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Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk

Tips for Traveling with Your Family

May 16, 2014

Happy family going on holidays and traveling by airplaneTraveling with a family is unlike traveling solo. In fact, it’s unlike traveling as a couple. Whether you’re traveling for business and bringing the family or relaxing on vacationing with them, keeping everyone in good spirits takes a little added planning. These days logging frequent flyer miles with your whole family has become a lifestyle and for many families, here are some ways to ensure the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

Be Kind to Fellow Travelers: Just because you’re traveling with your family, doesn’t mean that everyone else is too. While your family takes priority, being aware of travelers en route to your destination makes the experience pleasant for everyone. Extending a little advanced courtesy to fellow passengers while on your flight or train ride will make them more accommodating should your children burst out into tears or a full-on sibling squabble.

011-A-Brand-New-KitchenFind Family-Friendly Accommodations When you’re traveling with the whole family, budget friendly stays are essential, which makes a hotel stay nearly unaffordable. But choosing extended stay accommodations means that you’ll save big by having the flexibility to purchase groceries and prepare some meals in the rental’s fully-equipped kitchen. 

Walk Everywhere: Sure renting a vehicle may seem like a great idea, but nothing beats touring a new city on foot to soak up the local culture. Although you may not cover as much ground as you would in a car, your family will truly get to experience a new city in a very up close and personal way. For families with older children, bicycle rentals are also a great way to get around and explore.

018-Master-BedroomA Room of Your Own: Hotel rooms are short on space and when you’re traveling with your family, a little extra wiggle room can be essential to keeping the peace. A short term apartment rental offers additional living space, along with the option for separate bedrooms. In addition, amenities that families may require during their stay including swimming pools, fitness areas and other recreational facilities will keep everyone occupied even when you’re not out exploring. What’s even better? These amenities are included in the cost of your rental. 

Enjoy the Adventure: Without a doubt, things will go wrong.  But family vacations aren’t about perfection but rather about enjoying life as it happens. Missing some spots on your tourist map? Relax, that just means you’ll have more to explore the next time. Keep it simple and enjoy the journey!

Business Travel, Lifestyle talk

How to Efficiently Pack a Suitcase

May 2, 2014

Open suitcase on bed elevated viewWhen traveling, the last thing you want to worry about is your luggage. In fact, ensuring a well-packed suitcase is critical to avoiding an additional cost of overweight luggage at the airport.

Finding it impossible to fit everything you need into you luggage or carry on? It’s not! With these four packing tricks, you will learn how to efficiently pack a suitcase so you won’t have to worry about carrying extra weight – you might even have a little extra room.

Check the Weather
While you can plan for unexpected weather conditions, having a general idea of the climate you’re visiting will keep you from packing winter boots when all you really need are loafers. Although you could check the weather online, when you’re staying at a short-term rental, consulting with the guest services staff offers a personal, real-time evaluation of weather cPortrait of beautiful smiling girl wearing yellow raincoat lookionditions. But, even if you’re expecting sunny skies in the forecast, keep in mind that temperatures fluctuate during throughout the day. Having a neutral sweater or blazer on hand is essential, so you can interchange it with your attire if needed.

Stay Wrinkle Free
While short term rentals Toronto are usually equipped with small appliances including an iron and ironing board, keep your work attire fresh by packing your suitcase right. Keep items such as pants and skirts on the bottom while lighter ones including dress shirts and blouses that crease more easily should be layered on top. Store extra shoes in plastic bags and use the inside of your shoes to store socks and underwear which gives you extra space.

Plan Accordingly
Business people analyzing diagrams together in cosy meeting room
Will you have a few formal events to attend? Will there be time for site seeing? Knowing your itinerary will help you optimize the space in your suitcase accordingly. If you have meetings with different clients that won’t see you twice, one suit and a couple of different shirt and tie options may get you through your trip. Packing different accessories including scarves, light cardigans and jewellery are great ways to create multiple looks without extra attire.

Extend your Wardrobe
Did you know that booking a short-term condo rental instead of a hotel can keep your even luggage lighter? It’s true; guests have access to an in-suite washing machine and dryer, a convenience of home that many business travelers might overlook. Even if you’re away on business for a week or more, you can easily launder your clothing without having to needlessly lug you’re entire wardrobe.

 

Lifestyle talk, Uncategorized

Short Term Apartment Rental vs. Hotels

April 25, 2014

Business tra010-View-of-the-Dining-Area_wmvel is filled with meetings, long conferences, and occasionally even longer evenings. It can be exhausting as a business executive to be on the go constantly. That is why it is important you choose your accommodations with care, so you have a chance to relax at the end of each day. Today, the trend is to opt for short-term apartment rentals rather than hotels.

Why Choose Short Term Apartment Rentals?
There are many reasons why business travelers are attracted to short term apartment rentals rather than hotels. Here are just a few of the reasons why people just like you are choosing to stay in high-quality furnished apartments:

Cost: Hotels can be expensive. In this day and age when the economy is still limping back after the recent recession, businesses are looking to cut costs. One of the best ways to save money during business travel is by choosing short term rentals. They offer all the amenities of a hotel, plus more at an extremely affordable cost. You never have to pay exorbitant rates for luxury, and this is what makes this option so attractive to business travelers.

Convenient Location: Most hotels are located in commercial zones and this can make it tedious to relax after a 045-Walk-Outside-to-Patio-Restaurants-on-Yonge_wmhectic day. Surrounded by busy roads, fast food restaurants and noise, it can be hard to get comfortable. When you stay in a conveniently located short term apartment rental, you have easy access to attractions, great dining options, parks for early morning jogs and other sources of entertainment while still feeling like you have your own private space away from the hustle and bustle.

Personalized Service: Hotels are notorious for their clinical atmosphere, while an apartment rental is more like a home away from home. Ensuring that each guest has a comfortable stay is crucial to the success of the apartment rental company. As a result, owners or managers will go out of their way to offer personalized services so that business travellers keep returning to their property.

027-Amenities-Fitness-Centre-Views_wmAmenities: An apartment rental for business travelers features all the amenities that business executives may require during their stay. Internet, satellite TV, fax, printer, secured parking, a refrigerator, microwave, clean linen, hairdryer, a large closet, recreational facilities, excellent housekeeping services and much more are available in your fully outfitted apartment rental. All these amenities are part and parcel of the rental and do not come at an additional cost.

Privacy: With a short term apartment rental, you do not have to hang a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign outside your door, like you have to do at a hotel. When you stay in an apartment rental, you can rest assured knowing no one will come knocking on your door to disturb you if you want to sleep in after a late night. You also can entertain your business guests in your apartment with ease. With a fully equipped kitchen, you can prepare your own meals or a late night snack without having to leave the comfort of your rental or order room service.

Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized

Tips for Traveling on a Budget

April 14, 2014

Two young sons watching parents load luggage in car trunk      Whether you’re taking your family on vacation or traveling solo, your next holiday doesn’t have to empty your bank account.
Here are five tips for traveling on a budget.

 1) Make a Budget. From transportation and accommodations to meals and entertainment, decide the amount you want to spend and plan your vacation accordingly.
009-Kitchen-and-Dining-Area

2)    Choose Accommodations Wisely. Renting from a short-term housing provider adds value to your vacation in more ways than one. By offering you a fully equipped kitchen to prepare some meals as well as having access to on-site fitness centers and swimming pools, you’ll enjoy value-added entertainment without spending extra money.

 3)    Be Adventurous. Considering destinations that are a little off-the-beaten-path will help you maximize your budget as these locations are often looking to attract more tourists. For instance, traveling to smaller towns close to metropolitan cities, give you the opportunity to explore lesser-known areas while still enjoying tourist hot spots.

4)    Make A Deal. Contact the travel and tourism board in the city you’re traveling to. This is a great resource for scoring deals on everything from theatre and sports tickets to finding out about the latest restaurant openings and family-friendly dining spots.

Music Festival       5)  Go Local. Be on the look out for music festivals, street parties and carnivals that are often held during the summer months. These events are often free to the public and offer a variety of entertainment for all ages. Check the municipality’s online calendar before you travel to find out more about events wherever you’re heading.

Inevitably you can’t plan for every situation when you’re traveling the open road. That said, plan for those extra expenses by keeping a few dollars stashed in a safety fund. You’ll be happy you did when you find for those last minute concert tickets you just can’t pass up.

Lifestyle talk, Toronto Condos, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized

Five Ways to Go Green on Vacation

April 2, 2014

family mother father and two child run in house on field under bThese days we all want to be more eco-conscious in how we live, work and play. But making environmentally friendly choices isn’t always as easy as we’d like; especially when you’re traveling. Whether you’re packing your bags for a weekend road trip or a month long getaway, here are five practical solutions for minimizing your carbon foot print wherever your travels take you.

ONE: Free Refills
While there’s nothing like bottled water to keep you well hydrated, we all could do without adding another plastic bottle to the landfills. Packing a refillable water bottle in your carry-on bag is not only an easy eco-friendly fix but it’s also a cost-friendly one too. By filling up at public water fountains in airports or at tourist attractions, you can be sure you’re doing something good for you and the environment.

TWO: In the Shower
Keeping simple practices that you have at home, like turning the tap off when you brush your teeth and sticking to aSix years old boy cleaning tooth in the bathroom. shorter shower, goes a long way. Before anyone in your family takes a shower, make sure everyone is aware of where to hang their towels and face clothes to minimize the need for daily laundering. This helps keep local water costs in check. And when you’re packing hair and body products, make sure that you’re opting for biodegradable ones which minimize the impact on the local environment.

THREE: Choose Local
When you’re making dinner reservations, choose restaurants that serve local fare. With the movement towards local and organic cuisine, an increased number of restaurants are advertising partnerships with local farmers and food providers as a means of attracting eco-conscious travelers. Local ethnic and farmers’ markets are also terrific places to purchase foods that are prepared close to home, but also offer a taste of the local culture.

018-Master BedroomFOUR: Curtain Call
Using your window coverings to regulate temperatures in your suite does the environment good at any time of the year. By keeping the windows covered during mid-day will help keep your space cool, especially when you’re not in your short term rental. Before you flick the air conditioning switch in the evening, open the windows to increase the natural air flow.

FIVE: Use Your Power
Instead of driving your vehicle or renting one at your destination, consider renting a bicycle or take walking tours as a way to experience your surroundings as a local resident.  For business travelers commuting to and from work, making use of public transit systems is an eco-friendly way to get around without the added hassle of looking for parking.