Where to Stay in Florence – Insider Tips to the Best Hotels in Florence

Read the original post Where to Stay in Florence: Your Area And Neighbourhood Guide (2024) on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.

Out of Town Blog
Travel Guide: Jintotolo Island in Balud, Masbate

Jintotolo Island in Balud, Masbate: Exploring Untouched Beauty and Rich Biodiversity

Jintotolo Island is a small but picturesque island located in the municipality of Balud, in the province of Masbate, Philippines. Known for its pristine turquoise waters and white sand beaches, the island serves as a captivating destination for locals and tourists alike. It is home to two barangays belonging to the municipality of Balud and plays a significant role in the livelihood of its inhabitants.

White Sand Beach in Jintotolo Island

One of the island’s most notable attractions is the historical Faro de Isla Jintotolo (Jintotolo Island Lighthouse), which has stood the test of time and continues to guide seafarers traversing the waters between Luzon and Visayas. To reach Jintotolo Island, visitors can take a short boat ride from Barangay Calumpang in Balud or a 30-minute boat ride from Bongcanaway Port in Balud Town proper.

With its unspoiled natural beauty, rich history, and friendly locals, Jintotolo Island in Balud, Masbate offers a unique and memorable experience for those who seek to explore the hidden gems of the Philippines.

Location and Topography

Jintotolo Island is a part of the Jintotolo Channel, situated in the province of Masbate, Philippines. The island is located at coordinates 11.8573, 123.1258 and surrounded by the Sibuyan Sea to the east and the Visayan Sea to the west.

Jintotolo Island has an elevation that ranges from 8.8 meters (28.9 feet) above mean sea level to approximately 120 feet (37 meters) as recorded in 1919. The island’s total area spans approximately 5.38 square kilometers, making it a significant geographical feature within the region.

Coastal Features

The coastline of Jintotolo Island is roughly 8.92 kilometers (5.54 miles) long and is characterized by a variety of natural features, such as white sand beaches and dead corals. The island’s surrounding waters contribute to its rich marine biodiversity, making it a potential attraction for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Jintotolo’s white sand beaches provide a beautiful and serene environment for relaxation, while the presence of dead corals indicates the need for conservation efforts to protect and preserve the island’s unique marine ecosystem. Overall, the geography of Jintotolo Island showcases its potential as a travel destination while highlighting the importance of responsible tourism and environmental preservation.

History and Significance

The Jintotolo Island is located in Balud, Masbate, which is a part of the Bicol Region in the Philippines. This island is not only known for its natural beauty but also holds great historical significance, particularly due to the presence of the Jintotolo Lighthouse.

Jintotolo Island LighthouseLighthouse Heritage

The Jintotolo Lighthouse, also known as Faro de Isla Jintotolo, stands tall on the rugged coastline of the island, serving as a sentinel for generations. Built in 1895 and activated in the early 1900s, it is one of the 24 original first-order lighthouses erected by the Spanish Government in the archipelago. This lighthouse was specifically designed to guide ships traversing the Sibuyan Sea, Visayan Sea, and Jintotolo Channel.

Jintotolo Lighthouse in Balud Masbate.j

The lighthouse bears a significant and intertwined narrative that covers history, maritime heritage, and a guiding light that has been a symbol of hope for generations. It was designed by Ramon de Ros and Primitibo Lluelmo, whose architectural expertise left a lasting mark on this marvelous structure. The Jintotolo Lighthouse is a must-visit tourist attraction in Masbate, offering stunning scenic views of the surrounding coastline and turquoise waters. Moreover, its historical significance as one of the remaining Spanish-era sea watchtowers cannot be overstated.

Transportation and Access Travel By Sea

The best way to reach Jintotolo Island is by taking a boat trip from the nearest ports in Balud. From Barangay Calumpang, you can take a short boat ride to the island or you can also opt for a 30-minute boat ride from Bongcanaway Port in Balud Town proper. These boat rides usually involve small boats, making the journey a unique and intimate adventure.

Boat Ride Duration:

• Barangay Calumpang to Jintotolo Island: Short boat ride
• Bongcanaway Port to Jintotolo Island: 30 minutes

Land Transit Options

To reach the ports in Balud, you can take advantage of various land transit options. If you’re coming from Masbate City, you can catch a van going to Balud. The fare is approximately P200 and the travel time is roughly 1.5 hours. While Gigantes is not directly connected to this route, Luzon and Visayas are two major regions served by the road network that connects with Balud.

Upon arriving in Balud town proper, you can choose to travel by local transport options like habal-habal or motorbike, which can take you to nearby port locations. Balud can also be reached from Masbate City via air-conditioned GT Express vans, providing another comfortable option.

Land Transit Options:

• Masbate City to Balud Town
  • Van: Approximately P200 and 1.5 hours
  • Air-conditioned GT Express Vans
• Balud Town Proper to Port Locations
  • Habal-habal or Motorbike

By considering these transportation and access options for Jintotolo Island in Balud, Masbate, you can better plan your trip and ensure an enjoyable adventure during your visit.

Alegria Playa in Jintotolo IslandLocal Economy and Culture Fishing Traditions

Jintotolo Island, part of the Municipality of Balud, is located within the Jintotolo Channel in the province of Masbate in the Philippines. It has a rich fishing tradition, being a key part of the local economy. The island’s location allows for easy access to abundant marine resources, making it an ideal spot for fishermen villages. These villages are often seen with various types of fishing boats lined up along the shore, ready to set sail for the day’s catch.

Aside from providing livelihood to the island’s residents, the fishing industry contributes to Balud’s annual revenue. With the local community’s expertise in fishing, Balud is able to supply fresh seafood to nearby markets in the main Masbate Island and contribute to the overall economy of the province.

Tourism Industry

While fishing remains a significant part of Jintotolo Island’s local economy, tourism has started to emerge as another potential source of income for the area. The Jintotolo Lighthouse is one example of a historical landmark that could..

Travel Dudes

A Foodie Guide to the Different Neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the tastiest food neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City! Join our flavorful journey through vibrant streets & indulge your taste buds.

The post A Foodie Guide to the Different Neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City first appeared on Travel Dudes and is written by SaigonVibes.

Travel Dudes – For Travelers, By Travelers!

Since December 15, 2019, passengers travelling to, from, or within Canada have been covered by the Air Passenger Protection Regulations.

These regulations cover the ways in which airlines must communicate with passengers, provide minimum standards of treatment and compensation during flight disruptions, compensate passengers for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage, seat families together, and adhere to standards of carriage for the transportation of musical instruments.

All airlines flying to, from, or within Canada are subject to these regulations, with some differences in compensation between large and small carriers.

Let’s have a look at how these regulations can protect you, both in general and in the event of a disruption to your travel plans during the busy summer travel months.

Flight Disruptions

The Air Passenger Protection Regulations include provisions for what happens during flight disruptions on airlines flying to, from, or within Canada, covering both the compensation and the standards of treatment you are entitled to receive during a disruption.

Disruptions occur when you are delayed in getting to your final destination, and can occur for a host of reasons. 

Compensation

In the event of a delay in your arrival at your final destination, you may be entitled to receive compensation under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations. Whether or not you are eligible depends on the size of the airline on which you’re flying, the length of delay you’ve faced, and, importantly, the cause of the delay.

Smaller airlines, such as Porter Airlines, are defined as carriers who have served less than two million passengers over the last two years. The level of compensation they must pay is less than that of large carriers, such as Air Canada, WestJet, or Flair Airlines, who are liable for higher levels of compensation.

The caveat here is that there are a host of situations whereby the reason for the delay may exclude you from being eligible for compensation. So, just because you were delayed in reaching your destination does not automatically net you some cold hard cash.

You are eligible for compensation if the reason for the delay is within the airline’s control. Examples of this include when flights are overbooked or oversold, when the delay is caused by routine maintenance to comply with legal requirements, or when a mechanical malfunction is identified during routine maintenance. 

In these cases, you are eligible for the following amounts of compensation:

• If you’re delayed by between three and six hours, you are eligible to receive at least $400 with large airlines and $125 with small airlines.

• If you’re delayed by between six and nine hours, you are eligible to receive at least $700 with large airlines and $250 with small airlines.

• If you’re delayed by nine or more hours, you are eligible to receive at least $1,000 with large airlines and $500 with small airlines.

However, you aren’t eligible for compensation if the cause of the delay is due to situations within the airline’s control but required for safety purposes (e.g. mechanical issues outside of what is covered above, any unforeseen event that is legally required to reduce risk to passengers, decisions made by the pilot or an airline’s Safety Management System).

Similarly, you aren’t eligible for compensation for situations outside of the airline’s control (e.g. unfavourable weather conditions, political/civil unrest, security threats, and a long list of other exclusions).

Passengers must be offered monetary compensation, but airlines may also offer vouchers or rebates that are of a higher value than the monetary compensation offered. Passengers have the right to choose which form of compensation they prefer. 

The reason for the delay is not always obvious, especially in the event of knock-on effects from other delays. Airlines will usually send you an email or text message with the reason for the delay, but you may want to use a paid service, such as ExpertFlyer, to verify the cause for the delay.

Under the “Flight Status” tab, enter in your flight information. Under the flight details, clicking on “View Additional Comments” will pull up information for the cause of the delay.

If you’re eligible for compensation, you have one year to file a claim with the airline, who has to respond to your claim within 30 days of submission. There isn’t any description of what happens if the airline doesn’t respond within that time period, so it remains unclear whether there is any penalty for untimely responses.

Standards of Treatment

The Air Passenger Protection Regulations also set out standards of treatment to which passengers are entitled in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

After two hours of delays that are either within the airline’s control or within their control and required for safety purposes, passengers must be provided with food and drink “in reasonable quantities” and a means of communication (e.g. free Wi-Fi).

If the delay goes overnight, passengers must be offered a hotel or other comparable accommodation and free transportation to the accommodation.

If your flight is delayed by three or more hours or it’s cancelled altogether, airlines are required to rebook you on the next available flight. If the delay is within the airline’s control for any reason, and if the next available flight is nine or more hours after the original departure time, a large airline must rebook you on a different airline.

If you no longer need to travel because of a flight disruption that is within the airline’s control, you are entitled to a full refund as well as compensation ($125 for small airlines, $400 for large airlines) for the inconvenience. 

Lastly, if you are affected by a disruption outside of the airline’s control for more than three hours, you must be rebooked to complete your itinerary, either with the original airline or with a partner airline. You’re also entitled to a refund if the airline is unable to rebook you on another itinerary within 48 hours of the original departure time.

Denied Boarding

Denied boarding is when you are involuntarily removed from a flight, usually due to airlines overselling the cabin and there not being enough seats for everyone who is meant to be on the flight.

While rare, these situations can be quite unpleasant. The Air Passenger Protection Regulations stipulate standards of treatment and compensation for passengers affected in this manner.

Airlines usually look for passengers who will voluntarily give up their seat. If you’re not in a rush to reach your final destination, this can be a good opportunity to earn some cash, as well as a possible upgrade to a higher class of service.

Compensation applies to any passenger who is denied boarding for reasons within the airline’s control and not required for safety. There is no minimum delay in reaching your destination in this circumstance.

• If you are delayed between zero and six hours, you are entitled to at least $900
• If you are delayed between six and nine hours, you are entitled to at least $1,800
• If you are delayed by nine or more hours, you are entitled to at least $2,400

Typically, payment must be made immediately to the passenger who was denied boarding. Airlines have up to 48 hours to award the compensation, should they not be able to issue payment prior to the passenger’s new departure time.

In addition to the above, you are also entitled to standards of treatment, such as food and drink, Wi-Fi, and accommodation, as well as the option to refund your booking. 

In the very rare event that you’re bumped from a flight for reasons within the airline’s control but required for safety or for reasons outside of the airline’s control, no compensation is offered, but you must be offered standards of treatment as mentioned above.

Tarmac Delays

Tarmac delays occur when the plane’s doors have been shut, but it has not yet taken off. Tarmac delays may also occur after a plane lands, but before it docks at the gate.

The Air Passenger Protection Regulations outline standards of treatment that passengers must receive in the event of a tarmac delay, which include:

• Access to working lavatories
• Proper ventilation, heating, and cooling
• Food and drink
• The ability to communicate with people outside of the plane, free of charge, as is feasible

After a three hour tarmac delay at a Canadian airport, airlines must return to the gate so passengers can disembark. If the plane is likely to depart in the next 45 minutes, and if the airline can continue to provide the standards of treatment, it may remain on the tarmac.

There is no extension to this time period, so in other words, there may be a tarmac delay for up to three hours and forty five minutes, but not longer. 

Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Luggage

If your bags are lost, damaged, or delayed, the Air Passenger Protection Regulations stipulate what you’re entitled to claim. On most international flights, you’re also covered by the Montreal Convention.

If you arrive at your destination and notice that your bag is damaged or delayed, you must file a written claim with the airline within seven days of arrival. If you suspect your bag is lost, you must file a written claim with the airline within 21 days of arrival.

You are eligible to claim up to around $2,350 in damages if your bag is damaged, lost, or delayed. The airline must refund you for any checked baggage fees, too.

Contrary to popular belief, the damages you can claim are for anything reasonable that was in your suitcase that you needed at your destination that you don’t have because of the delay. 

Of course, this includes toiletries and other such essentials, but it also covers clothing and anything else that you can reasonably claim. Be sure to keep your receipts and be ready to justify your claim.

Seating of Children

For families, an important aspect of the regulations is how airlines are required to seat children under the age of 14 near a parent, guardian, or tutor at no cost. The required proximity to the adult depends on the age of the child:

• Children below the age of five must be seated next to their parent, guardian, or tutor.

• Children between five and eleven must be in the same row and separated by no more than one seat from their parent, guardian, or tutor.

• Children aged twelve and thirteen cannot be separated by more than one row from from their parent, guardian, or tutor.

Airlines are subject to fines of $25,000 for each incident when the above rules aren’t followed.

These rules seem very reasonable, and offer families greater peace of mind when planning for an already stressful experience, without incurring any extra seat selection fees.

Conclusion

The Air Passenger Protection Regulations define minimum standards of treatment and compensation for disruptions to air travel to, from, or within Canada. This marks a shift towards passengers having more rights when travelling by air.

It is a good idea to become familiar with these regulations so you can claim compensation when it’s due.

It is also a good idea to become familiar with other protections, such as the Montreal Convention, as they may provide greater levels of compensation than these regulations.

The post Air Passenger Protection Regulations: Your Rights on Canadian Flights appeared first on Prince of Travel by T.J. Dunn.

Locals already know what a fabulous hike the North Head Trail is, one that’s likely been in use since the 1500’s. The trail takes you from the Battery neighbourhood within the city of St. John’s up to the Signal Hill National Historic Site, officially a distance of 1.7 kilometres one way.

If you’re staying downtown, you can hike to the trailhead. Otherwise, order an Uber and get dropped off in the colourful Narrows neighbourhood overlooking St. John’s Harbour. The trailhead is a short walk away.

In my opinion the North Head trail hike is one of the premiere things to do in St. John’s. Not only do you get the feeling that you’re far removed from a city, but you get some exercise with a beautiful backdrop. It’s a fantastic head-clearer and break should you be attending a conference like I was.

Some of you might fret over the “chains section” but it’s short and you’ll be through it in seconds. The rest of the hike is straightforward – though you may be huffing and puffing as you climb the final set of stairs to the top of Signal Hill.

Trust me, it’s all worthwhile, especially when there are icebergs – something I saw on a previous trip to St. John’s in June.

You can check out my Instagram reel of the North Head trail hike here.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for your support.

You must walk through the Narrows neighbourhood to reach the official trailhead for the North Head Trail

North Head Trail in St. John’s hike summary

Distance: Variable depending on where you start walking from. It’s 3.4 km return as an out and back from the trailhead near the Narrows neighbourhood. We added an additional 3.4 km as an out and back from the Alt Hotel to the trailhead for a total of 6.8 km. An alternative is to walk 1.5 km down Signal Hill Road (not as interesting) to reach the Battery Cafe and from there return to your hotel or place of residence.

Elevation gain: Around 165 m (541 feet).

Time needed: 1 – 2.5 hours depending on where you start the hike. You can do it in as little as one hour as an up and down from the Narrows neighbourhood.

Level of difficulty: Easy in my books but moderate for anyone unused to elevation gain. Parks Canada rates it strenuous – challenging. The only challenging place for some with a fear of heights is the short chains section or the hundreds of stairs – but only if you’re NOT used to elevation gain.

Map: Look for a map at the intersection of Signal Hill Road and Battery Road. It shows the route to the start of the trail.

Trailheads: The parking lot on the summit of Signal Hill or somewhere near the Battery Cafe.

Options from the top: From the summit take the Ladies Lookout Trail to the Burma Road Trail to ultimately end in Quidi Vidi Village where you can enjoy a cold one at Quidi Vidi Brewery. From Quidi Vidi it is possible to hike the Sugarloaf Path all the way to Logy Bay.

Dress for the hike: St. John’s is known for its wind and fog, so dress appropriately. I’d recommend stuffing a raincoat and hat in your pack.

Don’t forget: Tell someone where you are going, practice the seven Leave No Trace principles and pack the 10 hiking essentials.

Some people might not like the short “chains section” on the North Head Trail

Finding the trailhead for the North Head Trail

Half the fun of the North Head trail hike is getting to the trailhead on foot.

To start, make your way to the Battery neighbourhood – filled with colourful homes that border St. John’s Harbour. From the Battery Cafe (a great place for breakfast, lunch, coffee, baked goods and rhubarb lemonade) near the foot of Signal Hill, hike 850 m along Battery and Upper Battery Roads to get to the trailhead.

Pass a series of black and white murals and the Battery Lookout with views across St. John’s Harbour.

Wind through the vibrant Narrows neighbourhood – looking for signage pointing you to the trailhead. At times it might feel like you’re walking into someone’s house. You are not. The locals are very friendly and will point you in the right direction if you need help.

Before you reach the North Head trailhead, be sure to look back at St. John’s Harbour. You can’t miss St. John’s Basilica with its prime position overlooking the colourful and historic downtown.

The Battery Cafe is a great place to refuel

Walking into the Narrows neighbourhood

One of the colourful houses you’ll pass on the way to the trailhead for the North Head trail

Lookout over St. John’s Harbour

Note the signage through the Narrows neighbourhood

I felt like I was intruding on the privacy of the locals on route to the trailhead

Looking back at the Battery neighbourhood

Description of the hike

I think the crux of the North Head Trail hike is finding the trailhead. Once you’re on the trail, the hiking is straightforward on a mix of rock and wooden steps.

One of the first sights on the hike is a deep cleft in the rocks. I looked into blackness and startled a couple of pigeons. Look out for seabirds too.

Continuing, make your way along the bottom of a rock-face looking out to The Narrows. Across the harbour, look for the Fort Amherst Lighthouse – something you’ll pass if you hike the Deadman’s Bay section of the East Coast Trail.

Keep moving, gradually climbing a rock-face. In season and with a bit of luck you might see whales and/or icebergs. It’s a great place to sit and just take in the view – providing of course there is one.

Take a breather when you get to a couple of red chairs with views over towards the Sugarloaf Path. Then there’s a minor bit of up and down before the final stretch – with a steep set of stairs up Signal Hill that will land you squarely on the top. Savour the view, before either retracing your steps or heading back down via Signal Hill Road.

Look over to the Cabot Tower and the North Head Trail from this photo taken on the Deadman’s Bay Path

North Head Trail photos

I think the following photos of the North Head trail will give you a very good idea of what to expect. Granted, I wasn’t hiking in rain or fog, so there was good visibility. Be extra vigilant about staying on the trail if thick fog rolls in.

Starting off on the North Head trail

You can’t miss this deep cleft in the rocks

Me on the chain section of the North Head trail

This section of the North Head trail offers views of The Narrows to the right

The stairs sure make the hiking a lot easier

A pretty section of the trails with some great views out to the Atlantic Ocean

Some people enjoying a Parks Canada red chair moment

From the bottom, the stairs look like they go on forever

You can walk up and down Signal Hill Road