Travel

They have several new trips released for you to consider in 2025!   Sign up for the newsletter at

BCRPVPA – Travel (tripmerchant.ca)
PASSWORD: BCRPVPATM18

Also, if you see any other trips out there with your favorite river/ocean cruise line or guided tour company, please let them know.  Remember, as a member, you will earn Trip Merchant Loyalty Dollars any time you book a trip!

In the June newsletter they are featuring the following but there are more options, too:

*NEW DEPARTURES: Beautiful Panama (February 2025) | Ecuador & Galapagos Islands (2 Different Programs – March & November 2025) | Taste of Korea (May 2025)

*ALL DEPARTURES: Long Stay in Sunny Portugal (2 Dates – February 2025) | Mesmerizing Morocco (October 2024) | Australia (October 2025) – Half-Full! | Other Group Departures – Belize, Vietnam & Cambodia, Japan, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Ireland, Greece/Turkey, Colombia, Costa Rica, Antarctica and more!

UPCOMING ONLINE PRESENTATIONS: Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands | Natural Costa Rica

Click Here to Watch Recorded Antarctica Presentation  by Tom Mclean

Below is the link to the Feb 2025 and 2026 trips

https://bcrpvpa.tripmerchant.ca/tour-item/antarctic-circle-expedition-february-11th-2025/  Password: BCRPVPATM18

https://bcrpvpa.tripmerchant.ca/tour-item/antarctic-circle-expedition-february-18th-2026  Password:BCRPVPATM18   We have saved 16 spots (9 left) for BCRPVPA members and their friends.  There is an additional $1000 discount for early 2026 deposits.

Call for assistance at 1-800-481-9739 or email Tom at tom@tripmerchant.com  for info.

Excerpts from – A Six Day Adventure in England by Trudy Baggett

(read more at https://bcrpvpa.ca/trip-blog/six-day-adventure-in-england/)

…….We then went by train to Penrith in the North Lake District (a three hour journey).  Euston Station was again an easy walk from The Tavistock.  In Penrith we stayed at the North Lakes Hotel and Spa.  They are well suited to serve the many hikers that come to this area. The restaurant was excellent.  Cumbria is all about lakes, rolling hills, farms, cottages, sheep and numerous dry-stone walls.   It also is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

……..Back to London and another scrumptious Pub meal. The next photo is taken across from the amazing Liberty Department store. This old Tutor building reminds us of what it was like living in the 1500s. They are hard to find as 2/3 of the city was destroyed in the great fire of 1666.

On our last half day in London, we were keen to find the Peggy Porschen Bakery I’ve been following on Facebook for years. So, we went bags in hand on the Tube to Belgravia, a beautiful area of London.  From there, another quick Tube ride to the V and A museum.  The Museum of Natural History is also near by and there’s no entry fee for either.  We only had an hour there -you could spend days – then back on the Tube to Heathrow and home.   A truly amazing Mother/Daughter trip exploring London and the Lake District in just six days!

Tell us about your travels!

We are all keen to hear about your travelling adventures.  If you would like to jot something down (doesn’t have to be extensive) or want to forward a photo or two, please email info@bcrpvpa.ca

Be Bear Smart

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A BLACK BEAR

» Stop and remain calm.  Often, the bear is just passing through and if it finds no food source, will simply move on.  If a black bear stands on its hind legs it is often just curious.

Don’t scream, yell or run.  Talk in a low and calm voice while backing away slowly.

» Make yourself big, by putting your arms above your head.

 » Keep away from the bear and advise others to do the same.

 » If walking a dog, keep it on leash for better control.

» Bring your children and pets into the house.

When inside, you may use an air horn or loud noise to let the bear know it is not welcome in your yard.    » If you encounter wildlife that is aggressive, breaking into buildings or causing property damage, please call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277