We can finally get out and do what we used to do before COVID restrictions limited many of our options. And, hey, with the Canada Geese seen back in Portage already, why can't we travel?

With today's freed-up health orders, the travel agencies are back in full-swing again as people are planning excursions both near and far. Travel Quest owner Carey Duncan says calls are coming in and they have some walk-in traffic, noting it's always better to book an appointment. She updates us on some points to remember.

Travel Quest"Things are starting to improve," says Duncan. "We've had nothing but good news lately, so certainly people are looking to do those long-awaited holidays. It's been two years with everybody stuck at home and not being able to travel quite as freely, so things are looking much more positive."

She outlines some of the more frequent trips being booked.

"We've had a lot of enquiries for Europe for this year, both spring and right through into the fall," continues Duncan. "And lots of people thinking well into 2023 as well. There has been a lot of schedule changes this year and that's been a bit of a bone of contention for not just passengers, but for us as well. But we're working through it. They're adding new flights and some routes may not come back. It's hard to say,"

Duncan stresses now is the time to make bookings, keeping in mind that, even if you're not planning to travel for six months, with the cost of fuel going up, anticipate that things are not going to get better than they are now.

"One really important thing I would say is, because you haven't traveled for a couple of years, pull out your passport, have a look," adds Duncan. "Is it still valid? Many countries require that you have your passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay. That's not for every country, but a lot of them do, and you know the passports are taking a little while to get them processed. So, now is a good time to jump on that even if you aren't planning to travel until next winter."