There’s no denying that smartphones and their handy apps have revolutionized travel. Whether it’s booking flights and hotels, navigating new cities and finding parking, or gaining insight on local attractions, phone apps make many aspects of travel much easier.
With Canadians aiming to be fully vaccinated by September, the easing of border restrictions will hopefully allow vaccinated travelers from around the world to enter Canada without having to get tested or go through quarantine.
To get you ready for your future Canadian holiday, I thought I’d introduce you to some of Canada’s top most useful travel apps. Whether you need a campsite in Banff or want to check the winter ski forecasts, here are ten incredible Canadian travel apps you should download before your trip.
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Popularized by both movies and hit songs ever since its creation, the bright flashing lights of Las Vegas has been tempting travelers from all over the world for decades. In a normal non-COVID year, Vegas welcomes around 40 million tourists.
While it may be one of the world’s most tourist-friendly cities, the mix of craziness, excitement, and sheer amount of choice Vegas presents can prove a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors looking to break their Sin City virginity.
If you’ve always dreamt of visiting the gambling and entertainment capital of America and wish your experience to live up to the fun and magic you had envisioned, I’ve compiled a list of essential Vegas travel tips you need to know as a first-time visitor.
The Vegas Strip may offer something for anyone on nearly any budget, but avoiding rookie Vegas tourist mistakes will ensure your visit is a memorable one for all the right reasons.
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Haven’t got the time nor patience to wait until 2050 for space travel? The good news is that you don’t have to and can do it right now in the world of gaming!
The original space race which ran from the late 1950’s right through until the culmination of the cold war in 1991, laid the foundations for space exploration and hopefully one day soon, space travel.
The thought and ambition of civilians traveling effortlessly through space, venturing to different planets as if they were just a simple Boeing 747 on a City-hopper journey, let alone inhabiting any of them may seem a bit far-fetched.
However, if history has taught us anything it is that anything is possible and with the rate of technology expansion and development it would be naive to completely rule such occurrences out in the future.
There have been many space theme games that have attempted to shed light on what life would be like if space travel were to become reality. Perhaps, for the time being at least, we’ll have to be content with a continuation of this until the correct advancements are made.
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If you’re an avid traveller, collecting souvenirs of the places you visit is a fun way of commemorating your trips. Most people do this by taking photographs of their favourite destinations or saving boarding passes from their journeys.
However, there are times when you’re too busy to take a photo of your destination or even pick a trinket.
That’s when vintage travel posters come in handy.
Besides reminding you of places visited and the people you encounter, vintage travel posters have a truly aesthetic appeal. Photographic ads, banner ads and TV commercial are all the rage, but they can’t replace the rich culture that travel posters embody.
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While winter may limit a number of things you can enjoy around the U.K., the snow and cold offers an excuse to check out some of the more unusual indoor British activities and attractions.
While many use the winter months to catch some West End theatre or explore the many museums, why not use this time to be original and experience something new.
While winter may not offer the warmth and plentiful outdoor activities the warmer months provide, it does present the opportunity to go skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and even check out the Cairngorm’s reindeer herd.
But what if you’re not exactly into rugging-up and heading outdoors to brave the cold, snow, and ice? While you could simply snuggle up on the couch and binge The Crown off Netflix, there are endless exciting indoor adventures to be had around the U.K.
Here are just some of the top quirky indoor attractions that will keep you energized and amused as the days grow shorter and spending time outdoors becomes less enticing.
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Being that Canada is the second largest country in the world in terms of land area, it should come as no surprise that it’s home to many incredible hotels and resorts.
Whether you’re looking at travelling to Vancouver in the west or Toronto in the east, there are luxurious accommodation options spanning the entire country from coast to coast.
Seclusion in the Canadian wilderness? Fun in the snow at world renowned ski resorts? Or maybe endless entertainment in Canada’s vibrant provincial and territorial capitals? There are hotels and resorts for every interest that easily stand out from the rest.
The following are Canada’s most luxurious hotels and resorts where you’ll be pampered like the many important guests who have stayed, including royalty, world leaders, and movie stars.
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Nepal is a heaven for trekkers with a smorgasbord of trails ranging from world-famous to lesser-known ones. Among those, the Manaslu Circuit Trek has been gaining popularity as one of the best treks in Nepal in recent years.
This 2-week tea-house trek is considered a great alternative to the well-trodden Annapurna Circuit, largely thanks to its beauty and the fact that it does not allow solo trekkers.
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful region in Northern Central of Nepal, you’re in the right post!
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When it comes to plane etiquette, there’s a lot of debate around things like whether or not you should take off your shoes, and whether reclining your seat makes you a horrible human being (personally I’m on team recline).
Also whether you should sneak off to the bathrooms for … well … you know what I mean.
But beyond what might be faux pas and bad social etiquette, there are a number of things which can actually land you jail, and risk your health and safety.
Far more serious than walking barefoot to the bathrooms (seriously – ew), the following things fall into the camp of landing you in serious trouble on a plane.
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Planning a safe and carefree road trip during the pandemic is not impossible! Although the thought of leaving your safe bubble sounds scary, there is still an option to travel and be as careful as possible.
While we’re all waiting for things to get back to normal, planning a road trip can be an excellent way to unwind, without risking anyone’s health or safety.
Eliminating physical contact with other people as much as possible, exceptional hygiene, and a few other smart choices can make your trip memorable, even if it’s happening during a pandemic. The seven tips below will keep you safe while you’re on the road.
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This past summer I rented an RV from RVezy in San Diego and drove the Pacific Coast Highway up to San Francisco. I spent a week driving Highway 101 along the California coast and saw some of the most beautiful places in the state.
Pristine coastlines, gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, parks, and quaint beach cities all define the Pacific Coast Highway. Spend a morning hiking and the afternoon wine tasting. Or wake up for a sunrise over the ocean and spend your evening in a cute beach town.
With so many beautiful sites and a variety of activities, this is a great option for a California road trip.
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It’s no surprise that a large percentage of travelers are drawn to the sea, our human brains hardwired to react positively to water.
Any body of water seems to have the ability to offer us a sense of calm and clarity, but our world’s seas especially seem to have a special ability to relieve stress and provide a number of health benefits for both the body and mind.
While seaside getaways are great, there’s nothing quite like getting out on the actual sea. Thanks to private catamaran charters, you can ditch the often crowded and noisy sea cruise tours and enjoy pure seclusion and bliss.
Many catamaran charter companies don’t require you to have any previous sailing or captaining experience. They’ll often offer a brief training session and you’ll be set free to craft your own personal holiday.
The following are some of the top places around the world where catamaran experiences reign supreme. You’ll be able to snorkel and swim on a whim, suntan on the deck, moor in the bay by day, and still come ashore whenever you wish.
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Gambling is one of the oldest leisure activities in human history, from dicing in the streets of Greece and Rome, to card games in China.
However one country where you haven’t been able to gamble in the past hundred years is Japan. At least, that’s the international perception, but it’s not entirely true.
Gambling has been a taboo subject in Japanese society, and since 1907 most forms of gambling, including casinos, have indeed been illegal. However there are many forms of legal gambling within Japan, including Pachinko, the Lottery, and certain types of sports betting.
With the realization of just how big international casino tourism is (hello Macau tourism dollars), and with COVID moving culture to online entertainment, Japan may just be starting to embrace changes to their century-old gaming laws. Here’s an introduction to Japanese gambling culture.
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While most people may view the U.K. as more of a summer travel destination to take advantage of the fleeting warm weather, there is plenty to do and see during the winter season.
Numerous events take place during the winter festive season and attractions such as popular museums and musical theatre in the West End become less crowded due to a thinning out of tourists that normally visit during the summer.
So whether you love winter sports, twinkling Christmas lights, or simply hiking in cooler weather, check out these great winter activities and entertainment options awaiting you in the U.K.
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The Serengeti is an ecosystem in Africa that spans 5,700 miles and is most famous for its vast plains. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and has the biggest migration in the world, making it one of the most impressive natural events you’ll ever witness.
The Seregneti has become synonymous with Africa, and chances are, if you’ve dreamed about Africa, you’ve dreamed about the Serengeti. The park is so wildlife rich that there are over 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 550 cheetahs and some 500 bird species. In this one National Park (granted, it’s a huge park!).
This is one of the best places on earth to observe African wildlife in their natural habitats, of which include riverine forests, swamps, kopjes, grasslands, and woodlands. So, the main question becomes, how many days do you need for exploring the Serengeti? We recommend four.
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When you think of big gambling destinations, you no doubt envision places like Vegas, Monaco, or Macau. While these destinations may offer up some of the grandest casinos in the world, there are a number of casinos and gambling spots tucked away in spots you may never have imagined.
Casinos have managed to find a home just about everywhere on the planet including into ice castles like the one once found in Sweden, Antarctic research stations like Argentine Esperanza Base, state prisons such as in Nevada, and even in the back of London taxi cabs.
While these unusual gambling spots may not be as gigantic or opulent as the Bellagio or The Venetian, they are far more unique and quirky. If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind gambling experience, take a chance on one of these crazy casinos around the world and I’d be willing to bet you won’t be disappointed.
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An exchange program in the United States can be a life-changing experience. You get the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge and get a taste of the American way of life. But there’s also one thing you shouldn’t forget: your J-1 visa tax return.
The Exchange Visitor Program has allowed millions of people from every corner of the world to work, study, and live in the United States. Visitors who enter the U.S. through this program, also known as J-1 visa holders, are subject to federal and state laws – including taxes.
Here’s a quick guide to taxes for J-1 visa holders, including what taxes to pay, what forms to file, and everything in between.
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They say travelers should take only photos and leave only footprints, but it may just be our footprints that are doing the most harm to our planet.
Most of us are now aware of our carbon footprint, which is the total amount of greenhouse gases each of us generates. Sadly, our carbon footprints tend to be more damaging when we travel.
While most of us put a lot of time and effort into carefully packing for our vacations in terms of saving on weight and space and only carrying things we’ll actually need, few of us are conscious of how environmentally friendly our travel gear is.
One of the best ways to become a sustainable traveler is to start thinking about what products you take with you traveling. There are now countless eco-friendly travel products on the market made by companies that use organic or recycled materials and in some cases even donate a percentage of their profits to earth-saving initiatives.
After researching sustainable products, you’ll soon discover that items like sunglasses, hats, and suitcases are now being made from recycled materials, and can result in a huge reduction in waste. Here are some great sustainable travel gear items you should think about.
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As exciting as travel is, there’s usually a fair share of dull downtime to fill whether it be waiting in a hotel lobby for check-in time or waiting for a flight at the airport.
Sure, you can fill that time with endless scrolling on Facebook , but if you’re without Wi-Fi or data , or simply want to be a bit more social, card games are a great way to pass the time. They’re also a great way to meet new people while travelling, as they can be a great ice breaker when staying in places like hostels.
So, if you’re looking for that ace up your sleeve the next time you’re bored while on holiday, check out one of these top card games for travellers.
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I think most of us would agree that vacations seem to go by way too fast. As the old saying goes, “time flies when you’re having fun”. But how can you make sure your vacations are indeed enjoyable and even more importantly, memorable?
After many years of continuous travel, I have found there are a number of effective ways you can ensure your travel memories will stay with you for the rest of your life.
And it’s important to note that a trip can be memorable for wrong reasons as well, so let’s just focus on ways you can enjoy positive travel experiences that will bring back many memorable moments.
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After your incredible trip, the last thing you want to do is to clean your floors. You probably just want to take a rest, catch up with friends, or browse through your photos to re-live your adventure. The back-breaking chore of using the good old mop and bucket is always the least of my priorities.
Of all the most disliked household chores, mopping is perhaps the most despised. Even vacuuming doesn’t top that list. From the filthy water to the floors of most homes which are a challenge to mop, I’ve found it’s often easier to simply neglect the task!
Fortunately, technology has evolved and introduced robots, yes, robots! … that can perform almost anything, including household chores while we’re out of the country on an adventure.
If you’ve ever fantasized about having your home cleaned while you’re away on vacation, consider investing in a robot mop. The battery-operated mop can get rid of stains, grime, and dirt from all sorts of flooring surfaces such as wood, tile, and stone. There are even models that can even vacuum your floors first.
With so many out there, it’s vital to do your research (when it comes to reviews, read before you go to the store), and to buy with enough time to test it out around the house before you leave. This guide will help you understand what mopping robots are and which necessary functions and features you need to look for.
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International travel may be coming back soon, but that doesn’t mean your travel fund will necessarily be ready. Many people have seen their finances take a hit and are now looking for ways they can earn extra cash to save up for travel.
Thankfully, there are many side hustle jobs out there that will allow you to earn quick money on a schedule that works for you without having to seek out another constrictive part-time job which may force you to work more than you are willing or able to.
The best part of many side hustle jobs is that they don’t require a degree or very much training if any at all. You may even be able to turn a hobby or something you enjoy into cash.
Whether it’s starting a blog, selling items around your home that are otherwise just collecting dust, or renting out a spare bedroom in your home, there are many easy ways to turn any extra free time into money you can put towards memorable travel experiences. Here are some of my most recommended side hustle jobs.
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The entire world is your office as a digital nomad as long as you have access to great WiFi and suitable working spaces. And while we used to suffer through power plugs in awkward places, and balancing a laptop on pillows, hotels nowadays have really upped their game.
There are a number of hotels now, who are meeting the trend of digital nomadism, and setting themselves up specifically to offer a fantastic work / travel space. They offer strong, fast WiFi, great cafes, and discounts on long stays. The hotels mentioned below even have their own co-working spaces.
If you’re working from the road, the following are the top hotels in the world for digital nomads. We’ve chosen our favorites across four continents; use them as your newest international base!
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Most people love to travel, but it’s often not until we retire where we finally get the time and financial freedom to travel more freely. If you’re approaching retirement age and are looking to travel, there are some important factors to keep in mind.
Nothing beats the feeling of not having to go to work another single day in your life, but many people can feel a loss of purpose or become bored shortly after they retire. One sure fire way to feel alive again after retiring is through travel.
We often think of retirees as older seniors but people of all ages can find themselves not needing to work. If you’re not interested in knitting sweaters in your recliner or working on jigsaws all day, why not consider reinventing yourself through travel.
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No matter how carefully you plan your vacations, every traveler will at some point be impacted by travel delays. And while travel insurance may be able to reimburse you financially for your troubles, nothing will help you reclaim the time you lost.
Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of experiencing delays the next time you fly, and not be part of the 25% of airline passengers hit with either delays or cancellations every year.
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Made up of ten provinces and three territories, Canada is an enormous country for travelers to tackle. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific and deep into the Arctic, this vast nation is home to vibrant modern cities and large tracts of pristine wilderness.
When planning any trip to Canada, it’s important to not bite off more than you can chew. Because of the country’s sheer size, it’s better to focus on a single province or territory in order to get a thorough experience of what each region of Canada has to offer.
Alternatively, you could opt for a bit of city-hopping tour to get a sampling of the highlights, with Canada’s major cities all well-linked by flights with the country’s main airline Air Canada.
Whether you wish to gaze at the mighty Niagara Falls, hit the ski slopes in winter, or seek out wildlife along the west coast, there are a number of things to be aware of when planning your Canadian holiday.
Here is my ultimate beginner’s guide to travelling in Canada which will offer you helpful advice and planning tips for choosing your Canadian destinations and mapping out your itinerary.
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