Designed to be a pillar of light within the community, the Aga Khan Museum showcases the breadth of Muslim civilizations from the 8th century to the present day in their permanent collection. With over 1000 artifacts that include rare manuscripts, paintings, ceramics, glass, scientific instruments and intricate metal work founds in this 1,800 square metre galleries. On now until June 26, 2016,the exhibition A City Transformed: Images of Istanbul Then and Now explores the beautiful and historic city of Istanbul, Turkey and how it has evolved over the years — first as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and finally Kostantiniyye or Istanbul as the Ottoman capital — to the present day metropolis. From the earliest photographs dating back to the period 1850s–80s, when local and travelling photographers vied for the honour of bearing the Ottoman Sultan’s official tuğra (calligraphic monogram) on their albums and panoramas from the acclaimed collection of Ömer Koçto to…
Travel Photography Tips With Your Smartphone
After travelling to thirty countries (and counting!) I love keeping scrapbooks and albums of all of the photos I have taken on my trips. Everything you need for you next big trip can usually be found on your smartphone or tablet. Packing light has become easier than ever! From travel guides to boarding passes to your camera, everything you need can be stored on this one, very handy, device. Tips for Taking Travel Photography on your Smart Phone A smartphone is a great travel companion. It saves your boarding passes and itinerary, makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home, and it can even help you translate local words and phrases. And with ever-improving lenses, sensors and software, it’s also a fantastic camera! A smartphone will let you take great photos on the road without standing out or drawing too much attention to yourself, and you…
City Guide: Boston – Where to Eat
Boston is a 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 enjoying some of the most beautiful sites the city has to offer. Here is a list of some of the delicious restaurants that should not be missed the next time you go to Boston! Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar (412 West Broadwary): Located in the eclectic South Boston neighbourhood, LOCO is a local favourite that specializes in tacos, has a raw bar and…
Martinique: Where to Stay
For all of the jet-setters hoping to escape the cold this winter, look no further than the idyllic island of Martinique. Located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea, Martinique is an ideal warm weather destination welcoming tourists with open arms to experience the hospitality of the island. With a wide range of hotels, villas and resorts to stay on the island, here are some suggestions for you next Caribbean vacation. Facing onto the ocean in Les Trois-Ilets, Hôtel Bakoua has been a longstanding favourite on the island having the ideal seaside location for both business and leisure travellers. With an ocean inlet view among a luscious tropical garden, this hotel has an exquisite onsite restaurant, ocean level bar, raised overflow pool and 132 rooms built in creole style buildings. However for all of the travellers looking for something other than the resort, VillaVEO offers a curated selection of rental properties all around Martinique…
Martinique: What to Do
For all of the jet-setters hoping to escape the cold this winter, look no further than the idyllic island of Martinique. Located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea, Martinique is an ideal warm weather destination welcoming tourists with open arms to experience the hospitality of the island. Come explore the lush gardens and rich vistas of this tranquil Caribbean island as you venture to see all that this beautiful island has to offer and more. Here are some of the most beautiful spots in Martinique. For a unique and exciting way to see the main area of Fort de France, CycloComm provides you an interesting tour of the island in electric tricycles. This eco-friendly tour company offers you an informative tour to see some of the most interesting tourist attractions in downtown area. For a taste of Martinique, be sure to pay a visit to the Chocolaterie Frères Lauzéa to taste chocolates and candied-fruit paste…
Martinique: Where to Eat
For all of the epicureans and foodies hoping to escape the cold this winter, look no further than the idyllic island of Martinique. Located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean Sea, Martinique is an ideal warm weather destination welcoming tourists with open arms to experience their unique Creole cuisine made with a French flair. Martinique is an island filled with a rich and unique culinary culture that is worth exploring on and off the resort. Infusing French cooking styles with Creole flavours; traditional local foods showcase the hybridity of the diverse culinary landscape on the island. Hidden in Pointe Thalémont au François, Le Plein Soleil is a stunning 3-star hotel with a view of the Baie de François. A local gem, this boutique hotel is colourfully decorated and has an exquisite onsite restaurant led by Chef Nathanaël Ducteil. Mixing together French and Caribbean cuisine, this refined menu offers guest…
City Guide: Budapest
This central European city has quickly become one of the “must-see” destinations for tourists both young and old traveling around the continent. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage List for cultural and architectural significance of the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue in 1987, the Hungarian capital city of Budapest is a vibrant city filled with history and culture with an exciting youthful presence. While on exchange during my third year of university, I had the pleasure of spending a long weekend in Budapest. Looking to spend a couple of days in this great city? Here’s how to make the most of your trip! Getting There Only a few short hours away from many of the major European cities, Budapest is easily accessible bus, rail or by discount airlines such as Ryan Air, Easy Jet and Wiz Air. The capital area used to be two…
City Guide: Helsinki
The next time you’re planning a trip to Europe, why not venture a bit further north and explore the stunning Scandinavian capital of Finland, Helsinki? Renown for its world-class architecture, Helsinki’s busy downtown core is filled with landmark design gems such as the Saarinen-designed Central Railway Station, the Senate Square, the Lutheran Cathedral, the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral,Market Square, and more. One of my favorite buildings that I visited while in Helsinki was The Church in the Rock (Temple Square Church), which was dug out of solid rock and constructed out of 22km of copper strips in 1969 by architects (and brothers) Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. This city is a cultural hub and home to some exceptional museums like the Ateneum Art Museum, Design Museum Helsinki,The National Museum of Finland, Helsinki City Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Sinebrychoff Art Museum and many, many more. Helsinki is also the center of Finland’s government with the Parliament…
See the World by River
River cruising is more popular than ever and for good reason. A one of a kind experience, river cruises allow travellers a chance to truly see a region. From scenic vistas to stately castles in old world settings, river cruising offers unique itineraries for the intrepid. According to a Consumer Affairs Report (read the entire report here), river cruising has experience an 11% growth in the last year with expanded itineraries across multiple continents (Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa) and is no friendlier than ever for solo travellers. Thinking about planning a river cruise? Here are my top 2 destinations I’d love to explore by river. Cover Image Source 1. Egypt Along the Nile Source 2. Vietnam, Cambodia Along the Mekong River Source 3. Along the Danube Source
A Winter Weekend in Ottawa
Whether you are travelling by plane, train or automobile, Ottawa is the perfect destination for you next weekend away. I packed by bags and left Toronto after work on a Friday. Only four and a half hours away by train, I left the 4:35 pm train and arrived in Ottawa at 8:23 pm. After dropping my bags off at the hotel, the night was still young to explore the nation’s capital at night. Friday Evening Freshen up after you train ride and put on your dancing shoes. With rotating weekly Friday (and Saturday) night dance parties, Babylon is the perfect spot in Ottawa for a fun night. Shake your sillies away at to all of your favourite guilty pleasures at the Shameless dance party on the last Friday of every month. Source Saturday Breakfast: On the weekend, the Delta Hotel in Ottawa has a delicious a la carte and buffet…