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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday August 30, 2008 - 47 Horizon & Co. Time to start packing T he best part about being as retired as you want to be is that you can choose to spend part or most of the winter somewhere warm without having to shovel the white stuff. This year there are more choices than ever, and the price is surprisingly reasonable. Sunwing Vacations is expanding its lineup of resorts that offer long stays. You can choose from three- to six-week holidays that include air and a wide variety of hotels. In Mexico, it has longstays in Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco -- both great destinations when you want something more than a beach. However, the resort areas also boast hot sunny days so you can enjoy a swim. Choose a hotel with kitchenette facilities and do some of your own cooking, or indulge yourself and go to an all-inclusive where you don't have to lift a finger. Puerto Plata in the Dominican is ready to welcome you under its program. In Cuba there are five destinations offered from fascinating Havana to the beautiful beaches of Varadero or the charm and fabulous music found in Santiago de Cuba. Daryl McWilliams a vice president of Sunwing says "There is more and more demand for longer stays as people realize it is significantly less expensive to spend several weeks down south, and many take advantage of their extended holiday time to take language or cultural courses." Rates for Sunwing's longstay flights start at $535 per person plus taxes. Visit www.sunwing.ca and then see your travel agent. Costa del Sol in Spain has long been a favourite for Canadians and Transat Holidays is offering two-, weeks. Departure taxes are extra. Visit www.transatholidays.com for information. Imagine spending a month in the French Riviera without winning the lottery? Intair has a long stay program in the Cannes including air for $1,684 each of two. The three-star Cannes Beach Hotel is a large pie shaped complex built on the side of a hill, around a large patio with the beautiful vegetation Cannes is famous for. Cook your own food after a visit to the market or dine out in one of the many, many bistros and restaurants. Visit www.intair.com for information. If golf is your passion, Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina has a special offer exclusive for Canadians this fall and winter. You'll save 30-60 per cent off regular rates. The special package includes one round of golf per night, overnight accommodations in the Holly or Manor Inn and a breakfast buffet. For information, visit www.pinehurst.com or call 800-487-4653. Denure Tours has a rather unique Florida package called "Stay-put" Holidays. They take you by express motor coach to an ocean-side sunny destination. You don't need a car because they have an activity shuttle to take you shopping, out to dinner or exploring. If you prefer to fly, you can buy the hotel package only. Prices for 31 days including transportation and all taxes to Daytona Beach start at $2,169 each of two. For information, call 1800-668-6859 or visit www.denuretours.com. Makes you want to start packing doesn't it? -- Sam Ion can be reached at sion10@cogeco.ca This fall there is still limited availability on three Horizon & Co. Classic Series trips escorted by Douglas Brisebois, a Senior Horizon Guide. The Horizon Classic Series is designed for value-conscious senior travellers (65+) in search of high-quality, fully escorted, all-inclusive, small group tours. The 26SEP08 departure to Switzerland, Austria & Prague includes a first class journey aboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz ­ one of the most breathtaking train rides in the world. The vibrant cultural riches of Vietnam & Cambodia is offered on 18OCT08. While almost every experience is a highlight on this trip, the pinnacle is the UNESCO-protected World Heritage site of Siem Reap, the most magnificent complex of temples and ruins in Asia - if not the world. While living for part of the year in Costa Rica, Brisebois has travelled extensively through the country and has designed Guatemala & Costa Rica departing 23NOV08. This trip includes unique excursions and hand-picked hotels to explore places that have not been open to tourists in the past. It will be a true discovery ­ and a re-discovery for some ­ of the Mayan Ruins of Tikal and the splendid countryside of Costa Rica. Call us for details and fares or visit online at www. horizon-co.com and click on Classic Series. Club Med Food and Wine Festival During Club Med's Food and Wine Festival you can participate in cooking and tasting demonstrations, meet sommeliers and drink mixologists and enjoy signature four-course dinners prepared by renowned chefs from around the world. From 04-11OCT08, Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico will feature chefs from Television's Pressure Cook, Miami's Oceanaire Seafood Room, Barton G, Trump International, French Bakery and Jeannetti Catering; Washington's Agraria and Gaylord National Resort; Aspen's DishAspen; New York's Commerce and Brasserie 8 _; Ft. Lauderdale's Johnny V's; Winston Salem's Twin City Quarter and Chicago's One Sixty Blue. And from 15-22NOV08, Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico will feature chefs from Miami's Biltmore Hotel, Brosia, Pascal's on Ponce, Azul at the Mandarin Oriental, Mediterasia, Escopazzo and Ortanique; New York's Las Dados and Food Four Studio; The Bahamas' Bimini Bay Resort; Orlando's Moon Fish; Las Vegas' VOGA in the Flamingo and Chicago's Quince. Future events are scheduled for Columbus Isle, Bahamas 28FEB-07MAR09 and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 0209MAY09. Call us for details and reservations. three- and four-week stays this winter. Brilliant sunshine, beautiful beaches with spring-like weather have made this destination famous, not to mention the history, and entertainment features. You can choose between a hotel, studio accommodation and an apartment with selfcatering. A two-week package at the Sunset Beach Club apartments costs $1,529 per person, $2,199 per person for a four-week stay departing Jan. 13-Feb. 17. These 553 comfortable self-catering apartments have a bathroom, living/dining room, TV fully-equipped kitchen, and balcony. The property includes two swimming pools, game room, Internet, restaurants, bars and a supermarket. The beachfront property is located in the Benalmadena area, a great location for all the attractions and entertainment of the area. The Torremolinos Beach Club is priced at $1,839 each of two for a two-week holiday or $2,839 for a four-week stay. This is all-inclusive, including selected local drinks an unusual add-on for this part of the world. Air Transat flies to Malaga on Tuesdays. It is offering travellers an excess baggage offer of an extra 10 kilometres free when you stay a minimum of two Visit McTavish At: www.mctavishtravel.com Voted Best Travel Agency Best Cruise Company Best Travel Agent Thanks Oakville! Hopedale Shopping Centre 1515 Rebecca Street, Oakville Relax... you're with us 221 Lakeshore Road E. To advertise here call 905-845-3824 (905) 827-1100 fax: (905) 827-4982 e-mail: travel@mctavish.com 905-337-2228 www.hookedoncruising.com