Two years after the coronavirus outbreak, life is beginning to return to normal. With pandemic-related travel restrictions a thing of the past, everyone is eager to get out and see the world again.
Unfortunately though, if you’ve been watching the news lately, you’re bound to have second thoughts.
Line-ups appear to be the name of the game.The first obstacle for many would-be travellers is the hours-long wait times at the local passport offices. Lately people have been queuing for hours before offices open, or some even camping out overnight in hopes that they can be one of the lucky ones to just be able talk to someone in person the next day. At one point recently, the average wait times exceeded five hours*. Without a passport, even a simple road trip to the U.S. is off the table. And you especially can’t help but feel for people who have invested thousands of dollars on their trip plans, enduring countless sleepless nights wondering if their passports will come through in time. Once you hit the airport, it doesn’t get any better. Frustrated travellers are faced with pure chaos at Canada’s largest and busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International. Over the last two months, travellers at Pearson have been experiencing long lineups, delays and cancellations, which some blame on continuing COVID-19 restrictions and a labour shortage. Waiting endlessly at the airport certainly isn’t quality time with the kids. These aren’t the memories parents are hoping to create with their family vacation! For people who actually expect to relax on vacation (this shouldn’t be much to ask for, should it?), staycations are here to stay for the foreseeable future. |
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At Great Blue Resorts, no passport is required!
For a stress-free family vacation this summer, it’s hard to beat the lure of a cottage in the Kawarthas, Muskoka, Perth or Prince Edward County regions. Thanks to Great Blue Resorts’ collection of eight idyllic resorts, you’re sure to find one that is within a short drive to home, that your family will love to explore.
So load up the kids and load up on fun with a wide variety of all-inclusive resort amenities. Enjoy pools, beach, multi-sports courts, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, organized family and children activities, all included within your stay.
Low nightly rates throughout all eight resorts allows you to make your vacation dollars stretch even further. Plus, kids stay free at Great Blue Resorts**!
Exploring our own province has its reward. You can save up to $400 with the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. Introduced for this year, The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit allows you to claim a maximum credit up to $1,000 for an individual or $2,000 for a family. After filing your 2022 personal tax return, these credits translate into refunds of up to $200 (individual) or $400 (family). Learn more about the Ontario Staycation here.
Visit GreatBlueResorts.com/rent to start your family friendly Ontario resort cottage rental vacation planning today.
*CBC News: Trudeau says passport delays are ‘unacceptable,’ promises the government will ‘step up’
**Nightly rates based on two adults and up to 4 children in each accommodation.