George's Journal: a Collection of Articles USE OUR ADVICE. Last month the news of hundreds of travellers stranded in Halifax harbour due to the seizure of two Premier Cruise Lines vessels captured the headlines for days. Questions on how this could possibly happen kept surfacing. The answers, of course, point to one of the ills in our society today that I can't wait for it to correct itself. Partly due to our extremely high taxation levels in Canada, many people spend a great deal of time surfing the internet for low prices for their vacations and sometimes the results are not expected or desired. Many of those booked on the two ships in Halifax had booked with travel agencies outside of B.C. and Canada and trusted those companies to look after their interests. Unfortunately that trust was disrupted by financial situations beyond their control. The cruise line was losing money on each sailing and surviving on cash-flow as so many travel companies do today. Such a situation can only go on for so long until the creditors take action. Premier Cruise Lines was a good company that got caught up in the pricing war that is going on in society today. Far too many people, myself included at times, are not prepared to pay what something should cost and as a result purchase 'seconds' or eliminate the 'middleman' to save a bit. However, when it comes to travel this is not advisable. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. In B.C., travel companies are required to register with the Registrar of Travel before selling travel to B.C. residents and all pay into a travel fund to bail you out when something goes wrong. Take advantage of this industry insurance 'policy'. It may save you money. For travel companies we currently have faith in, have a look through at our web site today. George Bell, |
Bell Travel Services- Providing Custom Travel Services for
24 Years.
Toll-free: 1-800-665-8488 Vancouver: (604) 535-2587 Fax: 604-538-6646 info@belltours.com
12894 - 16th Avenue, White Rock, BC, CANADA V4A 1N7