Courtesey of Shelina Wardrope

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY LUGGAGE An important, yet often overlooked, aspect of planning a vacation is ensuring you have the correct luggage for the job. Thankfully, many retailers offer their selection of suitcases, bags and other travel cases at a discount during the lull between winter and summer travel so you can take advantage of lower prices if you shop now. But what exactly should you look for when purchasing luggage? Here are some commonly sought after items from avid travellers. Remember, depending on your method of travel (airplane, boat, car) some features may be more important than others. First, look for a suitcase with metal zippers that have interlocking teeth as they are stronger, harder to break into and more durable overall. Hint: the YKK brand is the most reliable zipper on the market and YKK will be stamped on the zipper pull. Another important exterior feature to look for is retractable handles. Ideally the handles have multiple options for length (so you can piggyback a smaller bag to a larger bag), a soft grip handle and tuck completely into the bag so they don't get damaged during transport. Interior compartments can help you organize your clothes and pack more efficiently so look for a bag with various options. Exterior pockets also come in handy as do padded pockets for laptops and other electronics. Look for luggage that is lightweight because you often have to pay baggage fees and keep your luggage under a certain weight. A lighter suitcase means more can fit inside. Finally, look for a suitcase that incorporates technology. From built in charging ports to motorized wheels or pre-installed tracking devices, some smart suitcases aim to make travel a breeze.

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BE AWARE OF TAX TIME SCAMS With the deadline to file your 2023 tax return looming (April 30 for the majority of Canadians, or June 15 for those that are self employed) the number of tax-related phone, email or internet scams is also on the rise. To protect yourself, you are encouraged to be extra vigilant when you’re contacted about anything tax related. From text messages asking you to click a link to accept your refund, to emails asking for your information to approve a transfer of funds, there are a lot of very clever and realistic looking scams circulating the country. Unfortunately, anyone is subject to these scams, but be extra cautious if you or those you know are new to filing taxes (teens and those new to working in Canada) or are elderly or not necessarily technologically savvy enough to be able to spot a scam. Scammers can be quite convincing and know which tactics work best to unnerve a potential victim. If you receive a communication from anyone this tax season with a link to click, demanding immediate payment for the funds you owe, asking for personal or financial information, proceed with caution. To learn more, head to the Canada Revenue Agency website where you can learn about common scams, how to protect yourself or even sign up for CRA scam alerts. Go to https://www.canada.ca/en/ revenue-agency/campaigns/fraud-scams.html.

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