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

Furnished Apartments for Family Travel

October 12, 2016

Travelling with kids can be tricky, which is why having the right accommodation is so important. Furnished apartments are a great solution for family travel. They offer plenty of space, a separate living room, bedrooms and dining area. You can also enjoy the amenities of the buildings which is usually included in the rates such as a swimming pool, fitness centres and a billiards room.

So why are furnished apartments so great for family travel? Here are a few of the advantages that they offer.

More Room for the Kids to Play

Any family that has tried to squeeze kids into a hotel room and ended up stepping on Legos, tripping over toys and having no room to relax will really appreciate the added space of a furnished apartment. Kids will have room to have fun and be kids, without being completely underfoot as they would be in a cramped hotel room.

The Little Ones Can Go to Bed While the Parents Stay Up

If you are in a hotel room with your little ones, it’s lights out at 8:30, because everyone has to abide by the same bedtime. However, when you have a furnished apartment with a separate bedroom you can put the kids to bed and then the adults can still stay up for a while, relax with a bottle of a wine, watch a movie and enjoy some adult conversation.

You Can Cook Your Own Meals

One of the best parts of travelling can be eating out in restaurants, but when you have kids with you this can sometimes be more trouble than it is worth. Sometimes having the option to whip up a simple, easy and healthy meal in the comfort of your accommodation for your tired and hungry little ones is a life saver.

This is especially convenient in the mornings when everyone is still tired and cranky and you want to be able to put together a few bowls of cereal without having to get dressed and leave the room. Plus, being able to cook a few of your meals will save you a lot of money on your travels.

The Extra Amenities Make Life Easier

Having your own washing machine is so much more convenient if in case your 5-year-old spills milk on himself. You can wash his shirt rather than having to rinse it out in a hotel sink and hang it to dry. High speed Wi-Fi means that you can have a Skype conversation with Grandma and Grandpa back home that doesn’t freeze every two minutes.

Having a convenient parking area makes the trip from the car with the baby carriage and all the bags so much easier. Using the gym within the building makes it very convenient to keep up your active lifestyle without having to go too far from your partner and the kids. It is all of the little amenities in your furnished apartment that add up to making it a great option for family travel. If you are visiting Toronto, be sure to check out these family fun activities!

Business Travel, Customer Service Experience, Entertainment, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk

Tipping Etiquette in Toronto

September 23, 2016

If you are visiting Toronto and you are from a culture where tipping is not the norm, you might be wondering what the appropriate local tipping etiquette might be. Who should you tip, and how much money should you give?

In Canada the tipping culture is similar to in the USA – tips are expected for many staff in the service, hospitality and food and beverage industry. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when it comes to tipping etiquette while visiting Toronto.

In a Restaurant

Unlike some destinations in Europe, a gratuity is not included in the bill at most Canadian restaurants. Instead, you should calculate approximately 15-20% and add that onto your bill. If the service was unsatisfactory, you can give less and if the service was exceptionally good you can give more. You essentially tip based on the service experience.

Sometimes if you have a table with a large group, usually 8 or more, the restaurant will add an automatic gratuity to the bill. Some servers may rely on tips to bump up their wage and may feel frustrated by a large group who take a lot of time and effort to serve but don’t tip.

If you have a poor restaurant experience and you are considering not leaving a tip as a response, consider whether your experience was the fault of the server. If the food was bad or the service was slow because there weren’t enough staff, this is the fault of the kitchen and the manager. Consider asking to speak to the manager so that you can voice your complaints in a constructive way – you might even be offered a discount or a free meal as an apology.

Other Places to Tip

Tipping is also customary in other situations in Canada. You would be expected to tip your taxi driver, valet parking attendant, hotel room attendant, hotel concierge, hairdresser and manicurist. If you visit a spa during your visit to Toronto it is expected that you will tip your spa service provider around 10% of the cost of your treatment. Also, if you go on a guided tour and your guide offers you great service it is good to tip them around 10-15% to show your appreciation. When you are drinking at one of the many great bars in Toronto it is customary to leave around $1 per drink for the bar tender, depending on the cost of the drink.

In some situations, there will be a “Tip Jar” on the counter of a business, such as in a coffee shop, cafeteria and sometimes even in retail stores. However, in these situations the tip is optional. You can put a tip in these jars if you have enjoyed great service but you don’t have to – and it won’t be considered rude not to.

It can be tricky at first to remember who to tip while visiting in Canada, but if you are unsure you can always ask a Canadian friend or colleague about the appropriate tipping etiquette. Make sure to carry around a few small bills, loonies and toonies so that you have the right change whenever you need it!

Remember to tip on the sub-total, and not on the taxes!

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Lifestyle talk, Toronto History

Cool and Quirky Toronto Markets

September 2, 2016

Toronto is an intriguing and multi-faceted city with a lot of different layers to uncover. One of the most interesting aspects of the city is its abundance of quirky and unique markets. These Toronto markets have a fascinating collection of everything from locally grown produce to antiques to handmade jewellery and much more. You can spend hours searching through, finding treasures and chatting to the friendly local sellers.

Here are some of the most interesting Toronto markets to check out during your stay in your furnished rental nearby:

Brick Works Farmer’s Market

This Saturday morning market is the ideal place for foodies to scout out delicious local treats. It offers a great selection of eggs, produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, tea, preserves and much more. It is one of the largest farmer’s markets in the city and is only 6KM from the Republic furnished apartments in Toronto. It’s a fantastic place to find your next favourite treat, whether that is a homemade vegan brownie, a strawberry basil ice pop or fresh gluten free spicy Mexican salsa.

Parkdale Flea Market

Parkdale is a cool and quirky west end neighbourhood and this great market features beautiful handicrafts made by the creative locals. There are many great finds here, such as handmade jewellery, antiques, locally designed clothes, vegan baked goods and so much more. It has a lively and welcoming atmosphere and runs the second Sunday of the month from 10am until 5pm.

Withrow Market

The Withrow Market happens every Saturday from 9am until 1pm rain or shine at Withrow Park. It has a fantastic selection of regionally grown produce and baked goods, as well as yummy treats such as preserves and ice cream sandwiches. Shopping here is a great way to support the local farmers around Toronto and buying locally grown produce is so much better for the environment. The James Cooper Mansion short term rentals is only a 10 minute drive.

Sunday Antique Market

If you love antiques you will be in heaven at this Sunday Market, a treasure trove of old fashioned finds from vintage jewellery to old books to home décor and much more. There is a great collection of items that is ever changing and you can find everything from quirky retro items to pieces that are quite old and valuable. It takes place at the historic St. Lawrence Market which is only about a 5 minute drive from the 300 Front St. West furnished rentals.

Junction Flea Market

Every second Sunday of the month from 10am until 5pm from June 8^th to October 12^th you can check out the Junction Flea market, a very trendy hipster hotspot. There is a lot to discover here, from food to vintage clothing to records to antiques and much more. There’s something for everyone and a great friendly and laid back atmosphere.

These are just a few of the coolest and quirkiest markets that Toronto has to offer. Give yourself lots of time to explore these Toronto markets so that you can meander through slowly, taste all of the yummy treats, hunt for a vintage treasure and chat to some of the local sellers. It’s not just a market, it’s a Toronto cultural experience.

Business Travel, Family Vacations in Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel, Vacation Travel

Tips to Maximize Space in Condo Rentals

August 12, 2016

Staying in a furnished condo rental offers a lot of advantages compared to staying in a hotel room – with increased space being one of the biggest perks. You’ll have a bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and living room – rather than being cramped into one room. Having these separate areas means that multiple people can relax, sleep and eat without disturbing each other.So, since you have all of this space during your stay – how can you make the most of it? Here are some tips to maximize space in condo rentals.

Unpack Properly

No matter how neatly they might have been packed, backpacks and suitcases have a tendency to “explode” all over the room. As you hunt for a particular piece of clothing, all of the items in your bag will get taken out and will start to take up floor space.

In order to give yourself more room, a tip to maximize space in condo rentals is to stay organized and make your condo look less cluttered. Its worth taking the extra time to properly unpack. Most condos will have a closet, a wardrobe or a chest of drawers which you can use to organize your clothes. Once you are unpacked, tuck away your luggage somewhere and you’ll have much more room.

Use Every Part of the Condo

It’s tempting just to eat dinner in front of the TV and leave the table unused, but it’s there so you may as well take advantage of it. Separating your actions into their appropriate spaces can have a lot of benefits. For example, if you take the time to properly set the table and sit down to your meal, you’ll focus on the food and enjoy it a lot more than you would if you ate it while distracted as you watch TV.

Don’t Forget the Balcony

If your condo has a balcony, this is a huge perk so don’t ignore it! Even just taking 10 minutes every morning to sip your coffee in the fresh air while admiring the view will start your day off on a positive note. You’ll be more likely to use the balcony if there is somewhere to sit, so if there isn’t a chair out there already you can put one out there.

Utilize the Sofa Bed

Many condos will offer you the option of a pull out sofa bed. This can be a really smart solution that will allow you to sleep extra people in your condo. For example, a couple travelling with a child can save money by renting a one-bedroom furnished apartment with a sofa bed rather than a two-bedroom condo. In the morning, simply take five minutes to fold up the bed and it becomes part of the living room space.

Your furnished condo offers you a lot of space, so make sure you use these simple tips to maximize space in condo rentals to its full potential and make the most of it!

Business Travel, Family Vacations in Toronto, Fitness and Health, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk, Toronto Family Travel

Quick Healthy Snacks when You are Busy

August 8, 2016

It can be incredibly challenging to eat healthy when you are travelling. Whether you are on a long flight, a bus journey or an epic road trip, often the only food available is from convenience stores and fast food outlets. Greasy fast food will not only pack on the calories, it will make you feel bloated and tired when you are in transit. If you can bring along some quick healthy snacks on your trip, you can refuel with nutrients that will give you energy and help you feel great.

Looking to prepare some healthy foods for your next trip but don’t know where to start? Here are a few ideas of some quick healthy snacks:

Dried Fruit

This travel snack ticks all the boxes – it is healthy, tasty and extremely portable. It is also great for kids because it won’t make a mess or cause stains in the car or the plane. There are many great tasting types of dried fruit including dried bananas, apple rings and dried peaches. Look for fruit that has doesn’t have any additives like sugar, colour, flavor or preservatives.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Having travel snacks that are high in protein is important, because the protein will keep you feeling full for longer. Hard boiled eggs are a great travel snack, so boil up a few before you go and keep them in a container. They can last a long time if you don’t peel the shell, as the egg itself is the perfect wrapper.

Trail Mix

Another great portable healthy snack is trail mix. You can bring it along in a Tupperware container or Ziploc bag and grab handfuls whenever hunger strikes. There are lots of different types of trail mix out available out there in the bulk section of the grocery store. Or, you could make your own by combining the nuts, seeds, dried fruits and other items that you prefer.

Granola Bars

A store bought granola bar can be the perfect item for keeping you fueled up when you are on the road. However, when choosing your granola bar be aware that some brands are loaded with sugar that you may as well be eating a chocolate bar! Look for these quick healthy snacks with low sugar and plenty of natural ingredients.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a fantastic food! It offers lots of protein and energy and it’s very portable. You could bring along a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter on a road trip and stop for sandwiches whenever you are hungry. You can also bring along some crackers or celery sticks for spreading peanut butter on – whatever tastes good to you. Finally be sure to check out some healthy on the go snacks children love.

These are just some ideas for portable quick healthy snacks that are great to bring with you when you are travelling, so you can satiate your hunger without filling up on junk food and arrive at your destination or furnished apartment in Toronto feeling great.

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