Travel Forum Page 3
An opportunity to assist fellow travellers (and yourself) with insights, tips,
suggestions, questions, personal experience, and once in a while, a travel
anecdote. It works best with this format:
Nickname or real name:
Tip Location:
Your email address or private:
Your comments/tip:
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We will keep items organized and archive them by topic. Your email address
will not be given to other contributors without permission.
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Malcolm Stewart
private
August 2010
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Bin 941 has to be the best intimate, sexy, gourmet, tapas bar in North America. Not only is the food beyond exceptional, but the whole "little" place vibes with cool art, music and people who enjoy being close. It is, in my view, the best kept secret in Vancouver. Corner of Burrard and Davie.
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Steve Bailey
private
August 2010
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This is a beautiful spot. Great to watch the winter storms whip up the waves on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Wonderful spa facilities. Try the couples' massage in the Cedar Sanctuary right on the beach.
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Tanya Miller
private
August 2010
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The best Montreal restaurant is Aux Vivres, 4631 Boulevard St-Laurent, 514-8423479,
http://www.auxvivres.com/en/home/; for Vegan, health-conscious, environmentally-friendly, and wise tourists! This Vegan restaurant in the Mont Royal neighbourhood, has a great brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert menu. There is also a delicious smoothie bar. Staff are welcoming and selection is vast. Street parking available, but it's conveniently located across the street from the Mont Royal Metro station. Prices are very reasonable, with a full meal (drink, appetizer, main course and dessert) amounting to $20-$25. Five stars!
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Dweller
private
August 2010
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Tolsmaville is a "ghost" village on Cockburn Island, Ontario, truly a "boondocks" travel destination. You can get there only by boat, and you'll have to make your own arrangements in Thessalon, Ontario. Former residents and visitors keep track through a Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=ts&gid=31936991742
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Tami Kaminsen
private
August 2010
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To avoid over-packing, always include something lightweight and big in your suitcase on the way out. When you reach your destination, seek out a person or charity that would like to have your lightweight, big item. Give it away freely. It will be a nice gift for others and will allow you a little extra room for the souvenirs you want to take home.
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Secrets From My Suitcase
August 2010
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Trip Advisor has named Abbeymoore Manor, a B&B in Victoria, B.C., as the top B&B in North American and second in the world in its 2010 Traveler's Choice awards. Readers determine the winners. Looks like a great place:
http://www.abbeymoore.com/
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Aileen Roberts
private
August 2010
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Craven Country Jamboree... 20,000+ people crammed into a farmer's field... things get messy. A few tips on what to bring and what not to do: Bring a full rain suit including rubber boots. If you think a poncho will hold up, you are wrong! Wear sunscreen, unless you want your face to swell up like a tomato after being burnt... : (. And lastly, do not drink whiskey straight from the bottle. This will result in a whiskey burn above your lip. Yes, you learn a lot your first time at Craven. But most importantly, have fun! There's nothing better than good friends, good music, and adventure.
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Ginger
private
August 2010
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For contact lens wearers in particular, it is handy to travel with a standard size sink plug. It saves stuffing a paper towel in the drain to avoid loss of a lens. You can fill a sink with water even if the plug in the hotel room or gas station restroom is missing.
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Arc
private
August 2010
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Anywhere that has a beach is always the best places to visit!
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George Burden
private
August 2010
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Disney World has billboards all over referring to their "Best Kept Secret," meaning the much touted holiday clubs. While my daughter and I stayed at the on-site moderate resort, the Coronado Springs, we discovered it is, in fact, Disney's "Best Kept Secret" for families. This resort caters mainly to conventions though it has a great pool with a Mayan pyramid overlooking and a wonderful waterslide. Since most guests are conventioneers the pools are not crowded, the restaurants are wide open except at the specific times the conventioneers eat and the buses to and from the theme parks go out half empty. It was gratifying see the big line-ups for buses back to the other resorts at closing time and simply walk right on the transport to our own hotel.
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Dawn
private
August 2010
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Traveling as a family? Stay at a youth hostel. Worldwide, unique accommodations and central locations! When last in Lyon, France, my dad and I stayed in a hostel together (he used to take us as little kids through Europe in hostels). The same year he got his youth hostel card, he also got his seniors card! Anyhow, at a low cost (children under 2 are free), your family will get your own room, all the amenities you need (kitchen, internet, snack bar), and best of all, you'll get the best insider travel trips anywhere.
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George Burden
private
August 2010
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Yes, the Dollar Store is a great place to find some of those things that are needed on a trip. For a buck or two things can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of brand name items. Especially items that are inexpensive to produce and what we pay for is the advertising and packaging. Here are some things that are available: An eight pack of 3-ply Kleenex (If you are going to travel in areas where toilet paper is at a premium or non-existent, this is what you take. It's more versatile and easier to pack than toilet paper.); Anti-Nausea Wristband (This is for those who get sea sick and are allergic to Gravol related ingredients in the pills that are available for free on board ship or just prefer to use these bands in place of medication. The last cruise I was on they were selling for $15 a pair.); Hand sanitizers (Don't leave home without them. A "Simple Pur" brand spray in the form of a pen is available and small enough to fit in your pocket. Handy twenty-five ml of sanitizer is found in a two pack or you can buy the 725 ml refill bottle for two bucks.); Travel Whips and Towel Whips come in packs of twenty-five and ten; Gillette Shave Cream is available in a small aerosol can. A regular can of shaving cream is way more than you need and is heavy; Peroxide (This is a good antiseptic and you can put it in smaller containers. Rubbing Alcohol is also available.); Fifty ml liquid dispenser bottles. You can use these for items such as the Peroxide or Alcohol above; All kinds of band aids; Snore Free Nose Clips; Reading Glasses from 1.25 to 3.25 magnifications. (It is also a good idea to bring along an extra pair of your regular glasses or at least a prescription in case they get lost. You do want to "see" the sights.); Zip Lock bags (All sizes are available. They are indispensable for organizing things and are necessary if you are carrying any medications or liquid (150 ml or less) items in your carry-on luggage. Any larger amounts of liquids or creams no matter what it is (sun screen, facial cream, water, mouth wash, whatever, should be in your checked baggage other wise it will be confiscated.); Room Deodorizers; Sports Water Bottles; Sudoku and Crossword Puzzles; LED Book Light; Batteries. (I wouldn't suggest these for your camera (good rechargeable ones are best), but for alarm clocks, book lights, pen flash lights etc. they are great.); Pen Flashlight; Small Travel Spray Bottles. (Easy to carry and you can refresh yourself in hot climates with a couple fine mist sprays of water.); A soft cover spiral bound memo book, brand name First Class or Spectrum, 4" X 5 ½ " , 160 perforated pages. (I always carry one. It usually has my personally compiled foreign language dictionary for the country I am traveling to, some important numbers and addresses and a lot of blank pages to record the chronological order and information about the pictures I have taken.); Multi-Use Labels. Pack of 500, self adhesive. Use as tabs in your Memo book above.
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Bill Balian
private
August 2010
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There are those who believe that a tourist visa is a redundant document, especially when you consider that most if not all the personal information on the visa already exists in electronic form on your passport. They served a purpose back in the day when computers and the transfer of information were limited. That is not the case today. Even so, many countries still require a tourist visa. By definition, a visa is an endorsement on your passport that grants permission to enter a country. That decision once had to be made on the spot by the customs officials at the border. If you are just going on a holiday or visiting relatives etc., what's the big deal? The problem is that it was limits in scrutinizing people entering the country that were undesirables; had a contagious disease; carried plants, or animals that were a threat to the ecosystem etc. Some sort of preliminary screening system was needed. Enter the tourist visa as we basically know it today. As a tourist, it is your responsibility to inquire about what visa regulations there are for the country(s) you are traveling to. Your travel agent will be able to help you with this and is one of the many reasons why I prefer to deal with an agent I know rather than booking trips on line. Acquiring a visa may be simple or complicated and expensive depending on the country of destination. Mexico, for example does not charge a fee for their tourist visa and it consists of just a few questions that are filled out on the plane before you land in your destination. Cuba charges a fee for its tourist visa, but is included in the price of the trip. Some countries like Egypt require you to fill out an application form for the visa and send it with your passport (not a copy), and two separate passport like photos attached to the application, to the Egyptian Embassy in Ottawa. They also require that Kentours, a specialized visa courier service be used if you are not hand delivering it to the embassy. They will not accept the visa application if sent by Fed Ex, Purolator etc. The visa application will cost you $98.75 per person single entry, $109 per person if multi entry, plus the cost of the two photos $12, plus the Kentours courier service of $28. On arriving in Cairo I found out that I could apply and get a 30 day tourist visa for $15 US. Felt a little silly at first, but consider this. Yes you can get your visa upon your arrival, but it is not recommended, Trafalgar/Insight and Globus do not recommend this, in case you are denied the visa, therefore you would have to purchase a one way flight home, and your tour is non refundable, and you wouldn't be able to travel. It is recommended you get this visa before you travel, if the passenger does not want to, there would be a waiver to sign stating that your travel agent (company) is not responsible.
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Bill Balian
private
August 2010
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Let's take a look at what I mentioned above as the singe entry and multi entry tourist visa. Single entry visas are needed if you are going to stay within the country and not cross its borders until you depart. Multi entry visas are needed if for example you visit the country for a few days, go on an excursion out side of the country for a day or two and then return to the original destination country for the remaining days of your trip. Simple enough, you plan to do the later. So you buy the multi entry visa. It's always good to check with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to determine if any precautions, warnings or travel restrictions exist in your country(s) of destination. The bottom line here is you can't afford to take anything for granted. I can remember a few years ago when the Canadian Coast Guard seized some Spanish fishing vessels that were over fishing in Canadian waters off the Grand Banks. The Spanish government in retaliation slapped on an immediate visa requirement for Canadian citizens traveling in Spain that consisted of increased visa charges every time you entered and exited the country. That was a particular problem for tourists that were already in Spain and for tour operators that would have bus loads of tourists crossing the border on for example a Spain and Portugal or Spain, Portugal and Morocco tour. For a list of countries that require Canadian citizens to have a tourist visa to enter their country visit:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/tourist-visas-tourisme-eng.asp . This is part of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada site and it is worth your while to fully explore it. Another really good site is
http://projectvisa.com/
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Bill Balian
private
August 2010
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Two of the best programs I have found in learning a language for tourists are the Byki 4 Express (www.byki.com) and Transparent Language (www.transparent.com). Byki 4 Express is part of the Transparent Language Program and is the free version that you can download from the internet. When you download your first language you will need to also download the operational framework for the program. Each successive language you download after that is added to the framework and you then select which language you want to work with from the drop down list. There are over seventy languages that can be downloaded from Byki 4 Express. Byki 4 Express is a great program. If you are interested in learning German, Spanish or other European language, their use of the same alphabet contributes greatly to the reading and pronunciation of words and phrases. However, what if you wanted to brush up on Arabic or Greek? Their alphabets are different than ours. No problem. In Byki 4 Express you can download the application in their written language or the Transliterated form that is phonetically written using our alphabet.
There are three basic steps in working with the Byki 4 Express. Let's say you want to learn Arabic in the transliterated form. In Step 1 there are categories of words and phrases such as: Directions, Food, Survival Phrases etc. to choose to work with. Each category has several words that are presented on flip cards. Each flip card has a picture, the phonetic spelling of the phase in Arabic and the corresponding phrase in English. When the card first appears, the phrase is pronounced in Arabic. If needed, you can select to repeat the pronunciation and or to slow the pronunciation down to hear the phrase more slowly and clearly. There are Previous and Next buttons as well as an Auto Flip button. You can also adjust the card display settings.
In Step 2, you are shown a card with the phonetic spelling of a phrase and the phrase is pronounced. You may choose to respond with what the phrase means in English verbally and then flip the card to see if you were correct. If you wish you can select the written mode whereby your response is typed and then checked. The pronunciation can be repeated, slowed down, the phrase can be skipped and you can even select a Self-Reporting Mode.
Step 3 gives you the English phrase and you are to verbally express the phrase in Arabic or type the phrase in Arabic. When you flip the card, the pronunciation is heard and you see the phonetic spelling as well as the English phrase. In this step you also can repeat the pronunciation, slow it down, and skip a phrase.
Each of these three steps has two meters that show the percentage of the step you have completed with each card. Everything I have written about so far is in a tab labelled Learn. In the tab labelled My Learned Items, there are charts and graphs that track your Progress, Learned Items Status, Total Learned Items etc. Under the Look tab you will find in list form what is on each card in a given category. Check Public Libraries for these items.
The only drawback I have encountered with the Byki 4 Express program is that it is not possible to print any of the cards or lists. So I compile my own language dictionaries using notebooks, labels etc. acquired from the Dollar Store.
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Cassiopeia
private
August 2010
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Queen Street West is the home of Peach Beserk, and many other fabulous shops. Visit Peach Beserk for great original screen printed dresses, t-shirts, coats, and more. You will be the only one on your block to own an design by them, and their bright colours turn heads. I have bought many treasured items over the years, and always get compliments as they stand out in a sea of mediocrity of chain store clothing.
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Dana Wounch
private
August 2010
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Double and triple check your camera bag! Make a list of standard travel camera necessities - and always be prepared. Whether it's a part of a stay-cation somewhere close to home, or a trip to the Galapagos Islands; memories are short but pictures last forever!
Find out about batteries where you are going - they often are incredulous in price. If packing rechargeable batteries, the chargers could have compatibility issues with wall outlets overseas.
Cameras get stolen, lost, or water damaged. If you are comfortable with the internet and have access to upload your pictures - DO IT! Online site such as Flicker or Facebook are quick and a sure fire way to guarantee those precious snap shots are forever. Set up accounts prior to going so you are familiar and comfortable with what you are doing. Try out a public computer with your camera equipment to test that you are indeed ready! Carry more than one memory card.
Running out of space will have you choosing which pictures are the LEAST important!
They are all important! Don't make yourself have to choose! Sometimes, choosing to carry a less expensive back up camera will ensure those memories get digitalized. Pack your camera right, this will ensure your memories are more than just memories!
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MGF
private
August 2010
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When in Oaxaca City, be sure to stay at Hotel Las Golondrinas (The Swallows Hotel) and eat breakfast in the garden courtyard surrounded by the namesake bird, geckos and the dancing tree cohune palms, latex sap rubber trees, chicle gums, cyrillas, fan-leaved willow bustics, naked flame corals with their fat toxic seeds, buttress-root fig trees, pink geraniums, pungent berried madrono shrubs, a single long-limbed pecan, knife-trunked palmettos with their lavender bisexual flowers and black nectarine drupes, sapote negro, pomegranate, yagrumo macho timber, the orange spiked fruit of the sweetgum monkeyball, and buxom grapefruit bobbing like lures over what will be the best huevos rancheros you will have had in ages.
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True Caper
private
August 2010
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If you are in Cape Breton, visit the Cedar House Restaurant (open May-October). It is located just before the Seal Island Bridge. The food is fantastic as is the service. You can also purchase baked goods and delicious dessert treats.
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Ritoula
private
August 2010
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On my last airplane trip, I ran out of room in my suitcase, and did not want to take another because of the new policy of charging for extra bags. I took out all of my clothes and decided to try to roll them instead. Not only did they fit better in my suitcase, but for some reason, they didn't wrinkle!
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Lisa
private
August 2010
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Stay hydrated. Not drinking enough water while traveling can make you irritable and give you muscle cramps and headaches. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
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Chris
August 2010
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Want to relax and immerse oneself into traditional Japanese culture? Visit Tokyo's Oedo-Onsen Monogatari, a combination hot springs, dining, games and relaxation in an Edo-era environment. Have a massage, sand and stone bath, traditional Japanese food and games. Very affordable and great way to spend a day and mix with Japanese.
http://www.ooedoonsen.jp
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Kent Avery
private
August 2010
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When in Dublin, it is an absolute must to visit Trinity College. The traditional tour is amazing, but it is worth exploring the college on your own. The rich history of the college and the teaching/learning that has and continues to happen there is exciting and one must take it all in or as much as you can.
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Carol-Ann Giroday
private
August 2010
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Clam Cannery Hotel, Port Townsend, Wash. An all suite waterfront hotel located in an old brick clam cannery built in 1885, sits out over the ocean in the historic Victorian seaport of downtown Port Townsend. During the 1930's to 1960's the building was home to one of the largest producers of canned clams on the west coast of the United States. After four decades of abandonment, several million dollars and seven years of loving restorative work the new hotel opened on August 1st, 2009.
One of the most painted and photographed buildings in Port Townsend, this unique work of art has been carefully restored with every attempt to reuse original building materials as well as the craftsmanship of local artisans. Each room is exquisitely appointed with subtle touches of hand crafted works. The mirrors are hand-etched, all the metal, from the shelving brackets to the handrails to the electrical cover plate at the end of the kitchen counters, are custom crafted by a local blacksmith. Clamshells from under the building have been added into the concrete counter tops of the gourmet kitchens, old worm-scarred reclaimed wood from the walls now adorn the cabinet door faces and timbers from the cannery floor have been forged together to form large entry doors hung by iron hinges. The character of the hotel has been accented with extensive use of hammered copper, concrete floors, and hand-blown glass fixtures.
Each suite overlooks Port Townsend Bay with views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Whidbey Island and the Strait of Juan De Fuca. In the heart of the downtown area, The Clam Cannery is within walking distance of everything; dozens of art galleries, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, restaurants and pubs. Siren, with an outdoor deck perched three stories above the water, is a popular pub to quench your thirst with a pint of Guinness, live entertainment and some good food as well as the Waterstreet Brewery for on-site brews and more live music. Start your day at Salal for breakfast one block away or Sweet Lorette's for fresh pastries in the Uptown District. Maybe take in a guided walking tour of the town and finish with a show at the Rose Theatre. The culture of Port Townsend brings
People from all over the world to enjoy the Blues and Jazz Festivals, Rhododendron Festival as well as the Wooden Boat Show. In the warmer seasons there is Thursday night entertainment with music on the dock which can be enjoyed right from the privacy of your room.
If going out on the town is not to your liking and you would prefer to relax in the privacy of your own room, local business people are encouraged to come to the hotel to give the visiting guests every luxury they might wish. Spa service is available in your suite as well as a gourmet chef to prepare sumptuous meals using fresh produce and delicacies from the town markets. The modern kitchens have all the necessary culinary equipment to create meals of your own choosing if you want to eat in and spend your money in another way. It's a blast from the past in this quaint seaside town.
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Dan Cooper
private
August 2010
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We just discovered this fabulous, low-key restaurant in Burlington, Ontario, on the weekend. The Grinning Gourmand is part deli, part caterer, part casual restaurant with only a few tables, but the food is refreshingly creative, original and great. I had the Goose Pot Pie, a dish recommended by the owner/chef that turned out far better than even he had described. Tender slices of goose served with a flaky crust and farm-fresh vegetables didn't taste gamey at all and the texture resembled a steak. They also sell fresh baked desserts and have a selection of over 40 imported cheeses. Here's the link to their website
http://www.grinninggourmand.com/
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Star
private
August 2010
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I recommend Exploritas (formerly called Elderhostel) for excellent opportunities for educational travel. I went to Prague and Budapest in the fall and had a wonderful trip.
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Ann Middleton
private
August 2010
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For sanitary reasons, some people hate walking without shoes in public places. If you're concerned about having to take off your shoes as you walk through airport security, have a pair of old socks or the disposable paper ones tucked in your pocket, slip them on, go through, and just toss them when you're finished being checked.
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Rockydm
private
August 2010
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A great place to visit when you are in Niagara Falls is Boston Pizza by Clifton Hill. Truly a remarkable place as once there you can do the following:
1. eat (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
2. have coffee at Tim Horton's right across the "piazza"
3. kids/adults will enjoy playing a variety of games including bowling, shooting pool, etc.
4. go for a great walk along the Niagara Falls Boulevard and see both falls 5. ride the sky wheel
6. go to some of the museums
7. walk to the casino ,...
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Jan
private
August 2010
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If in the Phoenix area, do visit the Mesa Arts Center--a spectacular building with theatres, craft studios and gallery. But don't go on a Sunday--the Arts Center is open but nothing else is. It's a town of Mormon heritage--you won't find a coffee shop within many miles!
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George Burden
private
August 2010
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To avoid spoiling several days of your holiday with Travelers' Diarrhea, take two doses of the oral vaccine Dukoral before your holiday (one booster dose if you've previously had the vaccine). Not only does it cut down you chances of getting E. coli gut infections but it also prevents cholera if you happen to be in an endemic area!
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Marie
private
August 2010
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When staying in Turks and Caicos, visit the Ocean Club West, and try their pickled grouper. We hesitated, as it didn't sound appetizing, but found it to be the best fresh fish dinner we have ever had. One year later, we talk about it all the time. Do your research before you go. If a particular fish or meat is the national dish, then order it, and you probably won't have a bad meal. This has worked for me many times.
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Marc Angell
private
August 2010
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A moderate mountain bike challenge is worth the time and effort in Lake Tahoe. Find your way to the Flume Trail which can be accessed near the junction of highways 50 and 28 near the east central side of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side. Highway 50 enters the lake from Carson City to the east. Google Earth has some great images and maps to get your initial bearings. Safe Pedaling!
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Inch
private
August 2010
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One of the best ways to enjoy the Halifax skyline and take in a cheap cruise in the Halifax Harbour is to hop on the Ferry to Dartmouth. It is cheap, only a couple bucks and has the same beautiful views as the expensive tall ships tours that operate on the waterfront!
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Sammy
private
August 2010
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In most locations, if you join the local public library (usually very inexpensive) you can get free internet access.
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Gypsy Irene
private
August 2010
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A good pair of hiking boots is the best measure against a sprain or other ankle injuries. BUT if it happens that you only have low cut runners along, and a site you wish to visit has uneven terrain or irregular steps, have a couple of tensor bandages handy to wrap around your ankles for extra support, making sure to wrap a few layers under your instep to keep all in place before donning your footwear.
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Harry den
private
August 2010
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Vancouver's best pizza restaurant is now one of the hot favourite Pizza makers and has been serving Surrey since 1975. Ensuring the highest quality food standards, they offer nothing but great food. Pizza menu:
www.venetispizza.com. Call: 604-584-3161.
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Brian Querry
private
August 2010
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We travel each summer to Lancaster County, PA, and often sample many of the local restaurants and tastes that make Lancaster County so special. This past summer, we decided to look for something new, and sought out a newer restaurant location that, while not necessarily considered a local "flavor", was somewhere new to us. We stumbled upon the WOW Wingery & Cafe. This great site is located right next to Franklin and Marshall College, just minutes from Route 30. The menu features an outstanding assortment of great sauces and flavors. Wings are the specialty, but you can also get boneless wings, appetizers, burgers, salads, and more. We were greeted warmly at the door, and our waitress returned often to check on us. The seating is plentiful and varied (tables, booths, bar seating), and the decor was very sports-friendly. Our food arrived quickly. The Italian Garlic & Herb wings were exceptional, with a generous quantity of wings and fabulous flavor. The Asian Teryaki sauce was perfectly balanced - so delicious, in fact, we had to take a bottle home (which you can do for some of the flavors). Our final bill was very moderately priced for the amount of food we ordered. A manager greeted us during our meal to make sure everything was o.k. We will definitely return here on future visits to Lancaster County! Address: 721 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-824-4673, Web Site:
http://www.wowcafe.com/
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Neilia
private
August 2010
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Watch out for all the ways that cruise lines try to separate you from your money. Bring some bottles of water and soft drinks in your luggage. Ask to make your own decision regarding tips rather than paying the amount that they choose for you. Don't get caught up in the excitement and pay insanely high amounts for their photos. And if you don't mind exploring on your own, arrange your own shore excursions for about half the price.
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Gene C
private
August 2010
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When travelling by car in any winter climate, always carry a small bottle of the alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your coat pocket or purse. If your door locks freeze up and the key won't turn, rub a small amount of the sanitizer on both sides of your key, insert into the lock, wait 10 seconds, then gently wiggle the key back and forth. The alcohol in the sanitizer will thaw out the lock, and it will eventually open.
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Jason
private
August 2010
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Much as E-tickets may be considered 'paperless' in North America, there remain many parts of the world where entry into (or exit from) the airport passport control requires paper evidence that you have an onward flight booked and paid for - hence a print-out of your E-ticket itinerary should be regarded as nearly as important as the old tickets were.
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arc
private
Sep 16, 2010
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Anywhere that has a beach is always the best places to visit!
I love to go to Holden Beach with my family.
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malcolm stewart
private
Sept, 2010
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Bin 941 has to be the best intimate, sexy, gourmet, tapas bar in North America. Not only is the food beyond exceptional but the whole "little" place vibes with cool art, music and people who enjoy being close. It is in my view the best kept secret in Vancouver. Corner of Burrard and Davie.
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steve bailey
private
Sept, 2010
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This is a beautiful spot. Great to watch the winter storms whip up the waves on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Wonderful spa facilities. Try the couples' massage in the Cedar Sanctuary right on the beach.
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Mary Fraser
private
Sept, 2010
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My companion and I stayed at the Grand America Hotel, the only 5 Diamond hotel in that city, for a business conference, and were happily surprised at the opulence and luxury of the hotel. The staff were beyond gracious and accommodating, the food was plentiful and extremely tasty, and ranged from hearty buffet breakfasts to afternoon teas, to fine dining and after-dinner aperitifs and snacks.
The spa was well-run and very tranquil, with one of the largest indoor pools I have ever seen in a hotel, and a lovely outdoor pool with all changing room and restaurant amenities immediately beside the white, Grecian-inspired patio and pool.
The room itself was larger than most one-bedroom apartments, with a marble bathroom that boasted a Jacuzzi tub, separate glass-enclosed shower stall, double sinks and heaps of soft, absorbent towels. There was maid service twice per day, with an evening turn-down service. The room's dcor was 5-star quality with a balcony that overlooked the lovely courtyard pool area, and views of the Wasatch mountains not too far off in the distance.
What set this hotel apart from others were the little "freebie" extra touches that were available to guests, such as fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies in the lobby, ice-water coolers filled with lemon, lime and orange slices, replenished constantly, and being called by my name by staff during a particularly busy and hectic conference, with the hotel filled to capacity.
The hotel was close to various tourist sites, such as the Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints Temple, Sundance Ranch, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Great Salt Lake, where we took incredible photos of herds of bison, antelope and deer.
The hotel is close enough to use as a base for trips to Bryce Canyon or Arches National Park and is three hours from Las Vegas.
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Joanne Elves
private
Sept, 2010
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I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Manhattan. Just three blocks shy of Central Park is the Redeye Grill. It may sound homespun but it is nothing but delicious and five star dining. With six people at the table ordering everything from tuna steak to lobster mac and cheese, it was a culinary success. Everyone loved it. With all the places to eat in New York, I'd still put this on my "Must do again" list. The tuna steak was absolutely the best I've ever enjoyed. And to top it all off, it is an easy stroll back down 7th Ave to the brilliant neon lights of Times Square. Redeye Grill - www.redeyegrill.com, 890 7th Avenue New York. 212-541-9000
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Joanne Elves
private
Sept, 2010
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If you are wanting to go to the top of the Empire State Building, the doors open at 8 AM. Go then. By 9 AM the tour buses are pulling in and don't stop flooding the place until late in the day.
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Barb
private
Oct 8, 2010
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Calling all art buffs! This small town is a beautiful example of oceanside America and has the appeal and friendliness of your own neighborhood. Especially of interest to people who love art, check out the Peter Anderson Art Festival each November. Over 350 exhibitors and amazing unique and one-of-a-kind art and jewellery. Of special interest is the beautiful Gayle Clark silver jewellery which is uniquely designed by a woman who has been an Ocean Springs fixture for many years. Much work has been done at the beach of this beautiful town since Katrina.
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Kevin
private
Oct 8, 2010
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The admission ticket you buy is good for 2 consecutive days, so you can come back and see the tide either in or out, depending on when you go. Great value.
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Sara
private
Oct 11, 2010
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My favourite country to visit would have to be Thailand, specifically Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands and scuba diving in the Similan Islands. Would love to go back any day!
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John
private
Oct 12, 2010
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Kapalua, Maui, my favourite vacation place, is not only surrounded by incredible vistas across the channel separating Maui from Molokai (or Kauai) but the water itself is - warm, clear, blue - with incredible fish and other sea creatures easily observed in their habitat. The tropical breezes, swaying palms, and routine warm sunshine all conspire to take any visitor away - for however long you can stay. Kapalua also boasts three fantastic, world class, golf courses plus multiple accommodation options (hotel, condos, Ritz, etc.). Nearby, the fishing village of Lahaina, and the beach at Kaanapaali, provide additional opportunities for shopping, relaxing, and other distractions.
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Twila
private
Oct 16, 2010
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My favourite vacation destination to date has been New York City. I think everyone should have visiting New York city on their Bucket List. The Broadway shows, cabbies, pubs, dining, shopping; New York has it all.
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John
private
Oct 27, 2010
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My best destination is Scottsdale, Arizona. The weather is great and there is plenty to do.
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Kelly
private
Nov 1, 2010
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My favourite destination is Whitehorse. The scenery was beautiful and there was so much to do. Hiking, fishing, backpacking the Klondike trail, drinking locally roasted coffee. The town was not overrun with tourists and everyone was so friendly. Would love to go back.
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Janet
private
Nov 2, 2010
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My favourite vacation destination would be the Gaspé area. Lots of great roads for a motorcycle and breath-taking views of the St Lawrence River and Atlantic Ocean. Sprinkled with little motels and cabins.
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Aly
private
Nov 4, 2010
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My favourite vacation destination is Long Point Provincial Park in Ontario. The sandy beach is pristine and impressively long. It's the closest thing to the Caribbean without having to go to the airport! The campgrounds are clean and offer many options. With many things to do and see in the neighbouring cottage towns, this is the perfect getaway & not so far away!
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Mary
private
Nov 5, 2010
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One of my favorite vacation spots is Tankah Bay in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. There are a few small hotels, beach houses, and villas to rent on the bay. You can walk to a cenote for snorkeling. There is a small grocery store and a couple restaurants within walking distance on a dirt road. The beach is broken coral, so great for beachcombing. It's very quiet and secluded. You can snorkel and kayak right in front of your villa. There are manta rays, barracuda, and sea turtles in the bay. The water is clam and warm. If you want more action, the towns of Tulum, Akumal, and Playa del Carmen are only a short drive away, where you will find firm, wide, flat beaches for running, kite-boarding, boogie boarding, as well as bars, music, restaurants, hotels, and bigger grocery stores. The famous dive spots of Cozumel are a short ferry ride away. There are many cenotes to explore as well as fishing and zip-lining. There is a huge biosphere called Sian Kaan that is just south of Tulum. Check it out for wildlife viewing and solitude.
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Rita
private
Nov 10, 2010
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My favorite travel destination is Santorini, Greece.
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Sara
private
Nov 12, 2010
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My favourite country to visit would have to be New Zealand, specifically the South Island: Milford Sound and Queenstown. Would love to go back any day!
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Tanya
private
Nov 17, 2010
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If I had to choose a favourite destination that I've already travelled to, I'd say Cuba. I've had some great experiences there and love the beaches.
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Tom
private
Nov 18, 2010
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My favourite destination would be Venice, Italy. I`ve been there once, and would like to take my wife back there again for a romantic holiday.
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Regena
private
Nov 19, 2010
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San Francisco is one of my favorite cities to visit. Over the years I have gone there alone on several occasions and once with my best friend. It is a city that is very easy to navigate by use of the public transportation resources or by car. In fact, I've only rented a car once. There are so many things to do and see at little or no cost. I confess that I enjoy using Gray Line Tours to ensure that I see and experience places of interest like The Wharf, The Presidio, Alcatraz, Big Surf, Monterey, Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite, the Wine Country and Muir Woods. As much as I enjoy these locations, I enjoy the diversity in people. People seem sociable and accepting of diverse groups. I still recall having breakfast in my hotel restaurant my first morning in the city and hearing people from England, Germany, China and Australia. Having lived in the South and Mid-west all my life, it alone was a wonderful experience. Throughout my trips there, I people watch. Perhaps that is due in part to the fact that I am a social worker and that is part of the job. I love walking in San Francisco and on one of my trips I found myself walking from the Wharf to the Trans-America Building before I knew it. It was wonderful walking and observing the various businesses and neighborhoods. I was so engrossed that I forgot about the time and drastic weather changes. I happened upon a parade-the annual Gay Parade I later found out. By the time I got downtown, it was so cold I had to hop on the bus to get back to my hotel. I still enjoy visiting SF alone or with a friend. I feel invigorated by the city and enjoy the weather. No mosquitoes is an added benefit for me and I never complain about all the walking I do when I visit the city by the bay.
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Rita
private
Nov 21, 2010
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My favorite travel destination is the west coast of Oregon.
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Denise
private
Nov 22, 2010
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My favourite destination spot is Cancun, Mexico. It has many different facets: ecological adventures, archeological finds, sun, sand, wonderful weather.....excellent food!
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Melanie
private
Nov 23, 2010
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My hands-down favorite vacation destination is a tiny island in the eastern Caribbean called SABA. Unspoiled and so far untouched by mass tourism, this little gem in the middle of the Sea is a must-see for discerning travelers.
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Graham
private
Nov 24, 2010
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My all time dream destination is Greece! The food, the wine, the blue and white architecture, the beaches.... I could go on! Hoping to go for my honeymoon this summer!
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Sherri
private
Nov 26, 2010
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Bermuda is one of my favourite travel destinations for an actual vacation. It's an easy three hour flight from Toronto; the island is small and easy to get around; you can be pool/beachside within 30 minutes of landing at the airport; and the standard of living is high. Bermuda might not be the world's cheapest place to stay, but when you pay bargain basement prices for a vacation, someone else is paying (in some way) for that discount and that can be hard on the conscience.
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Lindsay
private
Nov 27, 2010
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One of my favourite destinations has to be Cambra Sands, near Tantallon, Nova Scotia. Although the destination is basically in my backyard (aka Halifax), I have fallen in love with this little gem on the Northumberland Strait. My boyfriend and I had a getaway to the cottages at the Cambra Sands Resort, and it was a true treat (even though it rained the entire time !). The cottages are pristine and all include fireplaces, usually in a room with a view of the ocean... It doesn't get much better than that !
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Lynn and John
private
Nov 28, 2010
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We love visiting the Mayan Riviera. We go for the snorkeling and the heat!!! I love to swim and it's nice to have a purpose. We have a new underwater camera and we're looking forward to using it next week.
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Gene C
private
Dec 2010
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When travelling by car in any winter climate, always carry a small bottle of the alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your coat pocket or purse. If your door locks freeze up and the key won't turn, rub a small amount of the sanitizer on both sides of your key, insert into the lock, wait 10 seconds, then gently wiggle the key back and forth. The alcohol in the sanitizer will thaw out the lock, and it will eventually open.
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Jason
private
Dec 2010
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Much as e-tickets may be considered 'paperless' in North America, there remain many parts of the world where entry into (or exit from) the airport passport control requires paper evidence that you have an onward flight booked and paid for - hence a print-out of your e-ticket itinerary should be regarded as nearly as important as the old tickets were.
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Neilia
private
Dec 2010
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Watch out for all the ways that cruise lines try to separate you from your money. Bring some bottles of water and soft drinks in your luggage. Ask to make your own decision regarding tips rather than paying the amount that they choose for you. Don't get caught up in the excitement and pay insanely high amounts for their photos. And if you don't mind exploring on your own, arrange your own shore excursions for about half the price.
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Brian Querry
private
Dec 2010
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We travel each summer to Lancaster County, PA, and often sample many of the local restaurants and tastes that make Lancaster County so special. This past summer, we decided to look for something new, and sought out a newer restaurant location that, while not necessarily considered a local "flavor", was somewhere new to us. We stumbled upon the WOW Wingery & Cafe. This great site is located right next to Franklin and Marshall College, just minutes from Route 30. The menu features an outstanding assortment of great sauces and flavors. Wings are the specialty, but you can also get boneless wings, appetizers, burgers, salads, and more. We were greeted warmly at the door, and our waitress returned often to check on us. The seating is plentiful and varied (tables, booths, bar seating), and the decor was very sports-friendly. Our food arrived quickly. The Italian Garlic & Herb wings were exceptional, with a generous quantity of wings and fabulous flavor. The Asian Teryaki sauce was perfectly balanced - so delicious, in fact, we had to take a bottle home (which you can do for some of the flavors). Our final bill was very moderately priced for the amount of food we ordered. A manager greeted us during our meal to make sure everything was o.k. We will definitely return here on future visits to Lancaster County! Address: 721 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-824-4673, Web Site: http://www.wowcafe.com/
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Malcolm Stewart
private
Dec 2010
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Bin 941 has to be the best intimate, sexy, gourmet, tapas bar in North America. Not only is the food beyond exceptional, but the whole "little" place vibes with cool art, music and people who enjoy being close. It is, in my view, the best kept secret in Vancouver. Corner of Burrard and Davie.
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Steve Bailey
private
Dec 2010
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This is a beautiful spot. Great to watch the winter storms whip up the waves on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Wonderful spa facilities. Try the couples' massage in the Cedar Sanctuary right on the beach.
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Tanya Miller
private
Dec 2010
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The best Montreal restaurant is Aux Vivres, 4631 Boulevard St-Laurent, 514-8423479,
http://www.auxvivres.com/en/home/; for Vegan, health-conscious, environmentally-friendly, and wise tourists! This Vegan restaurant in the Mont Royal neighbourhood, has a great brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert menu. There is also a delicious smoothie bar. Staff are welcoming and selection is vast. Street parking available, but it's conveniently located across the street from the Mont Royal Metro station. Prices are very reasonable, with a full meal (drink, appetizer, main course and dessert) amounting to $20-$25. Five stars!
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Dweller
private
Dec 2010
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Tolsmaville is a "ghost" village on Cockburn Island, Ontario, truly a "boondocks" travel destination. You can get there only by boat, and you'll have to make your own arrangements in Thessalon, Ontario. Former residents and visitors keep track through a Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=ts&gid=31936991742
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Tami Kaminsen
private
Jan 2011
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To avoid over-packing, always include something lightweight and big in your suitcase on the way out. When you reach your destination, seek out a person or charity that would like to have your lightweight, big item. Give it away freely. It will be a nice gift for others and will allow you a little extra room for the souvenirs you want to take home.
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Secrets From My Suitcase
private
Jan 2011
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Trip Advisor has named Abbeymoore Manor, a B&B in Victoria, B.C., as the top B&B in North American and second in the world in its 2010 Traveler's Choice awards. Readers determine the winners. Looks like a great place:
http://www.abbeymoore.com/
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Aileen Roberts
private
Jan 2011
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20,000+ people crammed into a farmer's field... things get messy. A few tips on what to bring and what not to do: Bring a full rain suit including rubber boots. If you think a poncho will hold up, you are wrong! Wear sunscreen, unless you want your face to swell up like a tomato after being burnt... :( And lastly, do not drink whiskey straight from the bottle. This will result in a whiskey burn above your lip. Yes, you learn a lot your first time at Craven. But most importantly, have fun! There's nothing better than good friends, good music, and adventure.
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Ginger
private
Jan 2011
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For contact lens wearers in particular, it is handy to travel with a standard size sink plug. It saves stuffing a paper towel in the drain to avoid loss of a lens. You can fill a sink with water even if the plug in the hotel room or gas station restroom is missing.
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Arc
private
Jan 2011
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Anywhere that has a beach is always the best places to visit!
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George Burden
private
Jan 2011
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Disney World has billboards all over referring to their "Best Kept Secret," meaning the much touted holiday clubs. While my daughter and I stayed at the on-site moderate resort, the Coronado Springs, we discovered it is, in fact, Disney's "Best Kept Secret" for families. This resort caters mainly to conventions though it has a great pool with a Mayan pyramid overlooking and a wonderful waterslide. Since most guests are conventioneers the pools are not crowded, the restaurants are wide open except at the specific times the conventioneers eat and the buses to and from the theme parks go out half empty. It was gratifying to see the big line-ups for buses back to the other resorts at closing time and simply walk right on the transport to our own hotel.
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Dawn
private
Jan 2011
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Traveling as a family? Stay at a youth hostel. Worldwide, unique accommodations and central locations! When last in Lyon, France, my dad and I stayed in a hostel together (he used to take us as little kids through Europe in hostels). The same year he got his youth hostel card, he also got his seniors card! Anyhow, at a low cost (children under 2 are free), your family will get your own room, all the amenities you need (kitchen, internet, snack bar), and best of all, you'll get the best insider travel trips anywhere.
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George Burden
private
Jan 2011
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Yes, the Dollar Store is a great place to find some of those things that are needed on a trip. For a buck or two things can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of brand name items. Especially items that are inexpensive to produce and what we pay for is the advertising and packaging. Here are some things that are available: An eight pack of 3-ply Kleenex (If you are going to travel in areas where toilet paper is at a premium or non-existent, this is what you take. It’s more versatile and easier to pack than toilet paper.); Anti-Nausea Wristband (This is for those who get sea sick and are allergic to Gravol related ingredients in the pills that are available for free on board ship or just prefer to use these bands in place of medication. The last cruise I was on they were selling for $15 a pair.); Hand sanitizers (Don’t leave home without them. A “Simple Pur” brand spray in the form of a pen is available and small enough to fit in your pocket. Handy twenty-five ml of sanitizer is found in a two pack or you can buy the 725 ml refill bottle for two bucks.); Travel Whips and Towel Whips come in packs of twenty-five and ten; Gillette Shave Cream is available in a small aerosol can. A regular can of shaving cream is way more than you need and is heavy; Peroxide (This is a good antiseptic and you can put it in smaller containers. Rubbing Alcohol is also available.); Fifty ml liquid dispenser bottles. You can use these for items such as the Peroxide or Alcohol above; All kinds of band aids; Snore Free Nose Clips; Reading Glasses from 1.25 to 3.25 magnifications. (It is also a good idea to bring along an extra pair of your regular glasses or at least a prescription in case they get lost. You do want to “see” the sights.); Zip Lock bags (All sizes are available. They are indispensable for organizing things and are necessary if you are carrying any medications or liquid (150 ml or less) items in your carry-on luggage. Any larger amounts of liquids or creams no matter what it is (sun screen, facial cream, water, mouth wash, whatever, should be in your checked baggage other wise it will be confiscated.); Room Deodorizers; Sports Water Bottles; Sudoku and Crossword Puzzles; LED Book Light; Batteries. (I wouldn’t suggest these for your camera (good rechargeable ones are best), but for alarm clocks, book lights, pen flash lights etc. they are great.); Pen Flashlight; Small Travel Spray Bottles. (Easy to carry and you can refresh yourself in hot climates with a couple fine mist sprays of water.); A soft cover spiral bound memo book, brand name First Class or Spectrum, 4” X 5 ½ “ , 160 perforated pages. (I always carry one. It usually has my personally compiled foreign language dictionary for the country I am traveling to, some important numbers and addresses and a lot of blank pages to record the chronological order and information about the pictures I have taken.); Multi-Use Labels. Pack of 500, self adhesive. Use as tabs in your Memo book above.
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Bill Balian
private
Jan 2011
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There are those who believe that a tourist visa is a redundant document, especially when you consider that most if not all the personal information on the visa already exists in electronic form on your passport. They served a purpose back in the day when computers and the transfer of information were limited. That is not the case today. Even so, many countries still require a tourist visa. By definition, a visa is an endorsement on your passport that grants permission to enter a country. That decision once had to be made on the spot by the customs officials at the border. If you are just going on a holiday or visiting relatives etc., what’s the big deal? The problem is that it was limits in scrutinizing people entering the country that were undesirables; had a contagious disease; carried plants, or animals that were a threat to the ecosystem etc. Some sort of preliminary screening system was needed. Enter the tourist visa as we basically know it today. As a tourist, it is your responsibility to inquire about what visa regulations there are for the country(s) you are traveling to. Your travel agent will be able to help you with this and is one of the many reasons why I prefer to deal with an agent I know rather than booking trips on line. Acquiring a visa may be simple or complicated and expensive depending on the country of destination. Mexico, for example does not charge a fee for their tourist visa and it consists of just a few questions that are filled out on the plane before you land in your destination. Cuba charges a fee for its tourist visa, but is included in the price of the trip. Some countries like Egypt require you to fill out an application form for the visa and send it with your passport (not a copy), and two separate passport like photos attached to the application, to the Egyptian Embassy in Ottawa. They also require that Kentours, a specialized visa courier service be used if you are not hand delivering it to the embassy. They will not accept the visa application if sent by Fed Ex, Purolator etc. The visa application will cost you $98.75 per person single entry, $109 per person if multi entry, plus the cost of the two photos $12, plus the Kentours courier service of $28. On arriving in Cairo I found out that I could apply and get a 30 day tourist visa for $15 US. Felt a little silly at first, but consider this. Yes you can get your visa upon your arrival, but it is not recommended, Trafalgar/Insight and Globus do not recommend this, in case you are denied the visa, therefore you would have to purchase a one way flight home, and your tour is non refundable, and you wouldn't be able to travel. It is recommended you get this visa before you travel, if the passenger does not want to, there would be a waiver to sign stating that your travel agent (company) is not responsible.
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Bill Balian
private
Jan 2011
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Let’s take a look at what I mentioned above as the singe entry and multi entry tourist visa. Single entry visas are needed if you are going to stay within the country and not cross its borders until you depart. Multi entry visas are needed if for example you visit the country for a few days, go on an excursion out side of the country for a day or two and then return to the original destination country for the remaining days of your trip. Simple enough, you plan to do the later. So you buy the multi entry visa. It’s always good to check with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada to determine if any precautions, warnings or travel restrictions exist in your country(s) of destination. The bottom line here is you can’t afford to take anything for granted. I can remember a few years ago when the Canadian Coast Guard seized some Spanish fishing vessels that were over fishing in Canadian waters off the Grand Banks. The Spanish government in retaliation slapped on an immediate visa requirement for Canadian citizens traveling in Spain that consisted of increased visa charges every time you entered and exited the country. That was a particular problem for tourists that were already in Spain and for tour operators that would have bus loads of tourists crossing the border on for example a Spain and Portugal or Spain, Portugal and Morocco tour. For a list of countries that require Canadian citizens to have a tourist visa to enter their country visit:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/tourist-visas-tourisme-eng.asp . This is part of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada site and it is worth your while to fully explore it. Another really good site is
http://projectvisa.com/
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Bill Balian
private
Jan 2011
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Two of the best programs I have found in learning a language for tourists are the Byki 4 Express (www.byki.com) and Transparent Language (www.transparent.com). Byki 4 Express is part of the Transparent Language Program and is the free version that you can download from the internet. When you download your first language you will need to also download the operational framework for the program. Each successive language you download after that is added to the framework and you then select which language you want to work with from the drop down list. There are over seventy languages that can be downloaded from Byki 4 Express. Byki 4 Express is a great program. If you are interested in learning German, Spanish or other European language, their use of the same alphabet contributes greatly to the reading and pronunciation of words and phrases. However, what if you wanted to brush up on Arabic or Greek? Their alphabets are different than ours. No problem. In Byki 4 Express you can download the application in their written language or the Transliterated form that is phonetically written using our alphabet.
There are three basic steps in working with the Byki 4 Express. Let’s say you want to learn Arabic in the transliterated form. In Step 1 there are categories of words and phrases such as: Directions, Food, Survival Phrases etc. to choose to work with. Each category has several words that are presented on flip cards. Each flip card has a picture, the phonetic spelling of the phase in Arabic and the corresponding phrase in English. When the card first appears, the phrase is pronounced in Arabic. If needed, you can select to repeat the pronunciation and or to slow the pronunciation down to hear the phrase more slowly and clearly. There are Previous and Next buttons as well as an Auto Flip button. You can also adjust the card display settings.
In Step 2, you are shown a card with the phonetic spelling of a phrase and the phrase is pronounced. You may choose to respond with what the phrase means in English verbally and then flip the card to see if you were correct. If you wish you can select the written mode whereby your response is typed and then checked. The pronunciation can be repeated, slowed down, the phrase can be skipped and you can even select a Self-Reporting Mode.
Step 3 gives you the English phrase and you are to verbally express the phrase in Arabic or type the phrase in Arabic. When you flip the card, the pronunciation is heard and you see the phonetic spelling as well as the English phrase. In this step you also can repeat the pronunciation, slow it down, and skip a phrase.
Each of these three steps has two meters that show the percentage of the step you have completed with each card. Everything I have written about so far is in a tab labeled Learn. In the tab labeled My Learned Items, there are charts and graphs that track your Progress, Learned Items Status, Total Learned Items etc. Under the Look tab you will find in list form what is on each card in a given category. Check Public Libraries for these items.
The only drawback I have encountered with the Byki 4 Express program is that it is not possible to print any of the cards or lists. So I compile my own language dictionaries using notebooks, labels etc. acquired from the Dollar Store.
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Cassiopeia
private
Jan 2011
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Queen Street West is the home of Peach Beserk, and many other fabulous shops. Visit Peach Beserk for great original screen printed dresses, t-shirts, coats, and more. You will be the only one on your block to own an design by them, and their bright colours turn heads. I have bought many treasured items over the years, and always get compliments as they stand out in a sea of mediocrity of chain store clothing.
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Dana Wounch
private
Jan 2011
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Double and triple check your camera bag! Make a list of standard travel camera necessities – and always be prepared. Whether it’s a part of a stay-cation somewhere close to home, or a trip to the Galapagos Islands; memories are short but pictures last forever!
Find out about batteries where you are going – they often are incredulous in price. If packing rechargeable batteries, the chargers could have compatibility issues with wall outlets overseas.
Cameras get stolen, lost, or water damaged. If you are comfortable with the internet and have access to upload your pictures - DO IT! Online site such as Flicker or Facebook are quick and a sure fire way to guarantee those precious snap shots are forever. Set up accounts prior to going so you are familiar and comfortable with what you are doing. Try out a public computer with your camera equipment to test that you are indeed ready! Carry more than one memory card.
Running out of space will have you choosing which pictures are the LEAST important!
They are all important! Don’t make yourself have to choose! Sometimes, choosing to carry a less expensive back up camera will ensure those memories get digitalized. Pack your camera right, this will ensure your memories are more than just memories!
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MGF
private
Jan 2011
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When in Oaxaca City, be sure to stay at Hotel Las Golondrinas (The Swallows Hotel) and eat breakfast in the garden courtyard surrounded by the namesake bird, geckos and the dancing tree cohune palms, latex sap rubber trees, chicle gums, cyrillas, fan-leaved willow bustics, naked flame corals with their fat toxic seeds, buttress-root fig trees, pink geraniums, pungent berried madro&numl;o shrubs, a single long-limbed pecan, knife-trunked palmettos with their lavender bisexual flowers and black nectarine drupes, sapote negro, pomegranate, yagrumo macho timber, the orange spiked fruit of the sweetgum monkeyball, and buxom grapefruit bobbing like lures over what will be the best huevos rancheros you will have had in ages.
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True Caper
private
Jan 2011
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If you are in Cape Breton, visit the Cedar House Restaurant (open May-October). It is located just before the Seal Island Bridge. The food is fantastic as is the service. You can also purchase baked goods and delicious dessert treats.
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Ritoula
private
Jan 2011
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On my last airplane trip, I ran out of room in my suitcase, and did not want to take another because of the new policy of charging for extra bags. I took out all of my clothes and decided to try to roll them instead. Not only did they fit better in my suitcase, but for some reason, they didn't wrinkle!
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Lisa
private
Jan 2011
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Stay hydrated. Not drinking enough water while traveling can make you irritable and give you muscle cramps and headaches. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
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Chris
private
Jan 2011
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Want to relax and immerse oneself into traditional Japanese culture? Visit Tokyo's Oedo-Onsen Monogatari, a combination hot springs, dining, games and relaxation in an Edo-era environment. Have a massage, sand and stone bath, traditional Japanese food and games. Very affordable and great way to spend a day and mix with Japanese.
http://www.ooedoonsen.jp
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Kent Avery
private
Jan 2011
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When in Dublin, it is an absolute must to visit Trinity College. The traditional tour is amazing, but it is worth exploring the college on your own. The rich history of the college and the teaching/learning that has and continues to happen there is exciting and one must take it all in or as much as you can.
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Carol-Ann Giroday
private
Jan 2011
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Clam Cannery Hotel, Port Townsend, Wash. An all suite waterfront hotel located in an old brick clam cannery built in 1885, sits out over the ocean in the historic Victorian seaport of downtown Port Townsend. During the 1930’s to 1960’s the building was home to one of the largest producers of canned clams on the west coast of the United States. After four decades of abandonment, several million dollars and seven years of loving restorative work the new hotel opened on August 1st, 2009.
One of the most painted and photographed buildings in Port Townsend, this unique work of art has been carefully restored with every attempt to reuse original building materials as well as the craftsmanship of local artisans. Each room is exquisitely appointed with subtle touches of hand crafted works. The mirrors are hand-etched, all the metal, from the shelving brackets to the handrails to the electrical cover plate at the end of the kitchen counters, are custom crafted by a local blacksmith. Clamshells from under the building have been added into the concrete counter tops of the gourmet kitchens, old worm-scarred reclaimed wood from the walls now adorn the cabinet door faces and timbers from the cannery floor have been forged together to form large entry doors hung by iron hinges. The character of the hotel has been accented with extensive use of hammered copper, concrete floors, and hand-blown glass fixtures.
Each suite overlooks Port Townsend Bay with views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Whidbey Island and the Strait of Juan De Fuca. In the heart of the downtown area, The Clam Cannery is within walking distance of everything; dozens of art galleries, coffee shops, clothing boutiques, restaurants and pubs. Siren, with an outdoor deck perched three stories above the water, is a popular pub to quench your thirst with a pint of Guinness, live entertainment and some good food as well as the Waterstreet Brewery for on-site brews and more live music. Start your day at Salal for breakfast one block away or Sweet Lorette's for fresh pastries in the Uptown District. Maybe take in a guided walking tour of the town and finish with a show at the Rose Theatre.
The culture of Port Townsend brings
people from all over the world to enjoy the Blues and Jazz Festivals, Rhododendron Festival as well as the Wooden Boat Show. In the warmer seasons there is Thursday night entertainment with music on the dock which can be enjoyed right from the privacy of your room.
If going out on the town is not to your liking and you would prefer to relax in the privacy of your own room, local business people are encouraged to come to the hotel to give the visiting guests every luxury they might wish. Spa service is available in your suite as well as a gourmet chef to prepare sumptuous meals using fresh produce and delicacies from the town markets. The modern kitchens have all the necessary culinary equipment to create meals of your own choosing if you want to eat in and spend your money in another way. It's a blast from the past in this quaint seaside town.
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Dan Cooper
private
Jan 2011
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We just discovered this fabulous, low-key restaurant in Burlington, Ontario, on the weekend. The Grinning Gourmand is part deli, part caterer, part casual restaurant with only a few tables, but the food is refreshingly creative, original and great. I had the Goose Pot Pie, a dish recommended by the owner/chef that turned out far better than even he had described. Tender slices of goose served with a flaky crust and farm-fresh vegetables didn't taste gamey at all and the texture resembled a steak. They also sell fresh baked desserts and have a selection of over 40 imported cheeses. Here's the link to their website http://www.grinninggourmand.com/
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Star
private
Feb 2011
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I recommend Exploritas (formerly called Elderhostel) for excellent opportunities for educational travel. I went to Prague and Budapest in the fall and had a wonderful trip.
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Ann Middleton
private
Feb 2011
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For sanitary reasons, some people hate walking without shoes in public places. If you're concerned about having to take off your shoes as you walk through airport security, have a pair of old socks or the disposable paper ones tucked in your pocket, slip them on, go through, and just toss them when you're finished being checked.
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Rockydm
private
Feb 2011
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A great place to visit when you are in Niagara Falls is Boston Pizza by Clifton Hill. Truly a remarkable place as once there you can do the following:
1. eat (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
2. have coffee at Tim Horton's right across the "piazza"
3. kids/adults will enjoy playing a variety of games including bowling, shooting pool, etc.
4. go for a great walk along the Niagara Falls Boulevard and see both falls
5. ride the sky wheel
6. go to some of the museums
7. walk to the casino ,...
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Jan
private
Feb 2011
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If in the Phoenix area, do visit the Mesa Arts Center--a spectacular building with theatres, craft studios and gallery. But don't go on a Sunday--the Arts Center is open but nothing else is. It's a town of Mormon heritage--you won't find a coffee shop within many miles!
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George Burden
private
Feb 2011
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To avoid spoiling several days of your holiday with Travelers' Diarrhea, take two doses of the oral vaccine Dukoral before your holiday (one booster dose if you've previously had the vaccine). Not only does it cut down you chances of getting E. coli gut infections but it also prevents cholera if you happen to be in an endemic area!
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Marie
private
Feb 2011
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When staying in Turks and Caicos, visit the Ocean Club West, and try their pickled grouper. We hesitated, as it didn't sound appetizing, but found it to be the best fresh fish dinner we have ever had. One year later, we talk about it all the time. Do your research before you go. If a particular fish or meat is the national dish, then order it, and you probably won't have a bad meal. This has worked for me many times.
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Marc Angell
private
Feb 2011
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A moderate mountain bike challenge is worth the time and effort in Lake Tahoe. Find your way to the Flume Trail which can be accessed near the junction of highways 50 and 28 near the east central side of Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side. Highway 50 enters the lake from Carson City to the east. Google Earth has some great images and maps to get your initial bearings. Safe Pedaling!
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Inch
private
Feb 2011
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One of the best ways to enjoy the Halifax skyline and take in a cheap cruise in the Halifax Harbour is to hop on the Ferry to Dartmouth. It is cheap, only a couple bucks and has the same beautiful views as the expensive tall ships tours that operate on the waterfront!
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Sammy
private
Feb 2011
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In most locations, if you join the local public library (usually very inexpensive) you can get free internet access.
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Gypsy Irene
private
Feb 2011
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A good pair of hiking boots is the best measure against a sprain or other ankle injuries. BUT if it happens that you only have low cut runners along, and a site you wish to visit has uneven terrain or irregular steps, have a couple of tensor bandages handy to wrap around your ankles for extra support, making sure to wrap a few layers under your instep to keep all in place before donning your footwear.
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Harry den
private
Feb 2011
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Vancouver's best pizza restaurant is now one of the hot favourite Pizza makers and has been serving Surrey since 1975. Ensuring the highest quality food standards, they offer nothing but great food. Pizza menu:
www.venetispizza.com. Call: 604-584-3161.
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arc
private
Feb 2011
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Anywhere that has a beach is always the best places to visit!
I love to go to Holden Beach with my family.
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