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New York

How to spend an affordable weekend in The Hamptons

The South Fork of Long Island is known for being a haven for affluent New Yorkers and celebrities fleeing the city in search of fresh farmland and Oceanside views. After a weekend road-tripping through this region, to my surprise, I realized that there were a ton of activities to do in the eastern hamlets and villages of Long Island that are accessible for the average explorer. Only an hour and a half from New York City, Westhampton is the perfect spot for those looking for more affordable accommodations. If you are hoping to experience The Hamptons like a local, your best option is to find a vacation rental property online with a group of friends. If you have the chance to travel during the “off-season”, to your advantage many of the properties are available for short-term weekend rentals (instead of a full week) with rates that are often lower then…

Canada

How to Explore Niagara Wine Country By Bike

Just a quick jaunt from your downtown Toronto condo, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a delightful area of the province boasting some of the best wine made in not only Ontario but Canada. This region Niagara region spans miles and miles along the QEW, so depending on how long you have in the area, and your mode of transportation, I suggest mapping out the wineries you’ll be visiting in advance. Here are five wineries you should visit during your next trip to Niagara. 1. Between the Lines Winery  You’ll notice as you read through my suggestions that I prefer smaller, more boutique vineyards. While the larger ones have their value, I find it is the smaller ones that give you the chance to meet the winemakers and explore the vines. For awhile now, Between the Lines Winery has been one of my favourite spots in the Niagara because they have a delightful…

Portugal

10 Things to do in Lisbon

1. Wake up early to explore. Whether you are looking to get the best pictures, or hoping to catch a glimpse of the landmarks, the best time of the day to do so is early in the morning. Take advantage of the unobscured views by rising early and visiting the Praça do Comércio, Rossio, or wander through the Baixa and Chiado neighbourhoods to enjoy these sights without the hustle and bustle. Plan your morning walk to enjoy these main sights without having to fend off crowds of other tourists. 2. See one of the best views at the Castelo de São Jorge. Located at the top of the hill in Alfama, the Castelo de São Jorge offers one of the best views of Lisbon and the Tagus river. This Moorish castle is a historic medieval landmark that overlooks the city. Go back in time by exploring the archeological site or climb to the top of 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

Stay at a luxury property in Ottawa at a boutique price at The Alt Hotel

Ottawa is gearing up to get ready for Canada’s 150th birthday celebration and for the many Canadian and International guests flocking to the city, the Alt Hotel is the place to stay. Only a few months old, the Alt Hotel is part of the Quebecois Le Germain Group of hotels known for their upscale amenities in a boutique hotel. The newest Alt Hotel in Ottawa is in a prime downtown location just steps away from the Parliament. When you first walk into the Alt Hotel, you are transported into a contemporary art gallery furnished with vibrant and interactive art pieces and are welcomed by a playful and colourful #selfie wall that is the perfect backdrop to your pre-sightseeing photo shoot. Just steps away you’ll find the bar and breakfast nook creating an open seating area for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Their daily breakfast menu is made fresh and is a…

Travel

The Azores: Terranostra

For a retreat outside of the city, look no further than the Parque Terranostra Hotel. Situated in the beautiful Furnas Valley, this hotel just steps away from the Terranostra Botanical Gardens and the Thermal Water Pool of Terranostra Park. This has been a popular destination for visitors and locals since the 18th century who are ventured to bathe in the mineral water to help treat health problems and other ailments. The pool was built in 1780 by Thomas Hickling (the American consul who had the original idea for Terra Nostra Park) who created the pool within the beautiful botanical gardens which is still open to this day for visitors of the park and guests of the hotel to enjoy. The Parque Terranostra Hotel was built in the 1930s and has preserved its original Art Deco decor to this day. While on-site, be sure to drop by the TN Restaurant within the hotel for a…

Travel

The Azores: Take a Journey Around Sao Miguel with Picos de Adventura

If you are looking for a little bit of thrill, Picos de Adventura is the perfect tour group for you. With adventure programs on land, sea and options for group, let them help you see the sights of Sao Miguel or go on a whale watching excursion. For our little adventure, we decided to go for a hike through Sete Cidades. Sete Cidades (which translates to Seven Cities) is located in a volcanic caldera with a village in the centre and a unique lake that is both blue and green. The legend behind this lake believes that the colour was caused by a beautiful princess fell in love with a shepherd, but they were forbidden by her father from marrying; he did, though, permit them to meet one final time. As they were saying goodbye, her tears ran blue, to form the larger lake; his were green, and created the smaller to…

Travel

The Azores: The Island of Faial

Either a short boat ride from Pico, or a flight on the Azores Airlines from Sao Miguel, the island of Faial is one of the three islands part of the central group of The Azores. This island is affectionately known as the blue island (named by Portuguese poet Raul Brandao) because of the hydrangeas that bloom throughout the island in the summer. While almost half of the population of the island left after the eruption of the volcano on the Capelinhos volcano in 1957 causing the communities on the northern and western coast to move and then subsequently immigrate off the island primarily moving to the United States and Canada. However, to this day, the island of Faial still remains to be a naturally beautiful destination and is considered the westernmost point of Europe. Characterized by the central Caldera as seen from the southern rim of Cabeço Gordo allowing for beautiful volcanic formations on…