Lifestyle talk Archives - Page 7 of 44

Things To Do Before You Move: A Checklist

November 1, 2019

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.

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.

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!

Lifestyle talk, Vacation Travel

Must Know Tips for Solo Travel

September 24, 2019

Traveling solo is incredibly rewarding. It is empowering, liberating and gives you a chance to truly explore the world at your own pace.
However, it can also be challenging. Making your way through the world on your own solo vacations comes with its own set of struggles and obstacles to overcome. Here are some important things to know before you set off on your solo travel adventure or singles vacations.

Solo Travel Tips

Research in Advance

Knowledge is your best weapon when it comes to traveling alone. The more you know before you arrive somewhere, the better you’ll be able to navigate when you’re there. Look up important information on your destination, such how to get around, things to do, how much to tip, whether or not to haggle, etc.
Also, it’s important to research the common scams in your destination before you go. That way, you’ll know what to avoid when you get there. Your best advantage for solo travel is knowledge.

Stay on Your Guard

When you’re traveling on your own, you’ll need to be wary of potential threats and look out for your own safety. This means being cautious and trusting your instincts.
Also, it means following simple common-sense advice to protect yourself. For example, don’t flash a lot of expensive jewellery or electronics as you walk down the street. Don’t walk alone late at night in an isolated neighbourhood. Don’t leave your valuables unattended. It’s alright to have a drink, but try to keep your wits about you.

But Don’t Be Afraid to Open Up

Of course, there’s a difference between being safe and sensible while you travel, and not interacting with anyone out of fear. You’ll want to meet people and make connections on your trip, as these can be some of the best memories of your travels. Consider staying in a hostel, so that you’ll naturally have the opportunity to chat with others during your trip. Or, you can take vacations for singles that will help you meet people.

Pack Light

One of the typical mistakes first-time solo travellers make is packing too much stuff. Lugging around too much heavy oversized luggage is incredibly hard on your back. But, it also means that you have more stuff to worry about getting stolen. Plus, you’ll really struggle if you have to take a flight of stairs, or run for a train.

Join a Walking Tour

One of the best activities you can do when you are traveling solo is to join a walking tour of your destination. There are great tours available in every major tourist city in the world. They will take you to the top highlights of the city and show you some of the most interesting attractions. These types of tours are great for a couple reasons. First of all, they are a safe and easy way to explore without having to worry about getting lost. Secondly, they can be a simple way to meet other travelers and make connections.

Limit Your Social Media Access

Of course, you’ll probably want to post some amazing photos of your adventures on your Facebook and Instagram. However, avoid spending your entire trip looking at your phone! Try your best to put down your phone for most of the day when you are traveling solo. You’ll pay more attention to what’s happening around you and it will help you immerse yourself in your destination.

Solo Travel Destinations: The Best Places to Travel Alone

Some of the best places to travel alone in the US are large cities, because there’s always something to do. But what are some of the best international locations in the world for solo travel?

The United Kingdom: Friendly, safe and with an extensive public transport network, the UK is a very easy and enjoyable place to travel alone. From world class museums to peaceful countryside villages, there’s a lot to explore.
Thailand: One of the best countries in Southeast Asia for first-time solo travellers, Thailand is warm, friendly, beautiful and easy to get around. You can enjoy the bustling city life of Bangkok, or find a quiet island to relax for a while.
New Zealand: A very popular destination with solo backpackers, New Zealand has gorgeous scenery, exciting outdoor adventures and culture-rich cities to explore. It’s one of the best places for solo travel.
Peru: Whether you’re marvelling at the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu or shopping for locally made textiles in Cusco, Peru is a fun, safe and exciting place to travel on your own. Plus, it’s very affordable if you are on a small budget.
Georgia: The country of Georgia, not the US state, that is. Explore the stunning Caucasus Mountains, quiet Medieval villages and the vibrant cultural scene of Tbilisi. The locals are incredibly welcoming and are always happy to help a solo traveler enjoy their stay.

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