Murphy’s law is a part of traveling. So be prepared!! Remember the best laid plans of mice and men . . . A smile goes along way.

When things go wrong or there are hassles and screw-ups just chalk this up to a good story you can tell the folks back home. At the very least, you’re experiencing life first hand, up front and personal and not just home cacooning.

Getting there can be half the fun

Recently, I had the occasion of being whisked away to paradise (Hawaii)by Air Canada It provides excellent services for the disabled traveler. Air Canada's is a ‘carrier that cares’. I found that all Air Canada's staff from check in, to gate, to in flight were willing to be helpful and showed super sensitivity to my needs. They are not mind readers, so tell the Air Canada staff what your needs are, and how they can assist you. I always use my own wheelchair right to the bridgehead. Note..If you are changing plans en route, always have the wheelchair ticketed only to the change destination, then re-ticketed on from there, otherwise the chair could checked through with your luggage. Tip, when you are making your reservations with Air Canada tell them that you are disabled and your requirements. They are very willing to assist but you have a responsibility to tell them your needs. I try to reserve the bulkhead seats, just more room

Air Canada aims to offer the finest in flight service and value in the skies You will find friendly Flight Crews and if you need assistance or you have a question about your flight, ask your Air Canada crew. They’re highly experienced and specially trained and are glad to help.

Whenever you travel with Air Canada you will experience over 14,000 employees committed to making Air Canada the best Airline in every market they serve. You’ll find their in-flight service is the pinnacle of this commitment. This commitment of service is seen in their top notch baggage handling and the best on-time performance in Canada.

Highlights of Air Canada Service 1. Advanced Boarding Pass 2 Reserved seating 3. To safeguard our health smoking is not allowed on Air Canada. 4. Protecting Our Planet: Many service items provided during flight will be recycled. The funds generated are donated to environmental charities. 5. Seniors Discount Fares. The 60/60 fare, if you are 60 years old or older you can travel to most destinations in Canada at 60% off the full economy. 6. Air Canada Holidays is Canada’s largest tour operator. 7. Aeroplan I s the frequent flyer program. of Air Canada's is designed to reward members with free air travel, hotel accommodation, car rentals and much more. Enrollment is free and point accumulation begins on your enrollment date.

Air Canada Services for the Special Traveler:

All passengers are special to Air Canada's but some have special needs. Let them know in advance and they will be happy to accommodate.

Most of Air Canada's aircraft are wheelchair accessible, using specially designed wheelchairs in the aircraft. To aid with the special needs of customers with disabilities Air Canada offers assistance in many areas. Below is a brief list of some of these areas

1. Registering at the check-in counter 2. Boarding and deplaning 3. Stowing and retrieving carry-on luggage 4 .Assistance in transferring 5. Special meals, assistance in opening packages, cutting food if needed 6. Service animals to remain in cabin at feet of owners.

CAR RENTAL:

Traveling as I do, I need a car or van and have found Hertz to be exemplary in service and attitude. I recommend the use of a Mini Van. The mini vans are seven-passenger and comfortable. Lots of room for luggage, wheelchair and great space for the kids. Hertz is in the forefront with no rental identification. Just makes the trip that much secure. The folks at Hertz have got it right !! Hertz’s services for the physically challenged travelers are available to both Hertz renters and any member of the traveling party. Hertz has over 900 locations with 185 locations in Canada including all major airports.

Hand Controls: *Hand controls are available at all of the approximately 900 corporate locations in Canada and United States * Hand control equipment is available at no additional charge. A $25 deposit is required on non -credit card rentals. * 24 hours notice for reserving hand controlled cars at major locations and 48 hours at all other locations *A traveler with a disability is not confined to a certain make or model when renting.

Spinner Knobs: * Spinner knobs are also available at no additional charges. They may be requested for use alone or in conjunction with vehicle hand controls.

Drivers for the Blind or Physically Impaired: *Drivers for the blind or physically impaired who have a valid drivers license and who are at least 25 years old may rent from Hertz as a designated driver using the physically disabled credit card, and is considered the authorized driver

Accessible Parking: Hertz has designated accessible parking spaces at car return areas at all corporate locations. Note: Renters should bring their own ISA permit for parking

Hertz offers the following services in Canada:

1. Computerized Driving Directions( CDD): Theses are customer friendly self service terminals and provided printed directions in 6 languages. The CDD furnishes detailed directions to local destinations including estimated times and distance.

2. Instant Return Service: At major airports a Hertz agent meets customers with a hand held computer and issues a receipt in under a minute.

3. 24 Hour Road Side Assistance: Is available in the event there is a problem with a Hertz rental car anywhere in North America

4. Cellular Phones: Are available in most major centres upon request.

5. Hertz #1 Club Gold Imagine having a car that you’ve preselected according to your preferences ready waiting for you at any one of over 240 airports throughout Canada and the United States and Europe. No long line ups, no paperwork to fill out, no waiting for your car nothing to slow you down. Just apply to become a Club Gold Member

6. Hertz Hotline 1-800-461-4421. ..Exclusive number to great savings, 24 hour privileged access to over 100 Four and five star hotels in 34 Air Canada cities coast to coast with savings up to 50%

Hertz has TDD for hearing impaired and speech impaired customers 24 hours TDD ( toll free) 1-800-654-2280 Reservations ( world wide) 1-800-263-0600