Open letter to the Federal Government Canada, Provincial Alberta Cities Edmonton, and Calgary.

Re: How did WestJet pull this off? Please look into how the Calgary Airport Authority, Edmonton Airport Authority, and Transport Canada were involved in WestJet eliminating its direct flight competitors, such as Air Canada, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Porter, and Sunwing, which was acquired by WestJet.

I believe Albertans are at a disadvantage because there are not any competitors.  
WS is WestJet and AC is Air Canada.
WestJet bought Sunwing on their website it shows direct flight but it’s on WestJet/Sunwing.
Calgary – Cancun WS, Edmonton to Cancun WS and AC, Calgary to Tulum and Cozumel WS, Calgary to Tepic Nervo WS, Calgary and Edmonton to San Jose Cobo,
Calgary, Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta WS and Flair, Calgary to Puerto Vallarta WS and Flair
Calgary- Puerto Escondido WS, Calgary to Mexico City WS and Aeromexico
Calgary, Edmonton to Mazatlan WS, Calgary to Loreto Baha WS
Calgary to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo WS, Calgary and Edmonton to Huatulco WS, Calgary to Guadalajara WS. Also look at Direct from Edmonton and Calgary to USA, Europe, Caribbean and Central America you will see extraordinarily little if any competition.
WestJet’s presence in Alberta is a source of pride for its residents, but does that mean this is the treatment we deserve?

WestJet has not been the same since Onex Corporation they are from Toronto Ontario Canada, also American and British took over it was better airline when it was employe owned, I hear that all the time. My question is? is WestJet 100% Canadian owned? I say no.

Greed has taken over, they tried to add more seats $$$ their customers put a stop to that and my last direct flight  January 2026 Cancun to Calgary to save money because they charge so much for seats us Albertans, I had a young couple with a infant they put me in the middle of them it is illegal to trade seats and WestJet knows that, they say we can trade after were in the air. Sad thing most airlines do that.

I’m one of the lucky ones I am a 20-year travel blogger now a travel consultant GoTravelOgle to help others find the best deals ever, I know the system and last year I did get great deals on WestJet, but I am not your average traveller like most.
How can transport Canada allow this to happen? WestJet direct-flights. 
Please review this yourself for clarity (the YouTube video yourself above). I am not blaming WestJet; with all the information I have been receiving from other people. There are rumors that WestJet pays lower gate fees than its competitors, and if this is true, it could explain why there is a lack of competition in Alberta. Such a situation would be very disadvantageous for Albertans and deserves investigation. (Calgary and Edmonton’s Airport authority) This short YouTube video will show you about what I am talking. WorldTripPete

Cc Government Federal Canada, cc Provincial Alberta Cities cc Edmonton cc Calgary cc Calgary cc airport authority, cc Edmonton airport authority, and cc transport Canada!

I found great deals again on all three cruises. First one 13 day New York USA to South Hamton, England all inclusive $1,341.26 April 29 to May 13 then on the same cruise ship I stayed on but did not buy it from them found a better deal with Vacations Togo, could have got it for as low as $322 but because I was solo they charged a little over double $686.33 still not bad. So, it was from South Hamton England to Copenhagen Denmark May 13 to May 22.
The third cruise was from about an hour and a half outside of Rome I took the local bus from the airport to the port for $5 Euro I herd a lot of people were paying between $75 to $150 Euro, 21-day cruise from Rome to Miami started October 27 to November 17.
I learned so much about cruising could not believe how cheap it was and it’s like staying at a 5-star resort, talking to a lot of cruising people I got a better deal than they did, guess it’s my experience of traveling.   

My third and last cruise of 2024. Now home sweet home, back in Playa Del Carmen Mexico. Another amazing cruise I met a lot of amazing people on my travels. I'm travel lucky again today I went to the airport really early had no choice have to get off the ship the lady told me my flight was going to be delayed till 3:30 PM. I asked if they had an earlier flight and she said yes I took the last seat again and free of charge she changed it for me. so it gave me enough time to have a late lunch in Playa or maybe it's my blogging card you get a lot of perks if you're a travel, blogger. On the cruise I got a great deal plus I got balcony instead of inside for the price of a inside cabin. Lucky me.

 November 2 2024 Finally made it to the Canary Island, Spain. I love all Spain. Only 1.35 Euro to take the train across to the other side of the Island beautiful trip. Next stop in six days to Barbados. Maybe no Internet for me. #canaryisland #spain #santacruzdetenerife

October 25 2024 My third cruise 2024, still can't believe I got a balcony at the price of an inside cabin plus a 21 day cruise for only $778.00 solo.  I'm such a lucky cruiser, and I just started cruising, this is my third cruise this year. I'm at the Calgary airport waiting for my flight to Rome. Today I finally read my itinerary and noticed that I got a balcony and I paid for inside single so I called Vacations To Go and they told me that NSC upgraded me and this is my first time ever on this cruise MSC the manager said it's probably because I took so long to respond like two weeks ago. They probably didn't have any more inside suites. So as you can see, this is about $1000 upgrade so far, my Cruise friends I was thinking of negotiating an inside as long as they give me the Wi-Fi/drinks and a couple of restaurants do you think that will work?

May 16 2024  Leaving Amsterdam soon heading to Oslo, Norway. Did over 22,000 steps again today. Walking through Central then took the free ferry over to North Amsterdam, where it's more calm. Ran into four older guys riding their bicycles around Europe from Vancouver Island, Canada. I let them know. I have my good friend Stephanie van Hoeijen from Holland/Netherlands starting her bike ride across Canada on Vancouver Island. She's an amazing traveller on her own time. We met when I drove from Calgary to Panama three Dutch people that are voting me for anything I wanted to do lol... No Wi-Fi for the next day and a half. Because my cruise is so cheap they won't let me buy the package. Just learning this cruise life. Just amazing how they get around in Amsterdam by bicycle rush-hour. I did not do the swing and the roller coaster. I didn't have enough time. My ship is gonna leave. There will be a next time in Amsterdam.
Love Amsterdam Holland/Netherlands. As a traveler, I have a good feeling for this country. I will be back to explore it all. My Calgary friend Lisbeth Weis and I did the Canal tours. We did not do the hop on hop off bus tour as it was sold out. I did not post Belfast because I will be back there May 23 after my cruises

May 14 2024 Time to travel alone again. My friends and the people I met are all gone their own different ways and countries. While in Halifax, I saw this amazing deal on Vacations To Go cannot believe 95% off $322 USD. I got lucky and had the last ticket to go nine more sailing days three are the same places that I've been to on the way to Southampton, England that is where the new journey begins. Spent the day in Southampton yesterday now back in La Havre France. I have no connection to the world other than being that port as they can add extras on my deal no Wi-Fi or phone unless I'm at the port.

May 7 2024 After crossing the Atlantic for five days, we are now in Dublin heading to Belfast tomorrow morning. Day three crossing the Atlantic it was really rough on me so I took a couple of motion pills in the afternoon at dinner time there was a solo group I attend having dinner I almost fell asleep at the table after having a couple glasses of wine with dinner. Made it to my room slept over 13 hours straight without waking up had no idea what happened. I read the directions on the pills the next day it said do not mix alcohol while taking these pills. I still can't believe the deal. I got on my next cruise on the same ship. $686 USD That's for double travel partner it would be half of that. Unbelievable. Looks like i'll be cruising for years to come.

May 1 2024, Sitting in Halifax, I have a layover in Europe for two weeks just found a great deal on the same boat. I can continue from Southampton England to Copenhagen, Denmark. $322 USD I have to double that because I'm going single. That's why I don't plan always finding deals.

May 1 2024, New York, Now in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Travelling with my friends Lisbeth Weis from Calgary and Susane Paquet that  I know from Mexico, leaving New York a couple of days ago 28° now in Halifax, high of 8°. Next 5 days of sea before we get to see Dublin.

Booked February 23 2024. My next holiday, New York, USA April 29 2024 to Southampton England. Found a great deal on a cruise ship that is re-positioning I got 85% off go to VacationsToGo then hit 90 day ticker. I will be in New York City April 28 leave on the ship on the 29th first stop Halifax, Nova Scotia May 1, Dublin May 7, Belfast May 8 Amsterdam May 10, Zeebrugge Belgium May 11, Paris (Le Havre) France May 12, Southamton England May 13. Any friends or family that want to meet up for lunch or coffee at any of these ports send me a message. As a solo traveler, I had to pay double $649.00 just over $1200 USD not bad. One day I will meet the right travel partner to share amazing travel experiences.​

I find it easier to do photos and video on Tik talk and explain a bit about the trip.
                                                          Aruba Tik-Tok
Aruba, they call it the happy Island. They all speak a minimum of four languages, Dutch, their language Papiamento, English and Spanish. I normally don't do a tour, but
I did with fantasy tours Marry great job. Thank you.
                                                          Panama Tik-Tok
Love Panama. It was nice to catch up with old friends. Derek and Norm from Ontario spend the winters in Coronado Panama, Erika and her boyfriend Tim from Calgary on their holiday to Panama and met a couple on my rooftop pool Claudia & Chris (Krzysz) they were really nice. They had me over for dinner last night they are living in Panama. It was also so nice to catch up to my old friend Conrad 87 year old tour guide, I've known him for about 15 years. 

​Me resulta más fácil hacer fotos y vídeos en TikTok y explicar un poco sobre el viaje.
Aruba Tik-Tok
Aruba, la llaman la Isla Feliz. Todos hablan al menos cuatro idiomas: neerlandés, su idioma local papiamento, inglés y español. Normalmente no hago tours, pero
hice uno con Fantasy Tours. ¡Excelente trabajo, Mary! Gracias.
Panamá Tik-Tok
Me encanta Panamá. Fue genial reencontrarme con viejos amigos. Derek y Norm, de Ontario, pasan los inviernos en Coronado, Panamá; Erika y su novio Tim, de Calgary, estaban de vacaciones en Panamá y conocí a una pareja en la piscina de la azotea, Claudia y Chris (Krzysz), que fueron muy amables. Me invitaron a cenar anoche; viven en Panamá. También fue muy agradable reencontrarme con mi viejo amigo Conrad, un guía turístico de 87 años, a quien conozco desde hace unos 15 años.

I returned back to Mexico October 13th, 2023, I have been so busy no time to blog. I just want to make my website to help people to find great travel deals. Travel my Expeida link to learn more it's free info on my travel tips.

Living in the two best countries in the world, first Canada the #1 Country in the world to me BUT I have the best president in the world in Mexico, the reason being is I don’t understand a F____N word he is talking about lol, life is so much better staying away from all politics, no more politics for me. 

                    Street Busking                                      Free stuff     Calgary Stampede 

I am living in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico till April 2023 so I have tips on how to get around here. In Playa Del Carmen.
                                                                                         
Travel has been my hobby for over 20 years and like to pass on some of my travel tips to others., the past 20 winters I’ve been taking most of the winters off away from work to travel the world and yes I have my travel blog formally TravelCheapWithPete now WorldTripPete.

Back when I started, I liked to stay in Hostels to learn and find out from other experience travelers and nowadays I mostly stay at Airbnb’s with locals if possible and it has to be a super host, 5 star host, they will go out of their way for you to make you comfortable while staying at their place, but if I go to a new country I still like to start off in a hostel to find out the best deals and things to see and do while I am there. I use HostelWorld.com or Booking.com then after I know everything I need to know about the country I then book Airbnb..com, sometimes when you book by the week or by the month you may see 40% to I’ve seen up to 75% off by the month.

Flights: Sign up with YDeals.com and Next Departure.ca pick your city, it is free.
I like to use ITA Matrix The way to use it is hitting the city your in then the destination, then See calendar of lowest fares, then duration (nights) I do say 7 nights, 8 nights or more because prices can be so different than put in currency, you will see prices differ so much look for the orange prices. Once you find a good deal go to the airlines direct or Expedia will match just let the airlines or your travel agent know where you saw the deal. I am an Expedia agent, but have no time for work. The best flight deal I ever got was Calgary to Panama City, Panama $2.00 plus $197.00 taxes = $199.00 return from my blog and part two the story
Coming soon I will make a video on how to use the websites on my travel my Expedia link.

​Another website I like to use is Google flights  They will email when prices change just put in dates or any dates, you can also so date grid and price graph, also when you find the right deal click the link it will take you directly to the airline, make sure it is in your currency.

FlightNetwork  they will post charter flights too.

Holliday packages, I found all-inclusive also I found flight, hotel and ground transportation cheaper than just the flight, so many times, even last week a friend asked me to find a deal for him and his family, I did, I found them a-5 star all-inclusive for $940.00 CAN each person everything in, I found it on SellOffVacations.com Riviera Maya Playa Del Carmen last minute.

I like to use SellOffVacation.com hit from your city in Canada only to the destination, pick dates once you're on the page look up at the top right in green lowest price calendar it will show you deals 2 to 3 days before or after, most of the time you will find better deals.
​
See photos below while I was writing this blog I looked up on SellOffVacations last minute and found this 90% off includes flight, hotel, ground transportation and taxes for two only $1130.00 CAN at the same time I checked just the flight it was almost double.  

The best deal I got from SellOffVacations.com ever was a 4 star resort all-inclusive, flight, ground transportation and taxes all in read from my blog check it out.

I always double check with other sites, sometimes they have a better deal, always shop Redtag.ca , Expediawww.expedia.ca/.ca and direct from the airlines they will post packages too.
​
I post more tips from my TravelMyExpedia link. If you need more help, just contact me, always like to help out fellow travelers free, or just send me a tip somehow if you want. 
Again coming soon I will make a video on how to use the websites on my travel my Expedia link.

Past archived stories, including road trip Calgary, Canada to Panama City, Panama Archives  start of trip Calgary to Panama  USA,  Mexico,  Christmas in El Salvador, Crossing borders in Central America  People I meet on the road Panama and more Road back to Canada, I took a boat from Panama City to Miami. After that trip I took an amazing trip across Canada with my Tim Western Canada Eastern Canada more on Eastern Canada

 

I am a first generation Canadian and went to Belfast with my first-generation Italian friend, Joe. My Mum and Dad are no longer with me, so I wanted to go back to where they grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. THE last time I was there was in the early 70’s as a child.

It was so nice to catch up with my two cousins Rebecca and Andrew and their extended family.  A police officer friend of the family took us on a personal tour around Belfast. We  were so impressed with what he does for a living! He is in a gang riot police unit driving in a bomb in a bulletproof vehicle. He stated that the troubles between Catholics and Protestants is quiet now compared to the violence of the 70’s and 80's Wow, the stories he must have!

We took a political tour with a Catholic car driver. It was so interesting! We toured the Catholic areas, that is, the areas where people in Ireland from an independent country lived. Things looked normal, people living in cozy Irish communities. But, driving through some large Protestant areas, that is areas where people loyal to the British Crown lived, were much different. In some areas we drove through large gates which close 7pm and open 7am. Many are fenced off with large walls blocking out the outside world. We stopped at the large and decorated Peace Wall and really felt the isolation and turmoil of days gone by. Pete and I wrote our names on the wall along side the many millions who signed before us! In FACT, the Peace wall separating the Falls and Shankill roads contains some of the brightest artwork found in Belfast and forms part of the city mural tour. Murals consisted mainly of world countries struggling with cultural and religious differences!

We hired a taxi tour to see where my father was born and raised. The house is gone, replaced by an apartment building. It was a couple of blocks where Van Morison grew up. We took pictures outside his birth home and the Catholic taxi driver took us to the large street concert he put on for his 70 birthday a couple years ago! It was in front of a beautiful, old protestant church! He pointed this out on YouTube  . I mentioned, we had a Catholic taxi driver because Van Morrison played his concert in front of a protestant church. While we were there, a couple of nice practitioners came out to visit and invited us in for a church tour. I asked our taxi driver to join us, but he declined the invite. Also, both sides did not want to shake hands with each other when we said our goodbye’s. Sad for us to see something like that. I think religion should stay out politics stop promoting hatred amongst people.   ​

As a result of the troubles in Northern Ireland from 1970 to 2022, Northern Ireland is losing growth in their part of the country. For instance, during a 52-year span, growth in Dublin in 1970 was 771,000 total people vs 1,256,00 today [approx. 485,000 increases]. Population in Belfast 1970 was 417,000 and today 639,000[approx. 222,000 increases]. Northern Ireland has been missing out on a lot of growth potential…, why would any big company invest? Even with the 1998 Good Friday Peace agreement regarding all political parties, (good Friday agreement) , people have to let go of the past .Protestants kept Catholics from voting in the early stages due to strict home ownership policies,(hearsay that you did not vote by a person, you got to vote by the homes you owned, so for instance if you owned votes home you get six votes and the Protestants own most of the homes) now is that fair? As a result, in total political Protestant control.  

Religion must stay away from government, politics, which may promote hatred and isolation.  I believe that God DOES NOT promote hatred and disharmony. We are one people, striving for happy lives. Hopefully the walls come down in 2023 and I hope to be there to witness the big event! Hoping that Northern Ireland will be open for business…. Let go of the past and good things will happen!  Check out Wikipedia the troubles. 
 
War Queens and Kings of Ireland remove all walls 2023 Youtube  Every year, Protestants only hold a parade, parties and bonfires to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne, July 11/12th 1690 It began in the late 17th century, it is a night celebrating the start of the Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. I believe this event should stop because it promotes separation and isolation between both religions. Wikipedia the 12th  

Prayers for peace, love and happiness we are all one, we are all the same, just lose what happened over 300 years ago.
I think this will be my last blog, story. 
​
​This is my view not yours Pete Montgomery, from WorldTripPete.com

 Bus tour of Northern Ireland and the Titanic Museum.. ​ Worth watching this  YouTube about the Titanic  This is the best of the Belfast segment of the Ireland & Emerald Isle episode of DIY Destinations, in this clip the host Charles Huang decided to visit Titanic Belfast, 12,000 square meters interactive museum dedicated the famous ocean liner RMS Titanic on the former Harland & Wolff shipyard. We'll showcase all the galleries and highlight from this museum and the ride, as well a visit on board the SS Nomadic, the only surviving White Star Line vessel in existence today Wikipedia SS Nomadic Joe wrote on Facebook Visiting history of the Titanic was awesome!…It was designed and built in Belfast by the former White Star Line on the very place where the museum now stands!…Museum takes you through the many stages from city history during the time , the build and builders,launch,passengers n crew,iceberg tragedy, rescue and James Cameron videos on the historic finding of the ship!…Just outside the museum lies the former White Star design offices and the marked foundation of the actual building site!…It was constructed to be the dream ship that was supposed to be unsinkable??? Another post on fb by Joe. Now in Belfast,Northern Ireland…

Wow! Lots to learn and see…Many people don’t know that Ireland has two languages ,English and a totally different Irish language….As well,Ireland consists of two countries; the Republic of Ireland in the south and The British rule island to the north. Joe Forzani and I started our tour on a Hop On Hop Off bus in the morning and then took a separate political tour with guide Henry  in the afternoon.Wow! We learned so much to put in my next blog when we get home. Much to learn about the struggles of life in Northern Ireland. Catholics,who are striving for Irish Independence and Protestants,governed by the British Rule,each living in their separate communities around the city!
Sooo interesting to talk with local residents and hear their stories about the hardships of 2 different beliefs in a single country!
And,now on to the Titanic Museum!!!

We did a bus tour of Northern Ireland called the “Causeway Coastal Route” from Belfast to Portrush. We stopped at Whitehead, Ballygally, Cushendall, Murlough Bay, Whitepark Bay, and Giant’s Causeway. On the way there, Joe was telling me that the giant’s built it 50 million years ago? NOT!!! It was the same person who preached that if a race horse ear is up, the horse will win the race NOT!!!Here is the truth about the Giants Causeway Wikipedia Giant Causeway. We  also stopped in Bushmills Distillery, the oldest distillery in the world, opened in 1608! Wikipedia oldest distillery in the world.  

We also did the “Hop on Hop off Bus Tour, Belfast,” We started at Belfast City Hall, then on to St Georges Market, Grand Opera House, Queens University, Falls Road, International Peace Wall, Wall Murals and the Crumlin Road Jail.  I have no idea why Joe was so attracted old Jails in Dublin and Belfast? Hmm, just maybe in his past life he was hardened jail bird…lol

Joe and I stayed in Temple Bar, Dublin the first three days we arrived in Ireland.   
We flew West Jet to Dublin and stayed in the main tourist area called Temple Bar.  I posted me at one of the local pubs with a couple of Hells Angels bikers from Vancouver, Canada, I could not believe the response I got from the pictures. Lots thumbs up and bikers were great! I liked them and I learned not to judge people by the way they look! BTW, I handled them with ease lol! I must say that all the local Irish tour guides s, sales clerks, servers, policeman, cab drivers, hotel management and the general public were extremely courteous in helping fine our destinations! Very impressed!!!

Temple Bar is the main tourist area in Dublin, with loads of restaurants, pubs and hotels located on old cobblestone narrow streets. Many locals and tourists strolling along and dropping into colorful pubs listening to favorite Irish ballads and songs. Joe and I sipped many Guinness and Irish Lagers to go with the yummy Irish stews and tasty Fish n Chips! Our hotel, located in the heart of Temple Bar, was only a short walking distance to everything including McDonalds for breakfast! 
We took the Hop on hop off Dublin bus a couple times. Samuel Beckett Bridge, City Hall, Dublin Castle, Glasnevin Cemetery, Henry Shopping Street & The Spire, St Stephen's Green, Trinity College Book of Kells,  Old Library Exhibition, Mummies of Michan’s Church, Richmond Barracks, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, The Guinness Factory, Phoenix Park and Kilmainham Goal Prison  again Joe had to tour the prison on his own.

Joe's Facebook post about Dublin Two days in Dublin so far, wow, what city (Religion and Alcohol!) …We are staying in the trendy area called Temple Bar, full of Irish pubs n restaurants Today we took an open seat Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tour of the city! We learned a lot!!!
Confused when they talk about churches, drinking Guinness and Irish whiskey in this city? They say that 10 million Guinness a day are consumed and the population of Ireland is just over 5 million (That’s 2 glasses of Guinness per person per day…Wow!!!) The part I missed is that maybe they talking about world consumption, and not just Ireland?
Tomorrow’s visit is St Patrick’s Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse and Teeling whiskey tours!
​Love Peace and Happiness, God loves all his creation all religions.
This is my view not yours Pete Montgomery, from WorldTripPete.com

It was so easy to apply for my permanent residency to Mexico, as long as you qualify and have all your documents required! The last document I was waiting for arrived Wednesday October 20. Next day I went Mexican Consulate office in downtown Calgary.  I could not believe how fast it went? Less that an hour and ½ and only $57.00 Canadian.

The interviewer told me that I was  a very lucky guy! I was not scheduled to be there that day and they were very  busy this time of year. I answered by saying that  everything was meant to be! The dots connected quickly when my final document arrived!

My Canadian friends living in Mexico suggested that it is better to get my Permanent not Temporary Residency. Many great benefits to me!  I also discovered that I cannot drive my campervan to Mexico. The Mexican government requires that a permanent resident must purchase cars in their country! All trucks, rv’s, suv’s and scooters are not permitted entrance to Mexico from another countries. I will get great savings  on healthcare, dental,  golf, travel and so much more….
​They also have nine Mexican Consulates offices across Canada. 

So my new life begins… Pete from WorldTripPete.com 

Now that I’m fully retired, I have been looking at residency in Panama or Mexico, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. I am deciding on Mexico because it has direct flights to most places around the world. Panama uses the US dollar and could hurt me when the dollar increases in value. The Mexican peso is always less than my Canadian dollar, giving me greater value there. The Mexican Consulate has an office in Calgary and I have a meeting with them next month to discuss residency status. The US border then opens November 8th 2020 allowing me to drive my campervan “Old faithful” to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. (I drove the same van to Panama City, Panama 6 years ago from Calgary, Canada.)
Another reason I picked Mexico over Panama. I can buy a nice condo in a gated community with pool and gym for about $90,000.00 USD. A comparable condo in Panama would cost me more than $200,000.00 USD.

I am now focused on my road trip to Mexico. I started the first part of the leg (one third) from Toronto where I picked up the campervan from my friend Tim. His hapyhipi instagram place is one of my favorite hangouts on earth. I drove 31 hours Toronto to Calgary and plan to drive another 62 hours to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Cost of the trip is going up! Six years ago my road trip to Panama cost me $20/hr and today cost will be $22/hr. (Most people go by miles per gallon but I go by gas/hr!)

Looking forward to Change, life is good!.... Pete from WorldTripPete.com

Had Christmas 2020 early with family, I went to both my Daughters Crystal, Tiffany and their families to hand out gifts the pass couple days being safe (COVID-19) in their back yards. The past 18 years I think I have been home about 4 times for Christmas, we normally celebrate Christmas about a month before so I could get away somewhere warm, they did not mine.

I really enjoyed shopping for them and just see the kids’ faces opening their gifts was priceless, I normally ask their parents what I should get them but this time I did it all on my own and it felt great, I even bought myself a Christmas present an all-wheel drive Lincoln SUV.

Most of the people on my Facebook I met while travelling and I know the feeling we get just hopping on a plane somewhere warm and maybe somewhere new, the travel bug will never go away but after this COVID-19 thing is all over we will all appreciate life so much more.
​
I was going to do a drive by Christmas gift drop off but the weather in Calgary was warm this past week so I divided to ask my daughter’s if we can meet up in their backyards 2 meters apart with facemask, no problem it worked out great. My daughter Crystal also put a family zoom so other family members including sisters Carol, Janet, Colleen and some of their family members so we can all see each other; it was a great safe early Christmas for us all.
​
Merry Christmas to all stay safe and stay home until this COVID-19 thing is gone.

​Arrived home March 15th 2020 from living in Mexico for the winter. After my 14 days self isolation at home in Calgary, I still have not been out much, just mostly shopping like groceries at the same buying and selling big ticket items, bought and sold a MG Midget, bought a Mercedes-Bens CLK convertible (both great deals), sold my condo in Albert Park to a nice family that bought my condo yes they got a great deal some people may say that I sold too cheap but I look at it this way they are nice family and I’ve always found good deals myself, it’s not always about making money, it’s about both parties are happy. Now I have my 1988 Mercedes 300 for sale another great deal for someone to pick up. I booked a RV/golf resort for the next 2 to 6 weeks, I am so happy, while I am waiting to get into my downtown condo. Also bought another new bicycle to go camping with.

​I would like to challenge people to make their own Covid-19 video and post it. You must watch my whole video as it has money in it twice.
                                                       
The world with an up to date and detailed Covid-19 count. 
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/  
Less detailed: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/countries-where-coronavirus-has-spread/

World population: https://www.worldometers.info/population/

I would like to start off with Canada’s Political Leaders, Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments. and especially the opposition. They are all on the same page working together to make our country safe, they are putting their political stripes aside! I am so proud to be Canadian. Our leaders are all working tirelessly to make sure we are all safe and trying to get us all home to Canada. Many of my friends that are still traveling abroad don’t get it! I do understand why! People in many foreign countries are living their lives as if nothing is happening. Most restaurants, bars, grocery stores and social gatherings are still going on living normal lives! Our Prime minister is strongly suggesting for all Canadians to return home. This is the real the world and we must shut down to control the Coronavirus !!         Thank You so much Canada.
c.c. To all Canadian Federal and Provincial Politicians. 
​I just want to help, I am a big time traveller WorldTripPete.com so I called a friend that looks after most of the hostels for Hosteling International in Western Canada and yes they are closed across Canada right now so I was thinking this could be the best time to turn them into hospitals after watching the US hospital ship that they are deploying, they look like hostels, shared rooms, bathrooms and the even have private rooms on the water. I am a life member of HiHostel and I do have connections.     Hi Hostels, the rooms must have the highest standards.  https://www.hihostels.com/
​                                                 Canada COVID-19

​In Canada, we must self isolate for 14 days after returning home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. On Friday March 13th I had a chance to change my fight a week later from March 14th to March 21st! Watching my video, I was still undecided, but my gut was telling me best to get home now before all the uproar was to happen. Being an experienced traveler, I always go by my gut feeling and it was time to leave a place that was still living a normal life in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. So, to all my travel friends get back to your home country if you can.

I was fortunate not to take the trip around the world this past winter (traveling around the world cheaper today VS 16 years ago) and, instead, took plan B living in Mexico for three months...

The world with an up to date and detailed Covid-19 count. 
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

World population: https://www.worldometers.info/population/
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https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/countries-where-coronavirus-has-spread/  
Looks like my traveling days are over for now, looking for a new hobby. Maybe it's time to settle down.

In the video below I am talking about. The cost of living in Mexico is so inexpensive! Condo fees are only $40.00 USD a month and the complex has full time security guards and 6 full time ground workers. Also, I mentioned the price of cell phones in Mexico. I paid $200 pesos which equals to $13.75 Canadian a month with 3 GB data, unlimited calls & text to Canada, USA and Mexico. Wow! Compare that to Canada, one of the most expensive countries in the world, where  I pay about $90.00 a month,5 GB data only, unlimited calls & text across Canada, with all the free wi-fi! I never ran out of data.

The video below, ​Carnival Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, the operator of the ride is a bit crazy and out of control but I think he loves his job!!

Staying and living in one place for three months was new to me, but amazingly it felt like home. I enjoyed the people I met. Yes, same bed every night wasn’t all that bad! Apartment complex I stayed in was about 90% Mexican locals and I loved it. I did accomplish visiting three countries this winter (Mexico, Dominican Republic and Dubai). Next winter I have no plans as of yet but I am looking at doing an around the world trip again! Or, I may again move to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. I love travelling !

Beginning with Christmas 2018, I travelled to Panama for $550.00 CAN and a great Christmas celebration. Spent New Years in Colombia then back to Panama for a week (return flight Panama to Colombia was about $300.00 CAN). Returning home to Calgary, had just over a week break before my big trip to Australia where I will catch up with old friends. Being a bit cold in Calgary, found a cheap week all inclusive to Cuba so flew down with my buddy Norm. Found great deals.

Found a great deal $850.00 CAN return Calgary to Sydney, Australia (the price dropped further to $651.00...wow!). Visiting Australia,I travelled 300k south to Perth and explored the south coast for about a week. Moved on to Brisbane ,and made that my home base for train travels north to the Sunshine coast (Mooloolba) and south to the Gold coast .For my last few days in Australia, I stayed where I started my travel bug 17 yrs ago at Sydney Central Hostel !  It was nice to catch up with a few of my Australian friends again. 
                                       
Arriving back to Calgary, I wanted to relax but I really needed a holiday to relax! I found a great price to Cabo, Mexico. Actually, there was little time to relax because I have never been there before and wanted to see everything!! Never stopped! I had a 38 hour stop over at home then off to Mexico again.

Finally, made it home to Calgary for the spring and summer. Only trip I took was to Toronto for my buddy Tim’s surprise birthday party. Also, spent a bit of time camping around Calgary!

I wanted to take a trip in late summer to Belfast, Ireland and Dubai, after booking my ticket, British Airways cancelled a few days later because of a company pilot strike. I had the travel itch I had to go somewhere. I found a great deal with my own room at 4 Star, all Inclusive for $859 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!

 Had many options and ended up booking a flight to Dubai. Weather was good and it was before high season begins. It was of the most amazing places I’ve ever travelled to, full of intrigue and excitement!

I could have travelled cheaper today vs 17 years ago, but I'm a man of my word, like I said last year I was too burnt out from travelling too much.

I wanted more relaxing after being burnt out from my travels last winter. I booked a great 2-bedroom condo in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico for the next three months (saved 55% by booking condo by the month!) From here I may still travel to Cuba, Florida, Belize and maybe even Panama ...I love that travel bug!

 When I arrived in Dubai, I bought a transit pass at the airport so I could get around the city. The pass included bus, tram and the Metro (subway train).  I also picked up free sim card from Dubai immigration for my phone.  

Before I booked my travel, everyone said how expensive it was to visit Dubai. So I did what I do best and found the best deals! To my amazement, the best flight was $1163.00 CAN return from Calgary, Canada. I enjoy staying in hostels when I visit a new country because fellow hostel backpackers know where and how to give me insight to things I can see and do in the city. (Most hostels around the world offer better prices for tours, restaurants and historical sites etc.!). I stayed at Backpacker Dubai in Internet City, as well as a 66-story hostel called At The Top across from a ritzy area called Palm Jebel Ali. For about $30.00 to $35.00 CAN a night, I stayed in in a 6-bed mixed dorm which was very nice and clean. I ended up staying at both hostels longer then I thought because I met so many great people from around the world. My last 3 nights in Dubai I found a great deal on Airbnb for my own apartment, fully equipped with pool in the beautiful Merina area. Can you believe I only paid only $54.00 CAN a night?
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 At the Calgary Airport, I met some young Canadian students I saw on the news earlier that were going to Dubai to represent Canada in the World Robotic competition. I received free tickets to the amazing event and heard that the Dubai Government picked up the tab for most of the 192 countries that competed. I saw a big media scrum at the event all trying to take pictures and wondered what all the fuss was about? I discovered that government ministers in Education and the Environment were there along with a mystery high ranking government official? I walked up to the 3 of them asking for a picture with me wearing my World Map shirt (WorldTripPete.com).  After a few laughs, just maybe that Mystery person was the Prime Minister?.lol

​During my visit there, I took a couple of tours. First, I went to Abu Dhabi, capital city of the UAE. An amazing site to see there was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque where 40.000 people could meet for Muslim prayer. I also saw the Emirates Palace, and other modern, shaped architectural buildings that were incredible to the eye! . The second tour costing $54 was to the Sand Dunes in a  4x4 SUV, rode a camel, served an East Indian dinner and watched an amazing fire, dance musical extravaganza...

​Both Fido and Rogers mobile telephone workers have never seen this before. I changed providers about a month ago. Maybe my phone # can work in two places at the same time, I am off to Dubai next week and will take the new phone with me and keep the old one with a friend. They can answer it while I am gone. Funny, I did cancel Fido over a month ago. Two phones for the price of one .haha More blogging from Dubai at WorldTripPete.com
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Trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates! I disagree with the impression that the city is expensive to live. Far from the truth...I booked a hostel at $154 for 5 nights at a great location. I like staying in hostel’s the first time I visit a new country . Here I can meet travellers who can help me find the best area sites and deals.Later I will stay in a 4 star hotel or Airbnb for the rest of my holiday, Can you believe I found a 4 star hotel at 83% off, just $57.00 a night in Canadian $$$$$...Dubai, here I come!!!

Big road trip south when I get back

 I was booked to be in Ireland this week and Dubai next week but change of plans suddenly appeared. Totally out of my control, British Airways went on strike. They did give me a full refund and that made me happy. So, with my travel bug problem (lol), I decided to take another trip, ending up in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for the first time. I got a great deal $859 at a Four Star all-inclusive, (but still can’t beat the Mexico trip I had five years ago at half the price). Coming soon, I’m starting a new travel website called “HouseCallsTravel.Com” I will be showing you how to find great deals too.  Check out the video from my Mexico trip 5 years ago worldtrippete.com/home/archives/11-2014 where I paid $11.00 plus $414.10 taxes Flight 4 star all-inclusive. 

 ​I had to decide what shirt I should wear today…? My mother always said I was bright lol..(photos above). I had a very relaxing holiday including working on my  new website “HouseCallsTravel.com”. I did what most people would do, eat too much but only 6 drinks all week! One thing I always like to do in my travels is to get out and meet  local people., I took the local bus an  hour and a half from my resort in Bavaro Playa (beach) to a town called Higuey . I met very friendly people there that were willing to help me out with my limited  Spanish  but somehow we communicated and everything worked out! In addition to meeting new people on my travels, I also like to visit City Centro, hub of the action for town history and culture. After exploring the town for a few hours, it was time to get back to the resort. The one-way streets were confusing, but I got a tip from a local to take a Motorcycle Taxi to the bus station. The fast daring driver bobed and weaved through traffic and I had to ensure my knees were in tight! Next day, another bus trip took me to Veron where I connected to yet another bus and saw poverty and run-down buildings in Las Manantiales.  I was on my way to the luxury “Blue Mall” in Punta Cana . I found that in my travels through poverty areas, the towns aren’t nearly as threatening as they look. Some places are not to be visited at night ,same as most cities in the world. Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t look afraid!