More Romantic Valentine’s Getaways

If you are looking for a romantic setting to wine and dine your beloved this Valentine’s Day you’ve come to the right place. In my previous blog I listed several Cupid-friendly locales within the United States that are catering to lovebirds who want to enjoy February 14th in a secluded setting. This blog contains luxe accommodations the world over, which are hoping to attract couples this Valentine’s Day. In Canada the legendary ski resorts of Banff/Lake Louise and Whistler are rolling out the red and rose petal strewn carpet for couples in love. The picturesque Post Hotel, which proudly features … Continue reading

Ski Resorts with Bonus Amenities

If you have a large family then you know how hard it is to find a vacation spot that caters to everyone’s likes. It’s the reason some families forgo ski trips because not everyone in the clan enjoys shooshing down the slopes for five consecutive days. Enter the ski resorts with extras (that’s what I refer to them anyway). They are the places that don’t just offer top-rate skiing, but also have on-site spas, galleries, shops, and restaurants that are just as enticing as the slopes. The following areas are home to some of the world’s best ski slopes, but … Continue reading

Good News for Obese and Disabled Airline Passengers Flying To and From Canada

Disabled and clinically obese travelers booking flights on Canada-based airlines were just given a break from the government. A few days ago the Canadian Transportation Agency mandated that local airlines offer physically challenged or clinically obese travelers accompanied by an attendant the ability to fly using one ticket, even if they take up two or more seats. That means carriers such as Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz and WestJet have one year to institute a “one-person, one-fare” policy. The ruling applies to disabled people, including severely obese passengers, who require two seats to accommodate their size. It also applies to … Continue reading

A Sweet Santa, A Sick Santa, and a Missing Santa Returns

Christmas came early for a few folks in Rutland, Vermont. A local newspaper there recently reported that they received a card sent to them by a mystery “elf” saying he intended to give away $600 to random residents during the holiday season. Sure enough, a few days ago a woman told reporters she was approached by a man she didn’t know as she exited a local Wal-Mart. According to the woman, the mystery man handed her an envelope which contained a Christmas card and $50 in cash. In the days since, the Mystery Santa has reportedly showed up at several … Continue reading

Affordable Winter Escapes

While people like me are jetting off to the beach this winter, those individuals who don’t mind exploring new cities in chilly temperatures have the opportunity to take advantage of some hot deals. Many destinations in the United States and Canada offer heavily discounted rates or free family friendly activities during the winter low season. Take a look: OTTAWA Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is catering to new visitors this winter. City leaders have designed a number of outdoor events that spotlight the area’s awe-inspiring scenery. If your children love to skate consider heading to the Rideau Canal Skateway, … Continue reading

Winter Adventure Travel Packages—-Quebec

This next travel package is reserved for those very special people on your holiday gift list. It’s a bit pricey, but well worth the expense considering everything your loved one will be getting. Just make sure he or she doesn’t mind the snow and cold. As I continue my ongoing series of blogs spotlighting various tours for winter sports enthusiasts, today I’m focusing on Quebec, Canada. Specifically, Carnaval de Québec, the biggest winter carnival in the world. For 17 days each February residents and visitors to Canada’s largest province (land wise) don their warmest jackets and boots and head out … Continue reading

Oh Canada! Another Small Town With Massive Appeal

My brother just returned from a trip to Canada. He was there on business and stayed in busy Toronto. I thought about him as I was researching this next small town. (I’ve been writing a series of blogs about small towns that are largely appealing to visitors.) Last year a popular travel guide voted Telegraph Cove as one of the 10 best towns in Canada. The tiny sawmill and cannery community has a population of 20. That’s right; I didn’t miss a zero. There are fewer than two-dozen residents that call Telegraph Cove home. The town is located on the … Continue reading

Children’s Picture Books by Nancy Luenn

When I pick up these books by author Nancy Luenn, I immediately feel that I have been transported to a faraway place. Her imagery is rich, her descriptions are masterful, and I appreciate the glimpse she gives me into another world. As the location for each book changes, so does the tone of the narrative, allowing you to taste the language patterns in the different regions. The first Luenn book I would like to share is called “Otter Play.” A child and his family are getting ready to go fishing for the day in the wilderness of Canada. The father … Continue reading

Canada—Not Just A Winter Destination

My brother has been a competitive surfer for more than 20 years. He has traveled the world over competing in surf contests from Bali to Japan, which is why many people question why he makes an annual trip to Canada each year to “surf” on snow. Snowboarding has become a relatively new passion for him, but when he does take a break from riding the waves on Hawaii’s North Shore he heads north to Whistler, which is nestled in the hills of British Columbia, Canada, about 80 miles from Vancouver. While the village may be widely associated with skiing and … Continue reading

Where Are You Spending Your Spring Break?

I know, I know, some children are just returning to school after enjoying a few weeks off for winter recess so it may seem as though I am jumping the gun a bit on spring break vacation destinations. However, I was lucky enough to spend the holidays in Hawaii with my family (a trip that was a year in the making), so needless to say I believe it’s never too early to begin planning for your next family vacation. The following are some locations I have been researching during my hunt for the ideal spring break destination. Where will we … Continue reading