In the midst of the busily producing our lovely Fall books, the staff here at Whitecap have found the time to take some much needed vacation days this summer. There are some fun “mini-breaks” planned for Montreal, the Yukon, Toronto, San Francisco and even Vegas!
Nothing beats an exciting getaway with friends or family, but traveling in this day and age can be hectic and stressful if you’re not prepared. Long lines at the airport, jet lag, health concerns and travel logistics can certainly be a drag on your fun vacation. To help you get the most out of your trip and travel with ease, make sure you grab a copy of travel expert Claire Newell’s Travel Best Bets: An Insider’s Guide to Taking the Best Trips Ever before you go. It contains awesome tips for planning, staying safe in foreign countries, packing checklists and traveling with kids!
Check out some of Claire’s tips below, and happy vacationing!

CLAIRE’S BEST BETS FOR READY…SET…PREPARE!
•    Putting together a written itinerary helps you keep all the travel details together—and it gives those at home an easy way to reach you if needed.
•    When it comes to money, take a little of everything: cash, traveller’s cheques, debit cards, and credit cards.
•    Check which electrical current your destination uses to avoid frying your hair dryer!
•    Don’t forget to take security precautions for your home before you leave.
•    When it comes to packing, keep one cardinal rule in mind: go light!!
She doesn’t have any tips though, for your friends snoozing during a two-hour slide show
of your fabulous vacation-you’re on your own for that!