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Europe

City Guide: Stockholm

Looking for a Scandinavian adventure this fall? Try venturing north to Stockholm, Sweden. Stockholm is the largest city and capitol of Sweden. Made up of 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, this captivating Scandinavian city is a must see on any European adventure. The city is divided into five main areas: Normalm – The central business area filled with major theatres, the central railway station, shopping and nightlife. Östermalm – This upscale neighborhood has several major tourist venues, the Stockholm University and the Royal Institute of Technology. Galma Stan – Filled with narrow cobblestone streets and government buildings, the Old Town is where you can find the Royal Palace and the Swedish Parliament. Södermalm – The south island is home to the best views and sights of the city. Make your way to the shopping district of Slussen to find a variety of cafes, restaurants and trendy boutiques. Kungsholmen –…

Podcast

#1: Have Bag, Will Travel – Family First

On our first episode of Have Bag, Will Travel; journalist Caleigh Alleyne sits down with her parents to share how they inspired her to love travel from a young age and learn the origin of the name of the show. A post shared by Caleigh. (@caleighalleyne) on Dec 31, 2017 at 8:53am PST Listen to “Have Bag, Will Travel – #1 A New Chapter” on Spreaker.

Hotels + Resorts

New York City: Hotel Giraffe

Whether it is your first time to Manhattan, or you’re a New York City regular, staying in midtown offers you the perfect launching point to get to a number of activities within the city. Part of the Library Hotel Collection, Hotel Giraffe is a beautiful spot for you to stay within the city. Hotel Giraffe is centrally located just steps away from Madison Square Park and the Flatiron District in Midtown Manhattan. Reflecting the tall, narrow shape and elegance of a Giraffe, this slender hotel is aptly named after Library Hotel Collection President Henry Kallan’s favourite animal. Offering guests a picturesque rooftop garden, a tranquil main floor lounge and boutique hotel rooms, Hotel Giraffe is an excellent option for those travelling to The Big Apple looking for a serene place to stay within the city. The hotel also offers a continental breakfast for guests and a night wine and cheese reception from 5:00…

New York

City Guide: 24 Hours in Syracuse

The fourth largest city in New York State, Syracuse is an educational and economic hub located on the north-east corner of the Finger Lakes region. This vibrant city is the perfect gateway into this region offering visitors a ton to see and do. During our road trip down to the Finger Lakes, we dropped by Syracuse for the day to explore this ever-changing city.Lunch –  Aster Pantry & Parlor Bringing together modern day cuisine restaurant inspired by the Victorian era, Aster Pantry & Parlor is a luxury dining restaurant located in downtown Syracuse in Armory Square. Their menu includes an array of farm fresh dishes made from ingredients sources from local artisans, growers and producers. Afternoon – Explore the History of Syracuse During the afternoon, we took a short walking tour through the history downtown core of Syracuse. Syracuse has a long history as it was first settled by Europeans when the…

Canada

Why My 2017 Resolution is to Travel Across Canada

After countless years of making and breaking my New Year’s resolutions, 2017 will be the year when I will finally make a resolution that I want to keep.  In honor of the 150th anniversary of Canada’s confederation, I am dedicating this year to explore the national parks, heritage spaces and unique spots all across this big country. Starting this winter in Alberta, I will be dedicating each month to explore a new province or territory in Canada aiming to visit all thirteen by the end of the year. This is a great time to explore Canada as celebratory events and activities will be popping up throughout the country during 2017 that are not to be missed. To help you plan your vacation, here are my suggestions of when and where to go in Canada during the 150th year. For more inspiration, take a peak at 40 small towns in Canada…

Mexico

Los Cabos: Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts

There are two types of Canadians. The ones who love the cold and find delight in the crisp cool winds while playing winter sports. And then there are the snowbirds, the ones who flea down south at the first sign of snow. For those of you who are the later, traveling south to Los Cabos, Mexico is always a good idea. To help you find the perfect resort, the Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts has something for every traveler heading to Los Cabos. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort For the pair looking for an all-inclusive escape, find an all-inclusive destination that incorporates things you both like to do. The Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort is a great option because while he’s out golfing, you can be relaxing by the pool or the spa. Or, take advantage of the wide range of activities this resort has to offer by…

Travel

City Guide: Boston

This vibrant capital city embodies the quaint New England charm in a world-class city filled with cultural neighbourhoods, world-class museums and architecture. From historic walking tours along the cobblestone streets to modern marketplaces nestled beside skyscrapers; there is something in the city for everyone. Boston is a city filled with historic districts juxtaposed with modern day flare where tourists and locals alike find themselves wandering through the Boston Common, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the cobblestone streets of Boston’s oldest neighbourhood (the North End – Italian) and enjoy some of the most beautiful sites the city has to offer. Citi Performing Arts Center Boston: Discover the hub of arts and culture in downtown Boston at the Citi Wang or Citi Shubert Theaters during your stay in Boston. With a wide selection of cultural and artistic programming, there is a live performance or show to enjoy at their theatres on every night…

Hotels + Resorts

Ottawa: The Andaz Hotel

This year, as you’re planning your Canada 150 celebration in Ottawa, there’s now a new place to stay in town. The luxury boutique Andaz Hotel has made their way into the lively Byward Market offering a modern retreat within the centre of the city. What drew me first to the Andaz was the location set within steps of restaurants, museums and other Ottawa attractions. They currently have 200 rooms on 16 floors and an onsite restaurant, Feast + Revel. and Copper, the rooftop bar.But what made me want to stay was the rooms that boast some of the best aerial views of the city overlooking Byward Market, the National Gallery, Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills. The rooms are filled with complimentary Canadian-made snacks. Each room is furnished with luxury amenities with touches of Ottawa found throughout designed by Mason Studios creating a tranquil space of pale neutrals and soft copper finishes.…

Travel News

Travel News: Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa Opens

X Fund Properties Limited and Aimbridge Hospitality announce the opening of  Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa nestled on a private cove between Jamaica’s sprawling rolling hills and vibrant Caribbean Sea, a mere fifteen minutes from Sangster International Airport. The Jamaican owned all-inclusive resort exemplifies the island’s laidback ambiance paired with a myriad of premium amenities from a 30,000-square foot island villa-inspired Grande Spa to 12 epicurean marvels found in a Jamaica resort. The new addition to the Jewel chain of resorts boasts three beachfront towers—Sabal, Silver and Sentry–and 11 expansive villas for a total of 217 fully-stocked, tastefully curated accommodation options. An assortment of dining offerings catering to discerning palates, personal butler service, 25,000 square feet of customizable meetings space, and an elaborate villa inspired spa sanctuary are only a few of the noteworthy offerings gracing this island escape to create a beautiful Jamaica resort “Driven by Jamaica’s…

Design

Redesign Your Kitchen with AyA

Did you know that one of the best ways to increase the resale value of your home is with a kitchen redesign? This is the room in your home that is most used, and loved by you and your family. No matter whether you’re a new home owner or have lived their for years, sometimes your home just needs a little refresh. We sat down with Sandra Mendes, a Senior Projects Designer at  AyA Kitchens to get her tips to help you  tackle your next renovation in style. First off, can you tell us a little about AyA? AyA is a leading Canadian manufacturer of kitchen cabinetry, offering innovative products with an incomparable selection of styles, colours and accessories for the home. We have been helping people create their ultimate living spaces for 15 years, providing the perfect union of good design with value and quality. How do you stay on…