Canadian Moms to Receive Finland Baby Boxes

Mothers in Canada are about to start receiving the popular maternity package that mothers in Finland have been receiving for 75 years. It is a maternity package from the government that is designed to be a starter kit of baby supplies. In Finland, an expectant mother will be given a box full of baby supplies by the state. This tradition dates back to the 1930’s, and is given to all infants in Finland, from all social backgrounds. The Finland Baby Boxes includes the following items: * Mattress, mattress cover, under sheet, duvet cover, blanket, sleeping bag/quilt * Snowsuit, hat, insulated … Continue reading

Fire and Ice

When it comes to winter travel, most people fall into one of two camps:  fire or ice.  The former is more attractive to those who prefer to escape Old Man Winter’s wrath and soak up the sun in a warm climate.  The latter is more inviting to ski bunnies and other cold weather enthusiasts. Fortunately, there are ways you can save cash regardless of where you vacation this winter.  By planning ahead and solidifying your travel arrangements now, you are more likely to land a money-saving deal, such as: CANADA For those who run to snow and ice rather than … Continue reading

Adventures by Disney: The Natural North American Continent

My penultimate look at Adventures by Disney remains on the mainland, discovering the natural wonders of The United States and Canada. Those who don’t want to go overseas but want to experience the raw beauty their own continent has to offer should love today’s look at the next three AbD vacations. The first of our stops today, like our last look at AbD, features tours both in America and Canada. It looks at two of the countries’ gigantic national parks: Glacier National Park in Montana and Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. This 8-day, 7-night vacation is all about taking … Continue reading

Adventures by Disney: Alaska and Vancouver

Finally I come to the beginning of the end of my look at the many Adventures by Disney. Today I start my examination of what AbD’s got on offer for its home continent of North America. This blog will focus on the tours in Alaska and the Canadian city of Vancouver. The nature lovers should revel in AbD’s trip to Alaska. Travelers will spend 8 days and 7 nights touring the U.S.A.’s largest state. As you might guess, the Alaska Family Vacation focuses on the wide variety of nature activities available in the state. Visit and learn the history of … Continue reading

Top Ten Most Common Canadian Surnames

In 2007 CBS News in Canada published a list of the top ten most common Canadian surnames. They compiled this list by searching through telephone directories that were compiled by a company called infoUSA. This is an unscientific study, and it does not take into account anyone who did not happen to have a telephone number attached to their surname in that year. But, it does give a general idea of what the top ten most common Canadian surnames might be. According to this study, the most common Canadian surname is Li. This name has Chinese origin. It might mean … Continue reading

What is Hemp?

You may have heard about the controversy over the use of hemp for clothing, soap, building materials, bedding, paper, fuel, and even food and medicine. Woody Harrelson has been arrested for planting it. What? Arrested for planting a seed? Well, the problem is that hemp is the common name used to refer to plants in the cannabis family. If that doesn’t sound familiar, marijuana is one of the plants in the cannabis family. More than 30 industrialized countries including Canada, China, and France, have produced an industrial form of hemp. However, the U.S. government doesn’t distinguish between the industrial form … Continue reading

Save Now Sail Later

Perhaps you would rather skip the massive crowds that flock to the scenic shores of Canada and New England this time of year. Or maybe you are simply too busy participating in various summer reunions that you don’t have time to get away right now. Then the following fall cruise sales are just for you. Now is the time to book one of these sailings and experience a high seas adventure on the Atlantic near some of the world’s most beautiful regions. Early birds will enjoy major savings (in some cases nearly 60% off) and a spectacular trip. CARNIVAL CRUISE … Continue reading

Why Cash Strapped Families Should Vacation in Canada this Summer

Who says the only way you can get your hands on a spectacular summer travel deal is to travel down south? On the contrary, Canada is just as eager to lure travelers to their neck of the woods while the temperatures are mild. To get families to visit the sprawling region numerous local lodgings are offering outstanding summer travel bargains. Take a look: Prince Edward Island The popular island is helping travelers celebrate a major milestone this summer—the 100th anniversary of “Anne of Green Gables.” You and your family can join in the festivities by booking a room at Kindred … Continue reading

Family Friendly Summer Destinations

Yee-Haw! If your family loves rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, barrel races and other old-fashioned entertainment you might consider rounding up the troops and moseying into Calgary, Canada this summer. That’s were you’ll find the legendary Calgary Stampede, which is scheduled to take place from July 4-13 this year. The event attracts more than a million visitors to the area, not to mention some A-list entertainers. This year the event will host musical performances by James Taylor, Sugarland, The Judds and Kid Rock. In addition to the rocking nights planned for the stampede, the daylight hours will be filled with family … Continue reading

Affordable Lodgings in North America

Gas prices are soaring, the price of homes is dropping and the stock market is unstable. For many families the thought of taking a vacation during these tough economic times is simply out of the question. Which is why I’ve been writing a series of blogs on how to travel without going bankrupt. In previous blogs I listed a variety of hotels that are offering incredible savings on rooms–only to take advantage of the deals you would have to journey to the far reaches of the globe. If you are looking to stay a bit closer to home (provided “home” … Continue reading