#kee2travel

Yes it is finally happening.  On April 1, the Federal Government is scrapping the PCR and Rapid tests for travelers entering the country. The travel industry has been lobbying the government to ease these testing requirements.Consumers have complained that it's expensive and a hassle to find approved testing facilities abroad. Some PCR tests cost upwards of $200, while antigen testing typically costs well under $100.

This adults-only resort is along the idyllic Riviera Maya, steps from a breathtaking beach, fantastic shopping along 5th Avenue, and vibrant nightlife. Just 55 kilometers from Cancun International Airport (CUN), Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen, Adults Only All Inclusive offers the ultimate carefree vacation with unlimited gourmet dining and creative cocktails as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center, daily activities like beachfront yoga and aqua aerobics, and nightly entertainment. Take a dip in the sparkling pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the warm white sand, or get pampered at the full-service spa and salon. After a day of sunning, shopping, or sightseeing, you’ll love retreating to one of the 287 non-smoking rooms and suites, featuring a balcony or terrace for savoring the sunset and thoughtful conveniences like a fully stocked minibar, complimentary bath products, and free WiFi. Take a side-trip to Cozumel from one of the nearby ferries. To learn about the resort, go here. To visit the Paradise Beach club in Cozumel, go here.  For more on our podcasts, go here.  And to drop us a line email stephen.e.kee@gmail.com.  

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana Resort & Spa boasts 373 spacious and luxuriously equipped guest rooms and suites, providing a perfect vacation experience with welcoming service and romantic inclusions.  Only 25 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, Seven dining options range in ambiance serving international favorites, while 10 lively bars and lounges serve up unlimited top-shelf spirits. 24-hour dining options allow guests to enjoy late night bites at our World Café International Buffet. Or stay in and order room service. It’s all available at any hour day or night. If you have kids, Children can enjoy themselves with supervised fun at the Explorer’s Club for Kids, while teenagers can hang out at the Core Zone Teens Club. Have questions, comments or want to be a guest, drop us a line at steve@stevekee.com. 

Today we talk about our next vacation....that's right we are heading to Mexico and Panama Jack's Resort in Playa del Carmen. Panama Jack Resorts Playa Del Carmen offers fun-filled Mexican getaways just steps from the local nightclubs, quaint shops and lively restaurants of famous 5th Avenue.  Head down to the shore to stroll along the expansive stretch of white-sand beach or take a dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. In the evenings, indulge in a range of mouth-watering cuisine options like Mexican, Brazilian and fresh seafood before heading back to your spacious room or suite. We can't wait. https://panamajackresorts.com/playa-del-carmen

We recently drove from our home in Brooklin, Ontario to Atlantic Canada for 10 days of fun and visiting all the sights.   Some reflections of the drive, the Atlantic Canada Covid bubble and taking a dog on a road trip. Special shout outs to: https://www.facebook.com/melswaggintailinn for taking care of Charlie and https://www.facebook.com/Woolypigpieandpastry/ for some great eats.  For more on NB tourism visit: https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/

This summer we decided to try some AIRBNB trips and booked a home in Thorold Ontario and Cocagne NB.  Great time and in this episode we talk about our experiences. Thorold AirBNB - https://www.airbnb.ca/users/show/272103225Cocagne NB - https://www.airbnb.ca/users/show/163810614

Ste, Anne's Space is an 1800’s heritage fieldstone country castle is located on a quiet country road in the heart of Northumberland’s rolling countryside, only 90 minutes from downtown Toronto.From the moment you walk in the front entrance you will see that this health and wellness spa is different than others. Here at Ste. Anne’s your mental health and well-being is a priority. They encourage you to stay all day in one of the plush bathrobes, embrace your spa hair and just be yourself. Enjoy the charm of an old world setting while you heal with rest and rejuvenation.As an all-inclusive destination spa, packages include complete access to all facilities, delicious country cuisine and an allowance to use towards our rejuvenating wellness classes and spa treatments. From group spa cottages sprinkled across the 500 acre property, to rooms and suites located in the Main Inn, they offer a wide selection of accommodations to best suit the needs of each individual, couple or group. With everything you need at your fingertips, Ste Anne’s Spa is the perfect location to focus on your mental health and well-being.https://www.steannes.com/Our Travel Agent Joanne Moore -  jmoore@thetravelagentnextdoor.comhttps://www.passionatetravel.ca/

We love to travel but what do we do with our Old English Sheepdog Charlie?Turns out, dogs need vacations too and we have been so fortunate to find some incredible care for him while we are away.  In the need for pet care while traveling, then here are three places to check out. https://www.furryfriendspetresort.com/https://dogsatcamp.com/https://www.melswaggintailinn.com/

We recently visited old Montreal and had a tremendous time.  On today's episode we talk about the adventure and what's ahead in our travel plans. Have an interesting travel story?  Drop us a DM or email us at stephen.e.kee@gmail.com and we will feature you. 

Covid has changed our lives.  We don't (better yet can't) travel but there is optimism on the horizon.  We are so optimistic that we have booked a vacation for this fall in Jamaica.  Listen in to our update. Want to be a guest, drop us a line at stephen.e.kee@gmail.com or DM us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Where we are going: Jamaica:  https://www.karismahotels.com/azul-beach-resorts/negrilSt. Anne Spa: https://www.steannes.com/

The following was first broadcast on our sister page -- The Next Phase with Steve Kee Podcast -- but it has some great ideas for travel as well. In this episode we speak with Brian Pallock of Dive Source Scuba in Durham Region.A third generation Whitby resident and 24 year Whitby Chamber of Commerce  member, Brian grew up working at "Pallock Orchards'' the family's farm, but also had the usual part time jobs at Canadian Tire, General Motors and the Whitby Parks department. Attending Durham College he earned a diploma in Mechanical Engineering and certificate in Adult Training, subsequently working in process engineering for Shawflex Wire and Cable. During this time Brian also became a certified scuba diver, motivated by a love of the water and the explorer Jacques Cousteau.The 1990's spawned a serious recession in Ontario and he found himself back in farming, expanding the farm market and crop production in both their Whitby and Courtice farms. During this time he also had the greatest success of his life, marrying his wife Tanya and starting a family. Then in 1996 Brian took his passion for scuba diving and became a scuba instructor, while also opening Dive Source in part of the farm market at Rossland and Brock, before expanding and moving to its present location in Oshawa.Dive Source is now in its 25th year of operation teaching scuba diving, selling and servicing scuba equipment and offering adventure dive travel locally and abroad. This experience base and passion to learn, grow and adapt to change has made Brian a respected business person in Durham, who strongly believes  "You never stop learning "  and that Whitby is a very special place to live, work and raise a family.To learn more visit: https://www.divesource.com/Also, do you have an interesting story to tell me?  Drop me a line at stephen.e.kee@gmail.com and we can chat on the podcast. 

It's been over a year since we have been on a vacation.  We want to go but we also want to be safe and responsible.  COVID will end at some point but in the meantime....we make our own fun and virtual vacations.    Have some suggestions on where we should go -- email us at stephen.e.kee@gmail.com or DM on Instagram or Twitter @steve_kee.   Until we travel again....enjoy.  

The Canadian Government has been strict with quarantine and Covid protocols.   As frustrating as they may seem -- they are keeping us safe. 

I know there is frustration about not being able to travel freely.  Today we discuss the ease of some of the restrictions and what you can, and can't do.   Time to perhaps take a trip in our own backyard....and enjoy this wonderful country of Canada.  

Love reading everyone's experiences online about travel but sometimes you just shake your head and wonder what people are thinking.   Today Steve provides some of the best questions and complaints posed to travel consultants.  Want us to talk about your favourite resort or country, contact us at steve@stevekee.com and follow the Podcast with the hashtag #kee2travel on most social media platforms. 

You'd be surprised what people ask about before traveling.  We have the top questions you need to ask, and some you don't need to ask, on today's #kee2travel Podcast.  You have a great question, email us at steve@stevekee.com. 

Face it, we don't cruise.  Never have and many have tried to convince us.  In this episode we speak with our friend Lyn Ward - an avid cruise enthusiast who sells us on the idea of one day, taking a cruise.  Got a travel story to tell us....email me at steve@stevekee.com

I have to admit my Wife Cynthia is the Queen of packing for a resort vacation.  She not only finds the right mix of clothing, bathing suits and accessories....but in this episode she provides some behind the scenes secrets everyone should know about.

Ten episodes in to the #kee2travel Podcast and thank you for all our listeners and for the comments and suggestions.   Today we talk about what we have learned from the audience and what we hope to do for the future.  Want to be interviewed?  Contact me at steve@stevekee.com or DM on Twitter or Instagram @steve_kee   Thank you all.  

Cynthia and I planned a destination wedding in Cuba in just under 5 months back in 2012.  We thought it would be easy.  It was time consuming and confusing as well.  But it went off without a hitch and now we have some tips for those couples wanting to take the plunge abroad.