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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.
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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.

Lifestyle talk, Toronto Condos

Turn Your Income Property into a Stress-Free, Short Term Rental Investment

March 24, 2014

Between shoveling snow in the winter and mowing the lawn the rest of the year, if you own a rental property and your own home – finding the time to maintain it can be a tough call. And when tenants give their notice (yet again), well, let’s not even think about how exhausting it can be to find replacements. But what if there was a low-maintenance way to guarantee your property would be leased for several years? Does this sound like a dream? Well, as it turns out, DelSuites can make it a reality.

3d home with key on Pile of gold coinsThrough the DelSuites Guaranteed Lease Program, homeowners will benefit from the ease and convenience of having a fixed term lease including a secure income stream. Homeowners are given the option for customizing a lease agreement with DelSuites that is set for either a three, five or 10 year term. Providing both short and long term rentals, DelSuites’ clients are reliable individuals and families, many of whom are business travelers regularly staying at one of DelSuites’ condominium suites or home rental properties.

By partnering with DelSuites, homeowners have the benefit of a dedicated team of staff with more than 15 years of expertise which not only ensures that the property provides a consistent source of income, but that it’s also exceptionally maintained and inspected professionally throughout the duration of the lease agreement. As part of the agreement, DelSuites will fully furnish the home according to the company’s branded design standards – an added benefit that means homeowners aren’t responsible for maintaining warranties on furnishing or the home’s electronic features. Along with this stress-free lease agreement, homeowners are also able to take advantage of a five percent discount on all DelSuites rental properties. This means that accommodating your spouse’s family or your college roommates just got little easier. Find out how you can make your long-term investment a hassle-free experience by signing up here.

Announcements, Lifestyle talk

DelSuites attending CHPAs Annual Conference

February 21, 2014

From February 24-26, 2014, the DelSuites short term apartment rentals team from Toronto will be attending the CHPA’s annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. CHPA Logo

The Corporate Housing Providers Association’s (CHPA) annual conference provides plenty of opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals from around the globe. It will allow members to gain knowledge on new business trends in corporate housing, establishing connections and share experiences with potential clients.

The CHPA’s conference will help DelSuites with opportunities to build and strengthen our business for continued success in the years ahead.

Downtown Toronto, Lifestyle talk, Uncategorized

Your Holiday Shopping in Toronto Guide

December 18, 2013

ShoppingWith the holiday season now in high gear, the mad retail rush has taken hold. And no matter what you’re celebrating, you’ve likely already got your list written, it’s just a matter of knowing where to begin. When you’re staying in an unfamiliar city, navigating the best shopping spots can be a challenge, let alone finding those truly thoughtful gifts for family and friends. Here are four shopping hot spots that not only offer a host of unexpected gifts, but you’ll also discover they provide a pleasant shopping experience too. As an added bonus, each shopping spot is easily accessible to our Qwest short term rental location.

The Drake General Store. With a carefully curated collection, the Drake General features an eclectic mix of lifestyle gifts including clothing, food and home décor. When you want to give an off-beat gift, you’ll find something for just about anyone on your list from cozy pajamas for your nieces and nephews to comfy, handmade pillows for your best friend. With gift packs available at nearly every price point, it’s also a great place to find a little something for colleagues or clients.

The Art Gallery of Ontario. While you may have caught the David Bowie exhibit this past fall, Art gallery of ontarioyou might not consider the Art Gallery of Ontario as a shopping destination; yet it is. From adult art enthusiasts to creative children, the AGO’s gift shop is packed with inspiring gift ideas. Whether you’re looking for contemporary art pieces for your spouse or art supplies for a pint-sized Picasso, be sure to put the AGO on your hot spot, shopping list.

Kensington Market.  From vintage finds to one-of-a-kinds, Toronto’s Kensington Market includes a collective of local retailers, many of whom have been in business for generations. Here you’ll find you can please your fashion-minded daughter with a few vintage accessories, along with that deliciously perfect item for the foodie on your list. And don’t forget to check out the Festival of Lights, an annual event held on December 21st celebrating the ethnically diverse Market culture.

bigstock-Christmas-Shopping-Woman-6457015(1)Hudson’s Bay Company. Your holiday shopping is not complete until you’ve shopped at the Bay’s Queen Street location. Here you’ll find detailed, animated window displays that inspire the spirit of the season. While the number of high-quality brands are endless, the current Olympic collection will please the sport enthusiast on your list. The Hudson’s Bay Company Collection, offers a selection of toys, blankets and clothing that provides a touch of pure Canadian heritage; making it all the more inviting to cozy up during a cold winter’s night.