ASK JOURNEYS: No fees, but pre-book tours to memorials

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Vimy Ridge Memorial is an awesome sight, especially for visiting Canadians. (CNS)

Going back to a place of history relating to our own country and our own people can be a powerful experience.

It's history that has shaped us into the nation we are today. Today's lead question goes back to the First World War, a war which put Canadian bravery into the history books.

The question triggered my own emotional recollections of visiting my uncle's gravesite at the Holten Second World War cemetery in Holland.

These two wars shaped our parents' lives, and today many of us are the product of those events.

QUESTION: My wife and I are planning a trip to France in Sept this year but could use help with some areas. Are there admission fees to the First World War battlefields like Verdun, Vimy and the beach landing areas? Also, we would like to rent a car, and I wonder if my licence is valid in France. We would like a fly and rent a car package. Have you heard of this before?

ANSWER: There are a lot of question in the few lines you sent me.

There are admission fees to most of the First World War memorials and forts around Verdun. Both of these areas are of paramount importance in Canada's war history.

Verdun is recorded as one of the deadliest battles of that conflict. In a year of almost continuous fighting it is estimated that at least 700,000 soldiers died.

Vimy Ridge is preserved as a tribute to the bravery of Canadian soldiers who took the Ridge from the Germans and drove them back in a significant victory. For many, a visit here brings on emotions even in those who are very young.

Its memorial carries the names of soldiers who were never found, but were believed killed in action. Those who died in France during the four years of the war and have no known grave are listed.

While the memorials here may not all have an admission charge, to view the trenches and tunnels in which the soldiers fought does require that visitors pre-book tours.

In regards to driver's licence requirements, drivers 18 years and older may drive in France on a valid foreign licence for up to one year. It then becomes obligatory to hold a French driver's licence obtained either through a license exchange (where permitted) or by taking a French driver's test.

Fly and Drive programs are available through a number of charter companies, including Transat Holidays, one of Canada's biggest and most successful tour operators, as well as Air Canada Vacations.

Better known as an FIT package (Foreign Independent Travel), travel agents tie the needs of the traveller into one created package. In your case, they would likely use one tour operator for both products and can add the ground program as well. This can consist of traditional hotel properties, bed and breakfasts, or other unique stay options.

You will save a few dollars in most instances in prepaid FIT packages of this nature.

QUESTION: We are already thinking about an early summer vacation. China really caught everyone's attention when it hosted the Olympics a couple years ago and we added it then to our travel "bucket list." I understand Shanghai is hosting a World Expo this year and it may attract even more visitors than the Games did. What is your advice on this event, Shanghai, Beijing, timing for the best weather, best means of getting between these two centres, etc.?

ANSWER: The World Expo of 2010 in China promises to be a magnificent occasion for that country.

It is fascinating that the theme will be "Better City, Better Life." While every effort was made to cut down the smog in Beijing during the last Olympics, Chinese cities need a lot of work to achieve the motto they espouse in their Expo theme.

Shanghai is a captivating city. Even before Beijing moved forward in its development, Shanghai prided itself as the major economic and financial competitor to Hong Kong.

Its citizens constantly talked about the stock market and achieving wealth. Its shopping district rivalled the high-end streets of New York and other world capitals.

Now it wants to show off China's new place as a world power for the second time in two years.

Canada will be there with a fairly significant presence designed by Cirque du soleil. Our pavilion will showcase a variety of Canadian talent, under the theme of The Living City: Inclusive, Sustainable, Creative.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Shanghai.

While the climate is mild and moist for the most part, the summers are very hot, with temperatures going up to 35 C.

While fall is an excellent time to visit, the month of September can be rainy at times so you are likely best to plan for spring.

There are many flight options to get between Shanghai and Beijing but we enjoyed the trip by rail.

However, you need to be prepared. The quality of rail transportation is not up to the standards of most tourist countries. You will want a first-class ticket.

Forward your travel questions to askjourneys@journeystravel.com. Ron Pradinuk is President of Journeys Travel & Leisure SuperCentre and can be heard Sundays at noon on CJOB. Previous columns and tips can be found on www.journeystravelgear.com or read Ron's travel blog at www.thattravelguy.ca.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 13, 2010 E2