Lorraine Simpson takes her first RV road trip

Cityline TV Travel Expert and World Renowned Travel Guru Lorraine Simpson knows that when you can’t fly on commercial airliners, then you get an RV and hit the road in style.

This “Travel Queen” is used to a luxury lifestyle and that goes especially for travel, so renting an RV in her home province of Ontario was never on the radar until COVID-19.

Thanks to RV Vacations – Outdoor Travel: Where RV Means Real Value in Hamilton, she found the perfect set of wheels and what a blast she had exploring some cool places along the way.

Hats off to another one of our very attentive Everyday Superheroes™, Nour Nataki

Our guard, Nour Nataki, was recently working at a busy downtown commercial account, when he was alerted to an incident occurring in the food court area. He sprang into action and encountered a frantic mother, who was clutching her child in her arms, and screaming and pointing to the escalators.

Nour, who works with Regal Security Inc. in Toronto, quickly managed to ascertain a person located on the escalator – a male subject, allegedly attempted to abduct her child in a nearby washroom area.

Nour engaged with the suspect after catching up to him on the down escalator, and at the same time a group of gentlemen were also in pursuit of the suspect.

The suspect was then apprehended by the two gentlemen, and as Nour arrived at the bottom of the escalator he then realized that the suspect was in danger from the others gathering around him. With this, Nour took charge of the situation and advised the suspect that he was to follow him, but when the suspect refused Nour engaged the suspect physically, taking control of the suspect and removing him out of harms way.

Shortly after that interaction, Toronto Police Services were contacted and immediately attended the scene. After a brief investigation, the suspect was taken into custody for allegedly attempting to abduct a child.

Traveling during a pandemic and what you need to know, according to Lorraine Simpson

As countries slowly start to open-up their doors tentatively to tourists, here is what you need to know to get ready for the green light from Canada.

Our one-on-one interview with Lorraine Simpson, Cityline TV Travel Expert and Travel Guru, gives you the scoop on traveling during a pandemic.

Q&A with Lorraine Simpson

Q. Is travel from Canada Banned?

LS. No. There is currently an advisory for all Canadian residents advising against all non-essential travel, however this is an advisory, not a ban, and therefore travel is not illegal and is soon to be changed, according to those in the know.

Q. As a Canadian where can I travel right now?

LS. There are several flights from Air Canada operating from Canada; however, you must be aware of restrictions upon arriving into a country and returning back to Canada. In my next article I will tell you more about where you can go to and how to get there. Follow me on Instagram @lorrainesimpsontravels

Q. Will I be able to get travel insurance if there is a travel advisory in place?

LS. No. Most insurance companies will not insure you if there is a travel advisory. To be safe, you should wait till the advisory is lifted.

Q. When do you see the advisory being lifted?

LS. I do not have a crystal ball, but there are rumours that the advisory will be lifted by the end of the month. Many more flights are being added from July 1st from Canada, which does indicate they know more than we do. Also, tourism councils have been in talks with the government and according to the Daily Mail from London British travelers can come to Canada without quarantine from June 30th. We can not confirm this accurately, so it is based on their say at the moment, however if you follow other countries and their timelines this does seem to tally up.

Q. How safe are the planes?

LS. Airlines are increasing their hygiene protocols to ensure onboard transmissions remain low. Some airlines are using UVC lights to clean surfaces. As an added precaution, you will want to bring your own supply of disinfecting wipes to wipe down tray tables, seat arms, windows, and walls. Physical distancing is tough in a confined space like an airplane. Most airlines have made the middle seat unavailable to help maintain social distancing. The CDC reports most viruses are not easily spread on flights because of how airplanes circulate and filter the air. Air is circulated up to 6 times per hour and processed through HEPA filters which remove 99.97 percent of particles passing through them.

Q. Will I be tested on arrival or do I have to be tested before I travel?

LS. Some airlines, like Emirates, are testing all passengers with a fast track test before travel and some airports are testing on arrival. If you are tested on arrival, like in Vienna for example, you will not have the results right away but you will need to provide an address where you will be staying and would be informed if you had the virus. All countries are different, and you must research for the latest up-to-date information on where you are traveling to and their rules… they change often so be aware.

Q. Will the lines be longer at airports?

LS. At the moment security may be slower, but lines not as long as fewer people will be traveling. Many documents are going paperless, so if you can have everything ready to go it will be much faster. Make sure you keep a handy hand sanitizer ready, and also have a spare mask too as these will become the norm everywhere.

Q. Will I have to wear a mask?

LS. Yes. Most planes, airports and public transport will demand you wear a mask all the time. They can be any kind of face covering and do not have to be medical grade; however, I suggest taking a few so you have one spare in your purse and your luggage.

Q. Will there be other travel restrictions?

LS. Yes. Each airline and airport are coming up with different rules and protocols. I also plan to travel soon and document the entire experience. I will report back to you so that you know everything in this new era of travel.

Remember this: All these measures are to protect you and your fellow passengers. It is not the fault of anyone implementing the measures and if you are running late for your plane because you did not allow extra time for the new measures, then you are the only one to blame.

Remain calm: Remain Kind and Considerate and we will also be able to start to travel safely once again.

Lorraine Soon: Coming Soon – Food and onboard service

Coming soon with Simpson are questions about food and onboard service, where you can travel in Canada, and what the new kind of travel looks and feels like.

Lorraine Simpson, Two Time Magellan Award Winning Travel entrepreneur and now Cityline TV Travel Expert, started out as many Travel Advisors did, with a home based franchise, a computer, and very limited resources. Within five years she was selling over $4-million a year and was collecting multiple awards on a regular basis. Now a regular on National and Regional TV, Lorraine is the most visually recognized Canadian Travel Professional in the Media today. She shares her travel tips with Cityline TV Viewers on a regular basis about locations, travel types, cruises, all inclusive trip, and weddings.

Visit Lorraine Simpson’s website today and discover how she can help “fuel” your travel plans.

Need to social distance on a beach? Antigua has 365 of them to choose from, reports Lorraine Simpson

COVID-19 has impacted all our lives and many of us have been stuck at home for months.

So, if you are looking for a nice and safe getaway to help cure “cabin fever,” then Antigua is a place you need to visit once life gets back to normal, which is soon… real soon.

This scenic island in the Caribbean offers the perfect antidotes to the “pandemic blues” and has tons of beaches that are perfect for social distancing.

Lorraine Simpson, who is the Cityline TV Travel Expert, recently traveled to the island and adores its culture and beach vibes.

“As a travel consultant I get to visit some pretty spectacular places and I always enjoy sharing my experiences with clients,” explains Simpson, who is a world-renowned travel guru.

Antigua: Love at first sight

“When I visited Antigua, it was love at first sight. I was blown away by the translucent waters of turquoise and azure that look photoshopped, miles of soft white sand, and all the rum punches, daiquiris, and pina coladas you can drink. Visitors get all this and more when traveling to Antigua – 108 square miles of tropical beauty and it’s only about a four-and half hour flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport. There are a number of direct flights a week, and you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank on airfare as prices are very affordable.”

As we all know, the Caribbean was slammed with several hurricanes in the past few years and Antigua was narrowly avoided, leaving it in perfect shape to welcome visitors searching for Caribbean sunshine and vitamin SEA!

“This is not the kind of island where you have to fight for towel space with partying college students and social distancing is an easy task. For one thing, there are 365 beaches here, which means there are plenty of places to chill for everyone. This beautiful island specializes in laid-back luxury and honeymoon-worthy resorts, attracting travelers who like their tropical vacations to have a refined vibe,” says Simpson.

“Antigua is a land of sea and sun, and there are lots of fun ways to take full advantage of both. Spend time on the water: snorkel to see the colourful fish and inhabitants of the reefs, sail or go deep sea fishing.

Beach time should also be high on your to-do list as it is balm for the soul, especially after we have all experienced living in a pandemic. Go ahead, play in the sand, splash in the water, and soak up the sunshine.

History, culture, yachts, and more!

Antigua is just 9 miles by 12 but feels larger, and one place not to miss is English Harbour. This was awarded World Heritage List status last year for its Georgian-era naval dockyards, and you can admire the massive stone pillars that survived from its great sail loft built in 1797. Nelson was based here, and it is a charming place to visit that combines a national park with a lively harbour reflecting Antigua’s role as the winter capital of the yachting world. Today, the Georgian buildings have been restored and some are still used for maritime purposes, like sail making. Visitors can see those as well as modern-day yachts anchored in the harbour and the juxtaposition of past and present is striking. The tour and museum are well done and also brief enough to keep kids interested.

“Messing about on the water is an essential activity here, whether it’s stand-up paddle-boarding or an exhilarating day trip to feel what it’s like to be part of a crew racing a 40ft yacht,” smiles Simpson. “Most resorts offer complimentary non-motorised watersports, while memorable excursions include a catamaran cruise with snorkeling at the beautiful Cades Reef and a trip to Stingray City Antigua to get in the water with these gracefully flapping creatures.”

“Inland there’s hiking and biking and zip-lining, while on Sunday afternoon everyone heads to the panoramic Shirley Heights Lookout for a barbecue with steel pan music. This is a very sociable, family-friendly island where people will happily talk cricket all day and are masters at showing visitors a good time. Take full advantage of nature in Antigua. Check out Indian Town National Park which features Devil’s Bridge, a limestone arch that has been created by centuries of pounding by ocean waves; and hike through the rainforest.”

How to get there

Flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Where to stay

Simpson’s favourite is the Adults Only Cocos. It really is a wonderfully romantic spot. The beautiful couples-only resort is perched on a secluded ocean bluff – meaning there are spectacular, Instagram-worthy views everywhere you turn.

The vibe of the charming, family-run hotel is very much down-to-earth. There are 30 rustic wooden cottages in total, each with its own private veranda, large bathroom with his’n’hers sinks, and an outdoor shower. All of them are clean, comfortable and feature dark wooden floors, crisp white linens and a well-stocked fridge. But if it’s a special occasion, Simpson  recommends splashing out – and splashing around – in the signature Sunset Plunge Pool Cottage, where there’s a private infinity pool.

Then there is the all-inclusive Blue Waters Resort in Soldiers Bay that just underwent a $2 million makeover. It is located on 17 acres of tropical gardens with a spa and kids’ club, plus an 18-hole golf course that’s only five minutes away.

This beautifully designed resort with 116 rooms and suites feels so much more intimate. The rooms are charming and well-appointed, the pool and beach sublime and the food superb. But the best part is the feel, with an ambience that takes you back to a Caribbean that’s very hard to find nowadays.

The Verandah is a firm favourite on the island, according to Simpson. An oasis of tranquility and amenity located on 30 beachfront acres. The Verandah is the perfect place for a romantic wedding, honeymoon, or family getaway. Situated amongst a backdrop of lush green gardens, stunning tropical views and a shimmering turquoise sea, the incredible All-Inclusive blend of engaging activities, delectable cuisine and entertaining nightlife allows you the luxury to do it all, or nothing at all.

“When I was there doing a tour, they even had my favourite roast suckling pig at lunch! The food and entertainment is amazing, and you wont be disappointed,” adds Simpson.

Planning a trip? Need help with your destination wedding? Want to go somewhere amazing that’s off the beaten path? Then reach out to Lorraine Simpson today, she will help with all your travel needs!

Why your business needs a security guard firm during a pandemic

The world is a changing place in the wake of COVID-19, and this is why a growing number of businesses in an array of sectors are now relying on security guard firms to help navigate them through these unprecedented times.

The good news is that security firms have been quick in diversifying their services and operations to meet the new demands and challenges: guards are pivoting their duties, and security organizations have enlisted more manpower and have found new and innovative strategies on the planning, scheduling, and solutions fronts. And let’s also not forget how the global pandemic is helping usher in new technologies for monitoring, communications, and health and safety.

Security guard firms will help secure your business, people, and assets

The presence of security guards at your business during a pandemic will help your staff, clients, and customers feel safe and secure. Guards at main entrance areas, and guards on foot patrol and on mobile patrol, will give everyone a true peace of mind they need, and this will greatly aid with productivity in the workplace. In the retail and construction sectors, guards will also help in a big way with access control, traffic, foot patrols, and physical distancing, which will be the new norm in our post-pandemic world.

More importantly, guards at your business location – whether it be a storefront, retail outlet, condominium, warehouse, or construction site – will help maintain order and prevent crimes from happening, while at the same time minimizing situations of sorts that might escalate quickly. Simply put, security helps breed normality and safety. Guards too will also be important for temperature screening and pandemic questionnaires if mandated by the government, and this could be a reality in the very near future.

Let’s also not forget about technology – a value-added security solution for your business. When your business is open or closed, innovative surveillance/monitoring cameras act as the extra-set of eyes, helping deter crime, and they are a great tool in evidence gathering among law enforcement agencies, and private detectives.

Even better, technology is helping guards keep businesses more secure. Security cameras allow them to closely monitor a location in real-time, and they are also armed with sound communication technology so that they can instantly speak with other guards and also contact police, fire, and emergency medical services in the event of an emergency or crisis.

Never let your “guard” down if you own a business

If you own a business and want to keep your people, property and assets protected, then you should consider hiring Regal Security Inc. for your security needs.

We are an extraordinary firm, according to our long list of clients, for a host of reasons.

All our guards are Everyday Superheroes™ and have been working tirelessly during the pandemic, helping keep businesses protected on every level.

“Training and development” is one of the core elements of Regal’s Crown Service Model of Excellence and our guards are provided with the best in training and ongoing support at the Regal Training Academy. Our training for guards involves security procedures, health and safety, legal authorities, emergency first-aid, sensitivity training, the legal system, tactical training, emergency response, effective communications, and more.

That’s right, you are in good hands with our guards who are proud to work the frontlines in the residential, commercial, construction, retail, industrial and insurance sectors.
Regal also offers cutting-edge technology which demonstrates our innovation and commitment to our clients. Through our sister companies, Regotec Systems Inc. and Regolive Monitoring Inc., we offer the best in custom electronic and mechanical security solutions and 24-hour video monitoring and video patrols at facilities at competitive pricing. So, when you are at the office or away, you can relax better knowing that Regal is looking out for your business.

Regal Security Inc. launches its LMS Pandemic Awareness and Training Program for guards

You will also like the fact that we are frontrunners when it comes to training our guards for a pandemic. Regal now has its very own Pandemic Awareness and Training program for all our guards. Each guard who completes the informative and extensive training receives an official Regal Security Inc. Pandemic Awareness and Training Certificate.

Regal Security Inc. is known as a leading security firm and our guards and technology will benefit your business greatly during a pandemic, even a crisis.

When you hire Regal Security Inc., Your Peace of Mind™ is what matters most to us – 24/7/365.

For more information and for a free security solutions quote, visit Regal Security Inc. today.