October 2019

Holiday Events, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation Travel

The Best Spring Break Destinations

October 29, 2019

When the weather starts to get a bit warmer and school takes a break, it’s time to travel somewhere and celebrate the coming of spring. Spring break is also known as Easter vacation, mid-term break, study week and reading week. But let’s face it – you may not be doing much studying, you’ll probably be busy traveling instead.

Where should you go on Spring Break? The typical Spring Break trips take place in warm climates with lively party scenes, but the truth is you can go anywhere you like depending on what type of experience you want to have. There’s a spring break trip out there for anyone, whether you love lounging on the beach, hiking through the wilderness or checking out a museum.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Spring Break destinations, as well as some slightly alternative options.

Where to Go For Spring Break?

Here are some of the best spots for your Spring Break vacations.

The Bahamas

One of the most popular spring break trip ideas, spending your break in the Caribbean will be a dream come true. There’s more than just pristine soft sugary sand beaches here. You’ll find quiet coves perfect for scuba diving, glamorous resorts and beautiful protected nature preserves to explore. If you want to mix a bit of history into your spring break trip, you can explore ruins from the Arawak and Lucayan Indians on Cat Island and San Salvador.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This beautiful Mexican coastal destination is known for being a great Spring Break destination. It has one of the most glamorous oceanfronts in Mexico, with excellent restaurants, bars and hotels. Plus, the food is fantastic. Local chefs prepare mouth-watering traditional Mexican food in innovative ways. When you’re not enjoying the culinary and nightlife scene, you can book an adventure tour sailing along the coast or hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach just might be one of the most famous Spring Break destinations. The sun shines down on the beach bars during the day and at night, the vibrant nightlife carries on until late. Enjoy some cocktails on a rooftop bar and then dance the night away. Then, sleep all day and do it all again. This is a very popular Spring Break destination for young singles, but it would also be perfect for couples or groups of friends.

Toronto, Canada

Perhaps you’re not much of a beach person and you’re looking for more of a city break this spring vacation? Toronto is an exciting city to explore, with plenty of farmers markets, festivals, shopping and live music to enjoy during the spring season. You can even take a trip out to Niagara Falls. Check out this list of Things to Do in Toronto in the Spring from Toronto.com for help when planning your trip.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Why not spend a beautiful sunny Spring Break on Myrtle Beach? The 1.2 mile-long Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade is a great place to go for a run or a stroll. You can also hang out at the Pavilion Amusement Park, with live music on most evenings. There are even Las Vegas-style casino cruises available if you want to try your luck with some gambling.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a wonderful destination during spring break. It’s a great time to visit. The weather will be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, but not too blazing yet. There’s a lot to see and do in Palm Springs, from the aerial tram to the Living Desert Museum. Or, you can even go hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. There are several beautiful and luxurious resorts located in and around Palm Springs, with fun activities and family-friendly amenities.

Zion National Park, Utah

When it comes to the best vacations for kids on Spring Break, you should check out beautiful Zion National Park. While the Grand Canyon is typically a popular destination, you’ll likely find smaller crowds at Zion. This naturally stunning park has hanging gardens and soaring sandstone cliffs that will take your breath away. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes you can enjoy throughout the region, such as the Weeping Rock Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail.

Victoria, British Columbia

Why not consider a trip to Vancouver Island for your spring break? The weather will be beautiful – the spring days are warm and the flowers will be blooming. Victoria oozes old-fashioned British charm and the historic streets are lined with cute shops, local galleries and great restaurants. There are also several excellent museums in the city, such as the Royal British Columbia Museum. You can even take a day trip around the island to see the soft sandy beaches of Tofino, or go on a whale watching expedition.

What are your favorite Spring Break destinations?

Have any other Spring Break ideas to suggest? Let us know!

Downtown Toronto, Lifestyle talk

Pet Friendly Stays: Yes, You Can Bring Your Furry Friend!

October 25, 2019

Many people ask us whether Delsuites is a pet-friendly place to stay. The answer is: Yes! We welcome your furry friends at our spacious, well-located furnished Toronto apartments.

Any domestic cat or dog who weighs less than 25 pounds will be permitted. (There are just a few rules, which we outline in our pet policy below.)

We know that your pets are important to you, so we want to make you and your four-legged friend feel as welcome as possible. Just let us know in advance that you will be bringing your pet and we will be sure to accomodate you.

Travel is Better With Your Pet

Here at Delsuites, we believe that travel is always more enjoyable when you can bring your animal companion along. Your pet is more than just a cat or a dog, they are part of the family.

Toronto is a wonderfully pet friendly city, with plenty of great cafe patios where you can relax, green trails and parks for walking and excellent pet shops. From dog parks to bakeries serving gourmet treats, there’s a lot to enjoy. You and your pet will have a fantastic time exploring.

When you get back from your adventures, you can relax in your large, comfortable apartment, with plenty of room to sniff, stretch and cuddle. Our apartments are much more spacious than hotel rooms, which will make you and your pet more comfortable. Plus, they offer convenient amenities such as laundry, parking and a full kitchen.

Some of our apartments even have some pretty special pet friendly amenities. For example, at The Livmore there is a “Bark Park” on the 5th floor. It’s home to a dog spa and an outdoor dog run with artificial turf, an obstacle course, fire hydrants and benches. It’s the perfect place to relax with your pooch while enjoying views of the city.

What Are the Rules?

What guidelines do you need to follow when bringing your pet to our Toronto apartments?

First of all, the rules depend on the particular location where you will be staying. So, please check with your individual apartment to confirm that pets are permitted.

However, the standard policy is that pets must be on a leash at all times and carried through the common areas. Your furry friend is not permitted in the recreation facilities of the building. Also, if you leave your pet alone on cleaning day, please keep it contained for the safety of the pet and the housekeeping personnel.

Also, when you bring your pet your stay will include a $300 non-refundable additional cleaning fee. If your pet is a Service or Assistance animal, this additional fee will be waived.

If you have any questions about our pet policy or your stay at Delsuites, please feel free to contact us at any time. We aim to make your visit with your pet as enjoyable as possible.

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, Toronto Family Travel, Toronto History, toronto toursim

How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto

October 22, 2019

One of the most popular day trips from Toronto is Niagara Falls. It’s one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world and it’s hard to truly fathom the spectacular rushing flow of water unless you have seen it with your own eyes.

Niagara Falls is located just outside Toronto, so it’s perfect for exploring on a day trip or a weekend getaway. There are several choices for accommodation in the area, from luxurious boutique resorts to simple, affordable and basic hotels. So, it’s easy to stay over and explore the area more.

Since going to Niagara Falls from Toronto is so popular, there are multiple options for getting there.

Can I Take the Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls?

Yes, Via Rail offers direct daily service between Toronto and Niagara Falls. There are two trains daily and an adult return ticket will cost around $55-$75 depending on how far you book in advance. Keep in mind that the evening return trip to Toronto is a train that originates in New York City, so it often runs late.

Go Transit also offers a combination train and bus route between Toronto and Niagara Falls. You’ll need to transfer to a bus in Burlington and then continue onto Niagara Falls.

In the summer months, from May to Labour Day in September, Go Transit runs a convenient direct train service from Union Station to the Niagara Falls train station. It operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as holidays only. There is one return trip on Friday evenings and three return trips on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

It’s important to note that the train station is in old Niagara Falls, which is about a five minute drive from the Falls themselves. So, when you arrive at the Niagara Falls Train Station, you’ll need to go a little bit further to get to the Falls. It’s a short taxi ride (which should cost around $10-$15 CAD), or you can use the bus route 104.

Is There a Toronto to Niagara Falls Bus?

You can take the bus from both Megabus and Greyhound to Niagara Falls. They are both direct buses with no transfers and the prices for tickets range from $14-$30 CAD. The journey takes around 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the number of stops.

Both the Megabus and Greyhound leave every day, multiple times per day. To get a cheaper bus ride, book online in advance.

There are also shuttle buses between Toronto and Niagara Falls and coming back the other way from Niagara Falls to Toronto. They cost more than public transit, but you’re paying extra for the comfort and convenience. You might even get picked up at your hotel in Toronto and delivered to the door of your hotel in Niagara Falls. Here’s an example of a shuttle bus service.

Can I Drive to Niagara Falls?

If you rent a car in Toronto, you can drive to Niagara Falls during your visit. This gives you the advantage of being able to travel on your own schedule and make stops along the way. The trip will take about an hour and a half to two hours.

The most direct route is along the Queen Elizabeth Highway, alongside Lake Ontario. Keep in mind that this is a major commuter route, so there will be heavy traffic on this road during rush hour. The peak traffic will be going into the city in the mornings until 9am and out of the city between 3 and 7pm. Keep this in mind and try to travel outside of these times, if possible.

You may want to allow time to stop in Burlington along the way. It’s less than an hour from Toronto and it has a beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens that are worth a visit. You can also visit the town of Jordan along the way, home to the well known local winery Cave Springs.

Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto

Another option is to hop on a group day tour to Niagara Falls. There are several companies that offer these tours, including Gray Line, Niagara Tours, North Star Tours, Royal Tours of Niagara Falls Canada, Toronto Tours, Niagara Bus Tours and more.

These tours usually leave Toronto in the morning, take you to the falls for a few hours and then bring you back in the evening. They might include lunch or other activities as well – such as visits to the local wineries. If you aren’t sure which tour is best for you, take a look at the reviews on Tripadvisor.

Taking a day tour might be a great option if you have a limited time in Toronto and you want to sit back and relax while someone else takes you to the highlights of the region.

No matter how you get there, it’s absolutely worth visiting Niagara Falls on your visit to Toronto

Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk, Vacation Travel

Tips for Staying in Shape While Traveling

October 18, 2019

It’s not always easy to stay in shape while traveling. The temptations of convenience food on the road and the disruption of your normal routine can make it a challenge to stay fit.

Do you find that you abandon your healthy habits when you are traveling and take a step backward on your health? It doesn’t have to be this way, it’s possible to travel and stay in shape.

Consistency Is Key

One of the main reasons why it can be challenging to stay in shape while traveling is because it’s difficult to maintain a routine while you are on the road. You might be in the habit of going to the gym every day after work, but when you’re traveling that pattern is not there.

In order to stay fit while traveling, you have to make the effort to build a healthy routine into your travel days. Even if every day of your trip is different from the next, you can still try to add in a consistent habit you follow through with every day. Your workout becomes the one thing that is always in your day, no matter where you are.

For example, try to wake up at the same time every morning and head to the gym for a workout before you have breakfast. (At your DelSuites condominium you’ll have access to a fully equipped fitness centre, which makes this very easy!)

Explore Your Destination in Active Ways

Another way to build more exercise into your daily routine is to look for active ways to enjoy your destination. This could include taking a long walk through the city, checking out a local hiking trail or going for a run in a nearby park.

One of the great things about Toronto is that it offers an extensive trail system and many lovely, peaceful parks that are ideal for walking, running and cycling. You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful areas of the city, while also keeping yourself fit and healthy.

Look for Healthy Local Eats

One of the joys of traveling is tasting all the delicious local food, right? There’s no need to give up on this pleasure, but think about how you can seek out healthy local treats so you can try something new while treating your body right.

Toronto has a superb collection of restaurants serving up healthy, nutritious food that is actually yummy – including the organic restaurant Rawlicious, the superb smoothies at Belmonte Raw and the tasty meals at Camros Organic Eatery. Check out this guide to healthy restaurants in Toronto for more ideas.

Don’t Eat Every Meal in Restaurants

When you stay in a hotel room while traveling, you don’t have an option to prepare your own meals. This means you end up eating every meal in restaurants, which can really have a negative impact on your health.

This is because most restaurant meals are often served in large portions. Plus, in order to make the dish taste delicious they often use much more fat, sugar and salt than you would if you were cooking the dish yourself. It’s nice for a treat, but when you eat restaurant meals all the time the calories really add up.

Staying in a furnished apartment means that you will have your own kitchen, so you can prepare simple, healthy meals with fresh ingredients you pick up from the local supermarket.

Lifestyle talk, Vacation Travel

Ideas for the Ultimate Girls Trip

October 15, 2019

Planning a girls weekend with your best friends? There’s nothing quite like a girls weekend getaway to help you relax and recharge. Spending some quality time with your friends gives you a chance to talk through whatever you’ve been struggling with, support and encourage each other – and of course let loose and have a good time! A girls road trip is incredibly good for the soul.

So, where should you go on your girls getaway? There are plenty of options for great weekend getaways with your best friends. So, here are some cheap girls getaway weekend ideas.

Girls Trip Ideas

Eat Your Way Through Montreal

Montreal is one of the most vibrant food cities in Canada, offering up everything from savory smoked meat to freshly baked bagels to glorious poutine. Take your best friends on a food tour of the city to taste everything Montreal’s culinary scene has to offer. You could even consider taking a cooking class, so that you can bond over making your own yummy dishes. Here are 10 dishes you really must try on your travels in Montreal.

Party in New Orleans

Want to dance the night away in one of the liveliest cities in the USA? New Orleans has a fun, sultry vibe. On Bourbon Street you can groove to live music until dawn every night of the week. When you’re not painting the town red with your friends, you can take a tour of the French Quarter. It’s a great way to learn about the intriguing history of this character-packed city. There’s a reason why New Orleans is popular for girls weekend getaways.

Get Cultured in Mexico City

Did you know that Mexico City is one of the best cities in North America when it comes to museums and art galleries? If you and your girlfriends are art lovers, you’ll want to spend several days here to soak everything in. It’s a lot of fun for girls trips. Check out the Frida Kahlo Museum to see some powerful artwork by a very inspiring female artist. After you’ve worked up an appetite touring art galleries all day, you can enjoy the excellent dining scene Mexico City has to offer.

Be Dazzled by Dubai

If you think everything is bigger in Texas, you will be blown away by the scale of Dubai. Enormous shopping malls, the tallest sky-scrapers in the world and even a huge indoor ski resort are the main attractions in this glamorous desert metropolis. Or, you can get out of the city with a full desert experience, complete with camel rides, sandboarding and dune bashing. Whatever you do, it’s bound to be an unforgettable trip.

Tour the Best of Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant city packed with culture, food and stuff to do – making it a perfect destination for a girls weekend getaway. There’s always something new happening there – from the launch of a new restaurant to a thrilling festival and much more. If you can time your visit for Pedestrian Sundays at Kensington Market you can go for a stroll down the car-free streets and enjoy musicians, art stalls and street performers. (Here are a few more ideas for Things To Do In Downtown Toronto.)

Sip Wine in Sonoma

Located in the beautiful California wine country, the Sonoma Valley is a dream destination for wine enthusiasts. This region is home to more than 425 wineries, from stunning modern lounges to striking castles and luxurious villas. Sip on superb Chardonnay while watching the sun set over the rolling vineyards and craggy mountains. You can even take a winery tour to learn more about the production of your favorite bottle (and take one home with you!)

Keep It Weird in Austin

Austin, Texas is a city with a unique vibe and a personality of its own. When you travel there with your best gal pals, you can enjoy fantastic live music, quirky boutique hotels and an excellent food scene. Be sure to take a look at the concert listings at The Moody Theater, a totally cool local venue featuring great bands. Or, if you want to enjoy the great outdoors you can take a hike around the scenic trails of Lady Bird Lake.

Be Seduced By Savannah

The romantic Spanish moss, cobblestone streets and ornate mansions of Savannah give it a feeling unlike anywhere else in the USA. This would be a perfect destination for a group of friends to unwind and relax. You can stroll through the tree-lined streets and sit and chat in the shady parks. Or, shop in the lovely boutiques and sip cocktails in an atmospheric bar. Plus, there are many great day spas in Savannah where you and your friends can be pampered.

Do you have any other girls weekend ideas you love? Share your favorite girls trip with us in the comments!

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