
What you can do:
Try to hold onto the menu first that is shown to you.
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The Pipestone Patter
September 2017
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Welcome Back Loyal Readers!
Hello again everyone.
If it seems like it's been awhile since we've talked - that's because it has been!
You may have noticed there was no Newsletter in August. Well, what am I saying? Of course you noticed! In fact, I'm rather hoping you missed it like crazy!
Or maybe that's just me, always looking for affirmation!
In any event, we skipped right by August and now here we are in September.
School's back - the nights are (sometimes) a little cooler - Thanksgiving is a little closer - and Christmas is on it's way.
Not to mention - we all know the cold weather has to come sometime, even though we've had an absolutely gorgeous run at summer!
And, if you're like me - no matter how nice the summer was, once the cold hits, I can think of nothing else but taking a trip to a nice, warm location.
(And if we're dreaming here - why not Tahiti?)
So, some of you may already be planning for your winter get-away.
If so, don't forget: For those of you in the south, our new, larger location is now up and running in WillowPark Village; and for those of you in the north, our location in Dalhousie Station is still right where it always was.
If you need warm weather clothing for your winter vacation, you know right where to find it!
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Russell Hannon
Ultra-Economical Travel Expert
99 Ways to Cut Your Travel Costs - Without Skimping
We all love to travel, and if we can pay less while we're doing it - well, that's even better!
If you would like the inside scoop on ways to save money when you travel, you're going to want to come and meet
Ultra-Economical Travel Expert, Russell Hannon!
Known for wowing TV and radio audiences with untold budget travel tips, Russell will be giving his acclaimed Travel & Adventure Show speech in which he offers 99 Ways to quickly and easily find the best and least expensive travel options for you.
Once feeling unable to afford to travel, Russell Hannon uses lean principles to travel at a fraction of the going rate.
He has been featured on CNBC, FOX, CBS, America Tonight, CTV, ShopSmart, Around the World Travel TV and nationally broadcast lifestyle and personal finance shows.
And how lucky are we to have persuaded him to come and speak with all of you?
No matter what your travel type is, or where you want to go, you will leave with dozens of practical tips and tricks you can put to work right away to save money on your next great escape!
All Guests will Receive:
- 10% discount coupon for a travel tour with Free & Easy Traveller
- A handout with Russell's 99 Travel Tips
- Surprise travel discount coupons
Russell will be joining us at our Dalhousie Station location:
#165, 5005 Dalhousie Drive N.W.
(take 53rd Street off Crowchild Trail)
Wednesday, October 25
7:00 p.m.
Admission is free, but space is limited, so if you would like to
meet Russell, you MUST contact our Dalhousie Station location to pre-register - or, come on in and see us in person to register.
However you do it, make sure you do it soon, because spots will be disappearing quickly!
403-239-7084
Following Russell's speech, there will be a Book Signing
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We have found that one big thing travel does is to open our eyes to how extremely fortunate we are to be living in such a wonderful country.
We have plenty of water - even hot water! - we have food and shelter, we have medical care, and we are able to support our families.
You travellers out there know that this is not always the case in other countries.
That's why we were so interested when we found out about
It's a non-profit foundation that supports emergency services and children's programs in various Mexican communities.
Angels for Mexico is currently in their tenth year of providing safety equipment to fire and rescue and EMS departments.
They also supply school supplies and build playgrounds for children.
All the items they collect are donated products.
To date, three playgrounds have been installed in Puerto Vallarta.
On playground was built in Los Ayala, Mexico, and another was set up in Puerto de le Lima, Mexico.
This October, the Angles for Mexico team is headed to Zucualpan, Mexico to complete two projects.
The non-paid volunteers are excited to build a playground there, as well as refurbishing a Fire Hall that is in dire need of upgrades.
They will be providing an impoverished area with a gathering place for children and families AND a better work environment for the local EMS workers.
This hard work is done entirely by dedicated people who assume all their own travel costs.
So, why am I telling you this?
Angel for Mexico is holding a raffle for their Annual Fundraiser.
The monies raised will assist them in covering the cost of shipping safety equipment to Zucualpan, and purchasing required building supplies and local services.
First Prize:
A beach front 2-bedroom condo for 1 week at
Casa Terri Villa Marena in Los Ayala, Mexico
plus $1000 cash
Second Prize:
A 3-piece luggage set provided by Pipestone Travel Store
plus $250 cash
Third Prize:
A family photo shoot valued at $500 provided by
EXCPS PhotoGraphers in Calgary
plus $150 cash.
The draw date is Friday, October 6th, 2017
Tickets are $10 each
For tickets, contact Christena Callaghan, President at 403-466-3691 or visit their website at angelsformexico.com
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Tales from the Road
130 mile per hour winds.
At least $180 billion in damages.
13 million people affected, from Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.
779,000 people faced mandatory evacuation and another 980,000 people evacuated voluntarily.
203,000 homes damaged.
12,700 homes destroyed.
232 shelters housing at least 39,000 people.
More than 72,000 people rescued from rising water.
An unknown number of additional victims rescued by a flotilla of private boats.
At least 60 people dead, ranging in age from 6 to 84.
Almost 52 inches of rainfall - about 27 trillion gallons of rain fell on Texas and Louisiana over six days - enough to fill the Houston Astrodome 85,000 times. (In comparison, Hurricane Katrina dropped just 5 to 10 inches of rain in 48 hours.)
At it's peak, 911 was receiving 900 calls per hour - slowing down to around 500 calls per hour after the worst of the storm hit.
Those are just some of the numbers describing Hurricane Harvey, a Category 4 storm that hit Texas on August 25, 2017. The first major storm to score a direct hit on the United States in 12 years.
Officially the second worst storm in recent history (Hurricane Katrina is still the worst, for now), Harvey made landfall three separate times in six days.
On August 26, Harvey moved on to Houston. It remained there for four days.
At its apex, on September 1, 2017, one-third of Houston was underwater.
Two feet of rain fell in the first 24 hours.
Two reservoirs overflowed. The highways became waterways.
Between 25 and 30 percent of Houston's Harris County was flooded. That is an area as large as New York City and Chicago combined. It was home to 4.5 million people.
Devastating.
Debilitating.
Heart wrenching and heart breaking.
If you were around Calgary in 2013, you lived through the flooding, so you may have an inkling of an idea what Texans have been facing.
A scintilla of an idea.
An tiny iota of an idea.
What Houston is dealing with is so very much worse.
Many of us in this city may have friends and family in Houston.
If you work in the Oil and Gas industry you may have business associates in Houston.
Or, you may not know a soul there.
Regardless, you can't help but be affected by all those numbers.
But let's take a look at some other numbers.
Some better numbers.
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Handy Gadget
T
his month we're going to talk about some of the items our customers have been asking us for.
You know how they say "It never hurts to ask!"?
Well, we listened!
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LCD Clock with Night Light
You wake up in the middle of the night, in a strange hotel room, and you can't see a thing.
You don't want to turn on the light, because you are considerate - and you don't want to waken your companion.
And, there's a reason you
woke up - so you
are going to have to get out of that bed sooner or later.
This fabulous little alarm clock is here to help you out.
- Large numeral LCD display
- Low power LED night light - Stays on all night when alarm set
- Crescendo alarm with snooze feature
- Hinged cover and stand
- Three AAA batteries required, lasting six months under normal use (not included)
- Complete instructions enclosed
- One Year Limited Warranty
- Weight: 0.25 lb
- Dimensions: 3 1/4"H x 2 1/2"W x 3/4"D
Never stub your toe on the way to the washroom again!
Genius, right?
$24.95
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Multi Purpose Packing Cube
If you haven't yet tried packing with cubes, now is definitely the time to start!
They keep everything neat, tidy and oh so organized.
Now we have these new Multi Purpose Packing Cubes that take
 organization to the next level!
- Multi-purpose packing cube keeps clothes, and shoes organized
- Goes from suitcase to dresser drawer for simplified packing and unpacking
- Three mesh pockets hold socks, tees, ties or underwear
- Removable nylon pouch is perfect for keeping dirty clothes separate or for discreet packing of personal items
- Deep cube holds shirts, pants, ties, undergarments
- Piped edges provide structure to the cube
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Made from lightweight, water and stain-resistant ripstop
- Size: 13 x 9.25 x 4.5
Colours: Aqua, Lime and Wine
$25.95
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Power Surge Strip with USB Charger
Our supplier finally brought these back, and we are thrilled to be able to offer them to you again.
You will never be sorry you included this item in your suitcase!
Unexpected power surges and voltage spikes can damage or destroy your expensive electronic devices. Take along the protection you need with Voltage Valet's Power Surge Strip.
In addition, many hotel rooms, especially overseas, don't provide nearly enough accessible electrical outlets for the modern traveller.
So, how do you use your laptop or tablet while charging your cell phone, digital camera and MP3 players when there is only one outlet available?
This Surge Strip solves the problem, allowing you to connect up to three AC-powered devices and charge up to two USB-powered devices.
With 15 amps max AC load and 3.5 amps total USB load, you can charge your iPads and iPhones, up to Version 5, at the same time.
One Year Limited Warranty.
Weight: 0.56 lb
Dimensions: 5"H x 3"W x 2"D
Please Note:
* The Travel Power Strip uses a grounded North American plug.
A Grounded Adaptor Plug may be needed to connect to 220-240VAC foreign electrical outlets.
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IMPORTANT: The Travel Power Strip
DOES NOT convert voltage. Your AC devices
MUST be dual voltage in order to use them on foreign electrical systems. The Travel Power Strip
CANNOT be used in conjunction with a Convertor.
$39.95
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Classic Light Slim Mini Cross-Body
These incredibly popular bags have been on back-order for what seems like forever.
But, they're baaaaaack!
These cross-body bags measure 6.5" x 8.5" x 1.25", which makes them big enough to carry all your important things - like your money, passport, credit cards and phone - while still being compact.
If you're going out to dinner, strolling the deck of your ship, or just taking a walk on the beach; and you just don't need to carry a lot of "stuff"; then this Classic Light Slim Mini Cross-Body is the bag for you!
Of course, it's made by Travelon, so that means it comes with Anti-Theft features such as slash-proof, mesh lined fabric, cut-proof shoulder straps, locking zippers and RFID protection.
If I have piqued your interest, you can get a little tutorial simply by
Colours: Black, Blue and Berry
$48.00
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These Unisex Day Bags now come to you new and improved!
They are perfect for holding all those things we need to carry around with us while we are out and about on our travels.
There are two side, gusseted pockets for your water bottle, your umbrella, or even a yummy French Baguette!
Made of water resistant Cotton Canvas and Suede, this roomy (there's even room for your tablet!) cross-body bag measure 9" x 11.5" x 3", and the strap adjusts from 14" - 25".
As with all Travelon bags, the Heritage Tour Bag comes complete with Anit-Theft features such as slash-proof, mesh lined fabric, cut-proof shoulder straps, locking zippers and RFID protection.
Want a close up look at the bag?
Colours: Oatmeal and Pewter
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