PETS ON PLANES, PART TWO (I THINK)...STREETSVILLE TOUR

I just don't get it.

I've said it before. I love dogs. I really do. Cats? Nope. No love for cats. I'm allergic, for one. And they're too independent.

I understand how people love their pets. This is especially true of singles and older folks. God love them for it.

But they have no right to bring their pets on board an airplane.

Personally, I find it absolute hogwash to think an animal will suffer long-term damage by sitting in a cargo hold for seven hours. Gimme a break. But even if someone thinks their pet will suffer, that doesn't give them the right to impinge on my private space by bringing the pet on board an airplane.

I read something the other day where someone argued it's unfair and discriminatory to ban pets on a plane and that, next thing you know, airlines would ban people who use perfume - or don't bathe.

There's a huge flaw in that argument: those are people you're talking about. People are allowed on planes. But that's all planes are meant for, at least the cabins. They're not designed for animals, and no one has the right to take their animal on a plane. Period. Full stop.

The airlines may ALLOW this, but I think it's ridiculous. If your pet can't fly, then drive them on your trip to Arizona. Or take a boat. Or leave them at home.

It's absolutely insane, but UPI is reporting how a woman bought out the ENTIRE business section on a flight from Paris to Tel Aviv so she and her boxer could be together for the four-hour flight. This cost the woman $32,000, although she obviously doesn't care about the money.

I'm speechless. I am without speech.

DELTA CHELSEA "GOES LOONIE"

I mentioned on Twitter earlier (jbyers11 is my username on Twitter by the way) that the Delta Chelsea in Toronto is trying to lure folks back to Toronto (and, of course, to its establishment) by offering rooms for just $89 a night. For a loonie (that's a Canadian dollar to anyone who might be reading this in the U.S., although I can't imagine it), they'll give you a room upgrade, as well.

Also, there are "loonie deals' in restaurants at the hotel, and you can book a harbour boat or city tour for a $1. You also can get discounts at various museums and attractions by flashing your hotel room key.

The hotel's within spitting distance of the Eaton Centre and has adult and family pools with a waterslide, a teen lounge and a kid centre.

The offer has to be book by August 17, for stays through to Labour Day.

Visit www.deltachelsea.com or call 1-800-CHELSEA (243-5732).

This follows the just-announced Tourism Toronto deal, where folks will get a night at a hotel, a three-course meal at one of 14 restaurants, a ticket to a top Mirvish Production show and free entry to one of the city's tourist attractions, all for $149 per person.

It's a trite thing to say, but there really never has been a better time to check out Toronto. Or, at least, a more economical time.

STREETSVILLE TOUR

The Streetsville Business Improvement Association will host its next Walking Tour of Historic Streetsville on Fri., Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. It will be a special candlelight tour.

The 3-hour tour starts at Streetsville Florist at 265 Queen St. South and takes in historic and heritage sites. There's no charge and no need to pre-register.

For information, call 905-858-5974 or visit www.villageofstreetsville.com

RAIL EUROPE SITE

Folks at Rail Europe say they've got a new and improved site with a Canadian twist. Haven't had a chance to check but you can go to www.raileurope.ca for the latest improvements and book your "rail-cation" (their word, not mine).

DO LIKE COLUMBUS...DISCOVER AMERICA

DiscoverAmerica.com is celebrating its first year as the official travel/tourism website of the U.S. by announcing upgrades, site enhancements and money-saving deals, which are always a good idea.

There are 108 destinations featured on the site, plus information on all 50 states and five terrorities, and the info comes in English and French.