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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday May 17, 2008 - 15 Hit the road in an RV T he price of gas doesn't seem to be deterring RV fans, if anything this kind of vacation is more popular than ever. The RV industry is now valued at $3 billion and according to Statistics Canada figures, summer RV sales from 2005 to 2007 jumped 55 per cent in Canada. Dealers say young families are contributing to the trend of the rise in RV sales throughout Canada. "Some people may be surprised to hear that 67 per cent of RV owners are under the age of 55," said Go RVing Public Affairs Director Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, who was quoting results from a recent survey conducted by MRP Market Research Inc. "The truth is, RVing is an activity that crosses all demographics and socio-economic classes. For families with kids, it's especially appealing that you can just get up and go, while bringing all the toys with you." Joan van Dolder, a mother of four from Edmonton has written a great book called RVing with Kids 12 Months a Year. "My family and I have made great memories RVing," said van Dolder, "and by writing this book, I wanted to give other families the necessary tools to take part in such a wonderful experience." The book features a complete RV vacation packing list, tips on RVing in different temperatures including in the winter months, as well as more than 100 activities for kids while on an RV trip. The best time for traveling with little kids, Dolder claims is either early, early morning or late at night. That way the kids sleep most of soothers. Pin the soother to the child, and attach one end of a leash on the bottle and the other on the baby's chair or seatbelt, so you don't have to crawl in the back every time she drops her bottle. She made her leashes out of those colourful connecting rings, they are safer than a nylon cord, and she can chew on them when she is teething. Atache her favourite toy to it as well. Bring a lot of bibs. It saves changing clothes. She also tackles taking teens along: · Let them bring a friend or two, and set up a tent for them to sleep in. · Bring fun relatives. · Don't do boring stuff. You can't get away with vegging at the campsite with little kids for too long. They need things to do, extreme things work best. · Let them help choose the destination and plan the trip. Waterslides, pools, rafting, horseback riding and good hikes with worthwhile rewards like waterfalls or spectacular views at the end. · Bribe with candy and electronics. · Pay them to go. · Guilt trip (if all else fails). She has a chapter on grandparents and RVing, saying it is simple if they are healthy, independent and have their own RV. There are suggestions on how to continue these holidays even when there are physical challenges. For anyone thinking about Rving, this book is a must buy. For information visit www.gorving.ca. -- Sam Ion can be reached at sion10@cogeco.ca. REGENT SEVEN SEAS OFFERS Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, winners of two Condé Naste Traveler Reader's Choice Awards ­ Best Large Ship Cruise Line 2006 and Best Small Ship Cruise Line 2007, has introduced interesting cruise offers for select 2008 cruises. You can receive 35% savings, plus free air or $500 off your cruise fare on selected Alaska voyages on the Seven Seas Mariner from 27MAY08 to 03SEP08. Kids sail free on 18JUN08 through 06AUG08 voyages. On selected European voyages between 26MAY08 and 05NOV08 aboard the Seven Seas Voyageur enjoy savings of 20 to 40% plus free airfare or up to $3000 off the cruise fare. Kids sail free on 02AUG08 and 09AUG08 voyages. On the 15NOV08 Seven Seas Voyageur departure 2-for-1 savings are offered. On the Seven Seas Navigator, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering 25 to 30% savings plus free airfare on select European voyages between 24MAY08 and 27SEP08. Kids sail free on 02AUG08 and 16AUG08 voyages. Until 30JUL08, 11 and 14-night Tahiti cruises aboard Paul Gauguin include $600 air savings per person as well as an upgrade to a D category cabin. The August and December voyages include the unspoiled Marquesas while the September and November sailings include the Cook Islands, considered to be the best kept secret in the South Pacific. As an added bonus, world-renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will join the 06SEP08 sailing. Regent Seven Seas offers are in U.S. Dollars, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Kids sail free is offered to children 17 and under occupying the third or fourth berth in the cabin. Government taxes, handling, security and fuel surcharges are additional. You can visit www. rssc.com and click on Luxury Cruise Specials tab or contact us for a brochure, additional details and reservations. Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com the way so you don't have to stop as often. Put the kids in their jammies. Make sure they go to the bathroom just before you leave, and no drinks. Moniter the drinks, while driving and avoid salty snacks. Fish crackers or the mini crackers with peanut butter or cheese whiz are good. Give them sweet treats and they'll be bouncing. Dish out the sweet things just before you get there, when you're sick of the " Are we there yet?" Before you leave decide who sits in the prime seats, and let the others know they have first dibs for the best seats on the way back. Let each child take one pillow and one blanket along with one backpack or car bag to create their nest. Dolder says taking babies can be a wonderful relaxing experience for both mom and child. "Babies get all kinds of attention when they are RVing. You'll spend most of your time outside, relaxing and breathing in the fresh air, and concentrating on the wee one, with few interruptions." Include at least one extra bottle in your diaper bag, and extra 10DAY/8NIGHT Dolce Vita in Tuscany Gastronomic Cooking & Wine Tasting Coach Tour The new Dolce Vita in Tuscany Gastronomic Cooking and Wine tasting tour from Rome to Venice has become one of the most popular holidays ever offered in Italy. It offers top value and promises not only great fun, wonderful sightseeing and beautiful scenery, but also the chance to learn a good deal about Italy's food and wine. You will fly to Rome, spend two days in the Eternal City, then begin your coach tour across Tuscany to Venice. Immerse yourself in local Italian culture! Itinerary: Rome, Cortona, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Pienza, Florence, Siena & Venice Fully Escorted Tour Includes: Flight from Toronto to Rome & Venice to Toronto, all transfers, accommodation, touring by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach, most meals and much more! $ Air & Tour Package Friday departures from Toronto to Rome 2697 JUNE 20, 2008 Zonta Classic in Streetsville The 11th annual Zonta Classic is set for Friday, May 23 at Streetsville Glen with dinner at Lionhead Golf and Country Club. Held in conjunction with seven other Zonta golf tournaments across Ontario, these women-only golf tournaments will once again raise funds for research and support programs and treatment centres for breast cancer. Funds raised will be directed to Breast Cancer Support Services in Halton and the William Osler Health Centre in Brampton. To date the Zonta clubs in Halton/Peel have raised close to half a million dollars to help support services in the local area over the past decade. Golf and dinner is $185 per person and for reception/dinner only guests, tickets cost $75 per person. Contact 905-338-3873, lpalmerio@cogeco.ca or www.zonta.org. Air & tour prices per person, based on double occupancy. Air taxes are additional $278. Weekend surcharge - add $20 per person, each way to Friday/Saturday departures and Saturday/Sunday returns. Call 905-849-0333 Oakville Town Centre I 300 North Service Road, W. Oakville 905.849.0333 www.totaltravel-oakville.com Ont Reg No 2766538 Ont Reg No 2766538 Relax... you're with us Oakville Town Centre I 300 North Service Road, W. Oakville 905.849.0333 www.totaltravel-oakville.com 221 Lakeshore Road E. Voted Best Travel Agency Best Cruise Company Best Travel Agent Thanks Oakville! Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville 905-337-2228 www.hookedoncruising.com (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com