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Ideas for Your Next Weekend Getaway

November 19, 2019
weekend getaway

Travel doesn’t always have to be a long voyage. Sometimes all you need is to take a quick trip to relax and recharge. That’s why a weekend vacation can be such a great idea. You don’t have to book extra time off work to enjoy this short but sweet travel experience. 

 

So, if you’re planning a weekend trip, where should you go and what should you do? Whether you’re looking for ideas for fun weekend getaways for couples, weekend trips with the family or a solo adventure – there’s plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for your next weekend trip. 

The Best Weekend Getaways: 

weekend getaway

3 Day Vacation Ideas

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

If you’re based near Toronto, Niagara Falls is the perfect option for long weekend getaways. It’s easy to get to from the city – with multiple options for trains and buses. Once you are there, you’ll want to marvel at impressive volume of the spectacular falls. However, that’s not the only things you can do in Niagara Falls. You can take a stroll through Niagara Falls State Park, taking the pedestrian bridge over to Goat Island and admiring the view of Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point. You could also book a wine tour out to Niagara on the Lake to taste some of the delicious vintages from the area. 

Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key, Florida, USA

If you’re looking for a beautiful sandy beach to spend a sunny long weekend – consider this beautiful park in Big Pine Key. It’s a great spot to experience the Florida Keys on a budget. You could hop on a boat to go snorkeling at the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, or rent a kayak for your own adventure. There are many options for where to stay – from simple campsites to cabins to luxurious resorts. 

San Antonio, Texas, USA

This vibrant Texas city is an affordable place to visit – packed with a great dining and nightlife scene, historical significance and lots of great things to do. You can visit the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park or visit the Alamo for free – both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then, take a stroll down the famous San Antonio River Walk. The banks of the river are lined with bustling waterfront restaurants, unique boutiques, cute shops and so much more. 

Victoria, British Columbia, USA

Take the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island to enjoy one of the best weekend getaways on the West Coast. One of the oldest cities in the Northwest, BC’s capital Victoria was first settled by the British in 1843. It’s a great mix of British charm, historic architecture, beautiful nature and a laid back hippie vibe. Take a stroll through the impressive flower displays at Butchart Gardens and explore the Inner Harbour, where you can see the Parliament Buildings and have afternoon tea at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. 

Savannah, Georgia, USA

If you’re looking for weekend trips with historic, magic and charm – Savannah is absolutely oozing with it. This city is known as one of the most romantic destinations in the USA. Take a stroll through the Old Town on a walking tour to hear the ghost stories of the many characters who haunt this town. Dine at one of the delicious Southern BBQ joints, then cap off the night with a swanky cocktail at a sexy, sultry speakeasy. 

Napa Valley, California, USA

If you love wine, there’s no better spot for a weekend getaway than the beautiful Napa Valley. You can spend your weekend relaxing at stunning hillside vineyards, sipping wine near luxury resorts, spas and golf courses. Plus, there are many cool activities to enjoy here from cooking workshops, cycling tours, fishing charters, stand-up paddleboarding and much more. 

weekend getaway

Tips for A Better Weekend Getaway

How can you make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible? Here are some tips that will help you have a great weekend adventure. 

 

  • Stay in an accommodation that will be as close as possible to the things you want to see and do on your trip. A weekend is not a lot of time, so you don’t want to spend too much of it on transport. 
  • Search for “weekend getaway ideas near me” and stay somewhere close by – so you don’t have to spend too much of your weekend in transport. 
  • Keep your luggage as light as possible. It should be easy to do if you’re only going for a couple of nights, and it will make transport a lot easier. Plus, if you’re traveling by air you’ll be able to fly cheaper if you travel with hand luggage only. 
  • Spend some time without your phone, so you can take a break from work emails and social media and live in the moment. You’ll come back feeling happier and recharged. 
  • Do as much as you can on the Saturday, to take the pressure off Sunday. Many attractions will be closed on a Sunday anyway and you don’t want to miss your chance to see them. 

Have fun on your weekend getaway!

Entertainment, Vacation Travel

East Coast Vacations: Inspiration For Your Next Trip

November 12, 2019

An East Coast USA vacation is a classic getaway. After all, this region has everything you could want from a fun break: beautiful beaches, cities packed with culture, quiet pockets of nature and stunning views of the ocean. 

When it comes to planning the best East Coast vacations (or even an East Coast road trip), there are a lot of great destinations to choose from. From the gorgeous forests of upstate New York to the famous amusement parks of Florida, you can keep coming back to the East Coast again and again. 

The Best Places to Visit on the East Coast

If you are looking for some East Coast vacation ideas, (whether for 
Spring Break or an autumn getaway) these are some of the hottest spots on this side of the country. 

east coast vacations

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Historic Philadelphia is the birthplace of America and a fantastic place for an East Coast trip. It’s very popular with families, but it could also be a wonderful romantic trip or a solo adventure. The city is very walkable and there are countless museums and historic sites to check out. You can taste the delicious food at the Reading Terminal Market, revisit history at the Betsy Ross House and go for a jog up the “Rocky” steps by the 
Philadelphia Art Museum. Of course, don’t forget to try a big juicy and irresistible Philly cheese steak as well! 

It’s no wonder this city draws so many visitors for East Coast vacations.
east coast vacations

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusets

This pretty island is a dreamy getaway, accessible from Cape Cod via a ferry. You’ll fall in love with the charming beaches, quaint lighthouses, gingerbread cottages and sweet hotels. Also, if you love hiking this is a great place for you. There are several stunning national parks where you can explore the great outdoors, including Aquinnah Cliffs and South Beach State Park. It’s one of the most popular East Coast attractions for celebrities, so keep your eyes peeled and you might spot some famous visitors. 

east coast vacations

Kennebunkport, Maine

This lovely and quaint Maine village is filled with chic boutiques, friendly coffee shops and quirky antique shops. The rocky coastline is ideal for capturing those iconic seaside photos, with a scenic lighthouse in the background. There’s plenty to keep you busy here, from kayak tours of Mousam River Estuary to lobstering and much more. At the end of the day, you can relax with a few local brews at the 
Kennebunkport Brewing Company while you admire the views. 

east coast vacations

Washington, D.C. 

There’s so much to see and do in Washington! If you are a history buff or an art nerd, you’ll love the world-class collection of Smithsonian museums – all of which are free. You can also go for a walk along the National Mall, a stunning space lined with iconic landmarks such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Take a tour of the White House and the Library of Congress, then stroll through the hip streets of Georgetown and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants that overlook the water. 

east coast vacations

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

If you’re looking for the quintessential charming New England town, Portsmouth is a pretty great example. It’s just an hour north of Boston but it has a completely different vibe. One of the oldest cities in the USA, it was settled in 1623. This peaceful historic town has excellent museums (such as the USS Albacore Museum) and a lot of stories to tell. Check out the Strawberry Banke Museum, an outdoor exhibition that will show you what life was like when this community was originally settled. Or, you can take a walk along the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, which showcases 70 landmarks and is lined with excellent restaurants, cute artisan boutiques and lovely sidewalk shops. 

east coast vacations

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is very special – it’s the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America. This gives it a completely different feel than most Florida destinations. Founded by Spanish colonialists in 1565, it has more of an Old World ambiance and feels more like Spain than Florida. You can take a stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the 1672 Castillo de San Marcos. Plus, the Plaza de la Constitución is pretty impressive and the city is filled with beautiful Spanish-style architecture. If you venture only minutes away, St. Augustine has more than 40 miles of stunning beaches. 

east coast vacations

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you’re looking to relax on a beach or take the family somewhere chilled out, Myrtle Beach is a delight. Along the beachfront you’ll find an array of attractions, including live entertainment, multiple amusement parks and great restaurants. Every night during the summer there will be live entertainment on the oceanfront boulevard, including stilt walkers, jugglers and bagpipers. There’s even a weekly firework display – making the nights very magical indeed. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular East Coast vacation spots. 

These are just a few of the best places to visit on the East Coast. What are your favorite places for East Coast vacations? Share them with us in the comments! 

Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Reasons Why Different Demographics Relocate

November 8, 2019
why different demographics relocate

What are the reasons why people move? What are the life events that might be the catalyst for making the shift to a different city?

The truth is that there is a story behind why each of the different demographics relocate. Everyone has a different motivation for relocating and their situation is unique. Here at Delsuites, we aim to cater to a wide range of visitors and help diverse demographics relocate by offering convenient furnished apartments located in prime areas of Toronto.

Let’s take a look at some of the different demographics we see moving to Toronto.
why different demographics relocate

Young Adults

After they have finished college or university, the most common reason for someone in their 20s to relocate is for their job prospects.

They might be moving from a small town to the big city in order to enjoy more options for employment and a higher salary. Perhaps they might also be moving to a different destination in order to find a job with more interesting responsibilities. They are likely also seeking better benefits, more flexibility or a more suitable work/life balance. Sometimes, a new employer will even provide an apartment as part of a relocation package.

Plus, Toronto offers a great environment for young, ambitious, creative and curious people. The nightlife, art and music scenes are excellent. Plus, there are many great festivals and hobbies to enjoy.

why different demographics relocate

Families With Children

Another life stage when people move to Toronto is when they are starting a family. There are a lot of reasons why this city is great for families: it has parks and green spaces, plenty of libraries and children’s activities and excellent schools. Many parents choose to raise their children here, to enjoy what one of Canada’s most diverse and vibrant cities has to offer.

We also sometimes see families relocating to Toronto due to job transfers or opportunities. Our furnished apartments are an ideal option, as they provide a place to stay that is large enough for the entire family and offers all the conveniences of home.

Of course, a not-so-happy reason to relocate at this stage of life can also be divorce. As difficult as it is to end a relationship (especially if children are involved), relocating can be a chance to start fresh.
why different demographics relocate

Elderly

There’s another stage in life when many people tend to relocate. This is when the grown-up children fly the nest and they don’t need to live in such a big house anymore. During this stage in life, many people choose to renovate and use the space differently (changing a bedroom into a gym or a study). Or, they completely downsize to a smaller home.

Apartment life makes a lot more sense when you are older. There’s no need to mow the lawn on shovel the driveway. All the amenities are close by and your living space is compact, well-organized and easy to clean. Plus, there are so many cafes, shops, restaurants and community activities right on your doorstop.

What’s Your Relocation Story?

Tell us about the stage of life you find yourself in – what does moving to Toronto mean to you?

Vacation Travel

What are the Top Tourist Destinations in the World?

November 5, 2019

A lot of travel blog posts are focused on going off the beaten track and finding the most obscure destinations. However, although you might want to avoid the big tourist destinations because “everyone has been there” – there’s a reason why they are so popular. 


The world’s most popular and best tourist destinations have reached their status for a reason. There’s something appealing about them that draws visitors from all over the world. So, it’s certainly worth visiting these main attractions and you’ll find plenty of great things to enjoy about them. 


So, what are the most famous places in the world? What is the most visited tourist attraction in the world? Let’s take a look at some of the top destinations, to figure out where everyone is heading on their next getaway.


Note: This is not an official or complete list of the top tourist destinations. The rankings will fluctuate year on your, but these are a few examples that are always at the top. 

The Top Tourist Destinations

tourist destinations

Bangkok, Thailand

With more than 20 million visitors in 2018, Mastercard’s annual 
Global Destination Cities Index named Bangkok as the most visited city in the world. It’s also very likely to be on lists of the top 10 tourist destinations in the world. This comes as no surprise, as it’s often the first destination for travelers making their way around Southeast Asia. Bangkok has a lot to enjoy, from fascinating temples to enormous mega-malls to bustling night markets and more. 

tourist destinations

The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

These iconic pyramids are the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and are more than 3,000 years old – making them a very intriguing tourist attraction. Scientists still don’t really understand how ancient people were able to carve, move and erect this incredible structure, made with more than two million stone blocks. You can take a tour to learn about the history of the pyramids, as well as visit many other fascinating cultural and historic sites around Cairo. 

tourist destinations

London, England

It’s not hard to see why London is always at the top of Top Tourist Destination lists. After all, this massive World City has one of the best collections of art galleries and museums on the planet. Plus, there are huge parks to explore (such as Hyde Park) and fascinating historic attractions (like the famous Tower of London). Not to mention, the West End hosts a dazzling array of fantastic theatrical shows. Add a superb culinary scene, a great selection of tourist attractions and lots of fantastic shopping and you have a great city for a getaway. 

tourist destinations

Paris, France

It comes as no surprise that Paris is one of the most visited destinations in the world. This city has such a romance around it and has inspired countless poems, books, songs, paintings, films and more. Numerous lists and studies have identified Paris as the most visited city in the world – and France as the most visited country in the World. After all, how could you not fall in love with the romance, cuisine, museums and charming elegance of the City of Light? 

tourist destinations

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

With an estimated 
15,790 million visitors per year, Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world. As a destination, it boasts enormous glittering skyscrapers, luxury resorts, dazzling shopping malls and a stunning beachside promenade. Plus, from here you can take a day trip out to the desert and experience camel rides and a cookout with Beduoin tribes – for a fully immersive cultural experience.

tourist destinations

Macau, China 

Sometimes referred to as the Las Vegas of Asia, Macau is a glittery metropolis known for its enormous mega-casinos, luxury hotels and shopping malls. Everything is a little over the top here, in a fun and fascinating way. Plus, Macau was once a Portuguese colony, so there’s beautiful European-style colonial architecture in the historic core. Unlike anywhere else in Asia, it’s a one-of-a-kind spot that gets over 17 million visitors per year. 

tourist destinations

New York City, USA

The Big Apple. The Empire State. The Center of the Universe. The City That Never Sleeps. New York is another city that has been featured so much in fiction, music and art that it has achieved legendary status. One of the biggest US tourist attractions, this city is virtually infinite. You could explore it for years and still not experience all the neighborhoods, streets, attractions, restaurants, bars and more. From hipster Brooklyn to stylish Manhattan – it’s definitely worth a visit. 

Where will you go next? 

Are there any spots on this list of tourist attractions where you haven’t been? Why not take the chance to check out some of these top tourist destinations from around the world? 

Lifestyle talk, Relocation

Things To Do Before You Move: A Checklist

November 1, 2019
things to do before you move

Relocating is a complicated process, so this list will help you to keep everything organised. 

When you are moving home, there are a lot of things to remember. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of this process, it’s easy to forget important steps. There are many things you need to do when you are leaving an old house and moving into a new one. 

 

So, we have put together a moving checklist that you can use to make sure that you have covered everything necessary when relocating. 

Things To Do Before You Move

  • Notify everyone who needs to know that you have changed your address. This includes the Post Office (so they can redirect your mail), your bank, the voter registrar, the department of taxation, your insurance company, your magazine subscriptions, your friends and family and any others. 
  • Stop any services to your old address, including magazine or newspaper subscriptions, telephone, electricity, water, gas and internet. 
  • Disconnect the washing machine and drain the water. 
  • Defrost the fridge and drain the water. 
  • Call your gas and electricity companies and ask them to disconnect the fittings from the supply. 
  • Remove your fittings and fixtures from the walls. 
  • When packing, make a small bag to take with you. Use this bag to carry your ID, your tickets, your passports and other important documentation so that they are not accidently packed. 
  • In this bag that you take with you, also pack important and irreplaceable items such as legal documents, insurance papers, taxation papers, birth certificates, etc. 
  • Make sure that you aren’t packing any dangerous items that should not be transported, including bleach products, kerosene, cleaning fluid, nail polish, aerosols, ammunition, partially used cans of paint and vegetable oils. You can either throw these items away, recycle them safely or give them to friends. 
  • If you are transporting valuable items such as jewellery, collectibles, paintings, antiques or furs you should get some transit protection for them. 
  • Avoid packing liquids such as perfumes and sauces, as they could break in transit and make a mess. 
  • Avoid packing perishable foods. If you can’t use up all of your perishable food before the move, consider donating it to a food shelter or giving it to friends. 
  • Make sure that the water heater, gas connections and main power are turned off before you leave the house for good. 
  • Think about whether you have any shoes at the repair shop, sporting goods at a club or school or clothes at the dry cleaner. 
  • Lock all of your windows and doors. 
  • Look over the house one more time in order to check for any belongings that the packing crew may have forgotten. Don’t forget to check in the basement, garage and attic. 
  • Give over the old house keys to the new owner or the agent. 

Print off this list and check it off as you go through your move – so that you can make sure that every detail is taken care of when relocating to your new home.