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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…

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…

Travel

Wine Tasting in Watkins Glen

Our final day in the Finger Lakes was spent in the picturesque Watkins Glen and Schuyler County, New York. Most known for the racing track around the south end of Seneca Lake, here is how we spent our day in this beautiful area. We began our day in the Finger Lakes National Forest is the only national forest in New York State with 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands. The area is open to the public and is the perfect spot for a number of outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, backpacking, biking, camping and horseback riding in the warmer months. The Finger Lakes region is home to a ton of award-winning wineries producing some of the finest vintages of Rieslings and other wines. We had the pleasure of touring the Chateau LaFayette Reneau nestled along the east side of Seneca Lake. Stop by for the chance to try their…

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…

Travel

The Azores: Furnas in Sao Miguel and Beyond

Head north to explore the island of Sao Miguel to explore some of the natural wonders on the island. This Azorean islands were formed in the mid-Atlantic Ridge where Eurasian and North American tectonic plates collide. From this natural phenomenon, geothermal springs are found on the island of Sao Miguel has thermal pools set against lust tropical landscapes and steaming craters of the Caldeiras das Furnas. For those hoping to stay and enjoy the area, the Furnas Boutique Hotel allows you to relax in their thermal pools and enjoy spa services. This hotel also has an onsite menu serving mediterranean inspired tapas dishes in their modern dining room and patio area. Simple, yet beautiful, this hotel is a tranquil escape in the stunning valley. Sao Miguel is also home to the oldest tea plantation in all of Europe. The Cha Gorreana plantation is a national gem as it grows eco-friendly herbal teas known…

Travel

The Azores: Ponta Delgada in Sao Miguel

Over the next week, we will be touring the beautiful islands of The Azores. The Azores are a group of Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Although Portugal has been increasing in popularity as a tourist destination, these islands still remain relatively unchartered, adding to their charm. Retaining an old world, quaint feel, the Azores are the perfect place for the explorer looking to hop from island to island. Plus, from Toronto, Azores Airlines offers two direct flights weekly to Ponta Delgada on the main island of Sao Miguel. Today we had the pleasure of exploring the quaint city of Ponta Delgada. Ponta Delgada is the largest city on the island with many tourist attractions in the city centre. From the historic Church of Sao Jose to the historic landmarks that surround it, Ponta Delgada centre core was first established as a small fishing village in 1450 that grew over the…

Travel

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…

Travel

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…