Vacation Travel Archives - Page 7 of 15

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

Holiday Events, Toronto Family Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation Travel

The Best Spring Break Destinations

October 29, 2019

When the weather starts to get a bit warmer and school takes a break, it’s time to travel somewhere and celebrate the coming of spring. Spring break is also known as Easter vacation, mid-term break, study week and reading week. But let’s face it – you may not be doing much studying, you’ll probably be busy traveling instead.

Where should you go on Spring Break? The typical Spring Break trips take place in warm climates with lively party scenes, but the truth is you can go anywhere you like depending on what type of experience you want to have. There’s a spring break trip out there for anyone, whether you love lounging on the beach, hiking through the wilderness or checking out a museum.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Spring Break destinations, as well as some slightly alternative options.

Where to Go For Spring Break?

Here are some of the best spots for your Spring Break vacations.

The Bahamas

One of the most popular spring break trip ideas, spending your break in the Caribbean will be a dream come true. There’s more than just pristine soft sugary sand beaches here. You’ll find quiet coves perfect for scuba diving, glamorous resorts and beautiful protected nature preserves to explore. If you want to mix a bit of history into your spring break trip, you can explore ruins from the Arawak and Lucayan Indians on Cat Island and San Salvador.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This beautiful Mexican coastal destination is known for being a great Spring Break destination. It has one of the most glamorous oceanfronts in Mexico, with excellent restaurants, bars and hotels. Plus, the food is fantastic. Local chefs prepare mouth-watering traditional Mexican food in innovative ways. When you’re not enjoying the culinary and nightlife scene, you can book an adventure tour sailing along the coast or hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains.

Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach just might be one of the most famous Spring Break destinations. The sun shines down on the beach bars during the day and at night, the vibrant nightlife carries on until late. Enjoy some cocktails on a rooftop bar and then dance the night away. Then, sleep all day and do it all again. This is a very popular Spring Break destination for young singles, but it would also be perfect for couples or groups of friends.

Toronto, Canada

Perhaps you’re not much of a beach person and you’re looking for more of a city break this spring vacation? Toronto is an exciting city to explore, with plenty of farmers markets, festivals, shopping and live music to enjoy during the spring season. You can even take a trip out to Niagara Falls. Check out this list of Things to Do in Toronto in the Spring from Toronto.com for help when planning your trip.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Why not spend a beautiful sunny Spring Break on Myrtle Beach? The 1.2 mile-long Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade is a great place to go for a run or a stroll. You can also hang out at the Pavilion Amusement Park, with live music on most evenings. There are even Las Vegas-style casino cruises available if you want to try your luck with some gambling.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is a wonderful destination during spring break. It’s a great time to visit. The weather will be warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, but not too blazing yet. There’s a lot to see and do in Palm Springs, from the aerial tram to the Living Desert Museum. Or, you can even go hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. There are several beautiful and luxurious resorts located in and around Palm Springs, with fun activities and family-friendly amenities.

Zion National Park, Utah

When it comes to the best vacations for kids on Spring Break, you should check out beautiful Zion National Park. While the Grand Canyon is typically a popular destination, you’ll likely find smaller crowds at Zion. This naturally stunning park has hanging gardens and soaring sandstone cliffs that will take your breath away. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes you can enjoy throughout the region, such as the Weeping Rock Trail and the Canyon Overlook Trail.

Victoria, British Columbia

Why not consider a trip to Vancouver Island for your spring break? The weather will be beautiful – the spring days are warm and the flowers will be blooming. Victoria oozes old-fashioned British charm and the historic streets are lined with cute shops, local galleries and great restaurants. There are also several excellent museums in the city, such as the Royal British Columbia Museum. You can even take a day trip around the island to see the soft sandy beaches of Tofino, or go on a whale watching expedition.

What are your favorite Spring Break destinations?

Have any other Spring Break ideas to suggest? Let us know!

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!

Events, Family Vacations in Toronto, Holiday Events, Vacation Travel

Tips for Better Thanksgiving Travel

October 8, 2019

Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday in October, will take place on Monday October 14th this year (2019).

The week of Thanksgiving can be one of the craziest travel periods of the year, with millions of people flying to visit family and friends for the holiday. This can make things pretty stressful.

However, traveling during Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are some tips for your next Thanksgiving getaways.

Smart Thanksgiving Travel Tips

Plan ahead and arrive early, think about the rush hour times for each city you have to drive through. Unexpected delays might happen, so it’s a good idea to build in extra time just in case.
When driving, consider taking the scenic route. Even though the distance may be longer, you won’t end up sitting bumper to bumper so it might be faster.
Download the Waze app. It allows you to see real-time updates on accidents, traffic, police traps and more.
If you’re road tripping with kids, make sure you bring along plenty of books, toys and other distractions to keep them happy and entertained while on the journey.
If you have to travel by plane, save money by flying back on Black Friday. Everyone is too busy shopping and the rates for flights are often much cheaper.
If the airline gives you the option for text messages with flight updates, take it! Sometimes it’s really useful and can alert you to last minute updates.
Also, you can use your smartphone to check-in early and have your boarding pass delivered electronically. This will allow you to bypass the line at the check-in kiosk.
If you can be flexible with your dates, you can usually find last minute deals on Skyscanner.
If you’re tempted to stay in a hotel rather than sleep in the spare room or sofa, hotels are usually underbooked during Thanksgiving and you may be able to find last minute deals.
When bringing food, sweet, treats and other goodies with you on the plane, make sure you check with the airline first. For example, gravies, relishes and jams are often considered “liquid” and are not allowed on the plane.
When it comes to what clothing to pack, the key word is layers. Temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day in the autumn, so make sure you can adjust when things cool down.

Where to Go for Thanksgiving

What if you’re planning to hit the road and enjoy a getaway over the Thanksgiving holiday? There are many different Thanksgiving destinations available throughout Canada and the USA – here are a few great options you might consider.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: This family-friendly destination has lots of great festive events around American Thanksgiving. For example, you can enjoy Winterfest, a beautiful celebration of lights.
Toronto, Ontario: Head to the bright lights and big city of Toronto for Thanksgiving. There’s so much to see and do in the city!
Las Vegas, Nevada: Why not go on a Thanksgiving getaway to Sin City and have a bit of fun in the casinos? If you hit the jackpot, you’ll have a lot to be thankful for!
Montreal, Quebec: This beautiful city is so much fun to explore over Thanksgiving. The autumn leaves look spectacular and the weather is just right. Do some shopping, check out the art galleries and more. (Note: Thanksgiving is known as action de grâce in Quebec and it is celebrated slightly less than in other parts of Canada.)
The Adirondacks, New York: This stunning forested area in New York state looks even more beautiful in the autumn as the leaves begin to change colour. Check out the many award-winning spas, golf courses and restaurants in the region.
Chicago, Illinois: Why not pair your Thanksgiving turkey with a deep dish pizza while you explore this exciting and culturally rich American city? Check out the famous stand-up comedy scene and go on an architecture tour (skyscrapers were invented here).
Vancouver Island, British Columbia: Stroll the beaches of Tofino, go on a whale watching tour or take a walking tour of historic downtown Victoria’s turn-of-the-century buildings.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee: Explore the great outdoors at one of the most popular National Parks in the USA. With over 150 official hiking trails, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to breathe in the fresh and crisp fall air.

(Keep in mind that if you will be traveling over the border on Thanksgiving long weekend, you should allow for extra time. The border will be busy and you may need to wait in line for quite some time.)

Be Thankful

Last but not least, the most important tip for Thanksgiving travel is to be thankful. Even though your journey may be delayed and crowded, express gratitude for the opportunity to travel with your loved ones and enjoy your holiday.

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