Remembering a few simple things will help the trip go as smoothly as possible.
- Pack light. Since you'll stay in several hotels, you don't want to waste time packing and unpacking. Rather than dividing your suitcases by person, consider dividing your suitcases between items you need in your hotel room and items you will use less often.
- The pace of the trip is faster than in previous years. There are several reasons for the pace: Nova Scotia is a big place, and there is a lot to see. In addition, you expressed preferences for the kinds of sights you wanted to see, so some attractions are further away. Finally, this trip would ideally be eight days long, but budget concerns incentivized us to do it in seven. Fortunately, we have left several hours each night for you to relax in your hotel room before getting a great night's sleep.
- Sometimes, Chris and Steve will go their separate ways. Doing so will allow them to experience some attractions that would require too much of your energy to hike to. But there will always be something less energetic for you to do that is just as interesting.
- You choose the amount of luxury you want to indulge yourself in. The trip is provided 100% free of charge and you can have an incredible time without paying a dime. However, you have the opportunity, should you choose to pay for it, to upgrade your experience. Those opportunities will be noted throughout this brochure, and include items such as additional hotel rooms, alcohol, airline tickets, and more.
- The trip goes on rain or shine. Rain is common in the Maritimes. You can't control the weather, so why let it control you? Reservations during the summer season need to be booked months out, and they aren't cancelled by rain.
- You'll need to get up early. You stated that you prefer nature over city bars and clubs and outdoor monuments over culture. Since these activities require the maximum amount of daylight, we will have to awaken at 6:30am on most days. However, since you'll always be able to go to sleep by 10:30pm, you won't lack rest. Chris and Steve have coordinated the trip so that, unlike in previous years, the "rise and shine" and "retire" times are the same every day, to allow for a regular schedule.
- Do not make Verizon Wireless calls or use mobile data when in Canada. A mobile 3G Wi-Fi hotspot with unlimited data has been rented for use while on the trip. All phone calls will be made through this Wi-Fi hotspot using Google Voice and are free. In comparison, Verizon's international rates are 89c/minute for voice calls and 2c/KB ($25/100MB) for mobile data. Be sure to disable mobile data on your phones and to not make any Verizon Wireless calls while within Canada. If you decide to use Verizon voice calls or mobile data, then you will be required to pay for any service used.
- Chris will do the driving. Insurance doesn't cover your driving, and why would you want to drive when you can enjoy the sights?